1, Jul 2026
Window Magic Unveils ‘Window Magic Atelier’, Launches Ultra-Luxury Fenestration Range ‘WM AURA’ for Indian Market

Window Magic Unveils ‘Window Magic Atelier’, Launches Ultra-Luxury Fenestration Range ‘WM AURA’ for Indian Market

New Delhi, 1st July: Window Magic, one of India’s leading providers of luxury uPVC and aluminium fenestration solutions, today announced the opening of ‘Window Magic Atelier’, India’s first-of-its-kind luxury fenestration experience centre, located at the prime South Delhi location. This also marks the launch of WM AURA, Window Magic’s ultra-luxury fenestration range, developed in strategic collaboration with one of Europe’s most renowned pioneers in advanced aluminium architectural systems.

Envisioned as an immersive destination for architects, developers, interior designers, and discerning homeowners, Window Magic Atelier reimagines how luxury doors, windows, and façade systems are experienced. The centre showcases the brand’s latest innovations, design capabilities, and luxury solutions through curated experiential zones that blend functionality, aesthetics, and architectural excellence.

The launch represents a significant milestone in Window Magic’s growth journey and reinforces its commitment to serving India’s rapidly evolving luxury real estate sector. It also marks a new chapter in the company’s global aspirations through its collaboration with European brand, bringing together Greek engineering expertise and Indian market understanding.

During the launch of Window Magic Experience Centre, Mr. Manish Bansal, Director & CEO, expressed, “We are delighted to unveil Window Magic Atelier, a first-of-its-kind luxury fenestration experience centre in the heart of New Delhi. As consumer aspirations evolve and luxury real estate continues to redefine modern living, there is a growing demand for solutions that seamlessly combine aesthetics, innovation, and performance. Window Magic Atelier has been envisioned as a destination where architects, developers, and homeowners can experience the future of luxury fenestration firsthand. The launch of WM AURA further strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class aluminium systems to India and setting new benchmarks in the luxury segment.”

At the heart of the Atelier is WM AURA, an exclusive aluminium systems portfolio designed for luxury residences, luxury commercial developments, and iconic architectural projects. Engineered with precision and crafted for performance, the range features sleek sliding systems, expansive glass façades, minimalist aesthetics, and superior thermal and acoustic performance, enabling modern spaces to seamlessly integrate light, openness, and sophistication.

1, Jul 2026
Cabinet Clears Major Tunnel Project in Delhi

New Delhi, July 1: The Union Cabinet has approved a major infrastructure project worth ₹6,969.67 crore for the construction of a six-lane tunnel that will connect the Dwarka Expressway with Nelson Mandela Marg in Delhi.

The project is aimed at significantly improving urban connectivity, reducing travel time, and easing traffic congestion in key parts of the National Capital Region. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to provide a seamless high-speed corridor linking major arterial routes in Delhi.

Officials said the project will enhance last-mile connectivity to Dwarka Expressway and strengthen the capital’s road infrastructure network by offering an alternative underground route for high-density traffic movement.

The tunnel is also expected to improve traffic flow on surface roads, reduce congestion at major intersections, and contribute to smoother vehicular movement across southwest Delhi.

The government said the project reflects its continued focus on developing modern, high-capacity infrastructure to meet the growing mobility needs of urban India and support long-term economic activity in the region.

1, Jul 2026
India’s Passenger EV Registrations Surge 90 pc in Q1 FY27

New Delhi, July 1: India’s passenger electric vehicle (EV) registrations recorded a sharp 90% year-on-year increase in Q1 FY27, reflecting accelerating adoption of clean mobility across the country.

The strong growth was driven by rising consumer preference for electric mobility, expanding charging infrastructure, and the introduction of new EV models across segments. Improved affordability and supportive policy measures also contributed to the surge in registrations.

Industry observers said the rapid rise highlights a significant shift in India’s automotive market, with electric vehicles gaining wider acceptance among urban and semi-urban buyers. Fleet operators and ride-hailing services have also contributed to higher demand.

The trend underscores the country’s transition towards sustainable transportation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with broader climate and energy goals.

Experts expect EV adoption to continue its upward trajectory in the coming quarters as manufacturers expand offerings and infrastructure strengthens further.

1, Jul 2026
AVer Expands Global Presence with New South Korea Subsidiary to Accelerate Local Market Growth

AVer Expands Global Presence with New South Korea Subsidiary to Accelerate Local Market Growth

 

Taipei, Taiwan – July 1: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, today announced the establishment of a new subsidiary in South Korea. This strategic move marks a key milestone in AVer’s continued expansion across Asia and reinforces its commitment to building a robust global organization that serves customers worldwide. The new subsidiary will act as a local hub to accelerate the adoption of AVer’s professional AV, video conferencing, and medical solutions in the Korean market.

David Kuo, President of AVer Information Inc., said, “Markets today evolve quickly, and organizations must possess both the strength of global resources and the flexibility of a local team. By establishing a dedicated subsidiary in South Korea, we are bringing decision-making closer to our customers, enabling faster response times and more tailored solutions for local demand.”

The establishment of AVer Korea is far more than a simple business expansion; it represents a critical strategic move to enhance the group’s financial performance and overall operational synergy.

lDeepening local partnerships and existing channels: AVer has built a strong foundation with local partners in South Korea over the years. With the establishment of the new subsidiary, AVer will integrate and revitalize its existing distributors and reseller channels, upgrading isolated sales into a comprehensive, locally-rooted service network. At the same time, AVer will be able to work closely with Korean technology supply chains and software ecosystems, enabling deep integration and the development of exclusive, highly localized solutions.

lStrengthening financial performance: By empowering AVer Korea to lead high-margin product lines — such as intelligent collaboration systems, AI Auto Tracking cameras, and medical grade PTZ cameras — AVer can more precisely target markets with strong, non-discretionary demand and optimize channel deployment. This approach is expected to significantly shorten sales cycles and drive more stable revenue growth for AVer. In addition, the South Korean subsidiary will leverage the deep R&D expertise and high-quality, integrated manufacturing capabilities of AVer’s Taiwan headquarters, avoiding duplicated setup costs and further enhancing the group’s overall profitability.

As South Korea continues to invest in enterprise digital transformation and telehealth, the South Korean subsidiary is positioned to deliver timely, precise AI-powered AV solutions that meet evolving industry needs. By combining local agility with global expertise, AVer aims to support organizations in improving communication, collaboration, and care delivery, while driving the company’s next phase of growth.

 

 

1, Jul 2026
Sensex, Nifty End Higher on FMCG, Banking Boost

Mumbai, July 1: Indian equity benchmarks ended the trading session in positive territory, supported by strong buying interest in FMCG, banking, and realty stocks, which helped lift overall market sentiment.

The Sensex and Nifty closed higher as investors remained upbeat amid sectoral strength and selective stock-specific momentum. FMCG stocks led the gains, followed by banking and realty counters, which witnessed steady accumulation throughout the session.

Market participants said optimism in domestic demand-driven sectors, along with improved investor sentiment, contributed to the positive close. Broader markets also reflected a stable trend, indicating sustained participation across segments.

Analysts noted that the upward movement was driven largely by sector rotation, with investors focusing on fundamentally strong companies in key consumption and financial sectors.

Overall, the session reflected resilient market sentiment, with benchmark indices managing to end the day on a firm note despite global uncertainties.

1, Jul 2026
Lt Gen Sandeep Jain Assumes Charge as Vice-Chief of the Army Staff

New Delhi, July 1: Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain has assumed charge as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, taking over a key leadership position in the Indian Army.

An experienced officer with a long and distinguished service record, Lt Gen Jain has held several important command and staff appointments over the course of his career, contributing to both operational leadership and strategic planning within the force.

As Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, he will assist the Chief of the Army Staff in overseeing critical areas including operational preparedness, force modernisation, training, and overall administrative coordination across the Army.

His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Army continues to focus on enhancing combat readiness, advancing modernisation efforts, and strengthening joint capabilities across the armed forces.

The transition marks an important development in the Army’s senior leadership structure.

1, Jul 2026
Capital raising becomes more demanding for private equity fund managers

 

July 01: Raising capital has become more demanding for private equity fund managers, with increased due diligence requirements and regulatory uncertainty now the biggest barriers in the market, new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider, shows. 

 The study of 300 senior executives at private equity fund managers across the U.S. and Europe, whose firms manage a combined $3.511 trillion in assets, found that 62% say raising capital has become slightly more difficult in 2026 compared with 2025. However, the picture is not uniformly negative: 32% say fundraising has become slightly easier, while 5% report no change.

 The findings suggest that the capital-raising environment is becoming more selective rather than simply more constrained. More than half of respondents – 51% – say investors are increasing the number of specialised managers they allocate to, while 42% say investors are maintaining stable manager relationships. Just 5% say investors are consolidating with fewer managers.

 When asked about the biggest barriers to raising capital, 63% of managers cited increased due diligence requirements, making it the most common challenge. Regulatory uncertainty was cited by 57%, followed by overallocation constraints at 48% and LP reallocation away from alternatives at 38%.

 The research also shows that valuation methodologies have become the most prominent risk area in investor due diligence. More than half of respondents – 51% – identified valuation methodology as the area now receiving the greatest scrutiny, ahead of leverage and financing risk at 34%.

 ESG remains part of the investor conversation, but its role appears to be changing. Nearly two-thirds of managers — 65% — say ESG is now primarily a reporting and compliance focus, while 28% say it remains important for certain investor segments.

Looking ahead, managers expect to increase allocations across a range of private market strategies over the next three years. Venture capital was the most commonly selected strategy, cited by 58% of respondents, followed by growth equity at 51% and private credit/direct lending at 49%. Renewable energy was selected by 39% and infrastructure excluding renewables by 38%.

 Richard Hansford, Head of EMEA Fund Sales – Global Funds at Ocorian, said: “The capital-raising environment for private equity managers is not simply tightening — it is becoming more selective, more evidence-led and more operationally demanding.

 “While most managers say raising capital has become slightly more difficult this year, a significant minority are finding conditions easier. That points to a market where investors are still allocating, but with greater scrutiny over manager selection, due diligence standards and the operational infrastructure behind each fund.

 “One of the clearest findings is the growing importance of valuation methodology in investor due diligence. This is now distinct from leverage and financing risk, and it underlines the need for managers to demonstrate robust valuation processes, transparent reporting and specialist operational support as they compete for capital.”

1, Jul 2026
FASTag Annual Pass Usage Surges to 19 pc of Toll Traffic

New Delhi | July 2026: The use of FASTag annual passes on Indian highways has increased to 19% of total toll pass traffic, marking a significant rise from around 13% in December 2025, according to data compiled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The total number of vehicle trips through toll plazas in June reached 44.4 crore, of which 8.4 crore trips were made using annual passes. Overall toll transactions generated approximately ₹7,214 crore during the month.

In comparison, June 2025 recorded 38.6 crore trips, with collections of ₹6,973 crore, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth in traffic volume and a 3.5% increase in value. Officials noted that the slower growth in toll revenue relative to traffic volume is primarily due to the rising adoption of annual passes.

The FASTag annual pass, launched on August 15 at a price of ₹3,075, allows up to 200 highway trips per year, translating to an effective cost of around ₹15.40 per trip. It is currently available only for private passenger vehicles, which account for about 40% of total toll traffic, though their contribution to revenue stands at roughly 25%.

Officials said the growing use of annual passes has had an estimated 10% impact on toll collections, partly offset by upfront pass revenue, resulting in a net effective revenue reduction of around 7–8% for toll operators.

The data highlights the increasing preference among frequent highway users for prepaid, subscription-based tolling options that offer convenience, cost efficiency, and reduced waiting time at toll plazas. As FASTag adoption continues to deepen, the annual pass system is emerging as a key component of India’s digital tolling ecosystem.

1, Jul 2026
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Begins France Visit to Boost Economic and Investment Ties

New Delhi, July 1: Union Finance Minister and Minister for Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has begun an official visit to France aimed at strengthening India–France economic cooperation and expanding investment, technology, and innovation partnerships.

During the visit, she will co-chair the India–France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in Aix-en-Provence along with France’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty, Roland Lescure. The dialogue will focus on identifying new areas of bilateral cooperation and deepening overall economic engagement.

The Finance Minister will also interact with global CEOs and business leaders in a series of meetings and roundtables, where she is expected to highlight India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, reform-driven growth, and expanding investment opportunities.

She will participate in a panel discussion titled “How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class” at the Les Rencontres Économiques d’Aix-en-Provence, a prominent global forum on economic policy and development.

Her itinerary also includes visits to the ITER nuclear fusion project at Cadarache and Campus Cyber, France’s national hub for cybersecurity innovation, to explore cooperation in advanced technology and digital resilience.

The visit underscores India’s continued efforts to strengthen strategic economic partnerships with France across key sectors including clean energy, technology, and innovation.

1, Jul 2026
Increase Allocation to Private Markets to Capture Growth Opportunities, say UK Wealth Managers and IFAs

July 01: New research by Wealth Club, the UK’s leading non-advised investment service for high-net-worth individuals, reveals wealth managers and independent financial advisers increasingly agree that exposure to private markets is now a necessity for retail and HNW investors seeking to capture a broader spectrum of growth opportunities – and this trend will only accelerate over the next five years.

An overwhelming 94% of the UK-based wealth managers and IFAs who are responsible for assets under management of £332.7 billion surveyed agree that for the sophisticated retail investor, relying solely on a conventional listed equity portfolio risks missing out on the primary wealth-generation engines of the modern economy. That includes nearly a third (31%) who strongly agree that clients need exposure to private markets to access a broader range of growth opportunities while 63% slightly agree.

The study evaluates the explicit benefits that private markets provide over traditional 60/40 portfolios and cites several institutional-grade advantages, with 72% of advisers highlighting the enhanced long-term capital growth benefits. This is followed by inflation protection (48%) and access to unique, non-public market sectors (47%). A third (35%) of respondents point to the benefit of reduced portfolio volatility and a quarter (26%) cite lower correlation with public markets.

When questioned about the tactical importance of private market access in capturing the high-performing growth phase of a company’s lifecycle, 89% of wealth managers and IFAs surveyed deem it critical, with 30% categorising it as “essential” and 59% “very important”.

This trend is not a transient reaction to short-term market cycles, but a long-term strategic view. More than nine out of 10 (92%) respondents anticipate the need for retail and HNW investors to be exposed to private markets in order to access a broader range of growth opportunities will only accelerate over the next five years.

Alex Davies, Founder and CEO of Wealth Club, said:

“These findings suggest private markets are approaching a tipping point among individual investors in the UK. For decades, pension funds, insurers and endowments have used private equity and private credit as important components of their portfolios. Increasingly, wealth managers and IFAs believe suitable investors should also have the opportunity to access these strategies.

With companies staying private for longer, much of the potential upside now comes before they reach public markets. By the time they list, investors have often missed a significant part of their growth.

“Private markets are moving from being a niche allocation to becoming an increasingly important part of a well-diversified long-term portfolio. Investors who ignore them risk missing an increasingly important source of long-term growth.”

Wealth Club, which launched the UK’s first Private Funds Supermarket in November 2024, is growing rapidly as interest in private markets among sophisticated and high-net-worth investors continues to increase. The platform now offers 22 funds from 18 leading private markets managers and earlier this year launched the UK’s first dedicated Private Markets SIPP, marking a further important step in broadening access to private markets.

This growth is being driven by rising interest from both investors and fund managers reflecting growing demand for private market investments and the increasing popularity of semi-liquid fund structures.