India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, has officially stepped down, concluding an illustrious 45-year career in public service. Known for his pivotal role in shaping policy frameworks and driving national development strategies, Kant served in various high-impact positions, including as CEO of NITI Aayog. In his farewell remarks, he expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve the country. Looking ahead, he announced plans to dedicate his post-retirement years to supporting startups and academia, with the aim of building a future-ready, innovation-driven India.
Meanwhile, global markets are responding sharply to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Gold prices have surged to nearly $3,450 per ounce, driven largely by the escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. Over the weekend, both nations engaged in a series of retaliatory missile and drone attacks, prompting fears of a broader regional conflict. Investors, seeking refuge from the uncertainty, have turned to gold and other safe-haven assets. The US Embassy in Israel and its consulate remain closed following missile strikes near Tel Aviv, although no American casualties were reported. In response, Israel has warned of harsh consequences for Iran’s aggression, especially after civilian targets were allegedly struck.
In a separate development in international travel, a Lufthansa flight bound for Hyderabad was unexpectedly rerouted back to Frankfurt after being denied landing permission in India. The aircraft had covered a significant portion of its journey before being turned around. Passengers affected by the incident were provided overnight accommodations and rebooked on alternate flights. Lufthansa has yet to issue a detailed statement explaining the reason behind the denial of landing rights.
Tragedy struck closer to home as Gujarat declared a state-wide day of mourning in honour of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 270 victims of the Air India plane crash on June 12. His body was identified through DNA analysis. As a mark of respect, all government buildings across the state are flying the national flag at half-mast. Rupani’s final rites are scheduled to be held in Rajkot, drawing tributes from political leaders and citizens across the nation.
In the world of technology, Instagram has rolled out two significant updates. First, users can now share music directly in their Notes from Spotify, displaying the track and artist currently playing. This feature is expected to boost engagement, especially among younger users. Additionally, the platform has introduced the long-requested ability to rearrange posts on one’s profile grid without deleting them, offering greater flexibility and aesthetic control to creators and users alike.
Tech enthusiasts are also buzzing about the launch of Dia, a new AI-powered web browser developed by the team behind the discontinued Arc browser. Unlike traditional browsers that focus on tab management, Dia functions more like an assistant, aiming to revolutionize the way users interact with the web. It is currently available only to former Arc users on macOS, but early reviews suggest it could significantly shift user expectations in web navigation.
On the financial front, HDFC Life Insurance has announced a record-breaking ₹4,102 crore bonus for over 2.19 million policyholders. This marks the insurer’s highest-ever bonus payout, reflecting strong fiscal performance. Most of the disbursements are expected to be made within the current financial year, offering a welcome boost to customer confidence.
For Indian taxpayers, the process of filing returns has become more streamlined. Form 16—a crucial document detailing income, tax deductions, and exemptions—can now be downloaded directly from the TRACES portal, simplifying the process for salaried individuals and improving compliance.
Finally, there’s a notable rise in demand for women-specific insurance products across India. Driven by increasing financial independence and tailored needs, insurers are designing plans that address maternity, critical illnesses, and long-term wealth creation for women. This trend reflects a broader shift toward inclusivity and financial empowerment in the insurance sector.
