In a significant revelation, Indian security agencies have confirmed that the militants involved in the recent Pahalgam ambush, which targeted an army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir, had infiltrated from Pakistan nearly three years ago. Intelligence sources believe the attackers were part of a sleeper cell, operating covertly while awaiting instructions. The incident has reignited concerns over long-term infiltration strategies and the enduring threat of cross-border terrorism.

In a bid to attract stable deposits amid a high-interest rate environment, several Indian banks are offering competitive fixed deposit (FD) rates for medium-term tenures. For investors seeking safe and predictable returns, 2-year FDs now offer interest rates as high as 7.40%. These rates are being driven by a combination of tightened liquidity, increased credit demand, and cautious investor sentiment.

As equity markets prepare to open on July 31, investors are bracing for a volatile session amid mixed global cues, corporate earnings reports, and macroeconomic data flows. The Nifty 50 and Sensex are coming off sessions marked by profit booking and subdued investor sentiment. With quarterly results from major firms continuing to trickle in, stock-specific action is expected to dominate early trade. Additionally, global trends—especially from the U.S. and Asia-Pacific—are likely to influence short-term momentum.

In a landmark step toward enhanced climate monitoring and disaster management, India has successfully launched a joint Earth observation satellite developed in collaboration with NASA. The satellite—part of the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission—is designed to deliver high-resolution, all-weather data on land and ice surface changes globally. This milestone represents not only a technological triumph but also a testament to deepening Indo-U.S. space cooperation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop icon Katy Perry have ignited a media frenzy after being spotted dining together in Montreal. The two high-profile figures were photographed leaving an upscale restaurant, leading to a wave of speculation about the nature of their relationship. Although neither party has confirmed or denied the rumors, their public appearance has fueled conversations across social media and news outlets.

Strides Pharma has reported a sharp 81% year-on-year increase in its consolidated net profit for the first quarter of FY25, reaching Rs. 114 crore. The robust growth was primarily attributed to improved performance in the U.S. generics market, better product mix, and strengthened operational efficiencies across global markets. Revenues for the quarter stood at Rs. 1,094 crore, marking a healthy rise, while EBITDA margin improved significantly due to cost optimization and strategic focus on high-margin formulations.

Indian equity markets suffered a sharp selloff following the United States’ decision to impose a 25% tariff on select imports from India, triggering widespread investor concerns over escalating trade tensions. Both the Sensex and Nifty witnessed steep intraday declines as market participants reacted to fears of a potential slowdown in export-driven sectors. The move by Washington, seen as a retaliatory measure in a brewing trade dispute, raised uncertainty about future bilateral trade negotiations.

Vivo is gearing up to introduce the V60 smartphone in India, aiming to strengthen its foothold in the premium mid-range segment. Expected to arrive with a refined design, powerful imaging capabilities, and a high-performance chipset, the V60 is positioned to appeal to both tech enthusiasts and style-conscious consumers. While the company has yet to confirm the exact launch date, industry insiders suggest the device may hit Indian shelves in the coming weeks. With competitive pricing anticipated in the Rs. 35,000–Rs.

India has surpassed the United States to become the world’s second-largest supplier of smartphones, reflecting its growing stature in the global electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Bolstered by government initiatives, deepening supply chain networks, and robust investments by major players like Apple and Samsung, India’s share in global smartphone shipments rose to 20% in the second quarter of FY25. This milestone signals a significant pivot in the global supply chain, with India emerging as a key manufacturing hub as companies diversify away from China.

OpenAI has rolled out a new feature, ‘Study Mode’, for ChatGPT users in India, aimed at transforming the way students and lifelong learners interact with artificial intelligence. The tool offers personalized, multilingual, and interactive educational assistance free of cost, positioning itself as a smart companion for learners across academic levels and disciplines. With its intuitive interface and real-time responsiveness, ‘Study Mode’ supports diverse learning preferences, from step-by-step problem solving to language practice and test prep.