7, Jul 2026
India Sets New Strategy to Accelerate Seafood Export Growth Through TEPA

New Delhi, July 7: The Centre has rolled out a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen India’s seafood export sector under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), aiming to enhance global market access and improve the competitiveness of Indian seafood products.

The new strategy focuses on expanding export opportunities, promoting value-added seafood products, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring compliance with international quality and safety standards. The initiative is designed to help exporters tap into emerging markets and strengthen India’s position in the global seafood trade.

The government has highlighted the need for greater adoption of modern technologies, sustainable aquaculture practices, improved processing facilities, and stronger infrastructure to support long-term growth in the sector.

India’s seafood industry plays a crucial role in generating foreign exchange earnings, supporting livelihoods in coastal regions, and contributing to the country’s export economy. The roadmap aims to provide exporters with better support systems and create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.

Through the TEPA framework, the Centre is working towards deeper trade engagement, improved market opportunities, and enhanced competitiveness for Indian seafood exporters in international markets.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen India’s seafood export ecosystem and contribute to the country’s broader goal of expanding its global trade footprint.

7, Jul 2026
Government Sets Focus on Expanding India’s Leather and Footwear Exports to Dollar 15 Billion

New Delhi, July 7: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged India’s leather and footwear industry to work towards achieving an ambitious $15 billion export target, highlighting the sector’s crucial role in boosting manufacturing, employment, and India’s global trade presence.

The minister emphasised the need for the industry to adopt advanced technologies, improve product quality, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen its presence in international markets. He said that innovation, sustainable manufacturing practices, and skill development would be key factors in unlocking the sector’s full potential.

The leather and footwear industry has significant scope for expansion, particularly through increased value addition, modern production methods, and stronger integration with global supply chains. The sector can contribute substantially to India’s export growth while creating new employment opportunities.

The government is focused on providing policy support, improving infrastructure, and creating a favourable business environment to help exporters overcome challenges and expand their global reach.

With rising international demand and growing manufacturing capabilities, the leather and footwear sector is expected to remain an important contributor to India’s vision of becoming a leading global manufacturing and export hub.

7, Jul 2026
Strong Market Rally Lifts BSE Market Capitalisation to Record High

Mumbai, July 7: The combined market capitalisation of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has reached an all-time high of ₹482.31 lakh crore, reflecting sustained investor confidence and strong momentum in the Indian equity markets.

The record valuation comes amid positive domestic and global market sentiment, supported by steady economic growth, robust corporate earnings, and continued participation from both domestic and foreign investors. The milestone underscores the resilience of India’s capital markets despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Market experts attribute the surge in overall market capitalisation to broad-based gains across key sectors, including banking, financial services, information technology, and manufacturing. Strong inflows from institutional investors and optimism over India’s long-term growth prospects have further boosted market performance.

The achievement highlights the growing strength of India’s equity markets and reinforces the country’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Analysts expect market sentiment to remain influenced by corporate earnings, macroeconomic indicators, foreign investment trends, and global developments in the coming weeks.

7, Jul 2026
Sensex, Nifty Open Higher on Positive Global Market Sentiment

Mumbai, July 7: Indian benchmark equity indices opened on a positive note on Tuesday, supported by favourable global market cues and improved investor sentiment. Both the BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty traded higher in early deals, tracking gains in Asian markets and optimism surrounding international economic developments.

Sensex, Nifty Open Higher on Positive Global Market Sentiment

Market participants remained focused on global trends, foreign investment activity, and domestic economic indicators, which contributed to the positive momentum at the opening bell. Buying interest in key sectors, including banking, information technology, and select heavyweight stocks, helped lift the benchmark indices during early trading.

Analysts said investors are closely monitoring global market movements, corporate earnings, and macroeconomic developments for further direction. The performance of international markets and foreign institutional investor activity is expected to continue influencing domestic equities in the coming sessions.

The early gains reflect cautious optimism among investors, although market volatility may persist amid evolving global and domestic economic conditions.

7, Jul 2026
Korum Mall Hosts 27th Pinnacle Age Group Chess Tournament

Korum Mall Hosts 27th Pinnacle Age Group Chess Tournament

Thane, July 07: Korum Mall successfully hosted 300 participants at the 27th Pinnacle Age Group Chess Tournament on Sunday, July 5, bringing together hundreds of young chess players for a day of competitive action, strategic thinking and sportsmanship. Organised by Pinnacle Chess Events under the aegis of the Thane District Chess Association, the tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from budding players across multiple age categories. 

The tournament featured Under 7, Under 8, Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 categories, conducted across morning and afternoon sessions. Young participants competed in fast-paced matches under FIDE time-control regulations, showcasing their talent and passion for the game. 

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where winners across all categories were felicitated with championship trophies and other prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances. 

By hosting the tournamentKorum Mall continues to strengthen its commitment to creating meaningful community experiences that encourage learning, skill development and family participation through engaging sporting events.

 
 
6, Jul 2026
India’s steel production grows 5.9% in April–June: Report

New Delhi, July 6: India’s steel production recorded a growth of 5.9% during the April–June quarter, according to a recent report.

The report said the increase was driven by strong demand from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors, along with steady domestic consumption. Improved capacity utilisation across steel plants also supported the upward trend.

It added that government-led infrastructure development and ongoing industrial activity continue to boost steel demand in the country. However, global price fluctuations and external market conditions remain key factors to watch in the coming months.

Overall, the sector’s performance reflects sustained economic activity and continued investment in core industries.

6, Jul 2026
INR 2,000 Crore Impact Venture Fund, Among India’s Largest, Launched by Next Bharat Ventures

INR 2,000 Crore Impact Venture Fund, Among India's Largest, Launched by Next Bharat Ventures

Bengaluru, July 06: Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private limited today announced the launch of its second fund of INR 2000 crore, making it among the largest impact-focused venture fund in India. This second corpus will enable Next Bharat to significantly expand its support towards “Impact Entrepreneurs” building to improve quality of life and sustainable livelihoods across rural India and migrated and urban marginalised communities.

 
Next Bharat Ventures is a 2-year-old entity that is focussed on sectors like agriculture, rural supply chains, financial inclusion, healthcare, rural mobility, and AI for social good. The initiative aligns closely with India’s national priorities under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, supporting locally built enterprises that create employment, improve farmer incomes, strengthen rural value chains, and promote women-led entrepreneurship.
 
This launch builds on the success of Next Bharat’s first INR 340 crore fund, which demonstrated the viability of a long-term, patient-capital approach to nurturing rural entrepreneurs solving real problems for billions of Indians in rural and informal economies. To date, Next Bharat has supported more than 50 impact startups, investing in over 20 of them through capital, mentorship, and ecosystem support. Several of these startups have also begun business pilots with companies in Japan.
 
Speaking on the fund announcement, Vipul Jindal Nath, Founder and CEO, Next Bharat Venturesan IIT Hyderabad Alum, said, “Our first fund is proof that impact and business can co-exist, and that strong businesses can be built and scaled around livelihoods and improved quality of life. Our impact founders are innovators working on grassroot level transformation while ensuring business output, with over 90% of our portfolio companies already heading towards profitability in their early years.
 
I encourage all the aspiring founders to build their next startup which not only creates commercial value but also deeply solves a social problem of our rural and informal communities, because that’s the heart of India. If you are able to create a big enough impact, I guarantee the commercial returns will follow.”
 
Toshihiro SuzukiRepresentative Director & President of Suzuki Motor Corporation said, “Japan’s investment in India has always been rooted in a shared belief in India’s potential, and nowhere is that more evident than in our four-decade partnership. The most important legacy is not the cars themselves, but the enterprises born from it – ordinary shops that became major dealerships, repair workshops that became auto-parts suppliers, and a single supplier that gave rise to entire SME ecosystems. In this way, we created an estimated 3,000-plus entrepreneurs across India, each a homegrown engine of local jobs and income. With Fund II, we are deepening this commitment, and we are honoured to walk this path with the Government of India toward a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat
 
Established in 2024, Next Bharat Ventures goes beyond capital to offering an end-to-end support ecosystem to founders. Its flagship ten-day residency programme supports early-stage entrepreneurs with mentorship, networks, and equity investments ranging from INR 1–5 crore to help them scale into sustainable enterprises. Complementing this is the Why Club, a founder led community launched by Next Bharat that fosters collaboration, funding, and long-term support to help impact entrepreneurs sustain and grow their ventures.
 
The INR 2000 crore second fund substantially expands Next Bharat’s investment capacity. Over the years, Next Bharat has invested in several promising rural startups including MeMeraki – an authentic Indian folk art marketplace; E-Bik – a rural mobility brand that provides affordable e-mobility kits for cycles and rickshaws; SGB Agro – a brand that offers affordable mechanisation for small-holding farmers; and Atypical Advantage – India’s largest PwD livelihood platform; many of which have grown into successful brands and enterprises delivering both commercial success and meaningful impact to the communities they serve.
6, Jul 2026
Strong advances growth to drive profitability of Indian banks: Report

New Delhi, July 6: Strong growth in bank advances is likely to remain a key driver of profitability for Indian banks, according to a recent report.

The report said expanding credit demand across retail, corporate, and small business segments is supporting overall loan growth in the banking sector. This momentum, combined with relatively stable asset quality and improving operational efficiency, is expected to strengthen earnings outlook.

It added that banks are benefiting from steady economic activity and rising consumption trends, which are boosting credit uptake across key sectors. However, the report cautioned that interest rate movements, global financial conditions, and credit risk in certain segments could influence future profitability.

Overall, analysts said the banking sector remains well-positioned for sustained growth, supported by healthy loan demand and a stable macroeconomic environment.

6, Jul 2026
Cooperatives drive inclusive growth in India: Report

New Delhi, July 6: India’s cooperative ecosystem is emerging as a strong pillar of inclusive development, playing a growing role in supporting rural livelihoods and broad-based economic participation, according to a recent report.

The report highlighted that cooperative institutions across agriculture, dairy, credit, fisheries, and small-scale enterprises are helping improve access to affordable finance, fair markets, and essential services. This has particularly benefited farmers, rural households, and self-help groups by strengthening income opportunities at the grassroots level.

It added that ongoing policy support, institutional reforms, and increasing digital adoption have improved transparency, efficiency, and outreach within the cooperative framework. These developments have enabled cooperatives to function more effectively as community-driven economic units.

Experts noted that the cooperative model continues to contribute to balanced regional development by reducing disparities between urban and rural economies. They said its expanding role in employment generation, skill development, and value-chain integration is helping position it as a key engine of inclusive growth in India’s development landscape.

6, Jul 2026
India’s deal value jumps 127 pc to four-year high in Q2: Report

New Delhi, July 6: India’s deal-making activity recorded a sharp surge in the second quarter, with total deal value rising 127% to a four-year high, according to a recent report.

The report attributed the jump to increased mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and strong activity in sectors such as technology, financial services, and infrastructure. Large-value transactions played a key role in pushing overall deal value higher.

It added that investor confidence in India’s long-term growth story remains strong, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and continued foreign and domestic capital inflows.

However, the report noted that global uncertainties and fluctuating market conditions could influence deal momentum in the coming quarters, even as India continues to remain a preferred investment destination.