Category Archives: Business

Sensex, Nifty Start Lower as IT Stocks Weigh on Market Sentiment

Mumbai, June 19: Indian equity markets opened lower on Friday, with benchmark indices coming under pressure amid a sharp decline in information technology (IT) stocks. Investor sentiment weakened following cautious guidance from global technology services firm Accenture, raising concerns over the near-term growth outlook for the IT sector.

The BSE Sensex opened over 500 points lower at 76,852.86, while the NSE Nifty slipped more than 150 points to begin the session at 23,991.20.

Technology shares led the losses, with the Nifty IT index witnessing a significant decline. Mid- and small-cap IT and telecom stocks also traded lower as investors reacted to global industry trends and moderated growth expectations.

Broader market sentiment remained subdued, with sectors such as real estate, consumer durables, financial services, metals, automobiles, and FMCG trading in negative territory during early trade.

However, defensive sectors provided some support to the market. Pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks attracted buying interest, reflecting investors’ preference for relatively stable sectors amid heightened market uncertainty.

Despite the weakness in technology stocks, market experts remain optimistic about the broader market outlook. Improving domestic macroeconomic indicators, easing inflationary concerns, and declining crude oil prices continue to support investor confidence.

Foreign institutional investor (FII) activity has also contributed to recent market resilience, particularly in the banking sector, where short-covering and selective buying have helped sustain momentum.

Global developments further influenced market sentiment. Crude oil prices moved lower following reports of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resumption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The decline in oil prices is viewed as a positive development for India, which relies heavily on energy imports.

Meanwhile, Asian markets traded mixed during the session, while major US indices closed higher overnight, reflecting cautious optimism among global investors.

Market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings, foreign investment flows, and commodity price trends for cues on market direction in the coming days.

Athulya Senior Care, Dementia India Alliance Train Future Caregivers to Close India’s Dementia Care Gap

Chennai, June 19:  With nearly 90 percent of India’s dementia cases going undiagnosed and demand for trained caregivers rising, Athulya Senior Care, in association with Dementia India Alliance, trained more than 45 students and aspiring healthcare professionals at a “Healthy Brain, Healthy Ageing” workshop held today at its Maduravoyal facility in Chennai, as part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month 2026.

Participants from disciplines including psychology, social work, caregiving and allied healthcare attended expert-led sessions on brain health, dementia awareness, healthy ageing and caregiving practices, and received certificates upon completing the programme.

Sessions, led by mental health professionals and dementia care experts, covered the early signs and symptoms of dementia, risk factors associated with cognitive decline, current approaches to dementia care and treatment, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, giving participants practical insight into supporting people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Beyond raising awareness, the workshop aimed to strengthen India’s dementia care ecosystem by equipping students and aspiring professionals with foundational caregiving knowledge, contributing to a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing number of people living with dementia and age-related cognitive disorders.

The initiative comes as India faces a rapidly growing dementia burden. Recent research estimates that approximately 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above currently live with dementia, of which nearly 70 percent are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease translating to more than 6 million Alzheimer’s cases nationwide. As India’s ageing population continues to grow, that number is projected to rise to nearly 16.9 million by 2036. Globally, more than 75 percent of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries by 2050, underscoring the urgency of strengthening awareness, diagnosis and care infrastructure.

Dr. Nivedha Pathmanathan, Consultant Psychiatrist, Athulya Senior Care said “Many families mistake the early signs of dementia for normal ageing, and that delay can cost months, sometimes years, of care a person could have received”, Early intervention significantly improves quality of life for someone living with dementia and gives families time to prepare for the journey ahead. Workshops like this one are how we move the needle on early detection and informed care.”  

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Ramani Sundaram, Executive Director, Dementia India Alliance, said, “India is entering a phase where dementia is increasingly becoming a public health and caregiving challenge, yet we continue to face a significant shortage of professionals trained to support those living with the condition. Through our association with Athulya Senior Care, this workshop introduced to participants the realities of dementia care and encouraged a more informed and empathetic approach towards cognitive health.”

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Srinivasan G, Founder and CEO, Athulya Senior Care said, “The shortage of caregivers trained to support people with dementia is one of the biggest gaps in India’s senior care system today. Through our association with Dementia India Alliance, this workshop gives students and aspiring professionals a foundation in dementia care, and the skills they build here will shape how well India’s ageing population is supported in the years ahead.”

The workshop is part of Athulya Senior Care’s ongoing efforts to build awareness around healthy ageing, cognitive health and specialised senior care, while supporting the development of a trained workforce for individuals living with dementia and their families.

NICMAR Highlights Talent Imperative for India’s Next Infrastructure Leap

New Delhi, June 19 : NICMAR, India’s premier institution for Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project Management education, has highlighted the growing importance of domain-specific management education as the country’s infrastructure sector enters a more technology-driven and innovation-led phase of growth.

As India accelerates investments in transportation networks, smart cities, renewable energy, urban development, and industrial infrastructure, the nature of leadership required to drive these projects is also evolving. While management education has traditionally focused on developing generalists equipped with broad business knowledge, the increasing complexity of infrastructure projects is creating a strong case for specialised management education.

Unlike many sectors, construction, real estate, and infrastructure projects demand a unique blend of technical understanding, project execution capabilities, financial acumen, regulatory awareness, sustainability expertise, and stakeholder management. Leaders today are expected to navigate large-scale investments, emerging technologies, environmental considerations, and complex project lifecycles while ensuring timely and efficient delivery.

As India transitions from a construction-led economy to an infrastructure innovation economy, organisations are increasingly seeking professionals who can combine managerial excellence with deep domain expertise. Technologies such as Building Information Modelling , digital twins, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital project management tools are reshaping how projects are planned, executed, and monitored, further strengthening the need for industry-focused talent.

Recognising this shift, domain-specific management programmes are playing an increasingly important role in preparing future leaders. Such programmes equip students with specialised knowledge in areas such as project management, construction technology, infrastructure finance, procurement, contracts, sustainability, and urban development, enabling them to address real-world industry challenges more effectively.

For over four decades, NICMAR has been at the forefront of developing specialised talent for India’s built environment sector. Through its focused academic programmes and close industry engagement, the university continues to contribute to building a workforce capable of supporting the country’s ambitious infrastructure and urban development goals.

Commenting on the growing relevance of specialised management education, Mr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR said,

 “India’s infrastructure ambitions today extend far beyond construction—they demand innovation, sustainability, technological integration, and efficient project delivery at scale. As the sector evolves, the need for professionals who combine managerial excellence with deep domain expertise has never been greater. While general management skills remain valuable, industries such as construction, real estate, and infrastructure require leaders who understand the unique complexities of project execution, stakeholder management, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies. Domain-focused management education plays a crucial role in creating this talent pool and will be instrumental in shaping the future of India’s infrastructure growth story.”

With infrastructure expected to remain a key driver of India’s economic development, the demand for professionals who possess both strategic business skills and sector-specific expertise is only set to increase. As the industry evolves, domain-focused management education is poised to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of infrastructure leaders.

AD Ports Group Launches Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan

Aqaba, Jordan / Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced the operational launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The initiative marks a significant step towards reinforcing Aqaba’s position as a leading regional trade and logistics hub, while supporting Jordan’s broader economic development plans.

The joint venture, operating under Noatum Ports, the Group’s international ports operating arm, was established following an agreement signed with Aqaba Development Corporation to develop and operate a Port Community System (PCS). The project aims to enhance digital integration and facilitate information exchange among port users, the container terminal, relevant authorities, and all stakeholders, contributing to increased operational and logistical efficiency in Aqaba.

In addition, the joint venture is delivering a truck management project at the ports of Aqaba by deploying advanced digital solutions that connect relevant entities through a unified digital window. This contributes to streamlining procedures, expediting the issuance of necessary permits, and enhancing the seamless flow of logistics while raising the efficiency of services across the city.

The official launch of operations was marked by a ceremony held in Aqaba, attended by His Excellency Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; His Excellency Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group; alongside key stakeholders and partners from both entities.

His Excellency Shadi Al Majali, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said: “The launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions represents a tangible step towards realising our vision of positioning Aqaba as a fully integrated digital logistics gateway on the Red Sea, while also reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Today, we are not merely launching a company, we are laying the foundation for advanced digital infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence and smart analytics, designed to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce time and costs, and elevate transparency and security across cargo and truck movements.”

His Excellency added: “The company has already commenced implementation of its first project, the truck management system at Aqaba ports, which will help regulate truck traffic, reduce waiting times, and improve cargo-handling efficiency. This milestone reflects the partners’ commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the ports and logistics sector, while enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as a leading regional trade and logistics hub.”

His Excellency Eng. Hussein Al Safadi, CEO – Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), said: The launch of the company’s operations marks an important milestone in the development of Aqaba’s digital infrastructure and reflects the success of the strategic partnerships that ADC continues to forge with leading regional and international entities. This partnership brings together world-class strategic partners, foremost among them AD Ports Group, one of the most experienced global entities in the development, management, and operation of ports. Through its extensive international presence and proven operational expertise, AD Ports Group is well positioned to support the advancement of Aqaba’s logistics and maritime ecosystem and contribute to its long-term growth and competitiveness.” 

Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group continues to strengthen its presence in Jordan. The launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions marks another milestone in our strengthening partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation. We remain fully committed to deploying our global expertise and advanced technological solutions to drive supply chain efficiency and support the digital transformation of the ports and logistics sector in Aqaba.”

Al Tamimi added: “This launch aligns with AD Ports Group’s growing and increasingly diversified portfolio in Jordan, reflecting our long-term commitment to the Kingdom. Our presence spans the management and operation of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, the development of landmark tourism assets such as the Aqaba Cruise Terminal and Marsa Zayed, as well as the deployment of advanced customs solutions to facilitate and streamline cross-border trade through the Al Madouneh Customs Centre. We look forward to supporting our partners’ efforts to enhance Jordan’s economic competitiveness and reinforce its position as a leading regional and international trade gateway.”

In February 2026, AD Ports Group signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port. The agreement follows the inauguration of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in January 2023.

In January 2025, AD Ports Group appointed MAG Group Holding to lead the first phase of development of Marsa Zayed, a 3.2 million m² beachfront tourism and business community in Aqaba, designed to position the city as a regional tourism centre and gateway to the Red Sea. This was followed in February 2025 by an agreement with the Jordan Customs Department to manage and operate the new Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, strengthening cross-border trade and supply chain efficiency.

Meet the Viral Cleansing Upgrade Your Skincare Routine Needed: Earth Rhythm’s NEW Mochi Pudding Cleansers

~Skincare-first cleansers with a unique mochi pudding texture for brighter-looking skin and stronger skin barriers~

June 18: Cleansing is no longer just the first step in a skincare routine; it’s becoming a ritual in its own right. Earth Rhythm from the House of Nykaa introduces the NEW Mochi Pudding Cleanser Range, a skincare-first cleansers that bring together effective cleansing, targeted treatment benefits, and a delightfully soft, bouncy texture that transforms everyday skincare into a moment to look forward to.

The unique mochi pudding texture glides onto the skin, creating a sensorial cleansing experience that feels comforting, indulgent and effortlessly enjoyable. Designed for modern skincare users seeking more from their face wash, the range goes beyond cleansing to address everyday concerns such as dullness, sensitivity and barrier damage, all while helping maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance.

With thoughtfully selected ingredients and targeted solutions, the Mochi Pudding Cleanser Range delivers skincare benefits from the very first step of your routine, leaving skin feeling clean, comfortable and cared for after every wash.

A Cleanser That Does More

Unlike traditional face washes that simply cleanse, the Mochi Pudding Cleanser Range is designed as a skincare-first cleansing experience. Each variant pairs gentle cleansing with targeted treatment benefits, helping support healthier-looking skin without compromising comfort.

Brightening Mochi Pudding Cleanser With Matcha & Glutathione | INR 599

Think fresh, radiant, lit-from-within skin. Infused with antioxidant-rich Matcha and brightening Glutathione, this variant helps fight dullness and environmental stress while supporting a more even-looking complexion. Perfect for skin that’s looking tired, uneven, or lacking glow.

Gentle Mochi Pudding Cleanser With Oat Milk & Ceramides | INR 599

For skin that needs comfort more than anything else. Powered by soothing Oat Milk and barrier-strengthening Ceramides, this cleanser helps calm irritation, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture, making it especially ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.

At the heart of this new product launch lies its standout texture. Soft, springy and pudding-like, the Mochi Pudding Cleansers turn a functional skincare step into a sensorial ritual, bringing together performance and pleasure in one simple cleanse.

Speaking on the launch, Adwaita Nayar, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Nykaa and CEO, House of Nykaa, said, “As consumers become increasingly discerning about their skincare routines, we’re seeing a growing expectation for products that deliver efficacy while elevating the overall experience. Cleansing, once viewed as a purely functional step, is evolving into an important part of the skincare ritual. The Mochi Pudding Cleanser Range reflects that shift, bringing together targeted skincare benefits, gentle yet effective cleansing, and a unique sensorial texture that consumers will genuinely enjoy using every day. At Earth Rhythm, our focus is on creating thoughtful, performance-led innovations that respond to evolving consumer needs while making skincare feel more intuitive, enjoyable, and rewarding.”

The Mochi Pudding Cleanser Range reflects Earth Rhythm’s commitment to creating skincare that goes beyond functionality, combining targeted treatment benefits with textures and experiences that make everyday routines more enjoyable.

Upgrade your cleansing routine with the Earth Rhythm Mochi Pudding Cleanser Range, now available on the Nykaa app, Nykaa.com, and Earth Rhythm’s official website.

Concord Control Systems Honoured with Excellence in Railway Technology Award at ET Now Business Conclave & Awards 2026

Ahmedabad, June 18: Concord Control Systems Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of embedded electronic systems and critical electronic solutions, was honoured with the Excellence in Railway Technology Award, presented by Shri. Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel, Minister Energy and Petrochemicals, Panchayat and Rural Housing, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs at the ET Now Business Conclave & Awards 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The award was received by Mr. Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, on behalf of the company and recognizes Concord‘s contribution towards developing technology-driven solutions that enhance the safety, reliability and operational efficiency of railway systems.

As Indian Railways continues its transformation into a more connected, efficient and future-ready network, technology has emerged as a critical enabler of this evolution. Through its focus on indigenous innovation, advanced engineering and mission-critical railway solutions, Concord has played an active role in supporting this transition by developing intelligent systems designed to address the growing demands of modern railway operations.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, said, “This award is a proud moment for the entire Concord family. It reflects the hard work and dedication of every team member. It also gives us confidence that we are growing and moving in the right direction. We see this recognition not just as an achievement, but as a responsibility to keep innovating and set higher standards for safety and reliability. This recognition reinforces our belief that Indian companies can develop world-class railway technologies and contribute meaningfully to the future of mobility. We view this award not just as a milestone achieved, but as a responsibility to continue innovating and raising the bar for the industry.”

“Concord has worked on innovative solutions such as battery and hydrogen-powered locomotives using indigenous technology. Our aim is to make railways greener, more sustainable, and less dependent on diesel. We focus on developing world-class railway technologies in India, for India. By embedding intelligence, resilience and uncompromising safety into every product, Indian engineering is poised to transform mobility—making networks smarter, greener and more reliable.

Receiving this award is a proud validation of our team’s dedication and innovation, and it strengthens our resolve to lead the next era of rail technology with world-class solutions and partnerships.” states, Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems Limited.

Report Says India Effectively Managing Global Energy Shock

New Delhi, June 18: India has successfully navigated the challenges posed by the recent global energy shock, according to a new report that highlights the country’s resilience amid volatile international fuel prices and supply disruptions.

The report notes that despite significant fluctuations in global energy markets, India has managed to maintain stability in energy availability and pricing through a combination of strategic policy interventions, diversified import sources, and accelerated investment in domestic energy infrastructure.

It further highlights that India’s proactive approach to energy security, including the expansion of renewable energy capacity and improved efficiency in fuel consumption, has helped cushion the economy from external shocks.

Experts cited in the report emphasize that India’s balanced energy strategy—combining traditional fuel sources with rapid clean energy adoption—has played a key role in ensuring uninterrupted supply and economic stability.

The findings underline India’s growing capability to manage external economic pressures while continuing to support industrial growth, urban demand, and long-term sustainability goals.

The report concludes that India’s experience offers a model for resilience in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.

Wood Mackenzie: Orbital Data Centres Cost Three Times More Than Terrestrial Alternatives as Global Power Demand Heads for 3,700 TWh

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, June 18: The next generation of AI agents could consume between 10,000 and 40,000 times more computing power per task than today’s chatbots. That pressure is pushing some of the world’s largest technology companies to consider putting their data centres in space. A new report from Wood Mackenzie finds they face a significant cost problem to get there.

Global data centre power demand stands at 460 TWh in 2026, equivalent to half of Japan’s total power generation. Wood Mackenzie forecasts that figure will reach 1,280 TWh by 2030 and 3,700 TWh by 2040, a 703% increase from current levels, growing at 16% per year. The United States and China together account for 78% of the global planned data centre pipeline.

On the ground, that pipeline is running into real constraints. Grid connections in the United States can take up to seven years. Gas turbine equipment faces long wait times through 2030. In dry regions, cooling systems are competing for limited water supplies. Construction costs are rising from higher labour and material costs. These bottlenecks, Wood Mackenzie concludes, are driving serious exploration of orbital data centres.

The economics are not yet close.

A hypothetical 1 GW orbital data centre would cost an estimated US$170 billion, more than three times the equivalent terrestrial facility, with launch and satellite costs accounting for approximately 60% of that total. To bring orbital costs to parity with terrestrial alternatives would require a 70% reduction. That is achievable, the report notes, only if the historical trend of exponential cost declines in space launch continues.

There is reason to think it might. Global orbital launch attempts reached 324 in 2025, a 25% increase over 2024, with commercial operators conducting 70% of those attempts. Launch costs have already fallen approximately 90% with current-generation reusable rockets compared to their expendable predecessors. A record 4,517 satellites were deployed into orbit in 2025, 58% more than the previous year, with 87% owned by private entities.

SpaceX and xAI have announced ambitious plans to put 100 GW of orbital computing capacity into space annually, a figure ten times the combined announced pipeline of every other orbital data centre developer in the world. Non-US companies account for less than 0.5 GW of total planned orbital capacity, reflecting how concentrated this emerging sector is among US-based firms. Despite the higher costs, launch activities across the top five companies are expected to begin accelerating between 2027 and 2028.

Space launch costs have seen exponential cost declines of over 90%

Source: Wood Mackenzie

Spending on terrestrial capacity has not slowed in the meantime. Anthropic recently committed US$ 45 billion over three years to SpaceX for access to its 300 MW Colossus 1 terrestrial data centre, deploying 220,000 Nvidia GPUs. Wood Mackenzie forecasts US$ 9 trillion in cumulative capital expenditure between 2026 and 2040 to build approximately 395 GW of new terrestrial data centre capacity under its base case.

“The constraints on terrestrial data centres are genuine, and they are not going away quickly,” said Robert Liew, Research Director at Wood Mackenzie. “But putting a data centre in orbit still costs at least three times as much as building one on the ground. That gap does not close without sustained and dramatic progress on launch costs. We forecast US$ 9 trillion of terrestrial data centre investment between now and 2040. That is where capital goes first. Orbital data centres are a serious long-term proposition, but right now they remain a bet on the cost curve.”

Wood Mackenzie’s base case energy transition outlook does not include large-scale orbital data centres. No gigawatt-scale orbital or terrestrial facility currently exists. The report concludes that terrestrial build-out will be driven by necessity, while orbital data centres remain, for now, a technology preference.

Power Demand in India Expected to Rise Up to 7 pc in FY27

New Delhi, June 18: India’s electricity demand is projected to grow by up to 7% in the financial year 2026–27, supported by robust economic activity, industrial expansion, and rising household consumption, according to a recent industry report.

The anticipated growth reflects increasing energy requirements across manufacturing, infrastructure development, and the services sector, alongside continued urbanization and electrification trends across the country.

The report highlights that sustained economic momentum, coupled with rising adoption of electric appliances, digital infrastructure, and mobility electrification, is expected to further drive power consumption in the coming years.

Experts note that India’s power sector is undergoing a structural transformation, with growing emphasis on renewable energy integration, grid modernization, and capacity expansion to meet future demand efficiently and sustainably.

The projected demand growth underscores the need for continued investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply for all consumer segments.

Industry observers believe that managing this demand surge while maintaining sustainability goals will be a key priority for policymakers and energy providers in the years ahead.

Sensex, Nifty Advance on Strong Buying in PSU Banks and Healthcare Shares

Mumbai, June 18: India’s benchmark equity indices closed higher on the back of robust buying in public sector banking, healthcare, and realty stocks, reflecting continued investor confidence in key sectors of the economy.

The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty ended the session in positive territory, supported by broad-based gains across several sectors. Public sector banks emerged as major contributors to the rally, while healthcare and real estate stocks also witnessed strong investor interest.

Market participants remained encouraged by sector-specific growth prospects, resilient domestic economic indicators, and expectations of sustained corporate earnings performance. The positive momentum helped offset cautious sentiment stemming from mixed global market trends.

Analysts noted that buying activity in banking stocks reflected optimism around credit growth and financial sector stability, while healthcare shares benefited from favorable industry fundamentals. Realty stocks also gained ground amid expectations of continued demand and infrastructure-led growth.

The day’s performance underscores the resilience of India’s equity markets, with investors continuing to focus on sectors that are expected to benefit from economic expansion and policy support.

Market observers will continue to monitor domestic macroeconomic developments, corporate earnings, and global economic trends for further direction in the coming sessions.