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  • 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.

  • Quick Commerce Emerges as a Structural Shift in Urban Retail: Report

    July 3: Quick commerce has transitioned from being a convenience-focused service to a permanent structural shift in India’s urban retail landscape, reshaping consumer purchasing behaviour and retail business models, according to a recent industry report.

    The report states that rapid delivery platforms are now becoming an integral part of everyday shopping, with consumers increasingly using them to purchase groceries, household essentials, personal care products, electronics, and other daily-use items.

    The growth of the sector is being driven by changing consumer preferences, expanding delivery networks, improved last-mile logistics, and a wider range of products available through quick commerce platforms. At the same time, retailers and consumer brands are strengthening their presence in the segment as it emerges as a key sales and customer engagement channel.

    According to the report, the continued expansion of quick commerce is expected to accelerate the digital transformation of India’s retail sector, prompting businesses to adapt their supply chains, inventory management, and fulfilment strategies to meet rising demand for faster deliveries.

     

  • AVer Information Joins PSNI Global Alliance to Deliver Scalable and AI-Driven Collaboration Solutions Worldwide

    AVer Information Joins PSNI Global Alliance to Deliver Scalable and AI-Driven Collaboration Solutions Worldwide

     

    Taipei, Taiwan – July 3: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, has been selected as a Preferred Vendor Partner (PVP) of PSNI Global Alliance, the world’s leading network of professional audiovisual and technology integrators with more than 100+ Certified Solution Partners (CSPs) with 300+ licensed office locations spanning 70+ countries across six continents. Admittance into the exclusive PSNI ecosystem requires passing a rigorous peer-vetting and evaluation process governed directly by the alliance’s global integrator network, ensuring they work only with manufacturers recognized for innovation, reliability, and service excellence.

    “AVer is a recognized innovator in their respective categories, and we’ve heard from our CSPs that deeper access to these brands will make a direct impact on how they design, deliver and support solutions for their clients,” said Chris Miller, Executive Director of PSNI Global Alliance. “This is exactly the kind of growth the Alliance exists to drive — connecting our CSPs with the best partners in the industry so they can deliver exceptional outcomes around the world.”

    “PSNI holds its preferred vendors to an incredibly high operational standard, and we’re proud that AVer’s track record of manufacturing reliability earned us a place in that ecosystem,” says David Kuo, President of AVer Information. “This partnership puts AVer’s professional auto tracking cameras and collaboration solutions in front of the elite integrators who are shaping how organizations communicate and collaborate globally, while ensuring robust channel protection for our mutual deployment partners.”

    For end users and enterprise clients, the partnership means greater access to AVer’s industry-recognized solutions through certified integrators equipped to design, deploy, and support projects at scale. Crucially, this partnership addresses the market’s critical demand for true presentation and meeting equity, guaranteeing that remote participants experience the same seamless engagement and visual clarity as those physically present in the room across complex multi-site installations in healthcare, education, and Pro AV environments.

    AVer’s inclusion in the PSNI network reflects the company’s continued momentum in the global professional AV market. AVer’s ecosystem-certified solutions are already deployed across a wide range of demanding environments, including ISO 13485 certified medical facilities, corporate boardrooms, university lecture halls, and broadcast studios, fully backed by standardized global manufacturer warranties and proactive project registration protections.

     

     

  • Odisha’s Vande Bharat Network Expands, Offering Faster Connectivity Across Key Cities

    Bhubaneswar, July 3: Odisha’s rail connectivity has received a major boost with multiple Vande Bharat Express services linking the state with key destinations in eastern and southern India. The semi-high-speed trains have significantly reduced travel time while providing passengers with modern amenities and enhanced travel comfort.

    Odisha's Vande Bharat Network Expands, Offering Faster Connectivity Across Key Cities

    Representational image

    The Vande Bharat network now connects major cities including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Brahmapur, Rourkela, Visakhapatnam, Howrah, Tatanagar and Raipur, strengthening inter-state connectivity for business travellers, tourists and daily commuters.

    Most of the services operate six days a week, with specific weekly maintenance days depending on the route. Railway authorities have advised passengers to check the train’s operating schedule before booking tickets.

    Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 20841/20842)

    The train departs Bhubaneswar at 5:15 a.m. and reaches Visakhapatnam at 11:00 a.m. On the return journey, it leaves Visakhapatnam at 3:30 p.m. and arrives in Bhubaneswar at 9:30 p.m. The service operates six days a week and remains off on Mondays.

    Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 22895/22896)

    Connecting West Bengal with Odisha, the train departs Howrah at 6:10 a.m. and reaches Puri at 12:35 p.m. The return service leaves Puri at 1:40 p.m., with scheduled halts at Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, before arriving in Howrah at 8:30 p.m. The train does not operate on Thursdays.

    Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 20836/20835)

    The service starts from Puri at 5:00 a.m., reaches Bhubaneswar at 6:00 a.m., and arrives in Rourkela at 12:45 p.m. On the return trip, it departs Rourkela at 2:10 p.m. and reaches Puri at 9:40 p.m. The train remains off on Tuesdays.

    Brahmapur–Tatanagar Vande Bharat (Train No. 20892)

    Departing Brahmapur at 5:15 a.m., the train reaches Bhubaneswar at 6:40 a.m. before arriving at Tatanagar at 2:50 p.m. The service operates six days a week, except Tuesdays.

    Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat (Train No. 20872)

    This service leaves Rourkela at 1:35 p.m. and reaches Howrah at 7:50 p.m. It operates six days a week and remains off on Tuesdays.

    Raipur–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat (Train No. 20829)

    Running through Titlagarh and Rayagada in Odisha, the train departs Raipur at 5:45 a.m. and reaches Visakhapatnam at 1:50 p.m. The service operates six days a week and does not run on Thursdays.

    Equipped with modern features such as automatic doors, comfortable seating, onboard passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance and enhanced safety mechanisms, the Vande Bharat Express trains have emerged as a preferred choice for faster and more convenient travel.

    Railway officials have advised passengers to verify train timings, operating days and seat availability before planning their journey, as schedules may be revised periodically due to operational requirements.

  • SEBI Proposes INR Fee Payment for FPIs, FVCIs to Ease Compliance

    July 3: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed allowing Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) to pay registration and renewal fees in Indian rupees (INR), aiming to simplify compliance and reduce transaction complexity for foreign investors.

    The move is intended to streamline administrative procedures, eliminate foreign currency payment requirements, and improve ease of doing business in India’s capital markets.

    The proposal is currently under consideration and will be implemented after regulatory approvals and stakeholder consultations.

  • Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team Departs for UK Exposure Tour

    July 3: The Indian junior women’s hockey team has departed for the United Kingdom as part of an exposure tour aimed at strengthening international experience and preparing the squad for upcoming global competitions.

    The tour will provide the young athletes with an opportunity to compete against high-performance international teams, helping them gain valuable match exposure, improve tactical awareness, and adapt to different playing conditions and styles.

    Officials associated with the development program stated that such international tours play a crucial role in building depth in the national hockey pipeline and shaping future senior-level players. The experience is expected to enhance team cohesion, technical skills, and overall game readiness.

    The exposure tour is also aligned with Hockey India’s long-term development strategy to provide consistent international match practice to junior players and ensure a smooth transition to elite-level competition.

    The team will participate in a series of practice matches and training sessions during the tour, which is expected to contribute significantly to their preparation for upcoming international tournaments.

  • KICO Unveils a New Menu While Celebrating Its Community Spirit

    Bangalore, July 3: Continuing its journey as one of Bangalore’s most culture-driven dining destinations, KICO has introduced an all-new menu that reflects the way the city eats today. Built around the idea of community dining, the refreshed offering expands across breakfast, small plates, global mains, and comfort food, bringing together familiar flavours, international influences, and thoughtfully crafted dishes designed for every moment of the day.New Menu Launch: New Menu, Same Community Spirit: KICO Unveils Its Latest Culinary Chapter

    Staying true to its philosophy of “The Community Is You,” the new menu encourages guests to gather, discover, and share. Whether it’s an unhurried breakfast, after-work cocktails with small plates, or leisurely weekend meals, the menu has been designed to complement KICO‘s evolving social experience.

    Breakfast sees a fresh line-up of dishes that balance comfort with creativity. Guests can begin the day with the indulgent Signature Basque Cheesecake French Toast, or the Lamb Keema Dosa that brings together crisp South Indian flavours with slow-cooked spiced lamb. The breakfast menu also welcomes new additions such as the Katsu Chicken Sando and KICO Club Sando, offering hearty options for those looking beyond the traditional.

    As the day unfolds, the menu moves into a diverse selection of globally inspired plates that celebrate bold flavours and approachable cooking. Highlights include the creamy Pesto Burrata salad, Chicken Souvlaki Open Taco, Firecracker Cottage Cheese, and Butter Garlic Prawns, each designed to be shared around the table.

    The larger plates continue KICO‘s global yet familiar approach. Guests can explore dishes such as Stuffed Chicken Roulade with Garlic Mash & Winter Vegetables, and Herb Crusted New Zealand Lamb Chop with Pumpkin Mash, alongside Indian comfort favourites including Paneer Angara with Butter Naan, and Goan Prawns Curry with Steam Rice.

    KICO has always been about creating a space where people come together through food, drinks and culture. This new menu is a natural extension of that philosophy.

     “ KICO introduces dishes that feel familiar yet exciting, while giving guests more reasons to return at different times of the day, whether for breakfast, casual lunches, evening gatherings or shared dinners,” says Ranbir Nagpal, Founder, Yazu Hospitality.

    Together with its coffee programme, evolving cocktail menu, music programming, and community-led experiences, the new menu further strengthens KICO‘s position as a modern cultural living room where every visit offers something new to discover.

  • Aamir Khan Reportedly Set to Marry Gauri Spratt; Private Ceremony Expected

     
    Mumbai, July 3 (UDN): Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is reportedly set to marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony expected to take place in the coming days.

    Aamir Khan Reportedly Set to Marry Gauri Spratt; Private Ceremony Expected

    According to media reports, the wedding is likely to be an intimate affair attended by close family members and close friends. Aamir Khan’s children are also expected to be present to celebrate the occasion.

    The actor had earlier introduced Gauri Spratt to the media during his 60th birthday interactions, confirming that the two had been in a relationship for some time. Since then, the couple has largely kept their personal life away from the public eye.

    While reports about the wedding have generated considerable interest among fans and the film fraternity, neither Aamir Khan nor Gauri Spratt has officially confirmed the wedding date or shared details of the ceremony.

    Aamir Khan, one of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed actors, was previously married to Reena Dutta and later to filmmaker Kiran Rao. Despite their separation, he continues to maintain cordial relationships with both families.

    An official announcement from the actor or his representatives is awaited regarding the reported wedding.

  • US Retains Position as India’s Largest LPG Supplier in June: Report

    July 3: The United States continued to hold its position as India’s largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in June, according to industry data, underscoring strong energy trade ties between the two countries.

    The report highlights that LPG imports from the US remained robust during the month, supported by competitive global pricing and steady supply availability. India continues to rely on diversified import sources to meet its growing domestic LPG demand, driven by rising household consumption and government-backed clean cooking initiatives.

    Energy analysts note that the sustained supply from the US reflects India’s broader strategy of ensuring energy security through a balanced import portfolio across key international suppliers. Alongside the US, other major exporters also contribute to India’s LPG requirements, helping maintain stable supply conditions in the domestic market.

    The continued dominance of the US in June reinforces its role as a key energy partner for India, particularly in the liquefied petroleum gas segment, where demand is expected to remain strong in the coming months due to seasonal and structural consumption trends.