India has emerged as a global leader in real-time digital payments, primarily driven by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Launched in 2016, UPI has revolutionized India's payment ecosystem, processing over 18 billion transactions monthly and accounting for 85% of the country's digital payments.
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Malaysia has placed immediate restrictions on the movement of high-performance AI chips from the US. This is to prevent unauthorized rerouting to countries like China. All movements of US-origin AI chips now need a permit. This move follows concerns about transshipment of chips via Malaysia. Malaysia is investigating reports of Chinese firms circumventing US export controls.
India is poised to produce its first commercial-scale, domestically manufactured semiconductor chip this year, marking a significant step in its semiconductor ambitions. IIT students have designed 20 chipsets, with eight already in the final design stage. The government's support through the India Semiconductor Mission and advancements in AI further bolster India's technological progress.
The government is preparing to establish the 8th Central Pay Commission. Consultations are underway with various ministries and state governments. This commission will revise the pay for central government employees and pensioners. The 8th CPC is expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026. The government revises dearness allowance twice a year to adjust for inflation.
Following the release of the AAIB's preliminary report on the Air India 171 crash, pilot associations ALPA and ICPA have voiced strong objections. ALPA criticizes the report's procedural flaws and perceived bias towards pilot error, while ICPA condemns speculative narratives suggesting pilot suicide.
US wholesale inflation remained flat in June, despite concerns over President Trump's tariffs. The producer price index showed a 2.3% year-on-year increase, the smallest since September. While some sectors saw tariff impacts, like furniture, others, such as steel, defied expectations. Retailers are feeling the squeeze, and the Federal Reserve is monitoring the impact on inflation.
The academic migration patterns of Indian students are evolving, with the US experiencing a slower growth rate of 11-13% through 2029. Ireland, Germany, the UAE, and Singapore are emerging as popular alternatives, offering attractive immigration policies and work opportunities. This diversification ensures continued growth in education loans, driven by the economic advantages of overseas education.
Improving your credit score is crucial for financial well-being. Paying bills on time, using secured loans wisely, and managing credit utilization are key strategies. Frequent EMI conversions and taking on new debt to cover old debts can negatively impact your score.
SpaceX has pledged $2 billion to xAI as part of a $5 billion equity round, strengthening Elon Musk's AI startup's position against OpenAI. Following xAI's merger with X, the combined entity is valued at $113 billion, with the Grok chatbot now supporting Starlink and potentially integrating into Tesla's Optimus robots.
Mercedes-Benz India is set to increase its prices by 1% to 1.5% starting in September. This decision comes as a direct response to the sustained weakness of the Indian rupee against the euro. According to MD and CEO Santosh Iyer, the exchange rate has remained consistently at the 100 INR mark, necessitating the price adjustment to mitigate the financial impact.