The Centre proposes exempting individual life and health insurance from the 18% GST. A Group of Ministers (GoM) supports this, pending a mechanism to ensure consumers benefit. States want the GST Council to guarantee the tax cut reaches policyholders, not insurers. The change could mean an annual revenue loss of ₹9,700 crore. The GoM will submit its report to the GST Council, which will make the final decision on rates and implementation.

India's women's cricket team has a chance to win their first World Cup at the upcoming ODI World Cup. The 15-member squad selected by chief selector Neetu David has the potential to achieve this feat. Opener Shafali Verma was not included due to her recent performances, but Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana form a solid partnership. The team also features young bowlers Kranti Goud and N. Shree Charani, and experienced players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues.

Indian shooters excelled at the 16th Asian shooting championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Anantjeet Singh Naruka won gold in skeet, beating Mansour Alrashidi of Kuwait 57-56. Maheshwari Chauhan missed a medal but helped India win team bronze. Vanshika Chaudhary and Jonathan Antony won junior mixed air pistol gold, while Gamberya Gowda and Girish Gupta bagged junior mixed team gold.

FMCG brands like Mondelez and ITC are prioritizing first-party data collection through q-commerce and D2C to gain deeper customer insights. This shift redefines media buying and product development. Marketing analytics evolves from gut feelings to data-driven decisions, influenced by AI, which mirrors human behavior. Concerns arise about AI scanning chats and mental health issues linked to AI chatbots. The industry is urged to share data experiences.

Monsoon rains can disrupt outdoor runs, but fitness doesn't have to stop. A simple home workout routine can burn calories and build muscle. The routine includes a 5-minute warm-up, 15 minutes of HIIT, 20 minutes of strength training, 10 minutes of core work, and a 5-minute cool-down. This indoor plan offers a great alternative to running, helping you stay on track with your fitness goals without going outside.

A Microsoft report indicates Indian companies are rapidly adopting AI, with 59% of leaders using AI agents to automate tasks. 93% plan to expand AI use in the next 12-18 months. Companies are redesigning operations around AI, creating roles like AI workflow designers. 90% of leaders see this as a crucial year to rethink strategies. Upskilling is a priority, with 63% expecting AI training to be a core team responsibility. The workforce is ready to embrace AI as a partner.

FMCG brands are increasingly focused on building first-party data (FPD) strategies, moving beyond traditional sales data. Digital media and q-commerce provide deeper consumer insights. Companies like Mondelez and ITC are launching FPD initiatives, collecting data through engagement-led campaigns, loyalty programs, and interactive games.

COS, the minimalist fashion brand owned by H&M Group, is launching in India with its Autumn/Winter collection. The first store will open in Delhi's Saket City Walk in October. Design director Karin Gustafsson says the brand chose Delhi for its location. The collection features textures and details, with inspiration from mid-century Elizabethan fashion and retro glamour. Prices will align with London.

Elon Musk-owned Starlink has partnered with UIDAI to use Aadhaar authentication for verifying customers in India. This will enable seamless high-speed satellite internet across the country. The verification process will be smooth, secure, and hassle-free using Aadhaar e-KYC. The partnership demonstrates confidence in India's digital systems and highlights Aadhaar's scalability and reliability.

The Manipur High Court has directed educational authorities to issue fresh academic certificates to Dr Beoncy Laishram, Northeast India's first openly transgender doctor, reflecting her chosen name and gender identity. The court's ruling upholds the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and sets a precedent for recognition of transgender rights in education.