1, Jul 2026
Shashi Tharoor, Prof Raj Kumar Address Japan Parliament
Tokyo, July 1: In a significant moment for India–Japan academic and diplomatic engagement, Prof Raj Kumar and Shashi Tharoor addressed Japan’s Parliament, highlighting the growing importance of international collaboration in education, research, and global policy discourse.
The engagement comes as O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) deepens its academic and institutional ties with Japanese counterparts, aiming to expand cooperation in areas such as higher education exchange, legal studies, public policy, and global governance.
During the address, the speakers emphasized the role of universities in fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Japan. They also underlined the importance of academic institutions in shaping dialogue on global challenges.
The initiative reflects JGU’s continued efforts to build strong international partnerships and enhance its global academic footprint through collaborations with leading institutions and policy forums worldwide.
The visit is expected to further open avenues for student exchanges, joint research programmes, and academic cooperation between India and Japan in the coming years.
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- By Neel Achary
1, Jul 2026
In Odisha’s Niyamgiri, Dongria Kondhs Keep the Ancient Art of Kapdaganda Alive
Rayagada, July 1 (UDN): Nestled amid the dense forests and rolling hills of Niyamgiri, the Dongria Kondh community continues to preserve a centuries-old artistic tradition that remains central to its cultural identity. From vibrant wall paintings to intricately embroidered textiles, the tribe’s indigenous art forms continue to flourish despite the growing influence of modern lifestyles.
Representational image
At the heart of this cultural legacy is Kapdaganda, a hand-embroidered traditional textile adorned with motifs inspired by nature, agriculture and the community’s spiritual beliefs. Crafted entirely by hand, each piece requires months of meticulous work by tribal women, who pass down the intricate embroidery techniques from one generation to the next.
The same symbolic designs are reflected in Linga, the colourful murals that decorate the walls of Dongria Kondh homes across villages in the Niyamgiri region. The motifs, featuring representations of the moon, crops and other elements of nature, change with festivals and rituals, serving as visual expressions of the community’s customs and beliefs.
According to members of the community, each pattern carries a distinct meaning. Green motifs symbolise prosperity and nature, circular designs represent the full moon, while yellow patterns inspired by turmeric reflect the tribe’s deep connection with agriculture. These traditional symbols are woven into Kapdaganda, making the textile a living record of the community’s heritage.
The craft has gained wider recognition in recent years after Kapdaganda received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its uniqueness and cultural significance. The traditional fabric is now recognised beyond Odisha, creating new opportunities for tribal artisans while strengthening efforts to preserve the community’s rich artistic heritage.
Researchers working with the Dongria Kondhs say government initiatives and increasing public awareness have helped promote the textile as both a cultural symbol and a sustainable source of livelihood. Even today, members of the tribe proudly wear Kapdaganda during festivals, weddings, religious ceremonies and community gatherings, reaffirming their connection to centuries-old traditions.
For the Dongria Kondhs, Kapdaganda is far more than a handcrafted fabric. It is a symbol of identity, history and resilience, reflecting a way of life that continues to thrive in the hills of Niyamgiri despite the passage of time.
1, Jul 2026
Manufacturing Growth Continues, PMI at 54.2 in June
New Delhi, July 1: India’s manufacturing sector continued its steady expansion in June, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded at 54.2, indicating sustained growth in factory activity and overall business conditions.
A PMI reading above 50 reflects expansion, and the latest data suggests that manufacturing output remained strong, supported by healthy demand, rising production levels, and consistent inflow of new orders.
The growth momentum was driven by resilient domestic consumption and improved operational conditions, enabling manufacturers to maintain production stability and expand capacity where required.
Experts noted that the sustained expansion underscores the resilience of India’s industrial sector amid global economic uncertainties, with firms continuing to benefit from steady market demand.
The positive PMI reading is expected to support broader economic growth, strengthen industrial output, and reinforce confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem going forward.
1, Jul 2026
Mahindra Registers 37pc Rise in June Auto Sales
Mumbai, July 1: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported a strong performance in June, registering a 37% year-on-year growth in total vehicle sales to 1,06,207 units, driven by robust demand across its passenger and commercial vehicle segments.
The company continued its growth momentum on the back of sustained customer demand, a strong product portfolio, and improved market performance. The increase in sales reflects positive consumer sentiment and the company’s expanding presence in both urban and rural markets.
Industry observers said the strong June numbers underscore the resilience of the domestic automobile sector, with demand remaining healthy despite evolving market conditions. The performance also highlights Mahindra’s continued focus on delivering vehicles that cater to a wide range of customer needs.
The encouraging sales figures are expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the Indian automotive market as it continues to expand its product lineup and production capacity.
With the festive season approaching in the coming months, the company remains optimistic about maintaining its growth trajectory, supported by strong bookings and sustained consumer interest.
1, Jul 2026
Fixderma Launches ‘Men’s Skincare Janta Party’ Campaign, Introduces FOR MEN Range to Simplify Men’s Skincre.
Gurugram, July 1: Why should women’s skincare have all the options? With this thought, dermatologist-prescribed skincare brand Fixderma has launched the Men’s Skincare Janta Party , a first-of-its-kind satirical campaign featuring content creator Vansh Gandhi. The campaign shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked conversation, the need for dedicated skincare for men. Through humour and cultural relevance, Gen Z women stage a playful protest demanding better skincare habits for men, challenging outdated grooming stereotypes while encouraging healthier skincare routines.
With the campaign #SkincareKarLeBhai, the initiative encourages men to move beyond basic grooming and adopt science-backed skincare routines, while highlighting the growing need for products specifically designed for men’s skin.
Building on this conversation, Fixderma has unveiled FOR MEN, a dermatologist-developed skincare range created to address common skin and scalp concerns such as dullness, tanning, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, excess oil production and dandruff. The launch marks the brand’s strategic entry into India’s rapidly evolving men’s skincare segment, where consumers are increasingly seeking effective, ingredient-led solutions over generic grooming products.
The FOR MEN portfolio includes a Brightening Face Wash, Brightening Face Moisturizer, Brightening Face Serum, Brightening Face Mask, Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50+ and an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Formulated with clinically backed ingredients such as White Tomato Extract, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, the range is designed to deliver targeted care through simple, everyday routines.
Commenting on the launch, Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder, Fixderma & FCL, said,
“ The conversation around men’s personal care has evolved significantly over the years, but skincare continues to be one of the most underserved categories. Today’s consumers are looking for solutions that are simple, effective and backed by dermatological science rather than generic grooming products. With FOR MEN, we are bringing Fixderma’s clinical expertise to a dedicated range that addresses the unique needs of men’s skin and scalp. Through the MSJP campaign, we also want to normalise skincare for men and encourage them to view healthy skin as an essential part of everyday self-care, not an occasional indulgence.”
Anurag Mehrotra, Chairman and Co-Founder, Fixderma, said,
“Men’s skincare is no longer a niche category, it is emerging as one of the most significant growth opportunities in the beauty and personal care industry. As consumer awareness continues to evolve, we see a clear shift towards dermatologist-backed, efficacy-driven solutions over conventional grooming products. With FOR MEN, we are expanding our portfolio to serve this evolving demand while staying true to our commitment of making science-led skincare more accessible. The Men’s Skincare Janta Party campaign reflects our belief that meaningful consumer conversations can be sparked through relevant cultural moments, helping normalise skincare as an essential part of every man’s daily routine.”
With this launch, Fixderma aims to strengthen its presence in the men’s skincare segment while continuing its mission of making dermatologist-developed, science-backed skincare more accessible to a new generation of consumers.
1, Jul 2026
GST Collections Climb 14 pc to INR 1.95 Lakh Crore in June
New Delhi, July 1: India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections continued their strong growth momentum in June, rising 14% year-on-year to ₹1.95 lakh crore, reflecting sustained economic activity and improved tax compliance across the country.
The robust collections were driven by healthy domestic consumption, higher business transactions, and continued improvements in GST compliance. The steady rise in revenue indicates resilience in economic activity across key sectors despite global uncertainties.
Experts believe the strong GST performance highlights the growing formalisation of the economy and the increasing adoption of digital tax systems, which have strengthened revenue collection and reduced tax leakages.
The healthy tax collections are expected to provide the government with greater fiscal flexibility to support infrastructure development, welfare programmes, and public investment while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The continued growth in GST revenues underscores the strength of India’s indirect tax system and signals positive momentum for the country’s economic outlook.
1, Jul 2026
Agnikul, ICEYE Sign Pact for SAR Earth Observation Systems
New Delhi, July 1: Space technology startup Agnikul Cosmos has signed a strategic agreement with ICEYE to jointly develop advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth observation systems, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s space-based imaging capabilities.
The collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of both organisations in developing next-generation SAR technologies capable of delivering high-resolution Earth observation data under all weather conditions, including day and night operations.
The partnership is expected to support applications across sectors such as disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, maritime surveillance, and national security.
Officials said the collaboration aligns with India’s growing focus on expanding indigenous space technologies and building a robust commercial space ecosystem. By combining technological expertise, the two companies aim to accelerate innovation in satellite-based remote sensing solutions.
The agreement also reflects the increasing role of public-private partnerships and international collaborations in advancing India’s space sector and strengthening its Earth observation capabilities for both domestic and global markets.
1, Jul 2026
Gartner Says Dollar 234 Billion in Enterprise Application Software Spend Is at Risk from Agentic AI
Stamford, Conn., July 01: Agentic AI is set to disrupt enterprise software revenue models, with up to $234 billion of enterprise application spending exposed to agentic arbitrage between now and 2030, according to Gartner, Inc, a business and technology insights company. By 2030, this will account for roughly 20% of enterprise application software-as-a-service (SaaS) spending.
Agentic arbitrage happens when AI agents complete tasks across multiple systems, reducing the need for users to interact with multiple traditional software interfaces.
“Agentic AI changes the economics of software,” said George Brocklehurst, Managing Vice President at Gartner. “Agentic systems deliver outcomes directly, bypassing traditional user experience (UX)-heavy applications and making the software invisible. This breaks the link between user growth and revenue growth for many enterprise software vendors.”
This shift is already underway and will refactor how software is built, priced and consumed. “It will also lead to a redefinition of ‘Saaspocalypse’, the disaggregation of the legacy SaaS market as we know it today,” said Brocklehurst. This is less an apocalypse and more of a metamorphosis. SaaS will not be destroyed; it will emerge in a different form. This metamorphosis represents threats and opportunities for both incumbents and new challengers.
Buyers Shift Focus from Features to Outcomes
Gartner analysts said expectations are changing. “Enterprise buyers will deemphasize buying more new tools or dashboards,” said Brocklehurst. “They want better outcomes and adding more AI features often creates more cost, not better outcomes. Better outcomes from AI require systems that can retain deep institutional memory and customer context over time.”
Some vendors are already offering agentic solutions that deliver autonomous end-to-end workflow execution, cross-system orchestration and capture customer context and knowledge, which help to foster business results and ROI. Today this typically requires heavy services engagement.
“As organizations increasingly use agentic AI systems, the user interface is no longer a differentiation,” said Brocklehurst. “Legacy SaaS market share will be cannibalized by incumbents and taken by new entrants delivering horizontal agentic platforms.”
Direct Risk for Incumbent Vendors and Revenue Opportunity for Service Providers
To remain competitive and achieve growth opportunities, incumbent software vendors must move from interface-based value to outcome-based value, embed agentic capabilities at the point of execution into their offerings to defend their position in the value chain, capture and retain customer-specific knowledge, not just data.
“While this shift is posing an existential threat for vendors who are defending legacy dashboards and seat-based models, it creates a substantial revenue opportunity for vendors who are enabling and developing services and platforms to support agentic enabled cross-domain workflows,” said Brocklehurst.
AI-native startups and service providers can act as the agentic layer across enterprise systems, deliver measurable outcomes instead of features and assist organizations redesign workflows around AI. “Ultimately, they can capture not just existing spend, but incremental budget unlocked through ROI upside,” said Brocklehurst.
Additional Insights Available
Gartner clients can learn more in the Gartner webinar: SaaSpocalypse – $234B of Enterprise Apps Spending Will be Exposed to Agentic Arbitrage.
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1, Jul 2026
Adani Green Surpasses 20 GW Operational Capacity
Ahmedabad, July 1: Adani Green Energy has become the first renewable energy company in India to cross 20 GW of operational capacity, marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy sector.
The achievement strengthens the company’s position as a leading player in India’s renewable energy transition, spanning large-scale solar and wind energy projects across multiple states.
The company’s expanded operational base reflects steady capacity additions over recent years, driven by rising demand for clean power and strong project execution in utility-scale renewable infrastructure.
Industry observers noted that crossing the 20 GW mark highlights the rapid scaling of India’s renewable energy ecosystem, as developers continue to invest in solar parks, wind farms, and hybrid energy projects.
With this milestone, Adani Green Energy further consolidates its role in supporting India’s long-term decarbonisation and energy transition goals.
1, Jul 2026
Kicky & Perky Unveils Luna Rae A Celestial Interpretation of Modern Femininity
Inspired by moonlit skies, celestial symbolism, and the quiet beauty of feminine expression, Kicky & Perky introduces Luna Rae — a collection that transforms cosmic inspiration into contemporary silver jewellery.
Designed around the idea of softness as strength, Luna Rae explores a more emotional and poetic form of adornment through celestial motifs, luminous stones, and refined silhouettes. The collection reflects a modern femininity that feels expressive, elegant, and quietly powerful.
Crafted in certified 925 sterling silver with real rhodium plating, Luna Rae features celestial-inspired rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and layering pieces designed for effortless everyday styling. Delicate moon phases, stars, textured silver surfaces, and sculptural details create a design language inspired by the beauty of the night sky.
The collection is accented with responsibly sourced moissanite and moonstone elements, bringing brilliance and luminosity to each piece while maintaining a soft and wearable aesthetic. Designed to transition seamlessly from day to evening, Luna Rae balances minimal elegance with emotional storytelling.
Rather than focusing on statement jewellery in the traditional sense, Luna Rae embraces intimacy and symbolism — creating pieces that feel personal, expressive, and timeless. Every design is intended to evoke a feeling rather than simply complete an outfit.
“Luna Rae was imagined as wearable moonlight,” shares the brand. “We wanted the collection to feel delicate yet radiant — jewellery that carries emotion, softness, and individuality in a deeply modern way.”
The collection speaks to women who romanticize life, value understated elegance, and connect with jewellery on a more emotional level. Through celestial motifs and refined craftsmanship, Luna Rae creates a world where femininity feels luminous, intuitive, and quietly confident.
With Luna Rae, Kicky & Perky continues to build a design-led identity in contemporary silver jewellery through collections rooted in symbolism, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
The Luna Rae collection is now available at Kicky & Perky
