Category Archives: Business

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.

Cotton Strengthens India’s Agricultural Economy as ‘White Gold’ Gains Momentum

New Delhi, July 20: Cotton continues to play a vital role in India’s agricultural economy, earning its reputation as the country’s “white gold” due to its contribution to farmers’ livelihoods, textile industries, and exports.

India’s cotton sector supports millions of farmers and serves as a key raw material for the country’s vast textile and apparel industry. The crop remains an important contributor to rural employment and economic growth across major cotton-producing states.

With growing demand for sustainable textiles and value-added cotton products, the sector is witnessing increased focus on improving productivity, modern farming practices, and strengthening supply chains.

Government initiatives and industry efforts are aimed at enhancing cotton quality, supporting farmers, and boosting India’s position in the global textile market.

The continued growth of the cotton sector highlights its importance in driving rural prosperity, supporting the textile ecosystem, and strengthening India’s agricultural economy.

L&T Wins Orders (Mega) for Metals & Minerals Business

Bengaluru, July 20: The Metals & Minerals (M&M) business vertical of L&T has secured multiple orders from leading domestic metals and mining companies, reinforcing its leadership in delivering world-class engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions across the metals and minerals value chain. 

The first order is from a public sector company, India’s largest iron ore producer. As part of its expansion programme to achieve 100 MTPA of iron ore production capacity by 2030, the company has awarded L&T Package #BE-01C of the 18 MTPA Iron Ore Handling Plant in Chhattisgarh. 

The scope includes design and engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of downhill conveyor system, screening plant, stockpile, yard equipment, Rapid Wagon Loading System (RWLS) and associated auxiliaries. 

The second order is from another public sector Navratna company, which has undertaken the expansion of Steel Plant in West Bengal, from 2.5 MTPA to 7.1 MTPA. L&T has secured various Design & Build and Balance of Plant packages for this. 

L&T also continues its long-standing association with a major private sector metals producer, having secured an EPC order for a Zinc Processing Plant. The scope comprises design and engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning and associated site services, reaffirming L&T‘s expertise in delivering complex non-ferrous metallurgical projects. 

Commenting on the order wins, Mr S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director, L&T, said: “This reaffirms L&T‘s enduring leadership in the minerals and metals EPC sector and reflect the deep trust customers place in our ability to deliver projects of exceptional scale and complexity. As India accelerates investments in augmenting its Metals & Minerals capacity to support long-term economic growth, L&T remains committed to partnering with the country’s leading enterprises in developing world-class industrial infrastructure”. 

Mr T Kumaresan, Senior Vice President & Head – Utilities & Metals, L&T, added: “These orders across the mining, ferrous and non-ferrous sectors reaffirm our customers’ confidence in L&T‘s engineering expertise and project execution capabilities. They strengthen our position as a trusted partner in developing India’s metals and minerals infrastructure. We remain committed to delivering the projects with the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability”. 

Background: 

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 32 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, Products and Services, operating across diverse domains and multiple geographies. With a strong impetus towards AI & technology, customer–focussed approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

India, Spain Advance Talks to Link UPI with Bizum for Seamless Digital Payments

New Delhi, July 20: India and Spain have agreed to accelerate discussions for linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Spain’s Bizum digital payment system, marking a step towards stronger digital financial cooperation between the two countries.

The proposed integration aims to enable faster, secure, and more convenient cross-border digital transactions for citizens, businesses, and travellers. The move is expected to improve payment connectivity and support greater economic engagement between India and Spain.

The collaboration highlights India’s expanding digital payment ecosystem and its efforts to build global partnerships for seamless financial transactions.

The UPI-Bizum linkage is expected to benefit sectors such as tourism, trade, and services while promoting innovation in digital finance.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of digital payment solutions in strengthening international economic ties and creating a more connected global payment network.

Arete Group reinforces Employee-Centric Growth Strategy with AI, Upskilling and Well-Being, Targets 80 plus hires

Vapi, Gujarat July 20: Arete Group continues to reinforce its commitment to building a future-ready and employee-centric workplace by embracing digital capabilities, promoting continuous learning, prioritizing employee well-being, and fostering a collaborative work environment. With a workforce of over 700 employees and 80 new hires as part of its ongoing growth, the company is focused on empowering talent while fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and professional development. As part of its continued expansion plans, Arete Group also aims to hire 80+ employees in the current fiscal year, strengthening its capabilities and supporting business growth.

As part of its digital transformation journey, Arete Group has transitioned departmental operations to AI-enabled digital platforms, enhancing productivity, streamlining routine tasks, and improving collaboration. Complementing this, its dedicated learning and development centre, Excelerate, offers certification programmes across Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and Investment to strengthen functional expertise, encourage continuous learning, and support employee career growth.

Employee well-being remains a key focus at Arete Group. Through its Umatter employee well-being programme, the company fosters a supportive workplace by promoting mindful resilience, wellness, and employee engagement through wellness challenges and awareness initiatives focused on stress management and emotional well-being. Employees also benefit from competitive compensation, health insurance, statutory benefits, structured leave policies, welfare support, and continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

Mr. Siraj, Director, Arete Group said, “The modern workforce is undergoing a clear shift toward continuous learning, digital fluency, and purpose-driven careers, particularly in manufacturing and engineering, where digital transformation is reshaping skill requirements. We view people capability as central to business growth. Our focus is on enabling employees with AI-driven tools, structured learning pathways, and a strong well-being ecosystem that supports both performance and growth. By aligning talent development with evolving business needs, we are building a workforce that is agile, skilled, and ready for long-term industry transformation while sustaining our growth through quality talent acquisition and a strong employee-centric culture.”

To foster collaboration and work-life balance, Arete Group’s Vapi campus features thoughtfully designed recreational spaces, including an amphitheatre, turf, play area, and sports room, which encourage team interaction, employee engagement, and a positive workplace experience, while also offering the lifestyle advantages of a Tier 2 city such as lower cost of living, shorter commute times, improved work-life balance, and the opportunity to build rewarding careers without relocating to larger metropolitan centres.