Category Archives: Business

Assam Expands Growth Vision Beyond Tea, Focuses on Technology and New Industries

Guwahati, July 8: Assam is moving towards a more diversified economic growth model by expanding beyond its traditional tea industry and promoting technology, innovation and new-age sectors, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The state government is working to create a balanced development framework that combines Assam’s established industries with emerging opportunities in technology, infrastructure, investment and entrepreneurship.

The push aims to attract new businesses, generate employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economic foundation. Alongside preserving the legacy of the tea sector, Assam is focusing on building a future-ready ecosystem driven by innovation and skill development.

The government said the broader growth strategy will help position Assam as an emerging hub for technology and investment while ensuring inclusive development across sectors.

Gold, Silver Slip Amid Iran Tensions

New Delhi, July 8: Gold and silver prices declined as investors reacted to renewed geopolitical tensions following fresh US strikes on Iran, leading to cautious sentiment across global markets.

The movement in precious metal prices came as traders assessed the impact of the developments on global risk appetite, currency movements and commodity markets. While gold and silver are traditionally viewed as safe-haven assets during periods of uncertainty, changing market expectations and profit-taking influenced prices during the session.

Analysts said investors are closely monitoring further developments in the Middle East, along with global economic indicators and interest rate expectations, which could shape the near-term direction of precious metals.

Market participants are expected to remain watchful as geopolitical risks, inflation concerns and broader financial market trends continue to influence gold and silver prices.

India, Costa Rica Expand Economic Partnership

New Delhi, July 8: India and Costa Rica are set to deepen their economic cooperation as bilateral trade continues to grow, reaching $391 million, reflecting stronger engagement between the two nations.

The two countries are exploring new opportunities to expand collaboration across sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation and sustainable development. The growing economic relationship highlights the potential for increased business partnerships and greater market access.

Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening commercial ties and encouraging greater participation from businesses to further enhance bilateral trade.

The expanding partnership between India and Costa Rica reflects the shared commitment of both nations to build stronger economic relations and create new avenues for cooperation in the years ahead.

India to Strengthen Sustainable High Seas Fishing with New Fisheries Agreement

New Delhi, July 8: Vice President Radhakrishnan is set to launch a Letter of Agreement (LoA) aimed at promoting the sustainable harnessing of fisheries resources in the high seas, marking an important step towards responsible marine resource management.

The initiative focuses on encouraging sustainable fishing practices, protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the long-term availability of ocean resources. It is expected to support better coordination among stakeholders while strengthening efforts towards conservation and responsible fisheries development.

The agreement highlights the importance of balancing economic opportunities in the fisheries sector with environmental sustainability. It will also encourage scientific approaches, improved resource management and greater cooperation in managing fisheries beyond national boundaries.

The initiative is expected to contribute to India’s efforts towards sustainable ocean governance and support the development of a resilient fisheries sector while safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations.

Indian Stock Markets Start Lower as Global Uncertainty Weighs on Investor Sentiment

Mumbai, July 8: Indian benchmark equity indices opened in the red on Wednesday as investors turned cautious amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and weak global market cues.

The Sensex slipped 364.27 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 77,816.45 at the opening, while the Nifty fell 139.15 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 24,259.55.

Selling pressure was visible across most sectors, with Oil & Gas stocks leading the decline. Media, PSU banks, realty, cement, metal, auto and FMCG stocks also traded lower. However, pharma and IT stocks bucked the broader market trend, registering modest gains.

Among the Nifty 50 companies, Shriram Finance, InterGlobe Aviation, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance, Eicher Motors, Larsen & Toubro and JSW Steel were the biggest losers in early trade.

Market participants remained cautious after a sharp decline in US technology stocks and mixed trends across Asian markets. Investor sentiment was further affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which pushed global crude oil prices higher. Brent crude rose above $76 a barrel, while WTI crude climbed past $72.

Analysts said the Nifty is likely to face resistance around the 24,450 level, with immediate support at 24,200. A break below this level could open the door for a further decline towards the 24,000 mark.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei traded lower, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng posted strong gains of more than 2 per cent, while South Korea’s KOSPI remained under pressure.

Ayuvya Strengthens Scientific Backing with Clinical Trial After Shark Tank Appearance

New Delhi, July 08: Ayurvedic health and wellness brand Ayuvya has completed a multi-centre clinical study on its flagship weight-gain formulations AYUVYA i-Gain+ Tablets and AYUVYA Lets Gain Powder, marking a significant step in strengthening scientific validation for Ayurvedic wellness products while drawing attention to a health challenge that has long remained overshadowed by the global focus on obesity.

The announcement comes months after Ayuvya‘s appearance on Shark Tank India Season 5, where the brand impressed the Sharks with its ₹51.5 crore revenue in FY25 and strong presence across Tier-3 and Tier-4 India. While appreciating the company’s growth, the Sharks questioned the lack of clinical validation behind its formulations, with Kunal Bahl remarking, “Pehle vishwas banao” (Build trust first). The feedback prompted the company to invest in registered clinical research to strengthen the scientific evidence supporting its products.

The study also addresses a much larger gap in the healthcare conversation. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 18.7% of women and 16.2% of men aged 15-49 in India have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5, classifying them as underweight. Globally, research published in The Lancet estimates that more than 390 million adults are underweight, with India accounting for one of the world’s largest underweight populations. Despite these numbers, healthy weight gain remains a relatively under-researched area, with limited clinical evidence supporting interventions specifically designed for this population.

Against this backdrop, Ayuvya‘s clinical study, registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2026/02/103541) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), enrolled 110 adults aged 18 to 35 years with poor appetite and a BMI below 20 across two clinical sites in Bengaluru. Conducted over 45 days, the open-label, single-arm study evaluated changes in appetite, body weight, BMI, nutritional status, gastrointestinal comfort, quality of life, and safety parameters, including liver function. A total of 106 participants (96.4%) completed the study.

According to Ms. Astha Jain, Co-Founder of Ayuvya, “When we appeared on Shark Tank India, the Sharks challenged us to build stronger scientific credibility for our products, and we believed that was fair feedback.  At the same time, we realised there is another conversation that deserves more attention. While obesity has dominated public discourse for decades, millions of people continue to struggle with being underweight, poor appetite, and healthy weight gain. We wanted to respond to both challenges by investing in clinical research that strengthens trust while contributing evidence to an often-overlooked area of health. According to the investigators, participants using the combination of AYUVYA i-Gain+ Tablets and AYUVYA Lets Gain Powder demonstrated improvements in appetite, body weight, BMI, nutritional status, gastrointestinal health, and overall quality of life while maintaining a favourable safety and tolerability profile throughout the study period. The study reported up to a 5.90% improvement in body weight and up to a 7.47% improvement in BMI.

The company aims to provide clinical validation for every major Ayuvya product, reinforcing its commitment to scientific research and evidence-based Ayurvedic formulations. Through this approach, it seeks to build consumer trust and establish Ayuvya as a household name synonymous with clinically backed wellness solutions. 

Herbalife India Introduces Dates Caramel Variant in its Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Range

Bengaluru, July 08: Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, has introduced a new Dates Caramel variant to its Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix range. The caramel and dates flavours are brought together with the added texture of date crunches made from solidified date juice, offering a balance of indulgent taste and reliable daily nutrition. 

This new addition comes as consumers continue to look for options that combine taste with convenience and consistency in their daily diets. With this, Herbalife builds on its existing Formula 1 flavour range, including Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, Mango, Kulfi, and Rose Kheer, giving consumers more ways to choose flavours that suit their preferences while staying with products they already trust. 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said, “There is a noticeable shift today, with more people looking for nutrition that fits naturally into their daily routines without feeling like a compromise. The expectation is simple, something that is easy to use, enjoyable, and still supports overall well-being. With the Dates Caramel variant, the idea was to respond to evolving consumer preferences through our product innovation, offering greater choice while staying true to the balanced nutrition that the Formula 1 range is known for. It is about offering more choice in a way that helps individuals stay consistent with their routines. At Herbalife, the focus continues to be on delivering science-backed products that are relevant to Indian consumers and support them in leading healthier, more active lives.” 

The Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix – Dates Caramel provides a balanced blend of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, supporting daily nutritional requirements. 

Each serving delivers 9 g of high-quality protein, 3g of fiber and 19 vitamins and minerals serving as a meal replacement, when consumed as per recommended usage specified on product label. In addition, it is a low Glycemic Index food, designed to support sustained energy release as part of a balanced diet. 

Designed for convenience, the shake is quick to prepare and easy to personalise, making it suitable for individuals with active and busy lifestyles. It can be consumed as a nutritious meal alternative by replacing one or two meals a day, particularly when used alongside a calorie-restricted diet and moderate physical activity. 

With an expanding range of flavours, the Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix continues to offer consumers more choice while maintaining consistency in their daily nutrition routines.

India Attracts Strong Global Investor Interest as FDI Inflows Rise 44 pc: UNCTAD Report

New Delhi, July 7: India has witnessed a sharp rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, recording a 44 per cent increase and securing a place among the world’s top 11 investment destinations, according to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The surge in foreign investment reflects growing confidence among global investors in India’s economic potential, supported by policy reforms, a rapidly expanding market, improved infrastructure, and a strong digital ecosystem.

The UNCTAD report highlights India’s growing appeal as a destination for international businesses seeking new opportunities and reliable investment environments. Key sectors, including manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and services, continue to attract global interest.

The rise in FDI is expected to contribute to economic growth by encouraging innovation, creating employment opportunities, supporting industrial development, and strengthening India’s participation in global value chains.

The latest figures underline India’s expanding role in the global investment landscape and its progress towards becoming a leading destination for international capital and business opportunities.

Bharat Stars Services Partners with Netradyne to Enhance Safety in Aviation Fuelling Operations

Bengaluru, July 07: Netradyne, a global leader in AI-powered fleet safety and performance technology, today announced a partnership with Bharat Stars Services Private Limited (BSSPL), a joint venture between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and ST Airport Services Pte. Ltd (STARS), Singapore. The engagement brings Netradyne‘s AI-driven Driver•i platform to BSSPL’s aviation fuelling fleet operating across airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The deployment will help strengthen safety standards in one of the most high-stakes ground operation environments in Indian aviation.

Aviation fuel handling is among the most safety-critical functions at any airport. Fuelling vehicles, refuellers and dispensers operate in close proximity to active aircraft, ground support equipment, and personnel, often under strict speed constraints. In this environment, even momentary lapses in driver alertness or vehicle handling can carry severe consequences. 

Netradyne analyses 100% drive time using advanced computer vision and edge AI. This provides BSSPL with continuous visibility into fleet operations rather than relying on event-triggered recording. The platform identifies early signs of driver fatigue and drowsiness, a primary safety concern in repetitive airside operations. It delivers immediate in-cab alerts through audible coaching before a situation escalates. 

When distraction or unsafe behaviour is detected, drivers receive real-time alerts that enable self-correction at the moment. This reduces reliance on post-incident reviews. The platform also provides collision warnings for potential risks with aircraft, equipment, or personnel operating in close quarters on the tarmac. 

What sets the technology apart is its ability to recognise positive driving behaviour, not just risk. Through Netradyne‘s GreenZone® safety scoring framework, BSSPL can benchmark and track safe driving performance across its workforce. This gives operations managers a clearer picture of what is working well, not just what needs correction.

JP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Stars Services Limited, said: “Our ground operations teams work around the clock 24/7, 365 days a year in some of the most demanding environments at an airport. We have always maintained rigorous safety standards and protocols, but the reality of round-the-clock operations is that fatigue, distraction, and momentary lapses can occur even among the most experienced and disciplined operators. Netradyne gives us an additional layer of real-time support, helping us detect these risks as they happen and intervene before they become incidents. It enhances the safety culture we’ve built over the years.”

Durgadutt Nedungadi, Senior Vice President, India, APAC & Middle East, Netradyne, said: “Airside fuelling is an environment where precision, compliance, and situational awareness are critical at every moment. BSSPL’s decision to deploy Netradyne across its operations demonstrates a forward-looking approach to safety that goes beyond compliance. We are proud to support their mission of building a safer, more accountable airside ecosystem at some of India’s busiest airports.”

India-Indonesia Digital Push: UPI Integration to Enable Seamless Cross-Border Payments

New Delhi, July 7: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be integrated with Indonesia’s payment system, marking a major milestone in digital financial cooperation between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced.

The integration will enable smoother cross-border transactions, offering greater convenience to individuals, businesses, and travellers by improving the speed and accessibility of digital payments between India and Indonesia.

The initiative highlights the growing global acceptance of India’s digital payment ecosystem and reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen financial technology cooperation.

Officials said the collaboration will support innovation in the fintech sector, enhance economic connectivity, and create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and digital commerce.

The move is part of India’s ongoing efforts to expand international digital payment partnerships and promote secure, efficient, and inclusive financial solutions worldwide.