International
Qatar has become the eighth country to accept India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Indian travellers in Qatar can now make payments using UPI at select merchants, easing the need for cash or currency exchange. How the Integration Works The rollout is enabled through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Qatar National Bank […]
International
Russia has announced a partial ban on diesel exports and an extension of its gasoline export ban through the end of 2025. The measures are aimed at prioritising domestic fuel availability amid supply pressures. Reason Behind Move The decision follows a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which disrupted refining operations and […]
International
Satellite imagery suggests Iran may have carried out an undeclared missile test at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan province. The images show scorch marks on the launch pad consistent with a recent launch. No Official Confirmation Iran has not officially confirmed the launch. A parliamentarian claimed that the test involved an intercontinental ballistic missile […]
Business Industry
India’s smartphone exports in August 2025 rose by 39% compared to August 2024, reaching USD 1.53 billion. This growth was driven largely by strong international demand. U.S. Shipments Double Exports to the United States more than doubled, climbing to USD 965 million from USD 388 million a year ago—a 148% increase. This highlights the U.S. […]
Business Trade
The United States recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including shrimp, making Indian exports far less competitive in the U.S. market. This has prompted Indian shrimp exporters to seek alternate destinations to sustain their trade. China Emerges as New Destination Exporters are now turning to China, which is increasingly seen as a promising […]
Cricket Sports
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has signed a contract with Sydney Thunder, becoming one of the few Indian male cricketers to join Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Timing And Availability Ashwin’s deal runs for two seasons. He will be available to play from mid-December 2025, after he completes his commitments in the International League T20 […]
Defence National
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will formally retire its MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, 2025, in a decommissioning ceremony at Chandigarh Air Force Station. The jets will be flown out of squadron service, marking the close of over six decades of service in India’s skies. Last Squadron And Ceremony The final MiG-21s belong to […]