India Advances Green Rail Mobility with Hydrogen-Powered Train Initiative

New Delhi, July 17: India is taking a significant step toward sustainable transportation with the development of its hydrogen-powered train initiative, reinforcing the country’s commitment to cleaner mobility and low-carbon infrastructure. The project is aligned with the government’s broader vision of accelerating green energy adoption and modernizing the national rail network.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the hydrogen-powered train reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for green mobility, emphasizing that the initiative demonstrates India’s focus on innovation-driven and environmentally sustainable transport solutions.

The hydrogen-powered train is expected to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and provide a cleaner alternative for rail operations, particularly on non-electrified routes. The initiative supports India’s long-term objectives of achieving sustainable economic growth, enhancing energy security and promoting the use of clean technologies across critical infrastructure.

The project forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to transform Indian Railways through advanced technologies, improved operational efficiency and environmentally responsible practices. As investments in green transportation continue, hydrogen-powered rail systems are expected to play an important role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India.

The initiative highlights India’s commitment to building a modern, resilient and environmentally conscious transportation ecosystem while contributing to global climate goals and the country’s transition to a greener economy.

Indian Equity Markets Open Higher as IT and Auto Stocks Drive Early Gains

Mumbai, July 17: Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Friday, with benchmark indices advancing in early trade, led by strong buying interest in information technology (IT) and automobile stocks. The upbeat market sentiment reflected investor confidence amid ongoing corporate earnings announcements and expectations of stable domestic economic growth.

The benchmark BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty traded higher during the opening session as gains in leading IT companies and automobile manufacturers lifted the broader market. Technology stocks attracted investor attention on optimism surrounding quarterly earnings and improving global demand trends, while auto shares benefited from continued expectations of healthy domestic sales and improving consumer sentiment.

Market participants remained focused on the ongoing earnings season, with upcoming financial results from major listed companies expected to provide further direction to equity markets. Investors also continued to monitor global economic developments, crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor activity for additional cues.

Analysts noted that the resilience of India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, coupled with sustained domestic investor participation, continues to support market sentiment despite global uncertainties. Selective buying in large-cap stocks helped benchmark indices maintain positive momentum during early trading.

Looking ahead, market experts expect stock-specific movements to dominate trading in the near term as investors assess corporate earnings, economic data and global market trends. The performance of the IT and automobile sectors is likely to remain a key driver of market sentiment in the sessions ahead.

The Next Evolution of AI Is Future-Ready Intelligence

Swagat Sarangi, Co–founder, Smytten & PulseAI Research 

“AI is not replacing human judgment; it is fundamentally changing how that judgment is formed. For decades, businesses have relied on historical data to predict what consumers might do next. The next frontier is future-ready intelligence: AI that continuously learns from real consumer behaviour, validates signals and helps businesses move from hindsight to foresight.

Consumers are already using AI to learn, explore and make more informed decisions. This gives brands an opportunity to move beyond assumptions and build on real behavioural intelligence. At PulseAI Research, we are transforming billions of consumer signals into validated, decision-ready intelligence, helping businesses identify emerging trends, anticipate changing preferences and act with greater speed and confidence.

The companies that win will not simply have more data, but better intelligence. The future of AI will be defined not by how much information we collect, but by how responsibly we use it to create better products, experiences and outcomes.”

Blackstraw Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Recognized for Data Foundation Excellence at ET Edge AI Summit and Awards 2026

“The focus is shifting from experimentation to execution, and the success of any AI initiative depends on the quality of the data foundation beneath it,” said Atul Bansal, Head of AI at Blackstraw. “Generative and agentic AI keep expanding what is possible, but sustainable outcomes require infrastructure and processes that can support AI at enterprise scale.”

Commenting on the broader enterprise AI landscape, Hemendhira Muralidharan, VP Marketing at Blackstraw, said, “The enterprise AI conversation has evolved significantly over the past 12-18 months. Organizations are increasingly moving beyond pilot programs and proofs of concept to focus on measurable business outcomes. We are also seeing enterprises test and validate AI capabilities within their own operations before deploying them more broadly across customer facing and business critical functions. In that environment, strong data foundations, governance frameworks, and operational readiness become strategic priorities. This recognition reflects the growing industry understanding that long term AI success is built on these core, non-comprising fundamentals.”

Polycab India Posts Record Q1 FY27 Revenue and Profit; PAT Rises 33%

Polycab India Posts Record Q1 FY27 Revenue and Profit; PAT Rises 33%

Mumbai, July 16, 2026: Polycab India Limited, India’s largest manufacturer of wires and cables, reported its highest-ever first-quarter financial performance, with consolidated revenue rising 39% year-on-year to ₹8,209.7 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. The company also posted a 33% increase in Profit After Tax (PAT), reflecting robust demand across its core businesses.

The strong performance was driven by sustained momentum in the Wires & Cables (W&C) business and exceptional growth in the Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) segment.

Wires & Cables Continue Strong Growth

The Wires & Cables business recorded 39% year-on-year growth, led by a 43% increase in domestic revenues. The company attributed the performance to healthy market demand and improved execution under its Project Spring transformation programme.

Within the segment, the wires business outperformed cables, while channel sales registered stronger growth than institutional sales. Although the international business declined 13% year-on-year, Polycab said its diversified global presence and healthy order book provide confidence for future growth.

The company also reported sequential improvement in EBIT margins, supported by a better product mix and operational efficiencies.

FMEG Business Registers Outstanding Quarter

Polycab’s FMEG business delivered an impressive 71% year-on-year revenue growth, with broad-based demand across product categories.

The solar products portfolio remained the largest contributor, recording more than double the revenue compared to the same period last year.

The segment’s EBIT margin expanded to 8%, driven by operating leverage, premium product offerings and continued efficiency improvements. The performance aligns with the company’s long-term objective under Project Spring of achieving 8–10% EBITDA margins by FY2030.

EPC Business Remains Well Positioned

Revenue from the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) business declined 11% year-on-year, primarily due to the timing of project execution. However, the segment maintained an EBIT margin of 11% and continues to be supported by a healthy order backlog and a strong project execution pipeline.

Profitability Remains Strong

For the quarter, EBITDA increased 32% year-on-year, with the consolidated EBITDA margin standing at 13.8%.

Profit After Tax (PAT) grew 33% year-on-year, while PAT margin remained healthy at 9.7%, underscoring the company’s operational strength and disciplined cost management.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the results, Inder T. Jaisinghani, Chairman and Managing Director, Polycab India Limited, said the company entered FY2027 with strong momentum, achieving its highest-ever first-quarter revenue and profit.

He said the Wires & Cables business continued its robust growth trajectory, supported by healthy domestic demand and execution excellence, while the FMEG business strengthened profitability through premiumisation, operational efficiencies and an expanding product portfolio.

Jaisinghani added that the company’s international business remains an important long-term growth driver, backed by a strong order book, while the EPC business continues to benefit from a healthy project pipeline.

He also expressed confidence that sustained government infrastructure spending, ongoing investments in manufacturing capacity, product innovation and distribution expansion will help Polycab strengthen its market leadership and deliver sustainable long-term growth.

Homes with a View: SNN Raj Bay Vista introduces “Work from Nature” Concept in the Heart of South Bengaluru with Lake Facing Homes..

Bengaluru, July 17, 2026: Imagine waking up every morning to the sight of a tranquil lake outside your window instead of another concrete building. In a rapidly urbanising city like Bengaluru, where open spaces are becoming increasingly scarce, such experiences have become a rarity. It is this rare blend of nature and city living that SNN Raj Corp seeks to bring alive with the launch of SNN Raj Bay Vista, its premium residential development on Kodichikkanahalli Main Road, Bilekahalli, in South Bengaluru.
As homebuyers increasingly look beyond conventional apartments, priorities have shifted from simply owning a home to finding communities that support wellness, flexibility and a better quality of life. The rise of hybrid work has also changed what people expect from their homes, with larger residences and thoughtfully designed spaces becoming more important than ever.

Amenities that Enrich Everyday Life Responding to these changing aspirations, SNN Raj Bay Vista introduces the concept of ‘Work from Nature’, an evolution of the work-from-home lifestyle. Instead of remaining confined indoors, residents can work amidst landscaped gardens, open greens and dedicated outdoor workspaces that seamlessly blend productivity with the calming influence of nature. With more than 70% of the development dedicated to open spaces, the project creates breathing room between buildings while making landscape, wellness and recreation an integral part of everyday life rather than merely visual elements.

Spread across approximately 4.5 acres, the development comprises 234 premium residences across three residential towers, offering spacious 2, 3, 4 and 5 BHK homes ranging from approximately 1,235 sq. ft. to 4,719 sq. ft. The larger four and five-bedroom residences have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the evolving needs of modern families, including flexible workspaces, multi-generational living and changing lifestyle preferences.

The project offers over 30 thoughtfully curated lifestyle amenities, including a herb and sensory garden, fruit orchard, floating cabana, ornamental lily pond, outdoor fitness zones, children’s and toddler play areas, pet play zone, rock-climbing wall and dedicated Work from Nature spaces. Together, these create an environment where residents can work, unwind, exercise and reconnect with nature within the community itself.

The Advantage of a Well-Connected Address Beyond its nature-centric design, SNN Raj Bay Vista also enjoys the advantages of being located in one of South Bengaluru’s most established residential neighbourhoods. Situated in the BTM Layout micro-market, the project offers excellent connectivity to Electronic City, Koramangala, JP Nagar and other major employment hubs through Hosur Road and the Outer Ring Road. Residents are also within easy reach of leading educational institutions, reputed hospitals such as Apollo and Fortis, shopping destinations including Vega City Mall, Central Mall and Meenakshi Mall and a well-developed social infrastructure that has made the locality one of Bengaluru’s most preferred residential destinations.

The location is also expected to become even more attractive with ongoing infrastructure upgrades in the region, including the proposed Bengaluru Tunnel Road project, which is expected to improve connectivity and further strengthen the long-term appeal of the neighbourhood.

Beyond Work from Home Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anuj Sanjay Jain, Director of Operations, SNN Raj Corp, said, “The way people live has evolved and today’s homes need to support every aspect of modern life from family time and wellness to flexible work. At SNN Raj Bay Vista, we wanted to go a step further than ‘Work from Home’ by introducing the idea of ‘Work from Nature’. More than 70% of the development has been dedicated to open spaces, allowing nature to become an integral part of everyday living rather than simply a view from the window. Our thoughtfully designed landscapes, outdoor activity zones and dedicated Work from Nature spaces enable residents to work, recharge and reconnect in a refreshing environment, while our spacious residences are designed to accommodate evolving lifestyle needs. Raj Bay Vista reflects our vision of creating future-ready communities where contemporary living, wellness and nature exist in perfect harmony.”

With its rare lakeside setting, abundant open spaces, larger contemporary homes and strong urban connectivity, SNN Raj Bay Vista offers a distinctive residential proposition for homebuyers seeking a lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the serenity of nature.

Servotech Renewable Secures 900 kW Hybrid Solar Rooftop with BESS Project from UPSRLM, Rural Development Department, Govt. of UP

New Delhi/Uttar Pradesh, 17th July, 2026: Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. (NSE: SERVOTECH), India’s leading solar solutions brand, has secured an order from the UPSRLM, Department of Rural Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh for the installation of Hybrid Solar Rooftop System with Battery Energy Storage System across multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh. 

Under the project, Servotech has been allocated 12 locations of 75 kW each with a total allocated capacity of 900 kW. Under the scope of the project, Servotech Renewable will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, commissioning, and Maintenance of Hybrid solar systems with BESS across the locations. The hybrid solar systems, integrated with battery energy storage, are designed to provide reliable and uninterrupted clean energy while reducing dependence on conventional power sources. 

The project aligns with the state’s continued focus on decentralised renewable energy adoption and is expected to strengthen energy access across rural communities by promoting sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. 

Commenting on the development, Sarika Bhatia, Whole-Time Director, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., said, “We are excited to work with the UPSRLM on this initiative. Reliable access to clean energy has the potential to transform rural communities, and we are proud to contribute to that vision through our hybrid solar solutions. This project reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable energy infrastructure that empowers communities while supporting state’s transition towards renewable energy excellence and accelerating the adoption of solar power across the country.”

AD Ports Group Signs Official Logistics Partnership with Team Abu Dhabi for the 2026 UIM F1H2O World Championship

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16 July 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, has signed a logistics partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, under which AD Ports Group becomes the Official Logistics Partner of Team Abu Dhabi F1H2O for the 2026 UIM F1H2O World Championship.

The agreement was signed by Sultan Al Ghaithi, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, AD Ports Group, and Thani Al Qamzi, Executive Director of Team Abu Dhabi, representing Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both organisations.

Through the partnership, AD Ports Group will support the logistics operations behind Team Abu Dhabi’s global campaigns by leveraging its expertise and capabilities in logistics and supply chain management. This will enable the efficient transportation of race boats and technical equipment in line with the highest international standards, further enhancing the team’s readiness for major competitions.

Sultan Al Ghaithi, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, AD Ports Group, said: “This partnership reflects AD Ports Group’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that showcase Abu Dhabi’s leadership and global presence. We are pleased to work with Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and Team Abu Dhabi, leveraging our logistics expertise to support a team that embodies the values of ambition, excellence, innovation and professionalism that define the Emirate. We look forward to supporting a successful 2026 championship season.”

Thani Al Qamzi, Executive Director of Team Abu Dhabi, said: “This agreement represents an important milestone for Team Abu Dhabi, bringing together two organisations with a shared commitment to excellence and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global stage. The logistics support provided by a global partner with AD Ports Group’s expertise will further enhance the team’s readiness and ability to compete at the highest levels.”

The partnership brings together two organisations that proudly represent Abu Dhabi on the international stage. Team Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the world’s leading marine sports teams, carrying the Emirate’s name across major global championships, while showcasing Abu Dhabi as a premier global destination for sport and tourism, supported by its world-class infrastructure and proven expertise in hosting international sporting events. At the same time, AD Ports Group continues to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global hub for industry, trade, and logistics.

Under the partnership, AD Ports Group’s brand will be featured across Team Abu Dhabi’s boats, race apparel, media platforms, and promotional activities throughout the 2026 championship season. The partnership reinforces AD Ports Group’s connection with excellence in marine sports while supporting a team that continues to inspire pride in the UAE.

The agreement represents a model of collaboration between national institutions and supports Abu Dhabi’s vision of strengthening its global leadership in marine sports through strategic partnerships built on expertise, innovation and excellence.

SCRYPT Strengthens Technology Leadership with Appointment of Vivek Maurya as Head of Engineering

ZURICH, Switzerland, July 16 – SCRYPT, the operating system for digital assets, has appointed Vivek Maurya as Head of Engineering, strengthening its technology leadership team to support banks, payment providers, fintechs, and corporate treasury teams navigating the digital asset economy.

In his new role, Maurya will lead SCRYPT’s engineering function and oversee the continued development of the infrastructure underpinning its digital asset custody, crypto services, and stablecoin payment solutions. His remit includes advancing platform performance, reliability, and resilience as clients increasingly integrate digital assets into core financial operations.

“As digital assets become increasingly embedded into financial services, technology infrastructure must meet the highest standards of engineering excellence,” said Norman Wooding, Founder and CEO, SCRYPT. “Vivek’s experience building mission-critical platforms will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen the infrastructure that supports our clients and their digital asset strategies.”

Maurya brings more than two decades of engineering leadership experience spanning financial services, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies. His career has focused on building and scaling mission-critical distributed systems, cloud-native platforms, and data infrastructure. Most recently, he held engineering leadership roles at Netflix and Coinbase, where he contributed to highly scalable platforms supporting millions of users and critical financial services.

“What drew me to SCRYPT is the opportunity to build the technology infrastructure that enables the next generation of digital asset services,” said Vivek Maurya, Head of Engineering, SCRYPT. “The team has already developed a strong platform, and I’m excited to bring my experience in scalable systems, resilient architecture, and engineering execution to help advance the technology clients need to operate with confidence.”

The appointment underscores SCRYPT’s commitment to building world-class engineering capabilities as it continues to evolve the technology powering digital asset trading, custody, and payments.

Madurai to Host Young Indians National Financial Entrepreneurship Summit YiFi 2026

~ Around 600 Entrepreneurs, Family Business Leaders and Next-Generation Business Owners from 71 Yi Chapters to Converge for Two-Day National Summit ~

 L to R : Ms Kavita Kohli, National Head- CII’s Young Indians; Ms Namrata Bhatt, National Chair, Entrepreneurship, CII’s Young Indians; Mr Arun Rathod, National Chairman, CII’s Young Indians;Mr Anind Ben Roy, National Co-Chair-Entrepreneurship, CII’s Young Indians and Mr Vikranth Karmegam, Chair, Yi Madurai Chapter addressing the curtain raiser press meet today in Madurai. 

Madurai, July 16: Young Indians (Yi), an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), will host YiFi 2026 – its flagship National Financial Entrepreneurship Summit, in Madurai on July 17 and 18, 2026 under the theme Entrepreneurship Beyond Boundaries. The two-day summit will bring together over 600 entrepreneurs, family business leaders, next-generation successors, investors, and professionals representing 71 Young Indians Chapters from across the country.

Selvi S. Keerthana is the Minister for Industries and Investment Promotion, Government of Tamil Nadu will deliver the Inaugural address at the summit on 17th July 2026 and Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, Government of India will address the Special Plenary Session of YiFi 2026 on 18th July 2026.

The two days summit will witness sessions on Building Billion-Dollar Businesses: The Mindset, Money & Mistakes; Building startups and AI will Change Business Forever: Are You Ready, Panel discussions on: The Next Generation of Indian Entrepreneurs: Scaling with Purpose; Where Smart Money is Moving: The Future of Wealth Creation and What it takes to Build an Enduring Enterprise. Key speakers of the YiFi 2026 Summit include,Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry , Mr P Ravichandran, Chairman, CII Southern Region & President, Danfoss India, Danfoss Industries Pvt Ltd; Mr J Murugavel, Vice Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu and Founder, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO, Matrimony.com; Mr Shanmuga Nataraj, Regional Mentors- Memberships, Young Indians (Yi); Mr Chinnakannan Sivasankaran, Founder, AIWO; Mr Anuj Agarwal, National Vice Chairman, Young Indians; Mr B Santhanam, Former Chief Executive Officer- Asia Pacific & India Region & Former Chairman, Saint Gobain India, Mr Shankar Vanavarayar, Past National Chairman, Young Indians

With the theme “Entrepreneurship Beyond Boundaries,” YiFi 2026 aims to create a dynamic platform where India’s emerging business leaders can engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. The summit is designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on capital markets, financial strategies, governance, investment opportunities, and sustainable business growth.

“The future of Indian entrepreneurship will not be defined by a few metropolitan cities alone. It will be shaped by ambitious young entrepreneurs from cities like Madurai and hundreds of emerging cities across the country. Through YiFi 2026, Young Indians is creating opportunities for these changemakers to connect, innovate and build enterprises that contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047”. Said, Mr Arun Rathod, National Chairman, CII’s Young Indians (Yi).

YiFi 2026 will equip entrepreneurs with practical insights while fostering meaningful connections that inspire new opportunities and partnerships and will provide participants with unparalleled opportunities to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas with fellow entrepreneurs, and build lasting professional relationships.” Said Ms Namrata Bhatt National Chair Entrepreneurship CII’s Young Indians

The summit is expected to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth by enabling participants to explore innovative financial solutions, understand emerging market trends, strengthen governance practices, and discover new avenues for business expansion. YiFi 2026 reaffirms Young Indians’ commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, promoting responsible business leadership, and creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation, collaboration, and inclusive economic growth.