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  • ‘Alpha’ Opens to Mixed Audience Response; Action, Performances and Hrithik Roshan’s Cameo Win Praise

    Mumbai, July 3 (UDN): “Alpha”, the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has opened to a mixed response from audiences on its release day, with viewers praising the action sequences and performances while expressing divided opinions on the film’s story and screenplay.

    'Alpha' Opens to Mixed Audience Response; Action, Performances and Hrithik Roshan's Cameo Win Praise

    Directed by Shiv Rawail, the spy thriller features Bobby Deol as the antagonist and Anil Kapoor in a key role. Early reactions on social media suggest that the film’s slick action choreography, high production values and the performances of Alia Bhatt and Sharvari have been widely appreciated. Sharvari, in particular, has drawn praise for her action scenes and screen presence.

    However, audience opinions remain divided over the screenplay and narrative. While many viewers welcomed the film as a fresh addition to the YRF Spy Universe, others felt the storyline lacked the emotional depth and gripping pace expected from a high-profile espionage thriller. Comparisons with the “Dhurandhar” franchise have also surfaced online, with some moviegoers suggesting that Alpha falls short in terms of storytelling and narrative intensity.

    One of the biggest talking points has been the special appearance of Hrithik Roshan as Major Kabir, whose cameo has received an enthusiastic response from fans and is being described as one of the film’s standout moments. The surprise appearance has generated excitement about future developments in the interconnected YRF Spy Universe.

    As the first woman-led spy thriller in the franchise, Alpha marks a significant expansion of the YRF Spy Universe. Industry observers are now closely watching its opening weekend box office performance to assess whether positive word-of-mouth can offset the mixed initial reviews and translate into strong collections.

  • Aramex honours logistics industry veteran Percy Avari for nearly three decades of leadership

    Hyderabad, July 3: Aramex, a global provider of logistics and transportation solutions, today recognised the outstanding contribution of Percy Avari, General Manager, India, as he concludes a remarkable 29-year career with the company.

    Aramex honours logistics industry veteran Percy Avari for nearly three decades of leadership

    Having joined Aramex India in 1997 as Financial Controller, Avari played a pivotal role in the company’s growth from its early years into a nationwide logistics network. Over the course of his tenure, he held several leadership positions, including Regional Manager, Western India and Country Manager for India.

    Under his leadership, Aramex expanded its International Express and Freight Forwarding, Domestic Distribution, and Logistics and Supply Chain operations across India. He also helped drive the growth of Shop & Ship, enabling Indian consumers to access international shopping through seamless cross-border delivery solutions.

    A Chartered Accountant by profession, Avari successfully transitioned from finance into business leadership and became a respected voice within India’s logistics and e-commerce sectors. Throughout his career, he served on industry bodies, contributed to sector discussions, and helped shape the evolution of logistics in the country.

    Commenting on his journey, Percy Avari, General Manager, India at Aramex, said:

     “It has been a privilege to be part of Aramex’s journey in India over the past 29 years. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and most importantly, I am grateful to the colleagues, customers and partners who have been part of this journey. While I am stepping away from corporate life for now, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in the start-up space.”

    Abbas Panju, Senior Vice President GCC and Indian Subcontinent at Aramex, added:

    “Percy has been an integral part of Aramex’s success in India and South Asia. His leadership, dedication and deep industry expertise have helped shape our business and strengthen our position in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. We thank him for his outstanding contribution over nearly three decades and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.”

  • NITI Aayog Plans Global Licensing Push for Ayurveda

    July 3: NITI Aayog has proposed a global licensing framework to help standardise Ayurveda practices and products and expand their acceptance in international markets.

    The proposal aims to create uniform global standards, improve quality certification, and make it easier for Ayurveda-based products and services to be recognised abroad. It is also expected to support exports and encourage greater international collaboration in traditional medicine.

    The initiative is part of efforts to position Ayurveda more strongly in the global wellness and healthcare sector while ensuring credibility, safety, and consistency across offerings.

     

  • Indian Business Titans Join Global AI Commission

    July 3: Prominent Indian industrialists including Sunil Bharti Mittal, Mukesh Ambani, and Lakshmi Mittal are among 44 founding members of the newly launched “AI for Good Global Commission,” aimed at guiding the responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence.

    The commission brings together global leaders from business, policy, and technology to explore how AI can be used to address major challenges such as healthcare, education, climate change, and economic development.

    According to the announcement, the initiative focuses on ensuring that AI development remains safe, ethical, and beneficial to society, while also encouraging innovation and cross-border collaboration.

    The participation of leading Indian business figures highlights the country’s growing role in shaping global conversations on emerging technologies and their impact on the future economy.

  • India Urged to Strengthen Carbon Markets Amid EU Carbon Tax Pressure

    July 3: Indian industry leaders are urging the government to strengthen the country’s carbon markets, as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) begins to reshape global trade dynamics.

    They warn that the EU’s carbon-linked import tax is pushing exporters to account for emissions more strictly, which could affect the competitiveness of Indian goods in international markets if domestic systems are not strengthened in time.

    Experts say a well-functioning carbon trading system in India would help industries manage rising compliance costs while also encouraging cleaner and more efficient production practices.

    Sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals are expected to feel the impact the most, as they are highly emissions-intensive and closely linked to export demand.

    Industry representatives are now calling for faster policy action to build a stronger carbon market framework, saying it is essential for protecting trade interests while supporting India’s long-term climate commitments.

  • Nifty Ends Above 24,270, Posts Weekly Gain on Positive Global Cues

    July 3: India’s benchmark equity index, the Nifty, closed above the 24,270 mark at the end of the week’s trading session, registering a gain of around 1% for the week amid positive global market sentiment and sustained investor confidence.

    The rally was supported by favourable international cues, improving risk appetite among investors, and buying interest across key sectors. Market participants also tracked global economic developments and expectations surrounding monetary policy, which contributed to the positive momentum.

    Analysts noted that strong participation from domestic investors and selective buying in heavyweight stocks helped the benchmark index maintain its upward trajectory despite intermittent market volatility.

    The week’s performance reflects continued resilience in the Indian equity market, with investors remaining optimistic about the country’s economic outlook and corporate earnings. Market experts expect global developments, domestic macroeconomic indicators, and quarterly earnings announcements to remain key drivers of market sentiment in the coming weeks.

  • Odisha, Japan Forge Strategic Partnership for INR 67,000-Crore Green Energy and Industrial Projects

    Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): Odisha took a major step towards strengthening its economic partnership with Japan on Thursday by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with IHI Corporation and ACME Group to jointly explore large-scale investments in green energy, advanced manufacturing and industrial infrastructure.

    Odisha, Japan Forge Strategic Partnership for INR 67,000-Crore Green Energy and Industrial Projects

    The agreement was signed during an Interaction with Japanese Business Delegates hosted by the Odisha Government, reaffirming the state’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for global investments and clean energy projects.

    Under the proposed collaboration, projects worth nearly ₹67,000 crore are planned across Odisha, with the potential to generate around 7,000 direct employment opportunities.

    The proposed investments include a 0.4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) green ammonia project at Gopalpur Tata SEZ, involving an investment of ₹20,000 crore and expected to create nearly 3,400 jobs. The project will also include a jetty-less floating terminal with an additional investment of ₹1,000 crore.

    Another major proposal involves setting up a 0.8 MTPA green ammonia plant at Paradip with an estimated investment of ₹34,000 crore, generating employment for around 3,600 people. In addition, a green methanol project with an investment of ₹12,000 crore has also been proposed as part of the collaboration.

    The partnership is expected to facilitate technology transfer, accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies and promote sustainable industrial development in Odisha. It also aims to strengthen the state’s position as a key hub for green hydrogen, green ammonia and advanced manufacturing in eastern India.

    The business interaction brought together senior representatives from the Odisha Government, Japanese industries, the Embassy of Japan, the World Bank Group, industry associations and leading industrial enterprises to explore opportunities across sectors such as renewable energy, aerospace, shipbuilding, steel, chemicals, logistics, industrial infrastructure and engineering.

    Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the collaboration marks another milestone in Odisha’s industrial growth journey and reflects the deepening economic ties between Odisha and Japan. He invited Japanese companies to partner with the state in creating globally competitive industries that promote innovation, technology transfer and quality employment.

    Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said Odisha continues to offer a favourable investment climate backed by progressive industrial policies, modern infrastructure and responsive governance. He reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating timely implementation of investment proposals.

    Representatives of IHI Corporation and ACME Group expressed confidence in Odisha’s industrial potential, highlighting the state’s strategic location, abundant natural resources and investor-friendly ecosystem. They said the partnership would combine Japanese technological expertise with Odisha’s industrial strengths to develop globally competitive clean energy projects.

    Officials said the initiative is expected to boost ancillary industries, create opportunities for MSMEs and skilled youth, and support India’s transition towards a low-carbon economy while further strengthening the long-standing economic partnership between Odisha and Japan.

  • XECH Launches Monsoon Campaign with Attractive Offers During Amazon Prime Days

    XECH Launches Monsoon Campaign with Attractive Offers During Amazon Prime Days

     

    Mumbai, July 3: XECH Technologies, a leading manufacturer of innovative portable home appliances and consumer electronics, has announced the launch of its latest seasonal campaign, “This monsoon – Simplify life with new-age appliances.” Timed to coincide with Amazon Prime Days, the campaign brings together a curated selection of smart lifestyle gadgets aimed at making everyday/ routines easier during the rainy season.

    The monsoon often brings with it a unique set of everyday challenges, from managing humidity and maintaining hygiene to staying prepared for sudden travel or work disruptions. Keeping this in mind, XECH’s campaign focuses on offering practical, design-led solutions that seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyles. The product range includes compact and portable gadgets that prioritize ease of use, efficiency, and reliability, helping consumers stay comfortable and organized regardless of weather conditions.

    As part of the campaign, customers can enjoy special discounts across XECH’s entire product portfolio, including offerings from its sub-brands Everyday Organisers and Timalfi, both of which are known for their functional and thoughtfully designed lifestyle products. The campaign reinforces XECH’s ongoing commitment to innovation, combining technology with real-world usability.

    Commenting on the campaign, Pranay Punjabi, Founder & CEO of XECH Technologies, said: “With this campaign, we wanted to focus on solving real, practical problems through smart, thoughtfully designed products. The monsoon season often disrupts daily routines, and our goal is to offer solutions that bring ease and convenience into people’s lives.”

    Niranjan Shendge, Head – D2C, XECH Technologies, added: “Amazon Prime Days is the perfect opportunity for customers to upgrade their everyday essentials. Through our campaign, we are offering attractive deals and exciting new launches across XECH, Everyday Organisers, and Timalfi. We expect strong demand as consumers continue to seek smart, practical, and value-driven products during the monsoon season.”

    Consumers can take advantage of exclusive deals and limited-time offers during Amazon 10-year Anniversary Prime Days from July 4 to July 6, 2026, making it an ideal opportunity to upgrade their everyday essentials with smart, innovative gadgets.

     

     

     

  • Housing Affordability Holds Firm Across Most Major Indian Cities: Report

    July 3: Housing affordability remained largely unchanged across six of India’s eight major cities, indicating continued resilience in the residential real estate market despite evolving economic conditions, according to a recent industry report.

    The report attributes the stable trend to steady income growth, relatively stable home loan rates, and balanced residential property prices in most urban markets. Together, these factors have helped preserve homebuying capacity for prospective buyers.

    Although affordability moderated in two cities due to rising property prices and financing costs, the overall outlook for the housing sector remains positive. Demand continues to be driven primarily by end-users, supported by improving consumer sentiment and sustained interest in home ownership.

    According to the report, stable affordability is expected to support continued growth in the residential real estate sector, with developers focusing on demand across both mid-income and premium housing segments.

  • RBI Initiative Drives Growth in NRI Deposits

    July 3: Banks across India have reported an increase in Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits following the implementation of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) new deposit scheme, reflecting growing confidence among overseas Indians in the country’s banking system.

    The uptick in deposits is attributed to the RBI’s measures aimed at making NRI deposit products more attractive and improving the flow of foreign currency into the domestic financial system. The initiative is expected to strengthen banks’ foreign currency resources while supporting overall liquidity.

    Banking industry officials noted that the enhanced deposit inflows underscore the effectiveness of the RBI’s policy measures in encouraging greater participation from the Indian diaspora. The additional funds are expected to help banks diversify their funding base and support credit growth across sectors.

    The increase in NRI deposits also highlights sustained confidence in India’s economic outlook and financial stability. Industry experts believe that continued policy support and favourable market conditions could further boost overseas deposits in the coming months.