Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has underscored that mitigating vehicular emissions stands as the government’s foremost environmental commitment. Speaking at a recent industry conclave, Gadkari reaffirmed India’s drive toward cleaner transportation through aggressive electrification, adoption of alternative fuels, and stringent emission standards. This strategic pivot aims not only to combat worsening air quality but also to fortify energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to initiate crediting interest at a rate of 8.25% for financial year 2024-25 into subscribers’ accounts this week. This move marks one of the highest payouts in recent years, directly benefiting over six crore salaried employees across India. Coming at a time when households face rising living costs and tightening liquidity, the interest disbursal is expected to inject crucial funds into the economy while reinforcing trust in India’s social security framework.

Amid falling farm-gate prices and surplus production, the Andhra Pradesh government has sought substantial assistance from the Centre to support mango procurement this season. The state, a leading contributor to India’s mango output, faces a supply glut that has driven down prices, threatening grower incomes. To safeguard livelihoods and stabilize the market, Andhra Pradesh is pushing for a dedicated procurement intervention under central schemes.

Signature Global, a prominent name in India’s real estate sector, reported a 15% year-on-year decline in sales bookings for the first quarter of the financial year, totaling Rs. 2,640 crore. This moderation follows a period of aggressive growth and underscores shifting dynamics in the housing market, with evolving buyer preferences and recalibration of demand. Despite the short-term contraction, the company maintains a robust launch pipeline and remains optimistic about leveraging the underlying demand for quality residential spaces in strategic micro-markets.

Real estate major Omaxe Ltd has announced plans to develop an expansive township in Indore with an estimated investment of Rs. 1,200 crore, underscoring its strategic push into high-potential tier-2 cities. The integrated project will span residential, commercial, and lifestyle components, aiming to cater to the city’s rising aspirations driven by rapid economic growth and urbanisation. By tapping into Indore’s evolving demand for premium housing and organised retail spaces, Omaxe seeks to solidify its footprint beyond metro markets.

KVN Properties has announced a substantial investment of approximately Rs. 500 crore to develop a new upscale residential enclave in Bengaluru, highlighting continued confidence in the city’s thriving real estate market. Planned as a modern, amenity-rich development targeting mid to high-income homebuyers, the project aims to cater to the evolving lifestyle aspirations of urban professionals and families.

Amid swirling accusations that it obstructed a prominent international wire agency’s account on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian government has categorically denied taking any such action. Officials have clarified that no directive was issued to block or limit the agency’s social media presence. The development comes at a time when global observers are closely watching India’s digital governance and its balancing act between regulating content and upholding free expression.

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market recorded a striking 28.6% year-on-year growth in June, underscoring the sector’s rising importance within the broader automotive landscape. Total EV registrations climbed to approximately 1.64 lakh units, reflecting strong consumer adoption driven by improving charging infrastructure, supportive government incentives, and evolving buyer sentiment. Two-wheelers and passenger cars led the surge, while commercial segments also showed encouraging traction.

VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with RoadGrid to develop a robust EV charging network across India. This collaboration underscores VinFast’s ambitious plans to establish a strong foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. By aligning with RoadGrid’s expertise in charging technology and infrastructure deployment, VinFast aims to address a critical bottleneck for EV adoption—charging accessibility.

As India accelerates its transition toward electric mobility and advanced manufacturing, a glaring vulnerability has emerged: the absence of a cohesive national strategy to secure critical raw materials essential for the automotive sector. From lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements, these inputs are indispensable for batteries, motors, and electronic systems that underpin modern vehicles.