29, Jun 2026
Gujarat plans Chhota Udepur sports hub, Vadodara Blue Economy centre
June 29: The Gujarat government has announced plans to develop Chhota Udepur as a sports equipment manufacturing hub and Vadodara as a centre for the Blue Economy, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said.
The initiative aims to promote balanced regional development while strengthening the state’s industrial ecosystem through sector-specific growth clusters and targeted infrastructure development.
Chhota Udepur will be developed to support sports goods manufacturing, with a focus on boosting MSMEs, skill development, and employment generation. Officials said the move is expected to strengthen local entrepreneurship and integrate the district into broader manufacturing value chains.
Vadodara will be positioned as a hub for the Blue Economy, focusing on water-based resources, sustainable industries, and allied sectors. The plan aims to attract investment and encourage environmentally sustainable economic activity.
The government said these initiatives are part of its broader strategy to promote specialised industrial zones, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities across regions.
Experts noted that such focused development models can enhance regional competitiveness while supporting industrial diversification and long-term sustainable growth in Gujarat.
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jun 2026
Global economic fragmentation could wipe out Dollar 6.9 trillion from world GDP: WEF
June 29: Global economic fragmentation could lead to a substantial loss in economic output, potentially cutting up to $6.9 trillion from world GDP, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The report highlights that rising geopolitical tensions, increasing trade barriers, and shifting global alliances are contributing to a more divided global economic system. This fragmentation is expected to disrupt supply chains, reduce trade efficiency, and slow down global productivity growth.
According to the WEF, a fragmented global economy may also raise costs for businesses, limit access to critical technologies, and weaken cross-border investment flows. These challenges could have a widespread impact on both developed and emerging economies.
Emerging markets, which are more integrated into global supply chains, may face heightened vulnerability, while advanced economies could also experience slower growth due to reduced international cooperation and trade integration.
Experts stressed the need for stronger global coordination, resilient supply chains, and open trade frameworks to reduce the risks of fragmentation and support long-term economic stability and growth.
29, Jun 2026
Auto sector poised for steady growth; 2W and PV demand to remain strong in June 2026: Report
June 29: The automobile sector is expected to maintain steady growth momentum, with two-wheelers (2W) and passenger vehicles (PV) projected to post healthy performance in June 2026, according to a recent report.
The report highlighted that stable macroeconomic conditions, improving consumer confidence, and consistent demand across both rural and urban markets are supporting the sector’s growth outlook. Seasonal trends and continued recovery in mobility demand are also contributing to sustained sales performance.
Two-wheeler demand is likely to benefit from improving rural income levels and affordability, while the passenger vehicle segment continues to gain from strong product offerings, new model launches, and sustained interest in personal mobility.
Automakers are expected to focus on disciplined production, inventory optimisation, and timely product introductions to maintain growth stability and meet evolving consumer preferences.
Industry analysts said the auto sector remains well-positioned for steady expansion, supported by structural demand drivers, rising penetration in semi-urban markets, and ongoing shifts in consumer mobility needs.
29, Jun 2026
Ahead of Rath Yatra, Odisha Crime Branch Blocks 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): In a major cyber crackdown ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Crime Branch has blocked 50 fraudulent hotel booking websites over the past week to protect devotees from online accommodation scams.
Representational image
The action was initiated following multiple complaints received through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, amid a surge in online fraud targeting pilgrims planning to visit Puri for the grand festival scheduled on July 16.
Officials said cybercriminals had been creating cloned versions of genuine hotel and lodge websites to deceive unsuspecting travellers. These fake portals reportedly offered attractive room tariffs, discounted accommodation packages and even bogus VIP darshan facilities to lure devotees into making advance payments through digital wallets and UPI platforms.
Investigations revealed that the fraudulent websites were designed to secure prominent visibility in online search results, thereby increasing the chances of duping pilgrims searching for accommodation in Puri.
According to police sources, online accommodation fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Odisha. Over the past year, at least 30 tourists reportedly lost nearly Rs 5 lakh after falling prey to fake hotel booking scams. In the last two weeks alone, four pilgrims were allegedly duped of around Rs 35,000 through similar frauds.
With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for Rath Yatra, authorities fear that the scale of cyber fraud could rise significantly if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Following the crackdown, the Crime Branch has intensified cyber patrolling and launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state. Devotees have been advised to verify the authenticity of hotel websites, avoid making payments to unverified accounts and report suspicious portals immediately.
Officials urged the public to use only authorised booking platforms or directly contact hotels through verified channels. Any cyber fraud or suspicious activity can be reported through the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.
29, Jun 2026
India emerges as global data centre hub amid capacity crunch in US, Europe
June 29: India is rapidly emerging as a major global data centre hub, supported by rising digital demand and capacity constraints in the United States and Europe, according to a recent report.
The report noted that growing cloud adoption, artificial intelligence workloads, and surging data consumption are driving global demand for data infrastructure, prompting companies to expand into India.
India’s strong digital ecosystem, improving infrastructure, and supportive policy environment are making it an attractive destination for hyperscale data centre investments. The availability of land and increasing focus on renewable energy are also supporting sector growth.
Industry observers said capacity limitations and higher operational costs in developed markets are accelerating the shift toward emerging economies like India.
Experts added that India’s large internet user base and expanding digital economy are expected to further strengthen its position as a key global data infrastructure hub in the coming years.
29, Jun 2026
DAAS Labs’ accelerated AI-led growth strategy under the leadership of CEO Prasad Rai
India,June 29: DAAS Labs, an innovator in Data and AI solutions for enterprises, is charting an ambitious growth trajectory under Chief Executive Officer Prasad Rai, who took charge in late 2025. Since stepping into the role, he has moved decisively to reorient the company’s strategy, sharpening its focus on AI-powered platforms, collaboration with global leaders, deepening its talent capabilities, and laying the groundwork for a stronger footprint across India, Asia, and North America.
Drawing on over 35 years of leadership experience across India and the Asia-Pacific region, he brings a blend of strategic insights, senior level connects and on-ground execution to DAAS Labs. His career spans senior roles at some of the world’s most influential technology companies, as Regional Vice President at Oracle Corporation, General Manager at Microsoft, and E-Business Principal at IBM India, where he built and scaled businesses multi-fold across India, South Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific landscape.
Since taking over, he has set four strategic priorities in motion: onboarding highly skilled specialists in Data and AI; building proprietary platforms and accelerators that help enterprises extract business value leveraging AI; expanding market presence in India, Asia, and North America; and contributing meaningfully to India’s accelerated national agenda on Artificial Intelligence.
Prasad Rai, CEO, DAAS Labs, said,
“I am delighted with the opportunity to lead DAAS Labs at such a transformative time for the industry. Building on the company’s strong heritage in Data, our focus has been on strengthening AI capabilities, investing in specialized talent, and developing platforms that help enterprises unlock tangible business value. As we expand our presence across India, Asia, and North America, we remain committed to enabling organizations to navigate their AI transformation journeys with confidence and measurable outcomes.”
Gaurav Shinh, Founder, DAAS Labs, said,
“We are delighted to have Prasad as our CEO. He brings a rare combination of strategic vision, deep industry expertise, and executional excellence. DAAS Labs was built on a fundamental belief – Trust. It is the foundation of enterprise data. Over the years, this principle has guided our growth, shaped our culture, and enabled us to deliver meaningful value to clients across industries. As we enter a new era defined by AI, the opportunity ahead lies in combining that foundation of trust with innovation at scale. Leading this transformation requires a leader who understands both the discipline of enterprise data and the possibilities of emerging technologies. We are confident that under his leadership, DAAS Labs will be well-positioned to accelerate its growth and deliver even greater impact for clients and stakeholders. We look forward to seeing DAAS Labs achieve its next phase of success.”
These strategic initiatives reinforce DAAS Labs commitment to helping enterprises harness the full potential of Data and AI. With deep expertise in data-driven transformation, a growing portfolio of AI–led solutions, and an expanding presence across key global markets, the company is well-positioned to support organizations as they navigate the next phase of AI adoption and innovation.
29, Jun 2026
Maruti Suzuki ties up with five startups to drive innovation and customer focus
June 29: Maruti Suzuki has entered into partnerships with five startups to strengthen innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance overall customer experience across its automotive ecosystem.
The collaborations aim to bring in new-age technologies and digital solutions that can streamline internal processes, improve productivity, and upgrade customer-facing services. The initiative underscores the company’s focus on working with emerging technology players to accelerate digital transformation.
According to the company, the startups will contribute in areas such as process optimisation, digital platforms, and customer engagement solutions, helping make operations more efficient and services more seamless for users.
The partnerships are also expected to support Maruti Suzuki’s broader strategy of integrating advanced technologies into manufacturing and service systems, thereby improving quality, speed, and convenience for customers.
Industry observers said such startup collaborations reflect a growing trend in the automobile sector, where established companies are increasingly leveraging external innovation to meet evolving customer expectations and technological shifts.
29, Jun 2026
DigiHaat launches ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ store on ONDC platform
June 29: DigiHaat has launched a new digital storefront titled ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, aimed at expanding market access for cooperative and rural products across India.
The initiative is designed to empower cooperatives, farmers, and small producers by integrating them into a wider digital marketplace, enabling better visibility, improved pricing, and direct access to consumers without multiple intermediaries.
Officials said the store will showcase a range of cooperative sector products, helping strengthen rural entrepreneurship and support the government’s vision of promoting inclusive and technology-driven economic growth.
By leveraging the ONDC ecosystem, the platform seeks to reduce dependency on traditional supply chains and improve income opportunities for producer groups, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors.
Industry observers noted that the initiative could play a significant role in enhancing digital inclusion for rural enterprises while strengthening India’s cooperative movement through structured e-commerce integration.
29, Jun 2026
Karnataka proposes Bengaluru–Lima sister-city pact to boost India–Peru trade
June 29: The Karnataka government has proposed establishing a sister-city partnership between Bengaluru and Lima to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Peru, with an ambitious goal of expanding trade to $10 billion in the coming years.
The proposed pact aims to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as technology, innovation, startups, education, and urban development. Officials said the initiative is designed to leverage Bengaluru’s position as India’s leading technology hub and Lima’s growing role as a commercial centre in South America.
Under the framework, both cities are expected to explore opportunities for knowledge exchange, business partnerships, and investment facilitation. The partnership would also encourage cooperation between startups, research institutions, and industry bodies in both regions.
State representatives said the proposal reflects Karnataka’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and attract international investment while promoting cross-border collaboration in emerging sectors.
Experts noted that the sister-city arrangement could serve as a catalyst for deeper India–Peru economic engagement, supporting trade diversification and strengthening long-term diplomatic and commercial ties between the two countries.
29, Jun 2026
Gujarat sets INR 10 lakh crore investment target under new industrial policy
June 29: The Gujarat government has announced a target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under its new industrial policy, aimed at further strengthening the state’s industrial base and boosting economic growth.
The policy is designed to accelerate industrial expansion, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and generate large-scale employment opportunities across diverse sectors. Officials said the framework focuses on improving ease of doing business, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging innovation-led development.
Key focus areas include manufacturing, renewable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and emerging technology sectors. The policy also places emphasis on sustainable growth and balanced regional development across urban and rural regions of the state.
Government representatives said the initiative will simplify investment procedures, provide targeted incentives, and strengthen industrial infrastructure to attract both domestic and global investors.
Experts believe Gujarat’s strong industrial ecosystem, logistics advantages, and pro-investor environment position it well to achieve the ambitious target, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation.
