During its first decade in the telecom circles of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, Reliance Jio has emerged as the undisputed leader in terms of net mobile subscriber growth. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Jio, which started with zero subscribers in August 2016, added a combined 1.65 million customers across the three states in its very first month, September 2016. According to TRAI’s latest report, by June 2026, this figure had reached 23.6 million, representing a net addition of 22 million subscribers and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.4%. This 31.4% CAGR is significantly higher than that of existing telecom operators.

According to TRAI, as of June 2026, Jio held a 32.8% share of the region’s total 72.1 million mobile connections. Jio had 11.7 million mobile subscribers in Punjab, 8.27 million in Haryana, and 3.6 million in Himachal Pradesh.

In addition, Jio has expanded digital connectivity across the extensive rural and urban areas of these states. It has connected more than 1.3 million homes and commercial establishments in Punjab, 650,000 buildings in Haryana, and 180,000 buildings in Himachal Pradesh through JioFiber and JioAirFiber services. These services provide high-speed broadband and world-class home entertainment. Jio is also the undisputed market leader in the home broadband segment in the region.

Key reasons behind Jio’s remarkable growth

Today, Jio has nearly 533.3 million customers across the country, including 285 million 5G users. Before Jio’s launch, call rates and data charges were major concerns for consumers. By adopting a strategy of affordable data and free voice calls, Jio ushered in a new era and addressed both these concerns.

A decade ago, Indian consumers used mobile data cautiously, measuring their usage in megabytes. Today, data consumption in the country has reached levels that few markets can match. Jio has played a major role in this transformation, making connectivity more affordable while investing in technology, devices, and a strong digital infrastructure.

In 2016, the average monthly mobile data consumption per subscriber in India was less than 0.2 GB. One GB of data cost around Rs 228. Fewer than 10 million Indians had access to 4G networks, while the average download speed was barely around 2.5 Mbps.

Then came Jio. Its entry not only triggered a major telecom price war but also fundamentally changed the way Indians used the internet. A decade later, the cost of one GB of data has fallen to around Rs 7.9, a reduction of nearly 97%. The number of active 4G and 5G subscribers across the country has grown to around 938 million. On Jio’s network, an average customer now consumes 42.3 GB of data every month.

Earlier generations of telecom networks were largely dependent on imported proprietary hardware and software. This made operators reliant on foreign vendors not only for equipment but also for technology upgrades and future development roadmaps.

In contrast, Jio has continued to make significant investments in developing an end-to-end, cloud-native, standalone 5G network designed to suit India’s geographical conditions.

Jio Prime membership will be available from August 20, 2026. Customers can subscribe through the MyJio app, Jio.com, Jio Stores and authorised Jio Partner Stores.

Jio has confirmed that its existing Rs 299 plan will continue, even as recharge prices remain a key topic in the telecom market.

The announcement comes after Airtel recently revised its prepaid portfolio and removed some popular plans, including the Rs 299 option. Following the changes, Airtel's Rs 349 plan has become an entry-level option in the 28-day daily-data category.

Against this backdrop, Jio Prime gives customers an opportunity to protect themselves from potential price increases by locking the current price of an eligible plan for the membership period.

Jio Prime members will not be tied to a single recharge plan after purchasing the membership. They can switch to another eligible Jio plan and continue to enjoy the benefits of their Prime membership.

The membership is available to existing prepaid and postpaid customers as well as new Jio customers. 

Customers using another telecom network can also join by porting their number to Jio or taking a new Jio connection.

Jio Prime also comes with two cashback vouchers worth a combined Rs 600.

One Rs 300 voucher can be used when taking a new JioHome or JioPC connection, while the second Rs 300 voucher can be used when purchasing a new Jio SIM for a family member or friend.

Prime members will also receive early access to new Jio products and services, along with priority customer support through a dedicated channel.

Jio Prime: Key Details

Membership fee: Rs 300 for one year

Availability: From August 20, 2026

Price-lock validity: Until September 5, 2027

Existing Rs 299 Jio plan: Will continue

Eligible customers: Existing prepaid and postpaid users, as well as new Jio customers

Cashback vouchers: Rs 600 in total

Subscription channels: MyJio app, Jio.com, Jio Stores and authorised Jio Partner Stores

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures for September delivery climbed Rs 2,270, or 0.96 per cent, to reach Rs 2,38,194 per kg.

The latest rise comes as investors and traders continue to build fresh positions in silver, while international market trends are also providing support to prices.

MCX silver trading remains active

The September silver contract saw active trading on MCX during the session. A total of 1,412 lots were traded. Market analysts said the increase in silver prices was largely linked to the creation of new positions by traders and investors.

Silver has remained in focus in the commodities market as investors closely track global economic developments, currency movements and expectations surrounding financial markets.

Silver gains in international market too

The positive trend was not limited to the Indian market. In the international market, silver futures rose 1.64 per cent to $65.74 per ounce.

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Why are silver prices rising?

Silver prices have been supported by a combination of global market factors and investor demand. Fluctuations in currency markets and uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook have encouraged some investors to look towards precious metals.

Gold and silver are often considered relatively safe assets during periods of market uncertainty. As demand for these metals increases, their prices can also come under upward pressure.

The latest movement in silver suggests that investor interest in the precious metals segment remains firm.

What could happen to silver prices ahead?

Market participants are expected to keep a close watch on global economic developments, currency movements and international precious metal prices in the coming sessions. If the positive global trend continues, silver could remain in demand in the near term. However, prices in the commodity market can change quickly depending on global economic and financial conditions.

For now, both MCX silver prices and international silver futures are showing a strong upward trend, keeping the precious metal firmly in focus among traders and investors.

The bigger issue, however, is not just about whether older vehicles can run safely on E20 petrol. It is also about how much land, water and agricultural produce India may need if ethanol blending is increased beyond 20%.

Nageswaran and Akash Poojari, a consultant with the Department of Economic Affairs, raised these concerns in a column published in The Indian Express.

According to their argument, India should carefully study the impact of higher ethanol blending before moving towards blends such as E27 or E30.

Why is E20 petrol being debated?

E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. India reached its target of 20% ethanol blending earlier than initially planned. The government has supported the programme because ethanol can help reduce dependence on imported crude oil, save foreign exchange and provide another market for farmers. But higher ethanol blending also means that India needs more ethanol. And that raises another question: Where will all this ethanol come from?

More ethanol means more agricultural feedstock

Ethanol in India is produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize and rice, among other sources. As the demand for ethanol increases, these crops are not only needed for food, animal feed and other industries but also for fuel production. This creates what economists call a food-versus-fuel trade-off.

For example, maize is widely used as animal and poultry feed. If more maize is purchased by ethanol producers, its price and availability could also affect the food and livestock sectors.

The CEA's column argues that these effects need to be considered before India increases its ethanol blending target.

What happens if India moves beyond E20?

The debate could become more important if India decides to move from E20 towards E27 or E30 petrol. A higher ethanol target would require a much larger supply of agricultural feedstock. The authors warn that at higher levels, fuel demand could start competing more directly with food demand.

In simple terms, more crops used for fuel could mean fewer crops available for food, animal feed or other uses. This is why the authors believe India should calculate the full economic cost before deciding on higher blending targets.

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Sugarcane is another important source of ethanol in India. The issue became more visible after reports that the government was considering limiting the amount of sugarcane used for ethanol in the next season because of concerns over domestic sugar supplies and prices. Around 3 million tonnes of sugar, or nearly 10% of annual production, was reportedly diverted towards ethanol in the current season. If less sugarcane is used for ethanol, however, the country still needs ethanol to maintain E20 petrol. That could increase dependence on other crops, particularly maize and other grains. This is one of the reasons the food-versus-fuel issue has become an important part of the ethanol debate.

Ethanol is also a water issue

The debate is not only about food. It is also about water. The benefits of ethanol are usually discussed in terms of reduced crude oil imports, foreign exchange savings, lower emissions and additional income opportunities for farmers. But producing ethanol also requires agricultural crops, and growing those crops requires water.

The CEA's argument is that policymakers should look at the total amount of water needed to grow the crops used for ethanol. This is particularly important for crops such as sugarcane, which require large amounts of water.

The concern is that if land and water resources are increasingly directed towards fuel production, changing those decisions later may not be easy.

Why E10 could help older two-wheelers

The immediate suggestion from Nageswaran and Poojari is to make E10 petrol available for older two-wheelers. They estimate that around 75 million to 80 million older two-wheelers, mainly vehicles built before BS-IV and using carburettors, are still on Indian roads.

The authors point out that these older vehicles are different from newer vehicles designed to handle higher ethanol blends.

A carburettor cannot automatically detect the extra oxygen associated with a higher ethanol blend and adjust the fuel-air mixture in the same way as modern fuel systems. As a result, some older engines may run with a leaner fuel mixture and potentially run hotter.

Older rubber and fuel-system components may also not have been designed for higher ethanol concentrations.

Retrofitting millions of older vehicles could take time

According to the column, older vehicles can be modified with ethanol-compatible components. However, doing this for tens of millions of vehicles would take considerable time. This is where the proposed E10 option comes in.

The authors suggest allowing older two-wheelers to continue using E10 while these vehicles are gradually upgraded.

It would also reduce the amount of ethanol needed compared with putting the entire vehicle fleet on E20.

The bigger question: Food or Fuel?

The CEA's argument does not reject the benefits of ethanol blending. Instead, it asks policymakers to look at the complete cost of producing ethanol.

If India wants to increase ethanol blending further, it may need more sugarcane, maize and other crops. That could increase pressure on agricultural land and water and affect food, feed and other industries.

The central question is therefore no longer only about E20 petrol and vehicle performance.

It is also about what India will have to grow to produce more fuel — and what other uses may lose access to those resources. For older vehicle owners, the suggested answer is E10 petrol.

The Dahlias sits in Sector 54 along Golf Course Road, an address that has become synonymous with Gurugram's high-end property market. It is being marketed by DLF as its flagship offering in the ultra-luxury segment.

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According to details of the transaction, the penthouse spans a super area of close to 17,200 square feet, with a carpet area of roughly 10,500 square feet. That puts the per-square-foot cost at around Rs 1.58 lakh on the super-area basis and closer to Rs 2.6 lakh when calculated on carpet area, figures that place the deal firmly among the priciest home purchases India has seen.

Prices at this scale reflect a broader trend: penthouses at The Dahlias, thanks to their larger layouts and prime positioning within the project, are commanding a premium even over the already steep prices of regular apartments there.

Who is Manav Sardana?

Manav Sardana comes from a prominent Delhi-NCR business family with more than a century of history in the region. His father, SB Sardana, co-founded the family’s flagship company, Imperial Auto Industries, in 1969 along with Jagjit Singh.

Based in Faridabad, Imperial Auto Industries manufactures fluid transmission products used in automobiles and off-highway equipment. Over the years, the company expanded significantly and established itself as a major player in the sector.

Manav Sardana was involved with the Imperial Auto business before global private equity firm Warburg Pincus acquired the company. He continues to be associated with the family’s business interests. According to publicly available records, he currently serves on the boards of more than 12 companies linked to the Imperial Auto group. These include Imperial Silicon Private Limited, Kreuz Hydraulics Private Limited and Imperial Martor Engine Tubes Private Limited.

Inside DLF's The Dahlias Project

DLF unveiled The Dahlias in October 2024, spreading the super-luxury development across 17 acres in DLF Phase 5, Gurugram. The project includes about 420 residences in total,  apartments and penthouses combined,  with standard units reportedly priced between Rs 100 crore and Rs 170 crore. Penthouses, given their scale and premium placement, fetch even more.

The Dahlias follows in the footsteps of DLF's earlier landmark project, The Camellias, which played a major role in turning Golf Course Road into one of India's most sought-after residential stretches.

The government informed the Rajya Sabha that penalties amounting to nearly Rs 20 lakh have been recovered from companies found violating the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.

Among the companies facing action are Zepto, BookMyShow, IndiGo, Physics Wallah, FirstCry, PharmEasy, McAfee, SpiceJet and coaching platform Anuj Jindal.

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Dark patterns are website or app designs that can mislead users during online transactions. These practices may include hidden charges, pre-selected add-ons, forced subscriptions, misleading countdown timers or emotionally worded prompts that pressure users into making decisions they may not otherwise make.

The CCPA has identified 13 such deceptive practices under its 2023 guidelines, including drip pricing, basket sneaking, subscription traps, false urgency, confirm shaming and trick questions.

Zepto fined for hidden charges and automatic membership

Quick-commerce platform Zepto was fined Rs 7 lakh after the regulator found that customers were shown one price initially, but additional handling charges and membership fees were added during the checkout process.

According to the CCPA, the handling charges amounted to drip pricing, where the final payable amount is not fully disclosed at the beginning of the transaction.

The regulator also found that a membership option was automatically added to customers' carts without their explicit consent. This practice was categorised as basket sneaking.

Following the regulator's intervention, Zepto discontinued the practices that were flagged.

BookMyShow asked to remove pre-selected charity contribution

Movie ticketing platform BookMyShow was directed to remove a pre-ticked Re 1 donation linked to its BookASmile charitable initiative.

While the contribution itself was voluntary, the CCPA objected to the fact that it was automatically selected, requiring users to manually opt out. The regulator classified this as another case of basket sneaking, stating that even small pre-selected charges can result in consumers paying for services without consciously choosing them.

IndiGo changes app message after CCPA intervention

The CCPA also took action against airline IndiGo over the wording used while customers declined optional travel protection. Earlier, users who chose not to purchase the add-on were shown the message, "No I will take risk."

The regulator found this to be an example of confirm shaming, where consumers are made to feel guilty or irresponsible for rejecting an additional purchase. Following the intervention, IndiGo replaced the message with a neutral option reading, "No, I will not add to the trip."

Physics Wallah penalised over pre-selected donations

Edtech platform Physics Wallah was fined Rs 5 lakh after the CCPA found that a Rs 10 donation to the PW Foundation was automatically selected during transactions.

The regulator also objected to emotional messages encouraging users to keep the donation selected. Additionally, the company was questioned over requiring users to provide personal information before accessing certain free courses.

According to the government, Physics Wallah has deposited the penalty and discontinued the practices identified by the regulator.

Other companies also face action

Apart from these companies, the CCPA imposed penalties ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh on FirstCry, PharmEasy, McAfee, SpiceJet and coaching platform Anuj Jindal.

The violations included hidden fees, forced subscription renewals, misleading countdown timers and other interface designs that could influence consumer decisions.

Government tightens consumer protection online

The government said the enforcement drive is aimed at making online shopping and digital services more transparent for consumers.

Under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, businesses are expected to clearly disclose charges, seek informed consent for optional services and avoid using interface designs that manipulate customer behaviour.

With nearly Rs 20 lakh recovered in penalties so far, the CCPA has indicated that it will continue monitoring digital platforms to ensure compliance with consumer protection rules.

The operation was carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and authorities in the UAE.

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According to the CBI, an Interpol Red Notice had been issued against Vishakha Rathod at the request of Indian authorities. The international alert helped trace and facilitate her return to India. She landed in Pune on August 3, where a team of the Maharashtra Police arrested her immediately after her arrival.

What are the allegations?

Investigators allege that Vishakha Rathod and her husband, Avinash Rathod, lured investors into multiple investment schemes by promising assured fixed monthly returns. The couple is accused of collecting large sums of money from investors and then allegedly misappropriating the funds. The investigation further claims that the money was routed through multiple bank accounts and demat accounts to conceal the transactions. The alleged fraud is estimated to be worth Rs 88 crore.

Husband was brought back earlier

Avinash Rathod, who is believed to be the alleged mastermind behind the investment scam, was also traced through an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued on June 4, 2026. He was detained by authorities in the UAE and deported to India on July 23, 2026.

After arriving at Mumbai International Airport, he was arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Pune Police, taken to Pune and produced before a court, which granted 10 days of police custody.

CBI's role in international cooperation

The CBI functions as India's National Central Bureau for Interpol, coordinating with law enforcement agencies through Bharatpol and facilitating the tracing, detention and return of fugitives wanted by Indian investigating agencies.

The Central Government said India had successfully brought back 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026 as part of an intensified effort to ensure that accused persons hiding overseas are brought back to face legal proceedings in India.

The six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged and also retained its "neutral" policy stance, indicating that future decisions will depend on economic data.

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"Crude oil prices, currencies, and financial markets remain volatile, fluctuating in line with the changing intensity and uncertainties of the West Asia conflict. In this backdrop, the Monetary Policy Committee met for its third bi-monthly meeting of this financial year, on 3rd, 4th, and 5th, that is today, to deliberate and decide on the policy reparation," said the RBI Governor.

"After a detailed assessment of the evolving macroeconomic and financial developments, as well as the outlook, the MPC decided unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.5%," he added.

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Why did the RBI keep the repo rate unchanged?

The RBI decided to maintain the current rate as inflation, although rising due to higher food and fuel prices, is still within its target range.

Economists believe the central bank has room to wait and assess whether higher crude oil prices will have a lasting impact on overall inflation. The decision also comes at a time when several central banks around the world have raised interest rates to tackle inflation driven by geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs.

What does this mean for borrowers?

Since the repo rate remains unchanged at 5.25%, people with repo-linked home loans, car loans and other floating-rate loans are unlikely to see any immediate change in their monthly EMIs.

Banks are also expected to keep lending and deposit interest rates largely unchanged unless there is a major shift in liquidity or funding costs.

RBI raises GDP growth forecast

Despite global uncertainties, the RBI has become more optimistic about India's economy. It has raised its real GDP growth forecast for the current financial year to 6.7%, citing stronger-than-expected economic performance in the first quarter.

Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Indian economy performed better than expected, supported by strong domestic demand, healthy growth in the services and manufacturing sectors, and a recovery in exports.

He added that private consumption remains strong, driven by consumer spending, while continued government investment in infrastructure is supporting economic growth.

However, Malhotra cautioned that the outlook remains uncertain due to factors such as the southwest monsoon, El Niño conditions, geopolitical tensions and changes in global trade policies.

No charges have been introduced yet. The amendment, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, only creates a legal framework that would allow the government to introduce a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) later if it chooses to do so. The payments industry has been asking for such a move for years to help support the growth of digital payments.

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One proposal being discussed is to charge an MDR of 0.3% to 0.5% on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. However, the fee is expected to apply only to merchants with an annual turnover of more than Rs 1.5 crore. This means customers are unlikely to pay any extra, while small businesses could continue to use UPI without charges.

Another option under consideration is to calculate the fee based on a merchant's annual turnover instead of the value of each transaction. The idea is to ensure that larger businesses bear the cost, while small shops and local retailers remain exempt.

Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee that merchants pay to banks and payment service providers for processing digital payments. Merchants already pay MDR on card payments, with credit card transactions usually attracting a fee of around 1.5%, while debit card charges are generally lower. UPI has so far remained free for merchants, making it a popular payment method.

Why is this being considered?

According to industry executives, offering UPI services without any merchant fee has made it difficult to build a sustainable business model. Since banks and payment companies do not earn from processing UPI payments, they say it limits their ability to invest in new technology, improve payment infrastructure and expand digital payment services. They believe that introducing a small MDR on high-value transactions could help support the long-term growth of India's digital payments ecosystem.

FSSAI said the affected products come from three major manufacturers namely Diageo India's United Spirits, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Springwater. Lab tests reportedly found that these companies had been using artificial flavouring agents to replicate the taste and aroma typically achieved through traditional distillation and ageing.

The ban touches a large chunk of India's domestic liquor market, particularly the segment that caters to budget-conscious drinkers who choose Indian-made spirits over pricier imported whisky, rum and Scotch. With the country's alcohol industry valued at roughly $40 billion a year, the development is being closely watched. Diageo continues to hold its position as India's largest alcohol company by market share, despite the setback.

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FSSAI's objection centres on how the flavour was added during production. Indian regulations do permit the use of natural flavouring substances in alcoholic beverages. However, testing at facilities run by Diageo and Inbrew reportedly showed that manufacturers were adding flavour compounds matching the same spirit category being produced  for instance, whisky-flavoured additives going into whisky.

Regulatory officials noted that this practice is not something recognised anywhere in standard global distilling methods and cautioned that shortcuts like these could allow companies to skip proper maturation periods or cut back on core raw materials such as molasses, malt, and grapes.

Which brands are affected 

The order names several familiar labels found on shop shelves across the country.

From United Spirits, both Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky, manufactured at plants in Madhya Pradesh, have been barred from sale.

Inbrew Beverages has also been hit, with Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum, both produced in Madhya Pradesh, included in the restriction.

Perhaps the most notable name on the list is Old Monk, one of India's most iconic and long-standing rum brands. Three variants produced by Mohan Rocky Springwater in Maharashtra have been flagged under the same order.

According to the regulator, laboratory checks found these products to be substandard due to the presence of external artificial or nature-identical flavouring compounds.

During intraday trading, international benchmark Brent crude dropped as much as 7.9% to $89.11 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also declined 6.9% to $83.14 per barrel, according to the latest market data.

The steep fall in oil prices came after Iran indicated that it would not launch another attack in response to the US stopping its military operations. The development raised hopes that the tensions could be addressed through diplomatic channels.

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The easing of geopolitical tensions and sharp decline in crude oil prices also boosted investor sentiment in Indian equity markets.

The benchmark indices ended higher on Monday, snapping a five-session losing streak. Broad-based buying across sectors helped the markets recover as concerns over the impact of the conflict eased. The Sensex gained 776.01 points, or 1.02%, to close at 76,835.78. The Nifty 50 rose 228.50 points, or 0.96%, to finish at 23,995.95.

The market opened on a strong note as investors responded positively to the pause in military action between the US and Iran. The Nifty regained the 23,900 mark during early trading.

Although the benchmark indices remained within a relatively narrow range for most of the session, buying picked up strongly during the final hour. This pushed the Nifty closer to the 24,000 level and helped both indices finish near the day's highs.

Media, IT stocks lead sectoral gains

Most sectoral indices ended in positive territory on Monday. The Nifty Media index emerged as the top performer, rising 2.4%. The Nifty IT index followed with a gain of 2.3%. The Nifty Realty index climbed 2.2%, while the Auto and Pharma indices advanced 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively.

The sharp recovery in Indian equities came as investors assessed the potential impact of easing geopolitical tensions, falling crude prices and improved global risk sentiment.

The order comes after the court concluded that the customer's vehicle was not compatible with E20 fuel, despite being sold at a time when India was promoting the use of 20% ethanol-blended petrol.

Court gives company 45 days to replace vehicle

The consumer forum directed Maruti Suzuki to deliver a new vehicle of the same model that is fully compatible with E20 fuel within 45 days. If the company fails to do so, it must refund the vehicle's purchase price of approximately Rs 20.5 lakh, along with registration charges, insurance costs and other related expenses. The court also awarded Rs 1 lakh as compensation for mental harassment and RS 10,000 towards litigation costs.

The verdict, delivered on July 14, 2026, is being viewed as India's first consumer compensation order involving alleged damage caused by E20 fuel.

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Customer alleged wrong information at the time of sale

The complainant, Dr Premraj Debta, purchased a Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta Plus from a Nexa dealership in June 2024.

According to the complaint, the dealer informed him that the vehicle had been manufactured in December 2023. However, records presented before the commission reportedly showed that the car was actually manufactured in January 2023. Since the doctor drives around 150 to 200 km daily, he chose the hybrid model for better fuel efficiency.

Engine trouble began within five months

The vehicle reportedly functioned normally initially. However, on November 11, 2024, an engine malfunction warning appeared on the dashboard and the car stopped working.

The dealership initially attributed the problem to contaminated fuel and emptied the fuel tank. During inspection, technicians allegedly found a white substance settled at the bottom of the tank.

Dr Debta subsequently lodged complaints with both the fuel station and the manufacturer. Testing of the fuel, however, reportedly found no issue with the petrol supplied. Despite multiple repairs, the vehicle continued to develop the same fault.

Company estimated Rs 5.3 lakh for engine replacement

According to the complaint, the company later acknowledged that the fuel tank had not been completely cleaned during the first repair and that chemically contaminated fuel had remained inside the system. Further inspections allegedly found white deposits and liquid residue in the fuel tank, fuel lines and filters.

The engine malfunction warning appeared again, the hybrid system stopped operating and the engine eventually became unusable.

Maruti Suzuki later informed the customer via email that the engine would need to be replaced at an estimated cost of Rs 5.3 lakh, which it said was not covered under warranty.

Although the vehicle was repaired and returned, it reportedly broke down again after travelling about 10 km following refuelling at the dealership itself. Another inspection allegedly found a curd-like white residue inside the fuel tank.

After the company declined the customer's request for a replacement vehicle or refund, the matter was taken to the consumer court in March 2025.

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Laboratory report played a key role

Fuel samples were examined by SGS Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of ethanol in the petrol. According to the laboratory findings, the fuel met the E20 category. However, ethanol had separated from the petrol and settled at the bottom of the sample, reducing the effective ethanol concentration to around 6-7%.

Based on the evidence, the consumer forum concluded that the vehicle's engine was not suitable for E20 fuel despite being sold in a market where such fuel was being promoted.

Maruti Suzuki's position on E20 fuel

Responding to concerns over ethanol-blended fuel, Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, said the company has noted public concerns regarding the use of E20 fuel in older vehicles.

He clarified that cars manufactured and sold in India before 2023 were primarily designed for E10 fuel but, according to the company, have adequate safety margins to operate on E20 fuel without causing abnormal wear, corrosion, reduced vehicle life or damage to fuel-system components.

The court's ruling, however, was based on the specific facts and evidence presented in this individual case.

According to a Bloomberg report, the company is expected to begin the process as early as this week. The move is part of a larger strategy to reduce costs, improve profitability and focus on selected markets amid slowing smartphone demand and rising business challenges.

The reported decision marks a significant turning point for OnePlus, a brand that built its reputation by offering premium smartphones at competitive prices.

Oppo restructuring behind the decision

The reported withdrawal is linked to Oppo's broader restructuring plan. The Chinese smartphone maker has been facing weaker sales in several international markets while also dealing with increasing production costs and geopolitical pressures.

Apart from OnePlus, sister brand Realme is also expected to make strategic changes to its international business. Reports suggest Realme could scale back its presence in some regions as Oppo reshapes its global operations.

The company is reportedly focusing on strengthening markets where it sees stronger long-term growth instead of maintaining a widespread global presence.

End of an era for OnePlus fans

For many smartphone buyers, OnePlus became popular by introducing flagship-level features at prices much lower than premium competitors. Its devices offered top processors, fast charging, premium displays and a clean software experience, helping the company build a loyal customer base across several countries, including India.

Industry experts believe the reported exit from the US and Europe would mark the end of a chapter for a brand that once challenged the biggest names in the smartphone industry.

Why is Oppo making this move?

Several factors appear to have influenced the company's decision. Weak smartphone demand in key overseas markets has affected sales, while higher component costs have increased pressure on manufacturers. In addition, geopolitical tensions surrounding Chinese technology companies have made doing business in some countries more challenging.

Oppo is also reportedly dealing with legal challenges, including a trade secrets lawsuit filed by Apple, adding further uncertainty to its international operations.

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Will OnePlus leave India?

At present, there is no immediate impact on OnePlus' India business. The company is expected to continue its operations in both China and India. However, Bloomberg reported that further changes to its international presence could be considered in the coming years, with India potentially seeing strategic changes around 2027.

India remains one of OnePlus' strongest markets, thanks largely to the success of its Nord smartphone series, which has attracted buyers looking for premium features at affordable prices.

Nord series faces market pressure

Despite its popularity, the Nord lineup has also faced challenges. According to IDC data cited by Bloomberg, smartphone shipments in China declined 4.3% year-on-year during the second quarter. Rising component costs have reportedly affected smartphone manufacturers, with OnePlus' Nord portfolio also feeling the impact. These pressures have made it more difficult for brands to maintain competitive pricing while protecting profit margins.

Oppo and Realme to focus on selected markets

Instead of expanding across multiple regions, Oppo is reportedly planning to strengthen its position in Central Europe. Realme, meanwhile, is expected to concentrate on Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, where the brand has shown relatively stronger performance.

What the Bill proposes

The legislation calls for tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and gas. India, China, Hungary, Slovakia and Azerbaijan are named as potential targets. Interestingly, the original draft had floated an even steeper 500% tariff, which lawmakers later scaled back to 100%. The Bill also proposes sanctions on Russian officials, its so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, the central bank and state-run energy projects. If it becomes law, this would mark the first time the US penalises a country purely for boosting Russia's earnings through oil purchases  not for any direct conflict with Russia itself.

Why India is under the scanner

India's oil trade with Russia has been growing fast. In June 2026, India imported a record 2.61 million barrels per day of Russian crude, accounting for 52.4% of its total oil imports, meaning more than half of every barrel entering the country came from Russia. That figure marks a nearly 39% jump compared to May, cementing Russia's position as India's top oil supplier.

Europe gets some relief 

The Bill doesn't apply evenly across the board. While countries like China, France, Japan, Hungary and Belgium are also named for buying Russian gas, 15 European nations have been granted exemptions. The reasoning: these countries import less than 15% of their gas needs from Russia and are actively working to cut that dependency further. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, one of the Bill's sponsors, clarified that the legislation isn't aimed at European allies. Its real target is countries still providing Russia's oil trade with the most financial support.

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What makes this bill notable is the support it has drawn from both Republicans and Democrats, a rare occurrence in a deeply divided US Congress. Such bipartisan backing significantly improves its chances of passing. However, it still needs approval from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, followed by the President's signature, before it can become law. So far, 26 senators have backed it, with more support expected. The Bill was originally introduced in April 2025 by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Blumenthal. Graham passed away on July 11 and President Donald Trump has said pushing this Bill forward was one of Graham's priorities, framing its progress as a tribute to him. The Bill also gives Trump discretionary power to waive these tariffs or sanctions if he deems it in America's national interest.

Why a new law was needed

Trump had earlier imposed tariffs on several countries citing the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). But on February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA doesn't actually grant the President authority to impose tariffs, that power rests primarily with Congress. This ruling is what pushed lawmakers to draft fresh legislation to formally hand the President tariff powers.

What a 100% tariff could mean for India

The US is India's biggest export market, absorbing roughly Rs 6.5 lakh crore worth of goods annually. A 100% tariff would double prices on Indian goods there, likely crushing demand.

India saves around Rs 60,000 crore a year by buying discounted Russian oil, but losing access to the US market could cost 10 times that amount.

Roughly Rs 2.1 lakh crore worth of textile, gem, and pharmaceutical exports to the US could grind to a halt, potentially affecting 15–20 lakh workers. A drop in exports would also squeeze dollar inflows, putting pressure on the rupee.

The victim, Ashok Vijayvargiya, a senior chartered accountant and Chief Returning Officer of the Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, was allegedly convinced to invest in USDT (Tether), a cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar. What appeared to be a highly profitable investment opportunity ultimately turned out to be an elaborate scam that lasted for nearly seven months.

According to the police, between December 2025 and July 2026, Vijayvargiya transferred Rs 21,05,92,000 to multiple bank accounts while a suspected fake online trading platform continued displaying imaginary profits of more than Rs 33 crore.

Money spread through thousands of bank accounts

Investigators say the fraud was carefully designed to make tracing the money extremely difficult.

The State Cyber Cell's preliminary investigation found that the funds did not remain in a few accounts. Instead, they were allegedly dispersed through a four-layer banking network involving over 20,000 transactions across several states.

The police identified 77 first-layer bank accounts that directly received the victim's money. From there, the funds were transferred to 493 second-layer accounts before moving into nearly 12,700 third-layer accounts.

The trail continued through another 7,500 transactions in the fourth layer, where investigators believe the money was withdrawn through ATMs, converted into shopping and cash vouchers, used for online payments or converted into cryptocurrencies, including USDT.

In total, investigators are examining nearly 20,049 financial transactions.

Rs 2 crore frozen, majority of funds already moved

The Cyber Cell has so far managed to freeze around Rs 2 crore spread across different bank accounts. However, officials believe most of the money had already been withdrawn, converted or transferred before banks could intervene.

Investigators are now scrutinising all the identified first-layer accounts while trying to establish where the money finally ended up after passing through multiple banking layers.

Fraud trail extends across several states

According to investigators, the banking trail stretches across multiple states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

The police suspect that many of these accounts may belong to money mules—individuals who allow criminals to use their bank accounts in exchange for commissions—while others could be linked to fake firms, intermediaries, digital wallet operators or organised cybercrime syndicates.

How the alleged scam began

The complaint states that Vijayvargiya first received a WhatsApp message in December 2025 from an Indian mobile number.

The sender introduced herself as "Divya" and claimed to be an investment adviser offering lucrative returns through cryptocurrency trading, particularly USDT.

As conversations progressed, communication allegedly shifted to other WhatsApp numbers, including one carrying the United States country code 1 (516) 713-7291.

Investigators are verifying whether this number actually originated in the US or whether it was a virtual number generated through internet-based communication services.

The fraudsters allegedly sent Vijayvargiya a link to an online trading portal and helped him create an account that displayed opportunities to invest in USDT, Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Small profits built confidence

The police say the fraud followed a pattern commonly seen in online investment scams. The initial investments were deliberately small.

On December 25, 2025, Vijayvargiya transferred Rs 10,000 four times through UPI. A few days later, around Rs 1 lakh was transferred using a friend's UPI account. The online portal displayed steady profits, reinforcing his confidence. The turning point came on January 7, when Rs 1.88 lakh was actually credited into his HDFC Bank account as returns.

Because the payment reached his bank account, Vijayvargiya reportedly believed the platform was genuine and continued investing significantly larger amounts.

Investments rose to crores

Even before receiving the initial payout, Vijayvargiya had allegedly transferred Rs 15 lakh through RTGS from his Union Bank account on December 31. Over the following months, crores of rupees were transferred into numerous beneficiary accounts shared by the alleged fraudsters.

Business associates have reportedly informed investigators that Vijayvargiya may have invested not only his own money but also funds belonging to more than 35 acquaintances and business associates who trusted his financial advice.

The police are examining these claims during the ongoing investigation.

Fake profits crossed Rs 33 crore

As more money was invested, the online trading portal continued displaying increasing profits. Eventually, the account allegedly reflected a withdrawal value of approximately Rs 33.25 crore. However, when Vijayvargiya attempted to withdraw the amount, the transaction was blocked. The alleged fraudsters then demanded Rs 10.84 crore, claiming it was required as income tax before the money could be released.

To make the demand appear genuine, they allegedly claimed they would contribute Rs 5.34 crore themselves and asked Vijayvargiya to arrange the remaining amount. Despite additional payments and repeated assurances, the promised funds never arrived.

The fraudsters allegedly made another demand of Rs 1 crore as a "risk margin", saying it was necessary because the withdrawal amount exceeded the permissible limit.

Only then did Vijayvargiya reportedly realise that the profits shown on the trading portal may never have existed.

Cyber cell examining WhatsApp numbers and IP addresses

Vijayvargiya has submitted WhatsApp chats, bank statements, transaction screenshots and details of multiple beneficiary accounts to investigators.

The complaint was also registered through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 cybercrime helpline, enabling authorities to quickly initiate action.

The police say prompt reporting helped freeze nearly Rs 2 crore before the remaining funds could be completely dispersed.

Investigators are now tracing the IP addresses linked to the WhatsApp communications as well as the fake trading platform's URL to identify those behind the operation.

State Cyber Cell Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nayan Sharma said the fraud involved a nationwide network of bank accounts operating through a layered transfer system.

He said the cyber team is currently focusing on the 77 first-layer accounts that directly received the victim's money and has already frozen nearly Rs 2 crore.

According to Sharma, investigators are also analysing three WhatsApp numbers, several bank accounts and the IP addresses associated with the suspected fake trading portal.

An FIR has been registered against unidentified accused under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act. The FIR records the alleged financial loss at Rs 21,05,92,000, while investigators continue efforts to identify the accused, freeze additional accounts and recover the remaining funds.


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Meta announced that Shah will succeed Will Cathcart as the leader of WhatsApp. The appointment comes at a time when WhatsApp has evolved beyond a simple messaging app and is expanding into areas such as digital payments, business messaging and AI-powered services.

Meta said Shah's experience as a founder and product builder, along with his understanding of how people use WhatsApp in everyday life, makes him well-suited for the role. The company also noted that India, WhatsApp's largest market, has become a key region for business messaging and payments, which are expected to drive future growth.

Announcing the decision, Mark Zuckerberg praised Shah's entrepreneurial achievements, saying he had built CRED into one of India's leading technology companies and possessed the mindset needed to lead the world's biggest messaging platform.

Meta's Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, also welcomed Shah, describing him as one of India's most respected entrepreneurs with a strong understanding of products and technology.

According to Shah, CRED recently achieved its first profitable quarter and has grown from zero revenue to around $325 million (approximately ₹3,200 crore) in annual revenue. The company has also raised more than $900 million from investors, including Meta, and has completed several employee stock buyback programmes.

Focus, precision, execution

Unlike most residential real estate developers who are more inclined towards rapid growth by launching too many projects at once, Harmandeep Singh Kandhari’s focus remains on completing projects in a slow but steady and organised manner. From scouting potential locations to planning the township, setting construction targets and accomplishing them from time to time while also offering structured financial planning – all these factors reflect Mr. Kandhari’s disciplined, long-term mindset. The aim is to build projects that are stable, offer not just a house to stay in but a place families can proudly call their homes. A well-managed living space that is sustainable over time is always a priority for Harman Kandhari which also shows his interest in building practical spaces instead of pursuing quick scaling formulas.

Lavish Life With Affordable Pricing

The recently launched One of One Indirapuram by Harmandeep Singh Kandhari’s Harmony Infra Ventures is a project that amalgamates skyscrapers with top class amenities within the township. Some exclusive experiences such as dining at the top of the high-rise open bar and lounge areas, open decks and a bunch of recreational spaces including those for yoga, gymnasium, amphitheatres, cinema theatres, etc. are what make this project a deal that one cannot turn their mind off from.

The rates that Harmandeep Singh Kandhari offers for luxurious living are a steal, especially if you compare them to the prices of tier-1 cities like Mumbai. While Harmony Infra is currently offering lavish living spaces at a bargain price within the Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 17,000 per sq. ft. bracket, one may not find a simple house with basic construction in Mumbai’s remotest location.

For Harman Kandhari, slow and stable growth is the only way to build a credible and trustworthy future for his business.

The S&P BSE Sensex tumbled 1,822.25 points to 72,710.71, while the NSE Nifty50 declined 533.30 points to 22,581.20 by 10:30 am, indicating losses across most sectors.

Now in its fourth week, the conflict has escalated further with fresh concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz—a key oil shipping route—fueling fears of supply disruptions and a prolonged energy crisis. Crude oil prices have climbed past $110 per barrel, significantly increasing costs for import-dependent nations like India. This poses risks of higher inflation, a widening current account deficit, and slower economic growth.

Meanwhile, the rupee weakened to a record low of Rs 93.89 against the US dollar on Monday, pressured by soaring crude prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. After slipping below Rs 93 last week, the currency is now approaching the Rs 94 mark. Since India purchases oil in dollars, higher crude prices mean greater demand for the US currency, which in turn adds downward pressure on the rupee.

In his resignation letter, Chakraborty noted that certain developments and practices within the bank over the past two years did not align with his personal principles, though he did not provide specific details.

Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Keki Mistry as interim part-time chairman for three months starting March 19, according to a stock exchange filing.

Chakraborty, a 1985-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, was first appointed as part-time chairman in April 2021 and reappointed in May 2024 for a term extending until May 2027. Before this role, he served as Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs and earlier headed the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management under the finance ministry.

During his tenure, HDFC Bank completed its $40 billion merger with HDFC Ltd, creating one of the largest financial services institutions globally.

Following news of his resignation, the bank’s US-listed shares dropped about 7%, while its shares in Mumbai had already closed 0.3% lower earlier that day. The bank has not disclosed further details regarding the reasons behind his exit.

The Sensex opened more than 3,600 points higher to cross the 85,000 mark, after closing at 81,666.46 on Monday. The Nifty50 also surged, jumping nearly 1,200 points from its previous close of 25,088.40.

All sectoral indices opened firmly in the green, with realty, auto, consumer durables and IT stocks leading the rally, rising 4.47 per cent, 3.78 per cent, 3.69 per cent and 3.04 per cent respectively.

By 10 am, however, both indices had pared early gains, with the Sensex up over 2,200 points and the Nifty50 higher by around 650 points.

The rupee also strengthened in early trade, gaining 1.2 per cent to trade at 90.40 against the US dollar.

Indian stock markets have witnessed sharp volatility over the past week. The latest rally follows earlier gains after India and the European Union announced a Free Trade Agreement, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described as “the mother of all trade deals.”

In a post on X, PM Modi said the two of the world’s largest democratic trading blocs — with bilateral trade valued at $213 billion — had “sealed the biggest FTA in our history.”