20, Jul 2026
Arete Group reinforces Employee-Centric Growth Strategy with AI, Upskilling and Well-Being, Targets 80 plus hires

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.

20, Jul 2026
Luxury off-plan homes bring AED 3.72 billion June sales 

Luxury off-plan homes bring AED 3.72 billion June sales

 

Keturah founder says premium property market keeps proving its durability as villa, apartment deals average AED 12.1 million

Dubai, UAE, July 20: The Dubai luxury real estate market continued to attract a steady flow of investment in June, with developers generating sales transactions worth AED3.72 billion for off-plan homes priced above AED5 million.

A market analysis from the Keturah luxury brand today reveals that villa buyers accounted for AED1.61 billion across 141 off-plan transactions last month, while apartment sales reached AED2.12 billion from 166 deals – an average of AED 12.1 million per home.

The strongest villa activity came in the AED5-10 million bracket, where 99 transactions generated AED639.2 million in developer off-plan sales, with a further 30 deals worth AED415.6 million recorded in the AED10-20 million range.

Data from DXBinteract shows that apartment sales were concentrated in the AED5-10 million bracket, with 111 transactions worth AED722.3 million, followed by 33 deals worth AED475.7 million in the AED10-20 million range.

Added to the 307 off-plan transactions last month, developers recorded another AED1.01 billion in sales of 58 ready properties above AED5 million at an average of AED17.4 million each.

Luxury off-plan homes bring AED 3.72 billion June sales

 

“The premium end of the property market keeps proving its durability,” said Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand. “Investors are continuing to back Dubai’s long-term trajectory as one of the world’s leading real estate destinations.”

The company currently has two luxury communities under development in Dubai – Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, and the Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort, on the shores of Dubai Creek, adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Both developments sit within the top tier of the market, which last month saw seven villa sales in the AED20-50 million range for a total of AED207.9 million, and five deals in the AED50-100 million range worth AED344.9 million.

Meanwhile, 18 apartment sales in the AED20-50 million range amounted to AED521.5 million and three deals in the AED50-100 million sector totalled AED197 million, while a penthouse in Business Bay sold for AED200 million.

Dubai Islands was the area recording the highest number of off-plan transactions above AED5 million last month with 48 sales, followed by Dubai South with 39, and Palm Jumeirah with 22.

 

20, Jul 2026
Federal Bank Q1 Profit Jumps 36.57 percent to INR 1,177 Cr; Net NPA at Decadal Low

Federal Bank Q1 Profit Jumps 36.57 percent to INR 1,177 Cr; Net NPA at Decadal Low

Chennai, July 20: Federal Bank today reported net profit of ₹1,176.93 crore (Record quarterly profit, on an underlying basis) for the quarter ended 30 June 2026 (Q1 FY27), up 36.57% over the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The quarter was defined by the strength of the Bank’s core franchise, with net interest income growing 26.06% and fee income 21.71%, even as treasury income remained subdued through a volatile market period.

 
Note on comparisons: All sequential comparisons in this release are stated on a BAU basis, excluding the one-off windfall gain recorded in Q4 FY26, consistent with the BAU disclosure in the Bank’s investor presentation. Year-on-year comparisons are like-for-like and unaffected.
 
Key Highlights – Q1 FY27
•    Profitability: Net profit at ₹1,176.93 crore, up 36.57% YoY. Earnings per share rose 36.06% to ₹19.15.
•    Core Earnings Engine: Net Interest Income grew 26.06% to ₹2,945.89 crore – well ahead of advances growth of 14.94%.
•    Margin Expansion: NIM expanded 39 bps YoY to 3.33%, as Cost of Funds fell 60 bps against a 44 bps compression in asset yield. Cost of Deposits declined 57 bps YoY to 5.21%.
•    Asset Quality at Historic Best: Net NPA at 0.18%, a decadal low for the Bank, with the absolute figure down 56.29% YoY to ₹506.04 crore. Gross NPA improved to 1.52%. Fresh slippages fell 37.79% YoY to ₹409.48 crore.
•    Fortified Coverage: Provision Coverage Ratio (excluding TWO) strengthened to 87.37%, up 1,296 bps YoY and credit cost declined 24 bps to 0.41%. Coverage including technical write-offs stands at 94.23%.
•    Balance Sheet Scale: Total business reached ₹5,97,615.83 crore, up 13.05% YoY, approaching the ₹6 lakh crore mark. Total deposits stood at ₹ 3,20,117.66 crore (+11.37% YoY) and gross advances at ₹2,81,239.54 crore (+14.94% YoY).
•    CASA Franchise: CASA balances at ₹1,03,163.15 crore, up 18.26% YoY – growing significantly faster than the overall deposit book. CASA ratio improved 188 bps YoY to 32.23%.
•    NR Franchise: NR deposits (NRE and ONR) reached ₹1,05,123.41 crore, up 14.24% YoY, building on the ₹1 lakh crore milestone crossed last quarter.
•    Chosen Segments Delivering: Granular businesses continued to see strong momentum, with Commercial Banking growing 22.96% YoY, CV/CE 21.07%, Gold Loans 33%, LAP 21% and Credit Cards 36%. Growth remained broad-based across higher-yielding retail segments, while Corporate & Institutional Banking also delivered healthy growth of 16.12% YoY. Corporate & Institutional Banking book surpassed ₹1 lakh crore, marking a key scale milestone.
•    Operating Efficiency: Cost-to-Income ratio improved 239 bps YoY to 52.50%, achieved while absorbing the annual wage revision.
•    Return Metrics: RoA improved 22 bps YoY to 1.22% and RoE expanded 171 bps YoY to 12.01%. Book value per share grew 17.02% YoY to ₹161.87.
•    Network: 10 branches were added during the quarter, taking the network to 1,650 outlets.
 
MD & CEO’s Comment
Commenting on the performance, Mr. KVS Manian, Managing Director & CEO, said: “This quarter demonstrates something important about the franchise we have been building. Our profit grew nearly 37% in a period when treasury had a challenging period, which tells you that the earnings are coming from the core business, not from market gains. Net interest income growing 26% against advances growth of 15% represents the expansion in our NIMs, which has been a core focus for the bank.”
“Our net NPA at 0.18% is the lowest in the Bank’s recent history, and simultaneously and provision coverage ratio stands at 87%. We are building a resilient balance sheet through a combination of lower credit cost and a strong buffer out of our current earnings.”
 
“Our chosen advance segments are delivering as intended, and the NR and CASA franchises continue to deepen. We enter the rest of the year with our capital position strong, our asset quality at its decadal best, and good momentum in our core business.”
 
Asset Quality and Resilience
 
Asset quality reached the strongest position in the Bank’s recent history. Beyond the headline ratios, the leading indicators point in the same direction: fresh slippages declined 37.79% YoY, and the slippage ratio improved to 0.61% from 1.11% a year ago. The restructured book has reduced to ₹1,541.30 crore, or 0.55% of gross advances. The Bank’s balanced risk approach and the deliberate pivot toward secured, granular segments continue to provide meaningful buffer against external uncertainty.
 
Liability Franchise
 
The Bank’s funding profile continued to improve, with CASA growing 18.26% YoY against total deposit growth of 11.37% – a mix shift that directly supported the 57 bps reduction in Cost of Deposits. The NR franchise, a structural strength of the Bank, grew ahead of the overall deposit book.
 
20, Jul 2026
Rising Brent Crude Prices Raise Energy Concerns for India, Rupee and Foreign Flows in Focus

New Delhi, July 20: The rise in Brent crude oil prices above the USD 90 per barrel mark has renewed concerns over India’s energy costs, with markets closely monitoring the impact on the rupee and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) flows.

The increase in global crude prices could pose challenges for India, which relies significantly on imported oil to meet its energy requirements. Higher crude prices may influence import costs, inflation trends, and the country’s external balance.

Market participants are also keeping a close watch on currency movements, particularly the performance of the Indian rupee, as well as foreign investor activity amid changing global economic conditions.

Analysts said developments in international oil markets, currency fluctuations, and global investor sentiment will remain key factors shaping India’s financial markets in the near term.

The government and market stakeholders continue to monitor global energy trends and their potential impact on economic stability and growth.

20, Jul 2026
Gold and Silver Prices Rise as Weaker Dollar Supports Precious Metals

New Delhi, July 20: Gold and silver prices moved higher as a weaker US dollar provided support to precious metals, offsetting concerns over possible interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve.

Market sentiment remained influenced by global economic developments, with investors closely tracking currency movements and monetary policy signals. A softer dollar generally makes precious metals more attractive for buyers holding other currencies, contributing to the upward movement in prices.

Analysts said ongoing uncertainty over interest rate policies and global market conditions continues to influence precious metal trading. Investors are keeping a close watch on inflation trends, economic data, and central bank decisions for further direction.

The rise in gold and silver prices reflects continued demand for safe-haven assets amid changing global financial conditions. Market participants expect volatility to remain as investors assess future interest rate outlooks and currency trends.

20, Jul 2026
XElectron Brings Cinematic Experience to Home with New Techno Android 14 Smart HD Projector Supporting 1080P, 4K and OTT Streaming

XElectron Brings Cinematic Experience to Home with New Techno Android 14 Smart HD Projector Supporting 1080P, 4K and OTT Streaming

New Delhi, 20th July: XElectron, one of India’s fastest-growing homegrown smart home technology and consumer electronics  brands, has announced the launch of XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Movie HD Projector. It is designed to elevate everyday entertainment into a cinematic experience. It has Android 14, HD projection with 1080P, 4K support, smart streaming, electric focus, and Intelligent auto keystone correction, all in a compact and stylish form factor. With cutting-edge picture and sound quality, the XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Movie HD Projector delivers breakthrough performance and is considered as a cost-effective product. It streams all major OTT platforms including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, JioCinema, Zee5, and SonyLIV, directly without external devices for home entertainment.

It projects 40 to 200 inches from 4 to 16 feet with a 180-degree rotatable tabletop design. It connects wirelessly through WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 or is wired via HDMI and USB Ports. It is also supported with an integrated bass speaker and a 5000:1 contrast ratio, delivering clear audio and visuals. Its native 720p resolution displays 1080p and 4K content with detail scaling on larger screens.

With Indian consumers increasingly embracing smart home entertainment and OTT platforms, there is a growing demand for projectors offering hassle-free setup, immersive viewing and built-in-streaming without additional devices. The XElectron Techno Projector addresses this need by integrating Android 14, Bluetooth, WiFi, intelligent image correction technologies, and screen mirroring, turning it into the ideal entertainment solution for apartments, homes, and personal theatres.

Commenting on the launch of the Techno Android 14 Smart Home Movie HD Projector, Gagan Sharma, Managing Director, XElectron, shared: “Today consumers expect entertainment devices to be smarter, seamless to use and multi-functional enough for fitting into the modern and contemporary  lifestyles. With the Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Projector, we intended to provide an all-in-one entertainment solution, combining  premium picture quality, smart software  and intelligent features in a compact and portable design. Whether it’s enjoying family movie nights, gaming or streaming live events, or binge-watching OTT content, the projector offers an immersive  and seamless viewing experience without the complications of traditional home theatre setups.”

Features & Specifications – 

Android 14 Smart Entertainment Platform

Built on the latest Android 14 operating system, the projector provides users an intuitive and smart interface while supporting live streaming and access to a broad range of entertainment applications directly from the device.

HD Projection with upto 4K Support

The projector delivers sharp HD visuals while enabling 4K content playback, delivering exuberant colours and detailed picture quality for movies, sports, gaming and presentations.

All-in-One OTT Entertainment

Users can stream content directly through popular OTT platforms, such as  YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix,  JioHotstar, ZEE5 and SonyLIV, minimizing the need for external streaming devices.

Electric Focus with Auto & 4D Keystone Correction

The projector features intelligent Auto & 4D Keystone correction and electric focus, automatically adjusting image sharpness and alignment, ensuring a perfectly projected image with minimal setup.

Rotatable Adjustable Design

Its rotatable adjustable-angle design allows users to project content on ceilings or walls  with ease, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and home theatres.

WiFi, Bluetooth and Screen Mirroring

Built-in dual-band Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity enable wireless streaming and audio connectivity, while screen mirroring helps users to project content in a smooth manner from tablets, smartphones and laptops.

Multi-Language Support

The projector supports 25 global languages, including English, Hindi and Bangla, making it accessible to a wide range of users across India and international markets.

Compact Home Entertainment Solution

Engineered for modern homes, the projector combines intelligent software, premium imaging technology,  and wireless connectivity into a single compact device, making it suitable for gaming, movies,  presentations, online learning and everyday entertainment.

Pricing and Availability –

XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Movie HD Projector is available for purchase through Amazon India and authorized retail channels across the country.

20, Jul 2026
Hyundai Motor India Expands EV Ecosystem with Access to 30,000 Charging Points Nationwide

New Delhi, July 20: Hyundai Motor India has announced expanded access to a network of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across India, strengthening efforts to make electric mobility more accessible and convenient for customers.

The initiative aims to provide EV owners with wider charging options and greater confidence while travelling, addressing one of the major factors influencing electric vehicle adoption. The expanded network will support customers by improving access to charging facilities across different locations.

The move reflects Hyundai’s continued focus on developing a robust EV ecosystem in India through enhanced infrastructure support and customer-centric solutions. As demand for electric vehicles grows, reliable charging availability is expected to play a key role in accelerating the transition towards cleaner transportation.

Hyundai Motor India is working towards supporting sustainable mobility by integrating technology, innovation, and infrastructure development. The expansion of charging access is expected to encourage more consumers to adopt electric vehicles and contribute to the growth of India’s green mobility sector.

The company’s latest initiative marks another step in strengthening the electric vehicle landscape and improving the overall ownership experience for EV users across the country.

20, Jul 2026
India Deepens Trade Engagement with Europe During Piyush Goyal’s Visit

New Delhi, July 20: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to Europe has strengthened India’s trade and economic partnerships, reinforcing the country’s commitment to expanding global business opportunities and fostering closer international cooperation.

During the visit, Goyal held a series of meetings with government officials, business leaders, and industry representatives to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade, encourage investment, and promote collaboration across key sectors. The discussions focused on improving market access, supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains, and creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

The visit underscored India’s growing role as a trusted global economic partner and highlighted its efforts to build resilient and mutually beneficial trade relationships with European nations. Stakeholders expressed confidence that the continued dialogue would pave the way for stronger commercial ties and increased investment.

The engagements are expected to deepen economic cooperation, expand business partnerships, and contribute to sustained growth, reflecting India’s broader vision of strengthening its presence in global markets while supporting long-term prosperity for its trading partners.

20, Jul 2026
Markets Open Lower Amid Weak Global Cues, Rising Crude Oil Prices

Markets Open Lower Amid Weak Global Cues, Rising Crude Oil Prices

Mumbai, July 20: Indian equity markets opened on a weaker note today as negative global sentiment and rising crude oil prices weighed on investor confidence.

Benchmark indices declined in early trading, reflecting cautious sentiment across global markets. Investors remained concerned about higher oil prices, which have renewed fears of inflation and increased costs for businesses, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on fuel and transportation.

Market participants also kept a close watch on corporate earnings and broader economic developments, with uncertainty prompting many investors to adopt a wait-and-watch approach. Financial, automobile, and other rate-sensitive sectors witnessed selling pressure during the opening session, while defensive stocks showed relatively better resilience.

Analysts believe that fluctuations in global markets and energy prices are likely to influence investor sentiment in the coming days. Despite the weak start, they expect domestic economic fundamentals and quarterly earnings announcements to play a key role in determining the market’s near-term direction.

Investors are advised to remain focused on long-term investment strategies while monitoring global developments and sector-specific trends that may impact market performance.

20, Jul 2026
A Celebration of Matcha at Gourmet Bar, Novotel Mumbai International Airport

A Celebration of Matcha at Gourmet Bar, Novotel Mumbai International Airport

Mumbai, 20th July: Once rooted in centuries-old Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has today emerged as a global cafe phenomenon. Revered for its vibrant green hue, earthy flavour, and antioxidant-rich properties, the finely ground green tea has become a favourite among wellness enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike, finding its place on menus across some of the world’s most celebrated cafes.

Reflecting the growing appreciation for matcha, Gourmet Bar at Novotel Mumbai International Airport introduces its all-new Matcha Menu, a curated selection of handcrafted beverages that blends tradition with innovation. Known for its relaxed ambience and contemporary all-day offerings, Gourmet Bar continues to elevate the café experience with drinks crafted for evolving tastes and wellness-conscious lifestyles.

Leading the collection is the classic Matcha Latte, a smooth and velvety beverage that highlights the distinctive earthy notes of premium matcha, making it an ideal choice for purists. For those seeking a lighter alternative, the Iced Matcha Latte delivers the same rich flavours in a chilled, refreshing avatar, perfect for warm summer afternoons.

Adding a vibrant twist to the menu is the Blueberry Matcha, where the subtle sweetness of blueberries harmoniously complements the bold character of matcha, resulting in a refreshing and well-balanced beverage. Completing the collection is the Matcha Tonic, an invigorating blend of premium matcha and tonic water that offers a crisp, sparkling finish, an ideal choice for guests looking to experience matcha in a refreshingly modern way.

Whether you’re a seasoned matcha enthusiast or discovering the beverage for the first time, Gourmet Bar’s new Matcha Menu offers a refreshing interpretation of one of the world’s most celebrated tea traditions. Set within the contemporary ambience of Novotel Mumbai International Airport, the menu reflects the hotel’s commitment to introducing globally inspired culinary experiences, where every sip is crafted to delight the modern palate.