Prada has refuted claims of violating Geographical Indication (GI) rights linked to Kolhapuri chappals after showcasing sandals inspired by the traditional Indian footwear. The luxury fashion house responded to a legal notice from LIDKAR, asserting that their sandals were simply described as 'leather sandals' without any reference to the Kolhapuri region or techniques.
Related news
Cryptocurrency thefts have surged to $2.17 billion in the first half of 2025, surpassing 2024's total, driven by a massive $1.5 billion ByBit exploit. This spike, detailed in a Chainalysis report, highlights growing vulnerabilities in digital asset platforms and the increasing sophistication of attacks. While CoinDCX recently experienced a $44.
HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank both reported robust earnings growth for the June 2025 quarter, fueled by increased interest and non-interest income. HDFC Bank announced a bonus issue and dividend, with net profit rising 12.2%. ICICI Bank's net profit grew by 15.4%, driven by income growth, while both lenders expressed caution regarding margin pressures and certain retail lending segments.
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.
NLC India, a state-owned enterprise, is in advanced talks with a Russian entity to secure lithium from a mine in Mali, Africa, a crucial move for India's energy transition. This initiative aligns with India's strategy to ensure consistent lithium supplies for its clean energy goals, particularly for electric vehicle batteries.
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.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an exemption for NLC India Ltd, allowing a Rs 7,000 crore investment in its renewable energy subsidiary without prior government approval or net worth restrictions. This decision supports NLCIL's ambitious renewable energy targets of 10.11 GW by 2030 and 32 GW by 2047, aligning with India's COP26 commitments and Net Zero goals.
India faces trade deficits with most countries having free trade agreements. These partners contribute significantly to India's overall trade deficit. Newer agreements show better utilization compared to older ones. Reviews of trade pacts with ASEAN and Korea are underway. India's reliance on FTA partners has increased, with imports rising. Efforts are ongoing to balance trade and improve agreement utilization.
RBI's new directive allows banks to accept voluntary gold and silver pledges for agricultural and MSME loans up to Rs 2 lakh, even within collateral-free limits. This aims to enhance financial inclusion in rural areas where gold is a liquid asset, enabling faster loan processing and reducing reliance on informal lenders.
Silver prices soared to an unprecedented Rs 1,14,875 per kg in futures trading, fueled by robust global cues and a weakening US dollar. Simultaneously, gold futures also experienced gains, climbing to Rs 98,138 per 10 grams amid strong spot market demand.