NATIONAL NEWS

India Post Set to Integrate Services with ONDC and GeM Platforms

India Post is working to integrate its services with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to enhance accessibility and compete with third-party logistics companies.

This information was shared during a review meeting with Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar.

The integration will enable features such as wallet-based prepaid bookings, centralised order tracking, and automated reconciliation with ONDC’s accounting systems.

The project is part of the IT 2.0 framework, a technology-driven transformation of India Post.

Currently, over 86,000 post offices use the new application; by August 4, 2025, all ~165,000 post offices will migrate to the new platform.

Upgrades include real-time track and trace, customised services for bulk customers, electronic proof of delivery, OTP-based authentication, digital payments, and open API integration.

Collaboration with GeM will provide API-driven automated pricing, centralised dashboards for payment tracking, and cash-on-delivery (COD) settlements.

The postal department has introduced centralised delivery centres for all mail and parcels, consolidating service areas of existing post offices.

These delivery centres offer flexible delivery options including Sunday and holiday deliveries, and morning and evening slots.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Partners with MasterCard

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department, in partnership with MasterCard, organized a strategic workshop at its office in Vijayawada to strengthen the state's appeal as a leading global tourist destination.

The workshop aimed to design immersive and world-class tourism experiences, specifically curated for MasterCard holders and international travellers.

The session concentrated on developing innovative tourism circuits, enhancing branding strategies, and improving digital outreach, with an overarching goal of turning ordinary visits into enriching and globally competitive tourism experiences.

The initiative is being driven under the guidance of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, and Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain.

APTDC Managing Director Amrapali Kata reiterated the commitment to making Andhra Pradesh a top tourism hub in South Asia.

A major outcome of the session was the proposal to develop a new tourism tagline and thematic brand identity for Andhra Pradesh.

The new brand is expected to be launched on World Tourism Day in September, leveraging MasterCard’s global marketing expertise and digital integration capabilities.

Discussions also included sustainable tourism models that prioritize community participation and encourage cultural exchange, ensuring long-term value for local stakeholders.

Delegates from MasterCard praised the department’s forward-looking approach and expressed their commitment to deeper collaboration.

They described the workshop as insightful and reaffirmed their confidence in Andhra Pradesh’s potential to deliver diverse and high-quality tourism experiences.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Develops First Scientifically Bio-Authenticated Monofloral Lavender Honey

India has developed its first scientifically bio-authenticated monofloral lavender honey, a significant achievement in apiculture and floriculture sectors.

The innovation was led by CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) at its Field Station in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

This development is expected to enhance functional foods, promote sustainable agriculture, and support rural enterprise.

The honey was developed under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Floriculture Mission.

It is positioned as a science-backed, market-ready product with export potential.

This marks the first time in India a honey product has undergone comprehensive scientific authentication.

Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, promoted under the CSIR Aroma Mission, has gained wide adoption in hilly regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed this initiative the “Purple Revolution”.

 

BANKING

Multi-Commodity Exchange Introduces Cardamom Futures Trading

The Multi-Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) has announced the launch of cardamom futures contracts.

Initially, contracts for August, September, and October will be launched simultaneously.

MCX had discontinued the cardamom futures contract in 2021 following a SEBI circular; now the exchange has issued a notification for its relaunch.

The symbol for the cardamom futures contract is ‘CARDAMOM’.

The trading unit is 100 kg, with a maximum order size of 5000 kg.

The tick size (minimum price movement) is ₹1 per kg.

The initial margin requirement is a minimum of 10% or based on the standard portfolio analysis of risk (SPAN).

The maximum allowable open position:For individual clients: 100 tonnes, For members: 1,000 tonnes or 15% of market-wide open position, whichever is higher.

The delivery centre is located at the exchange’s warehouse in Vandanmedu, Idukki.

This move signals a step towards enhancing commodity trading and provides better price discovery and risk management for cardamom producers and traders.

 

DEFENCE

32nd Edition of SIMBEX-25 Naval Exercise

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura arrived in Singapore to participate in the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-25).

SIMBEX symbolizes the strong and enduring maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The exercise began with the Harbour Phase, including:Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) - Professional interactions - Operational-level discussions - Deck familiarisation visits onboard RSN Vigilant and RSN Supreme.

These activities promote professional synergy and strategic trust, aligned with India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision and Act East Policy, emphasizing engagement with neighbouring countries.

Day 2 features the Opening Ceremony and a pre-sail conference discussing the sea phase.

The Sea Phase includes:Air defence exercises - Cross-deck helicopter operations - Precision targeting with surface and aerial platforms - Complex manoeuvring drills - Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

These exercises enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and strengthen the commitment to maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

SIMBEX is a testament to strong naval ties, showcasing mutual respect, professionalism, and a shared vision for a secure and rules-based maritime order.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Vice Chief of Army Staff, Retires After 39 Years of Distinguished Service

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has superannuated, concluding an illustrious military career spanning 39 years.

He also relinquished the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS).

His military journey began at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and he was commissioned into The Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.

He holds a Master of Arts degree from King’s College, London, and an Phil. in Defence Studies from the University of Madras.

He held various command, staff, and instructional roles across different operational and terrain environments.

He is known for his expertise in strategic and tactical dynamics, especially along the Western and Northern borders, contributing significantly to operational preparedness and national security.

He has been decorated with:Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) , Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)

 

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Zaggle to Acquire 100% Stake in Fintech Startup Rio Money for ₹22 Crore

Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited, one of India’s leading spend management companies, is set to acquire a 100% stake in fintech startup Rio Money for Rs 22 crore.

With this acquisition, Zaggle plans to foray into the consumer credit card space via UPI.

Rio Money, founded in 2023 by Riya Bhattacharya and Vivek Amarnani, is a fintech company offering equated monthly instalments (EMIs) through credit payments on QR codes via UPI.

This service is enabled through the co-branded Yes Bank-Rio RuPay Credit Card, launched in partnership with Yes Bank and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in November 2024.

Earlier in June 2025 this year, Zaggle had acquired a 100% stake in Pune-based enterprise spend management platform Dice and golf loyalty and travel solutions provider GreenEdge for a combined Rs 150 crore.

The acquisition of Rio Money forms part of Zaggle's broader strategy to deploy the Rs 595 crore it raised through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP).

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding week is celebrated every year during the first week of August (August 1 to 7).

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration that is observed in more than 120 countries.

World Breastfeeding Week 2025 aims to highlight the importance of breastfeeding which can bring the health and welfare of babies, and children.

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems."

World Breastfeeding Week is observed by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF to promote world breastfeeding week.

WADA was first formed on 14th February 1991. World Breastfeeding Week was first observed in 1992 by WADA.

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promote the value of breastfeeding for mothers as well as children.