Author: Neel Achary

Markets End Lower as Financial Stocks Drag Sensex and Nifty

Mumbai, July 20: Indian stock markets closed in negative territory as continued selling in financial sector stocks weighed on benchmark indices, with the Sensex and Nifty ending the session lower.

Investor sentiment remained cautious amid pressure on banking and financial shares, while broader market movements were influenced by global trends and sector-specific factors.

Market participants closely monitored developments across key sectors as investors adjusted their positions in response to changing market conditions.

Analysts said near-term market direction will depend on corporate updates, economic indicators, and global cues.

The decline reflected cautious trading activity, with financial stocks emerging as the key factor behind the market’s subdued performance.

Discover the Island Spice Trail at Mynt, Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway

July 20: Embark on a flavourful voyage across the Indian Ocean as Mynt, the all-day dining restaurant at Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway presents Island Spice Trail, a culinary showcase celebrating the vibrant cuisines of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Drawing inspiration from two neighbouring island nations with distinct culinary identities, the festival brings together the bold, spice-laden flavours of Sri Lanka and the fresh, ocean-inspired fare of the Maldives. Sri Lankan cuisine is celebrated for its generous use of coconut milk, aromatic spices such as cinnamon and curry leaves, and a harmonious balance of spicy, tangy and earthy flavours. In contrast, Maldivian cuisine offers lighter, coastal flavours centred around fresh tuna, coconut and locally grown produce, creating dishes that are simple yet deeply satisfying.

The specially curated menu begins with comforting soups including Mulligatawny Chicken Soup, Garudhiya, a clear tuna-flavoured soup, Roasted Pumpkin Coconut Soup and Thambung Hodi, a spiced Sri Lankan lentil soup. Vegetarian appetisers include Polos Cutlet, a Sri Lankan jackfruit cutlet, Breadfruit & Telulifai Cutlet flavoured with drumstick leaves and served with an island relish chilli mayo dip, Roshi Rolls, grilled stuffed vegetable roll, and the classic Parippu Vadai. Seafood and meat lovers can savour spicy Fish Cutlets, Geri Riah, a dry hand-pounded tenderloin sukka, Batter Fried Spiced Tuna with lemon & coconut chutney, and the signature Sri Lankan Devilled Chicken, featuring wok-tossed spicy chicken drumsticks.

The main course showcases island favourites such as Mushroom and Cashew Curry prepared with a chef’s special Sri Lankan curry powder,  Polos Ambula, a jackfruit black pepper curry, Island Chilli Potatoes, and Pumpkin & Eggplant Riha, a traditional Maldivian style curry. Non-vegetarian highlights include Kukulu Musamma, chicken cooked with hand-pounded spices, Kandu Kukulu, a Maldivian tuna curry, Mutton Black Curry prepared with pepper & dry roasted masala, Negambu Prawn Curry cooked with black pepper and coconut, and the comforting Sri Lankan Chicken Stew. Complementing the meal are accompaniments like Brown Rice, Limbo Bai, a fragrant lemon-flavoured rice, Idiyappam, Appam, Roshi, the traditional Maldivian fine flour bread, and the traditional Mashuni salad. The experience concludes on a sweet note with desserts including Watalappam a rich coconut and egg custard, Sago Pudding, Kiru Bokiba, an egg, coconut milk and flour pudding, and the crispy Kokkis, made with rice flour, coconut milk and sugar.

Whether you are an avid explorer of global cuisines or simply looking to savour something unique, Island Spice Trail at Mynt, Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway promises an unforgettable culinary journey to the shores of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

India and Moldova Expand Partnership in Trade, Investment and Supply Chains

New Delhi, July 20: India and Moldova have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investments and resilient supply chains, reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic engagement and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn

The discussions focused on enhancing commercial ties, promoting investment opportunities, and improving supply chain connectivity to support sustainable economic growth. Both sides also explored avenues for increasing collaboration across sectors of shared interest.

The renewed commitment reflects the growing partnership between the two countries and their shared objective of creating a more robust and diversified economic relationship.

Officials emphasized that closer cooperation in trade and investment is expected to encourage business-to-business engagement, facilitate market access, and unlock new opportunities for enterprises in both countries.

The agreement marks another step towards deepening India–Moldova economic relations and strengthening collaboration in key areas that support long-term growth and resilience.

Foreign Capital Flows to India Expected to Pick Up in FY27: Report

New Delhi, July 20: Foreign investment inflows into India are expected to recover in FY27, supported by improving economic fundamentals, policy stability, and continued investor confidence, according to a recent report.

The report noted that India’s strong economic growth prospects, expanding domestic market, and ongoing structural reforms are likely to enhance its attractiveness as an investment destination. Continued infrastructure development and a favourable business environment are also expected to support higher foreign capital inflows.

Industry experts said sustained policy initiatives, macroeconomic stability, and rising investor interest across sectors could contribute to a stronger investment outlook in the coming fiscal year.

The anticipated rebound in foreign investment is expected to support economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s position as a preferred destination for global investors.

The report highlights India’s long-term growth potential and the continued confidence of international investors in the country’s economic prospects.

RAKEZ advances India business collaboration through multi-city outreach and OPPI MoU

Ras Al Khaimah, July 20: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) concluded a series of high-level business engagements in Mumbai, India, led by Group CEO Ramy Jallad. The visit formed part of a broader two-week RAKEZ roadshow across India, also covering Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Pune, aimed at strengthening UAE-India trade and investment ties and creating new pathways for Indian companies exploring regional and global expansion from the UAE.

In Mumbai, the delegation held a series of B2B meetings with prominent Indian companies across diverse sectors, including automotive manufacturing, banking and financial services, IT and BPO, petrochemical trading, chemical and fertiliser manufacturing, alternative energy solutions, engineering, fabrication, infrastructure development, logistics, and strategic minerals processing.

As part of the visit, RAKEZ also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Organization of Plastics Processors of India (OPPI), representing India’s plastics processing sector. The MoU was signed by RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad and OPPI Secretary General Deepak Lawale. The partnership aims to stimulate trade and business opportunities, create synergies for cooperation and development, and support Indian business owners through commercial missions, fairs, exhibitions and other export and investment promotion activities.

Commenting on the visit Jallad said, “India has always been one of RAKEZ’s most important investor markets, and our latest visit reflects the depth of this relationship. The discussions we held with business leaders across multiple sectors reaffirm the strong appetite among Indian companies to choose Ras Al Khaimah as a base for regional and global growth. Through focused engagements and strategic partnerships such as our MoU with OPPI, we are creating more opportunities for Indian enterprises to access the UAE’s dynamic business environment, benefit from RAKEZ’s cost-effective ecosystem, and scale with confidence.”

The MoU with OPPI further supports RAKEZ’s efforts to engage sector-focused industry bodies in India and promote Ras Al Khaimah as a competitive destination for manufacturers, processors and exporters. OPPI works closely with plastics processors, manufacturers and related industry stakeholders to promote technology adoption, quality enhancement, good manufacturing practices, sustainability, circularity, skill development and policy engagement.

RAKEZ’s Indian business community continues to grow in line with the strengthening UAE–India economic relationship under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Today, RAKEZ is home to more than 13,500 Indian companies, ranging from SMEs to multinational brands such as Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, MSSL, JK Cement, Ace Cranes, G.K. Wire Industries, Bosco Aluminium & Glass, Shyam Middle East, Nash Industries, Xpro India (part of Birla conglomerate), and Dabur Naturelle.

Through continued on-ground engagement and sector-focused outreach, RAKEZ continues to position Ras Al Khaimah as a preferred destination for Indian businesses seeking sustainable growth, regional access and long-term expansion from the UAE.

Through its multi-city outreach, RAKEZ is engaging directly with Indian businesses and industry partners, providing practical insights into establishing and expanding operations in Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative reflects RAKEZ’s continued focus on supporting Indian enterprises across key commercial and industrial centres.

MTAR Technologies Shares Fall for Third Straight Session Amid Sustained Selling Pressure

New Delhi, July 20: MTAR Technologies shares remained under pressure for a third consecutive trading session, hitting the lower circuit as continued selling weighed on investor sentiment.

The stock has recorded a steep decline from its recent record high, reflecting heightened market volatility and cautious trading activity. The sustained fall has drawn attention from investors tracking the company’s market performance.

Market experts said fluctuations in stock prices can be influenced by a combination of company-specific developments, broader market trends, and investor sentiment. They added that market participants are likely to closely monitor upcoming corporate updates and financial performance for further cues.

The recent correction highlights the dynamic nature of equity markets, where stock prices can experience significant movements in response to changing market conditions.

Investors are expected to remain focused on the company’s long-term business fundamentals while assessing near-term developments affecting its share price.