India
Snabbit and InstaHelp each hit 1 lakh orders as hourly rates drop to Rs 29
Home services platforms Snabbit and Urban Company's InstaHelp each crossed one lakh completed jobs on Sunday, marking a significant operational milestone for both. Fierce competition between the two platforms has driven hourly household help prices as low as Rs 29 in certain areas. Urban Company also offered 30-minute service slots at just Rs 19, representing a steep discount for users. InstaHelp, which covers a range of household chores, has seen rapid expansion alongside this pricing war. The milestones reflect strong growth momentum in India's on-demand home services sector.
India PE-VC Investments Dip 6% to $20.3bn in First Seven Months of 2024
India's private equity and venture capital investments reached $20.3 billion between January and July, reflecting a 6% decline compared to the same period the previous year. July alone recorded $3 billion in investments, holding steady relative to last year's monthly figures. Despite the marginal overall drop, investors continue to show long-term confidence in India's private markets amid ongoing global economic challenges. Sectors such as renewable energy and B2B software startups have emerged as key areas drawing significant investor interest.
West Asia Conflict Drives Up Costs, Threatens Jobs and Consumer Prices
The ongoing conflict in West Asia is creating major cost management challenges for businesses worldwide. Rising commodity prices and elevated freight charges are making financial planning increasingly difficult for companies. The uncertainty may prompt firms to delay capital investments and scale back on new hiring. Consumers are likely to face broader price hikes across a range of goods and services as a result. To protect profit margins, many companies are weighing additional price increases in the near term.
Patrick Mahomes Returns to Chiefs Camp After ACL and LCL Injury Recovery
NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes has returned to the Kansas City Chiefs training camp following a lengthy recovery from ACL and LCL injuries. His wife Brittany Mahomes celebrated the milestone by sharing family moments on social media. Patrick also acknowledged a recent contract extension with the Chiefs as part of his comeback. He expressed gratitude for his family's support throughout his recovery and reaffirmed his commitment to Kansas City.
DMK accuses Congress of betraying alliance trust over Lok Sabha expansion bill
DMK has sharply hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he criticised the party for supporting a bill to increase Lok Sabha seats. Senior DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran alleged that Congress had traded the alliance's trust in exchange for ministerial berths. DMK has signalled a willingness to back the bill after reviewing its potential implications. The BJP sees the rift between the two INDIA bloc partners as an opportunity to advance its legislative agenda. Rahul Gandhi's remarks implicitly acknowledged that DMK could change its position on the proposed legislation.
Supreme Court warns Punjab over non-compliance with 15-year-old dues ruling
The Supreme Court criticized Punjab for resisting the implementation of a long-standing court decree regarding dues owed to Himachal Pradesh. Attorney General Venkataramani suggested a cashless settlement mechanism to resolve the outstanding power dues. While Himachal Pradesh and Haryana agreed to the proposed arrangement, Punjab raised objections to it. The court cautioned Punjab that it would face consequences if it continued to defy compliance. A final ruling on the matter is scheduled for August 12.
Delhi Police Find No Case Against Minor Who Made Remarks Against PM Modi
Delhi Police sources have indicated that no case will be pursued against a minor accused of making abusive remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Noida Police had earlier filed a 'Zero' FIR in connection with the incident. A Zero FIR allows police to register a complaint regardless of jurisdiction, which can later be transferred to the appropriate authority. The decision not to proceed suggests authorities found insufficient grounds to formally charge the juvenile.

Farooq Abdullah Links J&K Statehood to Terror Attacks, BJP and PDP Hit Back
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood in the wake of recent terror attacks in the region. He drew a connection between the ongoing militancy and the absence of full statehood for J&K. Both the BJP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sharply criticised Abdullah's remarks, rejecting the link he drew as unfounded. The two parties labelled his comments as 'illogical conspiracy theories', distancing themselves from his position.

Shedeur Sanders Outperforms Watson in Browns QB Battle at Training Camp
The Cleveland Browns are engaged in an open competition for the starting quarterback position between Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. Early training camp metrics suggest Sanders has the upper hand, with Watson struggling due to multiple interceptions. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has reportedly indicated a preference for Watson as the starter. Ultimately, the Browns' coaching staff will make the final call on who leads the team at quarterback.
Iran Says Deal With Oman Near to Establish Alternative Route Around Hormuz
Iran has announced it is close to finalizing an agreement with Oman regarding an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. The deal is described as respecting the sovereignty of both nations involved. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint, with roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply passing through it under normal conditions. Iran has effectively held control over the strategic waterway since the onset of the conflict in the region. Specific details about the proposed alternative route have not yet been made public.





