9, Jul 2026
757 Million UPI Payments a Day, and Not One of Them Builds Wealth
In June 2026, India processed over 22 billion UPI transactions, worth more than Rs 28 lakh crore, averaging 757 million payments a day. The money moves instantly. A notification arrives. And then it is gone.
Indians are already buying gold through UPI, but not automatically
Evidence suggests Indians want something more from their digital payments. Data from the World Gold Council shows that digital gold purchases made via UPI nearly tripled through 2025, with monthly transaction values climbing from Rs 8 billion in January to Rs 21 billion by December. Over the course of the year, Indians purchased an estimated 13.5 tonnes of gold through UPI-linked platforms.
This growth did not happen because of a government scheme or a bank campaign. It happened because a section of Indian consumers, largely younger and smartphone-first, started treating UPI as a tool for building assets, not just clearing bills. They were opening apps, choosing an amount, and buying digital gold as a separate, conscious step alongside their regular payments.
The case for removing that extra step
Platforms like GoSats are built around a different model. Instead of asking users to make a separate decision to save, the platform credits Bitcoin or 24-karat digital gold directly to a user’s wallet with every eligible card transaction or bill payment. The accumulation happens in the background, as a function of spending that was already going to happen.
The practical difference is measurable. Take a user spending Rs 15,000 a month on groceries, subscriptions, and utility bills. At up to 3% cashback in Bitcoin or digital gold on eligible transactions, that adds up to a small but real asset position over twelve months, built entirely from spending that required no separate savings decision.
For users who prefer gold specifically, the platform offers a Gold SIP feature that channels rewards from everyday spending into a recurring digital gold position. Gold earned can be held, redeemed as physical gold, or converted into gold-backed instruments through the platform’s Augmont partnership. Unlike most loyalty programmes where points come with an expiry date, rewards on the platform carry lifetime validity.
Why the timing matters
The context around digital gold in India has shifted in the past two years. The government stopped issuing new Sovereign Gold Bond tranches in 2024, removing what had been one of the most trusted vehicles for retail gold investment. That demand has not disappeared. Much of it has moved to digital gold platforms. UPI-linked gold purchases tripling in 2025 reflects that shift directly.
Gold prices rose 183% between January 2021 and January 2026, a compound annual growth rate of around 23%. Investors who started building a position early, even in small amounts, would have seen that appreciation reflected in their holdings. For those starting now, the case for accumulating steadily rather than waiting for the right moment remains the same.
India’s UPI infrastructure now accounts for nearly half of the world’s real-time payment transactions. Every one of those transactions moves money out of someone’s account. A small but growing number of platforms are now built around the idea that at least some of that money should find its way back, in a form that holds value beyond the moment the payment clears.
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- By Neel Achary
9, Jul 2026
STJ GROUP Chandigarh Tricity’s Most Trusted Developer Developing Icons Across Tricity The Pinnacle | The Fortune | Genesis Heights | Mohali Citi Centre | STJ FORUM & More
STJ Group, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Anil Goyal, has established itself as one of Chandigarh Tricity’s most trusted real estate developers, delivering thoughtfully planned residential and commercial destinations that redefine modern living and business. Guided by a commitment to quality, transparency, innovation, and timely delivery, the group has developed 16+ landmark projects in just 8 years, successfully delivering 17 lakh+ sq. ft. while 82 lakh+ sq. ft. is planned for the future. With every development, Mr. Goyal’s vision continues to shape thriving communities and iconic destinations that create lasting value for homeowners, investors, businesses, and the region as a whole.
The Pinnacle By STJ
Among its flagship developments, The Pinnacle by STJ stands as the epitome of luxury living. Strategically located in Mohali’s thriving IT City, this iconic residential address offers exquisitely designed 3, 4 & 5 BHK residences, world-class amenities, contemporary architecture, and seamless connectivity. Crafted for those who seek exclusivity and sophistication, The Pinnacle delivers an elevated lifestyle that blends comfort, elegance, and long-term value.
Genesis Heights By STJ
Further strengthening STJ’s residential portfolio, Genesis Heights by STJ is thoughtfully designed to offer modern homes in a well-connected and rapidly developing neighbourhood. Combining smart planning, premium specifications, landscaped open spaces, and lifestyle-focused amenities, Genesis Heights creates an ideal environment for families seeking a perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and community living.
Looking ahead, STJ is set to introduce two landmark developments that will further redefine Tricity’s real estate landscape. Forum by STJ is envisioned as a vibrant mixed-use destination where shopping, dining, entertainment, and business come together under one roof, while The Fortune by STJ will offer premium residences designed around contemporary architecture, exceptional connectivity, and refined living. Together, these upcoming projects reflect STJ’s continued commitment to creating destinations that inspire growth, enhance lifestyles, and build lasting value for generations to come.
Contact Information:
STJ ESTATES LIMITED
Corporate Office : 6th Floor , MCC2 , SAS NAGAR , PUNJAB , INDIA , 140306
Email ID: info@stjgroups.com
Mobile Number: 7230972309
9, Jul 2026
Choice International and NH Investment & Securities Establish Strategic Partnership Through INR 9000 Million Investment in Choice Equity Broking
Commenting on the development, Mr. Arun Poddar, CEO & Executive Director, Choice International Limited, said: “This investment marks a significant milestone in our growth journey and reflects the confidence of a leading global financial institution in our vision, business model and long-term potential.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Shin Jae Wook, President & CEO of NH Investment & Securities, said: “This strategic investment marks an important milestone in further strengthening NH Investment & Securities‘ global business portfolio. Through our partnership with Choice Group, we will combine the strengths of both organizations to deliver differentiated financial services and build sustainable long-term growth engines for our global business.”
9, Jul 2026
Industry Leaders Discuss the Future of India’s Private Credit Market at IVCA Private Credit Summit 2026
Mumbai, July 9: At Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association Private Credit Summit 2026, a panel discussion titled “Private Credit 2035: Scaling the Next Trillion in India’s Financing Stack” featured industry experts discussing how private credit can evolve into a core pillar of India’s financing architecture over the next decade.
Rahul Shah, Partner, EvolutionX Debt Capital, and Sandeep Adukia, Senior Managing Partner, Ascertis Credit, joined the panel, along with Karthik Athreya, Managing Director, Sundaram Alternates; Piyush Gupta, CEO, Investec Alternatives; and Vineet Sukumar, Founder and Managing Director, Vivriti Group. The panel discussion was moderated by Rajeev Vidhani, Partner, Khaitan & Co.
The session focused on the growth trajectory of India’s private credit market over the next 10 years, as well as the evolution of alternative investment funds , private credit funds, co-lending models, securitisation platforms, and technology-enabled credit markets. Panellists also examined how regulatory frameworks, underwriting standards, and governance practices could play a part in supporting sustainable growth in this segment. Their perspectives touched upon India’s potential to emerge as a leading destination for domestic and global private credit capital by 2035.
“Private credit in India has evolved from an alternative financing solution into an integral part of the country’s capital ecosystem. Today, banks, NBFCs and private credit funds coexist in an increasingly mature market, supported by stronger regulation and broader investor participation. As this momentum continues, private credit is set to play a far more significant role in financing India’s next phase of growth,” said Karthik Athreya, Managing Director, Sundaram Alternates.
He highlighted how India’s private credit ecosystem is steadily evolving into a more mature and integral component of the country’s financing landscape.
“Private credit is playing an increasingly important role in supporting new-age and technology-led businesses whose financing needs are often not addressed through traditional lending channels. For these businesses, underwriting has to go beyond conventional collateral and focus on the long-term strength of the business, its ability to attract future equity capital, and its resilience across market cycles. As India’s innovation economy grows, private credit will continue to complement equity capital by providing flexible financing solutions,” said Rahul Shah, Partner, EvolutionX Debt Capital.
Drawing attention to the role of private credit in addressing the evolving financing needs of Indian businesses, he highlighted the structural trends shaping its next phase of growth.
“India has a deep and growing base of mid-market businesses that require flexible financing solutions to support their next phase of growth. As the private credit market expands, disciplined underwriting, strong cash-flow assessment and continuous portfolio monitoring will remain critical to protecting investor capital. We are also seeing banks increasingly viewing private credit as a complementary source of capital, enabling fast growing businesses to access financing structures that go beyond conventional lending,” said Sandeep Adukia, Senior Managing Partner, Ascertis Credit.
He emphasised the importance of strong underwriting, innovative financing, and a supportive regulatory environment in strengthening investor confidence in India’s private credit market.
IVCA Private Credit Summit 2026, themed “Building India’s Growth Engine through Private Credit”, convened policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, fund managers, legal experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on the developments that could strengthen the private credit ecosystem and support India’s long-term economic growth.
The IVCA Private Credit Summit is an industry platform that brings together leading domestic and global investors, private credit funds, banks, NBFCs, Asset Management Companies , Asset Reconstruction Companies , family offices, wealth managers, institutional investors, policymakers, regulators and industry practitioners to deliberate on the evolving landscape of private credit in India. The 2026 edition of the Summit is supported by 360 ONE as the Platinum Partner; Avendus, Certus Capital, EAAA Alternatives, NEO Alternative Asset Managers and Vivriti AMC as Gold Partners; and Khaitan & Co. and Sundaram Alternates as Strategic Partners. Through thought-provoking discussions and cross-sector collaboration, the Summit aims to strengthen India’s alternative credit ecosystem, encourage innovation in financing solutions and support the country’s long-term capital formation.
9, Jul 2026
India’s Food Market to Hit USD 150 Billion by FY31
July 9: India’s food services industry is heading towards a major transformation, with the market expected to touch USD 150 billion by FY31, according to a latest report. The growth will be driven by changing lifestyles, increasing urban demand, higher spending on dining experiences, and the rapid expansion of online food platforms.
The report highlights that digital adoption is reshaping the way Indians order and experience food. The online segment of the industry is expected to grow steadily, with its share projected to reach 18 per cent by FY31, supported by food delivery apps, digital payments, and technology-based services.
From restaurants and cloud kitchens to food entrepreneurs and delivery networks, the sector is creating new opportunities across the country. Rising consumer expectations and innovation in food services are further helping businesses adapt to a fast-changing market.
With strong consumer demand and growing digital integration, India’s food services sector is set to play an important role in the country’s economic growth story while creating new avenues for investment and employment.
9, Jul 2026
Anytime Fitness Strengthens Delhi Presence with New Club in Vipin Garden
Delhi, July 09: Strengthening its growth momentum in North India, Anytime Fitness, India’s fastest-growing fitness franchise and part of the world’s largest gym chain, has unveiled its newest club in Vipin Garden, Delhi. The launch underscores the brand’s continued commitment to making premium, world-class fitness more accessible across fast-growing urban communities. The newly launched club is owned and operated by Ms. Harpreet Kaur Khanna. Her entry into the fitness entrepreneurship space reflects the growing demand for structured, premium fitness solutions in cities like Delhi and the increasing awareness around preventive health and active lifestyles.
The Anytime Fitness Vipin Garden club features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, dedicated functional training zones, certified personal trainers, and Anytime Fitness’ signature 24/7 access, offering unmatched convenience and flexibility. Members will also benefit from access to the brand’s global network of clubs and its holistic approach to fitness, which combines personalized coaching, community engagement, and safe workout environments. This launch also features the new design theme, built to deliver a more immersive, modern, and member-first fitness experience.
Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said: “We are delighted to partner with entrepreneur like Ms. Harpreet Kaur Khanna, whose commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles reflects the growing entrepreneurial interest in India’s fitness sector. Her vision and passion for community wellness align closely with Anytime Fitness’ mission of making quality fitness accessible to more people. The launch of our new club in Vipin Garden, Delhi marks another important milestone in our expansion journey across North India. Delhi continues to be a key growth market for us, driven by increasing health awareness, evolving fitness aspirations, and a strong demand for premium wellness experiences. Through this new club, we aim to empower individuals with a world-class fitness environment, expert guidance, and the flexibility they need to achieve their health goals.”
Anytime Fitness has built a strong presence across India through its rapidly expanding network, serving a growing community of fitness enthusiasts. Delhi remains a strategic focus market for the brand, driven by rising health awareness, rapid urbanisation, and increasing demand for premium fitness experiences.
Since entering India in 2013, Anytime Fitness has grown to 180+ clubs nationwide, redefining fitness with its accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Beyond gyms, the brand has fostered community-driven initiatives like FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living.
The new launch aligns with Anytime Fitness India’s vision to strengthen its presence in high-growth markets and contribute to building a healthier, fitter India.
9, Jul 2026
India’s Growth Story Remains Strong, Economy Likely to Expand 6.6 pc in FY27
July 9: India is expected to continue its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with the country’s GDP projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in the financial year 2026-27, according to a latest report.
The positive outlook reflects the strength of India’s domestic economy, supported by rising consumer demand, infrastructure development, policy reforms, and growth across key sectors. The country’s expanding digital economy, manufacturing push, and increasing investment opportunities are also contributing to its economic momentum.
The report highlights that India’s steady growth trajectory will further strengthen its role in the global economy. Continued focus on innovation, job creation, investment, and sustainable development will be important in maintaining this momentum.
With strong economic fundamentals and ongoing reforms, India is set to remain a key driver of global growth in the coming years.
9, Jul 2026
Flipkart Sees 50 percentage Growth in Food & Nutrition as Gen Z and Bharat Redefine Food Commerce
Bengaluru, July 9: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today announced that its food and nutrition category has grown 50 percentage year-on-year, with Gen Z consumers and shoppers from Tier 2+ markets such as Dhulia, Imphal, Dharwad, Ujjain, Hubli, Mirganj, and Laharpur among several others, emerging as the biggest drivers of this growth. Quick commerce remained a key contributor, with Flipkart Minutes contributing 25 percentage of the overall demand. Propelling this momentum are young consumers discovering food through recipes, creator recommendations, and wellness trends, alongside non-metro shoppers who are increasingly embracing healthier kitchen staples and modern nutrition products. This growth was reflected at the third edition of Flipkart Food Fest 2026, which brought together over 50 leading brands and over 1000 creators and celebrity chefs, including Farah Khan, Chef Kunal Kapur, and Chef Ranveer Brar.
India’s evolving consumer plate: Decoding the shift to health-first living
Gen Z now accounts for 60 percentage growth y-o-y, with categories like Protein Oats, High Protein Peanut Butter, Gourmet Chocolates, and Protein Muesli topping the demand chart. Korean-flavoured snacks such as Cuppa Noodles and chips are emerging as fast-growing categories, led by demand from urban centers like Bengaluru and New Delhi. Men are driving demand for nuts and dry fruits, chocolates, and jams and spreads, while women are increasingly adding value-added tea, coffee, and edible seeds to their shopping baskets, fueling demand for functional nutrition, premium snacking, and everyday health upgrades.
Bharat consumers are seeking healthier alternatives, driving strong traction in cold-pressed oils, olive oils, protein oats, protein muesli, premium dry fruits, authentic ghee, and dates. The search for these products have grown by 80 percentage over the past year, reflecting a shift towards proactive wellness led by Tier 2 and Tier 3 India.
Nishant Dalal, Vice President, Consumables (FMCG and General Merchandise), Flipkart, said,
“Food in India is no longer just about routine. It’s increasingly becoming an expression of wellness, identity and discovery. Consumers across metros as well as Bharat are making more conscious choices about what they eat, and digital commerce is making better food choices accessible to more households than ever before. At Flipkart, we’re building an ecosystem where brands of every size can grow, creators can inspire discovery, and consumers can confidently explore products that match their evolving lifestyles.”
Food Fest 3.0: A celebration of India’s food journey
Bringing these trends to life, the event brought together over 50 leading food and beverage brands, over 1000 creators and influencers, along with renowned personalities including Farah Khan, Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Ranveer Brar, Sunil Grover, Gaurav Kapoor, and Aaditya Kulshreshth and Vanshika Khurana. The two-day festival featured more than 10 product launches, immersive brand experiences, and curated zones including Chocoland, Breakfast Zone, Gourmet, Beverages, and Kitchen Staples. Brands including Happilo, Anveshan, Farmley, Ferrero Rocher, Right Shift from ITC, Yogabar, Wonderland, Kelloggs Luvit, Alpino, Sugarfree D’lite unveiled new products, while leading FMCG companies such as Mondelez, Tata Consumer Products, Dabur, Fortune and MyFitness showcased innovations alongside emerging D2C brands.
Flipkart Food Fest kicked off with its on-ground celebration on July 7th and 8th, followed by an in-app sale from July 7 to 15, featuring limited-time offers, curated collections, and exciting new brand launches for shoppers across Bharat.
9, Jul 2026
realme NARZO 100x 5G set to launch on 15th July with the segment’s biggest 8000mAh battery
New Delhi, July 09: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, is set to launch the realme NARZO 100x 5G on 15th July 2026, bringing its philosophy of “Non-stop Power, Non-stop Fun” to life through a device engineered for uninterrupted entertainment, gaming and everyday productivity. Featuring the segment’s biggest 8000mAh battery with up to three days of usage on a single charge and 80W Ultra Charge, the smartphone combines exceptional endurance with an ultra-slim 8.8mm design, ensuring users never have to compromise between power and style. With the upcoming launch, realme continues its commitment to delivering future-ready innovations that seamlessly align with the evolving lifestyles of young consumers.
The realme NARZO 100x 5G is geared up to redefine the everyday smartphone experience by bringing together powerful performance, intelligent AI capabilities and robust durability in one package. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset built on a 6nm process, coupled with up to 14GB Dynamic RAM and 256GB storage, the device is designed to effortlessly handle gaming, multitasking and content consumption. The smartphone also introduces built-in Gemini Live, realme UI 7.0, and a host of intelligent features including AI Assistant for Notes, AI Eraser, AI-powered Portrait Lighting and AI Pulse Light, which adapts to moods and outfits through nine colour options and five speed settings, delivering a more personalised and expressive user experience.
Complementing its powerful internals, the realme NARZO 100x 5G is designed to deliver a seamless, reliable and truly non-stop experience.
The smartphone will be available on realme.com and Amazon.in. Stay tuned, and for more information, visit: realme NARZO India.
9, Jul 2026
India, Australia deepen energy partnership with uranium trade agreement
July 9: India and Australia have taken a major step towards strengthening their energy cooperation with the signing of a new agreement aimed at enhancing energy security and paving the way for expanded uranium trade between the two nations.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the growing strategic partnership between India and Australia, with both countries focusing on long-term collaboration in the energy sector. The move is expected to support India’s efforts to diversify its energy sources while strengthening bilateral ties.
Australian leaders welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and reaffirmed their commitment to building a deeper partnership with India across trade, investment, technology, and energy. The discussions highlighted the shared vision of both countries to promote secure and sustainable energy solutions.
The latest development reflects the steady expansion of India-Australia relations, with cooperation growing across multiple sectors and creating new opportunities for economic and strategic collaboration between the two nations.
