In a decisive step toward fostering biotechnology-led innovation and entrepreneurship, the Union government has sanctioned Rs. 20.55 crore to establish a state-of-the-art biotechnology incubation center on the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGAU) campus in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Spearheaded by the Chhattisgarh Biotechnology Promotion Society, the facility is set to become a catalyst for agri-biotech and pharma-based startups.

Nithin Kamath, CEO and co-founder of Zerodha, has expressed confidence in the company’s positioning despite the recent entry of Jio Financial Services (JFS) and BlackRock into the Indian stockbroking ecosystem. While acknowledging the significance of JFS’s distribution power and its potential to broaden retail investor participation, Kamath emphasized that his main competitive concern lies with first-generation founders — agile, mission-driven entrepreneurs who understand the nuances of broking.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved ten major procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 1.05 lakh crore to bolster military readiness through domestically designed and manufactured systems. The acquisitions include missiles, electronic warfare solutions, armoured recovery vehicles, and naval equipment, all sourced indigenously under the government’s “Buy Indian – IDDM” (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.

India is positioning itself to become a dominant force in global chemical manufacturing by 2040, targeting an ambitious output of USD 1 trillion. A recent report by NITI Aayog, Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains, lays out a detailed strategy to enhance India’s share in global value chains (GVCs), expand employment opportunities, and reduce import dependence.

Marico Ltd., a leading player in India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, anticipates modest operating profit growth for the first quarter of FY26, citing inflation in key raw materials like copra and a high comparative base. While easing vegetable oil prices and rangebound crude derivatives provided some relief, the company’s gross margins remain under incremental pressure. Despite this, Marico continues to invest in brand equity and expand its portfolio.

South Indian star Nayanthara and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, have come under intense social media scrutiny following their collaboration with choreographer Jani Master—who is embroiled in sexual assault allegations under the POCSO Act. The controversy intensified when Shivan reposted an Instagram Story confirming Jani Master’s involvement in their upcoming film, Love Insurance Kompany. Jani Master later shared on social media candid set photos and a video with Shivan, celebrating their working partnership.

Medical experts and industry leaders have strongly dismissed recent claims made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that suggested a link between Covid-19 vaccinations and sudden cardiac deaths in Hassan district. Leading doctors from AIIMS Delhi clarified that comprehensive studies found no causal association between the vaccines and such fatalities. Biocon’s founder and the Serum Institute of India (SII) echoed these findings, emphasizing the rigorous scientific protocols behind vaccine approvals and reaffirming their safety.

The much-anticipated trailer for Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, featuring Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey, premiered on July 2, 2025, setting a tone of romance and vintage glamour. Kapoor, making her Bollywood debut, captivated audiences with a radiant yellow Manish Malhotra saree ensemble evoking the nostalgic charm of 1990s Bollywood romance. Directed by Santosh Singh and penned by Mansi Bagla, the film narrates a heartfelt story of a blind musician and a theatre artist navigating love and life's trials.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan and actress Sreeleela have concluded filming their forthcoming romantic music film under the direction of Anurag Basu. Produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, the yet-to-be-titled project initially intended to carry the title Aashiqui 3 but faced legal hurdles due to franchise rights. The film features Kartik portraying a passionate rockstar, with music rights from the original Aashiqui integrated into the soundtrack. Recent off-screen sightings of the lead pair together have fueled speculation about their relationship.

Singer-turned-actor Diljit Dosanjh has firmly quashed rumors of his replacement in the upcoming war drama Border 2, despite earlier controversy linked to his film Sardaar Ji 3. Amid industry backlash triggered by the presence of Pakistani actors in his recent projects, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) initially barred him from shooting. However, following intervention by producer Bhushan Kumar, FWICE reversed its decision, permitting Dosanjh to continue with Border 2.