Author: Neel Achary

India-UK FTA to Boost Trade from July 15

New Delhi: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to come into force from July 15, marking a major step towards strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement is expected to make several UK products more affordable for Indian consumers while providing wider market access for Indian exporters.

The trade pact is likely to benefit key sectors, boost business opportunities, and encourage greater investment between India and the United Kingdom.

Industry experts believe the agreement will help increase bilateral trade and create new avenues for growth in the years ahead.

Happiest Health Announces Entry into Healthcare Publishing Business

Bengaluru, July 14: Happiest Health has announced a strategic leadership realignment to strengthen its next phase of growth in its Knowledge Business. Under the leadership of Raghu Krishnan who has assumed the role of President & CEO – Knowledge Business and Chief Editor.

The appointment marks an important milestone as Happiest Health strengthens and expands its integrated Knowledge platform. The Knowledge Business has been the foundation of Happiest Health since its launch in 2022, creating a world-class health and wellness knowledge through its digital website, newsletters, the monthly print magazine, and summits.

The Happiest Health magazine is rated among the best health and wellness magazines by its readers while the daily Healthzine continues to grow its audience in India and abroad.
In his expanded role, Raghu Krishnan will lead the integrated Knowledge Business, overseeing editorial strategy and knowledge across platforms as Chief Editor. He will also spearhead new growth initiatives, including Happiest Health’s entry into BOOK PUBLISHING through a self-publishing platform.

Announcing the appointment, Ashok Soota, Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer, Happiest Health, said 

“Raghu has played a pivotal role in building a credible and acclaimed Happiest Health Magazine. In his expanded role, he will be the Chief Editor for both the magazine andthe daily e-Zine. The entire Digital and Knowledge business is being integrated under him, and he will look over its next phase of growth while driving new initiatives, including our entry into book publishing. The appointment of Raghu will take the Knowledge business to higher levels of excellence.”

Raghu Krishnan, CEO – Knowledge Business & Chief Editor, added

 “The Knowledge Business has always been at the heart of Happiest Health’s mission to empower people with credible, evidence-based health knowledge. I am excited to lead its next phase of growth by strengthening our editorial platforms.
We are expanding into new formats such as book publishing – We have few titles aboard for publishing. We would continue to build a trusted knowledge ecosystem that serves both consumers and healthcare professionals.”

RAKEZ strengthens international business ties through new wave of delegation engagements

 RAKEZ team welcomes the Indian delegation led by the Ambassador of India to the UAE Dr. Deepak Mittal

Ras Al Khaimah, July 14: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) continues to expand its international outreach, hosting over a dozen delegation engagements so far this year as interest in Ras Al Khaimah’s business environment continues to rise. The latest visits brought diplomatic, government and business representatives closer to the emirate’s investment landscape, sector opportunities and wider support ecosystem.

The most recent engagements included diplomatic, government and business representatives from Belarus, Ghana, India, Belgium, Latin American and Caribbean countries, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Italy. Through these visits, RAKEZ provided a platform for focused dialogue, market introductions and direct engagement with Ras Al Khaimah’s business community.

The delegations explored Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a competitive base for companies looking to enter or expand in the UAE and the wider region. Discussions touched on the emirate’s business-friendly environment, sector potential, ease of setting up, access to regional markets, and the support available through RAKEZ for companies across commercial, industrial and service-led activities. Several engagements also introduced first-time visitors to RAKEZ, offering them a closer understanding of the economic zone’s role in supporting business set-up, growth and market access.

The engagements also created opportunities to introduce visiting representatives to Ras Al Khaimah’s wider economic ecosystem, including the entities and partners that support investment, business growth and long-term market entry. For many international stakeholders, the visits served as a closer look at how the emirate is positioning itself as an accessible and cost-effective destination for investors, entrepreneurs and expanding companies. The visits reflected a range of interests, from exploring bilateral cooperation and future business delegations to understanding companies from their respective markets already operating in the UAE. Other discussions looked at resilience, adaptability and long-term development priorities, giving visiting representatives a clearer view of Ras Al Khaimah’s approach to sustainable economic growth.

The Italy-focused engagement also built on RAKEZ’s existing cooperation with B-CAD, supporting ongoing efforts to encourage Italian companies and investors to explore opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The number and diversity of delegations engaging with RAKEZ this year reflect the growing international interest in Ras Al Khaimah’s value proposition as a competitive, connected and supportive base for companies looking to grow. These visits are important because they create space for practical conversations around market access, sector opportunities and long-term cooperation. Through RAKEZ, delegations can engage directly with the wider ecosystem, understand the opportunities available, and build relationships that support future investment and collaboration.”

RAKEZ continues to play an active role in converting international dialogue into stronger business relationships. These engagements support the emirate’s efforts to attract companies, investors and institutions looking for a competitive base in the UAE with access to regional and global markets, while strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a destination for international companies seeking better global connectivity and sustainable growth opportunities.

India and Spain Join Hands to Build Resilient Supply Chains

New Delhi, July 14: India and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening industrial cooperation and developing more resilient and sustainable supply chains. The renewed partnership aims to expand collaboration across key sectors, promote innovation, and support long-term economic growth in both countries.

As part of this initiative, both nations will work together to enhance industrial partnerships, encourage investment, and create new opportunities for businesses. The collaboration will focus on improving supply chain resilience, increasing trade, and reducing disruptions caused by global economic and geopolitical challenges.

Officials from India and Spain emphasized the importance of closer cooperation in manufacturing, technology, clean energy, and advanced industries. By sharing expertise and encouraging innovation, both countries aim to improve competitiveness and support sustainable industrial development.

The strengthened partnership is expected to benefit businesses by improving market access, promoting knowledge exchange, and creating a more reliable and diversified supply chain network. It also reflects the shared commitment of India and Spain to fostering economic resilience and supporting global trade.

Both countries will continue to explore new areas of cooperation and work closely to strengthen bilateral economic relations, ensuring a stable and future-ready industrial ecosystem.

Markets Open Lower as Global Uncertainty Grows

Mumbai, July 14: India’s benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened lower on Tuesday as investors reacted to a sharp rise in global crude oil prices and weak international market performance driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The BSE Sensex fell 344.06 points, or 0.44%, to open at 77,272.34, while the NSE Nifty declined by more than 100 points, or 0.59%, opening at 24,068.00. The cautious start to the trading session reflected growing concerns over rising energy costs and uncertainty in global financial markets.

Financial and automobile stocks led the market decline during early trading. The Nifty Financial Services Ex-Bank index dropped 1.12%, followed by the Nifty Auto index, which fell 1%. Other sectors, including private banking, real estate, and media, also recorded losses as investors remained risk-averse.

Despite the broader market weakness, metal and healthcare stocks showed resilience. The Nifty Metal index gained 0.38%, while the Nifty Healthcare index edged up 0.14%, indicating selective buying in defensive and commodity-linked sectors.

Among the major stocks, Shriram Finance, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, HCLTech, Mahindra & Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finserv were among the biggest decliners in early trade.

Market analysts noted that the recent surge in crude oil prices, driven by increasing geopolitical tensions, is likely to keep investors cautious in the near term. Although India’s domestic economic fundamentals remain stable, sustained increases in oil prices could raise inflationary pressures and increase operating costs for fuel-dependent industries.

Experts identified 24,300 as an important resistance level for the Nifty and 24,000 as a key support level. A move above 24,300 could strengthen market momentum toward 24,530, while a fall below 24,000 may result in further downside toward the 23,800 support zone.

Global market sentiment also remained weak after continued military action involving the United States and Iran heightened geopolitical uncertainty. These developments pushed international crude oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising to $85.65 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbing to $80.42 per barrel.

Asian markets also traded lower, with Japan’s Nikkei, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, and South Korea’s Kospi posting losses. In the United States, Wall Street ended the previous trading session on a negative note, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closing lower.

Investors are expected to closely monitor global developments, crude oil prices, and upcoming economic indicators for further direction in the markets. Market participants remain focused on balancing near-term risks with the long-term strength of the Indian economy.

On the Eve of Bharat Tex 2026, India Prepares to Host the World’s Largest Global Textiles Expo

New Delhi, July 14: On the eve of Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile event, anticipation is building across the country’s textile and apparel ecosystem as final preparations near completion at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Set to open tomorrow and run from 14th to 17th July 2026, the event will bring together the full breadth of India’s textile ecosystem on a unified global platform. Organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation, a consortium of Textile Export Promotion Councils and Industry Bodies, with the support of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the event underlines India’s growing global leadership in textiles, fashion, sustainability, technology, investment and international trade.

Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 5F Vision, Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, Bharat Tex 2026 has evolved into a premier platform for business, investment, sourcing, innovation, policy dialogue and strategic partnerships across the textile value chain.

Speaking on the eve of the event, Mr. Naren Goenka, Chairman, Bharat Tex Trade Federation, said: “Tomorrow, thousands of exhibitors, 7,000 buyers and delegates from more than 20 countries arrive at Bharat Mandapam to be part of what is, without question, the most ambitious edition of Bharat Tex yet. Bharat Tex 2026 stands as a testament to the remarkable collaboration between the Ministry of Textiles, the Textile Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations, whose sustained leadership and invaluable support have been instrumental in shaping the event into a premier global textile platform.”

Mr. Bhadresh Dodhia, Co-Chairman, Bharat Tex Trade Federation, added: “With over 4,000 B2B meetings and more than 30 MoUs expected to be signed over the next four days, this edition is designed to convert conversations into commerce and opportunities into enduring partnerships. We have built Bharat Tex 2026 to be a platform where sourcing decisions, investment commitments and partnerships are made in real time, not just discussed.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), and Core Committee Member, Bharat Tex 2026, said: “From our State Investor Connect Sessions to over 100 knowledge sessions spanning trade, technology, sustainability and craft, this edition has been built to serve every part of India’s textile ecosystem, from the largest exporter to the smallest MSME. As we open our doors tomorrow, I am confident this will be remembered as the edition where Bharat Tex came fully into its own.”

1. Eight Partner States and Nine Exhibiting States Anchor Government Participation

This edition has seen strong government engagement, with eight Sponsor States: Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, leading the charge. Alongside them, nine States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Manipur, Rajasthan and West Bengal, are participating as exhibitors.

2. State Investor Connect Sessions to Strengthen Centre-State-Industry Collaboration

To strengthen Centre-State-Industry collaboration, dedicated sessions will allow Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu to showcase investment opportunities, industrial infrastructure, PM MITRA linkages, and policy support. This includes a focused PM MITRA Master Developer Session for Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

3. Business at the Core: 7,000+ Buyers, 1,600+ Exhibitors, 1.6 Million Sq. Ft. of Trade

On the business front, the third edition expects participation from over 7,000 buyers, 1.3 lakh trade visitors, and 20,000+ textile products, spread across 1.6 million sq. ft. of exhibition space, driving meaningful commercial engagement throughout the event.

Over 1,600 exhibitors will showcase India’s complete textile value chain including fibre, yarn, fabric, apparel and fashion, home textiles, technical textiles and ancillary industries, along with India’s renowned textile clusters such as Tirupur, Ichalkaranji and Ahmedabad. International exhibitors from 14 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa and Nepal, will participate, alongside institutional representation from the United Nations and European Union. Key industry sponsors include Trident, Vardhman Textiles, RSWM, Shahi Exports, Colorjet, Arvind, PDS Limited and Sattva.

4. Over 4,000 B2B Meetings and 30+ MoUs Expected to Drive Trade Outcomes

The platform is set to facilitate over 4,000 curated B2B meetings, 100+ B2G meetings, and the signing of more than 30 MoUs. These agreements span trade, investment, technology, sustainability, and market access, directly benefiting manufacturers, exporters, and global partners.

5. Global Business and Government Delegations to Deepen Trade Partnerships

Bharat Tex 2026 will host over 350 speakers including international experts, industry leaders, CXOs, policymakers and thought leaders from more than 20 countries, supported by a dedicated International Pavilion for structured cross-border engagement.

Ministerial delegations from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Cambodia and Brunei have shown interest in participating, reflecting Bharat Tex’s growing role as a platform for international policy dialogue and bilateral cooperation.

Industry and business delegations from the United States, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, the UAE, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, among others are also expected, creating fresh opportunities for trade, sourcing and investment. Special bilateral sessions include the India-US cotton partnership, India-New Zealand wool ecosystem, India-UK FTA in action, a Japan delegation engagement and Russia-focused textile discussions.

6. 100+ Knowledge Sessions to Support Export Readiness and MSME Growth

The third edition will feature over 100 knowledge sessions, including 39 panel discussions, 16 roundtables, 37 masterclasses and 8 State sessions, supported by more than 50 knowledge partners. Covering themes such as trade and investment, sustainability, Industry 5.0, innovation, technical textiles, fashion, policy and global sourcing, these sessions are designed to strengthen export competitiveness, support MSMEs and address emerging global market trends.

7. CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026 to Recognise Responsible Business Practices

Bharat Tex 2026 will also host the CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026, built around seven focus areas: Resource Efficiency, Energy & Emissions, Circular Economy, Sustainable Materials, Social Responsibility, Responsible Business, and Industry Collaboration.

8. Digital Platforms Powering Business Matchmaking

To facilitate seamless engagement, Bharat Tex 2026 will leverage its Mobile App and Pre-Fair Directory as integrated digital business platforms. These tools will enable exhibitor discovery, meeting scheduling, event navigation, QR-based lead capture, digital badge access, AI-assisted support and advance buyer-seller matchmaking, creating a more efficient and data-driven business experience.

A Platform for India’s Textile Future

As Bharat Tex 2026 opens its doors tomorrow to the global textile community, it will showcase India’s textile capabilities while embodying India’s vision of building globally competitive, resilient and sustainable textile value chains. By bringing together governments, industry leaders, exporters, policymakers, investors and manufacturers on a single platform, Bharat Tex 2026 aims to deepen international partnerships, unlock trade and investment opportunities, and strengthen India’s position as a trusted partner across global textile value chains.

Future Caribbean’s Global AI Movement

Future Caribbean‘s Global AI Movement Accelerates with Inaugural Agentic AI Assembly, Recruitment Continues Worldwide

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – July 13 – Future Caribbean hosted its inaugural Agentic AI Assembly from July 10–12 in Barbados, bringing together leading Agentic AI builders, founders, investors, and researchers for three days of hands-on collaboration focused on the future of open-source Agentic AI. The event was also live streamed, allowing a global audience to participate virtually, with satellite events held throughout the region.

The Assembly marked the next milestone for Future Caribbean, which had rapidly grown into a global AI initiative in just six weeks. Since launching its Global Open-Source Agentic AI Buildathon, the initiative had attracted nearly 700 builders, founders, investors, advisors, judges, and ecosystem partners from around the world, with applications and participant recruitment continuing as judging took place on a rolling basis.

Future Caribbean continued to welcome founders, developers, engineers, advisors, judges, and partners from around the world to join the initiative, collaborate with the growing global community, and apply to build the next generation of open-source Agentic AI companies with real-world impact.

Hosted at the Inter-American Development Bank Barbados Country Office, the Assembly featured technical workshops, live demonstrations, collaborative build sessions, and discussions focused on deploying AI agents to solve real-world challenges across industries including finance, energy, healthcare, tourism, and climate resilience.

The event was led by Lily Dash, Founder of Future Caribbean and Co-Founder of ACTAI Advisors, alongside Steven Echtman, Founder of ClawCamp, with special guest Ajay Yadav, Founder of The Vibe on Instagram.

“In just a matter of weeks, we’ve seen incredible momentum from builders and partners who share the vision of creating the next generation of AI-native companies for and from distributed markets,” said Lily Dash. “The Assembly was about turning that momentum into collaboration while continuing to grow a global community of builders. We continued to actively recruit participants from around the world, and by live streaming the Assembly and hosting satellite locations around the region, it became easier than ever for innovators everywhere to get involved.”

The technology was designed for distributed markets, and the Caribbean served as a strong example of such a market, with multiple currencies, legal systems, languages, and regulations. The initiative focused on coordinating technologies around that distribution. If the model worked in the Caribbean—a complex distributed market and one of the best deployment environments for companies—it had the potential to scale globally across other distributed environments. The Caribbean was not unique in its distributed nature, as much of the world operates as a distributed market.

Future Caribbean brought together an international network of partners including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), IDB Invest, ACTAI Global, ACTAI Advisors, Cayman Enterprise City, Export Barbados, ClawCamp, Highrise AI, MiniMax, OWC, The OECS, DMZ, and numerous global private sector, regional technology, and government organizations.

The Assembly built on the ongoing Global Open-Source Agentic AI Buildathon, where applications from around the world continued to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the finals at the New York Stock Exchange later this year.

By connecting world-class builders, investors, and institutions, both in person and online, Future Caribbean aimed to establish the Caribbean as a launchpad for the next generation of open-source Agentic AI companies with global impact.