3, Jul 2026
Stock Market Opens Higher; IT and Metal Stocks Lead
Mumbai, July 3: Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Thursday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rising nearly 1 per cent in early trade, supported by strong buying in IT and metal stocks.
Market sentiment remained upbeat as investors reacted to firm global cues and continued interest in export-oriented sectors. Heavyweight IT stocks led the rally, while metal shares also witnessed strong gains on improved demand outlook and commodity price trends.
Broader markets mirrored the optimism, with several mid-cap and small-cap stocks participating in the upward movement. Analysts noted that the early momentum reflects renewed investor confidence after recent market fluctuations.
However, market experts advised caution, stating that volatility may persist as investors track global economic indicators and upcoming policy updates.
Further trends during the trading session will depend on foreign fund flows, corporate earnings cues, and global market direction.
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- By Neel Achary
3, Jul 2026
Ratnadeep Retail Limited files DRHP with SEBI for IPO
India , July 3: Hyderabad headquartered Ratnadeep Retail Limited, an organised food and grocery and value-fashion retailer, with presence across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, has filed its draft red herring prospectus with capital markets regulator SEBI to raise funds through an initial public offering .
According to the DRHP, the proposed IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹ 400 crore and an offer for sale of up to 1,48,60,000 equity shares by the Promoter Selling Shareholders. Sandeep Agarwal, Manish Bhartiya, Mitesh Bhartiya, Yash Agarwal and Kavita Agarwal are the Promoters of the company.
Ratnadeep Retail proposes to utilize ₹ 40 crore from the the Net Proceeds of the Fresh Issue towards repayment/ prepayment of loan facilities availed by the company, ₹ 260 crore for setting up of new stores under the Ratnadeep and National Mart formats, and the remaining amount for general corporate purposes.
Ratnadeep Retail offers a wide and diversified product assortment of more than 30,000 SKUs across categories like fresh produce, FMCG, staples, general merchandise and apparel, enabling it to cater to the full spectrum of customer demand spanning essential, recurring and discretionary consumption.
As of March 31, 2026, Ratnadeep Retail operated 190 stores under two formats – Ratnadeep, comprising ‘Ratnadeep – Mindful Living’ and ‘Ratnadeep Select’ , and National Mart, its value-led hypermarket format, within which it also has Style Mart offering affordable fashion products.
The company, in consultation with the BRLMs, may consider a Pre-IPO Placement of Equity Shares aggregating up to ₹ 80 crores, prior to filing of the Red Herring Prospectus with the RoC. If the Pre-IPO Placement is completed, the amount raised will be reduced from the Fresh Issue.
Ratnadeep Retail’s FY26 revenue from operations stood at ₹ 2,223 crore, recording a 15% CAGR from FY24. The profit after tax for the same period stood at ₹ 36.7 crore.
Avenue Supermarts, Vishal Mega Mart, Spencers Retail and Trent are the listed peers of the company as per the DRHP.
Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, Axis Capital and DAM Capital Advisors are the book running lead managers to the offer.
3, Jul 2026
Puri Braces for 25 Lakh Devotees as Preparations Intensify for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra
Puri, July 3 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath just days away, the holy city of Puri is witnessing hectic preparations as the Odisha Government and district administration gear up to welcome an estimated 25 lakh devotees from across India and abroad.
File photo
Construction of the three majestic wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is in its final phase, with teams of skilled carpenters and artisans working round the clock to complete the centuries-old tradition in time for the festival.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the world-famous event, authorities have put in place an extensive crowd management and security plan. Puri has been divided into multiple policing sectors, with additional security personnel, rapid response teams and traffic police to regulate pilgrim movement and maintain law and order throughout the festival.
A comprehensive traffic management plan has also been prepared to minimise congestion. Hundreds of electric vehicles will shuttle devotees between designated parking areas and the Grand Road (Bada Danda), improving last-mile connectivity while reducing traffic pressure in the temple town.
The Health Department has strengthened medical preparedness by establishing dedicated emergency wards at hospitals and deploying hundreds of doctors, nurses and paramedics across the city. Temporary health camps, ambulances and first-aid centres will remain operational to provide immediate medical assistance to pilgrims.
Technology will play a key role in monitoring the festival. The entire Grand Road will be kept under round-the-clock surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras linked to an integrated control room. Large LED display screens will provide live updates on crowd movement, traffic advisories and other important announcements to help ensure a safe and orderly Rath Yatra.
Officials have appealed to devotees to follow traffic regulations, cooperate with security personnel and adhere to official advisories for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
With elaborate arrangements in place, the administration is confident of ensuring a safe, seamless and memorable Rath Yatra experience for millions of devotees visiting the abode of Lord Jagannath.
3, Jul 2026
“The Future Belongs to Those Who Stay Curious and Empathetic,” Says Epigamia CEO RiteshGauba at NMIMS School of Business Management Orientation in Mumbai
Mumbai, July 3, 2026: SVKM’s NarseeMonjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), School of Business Management (SBM), welcomed students of the incoming MBA Batch of 2026–28 at the Mukesh Patel Auditorium during the Inauguration Ceremony of the Foundation program. This event marks the beginning of the academic journey for students enrolled in the MBA, the MBA (Human Resources)& MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) programs. The inauguration program introduced the new cohort toSBM’s academic ecosystem, industry-oriented learning approach, and leadership development framework.
Designed to facilitate a seamless transition into management education, the Foundation Programfamiliarise students with academic expectations, experiential learning, industry engagement initiatives, and student support systems.Ultimately, the program aims to equip students with the mindset, skills, and perspectives required to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Chief Guest, Mr. Ritesh Gauba, Chief Executive Officer, Epigamia, and a distinguished SBM alumnus, addressed the incoming cohort by sharing insights from his two-decade career across leading global organisations. . Reflecting on the qualities that define successful leaders today, he encouraged students to embrace curiosity, adaptability, and empathy as they navigate their management careers.
Mr. Ritesh Gauba, said, “Success is not built by having all the answers; it is built by staying curious enough to ask better questions, courageous enough to challenge your own limits, and empathetic enough to understand the people around you. The world will reward those who step beyond their comfort zones, embrace continuous learning, and balance intelligence with humanity. Be curious, think beyond the obvious, and never lose the human touch because that is what truly sets leaders apart.”
Welcoming the new batch, SBM leadership emphasised the importance of embracing learning beyond the classroom and developing the resilience, adaptability, and ethical grounding required to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven business environment.
Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, said, “Greatness is not achieved in comfort; it is forged through guidance, sharpened by challenges, strengthened by learning from mistakes, and defined by the values we uphold. Trust your mentors, embrace every opportunity to grow, and remember that your true worth lies not in the degree you earn but in the integrity, competence, and character you build along the way. Wherever life takes you, leave a mark through your actions, because success is not just about reaching milestones; it is about becoming the best version of yourself and inspiring others through your journey.”
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished academic leaders from the School of Business Management, NMIMS, including Dr. Chandrima Sikdar, Dean of Academics and Learning Experience, Dr. Mayank Joshipura – Advancing Research &Innovationand Dr. Veena Vohra, Dean of Accreditation and Strategic Initiatives. Through their respective leadership roles, they continue to contribute significantly to advancing academic excellence, fostering innovation, and strengthening SBM’s commitment to quality education, impactful research, and strategic growth.
With a legacy of academic excellence and industry relevance, SBM NMIMS remains dedicated to shaping responsible leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, and create sustainable value. The Foundation Programme serves as the first step in this journey, inspiring students to learn, lead, and grow with purpose.
2, Jul 2026
Laugh a little louder with Welcome To The Jungle
Work calls. Endless Traffic jams. Busy with notifications. By the time the weekend arrives, most of us are looking for one thing, a reason to laugh. That’s where Welcome To The Jungle has found its audience.
July 02: The Akshay Kumar-led comedy isn’t asking viewers to solve a mystery or sit through an intense drama. This isn’t that film. It simply throws them into two hours of comic confusion, outrageous situations and a cast that’s clearly having as much fun as the audience.
The biggest surprise has been the reaction inside theatres. Reviewers and moviegoers alike have pointed to one thing – people are laughing together. Children are giggling at the visual comedy, parents are enjoying the one-liners, and fans of the original Welcome are smiling at the nostalgia packed into the film.
Akshay Kumar is right at the centre of the madness, slipping effortlessly between action and comedy. His chemistry with Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal has become one of the film’s biggest talking points, while Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek and Kiku Sharda keep the laughs coming with perfectly timed comic moments. Add a barrage of mistaken identities, running gags and self-aware references to classic Akshay entertainers.
Perhaps that’s why families have embraced it. In an age of dark thrillers and larger-than-life action spectacles, Welcome To The Jungle is happy being exactly what it promises – an entertainer that lets audiences switch off for a couple of hours.
There’s an old saying that laughter is the best medicine. No film can make deadlines disappear or traffic move faster. But if it leaves you forgetting your week for a couple of hours and walking out of the theatre smiling, it’s done its job.
Judging by the cheers, laughter and repeat recommendations coming from cinema halls, Welcome To The Jungle is proving to be just the prescription audiences were looking for this weekend.
Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film brings together a formidable ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer Ji, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali.
An Ahmed Khan entertainer, Welcome To The Jungle is presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studio18 in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang. The film is a Base Industries Group Production, produced by Rakesh Dang and Vedant Vikaas Baali, and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwallah.
The film released in cinemas worldwide on 26th June 2026.
2, Jul 2026
Kazakhstan President Awards AD Ports Group’s Managing Director & Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi with the Order of Friendship
Astana, Kazakhstan and Abu Dhabi, UAE – 02 July 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, announced that His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has awarded its Managing Director & Group CEO, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, with the prestigious Order of Friendship, for his role in advancing UAE-Kazakhstan cooperation in supply chain development.
The award, presented during a ceremony today at the Presidential Palace in Astana, reflects international appreciation for Captain Al Shamisi’s support in advancing economic and trade cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, where AD Ports Group over four years has made investment commitments of more than AED 2.9 billion in shipping, ports, and logistics businesses.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “I am honoured to receive the Order of Friendship from His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This recognition reflects the strength of relations between the UAE and Kazakhstan and the success of our shared efforts in advancing trade and investment cooperation. We remain committed, under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, to working with our partners in Kazakhstan to support impactful projects that enhance connectivity and contribute to Kazakhstan’s sustainable development.”
AD Ports Group has a strategic presence in Kazakhstan, where its tankers transport Kazakh oil across the Caspian Sea to western pipelines in Azerbaijan, and where the Group is co-developing the Sarzha Grain Terminal at Kuryk Port with local partners, and operating a Central Asian logistics joint venture with KTZ Express, the freight unit of Kazakhstan Railways. The efforts support the commercialisation of the ‘’Middle Corridor’’ overland trade route connecting Asia, Central Asia, and Europe to global markets.
In Kazakhstan, the Order of Friendship is awarded to distinguished individuals, diplomats, business leaders, and public figures who have made significant contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and other countries, whilst promoting mutual understanding and collaboration at regional and international levels.
2, Jul 2026
Xandari Resorts launches Earthbound Wellness for the Monsoon
Kochi, July 2: As Kerala welcomes the rejuvenating Karkkidakam season, Xandari Resorts launches Earthbound Wellness, a collection of specially curated monsoon wellness packages that blend authentic Ayurveda with restorative leisure experiences. The programmes will be offered through Ayura Wellness, Xandari Resorts’ Ayurveda offering, where qualified Ayurveda physicians and therapists provide personalised wellness experiences inspired by the healing power of nature. Available from July 1 to September 30, 2026, the seasonal offering can be experienced at Cardamom County by Xandari, Thekkady, and Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, Mararikulam, inviting travellers to experience Kerala’s age-old healing traditions during the monsoon.
Recognised in Ayurveda as one of the most beneficial times of the year for rejuvenation, the monsoon season is believed to make the body more receptive to treatments. Inspired by this tradition, Earthbound Wellness has been thoughtfully designed around the philosophy of Pause. Breathe. Restore, offering travellers an opportunity to unwind amidst nature while embracing holistic wellbeing.
Each wellness journey begins with a consultation and Prakriti assessment, followed by a personalised programme that includes Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation, herbal wellness rituals, and nature-based experiences. Complementing the treatments is a specially curated Ayurvedic meal plan featuring seasonal preparations such as Karkkidaka kanji, Ayurvedic thali, and herbal drinks, all designed to support the body’s natural healing process.
Travellers can choose from four wellness programmes, such as 3-Day Reset, 5-Day Restore, 7-Day Rebalance, and 14-Day Transformation, each tailored to different wellness goals while combining relaxation with authentic Ayurvedic care in serene natural surroundings.
Speaking about the launch, Arvind Gangadharan, Chief Xperience Officer, Xandari Resorts, said,
“Today’s travellers are seeking experiences that leave them feeling restored, not just rested. Earthbound Wellness reflects our belief that wellbeing is most meaningful when it is rooted in authenticity, personalised care, and a deep connection with nature. These programmes have been thoughtfully designed to offer travellers an opportunity to slow down and experience Ayurveda in its true essence.”
2, Jul 2026
AU Small Finance Bank partners with Maruti Suzuki to launch ‘Suhana Safar’
New Delhi, July 2: AU Small Finance Bank , India’s largest Small Finance Bank and among the first in over a decade to receive in-principle approval for transition into a Universal Bank, has entered into a strategic partnership with Maruti Suzuki India Limited to launch an industry-first initiative, “Suhana Safar” – a Recurring Deposit -backed auto loan scheme designed to make car ownership more accessible for aspiring first-time buyers of the most popular models; Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio, and WagonR.
Suhana Safar addresses one of the most common barriers to first-time car ownership – the challenge of mobilising a down payment and committing to an EMI, without prior financial readiness.
Under the scheme, a customer opens a Recurring Deposit account with AU SFB and deposits a fixed monthly amount – equivalent to the prospective car EMI, for a period of three to six months. The RD earns interest during this tenure, and on maturity, the accumulated amount is utilised as the down payment, following which the Bank sanctions and disburses the auto loan.
As a structured RD-backed solution, the scheme enables customers to build savings, earn interest, and assess their repayment comfort before availing the loan, thereby creating a seamless, end-to-end journey from disciplined saving to confident ownership within a single banking relationship.
The scheme creates a win–win proposition for both the customer and the Bank, as it enables the Bank to assess the customer’s creditworthiness at two stages – initially at enrolment and subsequently at the time of loan disbursement.
Currently, AU SFB offers RD interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 7.40% per annum for the general public, and 5.25% to 7.90% per annum for senior citizens
2, Jul 2026
‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ Vision Gains Momentum with Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore Aluminium Project: CM Mohan Majhi
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said Odisha’s long-term development roadmap, ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’, has received a major boost with the launch of a Rs 1.10 lakh crore aluminium project, describing it as a landmark investment that will accelerate the state’s industrial transformation and economic growth.
The Chief Minister said the mega project reflects growing investor confidence in Odisha and aligns with the state’s vision of becoming a leading industrial and manufacturing hub by 2036. He noted that the investment is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, strengthen downstream industries, and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
Majhi said the project would not only enhance Odisha’s position in the aluminium sector but also promote infrastructure development, technological advancement, and inclusive growth in the region. He emphasised that the state government remains committed to providing a business-friendly ecosystem and ensuring the timely implementation of major industrial projects.
Highlighting the objectives of the ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ vision, the Chief Minister said the roadmap focuses on sustainable industrialisation, employment generation, infrastructure expansion, and balanced regional development. He added that the government’s proactive policies and investor-friendly initiatives are helping attract large-scale investments across key sectors.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the aluminium project would serve as a catalyst for Odisha’s aspiration of becoming a prosperous, self-reliant, and globally competitive economy by 2036.
2, Jul 2026
Work-Study Dual Model: A Bridge to Fill Academics & Industry Gap
Sri City, Tirupati District, AP — July 02 — Sricity International University (SIU) was formally launched today at its Interim Campus by the Hon’ble Minister Shri Lokesh Nara – Minister for HRD, IT E&C and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of SIU’s Global Advisory Council, Governing Board, and Industry Partners.
SIU is pioneering a new education system of Work-Study Dual Model in India — designed from the ground up to ensure that every graduating student is employable with industry relevant skills.
The launch comes at a defining moment for Indian higher education. India produces more than nine million graduates every year, yet only about 42.6% are assessed as employable; more than half of those who do find work are in roles below their qualification, and over 80% of employers report serious skill gaps. SIU calls this the Bharat Employability and Jobs Challenge — and has been established to solve it..
In the Work-Study Dual Model, students spend roughly a third of their time learning on campus and the remainder working as interns with industry partners. While interning at Industry Partners, students are paid a minimum stipend of ₹10,000 monthly from the very first year. The Industry Partners are expected to increase the stipend amount as the student productivity improves with experience. At SIU, a four-year degree student graduates with about 2+ years of real work experience.
The curriculum is co-designed with industry partners and updated annually to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI-driven industrial landscape, ensuring that students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies demanded by the future of work.
To promote Entrepreneurship, SIU has already set up an Incubation Center (Station-S) at its campus. Around 10 startups have commenced operations with the support of Station-S & Gnan Circle Ventures, a Cat-I Venture Capital Fund.
Andhra Pradesh leading the way on Employability Skills
“Our young people have the ability and the ambition; what they need is an education that connects directly to work… Andhra Pradesh is proud to lead the nation in solving this challenge.”—Shri Nara Lokesh -Hon’ble Minister for HRD, IT, E&C, and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh
An ecosystem that makes the model possible
What makes this model possible is the extraordinary ecosystem of Sri City, where more than 200+ companies from over 30 countries operate across a wide range of industries. Few places in the country — or the world — bring industry and education together so closely. Students at SIU will learn and work alongside leading global companies right where they study, and Andhra Pradesh is proud to be home to an institution that turns this advantage into real opportunity for our young people.
— Shri Nara Lokesh Hon’ble Minister for HRD, IT, E&C, and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh
Employable from day one
A four year degree student graduates with 2+ years of real work experience, earned through paid internships from the very first year — and combined with a curriculum designed together with the industry, that makes our students highly employable. Beyond industry aligned skills, we focus on building strong life skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, giving every student a firm foundation to build a career — or to create jobs for others.
— Srini Raju Chairman, Sricity Education Foundation & SIU Governing Board
Programmes and admissions
SIU is offering four undergraduate programmes for the 2026–27 academic year:
• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering— School of Technology & AI
• B.Tech in Advanced Manufacturing— School of Advanced Manufacturing
• BBA in Finance & Accounts— School of Business
• BBA in Digital Media & Communications— School of Nova Media
Admissions for 2026–27 are now open.Students can apply online at www.thesiu.org. Admissions enquiries: +91 8977763331 / +91 8977763332
Email:admissions@thesiu.org
