3, Jul 2026
Gujarat Boosts Chip Talent Ecosystem with New IIT Gandhinagar Facility
Gandhinagar, July 3: The Government of Gujarat has announced plans to set up a semiconductor research and training hub at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, backed by an investment of ₹190 crore.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem by promoting advanced research, skill development, and industry-ready training in chip design and related technologies. The hub is expected to support collaboration between academia, industry, and government institutions.
Officials said the centre will focus on building a skilled workforce in semiconductor technologies, a sector that is becoming increasingly critical for electronics manufacturing, artificial intelligence systems, automotive technology, and other high-tech industries.
The project is also expected to enhance research capabilities at IIT Gandhinagar and contribute to India’s broader goal of self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing and design.
Experts believe the facility will play a key role in bridging the talent gap in the semiconductor sector while supporting innovation and startup activity in deep-tech domains.
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- By Neel Achary
3, Jul 2026
Centre Flags E-Rickshaw Battery Safety, Orders Removal of BAT-BMS Apps
New Delhi, July 3: The government has directed app stores to remove BAT-BMS applications following concerns related to the security and safety of e-rickshaw battery management systems.
Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening oversight of battery management software used in electric three-wheelers, particularly e-rickshaws, which rely heavily on digital battery monitoring systems for safe operation.
The action comes amid concerns that vulnerabilities in such applications could potentially impact battery performance, safety standards, and operational reliability. Authorities are reviewing compliance requirements to ensure that battery management systems meet necessary safety protocols.
The directive is part of broader efforts to regulate digital tools linked to electric mobility and ensure safer adoption of EV technologies across the transport sector.
Further assessments are expected to be carried out to evaluate other similar applications in the ecosystem, with an emphasis on improving cybersecurity and operational safety standards.
Officials have advised stakeholders to comply with regulatory guidelines and ensure that only approved and secure systems are used in electric vehicle operations.
3, Jul 2026
NSSH Programme Strengthens SC, ST Small Businesses
New Delhi, July 3: The Government’s National SC/ST Hub (NSSH) scheme is helping Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs scale up their businesses by improving access to credit, market linkages, and capacity-building support.
Officials said the initiative is designed to strengthen entrepreneurship among SC and ST communities by providing structured support to micro and small enterprises, enabling them to become more competitive and sustainable.
Through the scheme, entrepreneurs receive assistance in areas such as business development, skill enhancement, procurement opportunities, and integration with larger supply chains. This has helped many small enterprises expand operations and explore new markets.
The programme also focuses on improving access to government and private sector procurement opportunities, helping beneficiaries participate more actively in the formal economy.
Officials noted that the initiative is contributing to inclusive growth by encouraging self-reliance and promoting wider participation of SC and ST entrepreneurs in India’s economic development.
3, Jul 2026
Slower Growth in Services as India PMI Eases to 57.4
New Delhi, July 3: India’s services sector recorded a slower pace of expansion in June, with the HSBC India Services PMI declining to 57.4 from 59.8 in May, indicating easing momentum in domestic demand.
The latest reading marks the weakest growth in services activity in 17 months, although it remains above the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction.
The moderation was mainly driven by the slowest increase in new orders in over two-and-a-half years. While some firms benefited from stronger e-commerce activity, tourism demand, and competitive pricing, others reported weaker client interest and challenging market conditions.
Employment levels remained largely unchanged during the month, suggesting cautious hiring trends among service providers. However, export demand showed relative strength, with new overseas orders rising at the fastest pace in three months.
Economists say the data points to a cooling in domestic demand, even as overall sector activity continues to expand at a healthy level.
3, Jul 2026
India Real Estate Draws Robust Institutional Demand Worth Dollar 4.5 Billion
New Delhi, July 3 (UDN): India’s real estate sector attracted institutional investments worth $4.5 billion during January–June 2026, marking a sharp 50 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
The significant rise in inflows reflects growing investor confidence in India’s property market, driven by strong demand across commercial, residential, and logistics segments. Institutional investors continue to show interest in both major urban centres and emerging real estate corridors.
Industry observers attribute the upward trend to steady economic growth, improved infrastructure development, and favourable policy support, which have collectively strengthened market sentiment.
Commercial real estate and warehousing assets remained key drivers of investment activity, while residential projects also witnessed steady participation from institutional players.
Experts believe that sustained economic momentum and urban expansion are likely to keep investor interest strong in the coming months, further supporting sectoral growth.
3, Jul 2026
HCLTech Secures Dollar 1.14 Billion AI Deal from European Fortune 50 Firm
Noida, July 3: HCLTech has announced a major multi-year agreement worth $1.14 billion with a Europe-based Fortune Global 50 enterprise, marking one of its significant artificial intelligence-led deals to date.
The partnership will focus on deploying advanced AI solutions to enhance digital transformation, operational efficiency, and technology modernization across the client’s global operations. The engagement is expected to strengthen automation, improve decision-making systems, and support large-scale enterprise innovation.
Company officials said the deal reflects growing global demand for AI-driven services and reinforces HCLTech’s position in the rapidly expanding digital and cloud ecosystem.
The agreement further highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping enterprise operations, with global firms investing heavily in next-generation technologies to stay competitive.
With this deal, HCLTech continues to expand its presence in high-value digital transformation projects across international markets.
3, Jul 2026
Le Méridien Kochi Appoints Krutin Sheth as Director of Sales and Marketing
Kochi, July 3: Le Méridien Kochi announced the appointment of Krutin Sheth as Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Krutin will lead the property’s sales, marketing, and revenue management functions, with a focus on strengthening market share across the corporate, MICE, and leisure segments. 
Sheth brings over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a career spanning some of the most recognised global hotel brands. He joins Le Méridien Kochi from Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Nashik, where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing, spearheading strategic initiatives across corporate, MICE, and leisure business while implementing data-driven pricing and revenue management practices.
Prior to that, Sheth spent over a decade with Marriott International in a series of progressively senior sales leadership roles across the company’s India portfolio, including stints in Navi Mumbai, Pune , Belagavi, and Pune , as well as a tenure with Marriott’s National Sales Office. During this period, he held positions including Director of Sales and Marketing, Director of Sales, Associate Director of Sales, and Senior Sales Manager, building a track record in revenue generation, key account management, and team leadership — including steering teams through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Earlier in his career, Krutin held sales roles with The Lalit Group of Hotels and GRT Hotels & Resorts in Mumbai, where he built his foundation in client relationship management, market research, and corporate rate contracting.
A postgraduate of the Kohinoor IMI School of Hospitality Management, Lonavla, with a Higher Diploma in International Hospitality, Sheth also holds a B.Sc. in Hotel & Tourism Management from YCMOU University, Nashik. He is certified in Sales & Service Foundation, Sales Negotiation, Dynamic Selling, and Foundation of Leadership.
With this appointment, Le Méridien Kochi reinforces its commitment to strong sales leadership as it continues to expand its presence in the corporate, MICE, and leisure travel markets in Kerala.
3, Jul 2026
Stock Market Opens Higher; IT and Metal Stocks Lead
Mumbai, July 3: Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Thursday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rising nearly 1 per cent in early trade, supported by strong buying in IT and metal stocks.
Market sentiment remained upbeat as investors reacted to firm global cues and continued interest in export-oriented sectors. Heavyweight IT stocks led the rally, while metal shares also witnessed strong gains on improved demand outlook and commodity price trends.
Broader markets mirrored the optimism, with several mid-cap and small-cap stocks participating in the upward movement. Analysts noted that the early momentum reflects renewed investor confidence after recent market fluctuations.
However, market experts advised caution, stating that volatility may persist as investors track global economic indicators and upcoming policy updates.
Further trends during the trading session will depend on foreign fund flows, corporate earnings cues, and global market direction.
3, Jul 2026
Ratnadeep Retail Limited files DRHP with SEBI for IPO
India , July 3: Hyderabad headquartered Ratnadeep Retail Limited, an organised food and grocery and value-fashion retailer, with presence across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, has filed its draft red herring prospectus with capital markets regulator SEBI to raise funds through an initial public offering .
According to the DRHP, the proposed IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹ 400 crore and an offer for sale of up to 1,48,60,000 equity shares by the Promoter Selling Shareholders. Sandeep Agarwal, Manish Bhartiya, Mitesh Bhartiya, Yash Agarwal and Kavita Agarwal are the Promoters of the company.
Ratnadeep Retail proposes to utilize ₹ 40 crore from the the Net Proceeds of the Fresh Issue towards repayment/ prepayment of loan facilities availed by the company, ₹ 260 crore for setting up of new stores under the Ratnadeep and National Mart formats, and the remaining amount for general corporate purposes.
Ratnadeep Retail offers a wide and diversified product assortment of more than 30,000 SKUs across categories like fresh produce, FMCG, staples, general merchandise and apparel, enabling it to cater to the full spectrum of customer demand spanning essential, recurring and discretionary consumption.
As of March 31, 2026, Ratnadeep Retail operated 190 stores under two formats – Ratnadeep, comprising ‘Ratnadeep – Mindful Living’ and ‘Ratnadeep Select’ , and National Mart, its value-led hypermarket format, within which it also has Style Mart offering affordable fashion products.
The company, in consultation with the BRLMs, may consider a Pre-IPO Placement of Equity Shares aggregating up to ₹ 80 crores, prior to filing of the Red Herring Prospectus with the RoC. If the Pre-IPO Placement is completed, the amount raised will be reduced from the Fresh Issue.
Ratnadeep Retail’s FY26 revenue from operations stood at ₹ 2,223 crore, recording a 15% CAGR from FY24. The profit after tax for the same period stood at ₹ 36.7 crore.
Avenue Supermarts, Vishal Mega Mart, Spencers Retail and Trent are the listed peers of the company as per the DRHP.
Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, Axis Capital and DAM Capital Advisors are the book running lead managers to the offer.
3, Jul 2026
Puri Braces for 25 Lakh Devotees as Preparations Intensify for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra
Puri, July 3 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath just days away, the holy city of Puri is witnessing hectic preparations as the Odisha Government and district administration gear up to welcome an estimated 25 lakh devotees from across India and abroad.
File photo
Construction of the three majestic wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is in its final phase, with teams of skilled carpenters and artisans working round the clock to complete the centuries-old tradition in time for the festival.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the world-famous event, authorities have put in place an extensive crowd management and security plan. Puri has been divided into multiple policing sectors, with additional security personnel, rapid response teams and traffic police to regulate pilgrim movement and maintain law and order throughout the festival.
A comprehensive traffic management plan has also been prepared to minimise congestion. Hundreds of electric vehicles will shuttle devotees between designated parking areas and the Grand Road (Bada Danda), improving last-mile connectivity while reducing traffic pressure in the temple town.
The Health Department has strengthened medical preparedness by establishing dedicated emergency wards at hospitals and deploying hundreds of doctors, nurses and paramedics across the city. Temporary health camps, ambulances and first-aid centres will remain operational to provide immediate medical assistance to pilgrims.
Technology will play a key role in monitoring the festival. The entire Grand Road will be kept under round-the-clock surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras linked to an integrated control room. Large LED display screens will provide live updates on crowd movement, traffic advisories and other important announcements to help ensure a safe and orderly Rath Yatra.
Officials have appealed to devotees to follow traffic regulations, cooperate with security personnel and adhere to official advisories for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
With elaborate arrangements in place, the administration is confident of ensuring a safe, seamless and memorable Rath Yatra experience for millions of devotees visiting the abode of Lord Jagannath.
