5G Phone Starts ₹11,999 Key Highlights New Delhi, July 24: Indian smartphone maker Lava International has expanded its smartphone portfolio with the launch of the Lava Virat V1 5G and Lava Virat V1, marking its strategic push into the online smartphone market through a partnership with Flipkart. Targeted at students, young professionals, homemakers and value-conscious buyers, the new Virat series combines Made-in-India manufacturing with a clean Android experience, durable design and competitive pricing. The Lava Virat V1 5G comes with an introductory launch price of ₹11,999, while the Virat V1 is available at ₹8,999 on the first day of sale. From the second day onwards, the prices will increase to ₹12,999 and ₹9,999, respectively. Both smartphones will go on sale from July 31, 2026, at 12 PM via Flipkart and Lava’s official website. The Virat V1 5G is powered by the UNISOC T8200 processor and features a 6.75-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 6000mAh battery, 4GB RAM with up to 4GB virtual RAM, 64GB storage, 13MP AI dual rear camera, 5MP front camera, IP64 dust and water resistance, and Android 16 out of the box. Meanwhile, the Lava Virat V1 is designed for everyday users and packs a 5000mAh battery, 6.75-inch HD+ display, UNISOC SC9863A processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 13MP AI dual rear camera, 5MP selfie camera, and IP64 protection. Commenting on the launch, Lava Managing Director Sunil Raina said the Virat series reflects the company’s commitment to delivering dependable performance, refined design and meaningful innovation for India’s growing digital-first consumers. Flipkart also highlighted that its Open Box Delivery service and nationwide reach will help customers purchase the smartphones with greater confidence. Lava has also bundled its Free Service@Home facility with both smartphones, allowing customers to access after-sales support without visiting a service centre.
Government Backs E20 Fuel
No Return To Pure Petrol Key Highlights The Central Government has clarified in Parliament that there is no proposal to reintroduce regular pure petrol (E0) or E10 fuel at petrol pumps. The government also confirmed that it has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending beyond the current 20% (E20), putting an end to speculation over higher ethanol blends. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel was carried out after extensive scientific studies, technical evaluations and consultations with automobile manufacturers and other stakeholders. Officials said any future move to increase ethanol content beyond 20% will only be considered after fresh research and industry-wide discussions. The government also clarified that premium petrol sold by public sector oil marketing companies will continue to remain outside the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, allowing customers who prefer premium-grade fuel to access ethanol-free petrol. However, regular petrol available across the country will continue to follow the E20 blending policy. Responding to concerns raised by some vehicle owners, the Centre stated that it has not received any widespread or verified complaints of engine damage, breakdowns or reduced vehicle life due to E20 fuel. Data collected from scientific institutions and automobile manufacturers indicates that E20 is safe for use in compatible vehicles and does not pose significant mechanical risks. The government acknowledged that vehicles originally designed for E10 petrol may experience a marginal fuel efficiency reduction of around 3–5% when running on E20. However, it maintained that this decrease is limited and does not translate into engine damage or major performance issues. Officials reiterated that the ethanol blending programme is part of India’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions, support domestic biofuel production and improve energy security. They added that the current policy balances environmental goals with vehicle compatibility and fuel supply logistics while ensuring a stable transition to cleaner fuels.
Government Eases FDI Rules for E-commerce Exports
Inventory-based e-commerce model now allowed for exports of India-made products; move aims to accelerate cross-border online trade and boost MSME exports. Key Highlights In a significant policy move to strengthen India’s export ecosystem, the Government of India has allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively for export purposes. The decision is expected to help Indian manufacturers and exporters access international markets more efficiently while ensuring that domestic retail regulations remain unchanged. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced that the restrictions applicable to inventory-based e-commerce businesses will no longer apply when companies export products that are manufactured or produced in India. However, the existing ban on FDI in inventory-based e-commerce for domestic business-to-consumer (B2C) retail continues to remain in force. Under the revised policy, e-commerce companies receiving foreign investment can own inventory only for exporting Indian-made products in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and the Foreign Exchange Management (Export of Goods & Services) Regulations, 2015. The move follows recommendations from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and industry stakeholders, who have been advocating policy reforms to unlock India’s potential in cross-border digital commerce. India’s e-commerce exports currently stand at around USD 2 billion, significantly lower than China’s USD 350 billion. With global e-commerce trade estimated at nearly USD 800 billion and projected to touch USD 2 trillion by 2030, the government aims to position India as a stronger player in the international digital trade ecosystem. Officials believe the policy will particularly benefit MSMEs, manufacturers and exporters, enabling them to directly serve overseas customers through online platforms. It is also expected to complement the government’s ongoing efforts to establish e-commerce export hubs and simplify export procedures. Industry experts view the decision as a major step towards increasing India’s share in global e-commerce exports without affecting the interests of domestic retailers, as the relaxation is limited solely to export activities.
Aadhaar App Crosses 4 Crore Downloads
Aadhaar App surpasses 40 million downloads, enabling millions of residents to update personal details, manage biometrics and access digital identity services from home. Key Highlights New Delhi: The Aadhaar App has crossed a major milestone of 4 crore (40 million) downloads, reflecting the growing adoption of digital identity services across the country. Developed to provide Aadhaar-related services through smartphones, the app has become a convenient platform for residents to manage and update their Aadhaar details without visiting physical centres. According to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), nearly 49 lakh residents have updated their mobile numbers through the app, while 11.65 lakh users have completed address updates directly from their homes. Since the introduction of the email update feature on July 1, 2026, around 12.5 lakh email addresses have been added or updated through the Aadhaar App. UIDAI has also made this service free of cost until December 31, 2026, compared to the earlier fee of ₹75, encouraging more residents to keep their contact details updated. The app’s security features have also witnessed strong adoption. Residents have used the Biometric Lock/Unlock facility more than 1.91 crore times, allowing Aadhaar holders to instantly lock or unlock their biometric data for enhanced privacy and protection against misuse. In addition to updating personal information, the Aadhaar App enables users to download e-Aadhaar, securely share and verify identity, and access multiple Aadhaar-related services from a single platform. The initiative supports the Government’s Digital India Mission by making identity management more accessible, secure and convenient for citizens across the country.
India Exports Frozen Fries to Iraq
APEDA facilitates Uttarakhand’s first export of frozen French fries to Iraq, boosting value-added agricultural exports and expanding global opportunities for Indian processed food products. Key Highlights New Delhi: India has achieved another milestone in agricultural exports as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export of 24 tonnes of frozen French fries from Kashipur in Uttarakhand to Iraq. The shipment, exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., marks Uttarakhand’s entry into the global market for value-added processed potato products. The export is expected to strengthen India’s processed food exports while creating new international business opportunities for exporters from the state. The company expressed confidence that the high quality of the product would result in repeat orders and help establish long-term trade relationships in overseas markets. APEDA has actively supported the exporter by enabling participation in major international food exhibitions such as SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India, helping the company connect with global buyers and expand its international presence. India continues to strengthen its position in the global processed food market. During 2025-26, the country exported 7.26 lakh metric tonnes of processed vegetables worth USD 932.25 million. Among these, value-added potato products accounted for 2.77 lakh metric tonnes valued at USD 289.40 million, while processed fruits and vegetables contributed nearly 10% of APEDA’s scheduled exports. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted that logistics costs remain a major challenge for landlocked states like Uttarakhand. He said APEDA is working closely with the state government on implementing the State Agri Export Policy, including transport assistance measures to improve export competitiveness and provide better market access for exporters. The growing processed food industry in Uttarakhand is also expected to create stronger demand for quality agricultural produce, encourage value addition at the source, strengthen export-oriented supply chains and improve farmers’ incomes through better market access. APEDA reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and food processors to strengthen export infrastructure and promote value-added agricultural products from India across global markets.
India’s Road Trips Gain Momentum
Uber Intercity Travel Index highlights rising demand for regional road travel as improved highways, safer mobility options and long weekend tourism reshape travel preferences across India. Key Highlights New Delhi: India’s improving highway infrastructure is transforming the way people travel, with road trips becoming increasingly popular for both leisure and weekend getaways. According to Uber’s Intercity Travel Index (April–June 2026), travellers are now exploring more regional destinations as faster roads and improved connectivity make intercity journeys more convenient. Among the country’s busiest travel corridors, Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Agra, Bengaluru–Mysuru, Lucknow–Kanpur, and Ahmedabad–Vadodara remained the most travelled routes during the quarter. At the same time, routes such as Delhi–Dehradun, Chennai–Puducherry, Bengaluru–Mysuru, Delhi–Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad–Vadodara recorded the fastest year-on-year growth, highlighting increasing demand for regional road travel. The report also showed rising interest in heritage, pilgrimage and leisure destinations during the summer season. Cities including Agra, Mysuru, Prayagraj, Ajmer and Udaipur attracted large numbers of travellers, while destinations such as Dehradun, Puducherry, Kochi, Nashik and Aurangabad emerged as popular choices for weekend escapes. Long weekends continued to play an important role in travel demand. Uber recorded a significant surge in bookings around the May Day and Bakrid holiday weekends, with some users completing nearly 30 intercity trips and others travelling close to 1,500 kilometres over the three-month period. According to Uber India & South Asia, the combination of expanding highway infrastructure and safer intercity mobility services is encouraging more Indians to choose road travel instead of conventional transport options. The trend is no longer limited to metro cities, with Tier-2 city connections now contributing significantly to overall growth. To improve accessibility, Uber has introduced Call2Ride (C2R), allowing customers to book intercity rides simply by calling a dedicated phone number without using the mobile application. The company also reported increasing demand for round-trip bookings, which provide travellers with greater convenience by eliminating the need to arrange return transportation separately. Uber added that technology-driven safety features, including 24×7 Safety Line, RideCheck, Audio Recording, Share Your Trip and expanded intercity route availability, have further strengthened customer confidence in long-distance road travel. With better highways, growing tourism demand and digital mobility solutions, India’s intercity travel ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, making road trips an increasingly preferred choice for leisure and regional connectivity.
Gold, Silver Outlook Mixed
Bullion prices remain under pressure as easing geopolitical tensions, stronger US dollar and Fed policy expectations weigh on gold, while silver continues to find support from industrial demand. Key Highlights New Delhi: Gold and silver prices are witnessing mixed trends in the global bullion market as investors assess easing geopolitical tensions, expectations around US Federal Reserve policy decisions and the movement of the US dollar. While gold continues to face selling pressure, silver has shown comparatively better resilience, supported by strong industrial demand. Market analysts believe that the recent decline in geopolitical risks has reduced the demand for gold as a traditional safe-haven asset. Investors are increasingly shifting their focus towards economic indicators and the likely direction of interest rates in the United States. A stronger US dollar has also weighed on bullion prices. Since gold is priced in dollars, an appreciating US currency generally makes the precious metal more expensive for international buyers, reducing demand and limiting upward price movement. Silver, however, continues to receive support from industrial consumption. Apart from being a precious metal, silver is widely used in sectors such as electronics, solar energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. Growing industrial demand has helped silver outperform gold during periods of market uncertainty. Experts say investors are closely monitoring upcoming economic data, inflation trends and comments from Federal Reserve officials for further signals on future interest rate decisions. Any indication of monetary policy easing could improve sentiment in the bullion market. Despite the short-term volatility, analysts believe that precious metals remain an important part of diversified investment portfolios. Global economic uncertainty, inflation risks and central bank buying continue to provide long-term support for both gold and silver prices. Market participants expect bullion prices to remain range-bound in the near term, with movements largely influenced by global macroeconomic developments, currency trends and geopolitical events.
Nestlé India Q1 Profit Surges
Nestlé India reports a strong first-quarter performance with 48% profit growth, robust sales expansion and higher exports driven by strong consumer demand. Key Highlights New Delhi: FMCG major Nestlé India reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of FY27, with consolidated net profit rising 48.3% year-on-year to ₹958.68 crore, supported by healthy volume growth, higher sales and a sharp increase in exports. The company had posted a consolidated net profit of ₹646.59 crore during the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Revenue from the sale of products increased 25.4% to ₹6,363.27 crore, compared with ₹5,073.96 crore in the same period last year. Total income also climbed 25.5% to ₹6,400.65 crore, reflecting strong demand across its product portfolio. Commenting on the results, Nestlé India Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary said the company delivered a strong quarter backed by healthy volume growth and continued consumer confidence in its brands. He added that exports remained a major growth driver despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, recording an impressive 35.6% increase during the quarter. Domestic sales also showed healthy momentum, rising 25% year-on-year to ₹6,073.05 crore, indicating sustained demand across the Indian market. The company continued investing heavily in brand building during the quarter. Advertising and promotional expenditure increased by more than 40%, while operational cost-saving initiatives helped maintain profitability. As a result, Nestlé India reported a healthy EBITDA margin of 24.2%, highlighting the company’s ability to balance growth investments with operational efficiency. Total expenses increased 20.7% to ₹5,070.03 crore, primarily due to higher operating costs associated with business expansion and increased marketing investments. However, the strong growth in revenue and volumes more than offset the higher expenditure. The robust quarterly performance reflects Nestlé India’s continued focus on strengthening its product portfolio, expanding market reach and enhancing consumer engagement. The company remains optimistic about future growth opportunities, supported by rising demand, premiumisation trends and continued investments in innovation and brand development. With strong domestic consumption, improving exports and disciplined operational execution, Nestlé India has started FY27 on a positive note, reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading FMCG companies.
Simple Energy Family EV Debut
Simple Energy to unveil its first family electric scooter on September 2, expanding its product portfolio with a focus on practicality, technology and everyday commuting. Key Highlights New Delhi: Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Simple Energy has announced that it will unveil its first family electric scooter on September 2, marking its entry into one of India’s fastest-growing EV segments. The launch represents the company’s next phase of expansion as it broadens its product lineup beyond performance-focused electric scooters. According to the company, the upcoming scooter has been developed through several years of in-house research, engineering and product development. It has been specifically designed to meet the daily mobility needs of families by combining practicality, modern technology and rider comfort. Simple Energy said the new scooter reflects its philosophy of building products from first principles, with an emphasis on engineering excellence and long-term reliability. The company aims to offer a differentiated ownership experience by integrating advanced features with a user-friendly design suited for everyday commuting. The launch follows the company’s recent introduction of the Simple Ultra, an electric scooter that offers an IDC-certified range of 400 kilometres, one of the highest claimed ranges in the Indian electric scooter market. With the family scooter, the company plans to bring the same engineering approach to a wider customer base. Simple Energy highlighted that its research and development capabilities extend across proprietary software, vehicle technologies and advanced engineering solutions. The company also claims to be the first Indian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to commercially manufacture heavy rare earth-free electric motors, supporting greater sustainability and reduced dependence on critical imported materials. The upcoming family scooter is expected to strengthen the company’s position in India’s rapidly expanding electric mobility market, where demand for practical, affordable and feature-rich scooters continues to rise. Increasing consumer awareness, government incentives and improvements in charging infrastructure are further driving EV adoption across the country. While the company has not yet disclosed detailed specifications or pricing, it stated that the new model has been engineered to deliver a balance of performance, efficiency and convenience for everyday users. With the September launch, Simple Energy aims to compete in the highly competitive family scooter segment and expand its footprint in India’s electric two-wheeler industry through innovation, locally developed technology and customer-focused product design.
Vivo Launches T5 Lite 44W
vivo introduces the T5 Lite 44W 5G in India with a 6,500mAh battery, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, AI-powered features and attractive launch offers. Key Highlights New Delhi: vivo India has officially started the sale of its latest smartphone, the vivo T5 Lite 44W 5G, bringing a feature-packed device aimed at users looking for long battery life, AI-powered productivity and reliable everyday performance. The smartphone is now available across the vivo India e-store, Flipkart and authorised retail outlets nationwide. Designed for young consumers, the vivo T5 Lite 44W 5G combines premium features with durability. One of its biggest highlights is the 6,500mAh long-lasting battery, supported by 44W FlashCharge, enabling users to quickly recharge the device and stay connected throughout the day. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor, delivering smooth multitasking, efficient power management and seamless 5G connectivity. The company has also included several AI-based features to improve productivity and user experience. On the photography front, the device features a 50MP Sony IMX852 primary camera, designed to capture detailed photos in different lighting conditions. The smartphone also includes vivo’s AI imaging capabilities to further enhance image quality. Apart from camera improvements, vivo has integrated a range of AI-powered utilities including AI Creation, AI Captions, AI Transcript Assist, vivo DocMaster, AI Screen Translation and Google Gemini. These features are intended to simplify daily tasks, improve productivity and provide a smarter smartphone experience. The vivo T5 Lite 44W 5G also focuses on durability. It comes with Military-Grade Durability, Triple Anti-Drop SGS Certification and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for everyday use in different environments. For entertainment, the smartphone offers a 17.13 cm display, which vivo claims is among the brightest in its segment. The display is designed to provide an enhanced viewing experience for streaming, gaming and day-to-day usage. The smartphone is available in Twilight Shadow and Wave Blue colour options. To celebrate the launch, vivo is offering attractive introductory benefits. Customers purchasing the device using eligible HDFC Bank, SBI Bank and Axis Bank cards can avail an instant discount of ₹1,500. The company is also providing up to three months of No-Cost EMI, making the smartphone more accessible for buyers. These launch offers are available for a limited period and are subject to applicable terms and conditions. With its combination of a large battery, fast charging, AI-powered software features, durable design and 5G connectivity, the vivo T5 Lite 44W 5G aims to strengthen the company’s presence in India’s competitive mid-range smartphone segment.
