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Weekly News Platter |
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8 Aug, 2026, 04:53PM IST, PTI |
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Hello Reader,
In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
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 China tightens business visas for Indians, disrupting manufacturing operations |
| Indian executives report significant difficulties obtaining Chinese business visas recently. Visa application approvals have dropped sharply for many companies in key sectors. This situation impacts manufacturing operations and project execution for Indian firms. India relies heavily on China for essential components and capital equipment. The Indian government is aware and considering diplomatic engagement with Beijing. Read more |
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 Will UPI become chargeable? FM Niramala Sitharaman clears the air |
| Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified merchant discount rates will not affect customers. She stated that merchants will bear any charges on digital transactions. A parliamentary bill will empower the government to notify free electronic transactions. A committee will review merchant discount rates after the bill passes. This clarification addresses concerns about increased costs for ordinary people. Read more |
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 Air India hikes pilot pay as airlines battle to retain cockpit crew |
| In a bid to enhance pilot retention, Air India and Air India Express have announced a salary hike of nine to fifteen percent. This initiative comes in response to fierce competition with IndiGo and other Middle Eastern carriers. Senior pilots, flying for forty hours per month, will now receive nearly seven lakh rupees. Read more |
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 US may end H-1B job-loss grace period for foreign workers; Indians could face impact |
| The US Department of Homeland Security may eliminate a 60-day grace period for certain foreign workers. This proposed change could significantly impact Indian professionals working in the United States. Currently, this period allows workers time to find new employment or depart the country. The proposal is under review and has not yet taken effect. If finalized, the rule would require immediate departure after job termination. Read more |
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 RBI classifies Tata Sons as Upper-Layer NBFC under revised framework |
| The Reserve Bank of India has classified Tata Sons as an Upper Layer NBFC. This classification follows revised norms for financial companies with significant assets. Tata Sons now faces enhanced regulatory and supervisory scrutiny from the central bank. The company must also comply with listing requirements within three years. This move impacts systemically important non-banking financial companies across India. Read more |
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 India begins efforts to join French-led sixth-generation fighter jet programme |
| India has begun efforts to join France's sixth-generation fighter jet development program. This collaborative approach is seen as more feasible for future combat aircraft. Discussions on this potential partnership occurred at the defense minister level. France's previous sixth-generation program with Germany faced cancellation due to disagreements. This opens an opportunity for a new India-France joint venture. Read more |
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 US sanctions bill makes India-US trade deal more critical, may push up import bill: Economist |
| Proposed US sanctions legislation makes India's trade deal with the United States more critical. Any disruption to crude supplies could raise India's import bill significantly. This situation may pressure the Indian rupee and impact the current account deficit. India will need to assess crude imports depending on ongoing US negotiations. The outcome of these talks will determine India's future energy import strategies. Read more |
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 India asks Meta to revamp algorithms, submit roadmap to fight deepfakes |
| MeitY has directed Meta to revamp algorithms and provide a compliance roadmap. Officials also asked Meta to tighten content moderation and act faster on takedown requests. The directive came after Meta admitted gaps in its current systems for harmful content. Discussions focused on algorithmic changes to limit propaganda and manipulated media spread. Read more |
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 India tops Canada deportation list as 3,323 Indians removed in first half of 2026 |
| Canada deported 3,323 Indian nationals in the first six months of 2026. This figure places India at the top of Canada's deportation list for the period. The number of Indian nationals removed from Canada has significantly increased since 2021. Mexico and Haiti follow India in the number of deportations during this time. Thousands of Indian nationals also have removal cases currently in progress. Read more |
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 100% tariff threat looms over India as US senate passes Russia sanctions bill |
| The US Senate passed a sanctions bill targeting Russia's energy sector. This legislation grants the President power to impose tariffs on major oil buyers. India and China are among the top five purchasers of Russian oil. The bill aims to reinforce support for Ukraine and pressure Russia. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more |
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 July thali costs rise as onions, oil and LPG get costlier: Report |
| Home-cooked thali costs increased in July due to higher onion and oil prices. Vegetable oil and LPG cylinder prices also saw significant year-on-year increases. Onion prices climbed as rabi stocks entered the market and crop damage occurred. Potato and tomato prices declined, partially offsetting the overall cost rise. Future onion prices are expected to remain firm, while tomato prices may strengthen later. Read more |
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 GI-tagged Mithila Makhana makes first sea shipment from Bihar to Australia |
| Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has been exported to Australia for the first time. This significant shipment of eighteen metric tons directly benefited local farmers in Darbhanga. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority facilitated this historic sea route export. Modern facilities are preparing Bihar's agricultural products to meet global quality standards. Read more |
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 Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign joint defence deal amid regional turmoil |
| Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense pact in Mecca. This agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. The pact follows years of regional conflict and instability. It builds on existing military ties and promotes regional security. The three nations seek to enhance their collective security and stability. Read more |
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 Delhi HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100% purity' claims |
| While issuing notice to the government and Fssai, Justice Amit Mahajan said Dabur has made out a prima facie case for grant of stay of Monday's ban order, as such sudden restrictions could not have been imposed without issuing a show-cause notice or hearing the company. Read more |
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Reliance Industries books supertanker at record $23-25 million freight to lift Iraqi crude
India’s $40 billion Russian oil lifeline shouldn’t buckle under Trump’s 100% tariff threat: GTRI
India warned Diageo that its whisky's 'matured in American oak casks' claim was misleading
Xiaomi India launches Mijia sub-brand, plans big push into home appliances
Cockroach Janta Party unveils national team, Abhijeet Dipke named convener, check full list
Tarun Tejpal, former Tehelka editor, sentenced to 10 years in jail for rape in 2013 sexual assault case