ers on vast ancestral estates in Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Pataudi family, including notable properties such as Kohefiza's Flag House, Ahmedabad Palace, and forest lands in Raisen. The properties were originally owned by the last Nawab of Bhopal, Nawab Hamidullah Khan, who passed away in 1960. His eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950, triggering the application of the Enemy Property Act of 1968, which empowers the Indian government to appropriate properties owned by individuals who relocated to Pakistan after Partition.

IndusInd Bank has inaugurated its 12th all-women branch in Chennai, located within Saveetha Dental College, Velappanchavadi. Spanning 1,300 square feet and staffed entirely by female officers, this branch aims to foster an inclusive banking environment by offering a comprehensive suite of retail financial services. The initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to empowering women, facilitating their participation in the financial sector through a supportive and accessible platform.

Indian playback sensation Arijit Singh has risen to become the most followed artist on Spotify, surpassing global icons Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran with 151 million followers. This milestone underscores his unparalleled connection with listeners worldwide, reflecting a growing appetite for Indian music on international streaming platforms. While Swift and Sheeran continue to command massive monthly listeners, Arijit’s follower base signals deep, sustained engagement.

Epson India has inaugurated its inaugural ink tank printer manufacturing plant near Chennai, marking a pivotal milestone in its commitment to local production under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Sriperumbudur facility, set to commence operations in October 2025, will initially produce Epson’s flagship EcoTank printers, renowned for their cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability. This strategic move aims to enhance supply chain resilience, support India’s economic growth, and align with Epson’s global focus on innovation and sustainability.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has firmly defended the integrity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines following remarks by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggesting a possible link between vaccinations and heart-related deaths in Hassan district. In a strongly worded statement, IPA emphasized that these vaccines were rigorously tested and cleared under established regulatory frameworks and played a crucial role in mitigating the pandemic’s impact.

Gold prices in India declined sharply by Rs 600 to close at Rs 99,020 per 10 grams on Friday, pressured by increased selling from stockists and a stronger U.S. dollar. The rise in U.S. Treasury yields following robust macroeconomic data diminished market expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate cut, thereby weighing on the safe-haven appeal of gold. Similarly, silver prices also fell by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,04,800 per kilogram. Investors now await the upcoming U.S.

India’s competition regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has intensified its probe into potential cartel activity involving prominent cement manufacturers. UltraTech Cement, its subsidiary India Cements, Dalmia Bharat Cement, and Shree Digvijay Cement have been directed to furnish extensive financial documentation—including audited statements and income tax records—spanning up to nine fiscal years.

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has unveiled two innovative offerings—Nav Jeevan Shree and Nav Jeevan Shree Single Premium—designed to address evolving financial needs across life stages. These products combine life insurance with wealth accumulation, enabling policyholders to build a corpus through regular or lump sum premiums. In an environment marked by fluctuating interest rates, LIC emphasizes guaranteed additions throughout the policy tenure, reinforcing its commitment to financial security and stability.

In a strategic move to promote gender inclusion and empowerment within the financial services sector, Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd has inaugurated its first all-women-operated branch in Indore. This initiative marks a significant milestone for the company, which currently manages nearly 600 branches across India. The Indore branch, managed entirely by a nine-member female team, sets the tone for a broader expansion, with 12 more such branches planned in the current financial year.

Microsoft’s recent decision to cease operations in Pakistan has sparked concern among industry leaders and policymakers, highlighting deeper structural and economic issues within the country’s technology ecosystem. Jawwad Rehman, former Microsoft Pakistan head, urged government intervention through a bold, KPI-driven engagement strategy with global tech firms to reverse the trend. Meanwhile, former President Arif Alvi lamented the lost opportunity as Microsoft chose Vietnam for expansion amid Pakistan’s unstable business environment.