India's manufacturing PMI fell to 52.3 in July 2024, the lowest in nearly five years, down from 58.3 in June, as reported by S&P Global. Despite the decline, the reading above 50 indicates continued expansion. New orders and output growth slowed due to competitive pressures and subdued demand. Input costs rose at the fastest pace in nearly two years, squeezing margins. Employment grew modestly. Firms remained optimistic about future output, citing new product launches and marketing efforts.

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is meeting amid rising inflation concerns and global economic uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, volatile oil prices, and trade disruptions. Retail inflation has breached RBI's comfort zone, pressuring the committee on interest rate decisions. Markets anticipate whether RBI will hold, hike, or cut the repo rate to balance growth and price stability. The outcome will impact borrowing costs, liquidity, and investor sentiment across sectors.

**SSY vs PPF in 2026: Key Comparison**

In 2026, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers 8.2% interest, while PPF provides 7.1%. SSY is exclusively for girl children (up to age 10), with a 21-year maturity, whereas PPF is open to all Indian residents with a 15-year tenure. Both enjoy EEE tax benefits—exempt on investment (Section 80C, up to ₹1.5 lakh), interest earned, and maturity proceeds. SSY requires a minimum ₹250 deposit; PPF also requires ₹500. SSY delivers higher returns due to superior interest rates, making it ideal for daughters' future planning. PPF offers more flexibility with partial withdrawals after 7 years and loan facility. Both are government-backed, ensuring safety.

India's ONGC Videsh has received a U.S. license allowing it to resume full operations in Venezuela's Petro San Cristobal joint venture, where it holds a 40% stake alongside PDVSA. The license, granted amid easing U.S. sanctions, enables ONGC to restart investments, boost oil production, and repatriate pending dividends. ONGC is also exploring operatorship of the venture to increase output. This marks a significant step in India's energy diplomacy and efforts to diversify crude oil sourcing amid global supply uncertainties.

# कंपनी रिजल्ट कैसे पढ़ें

सिर्फ मुनाफा बढ़ने से रिजल्ट अच्छा नहीं माना जा सकता। शेयर खरीदने से पहले रेवेन्यू ग्रोथ, ऑपरेटिंग प्रॉफिट मार्जिन, नेट प्रॉफिट मार्जिन, कर्ज का स्तर और कैश फ्लो जरूर चेक करें। कई बार एकमुश्त आय या एसेट बिक्री से मुनाफा बढ़ता है जो टिकाऊ नहीं होता। YoY और QoQ ग्रोथ की तुलना करें। EPS, PE रेशियो और प्रमोटर होल्डिंग में बदलाव भी देखें। मैनेजमेंट की गाइडेंस और सेक्टर ट्रेंड समझना भी जरूरी है ताकि सही निवेश निर्णय लिया जा सके।

**White House Allegations & India**

Recent US allegations involve an Indian government official linked to a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US Justice Department unsealed an indictment implicating an Indian national with ties to India's intelligence apparatus. This has strained US-India relations, raising diplomatic concerns. India formed a committee to investigate, distancing itself officially. The allegations threaten the strategic partnership, impacting defense, trade, and trust between both democracies amid growing geopolitical cooperation against China.

Tamil Nadu government is set to begin rejuvenation of irrigation channels and ponds under the Valarum Bharatam-Gramin Rashtriya Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) scheme. This initiative aims to restore and revitalize traditional water bodies to improve agricultural productivity, ensure water security, and support rural livelihoods. The scheme focuses on desilting channels, strengthening bunds, and enhancing water storage capacity. It will benefit farmers by improving irrigation access, boosting groundwater recharge, and creating employment opportunities for rural communities across the state.

Indian lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar criticized Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for using the word "tolerate" while speaking about Hindus in Pakistan. Zardari, during a Hindu festival event, urged Pakistanis to "tolerate" Hindus, sparking outrage. Akhtar called the remark insensitive, stating that minorities deserve equal rights, not mere tolerance. He highlighted Pakistan's historically poor treatment of minorities and said such language reflects deep-rooted prejudice against non-Muslims in the country.

India's stock market transformed dramatically since 1991's economic liberalization. The Sensex, starting around 1,000 points, surged through key milestones driven by reforms like FDI liberalization, privatization, and tech booms. It crossed 10,000 in 2006, 20,000 in 2007, and despite setbacks like the 2008 global crisis and COVID-19 crash, rebounded strongly. Digital trading, SEBI regulations, and foreign investments fueled growth. By 2024, Sensex reached 86,000, reflecting India's emergence as a global economic powerhouse with rising retail investor participation.

India's Rs 70,000 crore submarine deal with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is nearing final approval under Project-75 India (P-75I). The deal involves building six advanced conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai. After years of delays due to procedural and technical evaluations, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is expected to grant final clearance soon. These submarines will significantly boost the Indian Navy's underwater combat capabilities amid growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari sparked controversy by claiming Baloch people prefer Pakistan over India, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and Baloch activists. His remarks came amid ongoing Baloch insurgency and protests demanding rights and an end to enforced disappearances. Critics accused Zardari of misrepresenting ground realities, pointing to widespread discontent in Balochistan. Indian media and political analysts also reacted, highlighting Pakistan's internal tensions. The statement reignited debate over Balochistan's grievances and Pakistan's handling of the region's political unrest.

# MP Board Datesheet 2026: MPBSE 10th & 12th Timetable Released

The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has officially released the datesheet for Class 10th and 12th board examinations 2026 on its official website mpbse.nic.in. Students can now download the complete timetable. Exams are expected to begin in February/March 2026. Students must regularly check the official website for updates regarding admit cards and exam guidelines. Preparation should align with the released schedule to ensure timely revision and readiness.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched smart ration cards benefiting 10.5 million families, replacing outdated paper cards with technologically advanced ones. The initiative aims to streamline the Public Distribution System, ensuring transparent and efficient delivery of subsidized food grains. Smart cards feature digital tracking, reducing fraud and eliminating bogus beneficiaries. This move fulfills Congress's poll promise of food security. The government plans doorstep delivery, enabling eligible families to access essentials seamlessly, strengthening welfare outreach across the state.

On August 15, Korean Liberation Day, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged messages reaffirming their strengthening bilateral ties. This date marks Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Both leaders pledged to deepen strategic cooperation amid shared tensions with the West. Their growing alliance has raised global concerns, particularly regarding alleged North Korean arms supplies to Russia for its war in Ukraine, which both nations deny.

India's government is reportedly reconsidering imposing Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions, a fee merchants pay to banks for processing digital payments. MDR on UPI was scrapped in 2020 to boost digital adoption. However, recent data reveals cash usage is rising, with currency in circulation growing faster than before. Despite UPI's massive transaction volumes, cash remains dominant, raising concerns that reintroducing MDR could further discourage digital payments and push users back to cash. The government faces a dilemma: banks need revenue to sustain UPI infrastructure, but charging merchants may slow India's digital payment momentum.