Motilal Oswal chairman Raamdeo Agrawal criticized Zepto's IPO timing, calling it premature for the quick-commerce startup. He argued that Zepto, still burning cash and yet to achieve sustained profitability, should have remained in private markets longer to mature its business model. Despite Zepto's rapid revenue growth, Agrawal expressed concerns over its lack of consistent profits and high valuations, suggesting public market investors bear unnecessary risk. He emphasized that companies should ideally demonstrate profitability before listing to protect retail investors.

Yes Bank has returned to the bond market, marking a significant milestone years after its controversial Additional Tier-1 (AT1) bond write-off in 2020, which wiped out ₹8,415 crore of investor wealth during its RBI-led restructuring. The write-off shook investor confidence and sparked legal battles. Now, the bank's re-entry signals improved financial health, stronger capital adequacy, and restored market trust. This move reflects Yes Bank's recovery journey post-rescue by SBI-led consortium, aiming to raise capital for growth and lending expansion.

European stock markets rose on Tuesday, shrugging off geopolitical tensions as mining stocks led the rally, buoyed by rising commodity prices. The pan-European STOXX 600 index posted solid gains, with basic resources outperforming other sectors amid stronger metal prices. Investors looked past ongoing concerns over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East instability, focusing instead on positive corporate earnings and hopes for central bank rate cuts. Defensive sectors also gained, reflecting cautious optimism across markets.

Ahead of India's Independence Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that over 200 operatives linked to ISI-backed terrorist groups were arrested across the country. The crackdowns were part of heightened security measures to prevent any potential terror attacks during the celebrations. Intelligence agencies and security forces conducted coordinated operations targeting sleeper cells and networks funded by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Shah assured citizens of robust security arrangements, emphasizing the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and cross-border threats to national security.

India's Defence Ministry signed a ₹1.9 crore lease agreement for two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from US-based General Atomics for the Indian Navy. These unarmed, high-altitude, long-endurance drones will enhance maritime surveillance across the Indian Ocean Region, bolstering anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering capabilities. The lease precedes India's larger planned acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones for all three services, valued at approximately $3 billion, strengthening India-US defence ties.

Former US Congressman Matt Gaetz claimed that discussions have taken place within US political circles about the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear facilities. The explosive allegation raised serious concerns about escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The claim came amid ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program, with the US pushing for stricter measures. Officials largely distanced themselves from such extreme rhetoric, but the statement fueled debate over US foreign policy and military options in the Middle East.

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army during his visit to Kathmandu. He received a Guard of Honour at the Nepal Army headquarters. This tradition dates back to 1950, symbolizing the strong bilateral military ties between India and Nepal. The honour is mutually exchanged, as Nepal's Army Chief also holds an honorary General rank of the Indian Army. The visit aims to strengthen defense cooperation, enhance military diplomacy, and reinforce the historic bond between the two neighbouring nations' armed forces.

The Union Education Ministry has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all examination processes following irregularities in the UGC-NET 2026 exam. The government ordered NTA to take corrective steps to ensure transparency and integrity in future exams. A re-test has been announced after concerns over paper leaks and procedural lapses emerged. NTA has been asked to review security protocols, question paper handling, and centre management to restore public trust in the national examination system.

India's urban crisis extends beyond crumbling infrastructure. Experts argue citizens themselves contribute significantly to urban decay through littering, encroaching public spaces, violating traffic rules, illegal construction, and civic apathy. Despite government investments in Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat missions, lack of civic responsibility undermines progress. Residents often blame authorities while ignoring their own role in pollution, waste mismanagement, and disregard for public property. The piece highlights that sustainable urban development requires behavioral change alongside policy reforms, urging collective accountability for cleaner, better-planned cities.

A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander died under mysterious circumstances in Pakistan, just days after a terror operative linked to the group claimed responsibility for an attack that killed 30 people. The commander's sudden death has raised suspicions of internal conflict, a possible silencing operation, or involvement by intelligence agencies. Pakistani authorities have not disclosed details about the cause of death. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about terror networks operating from Pakistani soil and the instability within militant organizations. India and international agencies are closely monitoring the situation, demanding accountability from Pakistan regarding harboring terror outfits.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative from the state. The accused allegedly collected donations from various madrasas across India and funneled the funds to the Pakistan-based terror outfit. The ATS revealed that the suspect had been operating covertly, using religious institutions as a cover to channel money supporting terrorist activities. Authorities are investigating his network and possible links to other operatives. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns over terror financing in India.

The USS Benfold, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, suffered a complete power failure while operating in the South China Sea, leaving the crew without functioning toilets, air conditioning, and galley (kitchen) facilities for four days. Sailors endured extreme heat and unsanitary conditions aboard the Arleigh Burke-class warship. The incident raised concerns about Navy ship maintenance, crew welfare, and operational readiness in a strategically vital region where tensions with China remain high. The Navy acknowledged the event and worked to restore systems.

# India Skills Report 2026: States With Most Job-Ready Youth

The India Skills Report 2026 reveals Maharashtra tops the list with the highest percentage of job-ready youth, followed by states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The report, prepared by Wheebox in collaboration with agencies like CII and AICTE, assessed employability across domains. Overall national employability stands around 54.81%, showing improvement. Engineering, MBA, and professional course graduates scored higher. The report emphasizes skill gaps in AI, digital literacy, and communication, urging academia-industry collaboration to boost workforce readiness across India.

The Odisha government has scrapped the six-attempt limit for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) exam, allowing general category candidates to appear unlimited times until they reach the upper age limit of 42 years. This landmark decision aligns Odisha with reforms seen in other states and the UPSC pattern. Previously, general candidates were restricted to six attempts, creating undue pressure. The move aims to provide equal opportunities, reduce stress, and encourage aspirants to pursue their civil services dream without fear of exhausting attempts prematurely.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed in an RTI reply that it does not maintain data on how many passports have been issued to non-citizens. This admission raised serious concerns about potential passport fraud and national security vulnerabilities. Critics questioned how the government can ensure passport integrity without tracking such data. The revelation comes amid ongoing debates over illegal immigration and citizenship verification. Opposition parties demanded accountability, urging stronger verification systems to prevent unauthorized passport issuance to ineligible individuals.