Category Archives: Business

India–UK Trade Deal to Boost Farmers and Fishermen: Goyal

New Delhi, June 23: The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to bring significant benefits for farmers, fishermen, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Union Minister Piyush Goyal said.

Goyal noted that the agreement will help expand market access for Indian products, improve export opportunities, and strengthen income prospects for key sectors of the economy, particularly those dependent on agriculture, fisheries, and small-scale industries.

He added that the FTA is designed to create a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade environment, enabling Indian producers to reach wider international markets while also encouraging investment and collaboration between the two countries.

According to him, the agreement is expected to boost employment opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and support the growth of export-oriented industries across India.

Experts believe that improved trade ties between India and the United Kingdom could further strengthen bilateral economic relations and open new avenues for cooperation in goods, services, and innovation-driven sectors.

The statement underscores the government’s focus on leveraging trade agreements to support inclusive growth and strengthen India’s global economic engagement.

Kutch Gets Air Connectivity Boost via Mundra Airport

Mundra (Gujarat), June 23: Adani Mundra Airport has strengthened regional air connectivity by linking Kutch to eight cities, marking a significant step towards improving accessibility and unlocking the region’s economic potential.

The enhanced connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and industrial activity in the Kutch region, which is already emerging as a key hub for logistics, manufacturing, and port-led development.

Officials noted that improved air links will reduce travel time, support business operations, and encourage greater investment inflows into the region. The development is also expected to benefit small and medium enterprises by improving access to major commercial centres.

Industry experts believe that better connectivity will play a crucial role in accelerating Kutch’s integration with national and global markets, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as an industrial and economic powerhouse.

The expansion reflects a broader push to enhance regional infrastructure and improve last-mile connectivity to support long-term economic growth.

India–Russia Eastern Sea Route Gains Strategic Importance Amid West Asia Crisis

New Delhi, June 23: The India–Russia eastern sea route is gaining increased importance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with shifting global trade patterns prompting renewed focus on alternative shipping corridors.

The development comes as disruptions and uncertainty in key West Asia-linked maritime routes continue to impact global supply chains. In this context, the eastern sea route between India and Russia is emerging as a more stable and strategically viable option for trade and energy movement.

Industry observers note that the route is likely to play a key role in ensuring continuity of shipments, particularly in sectors such as energy, commodities, and industrial goods. The corridor is also being viewed as part of broader efforts by countries to diversify trade routes and reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive passages.

Experts believe the increased significance of this route reflects a wider global trend of strengthening resilient and alternative supply chains to safeguard against geopolitical risks.

The development underscores the evolving nature of international trade logistics amid ongoing global uncertainties.

itel Disrupts Soundbar Category with the Launch of two brand new 160W and 120W Soundbars equipped with iThumpX BASS technology

June 23: itel, a leading electronics brand known for democratizing technology through its latest mobiles, televisions, and gadgets, has unveiled its all-new itel Soundbars. Combining powerful audio, advanced sound engineering, and feature-rich capabilities with premium design, the new soundbars are built for modern homes where entertainment is a complete experience. Powered by iThumpX BASS – itel’s proprietary BASS technology – the newly launched soundbars are engineered to elevate everyday entertainment into an immersive audio experience. The 160W soundbar boasts a Hi-Q Quad-speaker configuration for cinematic audio performance, while the 120W variant features dual speakers, delivering clear and immersive sound tailored to every listening experience. The speakers are made of special neodymium magnets, offering technical superiority vis a vis competitors and offering exceptional sound quality.  Available in retail stores across India, the itel Soundbar 160W and Soundbar 120W are priced at Rs. 6349 and Rs. 4649 respectively.

Commenting on the launch, Mr, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India, said, “The future of entertainment lies in connected ecosystems. A soundbar is more than just audio – it’s a gateway to a smarter, connected lifestyle. As itel expands its vibrant tech ecosystem, we’re empowering consumers in Tier 3 and beyond with smart and premium experiences more accessible than ever.”

Whether users are streaming movies, playing games, or listening to music, the new range is designed to deliver impactful sound with greater depth and clarity. The itel soundbars integrate advanced audio technologies, including the state of the art DSP chipset for advanced sound separation offering a virtual 360° sound, Hi-Q Quad/Dual Drivers, LED Display, and Advanced Wind Pipe technology. Together, these features create rich and room-filling audio for a more immersive entertainment experience. itel’s new soundbars also come equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and remote-control functionality for added convenience. Users can personalise their listening experience with three EQ modes designed for different content preferences.

The soundbars support multiple connectivity options for a seamless audio experience. Ports include TV (ARC), Optical, AUX, USB, and SW Out – making it easier to connect televisions and multiple entertainment devices through a single setup. It also can be controlled by TV remotes – adding to ease of use and enhanced convenience. The new soundbars also offer added value through select in-box benefits, including a free wall mount kit and a 12-month warranty – a hallmark of reliability for consumers.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline Up to 3 pc Amid US Fed Rate Hike Concerns

New Delhi, June 23: Gold and silver prices fell by up to 3% amid growing concerns over a possible interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve, which has weighed on investor sentiment in global bullion markets.

The decline reflects increased caution among investors, as expectations of higher interest rates tend to strengthen the US dollar and reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold and silver.

Market analysts said precious metals came under pressure as traders reassessed their positions in response to evolving monetary policy signals from the US central bank. A stronger dollar and higher bond yields typically reduce demand for safe-haven assets like bullion.

Despite the short-term decline, experts noted that gold and silver continue to remain important hedging instruments amid ongoing global economic uncertainties, including inflation risks and geopolitical tensions.

Traders are closely watching upcoming US economic data and Federal Reserve commentary for further cues on the interest rate trajectory, which is expected to influence bullion prices in the near term.

Overall, the precious metals market remained under pressure as global investors adjusted expectations around US monetary policy.

True IDC Continues Investing with 6 Billion Baht in Its 7th Data Center in Northern Bangkok

India–US Trade Deal Talks Progressing Decisively: Sergio Gor

New Delhi, June 23: India and the United States are making steady and decisive progress towards finalising a bilateral trade agreement, according to Sergio Gor.

Gor noted that discussions between the two sides are advancing constructively, with both countries working towards strengthening economic ties and expanding trade and investment cooperation.

He highlighted that the proposed agreement is expected to further deepen economic engagement between the world’s two largest democracies, with a focus on improving market access, enhancing supply chain resilience, and promoting balanced trade relations.

Officials from both countries are reportedly engaged in ongoing consultations aimed at addressing key issues and aligning mutual interests across various sectors, including goods, services, and emerging technologies.

The development comes at a time when India and the US are seeking to reinforce strategic economic partnerships and reduce barriers to trade. Experts believe that a successful agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade flows and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

The statement underscores growing momentum in India–US economic relations, with both nations signalling intent to move forward in a coordinated and timely manner on the trade deal.

Northern Railways and Indus Towers Strengthen Women’s Hygiene Access Across 175 Railway Stations

New Delhi,  June 23: Indus Towers, one of the world’s largest telecom infrastructure companies, in partnership with Northern Railways, has installed 500 sanitary napkin vending machines under its CSR program, Nari Samman. Deployed across 175 railway stations in the Delhi, Firozpur, Ambala, Moradabad and Lucknow divisions, the machines are equipped with IoT-enabled monitoring and have dispensed approximately 3 crore sanitary napkins to date. The initiative ensures round-the-clock availability and free access to sanitary napkins for women travelers.

The Nari Samman program is implemented under Indus Towers’ flagship CSR initiative, Pragati, which focuses on building a sustainable ecosystem of awareness, access, and community support. The program is aligned with the Government of India’s efforts to improve menstrual health awareness and access to sanitary products through the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) under the National Health Mission, reinforcing national priorities around women’s health and gender sensitive public infrastructure.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Pandey, General Manager, Northern Railways, said,

 “Indian Railways serves millions of passengers every day, including millions of women and girls who depend on the network for work, education and healthcare. Ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity remains a priority for us. This collaboration with Indus Towers is an important step towards making public spaces more inclusive and supportive for women. It reflects our commitment to embedding meaningful social outcomes within public infrastructure.”

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Tejinder Kalra, Chief Operating Officer, Indus Towers Ltd., said,

“Executing this initiative at scale across one of India’s busiest railway zones reflects Indus Towers’ experience in deploying and managing resilient, technology‑enabled solutions, we bring the same rigor, precision and commitment to social infrastructure. Our partnership with Northern Railways extends this capability to one of the country’s most extensive public networks. When access is seamlessly embedded into everyday spaces like railway stations, dignity becomes part of daily life, and we are proud to help make that change possible.”

The initiative complements Indian Railways’ sustained efforts to make travel safer, more inclusive and dignified for women. By integrating menstrual hygiene infrastructure into stations, alongside women‑reserved coaches, and ongoing improvements in station amenities and sanitation, the program addresses a critical yet often overlooked need. It strengthens the overall ecosystem of women‑centric facilities across the railway network, ensuring dignity is built into the everyday travel experience.

This initiative forms part of Indus Towers’ broader CSR vision to positively impact over 150 million lives by 2030.

Ericsson and partners launch national 5G, 6G and AI test center in Sweden

As the focus of Sweden’s political, business and academic leaders turns to the annual Almedalen discussion forum on Gotland today, Ericsson, Telia and other partners are demonstrating their commitment to the country’s future digital competitiveness by announcing a new national connectivity and next-generation test center.

Called Digital Arena Sweden, the new national test center is an investment of more than SEK 300 million. It aims to strengthen Swedish industry by providing early access to advanced digital solutions in 5G, 6G, and AI.

Supported by Sweden‘s innovation agency (Vinnova) through the Avancerad Digitalisering innovation program, the collaboration brings together Ericsson, Telia, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden (and its subsidiary AstaZero), Future by Lund and others.

Under the initiative, Ericsson is responsible for establishing and progressing a unique, pre-commercial 6G test environment in collaboration with Lund University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

A top-level delegation of Ericsson executives will discuss the role of connectivity in Sweden’s digital competitiveness during Almedalen 2026, which gets underway on the Swedish island of Gotland today.

Erik Ekudden, CTO, Ericsson, says: “In Sweden, we have extensive experience in driving technological leadership. By creating one of the world’s first test environments for the combination of 5G,6G and AI, several years before the technology becomes commercial, we are ensuring that Swedish industry and research remain at the absolute forefront. For Ericsson, this is an opportunity to define, together with our partners, how a connected society will function, where AI agents, physical AI (robotics), and autonomous systems can be developed and validated to meet the future.”

Anders Olsson, CEO, Telia Sweden, says: “Through the new test center, we are opening up for more companies to take part in the latest 5G technology and AI, where we can meet high demands for security and sovereignty. This is a prerequisite for connecting and digitizing the most critical parts of operations and products, but also where the value in terms of efficiency, customer value, and societal benefit is greatest. This is how we can step up the work of both strengthening Sweden‘s digital security and competitiveness.”

The test center will facilitate industries, from mining and transport to defense and medtech, in  exploring the potential of 6G. The insights will also feed into the global 6G standardization process.

The new 6G environment builds on the Telia-Ericsson innovation program, NorthStar, which provides access to the latest 5G capabilities.

Digital Arena Sweden aims to empower enterprises by harnessing connectivity and AI to innovate safely and securely, accelerating the path from concept to commercial deployment.

The center aims to provide a shared digital portal and common framework for testing, making advanced technology more accessible to the entire Swedish innovation ecosystem.

Goodwill Welcomes Soccer Visitors as the Go-To Destination for Last-Minute Essentials, Sustainable Finds, and One-of-a-Kind Seattle Souvenirs

SEATTLE, WA- June 23:  As soccer fans explore Seattle between matches, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is spotlighting a surprising discovery just steps from Seattle Stadium: the world’s largest Goodwill. Located in the vibrant International District (1400 S Lane St), Evergreen Goodwill’s 70,000-square-foot flagship store offers far more than traditional retail: it’s a dynamic, ever-changing destination where visitors can pick up travel essentials, discover local style, and experience Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and reuse. 

A Smart Stop for Travelers 

For fans navigating a busy and often expensive global event, Goodwill offers a practical, affordable solution for items they may have forgotten-or didn’t realize they’d need, including:

o   Clear stadium-approved bags

o   Reusable water bottles for watch parties and sightseeing

o   Weather-ready layers for Seattle’s changing conditions Comfortable walking shoes and travel accessories

o   Unique souvenirs and Seattle memorabilia

With approximately 10,000 new items hitting the sales floor each day, no two visits are the same, making this one-of-a-kind store the ideal place to pick up both essentials and unexpected finds. 

A Destination Experience, Not Just a Store 

As thrifting continues to grow in popularity, the Seattle flagship has become a destination in its own right. Like Pike Place Market, it’s participatory and always changing. Like MoPOP, it celebrates creativity and self-expression. And like the Space Needle, it holds a standout distinction that resonates with visitors. Staffed by a team from more than 20 countries, it reflects the diversity of the global community gathering in Seattle for the world’s most international sporting event. 

Sustainable Travel Meets Meaningful Impact 

Beyond convenience and discovery, shopping at Evergreen Goodwill offers travelers a way to make their visit more sustainable. By purchasing secondhand items, visitors help reduce waste, extend the life of goods, and participate in Seattle’s circular economy. Every purchase also supports Evergreen Goodwill’s tuition-free job training, education, and career placement programs across Northwest Washington-connecting a simple shopping trip to long-term impact in the community. 

Whether stopping in briefly between matches or spending time treasure hunting, the Seattle flagship store offers a memorable, distinctly local experience.