In response to the Reserve Bank of India’s recent repo rate reduction, Sundaram Finance Ltd has adjusted its interest rates on fixed deposits effective immediately. Senior citizens will now receive 7.2% interest for 12-month deposits and 7.5% for 24- and 36-month tenures, while other depositors can expect 6.7% and 7% respectively. The revisions reflect the company’s strategic alignment with evolving macroeconomic conditions.

The untimely death of actress and dancer Shefali Jariwala has sent ripples through the Indian entertainment industry, casting a somber tone over Bollywood. While the cause of her passing remains under investigation, a social media post by actress Mallika Sherawat has ignited backlash for its perceived insensitivity. In a video promoting natural beauty and discouraging cosmetic enhancements, Sherawat’s timing has drawn criticism, most notably from Rakhi Sawant.

In the wake of actor-model Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death, reportedly linked to cardiac arrest and unregulated anti-ageing treatments, Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor has spoken out against cosmetic enhancements such as botox. Emphasizing natural wellness and holistic self-preservation, Kapoor distanced herself from surgical interventions, instead championing a lifestyle centered on health, emotional balance, and authentic living.

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has concluded filming for Ramayana: Part 1, a highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Hindu epic helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari. Slated for a Diwali 2026 release, the film marks the beginning of a two-part saga that aspires to redefine Indian mythological storytelling through state-of-the-art filmmaking. The ensemble cast includes Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Arun Govil, among others. As the production wrapped up, Kapoor departed for a vacation with his family, likely skipping the official preview event scheduled in Mumbai.

India’s IT giant Infosys is taking a decisive step to redefine its workplace culture, shifting focus from long working hours to employee well-being. In a move that contrasts with the views of co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy—who has advocated a 70-hour work week—the company has begun monitoring excessive work hours, particularly among remote employees, and is urging them to log off on time. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to address burnout, promote work-life balance, and retain talent in an increasingly competitive and health-conscious corporate environment.

Kia India has officially revealed the Carens Clavis EV ahead of its July 15 launch, marking the brand’s first mass-market electric vehicle in the country. Positioned as a seven-seater electric MPV, the Carens Clavis EV enters a niche segment with limited competition, notably the BYD eMax 7. While it retains much of the design and interior layout of its internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling, it incorporates distinct EV-specific features like an enclosed grille and a charging port.

India’s BharatNet Phase 3 initiative aims to extend subsidized high-speed broadband connectivity to 1.5 crore rural households, a significant expansion of the world's largest rural broadband network. Announced by Minister of State for Telecom, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the project involves an investment of USD 18 billion (Rs 1.4 lakh crore) to connect an additional 40,000 gram panchayats while maintaining existing infrastructure.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has appointed Sunil Jayawant Kadam as its new Executive Director. Kadam, a seasoned regulator with nearly three decades of experience at SEBI, will now oversee a broad portfolio including Information Technology, Investor Education, and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM). His role will also encompass Economic and Policy Analysis, General Services, and critical governance functions such as RTI and Parliamentary Queries.

Punjab has posted a remarkable 44.44% year-on-year surge in net Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for June 2025, reaching Rs. 2,379.90 crore. This performance places the state ahead of the national average and underscores its fiscal recovery and effective revenue administration. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema credited the surge to enhanced enforcement, data-driven compliance, and robust anti-evasion measures. The state also uncovered multiple GST fraud networks, indicating an aggressive stance against revenue leakage.

India’s IT services sector is expected to experience modest revenue growth of 2–3% in US dollar terms during FY2026, according to ICRA. This projection, slightly lower than FY2025’s 2.9% increase, is shaped by persistent global economic uncertainty—particularly surrounding US tariff policies—and restrained client spending in key geographies such as the US and Europe. While hiring activity remains subdued, the long-term outlook hinges on technological adaptation, notably in AI and generative AI.