23, Jul 2026
India Accelerates Highway Expansion as 10,389 Km of High-Speed Corridors Awarded

New Delhi, July 23: The Government of India has announced that 10,389 km of National High-Speed Corridors have been awarded across the country, marking a major milestone in the expansion and modernisation of the nation’s road infrastructure.

The development is part of the government’s efforts to build a faster, safer, and more efficient highway network aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and strengthening logistics across key economic regions.

The high-speed corridor projects are expected to enhance freight movement, support industrial growth, and improve connectivity between major cities, ports, and economic hubs.

Officials said the expansion of these corridors will play an important role in boosting infrastructure development, creating employment opportunities, and supporting India’s long-term economic growth objectives.

The projects are being developed with a focus on modern highway standards, improved road safety, advanced transportation systems, and better connectivity for passengers and businesses.

The government continues to prioritise infrastructure development as a key driver of economic progress, with high-speed road networks forming an important part of India’s future mobility framework.

23, Jul 2026
Emaar leads the way as developers show Dubai real estate strength in depth

fäm Properties report reveals Azizi dominating the affordable market in 2026 and topping overall sales transactions

Emaar leads the way as developers show Dubai real estate strength in depth

 

 

Dubai, UAE, July 23: Emaar’s position as Dubai’s leading developer is underlined today by a new market analysis revealing the depth of residential real estate activity across the luxury and affordable sectors so far this year.

The report from fäm Properties today shows that Emaar has recorded the highest value in sales transactions to date this year at AED30.6 billion – 83.2% higher than DAMAC in second place at AED16.7 billion.

Emaar also sold the highest volume of properties in the AED 15 million and above luxury sector, with 387 transactions worth AED8.4 billion, ahead of Omniyat with 212 deals amounting to AED 6.5 billion.

In addition, the developer behind some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks has so far this year delivered the most projects (9) and units (3,819), and currently has the biggest number of active projects under construction (150).

Data from DXBinteract shows that Azizi, which dominates the market for affordable properties below AED2 million, has also been the most prolific developer in terms of overall residential sales transactions so far this year.

To date, the top ten developers in overall sales volume have recorded a combined 36,808 transactions valued at AED 86.8 billion.

Emaar leads the way as developers show Dubai real estate strength in depth

 

The fact that Dubai’s leading developers have been driving sales across both the luxury and affordable segments throughout the year is clear sign of market strength,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.

“This shows that demand is not concentrated in one area, and points to a healthy, diversified market with steady demand from both investors and end-users.”

In overall sales, Azizi led with 8,411 transactions ahead of DAMAC (6,387) and Emaar (5,550). The vast majority of Azizi’s sales – 8,053 worth AED6.6 billion – were in the affordable sector, ahead of Binghatti (4,268 – AED4.5 billion) and DAMAC (2,243 – AED2.5 billion).

DAMAC’s continued high level of activity this year places the company second in terms of projects (7) and units (2,591) delivered, and in the number of active projects under construction (113). Meanwhile, Reportage has launched 16 projects, the most to date in 2026, and is also among the top ten developers in sales of properties below AED2 million (1,322) and overall sales (1,544).

TOP DEVELOPERS – TOTAL SALES VOLUME & VALUE IN 2026 (As of 22nd July)

 Volume Value (AED)

Azizi 8,411 7.5B

DAMAC 6,387 16.7B

Emaar 5,550 30.6B

Binghatti 5,188 7.9B

Ellington 2,768 8.0B

Samana 1,839 2.1B

Sobha 1,731 5.5B

Danube 1,695 3.6B

Imtiaz 1,695 3.0B

Reportage 1,544 1.9B

Totals 36,808 86.8B

PROPERTIES ABOVE 15M

 Volume Value (AED)

Emaar 387 8.4B

Omniyat 212 6.5B

H&H 178 6.9B

Meraas 135 3.4B

Nakheel 80 2.4B

Wasl 66 1.4B

AHS Properties 64 1.8B

Shamal Holding 47 1.4B

Zaya 43 2.1B

Jumeirah Golf Est’ 36 956.9M

Totals 1,248 35.16B

PROPERTIES BELOW 2M

Volume Value (AED)

Azizi 8,095 6.6B

Binghatti 4,268 4.5B

DAMAC 2,247 2.5B

Samana 1,716 1.7B

Emaar 1,437 2.3B

Reportage 1,322 1.3B

Imtiaz 1,153 1.3B

Ellington 1,039 1.6B

Danube 1,004 1.3B

Vision Dev’ 649 717.4M

Totals 22,930 23.82B

Top developers by delivered projects – 2026: Emaar 9; DAMAC 7; Nakheel 4; Deyaar 3; Dubai Properties 3; Azizi 3; Continental Investments 2; Esnaad 2; Ellington 2; Segrex 2.

Top developers by delivered units – 2026: Emaar 3,819; DAMAC 2,591; Select Group 1,502; Deyaar 1,435; Continental Invest’ 1,294; The Cayan Group 1,164; Sobha 985; Nakheel 898; MAG 654; Dubai Properties 558.

Top developers by launched projects – 2026: Reportage 16; Emaar 11; Binghatti 9; DAMAC 6; Azizi 5; Ellington 5; Imtiaz 5; GFS 5; Sobha 3; Dubai South 3.

Top developers by projects under construction – 2026: Emaar 150; DAMAC 113; Azizi 55; Samana; 44; Binghatti 37; Nakheel 36; Meraas 35; Imtiaz 33; Ellington 33; Nshama 25.

 

 

 

23, Jul 2026
India Emerges as a Preferred Investment Destination for European Companies: Report

New Delhi, July 23: India is increasingly being viewed as a favourable investment destination by European companies, supported by its strong economic growth, expanding market opportunities, and improving business environment, according to a recent report.

The report highlighted that India’s large consumer base, skilled workforce, growing digital ecosystem, and ongoing infrastructure development are among the key factors attracting European businesses to invest in the country.

European companies are showing greater interest in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, automobiles, and financial services, driven by India’s growth potential and policy initiatives aimed at encouraging foreign investment.

The report noted that India’s focus on strengthening supply chains, promoting innovation, and enhancing ease of doing business has further improved its appeal among global investors.

Industry experts said that deeper economic cooperation between India and Europe could create new opportunities for trade, investment, and technology partnerships.

With its expanding economy and strategic position in global markets, India continues to strengthen its role as a major destination for international businesses seeking long-term growth opportunities.

23, Jul 2026
72 percent in South India Prioritise Balanced Diet, Bengaluru, Hyderabad Touch 75 percent, Finds ManipalCigna India Health Quotient 2026

Bangalore, July 23: ManipalCigna Health Insurance, one of India’s leading health insurers, has released insights specific to South India from India Health Quotient (IHQ) 2026. The IHQ is a proprietary multi-dimensional index measuring self-assessed health across five dimensions: Physical, Mental, Financial, Occupational, and Social. The study covered urban Indians across 16 cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Coimbatore from the southern region. 

India‘s overall health score stands at 65 out of 100, while South India recorded an overall score of 63 out of 100. Across urban Indians, physical health is leading at 68, while financial health trails at 62, the lowest score across all dimensions and a critical aspect requiring greater attention.

Interestingly, 72% of respondents from South India prioritize eating a healthy, balanced diet in their top 5 aspects of physical health vs 65% in rest of India. This is most notable in the new age tech metros of BengaluruHyderabad (75%). It reflects a larger shift across urban India, where people are consciously moving towards healthier lifestyles and making food choices a part of how they manage their overall wellbeing. On the other hand, the findings also highlight opportunities to strengthen mental well-being, with only 49% reporting strong focus and clarity of mind and 47% feeling confident in their ability to adapt to sudden change.

The study also reveals that health insurance ownership is one of the most promising predictors of overall wellbeing in India. Indians with health insurance score 68/100 on the India Health Quotient, compared to 62/100 for uninsured urban Indians, a 6-point gap that remains consistent across every cohort, region, age group, gender, and stress level. Across the cohorts and stress level tested in the study, insured Indians reported higher wellbeing scores than their uninsured counterparts on physical, mental and financial dimensions alike.

This “Wellbeing Premium” is notably larger than the gender gap (men and women both score 65/100) and exceeds regional differences between major metros like Mumbai (62/100) and Bengaluru (63/100) and surpasses the gap between India‘s youngest and oldest age groups (63/100 vs 65/100). The gap does not diminish even when controlling for stress levels, suggesting that health insurance ownership is associated with meaningfully better wellbeing outcomes across all population segments.

Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, said, “The India Health Quotient asks a simple question: how does India actually feel? It shows that health is multi-dimensional, with people balancing physical, mental, financial, and work and social wellbeing, and gaps in one area often affecting the others. South India stands out for its focus on healthy eating, with 72% prioritizing a balanced diet, rising to 75% in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. However, this physical discipline does not fully offset everyday pressures. Across regions, we also see that health insurance ownership helps narrow wellbeing gaps, reinforcing that protection is an important part of overall wellbeing.” 

As Karnataka continues its growth journey, the need for greater awareness around healthcare financing and financial protection remains important. With changing healthcare needs and rising medical costs, health insurance can play a critical role in helping individuals and families manage healthcare expenses while ensuring access to quality care when needed.

The ManipalCigna India Health Quotient 2026 underscores the company’s commitment to going beyond traditional health insurance by developing a deeper, evidence-based understanding of how Indians experience wellbeing. With this, the company reaffirms its focus on building more responsive, holistic health solutions for a rapidly evolving India

23, Jul 2026
BSE Expands Market Benchmarking with New Index Covering Nearly Entire Equity Landscape

Mumbai, July 23: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has introduced a new Total Market Index aimed at providing a wider and more comprehensive view of India’s equity market by representing nearly 98 per cent of the market capitalisation covered under the BSE AllCap Index.

BSE Expands Market Benchmarking with New Index Covering Nearly Entire Equity Landscape

The new benchmark is designed to capture the performance of companies across different segments of the market, giving investors a broader perspective on overall market movements and trends.

BSE said the index will serve as an important tool for investors, fund managers, and market participants seeking a diversified representation of India’s listed companies. It may also support the creation of investment products such as index-based funds and other market-linked instruments.

The launch reflects the exchange’s focus on developing innovative market solutions, improving transparency, and strengthening the investment ecosystem in India.

Financial experts believe that comprehensive market indices help investors better understand market performance and make informed decisions by providing wider sector and company representation.

With the introduction of the Total Market Index, BSE aims to enhance market tracking capabilities and offer a more inclusive benchmark for India’s growing equity market.

23, Jul 2026
India’s Aviation Ambition Takes Flight as MRO Sector Gears Up for Global Role

New Delhi, July 23: India is strengthening its position in the global aviation industry with a major push to develop the country into a leading hub for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.

The government said the rapid expansion of India’s aviation market, rising aircraft numbers, and increasing demand for maintenance services are creating significant opportunities for the growth of the MRO sector.

Efforts are underway to build world-class maintenance facilities, improve aviation infrastructure, attract investment, and develop a skilled workforce to meet the growing needs of the industry. These measures are aimed at reducing dependence on overseas maintenance centres and enhancing India’s capabilities in aerospace services.

The growth of the MRO ecosystem is expected to support the domestic aviation sector, create employment opportunities, and encourage the development of related industries, including aircraft components and engineering services.

Industry experts said that stronger infrastructure, advanced technology adoption, and a robust supply chain network will help India compete effectively in the global aviation maintenance market.

With continued policy support and rising demand for air travel, India is emerging as a promising destination for aircraft maintenance services and a key player in the international aviation ecosystem.

23, Jul 2026
Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation Champion a Collaborative Approach to Strengthening India’s Grassroots Sports Ecosystem

Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation Champion a Collaborative Approach to Strengthening India's Grassroots Sports Ecosystem

New Delhi, 23 July: As India continues its emergence as a global sporting nation, the conversation is increasingly shifting from celebrating podium finishes to strengthening the systems that make those achievements possible. Recognising that lasting sporting success begins at the grassrootsIntertek India and Sportz Village Foundation hosted a leadership engagement in New Delhi for corporate leaders, sports development experts, elite athletes and young sporting talent to explore how collective action can help build a stronger sporting ecosystem for the country. 

The event brought together Intertek South Asia leaders Ankita Agarwal, Regional HR Director and Ashish Gupta, Regional CFO  with Sportz Village Foundation’s Radhika Yelkur, Head of Delivery and Sandeep Rao, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Arjuna Awardee and Indian sport shooter Anjum Moudgil, along with a group of promising state and national-level athletes supported through Sports For All – a talent identification and athlete nurturance initiative launched this year by Intertek India, and implemented with the help of Sportz Village Foundation. 

Sports For All seeks to identify India’s emerging young sporting talent and provide them with access to the guidance, opportunities and developmental ecosystem needed to progress towards higher levels of competition. While financial support remains important, the initiative reflects a broader philosophy – that athletes thrive when they are backed by an ecosystem that nurtures both sporting excellence and personal growth. 

At the heart of the event was a panel discussion exploring how stronger collaboration between corporates, sports organisations, schools and public institutions can create more meaningful opportunities for aspiring athletes across the country. 

The panel discussed several critical aspects of athlete development, including mental resilience, athlete livelihoods, access to quality coaching, sports science, the role of schools in encouraging participation and the importance of stronger public-private partnerships in expanding access to structured sporting opportunities. The conversation reinforced a shared belief that India‘s sporting ambitions can only be realised through long-term collaboration across sectors, with each stakeholder playing a distinct yet interconnected role in supporting young athletes. 

Delivering the keynote address, Anjum Moudgil reflected on her own journey as an elite athlete, sharing insights into the discipline, perseverance and resilience required to compete at the highest level. She emphasized that behind every successful athlete is an ecosystem of support – families, coaches, mentors, institutions and organizations – that invest consistently in an athlete’s journey, often long before success becomes visible. 

“Every athlete’s journey is shaped by the support they receive long before success arrives. Initiatives like Sport For All create that foundation by giving young athletes the opportunities, guidance and belief they need to pursue their full potential.” 

A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official Sports For All jersey, symbolizing the shared commitment of Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation towards creating structured development pathways for young athletes. More than a ceremonial moment, the jersey represents a collective promise to invest in potential, create opportunities and accompany athletes through every stage of their sporting journey. 

Speaking on the occasion,

“At Intertek, our CSR commitment is to create sustainable social impact by empowering communities and expanding opportunities for future generations. Through Sports For All, we are proud to support India’s grassroots talent and contribute to the vision of a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive Viksit Bharat.”
– Ankita Agarwal
Regional HR Director, Intertek
 

“Through initiatives like Sport For All we’re working with Intertek India to build meaningful pathways that help young budding athletes access the support they need to grow, compete and succeed.
– Radhika Yelkur
Head of Delivery, Sportz Village Foundation
 

As India strives to become one of the world’s leading sporting nations, the focus must extend beyond celebrating medals to strengthening the systems that identify and nurture talent from an early stage. Through its Sports For All initiative, Intertek India, in partnership with Sportz Village Foundation, is working to build stronger pathways for young athletes by expanding access to structured support, mentorship and development opportunities, while contributing to a more inclusive and resilient grassroots sporting ecosystem.

23, Jul 2026
India’s Pharma and Healthcare Deals Hold Strong at Dollar 13.9 Billion in Q2 2026

July 23: India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors continued to attract strong investor interest, with deal activity remaining resilient at $13.9 billion in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting confidence in the long-term growth potential of the industry.

The sector maintained momentum amid evolving global market conditions, supported by rising healthcare demand, innovation-driven growth, and increasing investments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare services.

Industry analysts said the continued strength in deal values highlights the attractiveness of India’s healthcare ecosystem, backed by expanding domestic consumption, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and growing opportunities in research and development.

The pharma and healthcare sectors have witnessed increased strategic investments as companies focus on strengthening capabilities, expanding market reach, and developing new technologies and treatments.

Experts noted that India’s growing healthcare needs, favourable business environment, and role as a major global pharmaceutical supplier continue to support investor confidence.

The resilient deal activity underscores the sector’s importance in India’s economic growth story and its expanding role in the global healthcare landscape.

23, Jul 2026
Nepal’s Power Export Boom: Electricity Sales to India and Bangladesh Generate Record Revenue

Kathmandu, July 23: Nepal has achieved record revenue from electricity exports to India and Bangladesh, highlighting the rapid progress of its hydropower sector and growing importance in South Asia’s regional energy market.

The increase in power exports comes as Nepal continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and strengthen cross-border electricity cooperation with neighbouring countries. The development has provided a major boost to the country’s foreign exchange earnings while supporting long-term economic growth.

Nepal’s hydropower potential has attracted increasing regional demand, with India and Bangladesh emerging as key markets for its clean energy exports. Improved transmission links and energy-sharing agreements have played an important role in facilitating the growth of electricity trade.

Government officials said the rise in export revenue reflects Nepal’s efforts to develop sustainable energy resources and position itself as a reliable clean power supplier in the region.

Energy experts noted that further investment in hydropower projects, transmission infrastructure, and regional cooperation will be essential for maintaining growth in electricity exports and enhancing energy security across South Asia.

The record earnings mark a significant milestone for Nepal’s energy sector and underline the potential of renewable energy cooperation among neighbouring countries.

23, Jul 2026
PM Modi’s Three-Nation Visit Strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific Engagement

New Delhi, July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation visit marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s strategic partnerships and expanding its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit focused on enhancing cooperation with partner countries in areas including trade, defence, maritime security, technology, connectivity, and regional stability. The engagements highlighted India’s growing role in promoting peace, prosperity, and collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, discussions with global partners centred on deepening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for economic and strategic cooperation. Leaders exchanged views on regional and global challenges while reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The outreach reflects India’s broader foreign policy approach of building stronger partnerships with like-minded nations and increasing collaboration in areas critical to regional growth and security.

Experts said the visit underscores India’s expanding diplomatic footprint and its efforts to strengthen strategic ties amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Enhanced cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners is expected to contribute to economic growth, maritime stability, and regional resilience.

The three-nation tour further highlights India’s commitment to active participation in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific through dialogue, partnerships, and shared interests.