Category Archives: Business

Travel and Hospitality Spending Expected to Surpass Goods Purchases in India

June 22: A recent market outlook suggests that by 2030, consumers in India are likely to spend more on travel, hospitality, and experiential services than on physical goods, reflecting a major shift in lifestyle and consumption patterns.

The report indicates that rising incomes, changing preferences among younger consumers, and increased access to digital travel platforms are driving stronger demand for experiences such as tourism, hotel stays, leisure activities, and curated travel services.

It notes that the growing emphasis on experience-based consumption marks a structural change in spending behaviour, as consumers increasingly prioritise memories, convenience, and personalised services over traditional material purchases.

The travel and hospitality sectors are expected to benefit significantly from this trend, supported by improved infrastructure, expansion of domestic tourism, and greater affordability of travel options. The rise of online booking platforms and digital payment systems has also made travel planning more accessible.

Experts say this shift is being led by millennials and Gen Z consumers, who are more inclined toward experiential lifestyles, including short trips, wellness tourism, and cultural experiences.

However, analysts also caution that economic conditions, inflation trends, and global uncertainties could influence the pace of this transition over the coming years.

Overall, the outlook highlights a long-term transformation in India’s consumption landscape, with services and experiences expected to play an increasingly dominant role in household spending by 2030.

EU Expresses Concern Over Growing Chinese Presence in Spain’s Strategic Ports: Report

June 22: The European Union is reportedly concerned over China’s expanding economic and logistical footprint in key Spanish ports, amid broader debates on strategic infrastructure control and supply chain security across Europe.

According to a recent report, increasing Chinese investment and operational involvement in port infrastructure has raised questions among European policymakers regarding long-term strategic implications for critical trade gateways in the region.

The developments come as European economies reassess the role of foreign investment in essential infrastructure, particularly assets linked to shipping, logistics, and international trade routes. Concerns have been raised about potential dependencies and the influence of external stakeholders in strategically important locations.

Spain’s ports play a vital role in Europe’s maritime trade network, serving as key entry and exit points for goods moving between Europe, Asia, and other global markets. Any shifts in control or influence over such infrastructure are being closely monitored by EU authorities.

Officials are reportedly evaluating regulatory frameworks and security considerations to ensure that foreign participation in critical infrastructure aligns with the bloc’s economic and strategic interests.

While investment in port infrastructure is seen as important for modernization and efficiency, the balance between openness to foreign capital and safeguarding strategic autonomy remains a key policy discussion within the EU.

The report highlights ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions surrounding global infrastructure investment and the increasing scrutiny of cross-border strategic assets.

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. Certified as a Great Place to Work in India for 2026–27

Bengaluru, 22nd July 2026: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. has been certified as a Great Place to Work® in India for 2026–27, recognizing the company’s commitment to fostering a high-trust, people-centric workplace culture.

The Great Place To Work® Certification is conferred on organisations that achieve a minimum of 70 percent positive responses on the Trust Index survey, which assesses credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. With insights drawn from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries over the last three decades, Great Place To Work® represents the global benchmark for measuring and recognising exceptional workplace cultures.

At Royal Orchid Hotels, a strong inclusive workplace philosophy continues to drive the brand’s growth. The organisation has built a future-ready talent ecosystem anchored in continuous learning, leadership development and holistic well-being. Associates at Royal Orchid benefit from structured career progression, continuous learning opportunities, capability-building programs, and a culture that celebrates contribution and achievement. What truly distinguishes Royal Orchid as a Great Place to Work® is its ability to translate its values into everyday experiences—fostering an environment built on trust, mutual respect, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

“We are pleased to be certified as a Great Place to Work® in India,” said Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. This recognition reflects the culture we have consciously built at Royal Orchid Hotels-one founded on trust, respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our people have always been at the heart of our success, shaping memorable guest experiences and driving the growth of our organisation. Receiving this certification based on employee feedback makes it especially meaningful, as it validates our efforts to create an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. We dedicate this achievement to every member of the Royal Orchid family whose passion, resilience, and dedication continue to define who we are.”

Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Employee Survey is the world’s most widely used model to understand employee perceptions about their workplace. According to GPTW, an increase in Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Score positively impacts productivity, innovation, costs, and other business results.

The Search For India’s Next Breakthrough Innovations Begins As Marico Innovation Foundation Invites Applications For Indian Innovation Icons 2027

Mumbai, June 22 : Marico Innovation Foundation , a pioneer in championing impactful innovations, today invited applications for the 11th edition of its flagship biennial platform – Indian Innovation Icons.

Launched in 2006, Indian Innovation Icons has emerged as one of the country’s premier innovation recognition platforms, spotlighting ‘currently hidden, yet potentially game-changing’ Indian innovations creating socio-economic and environmental impact. Over the years, the platform has spotlighted several upcoming innovators whose solutions have gone on to transform communities and industries across the country.

The 11th edition will recognize innovations across Business (For-Profit) and Social (Not-For-Profit) categories. Applications will remain open from 22^nd June 2026 to 22^nd July 2026, and interested innovators can apply through Indian Innovation Icons 2027 | Application Form

Indian Innovation Icons follows a unique and rigorous evaluation process spanning over eight months to identify the most disruptive and promising innovations. The process includes two rounds of deliberations by an independent jury for each category, followed by detailed on-ground due diligence conducted by an independent knowledge partner, Deloitte Monitor.

The jury for the 11th edition will feature distinguished leaders from the business, startup, investment, science, and social impact sectors. The Business Category jury will be chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson Bain Capital and India, Co-Founder, ATE Capital and include Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals; Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog, former President of Nasscom and former Vice President & MD, Intel South Asia; Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory; Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India. Ravi Mariwala, Chairman and MD, Smaart Water; Sanjiv Kaul, Senior Partner, ChrysCapitall.

The Social Category jury, also chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson Bain Capital and India, Co-Founder, ATE Capital, will comprise Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation; Samarinita Shetty, Co-founder and CEO, IDR; Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder and Chairperson, Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation; Aniket Doegar, CEO, Haqdarshak; Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-founder, AssisTech Foundation; Luis Miranda, Co-founder and Chairperson, Indian School of Public Policy.

The grand finale of the 11th edition of Indian Innovation Icons will take place on March 4, 2027, at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The event will bring together a distinguished gathering of leaders from the business, startup, investment, social impact, and media landscape to celebrate extraordinary stories of innovation, perseverance, and change.

Harsh Mariwala, Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation said, 

“India is witnessing a strong wave of innovators building solutions that have the potential to create meaningful impact at scale. Yet, many breakthrough ideas often remain under-recognized despite solving real challenges on the ground. Through Indian Innovation Icons, we aim to identify and champion such disruptive innovations by providing them with greater visibility, access to networks, and opportunities that can help accelerate their growth and impact. Over the years, the platform has recognized innovators who have gone on to create significant change across sectors and communities, and we look forward to discovering the next generation of transformative ideas through the 11th edition.”

Winners of the 11th edition will gain strategic guidance from Mr. Harsh Mariwala, access to Marico Innovation Foundation’s ecosystem of investors, business leaders, grant makers, and ecosystem partners, along with bespoke mentoring from Marico’s senior leadership, enhanced national visibility, and curated opportunities to accelerate their growth and scale.

Amit Chandra, Jury Chair and Chairperson of the Governing Council at Marico Innovation Foundation said,

“India’s future will be shaped by people who see problems differently and have the courage to build disruptive solutions. Indian Innovation Icons exists to identify and champion such innovators early in their journey. Past winners like Skyroot Aerospace, Dozee, and Astrome Technologies are powerful examples of what happens when bold ideas are recognized and backed early.

Every edition leaves me inspired by the ingenuity, resilience, and ambition of India’s innovators. I look forward to discovering the next generation of those whose ideas might create impact at scale and help shape India’s next chapter.”

Previous winners have included organizations such as Skyroot Aerospace, Indra Water, People’s Archive of Rural India , India Development Review, Ishitva Robotic Systems, Dozee and Khushi Baby, among others.

In the previous edition, the platform received over 1,100 applications from across India, showcasing innovations addressing diverse challenges across the country.

Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation, said, 

“It has been exciting to witness the progress of our past Indian Innovation Icons winners over the years and see how India’s innovation ecosystem has continued to evolve. As we launch the 11th edition, we are eager to discover the ideas, innovators, and impact stories that have emerged since the last edition of Indian Innovation Icons. At Marico Innovation Foundation, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate innovation, and also to learn from the individuals and organizations shaping the future of India. We look forward to spotlighting the next generation of path breaking innovations and invite innovators from across the country to wholeheartedly apply and share their stories with us.”

Actress Nidhhi Agerwal Launches Hair Dare You Rituals, A Premium Hair Wellness Brand Championing Holistic Hair Care

Bengaluru, June 22 : Actress and entrepreneur Nidhhi Agerwal officially unveiled Hair Dare You Rituals, a premium hair wellness brand dedicated to transforming everyday hair care into a holistic self-care ritual. The brand made its grand debut at an exclusive launch event held at Beige, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, attended by members of the media, influencers, beauty enthusiasts, fashion personalities, and industry leaders.

The evening was hosted by celebrated fashion choreographer Ramesh Dembla and featured an elegant brand showcase presented by some of Bengaluru’s leading fashion models, bringing alive the philosophy of Hair Dare You Rituals through a captivating celebration of beauty, confidence, wellness, and self-expression.

Built on the belief that healthy hair begins at the roots, Hair Dare You Rituals has been created to address the growing demand for premium products that focus on long-term hair health rather than temporary cosmetic fixes. The brand combines thoughtfully curated formulations with mindful hair care rituals that nourish the scalp, strengthen hair, and encourage healthy growth over time.

Designed to simplify salon-inspired hair care, the collection includes nourishing scalp oils, restorative hair masks, gentle cleansers, and lightweight post-wash serums that work together to create a complete hair wellness routine.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the brand, Nidhhi Agerwal, Founder, Hair Dare You Rituals, said:

“For years, like many women, I was searching for real solutions to hair problems – not temporary fixes. I realised that healthy hair starts with understanding the root cause. Hair Dare You Rituals was born from that journey. We wanted to create products that don’t just make your hair look good for a day but help it become healthier over time.”

She further added,

 “I have been deeply involved throughout this journey – from understanding ingredients and testing formulations to packaging and product experience. Every detail reflects something I would genuinely use myself. Authenticity was never a compromise because I wanted to build a brand that people could truly trust. Beautiful hair isn’t created by chance – it begins at the root, and we want to help people nurture that journey every single day.”

Speaking about the vision behind the brand, Daisy Morgan, Brand Architect & Investor, Hair Dare You Rituals, said:

“Consumers today are looking beyond cosmetic beauty. They want products that are honest, effective, and built around wellness. Hair Dare You Rituals was envisioned as a brand that simplifies holistic hair care while staying uncompromising on quality, transparency, and performance.”

She further added, 

“From the very beginning, our vision was to build a brand with purpose—not just another celebrity beauty label. Every formulation, every ingredient, and every customer touchpoint has been thoughtfully created to encourage people to invest in long-term hair health. We want Hair Dare You Rituals to become a trusted companion in every individual’s self-care journey.”

Guests at the launch experienced the Hair Dare You Rituals collection first hand through immersive product displays and interactive experiences that showcased the brand‘s philosophy of making holistic hair care effortless, enjoyable, and effective.

With increasing consumer awareness around preventive beauty, scalp health, and wellness-led self-care, Hair Dare You Rituals enters the market with a refreshing perspective – encouraging consumers to move beyond quick fixes and embrace simple rituals that deliver lasting results.

The brand is committed to creating premium hair care solutions rooted in quality, authenticity, and transparency, empowering consumers to build healthier, stronger hair through consistent care rather than complicated routines.

Ambuja Cements Enters Partnership with Leilac for Green Cement Development

June 22: Ambuja Cements has partnered with UK-based Leilac to develop and scale up commercial solutions for low-carbon cement production, marking a key step toward reducing emissions in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.

The collaboration aims to advance carbon capture and reduction technologies that can be integrated into cement manufacturing processes. The focus is on enabling scalable solutions that support large-scale deployment of cleaner production methods in the future.

Cement production is a major contributor to industrial carbon emissions, and the partnership reflects growing efforts within the sector to adopt more sustainable practices without compromising production efficiency or quality.

Under the initiative, the two companies will work together on developing technologies designed to capture and reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process, with an emphasis on commercial viability and industrial-scale application.

The move aligns with the global transition toward greener industrial operations and highlights increasing industry participation in climate-conscious innovation and decarbonisation efforts.

Experts note that such collaborations are becoming more important as companies face rising pressure from regulators, investors, and consumers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness.

The partnership is expected to support long-term advancements in sustainable cement production and contribute to broader climate goals across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Operational Efficiency Priority for 78 pc of MSMEs: Report

June 22: A recent industry report highlights that operational efficiency has become a key focus area for 78% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting a broader shift toward productivity improvement, cost management, and sustainable growth across the sector.

The findings indicate that MSMEs are increasingly working to streamline operations, improve workflow systems, and adopt digital tools to enhance overall efficiency. This shift is being driven by rising competition, evolving customer expectations, and the need to maintain profitability in a rapidly changing business environment.

The report notes that many enterprises are investing in technology-led solutions, automation, and process optimisation to reduce inefficiencies and strengthen output. In addition, a growing number of MSMEs are focusing on workforce training and better resource allocation to improve long-term performance.

Experts say the focus on operational efficiency reflects a wider transformation within the MSME ecosystem, as businesses adapt to digitalisation and changing market dynamics.

The study also highlights that improved efficiency is helping MSMEs reduce costs, scale operations, expand market access, and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.

Industry observers believe that continued emphasis on efficiency and innovation will play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience and growth prospects of the MSME sector.

Rupee Expected to Gain Against US Dollar in H1 FY27 as Global Risks Ease

June 22: The Indian rupee is expected to appreciate against the US dollar in the first half of FY27, supported by improving global risk sentiment and a more stable macroeconomic environment, according to a recent market report.

The outlook reflects expectations of reduced external volatility, easing inflationary pressures, and moderating commodity prices, which together are likely to support emerging market currencies, including the Indian rupee.

Analysts note that a more favourable global backdrop could encourage stronger capital inflows into Indian equity and debt markets. Combined with steady domestic economic fundamentals, this may provide additional support for the currency in the near term.

However, the report highlights that currency movements remain vulnerable to global uncertainties, including US Federal Reserve policy decisions, crude oil price fluctuations, and geopolitical developments. Any unexpected shifts in these factors could influence short-term volatility.

Market observers will continue to track foreign portfolio investment trends, trade balances, and macroeconomic indicators to assess the sustainability of the rupee’s potential gains.

Overall, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with improving global conditions seen as a key driver for potential rupee strength in H1 FY27.

India’s Space Sector Set for Rapid Expansion Toward Dollar 40–45 Billion Valuation

New Delhi, June 22: The space sector in India is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with estimates placing the size of the country’s space economy at around $40–45 billion, driven by rising commercial participation, innovation, and expanding global demand for space-based services.

The outlook reflects strong momentum in satellite manufacturing, launch services, earth observation, communication technologies, and downstream applications such as navigation and data analytics. Increasing involvement of private players alongside national initiatives has further accelerated the sector’s growth trajectory.

India’s space ecosystem has been evolving rapidly in recent years, supported by policy reforms, technological advancements, and growing collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises. The sector is expected to play a key role in boosting innovation-led economic growth and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.

Officials and industry experts note that the expansion of the space economy is also likely to enhance India’s position in the global space market, as demand for cost-effective and reliable space solutions continues to rise worldwide.

The progress is closely linked to the efforts of Indian Space Research Organisation and the emerging network of private space startups, which together are strengthening India’s capabilities across the value chain.

Analysts believe that sustained investment, supportive policy frameworks, and increased global partnerships could help India capture a larger share of the global space economy in the coming years.

The projected growth underscores the strategic importance of the space sector in shaping India’s technological and economic future.

Gold and Silver Prices Rise as Crude Oil Softens, Supporting Precious Metals

June 22: Gold and silver prices traded higher in global markets today, supported by easing crude oil prices and improved investor sentiment amid a calmer geopolitical backdrop.

Precious metals saw renewed buying interest as softer crude prices helped ease concerns over inflationary pressures, prompting investors to reassess their risk positions. The decline in energy costs has strengthened expectations of a more stable macroeconomic environment, which typically benefits demand for safe-haven assets such as gold and silver.

Market participants noted that fluctuations in global energy prices continue to play a key role in shaping commodity trends. Lower crude prices tend to reduce inflation expectations, while also influencing currency movements and broader financial market sentiment.

Silver also gained alongside gold, with industrial demand expectations providing additional support. Analysts point out that silver often benefits from both safe-haven demand and its industrial usage, particularly in sectors such as electronics and renewable energy.

Investors are closely monitoring further developments in global oil markets, central bank policy signals, and geopolitical conditions, all of which are expected to influence the trajectory of precious metal prices in the near term.

Overall, the movement in gold and silver reflects a broader shift toward stability in global commodity markets, driven by easing energy costs and cautious optimism among investors.