Category Archives: Business

India’s Global Trade Push Gains Momentum with New Market Opportunities

New Delhi, July 29: India’s efforts to strengthen global trade ties through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are creating fresh opportunities for businesses and exporters, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighting the potential to access international markets valued at nearly $60 trillion.

The government’s FTA strategy is focused on expanding India’s export reach, improving market access for domestic industries, and helping businesses compete more effectively in the global marketplace.

Goyal said these agreements are opening new pathways for Indian companies across sectors such as manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, technology, and services. By reducing trade barriers and encouraging stronger economic partnerships, the FTAs are expected to support export growth and attract greater investment.

The minister emphasized that India’s approach is aimed at creating long-term opportunities for businesses while strengthening the country’s role in global supply chains. The expansion of trade partnerships is also expected to benefit small and medium enterprises by providing access to new international customers.

As India continues to deepen its engagement with global markets, the government remains focused on building a competitive export ecosystem and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The growing network of trade agreements reflects India’s ambition to become a key force in global commerce and create more opportunities for businesses across the country.

Boat Drivers across Telangana receive Life-Saving CPR Training at Hussain Sagar

Lodge Keys No, 297 in association with GVK Green Health Services trains 32 Boat Drivers in CPR; Creates 818 CPR Brand Ambassadors so far as part of its community outreach initiative called “1000 CPR Ambassadors 

Hyderabad, July 29: As part of its mission to create 1,000 CPR Brand Ambassadors, Lodge Keys No. 297, a primary wing of Freemasonry, in association with GVK Green Health Services and with the support of the Tourism Department, Government of Telangana, organised a CPR and AED Training Programme for Boat Drivers at Hussain Sagar Lake on Tuesday evening.

The three-hour programme was conducted aboard Khair-Un-Nissa, a stationary boat anchored in Hussain Sagar Lake, providing a realistic learning environment for personnel engaged in water tourism and passenger safety.

The training was led by Dr. Raja Bharath, Senior Clinical Instructor, Dr. Seem Sunil, Emergency Physician, and Ms. Deepa, Clinical Instructor, all from GVK Green Health Services. Participants received extensive hands-on training using eight advanced CPR mannequins, enabling them to practice life-saving skills under expert supervision.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Arun Selgam, Worshipful Master; P. Veerabhadrudu, Secretary; G. Ashok Kumar, Treasurer; and D. Ramchandram, Project Lead of the 1,000 CPR Ambassadors initiative of Lodge Keys No. 297.

Lodge Keys expressed its gratitude to the Tourism Minister, Secretary and Ms. Manavi Jagan, Mr. Mahesh and Mr. Sampath of the Tourism Department for extending their wholehearted support in organising the programme.

A total of 32 boat drivers and support staff representing various water tourism destinations across Telangana participated in the training. They came from Hussain Sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Saroornagar Lake, Somasila, Egalapenta, Nagarjuna Sagar, Laknavaram, Ramappa, Laknavaram, Koilsagar, Lower Manair Dam (Karimnagar), Kotilingala and Raigir, among other locations.

Giving details, D. Ramchandram, Project Lead of the 1,000 CPR Ambassadors initiative, said that the programme was conceived during the 30th anniversary celebrations of Lodge Keys No. 297 with the objective of training 1,000 members of the general public in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

“With today’s batch of 32 boat drivers, we have now trained 818 CPR Brand Ambassadors. Every trained citizen is a potential lifesaver, and we are steadily moving towards our target of creating 1,000 CPR Brand Ambassadors,” he said.

We have also been addressing free seminars with the help of experts in schools, colleges and any offices or organisations and so far covered 1800 people and we would like to reach a target of 10,000 people through these awareness seminars, Arun Selgam, Worshipful Master of Lodge Keys No. 297 said

Ramchandram added that boat drivers are among the first responders during emergencies on lakes and reservoirs. Since they interact with thousands of tourists every year, equipping them with CPR and AED skills significantly enhances emergency preparedness and improves the chances of saving lives during cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

“I have been operating boats at Egalapenta for several years and have always focused on the safety of passengers. But today I realised that knowing how to save a life during a cardiac emergency is just as important as knowing how to operate a boat. The CPR training has given me the confidence to act immediately if someone collapses. I sincerely thank Lodge Keys No. 297, GVK Green Health Services and the Tourism Department for bringing this valuable training to us. I believe every boat driver in the country should undergo CPR training because every second counts in saving a life”, said — David, Boat Driver, Egalapenta

The programme covered: Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest and recognising emergencies, The Chain of Survival, Hands-only CPR for adults, CPR for children and infants, Rescue breathing techniques, Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Managing choking in adults, children and infants, Recovery position and Practical hands-on training and skill assessment using advanced mannequins

The organisers appealed to educational institutions, resident welfare associations, corporate organisations, industries, transport operators, government departments and community organisations to take advantage of the free CPR training programmes being offered under the initiative.

“Every CPR-trained citizen is a potential lifesaver. Together, we can build a safer and more prepared society,” the organisers said.

The participants were given away certificates at the end of the training program.

Organisations interested in organising free CPR training for their employees, members, communities, in apartments or volunteers may contact Lodge Keys No. 297 on Mobile: 9848042020

Industrial Activity Keeps India’s Growth Engine Running in June

New Delhi, July 29: India’s industrial sector continued to show resilience in June, with factory activity remaining strong despite global economic challenges, according to a recent report.

The steady growth was driven by healthy performance in manufacturing, supported by consistent domestic demand and improved production across key industries. Mining and electricity generation also contributed to the overall expansion, reflecting broad-based strength in the economy.

The latest figures highlight the resilience of India’s industrial sector and reinforce confidence in the country’s economic outlook. Analysts believe that ongoing infrastructure investments, increased industrial activity, and supportive policy measures will help sustain growth in the months ahead.

The June performance underscores the vital role of industry in driving India’s economic momentum and signals a positive outlook for businesses and investors alike.

Indian Equity Markets Rally at Opening as IT Stocks Drive Strong Early Gains

Mumbai, July 29: Indian benchmark equity indices opened on a strong note, gaining nearly 1% in early trade as information technology (IT) stocks led a broad-based market rally. Positive global cues and renewed investor optimism supported buying across key sectors, lifting overall market sentiment.

The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 witnessed robust gains shortly after the opening bell, with leading IT companies emerging as the top contributors to the rally. Strength in technology stocks, coupled with buying interest in select banking and financial shares, helped drive the market higher.

The positive momentum was further supported by favorable international market trends and expectations of resilient corporate earnings. Investors remained encouraged by improving risk appetite and steady participation in frontline stocks.

Market experts noted that while the strong opening reflects healthy investor confidence, market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings, and macroeconomic indicators for further direction.

The upbeat start to the trading session underscores the resilience of Indian equities, with the IT sector playing a pivotal role in powering the market’s early gains.

City Union Bank Q1FY27 Result Final Take : Healthy business momentum; valuations cap upside – retain ADD

Mumbai, July 29: Equirus Securities has retained an ‘ADD’ recommendation on City Union Bank Ltd. following its Q1 FY27 performance, citing healthy business momentum and improving operating fundamentals. However, the brokerage believes that the bank’s current valuation limits the potential for significant upside, warranting a cautious positive stance.

City Union Bank continues to demonstrate steady progress in its core banking operations, supported by healthy business activity and improving growth momentum. The bank’s focus on strengthening its loan book, maintaining asset quality and improving operational efficiency is expected to support sustainable performance over the medium term.

According to Equirus Securities, the bank’s healthy business momentum remains a key positive from the quarter. Continued traction in advances and deposits, along with a focus on expanding customer relationships, is expected to provide a stable foundation for future growth.

The brokerage also remains constructive on City Union Bank’s ability to maintain its focus on asset quality while pursuing growth. Disciplined underwriting and prudent risk management are expected to remain important factors in sustaining the bank’s credit profile as it scales its business.

Improving operating performance and a favourable business environment could support gradual earnings growth going forward. The bank’s efforts to enhance efficiency and deepen its presence across its target customer segments are likely to contribute to its longer-term growth prospects.

However, valuation remains a key constraint. Equirus Securities believes that the current market valuation adequately factors in a significant portion of the bank’s anticipated improvement and growth potential. This limits the scope for a meaningful near-term rerating and tempers the overall upside potential.

Key Investment Takeaways:

• Healthy business momentum provides a positive outlook for sustainable growth.
• Loan and deposit growth are expected to remain key drivers of business expansion.
• Asset quality remains a key monitorable, with disciplined underwriting supporting the credit profile.
• Operational efficiency initiatives could contribute to gradual earnings improvement.
• Valuations cap upside, limiting the potential for significant near-term rerating.
• Investment view: Retain ADD, reflecting healthy fundamentals balanced against valuation considerations.

Overall, Equirus Securities remains cautiously positive on City Union Bank, with healthy business momentum and improving fundamentals supporting the long-term outlook. However, given the valuation levels and limited scope for further rerating, the brokerage has retained its ‘ADD’ recommendation, suggesting moderate upside potential while maintaining a balanced risk-reward perspective.

La Lune Launches to Redefine a Women’s Watch Category with Customizable Modern Heirlooms Designed to Tell Every Women’s Story

LOS ANGELES, CA, July 29 — La Lune, a vintage inspired watch and jewelry brand, founded by designer Martine Ilana, has officially launched redefining the women’s watch category by creating customizable vintage-inspired timepieces & jewelry through timeless design, personalization and exceptional craftsmanship.

In an era of smartwatches, fast fashion, and disposable products, many women are rediscovering the beauty of analog objects that carry meaning beyond their function.

Created for women who value individuality, artistry, and meaningful design, La Lune introduces a new category between fashion accessories and traditional luxury watches: the modern heirloom.

For decades, women have largely been offered two choices: trend-driven fashion watches designed to change with each season, or luxury timepieces rooted in traditional men’s watchmaking. La Lune introduces a new category between the two: accessible luxury created exclusively for women, rooted in craftsmanship, personalization, and the lasting emotional value of customized jewelry.

Rather than treating a watch as just another accessory, or simply adapting traditional men’s watches into smaller cases, La Lune blends the artistry of fine watchmaking with the emotional storytelling of personalized jewelry. Each timepiece is designed to evolve alongside its wearer, to be worn every day, personalized over time, and gifted to celebrate life’s milestones, becoming a lasting part of a family’s story for generations to come.

“I’ve always believed a watch is one of the most personal objects we own. It’s there for ordinary moments, extraordinary celebrations, and the milestones that shape our lives. The most valuable watch isn’t necessarily the most expensive one, it’s the one that reminds you who gave it to you, where you’ve been, and the memories you’ve created while wearing it. My vision for La Lune was to bring back the elegance of pre-digital watchmaking while creating pieces women will cherish today and one day pass on to someone they love.” said Martine Ilana, Founder and Creative Director of La Lune.

Rooted in craftsmanship, customization, and lasting sentimental value, each piece is designed to become far more than a timepiece: a personal keepsake to be worn, cherished, and passed down for generations.

The debut collection features its signature 1886 Eclipse Vintage Watch, inspired by the refined proportions of vintage cocktail watches, and understated elegance of pre-digital timepieces. Each watch features an engravable case back, La Lune’s signature jewelry-inspired snake-chain bracelet that is crafted from recycled stainless steel either in 14k gold or IP silver finishes and is 5 atm water resistant. Beginning at $98, the collection is intentionally designed to make meaningful, collectible design more accessible.

Alongside the 1886 Eclipse Vintage Watch, La Lune introduces Galaxy Charms (starting at $48), a collection of interchangeable clip charms inspired by birthstones, celestial symbols, vintage keepsakes, to mark life’s milestones. Designed to attach seamlessly to a La Lune watch strap, or exclusive Solar Necklaces (starting at $58), each charm allows the wearer to personalize their piece and create a story that evolves over time.

“The most meaningful jewelry and watches are the pieces that tell your story,” Says Ilana. “That’s why we created Galaxy Charms: to transform a watch into a collectible and deeply personal piece that grows more meaningful with every milestone.”

Founded by a designer with more than 25 years of experience in watch and accessory design, La Lune reflects Martine Ilana’s lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and creating products with lasting emotional value. Beginning her career as a watch designer at nineteen, Ilana has developed collections of accessories for global retailers and brands. Her work has been carried by leading retailers, including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Isetan, and Takashimaya, as well as through an exclusive watch collaboration with Target and a dedicated boutique presence in Tokyo’s Ginza district.

With a background ranging across fashion, industrial, and sustainable design, Ilana brings a thoughtful approach to creating products with lasting value. As Founder and Principal Designer of Temescal, her sustainable design studio, she prioritizes responsible production practices and sustainability principles. “To me, sustainability begins long before a product is made. It starts by designing something beautiful enough that it will never be discarded and is intended to be kept for lifetimes.” said Ilana.

La Lune approaches sustainability through longevity. The belief that the most sustainable product is one that is cherished and kept. Through small-batch production, responsible sourcing, repairable construction, and timeless design, the brand creates pieces designed to evolve with their owners and become more meaningful over time.

Every La Lune watch is backed by a two-year warranty and designed to be worn daily, not only reserved for special occasions. The collection reflects a belief that true luxury is measured not by exclusivity, but by craftsmanship, longevity, and the memories a piece carries through the years.

Designed for women who appreciate authenticity over status and craftsmanship over trends, La Lune offers a new vision of everyday luxury: objects that feel discovered rather than purchased, personal rather than mass-produced, and timeless rather than seasonal.

In an era increasingly defined by constant upgrades, fleeting trends, and disposable products, La Lune offers an alternative: beautifully crafted timepieces designed to evolve alongside their wearer, celebrate life’s milestones, and become more meaningful with every passing year.

Global Students Are Flocking to France, Germany and the UK for Better Visa Outcomes Insight by Prodigy Finance

France, Germany See Historic Surge in International Students as Study Abroad Map Shifts

As visa policies tighten across traditional destinations, students from India, Africa and beyond are choosing France, Germany and the UK in record numbers, reshaping the global study abroad map for Fall 2026.

London, July 29: Somewhere between the excitement of getting an offer letter and the reality of visa paperwork, an entire generation of students is rewriting the rules of studying abroad. Study abroad is trending globally right now; more students are applying than ever before. But alongside that excitement sits something students are talking about just as much. The visa crisis. Australia and the US have both become far more selective this cycle, and the countries pulling ahead as the real winners of Fall 2026 might surprise you.

The UK is having a strong year, and so is Germany. But the country turning heads is France. The numbers back this up too. According to France’s Directorate-General for Foreign Nationals, student residence titles reached 118,000 in 2025, remaining the largest single category of first-time residence permits issued in the country. Germany crossed its own milestone too, hosting 402,000 international students in 2024 and 2025, the highest number ever recorded, with India being the largest single source country at just under 59,000 students, up 20% in a year according to DAAD. The UK issued 95,231 study visas to Indian students alone in the year ending December 2025, a 7% rise, as part of an overall UK study visa grant rate of 96% for the year, according to the Home Office.Meanwhile, the Netherlands and the UAE are quietly building momentum of their own as students widen their search.

Rather than a random occurrence, the emerging pattern reflects a genuine strategic pivot. While pursuing engineering in the US remains an enduring dream for many Indian students, a growing number of African students are choosing France and Germany this Fall, with all signs indicating that this trend will accelerate.

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, has been watching this play out up close. “The US remains highly selective right now, and students preparing for it are putting in months of work before they even get to the interview stage. What is genuinely interesting is that a growing number of students are just as confident flying to Germany, France, or London instead. It is no surprise that this year alone France saw a real jump in numbers, with the UK and Germany following close behind.”

Sonal points out that destination preferences have always shifted over time, but this cycle feels different. “Visa crises and policy changes have always played a role in where students end up. What is happening in the US right now, with the policy changes and the added scrutiny, is genuinely frustrating for some students who had their hearts set on one specific plan. But here is the flip side. It also means these students get to keep their full timeline to complete their education properly, rather than rushing anything. And honestly, the students of today are different. They are determined. They are well informed. They know exactly what is happening and they are not going to be left behind because of it.”

That combination of determination and awareness is, in many ways, the real story of this admissions cycle. Sonal’s only advice to every student right now is simple. Go to a proper source for guidance, not just a cousin or a relative sitting at home who has not actually been through the process themselves. Research your destination and your university properly before committing to anything. That is exactly why platforms like NovaGrad exist: to guide students through these decisions with real, experienced people rather than guesswork. And for the students who do not have a co-signer or collateral to fall back on, Prodigy Finance exists precisely for that reason too. Choose your destination and field of study wisely. And make sure you have people in your corner who actually know what they are talking about.

Gulveer Singh Creates History with India’s First Men’s 10,000m Commonwealth Games Medal

Mumbai, July 29: IIS athlete Gulveer Singh scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the men’s 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games. The long-distance runner clinched the silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a landmark achievement for Indian athletics and adding another milestone to his growing list of international accomplishments.

The historic silver marks the first time an Indian has finished on the podium in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games. Gulveer‘s achievement further cements his position among India’s leading distance runners and reflects the steady rise of Indian athletics on the international stage. 

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Gulveer spoke about the mindset that has guided his journey in an IIS video. “I only focus on giving my best. I don’t keep track of my national records,” he said, highlighting his approach of focusing on continuous improvement rather than dwelling on milestones.

Reflecting on his journey into athletics, Gulveer shared, “I started running after joining the Army. Before that, I used to run to get enrolled in the Army.” He also revealed that he had little exposure to elite athletics while growing up. “I didn’t know anything about the Commonwealth Games or Asian Games. I only came to know about them after joining the Army,” he said. 

Speaking about the sacrifices behind his success, Gulveer offered a glimpse into the personal side of an athlete’s life. “Sometimes when I talk to my mother, I feel like crying because I miss my mother and father,” he shared, highlighting the challenges of spending long periods away from family while pursuing excellence.

Gulveer‘s historic achievement is another proud moment for IIS, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to supporting athletes as they compete and excel on the global stage. His journey, from discovering competitive athletics only after joining the Army to creating history for India at the Commonwealth Games, stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS): 

Inspire Institute of Sport is one of India’s premier high-performance facilities dedicated to nurturing sporting talent across multiple disciplines. With a commitment to excellence, IIS provides athletes with world-class training, cutting-edge facilities, and mentorship from top coaches and experts, empowering them to achieve their full potential on the global stage.

From Peripheral Suburb to Growth Engine: How Vasai is Powering the next Housing Hub with Mumbai 4.0

By Jash Panchamia, Promoter, Suraksha Smart City

Vasai, long viewed as a peripheral suburb, is now gaining traction as a promising housing market. With its population projected to grow from 1.3 million in 2011, to over 2 million by 2030, Vasai is no longer a peripheral suburb-it is touted to become the epicentre of a new housing churn with Mumbai 4.0.

Vasai’s salient amenities like infrastructure expansion, policy incentives, and affordability gives it an edge over Mumbai, that faces chronic land shortage. Amidst the overpopulation and chaos of the state capital, the question is no longer whether Vasai will grow or not, but rather how quickly it will reshape the region’s urban future.

Historically, Vasai has been known for its fishing communities, heritage churches, and quiet coastal living. However, in the last few years, it has transitioned into a leading commuter belt, helping ease the pressure off Mumbai. Now, it is undergoing yet another transformation-this time as a redevelopment and housing hub.

Mumbai’s real estate landscape is dotted with premium developments that reflect its established urban character and commanding property values often exceeding Rs 50,000 per sq ft. Vasai has parallelly emerged as an attractive alternative, offering quality housing options in the range of Rs 8,000–12,000 per sq ft. With its competitive pricing, improved connectivity and infrastructure, Vasai is increasingly appealing to homebuyers looking toward integrated townships in the northern corridor.

Additionally, several land parcels are being unlocked through redevelopment initiatives, paving the way for a new wave of thoughtfully planned residential projects. This phase of development is also witnessing a growing shift towards integrated township formats, with projects being planned as self-sustained communities that combine residential living with social infrastructure, amenities, and open spaces.

This growth is further reinforced by market indicators. When it comes to mid-segment housing absorption, it has shown strong year-on-year growth, thus reflecting rising end-user demand. No longer a ‘fallback location’, Vasai is increasingly being actively chosen, not just for affordability, but also for improved quality of life, and long-term potential.

So, what has prompted such transformation of Vasai? This transition, that is not accidental, is powered through infrastructure and policy tailwinds, which include:

High-speed connectivity: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has key infrastructure planned around Vasai, that is set to vastly improve access to the region.

Metro expansion: Upcoming metro corridors will drastically reduce travel time (within a 30–45-minute commute), that will ease and alter daily commute.

Road and rail upgrades: Projects like the Virar-Alibaug Corridor and proposed sea links, will further merge Vasai with Mumbai’s economic core.

Rail network advantage: Dual connectivity via Western and Central railway lines already provides logistical, easy access to commuters. This is further strengthened by the upcoming Vasai-Diva-Panvel Railway Line Extension which will link Vasai Road to Panvel via Diva, slashing travel times to Navi Mumbai. Complementing this, the Vasai Outstation Terminal (under construction, 8 platforms) will handle long-distance trains, decongesting core terminals like CST and Lokmanya Tilak, while offering direct link to the northern suburbs and beyond

What is even more crucial is that these physical upgrades are being ably supported by policies as well. Peripheral growth nodes are a key focus of Maharashtra’s evolving housing frameworks, while redevelopment incentives help in completion of project timelines.

It is not just infrastructure; economic activity too, forms a core aspect of Vasai’s development. The region is attracting increased interest from commercial developments and industries, further bolstered by proximity to emerging hubs, and large-scale projects like the Vadhavan Port and a proposed airport. This is expected to drive a steady influx of both migrants and working professionals.

For homebuyers, it is a win-win deal. With both affordability and appreciation potential, Vasai offers a rare combination that will keep reaping dividends in the long-run. With property values expected to grow by 12–15% in the coming years, Vasai offers a strong return on investment alongside ease of living with its integrated township projects. Compared to Mumbai, where Rs 1–2 crore homes are increasingly out of reach, Vasai offers a realistic approach to ownership of one’s own home.

Vasai’s development, however, is not without considerable challenges. The rapid urbanisation has put pressure on amenities like water supply, transport infrastructure, and land management. Not only this, traffic congestion, and unplanned development risk are proving to be bottlenecks to an otherwise attractive market.

The good news is that solutions to these problems is already underway. Initiatives such as the Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme aim to resolve long-term water needs, while better transport planning and smart urban development, will lead to sustainable growth.

So, what lies ahead? To capitalise on Vasai’s massive potential, it is important that both policymakers and planners act decisively to make sure that infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand. This alignment will ensure that growth and capacity simultaneously contribute to Vasai’s development.

In the years to come, Vasai is set to grow exponentially. By 2035, the Vasai belt could account for a substantial share of new housing supply, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, as much as 40%.

This is not just a real estate story, but rather a benchmark of urban growth-one that creates new avenues of opportunity, while staying clear of the congestion that is synonymous to Mumbai. With the seamless convergence of infrastructure, policy, and market forces, Vasai will no longer be an ‘alternate option’, it will be a cornerstone of fast-paced development.

Hence Mumbai’s future as we know, is set to be redefined, and Vasai might just be the starting point.

Flipkart Opens Ekart Logistics Network to India’s MSMEs and D2C Brands