ATM Cash Strain in India as Wage Strike Hits Replenishment Staff; DRI Seizes Protected Wildlife

ATM Cash Strain in India as Wage Strike Hits Replenishment Staff; DRI Seizes Protected Wildlife​

A strike involving cash replenishment staff across parts of Northern India is anticipated to impact cash loading operations for Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), prompting a review of industry strain. Simultaneously, authorities conducted nationwide anti-wildlife trafficking crackdowns, seizing hundreds of protected animals and ivory articles.

Banking Industry Impacted by Strike Action​

Industry players have highlighted the potential fallout from a strike organized by cash replenishment staff at companies such as CMS InfoSystems and Hitachi Payment Services in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Sources indicated that the dispute could extend to southern states, including Karnataka, affecting vendor-managed ATM operations.

The association representing the industry noted significant shifts in usage figures. Monthly ATM cash withdrawals declined from 570 million in January 2023 to 484.3 million in January 2025, marking a cumulative decline of 14 percent over two years. With approximately 250,000 ATMs (including white-label varieties) currently operating, the Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMi) urged banks to directly engage with operators to resolve ongoing issues and prevent "structural damage."

Wildlife Crime crackdown Yields Major Seizures​

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) announced a nationwide operation targeting organized wildlife crime syndicates, resulting in the seizure of over 440 endangered and protected wild animals and approximately 15 kg of ivory. Thirty-three individuals were arrested during the sustained operations.

Intelligence-led raids conducted across various states included:

• Rajasthan: An operation near Sujangarh on July 10 recovered around 11 kg of elephant ivory and apprehended four persons, who were handed over to the Forest Department for action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Multi-State Operations: DRI operations in several states led to the rescue of protected species including 15 slow lorises, two binturongs, 28 startortoises, six Egyptian vultures, and two shikra birds.

The ministry also reported that coordinated operations across multiple locations—including Bengaluru, Warangal, Pune, Surat, Chennai, Kolkata, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Srikakulam, Hojai in Assam, Rajasthan, Mysuru, and Howrah—resulted in the seizure of wildlife products such as pangolin scales, leopard pelts, seahorse-based products, and red sanders.

Breweries Association Urges Bihar to Lift Liquor Ban​

The Breweries Association of India (BAI) submitted a letter urging the Chief Minister of Bihar to consider lifting the state's liquor prohibition. The association requested that the ban be withdrawn in phases, beginning with alcohol consumption from low-alcohol content products (below 15 percent), which include beer and wine.

To mitigate potential future challenges, BAI proposed instituting a de-addiction cess on alcohol to fund at least one de-addiction center in each of Bihar's 38 districts. Additionally, the association suggested levying a women welfare cess on liquor sales in Bihar, aiming for direct investment in women’s welfare across the state.

BAI pointed out that prohibition resulted in the state losing an additional approximately 10,000 crore of indirect tax revenue over the last decade from ancillary industries and the hospitality and logistics sectors. The letter mentioned that 3,775,321 litres of liquor were seized in Bihar in 2025.

India Women's Cricket Team Secures Historic Test Victory​

In a landmark performance, the Indian women cricket team achieved a 270-run victory over England in the first-ever Women's Test match held at Lord's. India had set a target of 457 runs for the hosts. The comprehensive win allowed India to maintain its superior record against England; their only defeat came back in 1995.

KANPRPLA Stock Price Movement​

Kanpur Plastipack Limited shares slipped by 3.42% in post-market trading, concluding today at ₹196.06. The stock traded within an intraday range of ₹195.11 and ₹209.5, with a total volume recorded of 7,814 shares.