Various sectors of the economy, including real estate, are keeping a close eye on the upcoming meeting. According to media reports, the GST Council is expected to mull over a plan of slashing GST on cement, which is an input for the construction and real estate sector, shifting it from the 28 per cent bracket to the 18 per cent bracket.

According to industry experts, the previous four-rate GST structure often led to compliance challenges and higher input cost for sectors like construction, FMCG and automobiles. By rationalizing slabs, the government aims to simplify taxation, reduce cascading effects and improve ease of doing business.

With reduction in the tax burden on key materials real estate developers may experience a decrease in overall cost of construction that could translate into an overall reduction in prices for homebuyers. Moreover, developers believe that a simplified two slab GST structure would streamline tax compliance and reduce administrative burden ultimately benefiting the consumers.

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “The upcoming GST Council meeting is expected to bring a slew of reforms in the GST structure, benefiting the economy as a whole, and the housing sector is well positioned to benefit from the simplified two-slab tax structure of 5% and 18%. With the reduction in the tax on raw materials like cement, the overall cost of constructing homes would certainly see a noticeable fall, benefiting homebuyers in the long run.”

“These reforms are a timely development at a juncture when launching value-driven projects requires more careful planning for real estate developers. Looking ahead, India’s housing sector will continue to show signs of resilience and growth as the demand for quality homes remains strong,” he added.

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Shri Manoj Sharma, Director (Commercial), PFC, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of staffs, officials and employees. The National Anthem was sung in unison, instilling a sense of pride and unity among all present.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sharma highlighted PFC’s pivotal role in powering India’s growth journey and reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to support the nation’s development through sustainable energy financing. He emphasized PFC’s vision of driving India towards a greener, stronger, and self-reliant energy future.

On this proud occasion, PFC rededicates itself to the service of the nation by continuing to be a catalyst in powering India’s freedom and fueling its future.

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Mumbai, 16^th August 2025:  Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day with a series of meaningful initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, robust security practices and national pride. At its Corporate Office in Mumbai, the Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr. Debadatta Chand, Executive Directors, other senior officials and employees participated in the flag hoisting programme.

A key highlight of the day was the inauguration of “bob Forest” – a dedicated 6,000 sq.ft. green zone that has been developed within the Bank’s premises in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. With the aim to nurture urban biodiversity, bob Forest has been designed as a micro green habitat in the heart of the city.

bob Forest features over 100 indigenous trees and shrubs native to the Sahyadri Mountain range and Western Maharashtra region, a rainwater harvesting system, compost-based soil enrichment, and eco-friendly seating areas and walking pathways to encourage employees and visitors to engage with nature. It also includes a solar-powered gazebo, oxygen generators and a bio-gas plant, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to its environmental goals.

Further, Bank of Baroda also released its Updated Security Compendium – a critical document that consolidates the Bank’s latest internal security guidelines covering physical security, operational risk, & emergency response procedures and the updated regulatory guidelines as well. The document is aimed at fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness across all branches and offices.

On the occasion, Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “Independence Day is an opportune time to renew our pledge to our country and recommit ourselves to the values of unity, resilience, and progress. At Bank of Baroda, we strive to uphold these values daily as we diligently serve our customers and contribute to the nation’s growth. This year, we have also taken another step forward in our environmental journey through our urban greening efforts.”

Barodians across the country also enthusiastically supported the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, which invites citizens to proudly hoist the national flag at their homes and workplaces, celebrating the collective spirit of patriotism.

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In the Non- Executive category Ms. Ipsita Nayak, Senior Executive Assistant (HR) bagged the first prize, while the 2^nd and 3^rd spots went to Ms. Supriya Bhoi, Junior Engineering Associate (New Plate Mill) and  Mr. Dhobei Das, Engineering Associate  (Blast Furnaces).

In the Executive category, the first place was won by Mr. Siddhant Kumar Pal, Senior Manager (Blast Furnaces). Mr. Abhijit Pattnayak, Senior Manager (New Plate Mill) got the 2nd position while Mr. Gopal Chandra Bar Bhuyan, Assistant Manager (Oxygen Plant) bagged the third place.

Coke Oven Department was awarded for the highest number of participation in RSP Gaurab competition for the total 15 days. The award was received by team Coke Ovens led by Mr. Rakesh Joshi, CGM (CO & CCD).

The 6^th edition of this award, launched in January 2023 under My RSP-My Identity unique initiative, saw enthusiastic participation from employees, showcasing their strong bond with RSP. 2954 employees of RSP made entries in RSP Portal Employee Zone (both Web and Mobile App). Out of these 292 employees comprising 149 executives and 143 Non- Executives shared their feelings about RSP every day from 17^th July to 31^st July, 2025. As part of the initiative, employees were required to write at least one complete sentence of positive thoughts about RSP every day during the given time period.

A significant number of employees submitted their entries through the RSP PORTAL, EMPLOYEE ZONE OR MOBILE APP KARMI-MITRA, with a noteworthy portion contributing daily. These entries were evaluated online by a committee of Senior Officers without the knowledge of the credentials of the employees and submitted their marks on a daily basis. Based on their evaluations, the top three employees from both executive and non-executive categories were bestowed with the RSP Gaurab award.

The competition aimed to foster a sense of pride among employees and encourage a habit of positive thinking and speaking well about the plant.

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The celebration featured an engaging cultural program by schoolchildren from Ankur Tiny Tots, Bal Bhawan, and Notre Dame Academy, who performed songs, dances, and skits celebrating India’s unity in diversity. The event also included the release of tri-colour balloons by Shri Maitra and senior officials, symbolising freedom and hope. Additionally, awards such as the HOP Meritorious Awards, Health Champion Awards (2024–25), and recognitions under the Aawahan Policy were presented to deserving employees. The event was attended by senior officials, representatives from the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, union members, and employees with their families. Earlier in the day, flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at the service building, Ladies Club, and Notre Dame Academy premises, led by Shri Anurag Gupta, Smt. Kasturi Maitra, and Sister Manju Joseph, respectively.

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Mumbai/Bengaluru, INDIA: Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, marks this Independence Day with a heartfelt tribute to the people behind its jewellery.

The result, conceptualized by Social Panga and produced by The Yellow Shutter, is ‘India Makes Us’; a tribute to the skilled hands from across the country, including designers, gem specialists, and karigars, whose craft and passion bring each Mia piece to life.  The idea began with a simple question: How do we connect the soul of Mia to the spirit of India in a way that’s never been done before?

And the answer lay in the brand’s own story.  

For Mia, jewellery is personal. But the making of it is collective. From a designer’s first sketch to a karigar’s meticulous setting, each step is carried out by people from across the country, shaped by people who pour their heart and skill into it. Each piece carries the imprint of many, reflecting India’s diversity, unity, and creative spirit. Mia is proudly made in India, for Indians; with people from across the country coming together to make this magic happen. 

In ‘India Makes Us’, we show how these hands create artistry. The names featured in the film are those of actual members of the Mia team, whose shared effort transforms raw ideas into timeless creations. They come from different backgrounds, from every corner of the country, but are united by a single goal; to delight a Mia consumer, to make her face light up and her eyes twinkle the moment she wears our creation for the first time. 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9g3apw3z4 

Shyamala, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq says: “Every Mia design is a resonance between the mind and the heart. The creation then begins with a journey of hands. Hands that imagine, shape, and perfect. In this film, the names featured are not fictitious but are actually people who work in the Mia team, belonging to the designers who dream it, the gem specialists who source its sparkle and the karigars whose artistry brings it to life. This is our way of honouring their skill and spirit. By following the path of these hands, from the first sketch to the final polish, we celebrate the unity, craft, and pride that turns an idea into something beautiful. This Independence Day, our message is simple and deeply personal: Made for you. By all of India.”

In the words of Himanshu Arora, Co-founder, Social Panga and The Yellow Shutter:

“This campaign is about connection – the way different people, in different corners of India, work together to create something that shines. For Mia, each piece is the result of this collective artistry. By letting only the hands speak, we showed that beauty is never made alone. It’s made together, and that togetherness is the true spirit of Independence.”

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·         Complete waiver on processing fee

·         Lowest interest rate of flat 10.50% to all Defence personnel till 30th September 2025

Bengaluru, August 14, 2025: State Bank of India, the country’s largest bank celebrates the 79^th Independence Day by launching a special personal loan scheme for Agniveers – young men and women serving in the armed forces under the Government of India’s short-term Agnipath recruitment programme. Under this loan scheme, Agniveers with a salary account at SBI can avail loans upto ₹ 4 lakh without any collateral and with a complete waiver of processing fee. The repayment tenure will align with the term of the Agnipath scheme, offering maximum flexibility and convenience to our nation’s brave hearts transitioning from civilian life. In addition to this, the bank is offering lowest interest rate of flat 10.50% to all Defence personnel till 30th September 2025.

While launching the product, Shri C S Setty, Chairman, SBI said, “On the auspicious day of Independence, we are honored to launch this exclusive financial product for Agniveers- the young warriors who are serving our nation with dedication and courage. At SBI, we believe that those who are protecting our freedom, they deserve our unwavering support as they build their futures. This zero-processing fee is just the beginning as we continue to create solutions that will empower India’s brave hearts in the years to come.”

These initiatives build on the Bank’s long-standing commitment to the welfare of India’s armed forces through its Defence Salary Package that has long been available to Agniveers. The package provides a host of benefits such as zero-balance accounts, free international gold debit cards, unlimited free ATM transactions at SBI ATMs nationwide, waiver of annual maintenance charges on debit cards, complimentary personal accident insurance (₹ 50 lakh) and air accident insurance (₹ 1 crore), as well as coverage for permanent disability (partial and total) up to ₹ 50 lakh, among other privileges.

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Launched across YouTube and Meta platforms, Gas-O-Fast’s latest campaign proudly positions it as the Asli Indian Solution. Rooted in the country’s love for bold, flavour-packed food, the campaign champions jeera, India’s time-tested remedy.

Link to the campaign video: https://youtu.be/-vS0VfGZ8Ns?si=U87jjlRq1G1ho3iO 

Joy Chatterjee, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Head, Consumer Business Unit, Mankind Pharma, commented: “This Independence Day, we are urging Indians to ‘Be Vocal for Local Brands’ and reflect on a simple truth- if our food is proudly desi and our acidity is undeniably desi, our relief should be just as desi.” Gas-O-Fast isn’t just about treating acidity; it’s about reclaiming our digestive independence with time-tested Indian ingredients like jeera, delivered in a modern, fast-acting format. In line with the ‘Make in India’ vision, we are championing solutions that are made by Indians, for Indians, and rooted in our own wisdom.”

Gas-O-Fast’s Independence Day campaign goes beyond traditional celebrations, inspiring Indians to choose Made in India solutions for their healthcare needs. Celebrating the nation’s love for bold, spicy flavours, the campaign champions Gas-O-Fast as the natural, Indian solution for home-grown digestive issues. With the time-tested goodness of jeera in a modern, fizz-powered format, Gas-O-Fast stands out as an antacid that doesn’t just treat the Indian gut, it understands and celebrates it.

At the heart of Gas-O-Fast’s formulation is jeera (cumin), a time-tested Indian remedy for digestive issues. The brand brings this traditional ingredient back to the forefront in a fast, fizzy, modern format, reclaiming it as the smart choice for contemporary Indians who want effective relief rooted in Indian wisdom.

“Jeera isn’t just a spice in Indian kitchens, it’s been our digestive companion for centuries,” added Mr. Chatterjee. “We’ve simply modernized this age-old remedy for today’s fast-paced lifestyle while maintaining its desi essence.” 

The complete Independence Day campaign film is now live on Gas-O-Fast’s official YouTube channel and across its social media platforms on Meta.

Gas-O-Fast remains committed to offering effective digestive relief that’s proudly rooted in India. As a Make in India product, it brings together time-tested Indian ingredients like jeera with modern convenience to meet the unique needs of Indian consumers who enjoy the country’s rich and spicy food culture.

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In addition, people who will be in possession of a bonafide Invitation Card issued by the Ministry of Defence for attending the Independence Day ceremony will be facilitated with travel to and from the venue using special QR tickets supplied by the DMRC. The Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, and Delhi Gate Metro stations are the closest to the venue.

The cost towards such travel will be reimbursed to DMRC by the Ministry of Defence.

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