On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the return of Lord Buddha’s revered Piprahwa relics to India after a 127-year absence, calling it a moment of great pride and happiness for the country.

The Prime Minister emphasized India’s strong spiritual ties to Buddha’s teachings and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to conserving its civilizational legacy in a statement that reflected the government’s cultural vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (development along with heritage).

“A happy day honoring our cultural legacy! The return of the revered Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha after 127 long years would be a source of pride for all Indians, PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

These revered artifacts demonstrate India’s strong ties to the Bhagwan Buddha and his lofty teachings. It also demonstrates our dedication to conserving and safeguarding many facets of our magnificent culture,” PM Modi continued.

The relics were first found in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, which is said to be a portion of the ancient Kapilavastu region, which is connected to the early life of Lord Buddha.

During the colonial era, the artifacts—which included bone fragments, crystal caskets, gold decorations, and ritual offerings—were transported overseas and were recently rediscovered at an international auction.

We tried to make sure they went home after they participated in an international auction earlier this year. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to everyone who had contributed to this endeavor.

The Center began a coordinated diplomatic and legal effort to halt the sale and ensure the repatriation of the relics after the auction listing. The repatriation was successfully arranged by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and international legal specialists.

It is anticipated that the relics would be housed in a national museum or a well-known Buddhist heritage site so that people can pay their respects and discover more about their spiritual and historical value.

The proposed Income Tax Bill 2025 is simply intended to streamline wording and eliminate superfluous or out-of-date sections; it does not suggest altering tax rates, according to a clarification released by the Income Tax Department on Tuesday.

The explanation followed a number of social media posts and media reports that suggested the new bill will change the Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax rates for specific taxpayer groups.

According to some accounts, the current tax breaks for equity investments might possibly be eliminated.

News reports stating that the upcoming Income Tax Bill, 2025, would alter the LTCG tax rates for specific taxpayer groups are making the rounds on a number of media outlets. The department highlighted in an official post on social media platform X that the Income Tax Bill, 2025 seeks to simplify the wording and eliminate unnecessary or obsolete clauses.

“It doesn’t aim to alter any tax rates. Any confusion in this regard will be appropriately resolved when the bill is passed,” the department continued.

Without altering the current tax structure, the remark makes it apparent that the new legislation’s main goals are to simplify the law and make it easier to understand.

During this year’s February Budget Session, the Lok Sabha received the new Income Tax Bill.

It was then forwarded to a Lok Sabha select committee, whose report was just turned in.

The primary objective of the bill is to make tax laws more straightforward, up-to-date, and technologically friendly by replacing the existing Income Tax Act, 1961.

For the first time, the tax code has undergone a comprehensive overhaul.

The 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian champion of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup after defeating Koneru Humpy, 38, in an all-Indian final.

On Monday in Batumi, Georgia, Divya won the second quick tie-breaker game by defeating Humpy with black pieces. The winner was determined by a tie-breaker following two days of fierce classical chess that ended in draws.

After a stalemate in the first swift tie-breaker between Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh, Divya won the second. Divya’s victory guarantees her a spot in the Candidates event and helps her take home the ‘Grandmaster’ title. Divya wrote a fairy tale ending in Baku on Monday by defeating famous compatriot Koneru Humpy 1.5-0.5 in the fast tie-breaks of the all-Indian final.

Both players displayed tenacity and top-tier performance in the tight draws that closed the weekend’s classical matches. Divya, with the white pieces, established a strong position in the first game on Saturday but allowed Humpy to equalize late. Although Divya acknowledged she “wandered into trouble for no apparent reason” before holding on, the second game on Sunday was more evenly matched.

However, the young sensation turned the tide during the tie-breaks. Following a tie in the first quick game, Humpy faltered under time pressure in the second, making crucial mistakes that Divya took advantage of. With unwavering composure, Divya won the 2025 Women’s World Cup and became the fourth Indian woman to achieve the Grandmaster title and the country’s 88th GM overall.

After the final, an emotional Divya declared, “It was fate.” “I was considering the possibility of earning a Grandmaster norm here prior to the competition. In the end, I was promoted to Grandmaster.

Given the circumstances, Divya’s success is all the more impressive. She entered the tie-breaks as the underdog because it was generally assumed that Humpy, the two-time World Rapid Champion and current world No. 5 in classical chess, would win the faster format. However, according to the FIDE women’s list, Divya was placed No. 18 in classical, No. 22 in fast, and No. 18 in blitz.

The teenager from Nagpur, who won the World Junior Championship championship only a year ago, has had a spectacular ascent with this victory. She secured individual gold on her board and was instrumental in India’s gold medal drive at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

After the software giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced that it would lay off over 12,200 workers in FY26, its shares were trading down on Monday.

On the BSE, the share fell 1.7% to an intraday low of Rs 3,081. India’s largest IT exporter on Sunday announced plans to lay off around 2 per cent of its global workforce.

With 6.13 lakh workers as of June 2025, the IT behemoth intends to undertake layoffs across a number of areas and regions. The business claimed in a statement that middle and senior grades will be the most affected by the layoffs.

The decision, which TCS CEO K Krithivasan called “one of the toughest” he had to make, is meant to make the organization “future-ready and agile” in the face of quickly changing workplace patterns and technological advancements.

According to the allegations, the corporation is providing notice period compensation, extended insurance, severance packages, and placement support in locating other employment possibilities.

According to TCS, the difficulties in redeploying employees whose existing positions no longer match the company’s changing skill requirements are what are driving the layoffs rather than cost-cutting or automation. Demand in the IT industry is changing as a result of the IT giant’s present focus on the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies.

“TCS — the creation of the great F.C. Kohli and the pride of India — has triggered an economic earthquake by its announcement of 2 percent layoff in upper management,” Congress lawmaker Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

“A skills mismatch has been cited as the cause. In any case, the news is worrying, and the country can only hope that the tremor is an isolated incident,” he continued.

According to analysts, some senior professionals are finding it difficult to adjust to the contemporary, tech-driven workplaces, and roles such as manual testing are becoming less common.

The IT behemoth just revealed a Q1 FY26 net profit of Rs 12,760 crore, up 6% year over year. During this quarter, operating revenue increased 1.3% to Rs 63,437 crore. The company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 11 per share.

The US government declared on Sunday that there would be no extension this time and that the August 1 deadline for the imposition of reciprocal tariffs remains unaltered.

There is no chance of an extension for the Fox News Sunday TV show, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

“No more grace periods or extensions. Tariffs are established on August 1. They will be put in place. Lutnick was cited on the television as saying, “Customs will begin collecting the money, and off we go.”

Additionally, he stated that in order to persuade US President Donald Trump to lower a 30% tariff rate that is set to take effect on August 1, the European Union (EU) has to open its markets to more US products.

“The question is, do they offer President Trump a good enough deal that is worth it for him to step off the 30 per cent tariffs that he set,” Lutnick stated.

It is up to President Trump, who is in charge of this negotiating table, to reach an agreement, as you are aware. “We laid the table,” he continued.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, was scheduled to meet with Trump in order to finalize a trade agreement for Europe that would probably impose a baseline 15% tariff on the majority of EU goods.

To meet with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Lutnick took a plane to Scotland this past weekend.

Before the deadline next week, five nations have already inked trade agreements with the Trump administration. Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Britain are among them.

The much-anticipated agreement with the US has not yet materialized due to the tense negotiations between the two countries, whereas India is signing trade agreements at a breakneck rate, the most recent of which being with the UK.

To the ecstatic joy of fans and movie aficionados, the producers of the highly anticipated pan-Indian film “Mirai,” which stars Teja Sajja, released “Vibe Undi,” the romantic, heartfelt first single, on Saturday.

“The Genz Melody is here and it’s time to vibe and groove,” stated People Media Factory, the production company behind the movie, on their X timeline. Now available is #MiraiFirstSingle. A musical by @GowrahariK. #VibeUndu #VibeHaiBaby #VibeIrukkuBaby #VibeUnduBaby #VibeAitheBaby #MIRAI in theaters on September 5, 2025. Superhero Rocking Star @HeroManoj1 @tejasajja123″

Teja Sajja and Ritika Nayak, the lead duo, have breathtaking chemistry in the techno-beat song Vibe Undi. Armaan Malik created the upbeat song, while Gowra Hari composed the melody and Krishna Kanth wrote the words.

Actor Teja Sajja is preparing his next major project, Mirai, after making a huge impact with the pan-India hit “HanuMan.” Under the direction of visionary filmmaker Karthik Gattamaneni, the top production company People Media Factory is producing a huge, high-octane project.

According to sources, “Mirai,” which is being financed by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad, will revolutionize the superhero genre.

For those who don’t know, Manoj Manchu plays the film’s terrifying antagonist. Shriya Saran, Jayaram, and Jagapathi Babu also play important parts.

In addition to directing Mirai, Karthik Gattamaneni also serves as its cinematographer. Karthik wrote the screenplay for the movie himself, while Manibabu Karanam wrote the dialogue and contributed to the writing. Sujith Kumar Kolli has been the film’s executive producer, and Sri Nagendra Tangala, who leads the art department, has been instrumental in bringing the world of Mirai to life with rich visual detail.

Produced by People Media Factory, the production company behind popular films like Jaat and Karthikeya 2, Mirai will mark a significant advancement in the studio’s Pan-India expansion. Sources claim that the film will feature a record number of visual effects shots, pointing out that the teaser featured breathtaking visuals and cinematic scale.

On September 5, Mirai, which will be available in 2D and 3D, will be released internationally in theaters in eight different languages.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu congratulated visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his accomplishment of being India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms in a scene filled with diplomatic grace and historical significance on Friday.

President Muizzu celebrated Prime Minister Modi’s 4,078-day tenure in office, calling it a testament to his “unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people” while speaking at a formal banquet held in his honor in Male.

The ceremony demonstrated a cordial exchange of goodwill between the two countries.

“In keeping with the spirit of the two countries’ longstanding connections, we are honored to return that friendliness and goodwill tonight. Let me start by expressing my sincere congratulations to your excellency for becoming India’s second-longest serving prime minister today. President Muizzu remarked, “This incredible milestone of 4,078 days in office is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people.”

Along with key members of his Cabinet, including the Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, Finance Minister, and Homeland Security Minister, President Muizzu personally met him at the airport in a noteworthy gesture.

In the context of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi is visiting as the Guest of Honor at the kind invitation of President Muizzu.

In addition to marking the two countries’ long-standing relationship, the event serves as a reminder of India’s early acceptance of Maldivian independence in 1965.

The diplomatic meeting is viewed as a chance to reaffirm shared interests in the Indian Ocean region and to reframe bilateral relations.

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Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at this historic event shows India’s ongoing commitment to maritime cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional stability.

Prime Minister Modi has now completed 4,078 days in office without a break, surpassing the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s record of 4,077 days from 1966 to 1977.

As part of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant for Mother) and the Maldives’ ‘Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation’ campaigns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu planted mango seedlings on Friday, demonstrating their strong commitment to protecting the environment.

“India and the Maldives are acutely aware of the problems posed by environmental deterioration and climate change. Additionally, we’re determined to take every action we can to promote sustainability. President Muizzu and I planted saplings in Male this evening, bolstering the Maldives government’s pledge to plant five million trees and the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (a tree for Mother) campaign, “PM Modi wrote on X.

Today, the two leaders also co-opened the Maldives’ cutting-edge Ministry of Defense (MoD) headquarters in Male.

The 11-story structure, which faces the Indian Ocean, is a representation of the two nations’ deep and enduring defense and security collaboration.

This significant milestone strengthens the story of PM Modi’s enduring leadership and solidifies his position in India’s political history.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was greeted by farmers on Thursday, who described it as a significant boon to Indian agriculture and a watershed moment for the farming sector.

According to a farmer, who offered his opinions on the agreement, it will assist farmers shift from conventional farming patterns to more lucrative ones like oilseed and horticulture, in addition to increasing incomes.

“This is a really wise choice. It will assist us in resolving issues with water scarcity and crops. We will make more money if we cultivate and export high-quality fruits. There would be significant advantages to crops like soybean and mustard as well,” He said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer signed the historic trade deal, which guarantees zero-duty access to 99 percent of Indian exports, including a variety of agricultural goods.

It is anticipated that this will help Indian farmers realize higher prices and put their goods on par with those of their European rivals in the UK market.

One fo the farmer emphasized that a lot of farmers are trapped in the cycle of growing sugarcane and cumin seeds, which results in stagnant income.

Another farmer stated, “We may now investigate other lucrative crops because exports are offering better rates. It’s time to stop growing the same crops over and over again.

He added that encouraging oilseed crops will increase sustainability and lessen the strain on water supplies.

“Mustard, soybean, and fruits grown for export will not just boost our income but also support India’s overall development,” he stated.

With lower tariffs and quicker regulatory clearances, the agreement is also anticipated to open up the UK market for horticulture products.

“With easier access and improved competitiveness, Indian farm exports like spices, fresh fruits, processed foods, and oilseeds will now reach more global customers,” a different farmer said.

The FTA, which was signed during PM Modi’s visit to the UK, is expected to improve India’s economic ties with one of the biggest economies in the world and boost bilateral trade by roughly $34 billion.

The first Indian film to be shown at a Dolby Cinema in India is the action movie “War 2,” which stars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr.

This is a turning point in the nation’s cinematic narrative and viewing experience. Furthermore, the film is scheduled to be released in Telugu and Hindi at Dolby Cinema locations in North America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and numerous other international markets.

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and Yash Raj Films (YRF) have partnered to offer spectators a brand-new cinematic experience. With the delicate details and incredibly vibrant colors of Dolby Vision and the realistic and engrossing sound of Dolby Atmos, which bring artists’ visions to life by completely capturing their creative imagination and pushing the boundaries of their art, the film ushers in a new era in Indian cinema.

“YRF has always believed in pushing boundaries to deliver the most enriching cinematic experiences to its audiences,” stated Rohan Malhotra, Yash Raj Films’ vice president of distribution. From adopting Dolby Audio in the 1990s to being the first to use Dolby Atmos in our blockbusters to now setting the standard with Dolby Cinema, we are dedicated to telling stories that immerse you in the narrative rather than merely providing entertainment.

We are thrilled to usher in a new age of cinematic experiences with War 2, one in which Dolby Vision enhances every scene, Dolby Atmos makes every sound more engrossing, and Dolby Cinema creates a more memorable theatrical experience than ever before.

At India’s first Dolby Cinema, which opened earlier this month at City Pride Multiplexes in Kharadi, Pune, moviegoers can enjoy this intense action show exactly as the filmmakers intended. We are excited to establish additional Dolby Cinema theaters in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Trichy, Kochi, and Ulikkal, among other places in India.

“We have worked with Yash Raj Films for decades, and we have reached many milestones,” stated Michael Archer, Vice President of Worldwide Cinema Sales and Partner Management at Dolby Laboratories. With War 2 (Hindi & Telugu), which will be accessible in Dolby Cinemas in India and abroad starting on August 14th, we are honored to carry on that tradition.

Additionally, it is the first Indian film to be shown at a Dolby Cinema in India. Dolby Cinema offers an unparalleled cinematic experience, complete with immersive Dolby Atmos sound and breathtaking Dolby Vision graphics, all inside a setting designed to fully immerse viewers in the power of narrative. This marks a turning point for both our partnership and the way that movies will be viewed in India going forward.

A collection of popular songs from the album “Best of YRF” became YRF the first music company in India to offer a Dolby Atmos Music experience in 2020.

August 14, 2025, is when “War 2” is scheduled to open in theaters.

As the nation transitioned from an import-dependent mobile market in 2014–15 to a worldwide manufacturing and export hub in 2024–25, Indian mobile exports outpaced domestic demand to take the lead in production, according to a report released on Wednesday.

Net exports of mobile phones have been robust since 2018–19, increasing from $0.2 billion in 2017–18 to $24.1 billion in 2024–25.

India is developing a more sophisticated industrial foundation where sophisticated components are produced domestically, going beyond merely assembling imported parts.

Domestic Value Addition (DVA) increased significantly in India’s mobile phone production, both directly and through related businesses. According to a study conducted by the social science research center Centre for Development Studies (CDS), “this suggests a maturing ecosystem with stronger domestic participation.”

During 2022–2023, the total DVA (direct + indirect) rose to 23%, or over $10 billion.

With $20.5 billion in mobile phone exports (CY2024), the nation is currently the third-largest exporter in the globe. The results demonstrated that Indian success is driven by government support since 2017 and strategic integration into global value chains (GVCs) following the introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program.

In 2022–2023, the mobile phone manufacturing sector will employ 17 lakh people. According to the survey, jobs associated with mobile phone exports increased by more than 33 times.

India’s performance is similar to that of other Asian countries in that it prioritizes scale and gradually increases value addition. Over the next ten years, the government’s continued assistance in this area would be crucial, according to Professor C. Veeramani, the director of CDS and the chair of the RBI.

“India can replicate similar strategies across the electronics sector to position the country as a global manufacturing leader, with mobile phone manufacturing providing a blueprint for growth,” he continued.

“This study reaffirms what ICEA has consistently advocated that strategic integration into global value chains is critical for scaling exports, enhancing domestic value addition, and creating jobs,” stated Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), in response to the study’s findings.

“The data unequivocally supports our assertion that India has benefited greatly from its involvement in backward-linked GVCs,” he continued.