Category Archives: Business

Delhi EV Policy 2026 Sets the Roadmap for a Greener, Smarter Mobility Future

Senco celebrates the moments that make every day special with its new ‘Halke Phulke Moments’ campaign

Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing & Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, said, “Life doesn’t slow down, but it gives us countless reasons to smile every single day. ‘Halke Phulke Moments‘ is about embracing those little pockets of joy that make life feel lighter and celebrating the everyday. Through our lightweight jewellery collections across 9KT, 14KT and 18KT gold, we’ve created pieces that become a natural part of your daily life, from morning meetings and coffee catch-ups to celebrations with loved ones. Whether it’s your favourite pair of earrings, a pendant that holds a special memory, a bracelet you wear every day or a ring you never take off, these pieces are designed to move effortlessly with you. They are versatile, easy to wear and a reminder that while jewellery can feel beautifully light, the memories and emotions it becomes part of are truly priceless.”

Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi Underlines Emirate’s Global Competitiveness with Guidebook for Growing International Maritime Enterprises

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 01 July 2026: Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi – a platform for collaboration across the emirate’s growing maritime sector, operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime and led by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the emirate’s Department of Municipalities and Transport – has launched a new guidebook to help international maritime businesses and entrepreneurs settle  and grow in the emirate.

The guidebook, titled “Abu Dhabi’s Compass for Maritime Businesses: Your Gateway to Global Opportunity,” outlines the core drivers of Abu Dhabi’s maritime competitiveness and growth opportunities for a global audience.

Backed by facts, figures, and testimonials, as well as insights from DNV, the publication emphasises Abu Dhabi’s strategic position as a global trade hub, enabled by world-class infrastructure and integrated multimodal connectivity across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Each carefully curated section presents a clear and compelling business case for international enterprises and prospective maritime partners.

It also highlights how global companies can benefit from Abu Dhabi’s next phase of economic growth as the emirate emerges as one of the world’s fastest-rising maritime hubs, climbing 10 places since 2022 to rank 22nd in the “Leading Maritime Cities (LMC)” global benchmarking report.

The guidebook includes overviews of Abu Dhabi’s expansive maritime ecosystem, business environment, established network of industry stakeholders and institutions, and comfortable and welcoming lifestyle. Finally, it offers resources and contacts for interested parties to begin their journey in the emirate.

Overall, the guidebook underlines Abu Dhabi’s long-term stability as a future-ready and resilient destination for trade, investment, and innovation. Its launch also aligns with the UAE national vision for diversified, sustainable economic development.

Led by the Integrated Transport Centre and operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi unites government and private stakeholders in the emirate’s maritime sector with a goal to spark connection, create domestic and international opportunities, and collaborate on initiatives to elevate the emirate’s status as a global maritime centre. 

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “The launch of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector guidebook directly supports the UAE’s economic vision by positioning the local sector as an attractive and competitive opportunity for global business leaders. It also reaffirms the Integrated Transport Centre’s commitment to inclusive, informed mobility that supports economic growth. Maritime Hub continues to elevate the emirate’s status as a leading maritime centre that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready.” 

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Group Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, said: “This guidebook is a gateway to opportunity for international entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the economic power of one of the world’s most uniquely positioned global trade and logistics hubs. Developed in collaboration with our partners from the public and private sectors, the guidebook provides data-supported insights into Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem, as well as access to an established community of maritime leaders, experts, and researchers through Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi.”

Strong Demand Pushes Retail Leasing Up 17.6 pc in Q2

New Delhi, July 1: India’s retail leasing activity reached 2.4 million square feet (MSF) in Q2, registering a 17.6% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand from retailers despite constrained supply conditions, according to a recent report.

The growth reflects continued expansion in organized retail space, with brands across fashion, food and beverage, electronics, and lifestyle segments actively leasing premium high-street and mall spaces.

The report highlighted that limited availability of quality retail space in key urban markets has led to tighter supply, even as demand from retailers remains strong and diversified across segments.

Industry experts said the sustained leasing activity underscores resilience in consumer demand and growing confidence among retailers in India’s consumption-driven market.

The trend is expected to continue as developers gradually add new retail inventory, while established brands expand their physical presence across major cities.

Window Magic Unveils ‘Window Magic Atelier’, Launches Ultra-Luxury Fenestration Range ‘WM AURA’ for Indian Market

New Delhi, 1st July: Window Magic, one of India’s leading providers of luxury uPVC and aluminium fenestration solutions, today announced the opening of ‘Window Magic Atelier’, India’s first-of-its-kind luxury fenestration experience centre, located at the prime South Delhi location. This also marks the launch of WM AURA, Window Magic’s ultra-luxury fenestration range, developed in strategic collaboration with one of Europe’s most renowned pioneers in advanced aluminium architectural systems.

Envisioned as an immersive destination for architects, developers, interior designers, and discerning homeowners, Window Magic Atelier reimagines how luxury doors, windows, and façade systems are experienced. The centre showcases the brand’s latest innovations, design capabilities, and luxury solutions through curated experiential zones that blend functionality, aesthetics, and architectural excellence.

The launch represents a significant milestone in Window Magic’s growth journey and reinforces its commitment to serving India’s rapidly evolving luxury real estate sector. It also marks a new chapter in the company’s global aspirations through its collaboration with European brand, bringing together Greek engineering expertise and Indian market understanding.

During the launch of Window Magic Experience Centre, Mr. Manish Bansal, Director & CEO, expressed, “We are delighted to unveil Window Magic Atelier, a first-of-its-kind luxury fenestration experience centre in the heart of New Delhi. As consumer aspirations evolve and luxury real estate continues to redefine modern living, there is a growing demand for solutions that seamlessly combine aesthetics, innovation, and performance. Window Magic Atelier has been envisioned as a destination where architects, developers, and homeowners can experience the future of luxury fenestration firsthand. The launch of WM AURA further strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class aluminium systems to India and setting new benchmarks in the luxury segment.”

At the heart of the Atelier is WM AURA, an exclusive aluminium systems portfolio designed for luxury residences, luxury commercial developments, and iconic architectural projects. Engineered with precision and crafted for performance, the range features sleek sliding systems, expansive glass façades, minimalist aesthetics, and superior thermal and acoustic performance, enabling modern spaces to seamlessly integrate light, openness, and sophistication.

Sensex, Nifty End Higher on FMCG, Banking Boost

Mumbai, July 1: Indian equity benchmarks ended the trading session in positive territory, supported by strong buying interest in FMCG, banking, and realty stocks, which helped lift overall market sentiment.

The Sensex and Nifty closed higher as investors remained upbeat amid sectoral strength and selective stock-specific momentum. FMCG stocks led the gains, followed by banking and realty counters, which witnessed steady accumulation throughout the session.

Market participants said optimism in domestic demand-driven sectors, along with improved investor sentiment, contributed to the positive close. Broader markets also reflected a stable trend, indicating sustained participation across segments.

Analysts noted that the upward movement was driven largely by sector rotation, with investors focusing on fundamentally strong companies in key consumption and financial sectors.

Overall, the session reflected resilient market sentiment, with benchmark indices managing to end the day on a firm note despite global uncertainties.

Capital raising becomes more demanding for private equity fund managers

July 01: Raising capital has become more demanding for private equity fund managers, with increased due diligence requirements and regulatory uncertainty now the biggest barriers in the market, new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider, shows. 

 The study of 300 senior executives at private equity fund managers across the U.S. and Europe, whose firms manage a combined $3.511 trillion in assets, found that 62% say raising capital has become slightly more difficult in 2026 compared with 2025. However, the picture is not uniformly negative: 32% say fundraising has become slightly easier, while 5% report no change.

 The findings suggest that the capital-raising environment is becoming more selective rather than simply more constrained. More than half of respondents – 51% – say investors are increasing the number of specialised managers they allocate to, while 42% say investors are maintaining stable manager relationships. Just 5% say investors are consolidating with fewer managers.

 When asked about the biggest barriers to raising capital, 63% of managers cited increased due diligence requirements, making it the most common challenge. Regulatory uncertainty was cited by 57%, followed by overallocation constraints at 48% and LP reallocation away from alternatives at 38%.

 The research also shows that valuation methodologies have become the most prominent risk area in investor due diligence. More than half of respondents – 51% – identified valuation methodology as the area now receiving the greatest scrutiny, ahead of leverage and financing risk at 34%.

 ESG remains part of the investor conversation, but its role appears to be changing. Nearly two-thirds of managers — 65% — say ESG is now primarily a reporting and compliance focus, while 28% say it remains important for certain investor segments.

Looking ahead, managers expect to increase allocations across a range of private market strategies over the next three years. Venture capital was the most commonly selected strategy, cited by 58% of respondents, followed by growth equity at 51% and private credit/direct lending at 49%. Renewable energy was selected by 39% and infrastructure excluding renewables by 38%.

 Richard Hansford, Head of EMEA Fund Sales – Global Funds at Ocorian, said: “The capital-raising environment for private equity managers is not simply tightening — it is becoming more selective, more evidence-led and more operationally demanding.

 “While most managers say raising capital has become slightly more difficult this year, a significant minority are finding conditions easier. That points to a market where investors are still allocating, but with greater scrutiny over manager selection, due diligence standards and the operational infrastructure behind each fund.

 “One of the clearest findings is the growing importance of valuation methodology in investor due diligence. This is now distinct from leverage and financing risk, and it underlines the need for managers to demonstrate robust valuation processes, transparent reporting and specialist operational support as they compete for capital.”

Increase Allocation to Private Markets to Capture Growth Opportunities, say UK Wealth Managers and IFAs

July 01: New research by Wealth Club, the UK’s leading non-advised investment service for high-net-worth individuals, reveals wealth managers and independent financial advisers increasingly agree that exposure to private markets is now a necessity for retail and HNW investors seeking to capture a broader spectrum of growth opportunities – and this trend will only accelerate over the next five years.

An overwhelming 94% of the UK-based wealth managers and IFAs who are responsible for assets under management of £332.7 billion surveyed agree that for the sophisticated retail investor, relying solely on a conventional listed equity portfolio risks missing out on the primary wealth-generation engines of the modern economy. That includes nearly a third (31%) who strongly agree that clients need exposure to private markets to access a broader range of growth opportunities while 63% slightly agree.

The study evaluates the explicit benefits that private markets provide over traditional 60/40 portfolios and cites several institutional-grade advantages, with 72% of advisers highlighting the enhanced long-term capital growth benefits. This is followed by inflation protection (48%) and access to unique, non-public market sectors (47%). A third (35%) of respondents point to the benefit of reduced portfolio volatility and a quarter (26%) cite lower correlation with public markets.

When questioned about the tactical importance of private market access in capturing the high-performing growth phase of a company’s lifecycle, 89% of wealth managers and IFAs surveyed deem it critical, with 30% categorising it as “essential” and 59% “very important”.

This trend is not a transient reaction to short-term market cycles, but a long-term strategic view. More than nine out of 10 (92%) respondents anticipate the need for retail and HNW investors to be exposed to private markets in order to access a broader range of growth opportunities will only accelerate over the next five years.

Alex Davies, Founder and CEO of Wealth Club, said:

“These findings suggest private markets are approaching a tipping point among individual investors in the UK. For decades, pension funds, insurers and endowments have used private equity and private credit as important components of their portfolios. Increasingly, wealth managers and IFAs believe suitable investors should also have the opportunity to access these strategies.

“ With companies staying private for longer, much of the potential upside now comes before they reach public markets. By the time they list, investors have often missed a significant part of their growth.

“Private markets are moving from being a niche allocation to becoming an increasingly important part of a well-diversified long-term portfolio. Investors who ignore them risk missing an increasingly important source of long-term growth.”

Wealth Club, which launched the UK’s first Private Funds Supermarket in November 2024, is growing rapidly as interest in private markets among sophisticated and high-net-worth investors continues to increase. The platform now offers 22 funds from 18 leading private markets managers and earlier this year launched the UK’s first dedicated Private Markets SIPP, marking a further important step in broadening access to private markets.

This growth is being driven by rising interest from both investors and fund managers reflecting growing demand for private market investments and the increasing popularity of semi-liquid fund structures.

Manufacturing Growth Continues, PMI at 54.2 in June

New Delhi, July 1: India’s manufacturing sector continued its steady expansion in June, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded at 54.2, indicating sustained growth in factory activity and overall business conditions.

A PMI reading above 50 reflects expansion, and the latest data suggests that manufacturing output remained strong, supported by healthy demand, rising production levels, and consistent inflow of new orders.

The growth momentum was driven by resilient domestic consumption and improved operational conditions, enabling manufacturers to maintain production stability and expand capacity where required.

Experts noted that the sustained expansion underscores the resilience of India’s industrial sector amid global economic uncertainties, with firms continuing to benefit from steady market demand.

The positive PMI reading is expected to support broader economic growth, strengthen industrial output, and reinforce confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem going forward.

Mahindra Registers 37pc Rise in June Auto Sales

Mumbai, July 1: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported a strong performance in June, registering a 37% year-on-year growth in total vehicle sales to 1,06,207 units, driven by robust demand across its passenger and commercial vehicle segments.

The company continued its growth momentum on the back of sustained customer demand, a strong product portfolio, and improved market performance. The increase in sales reflects positive consumer sentiment and the company’s expanding presence in both urban and rural markets.

Industry observers said the strong June numbers underscore the resilience of the domestic automobile sector, with demand remaining healthy despite evolving market conditions. The performance also highlights Mahindra’s continued focus on delivering vehicles that cater to a wide range of customer needs.

The encouraging sales figures are expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the Indian automotive market as it continues to expand its product lineup and production capacity.

With the festive season approaching in the coming months, the company remains optimistic about maintaining its growth trajectory, supported by strong bookings and sustained consumer interest.