India’s competition regulator has launched an in-depth investigation into Google’s conduct in the digital advertising market, signaling heightened scrutiny over the tech giant’s business practices. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found initial merit in allegations suggesting that Google may have leveraged its dominant position across segments of the online advertising value chain, potentially harming advertisers, publishers, and rival platforms.

HCLTech’s top executive, C Vijayakumar, has emerged as the highest-paid CEO in India's IT sector for the financial year 2024, with a total compensation package valued at approximately ₹90 crore (US$10.85 million). His earnings, which include salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, put him ahead of peers leading rival tech giants. The remuneration reflects the company’s strong financial performance and a growing global footprint amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

In a surprising turn of events for Indian consumers, the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 16—typically priced far higher—has surfaced in a limited-time online sale for just Rs. 33,400. The massive price drop is possible through a clever combination of bank offers, exchange benefits, and platform discounts. With Apple devices rarely receiving significant markdowns, this opportunity has sparked interest among tech-savvy shoppers and budget-conscious professionals alike.

In a major step towards streamlining highway travel, the FASTag Annual Pass is scheduled to launch on August 15, offering commuters a prepaid, time-bound toll payment solution. Designed to simplify repeated toll transactions, particularly for frequent travelers, this new offering is poised to bring enhanced convenience, financial predictability, and operational efficiency to India’s road infrastructure ecosystem. With fixed pricing, extended validity, and potential cost-saving benefits, the pass is set to reshape the toll experience across National Highways.

The recently released draft voter roll in Bihar has triggered concern across political and civil rights circles after preliminary reviews indicated disproportionately high exclusion rates, particularly among women and residents of Muslim-majority districts. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, this uneven representation threatens to undermine both democratic participation and electoral fairness. Observers have flagged inconsistencies in enrollment, gaps in field verification, and the potential marginalization of vulnerable communities.

Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has reported a remarkable financial turnaround in fiscal year 2024–25, posting a net profit of Rs. 315 crore. This milestone marks a significant departure from past years of financial stress, largely driven by strategic reforms, improved operational efficiencies, and prudent financial management. The company’s success is seen as a validation of its restructuring roadmap and a broader signal of resilience in India's state-run utilities sector.

India’s cybersecurity sector is undergoing rapid expansion, positioning itself as a formidable force on the global stage. With rising cyber threats and increasing digital adoption across industries, the country is witnessing a surge in demand for advanced security solutions. Indian firms—ranging from nimble startups to established IT giants—are now eyeing global markets, backed by government incentives, a skilled workforce, and robust digital infrastructure. The momentum is driven not only by domestic needs but also by international demand for affordable, scalable cybersecurity services.

In a strategic move set to reshape India’s cooperative banking landscape, the Reserve Bank of India has granted its formal approval for the merger of New India Cooperative Bank Ltd. (NICBL) with Saraswat Cooperative Bank. The decision is a significant consolidation in the urban cooperative banking sector, aiming to enhance financial stability, improve customer service, and streamline operations. The amalgamation comes at a time when regulators are encouraging healthier balance sheets, technological modernization, and increased trust in cooperative banks.

In a move poised to deepen India’s debt market and enhance retail participation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted regulatory approval for the issuance of zero-coupon bonds at a face value as low as Rs. 10,000. This landmark step lowers the financial barrier for investors, especially individuals and small institutions, to access fixed-income instruments that typically require large upfront investments.

India’s passenger vehicle (PV) market saw a noticeable slowdown in July, with sales dipping due to uneven monsoon rains, subdued rural demand, and inventory adjustments by dealers. While the broader industry has witnessed robust growth in recent quarters, July marked a moment of recalibration. Automakers navigated a blend of macroeconomic caution and seasonal softness, even as the long-term demand outlook remains positive.