In order to assist start-ups engaged in green hydrogen innovation, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi issued a call for proposals on Thursday worth Rs 100 crore.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) held the first annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in the nation’s capital, where the news was made.

Under the initiative, pilot projects in fields including hydrogen generation, storage, transportation, and use technologies will receive up to Rs 5 crore in financing each.

Biological hydrogen solutions, AI-driven optimization, and electrolyser manufacturing are among the ideas being showcased by 25 start-ups at the conference.

The program, according to Joshi, aims to transform research into workable solutions that can power companies, clean cities, and create thousands of new employment nationwide.

He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a global center for green hydrogen through the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which was established in 2023 with a budget of Rs 19,744 crore.

The minister also emphasized the advancements made thus far, citing 23 R&D projects that have already been granted in fields such as safety and integration, biomass-based hydrogen production, and hydrogen applications.

Examples of the mission’s transition from vision to action were given, including the first port-based green hydrogen pilot project in India at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, hydrogen buses and refueling stations, and pilot projects in the shipping and steel industries.

Joshi noted that in its first-ever green ammonia auction, India just found a record low price of Rs 49.75 per kg, compared to Rs 100.28 per kg in 2024, indicating a significant advancement in affordability.

He added that both big businesses and startups are making significant investments to develop a whole hydrogen value chain, which will increase India’s export potential and generate job opportunities.

Joshi reiterated India’s NGHM goals, which include reducing 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly, adding 125 GW of renewable energy capacity, attracting investments worth Rs 8 lakh crore, and producing five million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

With expert presentations, interactive debates, and a start-up expo, the two-day Green Hydrogen R&D Conference will showcase India’s determination to lead the world in the hydrogen economy.

Over 10 crore women have joined 90 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) nationwide thanks to the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), and many of them are now first-generation business owners, a government official said here on Thursday.

Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) Secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh emphasized the incubator program’s contribution to the growth of women-led rural businesses.

In addition to sharing that Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and numerous other states are scaling up with top academic partners, he highlighted the success of pilots in Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, and Karnataka during an event held here.

The Ministry hosted a two-day National Workshop on Rural Enterprise Incubators under DAY-National Rural Livelihood Mission here in partnership with Kerala State Rural Livelihood Mission (Kudumbashree).

Speaking to the audience, Kerala’s State Minister for Local Self-Government, M.B. Rajesh, emphasized the state’s dedication to supporting women-led entrepreneurship through Kudumbashree and conveyed assurance that the workshop would provide a forum for cooperation and creativity to fortify rural enterprise ecosystems.

The Ministry’s goal of expanding the incubator program into a nationwide platform for women-led rural entrepreneurship was emphasized by Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary (RL), MoRD, Government of India. She also stated that the workshop would produce practical strategies and solid partnerships to ensure the program’s long-term success.

The workshop will contribute to the development of an atmosphere that will support the growth of the businesses chosen for the incubator project.

H. Dineshan, Executive Director of Kudumbashree, greeted the attendees. The congratulatory speech was given by Dr. Bidyut C. Dekha, vice chancellor of Assam Agricultural University.

Prominent experts from academia, industry, and social enterprise networks will participate in panel discussions on mentoring, financing, technology, market access, and convergence at the workshop, according to the ministry. Their contributions and insights will help shape how rural enterprise incubation is scaled across states.

In keeping with the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the two-day discussions are anticipated to yield practical solutions for expanding enterprise incubation throughout states and support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs under DAY-NRLM.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India easily defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets to begin their 2025 Men’s Asia Cup campaign. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill finished a modest chase in 27 balls.

Abhishek (30) and Gill (20 not out) dominated the UAE bowling attack with a variety of brilliant shots, making the chase easy after Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were instrumental with the ball, picking 4-7 and 3-4 as India cleaned out the UAE for just 57.

Together with captain Suryakumar Yadav (seven not out), the two made sure that India had their fastest chase in men’s T20I history, finishing the contest far earlier than expected with just 4.3 overs and providing themselves a huge gain in net run rate.

India, the current T20 World Cup champions, won with a resounding victory, surpassing their previous record of completing the chase in 6.3 overs against Scotland at the 2021 Men’ T20 World Cup, which was also held in Dubai.

It was a memorable evening for the UAE. Their bowlers had no solutions to halt a raiding Abhishek, Gill, and Suryakumar, while their batting was unable to match the caliber and tenacity of India’s bowling lineup.

In order to give the Indian squad a decisive victory, Gill went on the defensive to draw Simranjeet Singh beyond mid-on for four, while Suryakumar got off to his usual swish over fine leg for six.

Brief Scores:
UAE 57 in 13.1 overs (Alishan Sharafu 22, Muhammad Waseem 19; Kuldeep Yadav 4-7, Shivam Dube 3-4)
India 60/1 in 4.3 overs (Abhishek Sharma 30, Shubman Gill 20 not out; Junaid Siddique 1-16)

As the 21st century’s defining technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to boost global GDP by around $15.7 trillion by 2030, according to a report released on Wednesday.

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and FICCI jointly released a research that said, “More than 66 percent of developed economies already have national AI strategies, compared to just 30 percent in developing economies and 12 percent in least-developed ones.”

The report posits that the race of AI is founded on four interrelated dimensions: talent, data, models, and computation.

Although certain countries, like as the US and China, have taken the lead and many are concentrating on particular AI interventions, the majority of economies have the capacity to progress.

Due to data-rich surroundings, a few industries, including retail and financial services, are leading the way in the rapid integration of AI, according to the report.

Socially vital industries like public services and agriculture, however, lag behind because of financial issues brought on by ambiguous returns on investment and fragmented infrastructure.

Jyoti Vij, the director general of FICCI, stated: “AI is a strategic race that will determine economic and social leadership in the ensuing decades; it is not merely a technology fad. By working together, we can make sure that AI is a worldwide quest for advancement rather than only a competition for advantage.

Less than one in eight prototypes are deployed, and over half of AI pilots are abandoned before production, according to the FICCI-BCG research, despite billions of dollars in investments.

According to the report, cultural opposition, skills shortages, and segmented infrastructure are major obstacles.

The paper claims that people and process problems, rather than technology, account for 70% of the barriers to AI adoption, making it more sociological than technical.

According to the report, companies that make investments in workforce empowerment, cultural transformation, and reskilling are most positioned to turn AI into tangible economic results.

“The global AI race is exhibiting notable divergence. While less developed economies have not yet embarked on this trip, the bulk of rich economies have national AI initiatives, according to Saibal Chakraborty, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG.

In a major relief for startup founders planning to go public, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced on Tuesday that it has amended its rules to allow promoters to retain employee stock options (ESOPs) granted at least one year before filing IPO papers.

According to the official notification, employees who are identified as promoters or part of the promoter group in the draft IPO documents can now continue to hold or exercise ESOPs, Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR), or any similar benefit, provided these were granted at least one year before filing.

Until now, SEBI’s rules did not allow promoters to hold ESOPs or similar share-based benefits.

Startup executives categorized as promoters found the procedure challenging because founders who possessed such benefits had to liquidate them before submitting draft documents for an IPO.

The modification, according to the regulator, is intended to address issues that founders encounter during the listing process, particularly when businesses use reverse flipping to relocate their headquarters from overseas to India.

It is anticipated that this action will facilitate the initial public offering (IPO) process for businesses and give founders who were granted ESOPs before launching their public listing ambitions more freedom.

Due to clearing firms’ declaration of settlement vacations on September 5 and 8, 2025, the market regulator earlier this week updated the settlement schedules for the equity and derivatives divisions.

SEBI has announced that on September 9 (Tuesday), the cash and Securities Lending and Borrowing Mechanism (SLBM) segment settlement would take place for the trade days of September 4 (Thursday) and September 5 (Friday).

The market watchdog said on Monday that the settlement for trades made on September 8 (Monday) and September 9 (Tuesday) would be finalized on September 10 (Wednesday).

According to reports, Meta is paying contractors in the US as much as $55 (about Rs 4,850) per hour to create AI chatbots in Hindi for Indian users.

According to a Business Insider story, these positions are a part of Meta’s broader strategy to increase its AI presence in rapidly expanding regions like Mexico, Indonesia, and India.

The publication’s research of job advertisements indicates that staffing companies such as Crystal Equation and Aquent Talent are hiring contractors.

Character development for chatbots that will function on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger is the primary emphasis of the project.

In addition to having at least six years of expertise in character development, storytelling, and AI content processing, candidates must speak Hindi, Indonesian, Spanish, or Portuguese fluently.

However, Meta has not formally confirmed the hiring decision. However, the study discovered that Aquent Talent posted Spanish-language opportunities for what it called a “top social media company,” while Crystal Equation posted Hindi and Indonesian language positions on behalf of Meta.

Meta’s attempt to develop digital companions who feel culturally appropriate for Indian customers is demonstrated by the choice to hire contractors to create localized chatbot personalities.

In the past, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stated that chatbots might “complement real-world friendships” and make it easier for users to engage with virtual pals.

However, Meta has come under fire for its increasing emphasis on AI chatbots. According to earlier reports, some of Meta’s bots gave false medical advice, even generated racist comments, and had inappropriate romantic or sexual chats with children.

There have also been privacy concerns. As previously reported by Business Insider, contractors examining chatbot chats frequently discovered private information such as names, phone numbers, emails, and selfies, raising concerns about the handling of such data.

US politicians have demanded more stringent oversight of Meta’s AI rules in the wake of these disclosures.

India defeated South Korea 4-1 in the final on Sunday at Rajgir, Bihar, to win their fourth Hockey Men’s Asia Cup title. The victory guarantees India’s spot in the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands next year and is their first continental championship in eight years.

The home team’s goals came from Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, and Amit Rohidas, with Dilpreet scoring twice. Son Dain of Korea scored a consoling goal in the last quarter, but it was insufficient to stop India’s supremacy. Jugraj Singh came very close to adding to the score, but his penalty attempt was saved.

After crushing China 7-0 in the Super 4s, India went into the final full of confidence, and the win rounded off an unforgettable campaign. With two goals from Abhishek and goals from Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Sukhjeet Singh, that victory demonstrated their attacking depth.

After winning the Asia Cup in 2003, 2007, and 2017, this is India’s fourth Asia Cup victory. South Korea, which won five titles in 1994, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2022, is still the most successful team in the competition’s history.

Hockey India has paid out Rs 3 lakh to each player after the men’s team won the Asia Cup after defeating South Korea 4-1 in a thrilling final held at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Sunday. The stadium was crowded with spectators who came to support the home team.

The Indian men’s team’s support crew will also get Rs 1.5 lakh apiece. The eight-year wait for India to restore its dominance on the continent has come to an end with this victory. Additionally, India has earned a spot in the Netherlands and Belgium for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the Indian men’s hockey team after won the Asia Cup. He tweeted, “Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team for their fantastic victory in the Asia Cup 2025 held in Rajgir, Bihar,” on X. The fact that they overcame South Korea, the reigning champions, makes their victory even more memorable.

“Indian hockey and Indian sports are proud of this moment. I hope our athletes keep reaching new heights and honoring the country even more.

“I would also like to appreciate the Government and people of Bihar, whose efforts have ensured Rajgir hosted a brilliant tournament and has become a vibrant sporting hub,” he continued.

India’s two fifth-place finishes in 1982 and 1994 are their best results at the Men’s Hockey World Cup since they won the championship in 1975.

The squad has participated in all 15 of the tournament’s previous iterations, including the most recent one, which was held in 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Over 4.56 crore persons have filed their income tax returns (ITRs) as the deadline of September 15 draws closer, and the number of returns being submitted is increasing.

According to senior income tax department officials, people “should not wait till the last-minute” to file their forms because doing so causes inconvenience.

Tax return filing has been made simple, and the following is the straightforward procedure for individuals to file their own returns:

• Enter your PAN or Aadhaar and password to access incometax.gov.in.
• Select Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return under → e-File.
• Choose AY 2025–2026.
• Select the appropriate form.
• Examine the pre-filled information (bank interest, TDS, and salary).
• Choose the tax regime (Old/New) and add any missing income or deductions.
• Send in your return

Every year, the Income Tax Department releases a variety of ITR forms to accommodate different taxpayer groups. Making the right form choice is crucial since submitting the wrong form could result in a flawed return. The following forms apply to individuals and small companies who are not audit taxpayers for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26):

For Salaried People, ITR-1 (Sahaj)

According to the Income Tax Department, a taxpayer who receives income from their employer in the form of a salary, wages, allowances, perquisites, or pension is considered a salaried individual and is subject to the “Income from Salary” charge.

For individuals or HUFs (those without business or professional income), ITR-2

Individuals are natural individuals who are subject to personal taxes on their income from capital gains, business or profession, pensions, salaries, and other sources.

According to income tax legislation, HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) are distinct legal entities made up of all individuals who are directly derived from a common ancestor, including their spouses and unmarried daughters. Under the Income Tax Act, a HUF is taxed as a separate “person” and may receive income from real estate, businesses, or other sources.

If the return is submitted after the deadline, there is a late filing fee. For returns submitted after the deadline, a charge of Rs 5,000 is required. However, the late fee is limited to Rs 1,000 in situations when the total revenue is less than Rs 5 lakh.

In addition to the late filing cost, there is a monthly interest rate of 1% on the outstanding tax amount for late filing. In the meantime, ITR submissions increased by more than 25% between AY 2022–2023 and AY 2024–2025.

According to data made public by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), ITR files have steadily increased over time, indicating an expansion of the tax base and more compliance. As of July 31, 2024, a record 7.28 crore ITRs have been filed for AY 2024–25, up 7.5% from 6.77 crore in AY 2023–2024 over the previous year.

The plot of “The Bengal Files” centers on the Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots of 1946, portraying the bloodshed and its aftermath as a genocide and asserting that these historical events were purposefully overlooked or concealed.

The film’s cast includes Rajesh Khera, Puneet Issar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sourav Das, Mohan Kapur, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Anupam Kher, Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, and Mithun Chakraborty.

After The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, Agnihotri’s The Files Trilogy, which is based on contemporary Indian history, concludes with The Bengal Files.

Anupam Kher, a veteran actor, wished the team well and referred to the film as an “important film of our times.” He wrote: “To the entire team of #TheBengalFiles and @vivekagnihotri, @pallavijoshiofficial, and @abhishekofficl, congratulations and best wishes on the film’s release today. It is a significant film of our era. Kindly head to the theaters to see it!

In an open letter to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, Pallavi Joshi begged her to uphold her constitutional rights and permit the peaceful screening of “The Bengal Files” in West Bengal.

“Respected Madam President,” she wrote. I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart, asking for protection rather than favors.

On September 5th, the last book in the Files Trilogy, The Bengal Files, will be published. It recounts the atrocities of Noakhali, the anguish of Partition, and the long-suppressed truth of the Hindu genocide of Direct Action Day.

Since then, police have blocked our trailer, fabricated FIRs have been filed, and even publications have stopped running advertisements. Political party employees threaten my family every day,” she continued.

Joshi stated in her letter that “The Bengal Files” is subject to an “unofficial ban” in West Bengal, even if there isn’t an official ban.

“The Bengal Files is the cry of Maa Bharati, scarred yet unbroken, a story of survival and hope,” she continued, referring to the movie as the “cry of Maa Bharati.” Only you, as a woman who ascended from the periphery to the highest constitutional office, can fully comprehend what it means to bear such suffering and use it for motivation.

Pallavi said, “Madam President, I do not ask for a favor for a movie, but rather for the freedom to express art, truth, and Maa Bharati’s soul without fear.” My only hope is you. Please uphold our constitutional rights and allow West Bengal to calmly view The Bengal Files. With gratitude and respect, Pallavi Joshi, The Bengal Files’ producer.