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  • MP’s Seoni custard apple gets GI tag

    June 29: The custard apple grown in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone for local farmers and strengthening the region’s agricultural identity.

    The GI recognition is expected to enhance the market value of Seoni custard apples, improve branding, and open new opportunities for farmers in both domestic and export markets. Officials said the certification will help ensure better price realization and wider market access for producers in the region.

    Known for its distinct taste, texture, and natural quality, Seoni custard apple has long been a key horticultural product of the region. The GI tag formally recognises its unique geographical characteristics and traditional cultivation practices.

    Agriculture experts noted that the certification will encourage value addition, processing, and organised marketing of the fruit, thereby improving income stability for farming communities.

    The development is also expected to promote rural entrepreneurship and strengthen horticulture-based livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh, while boosting the state’s presence in premium fruit markets.

  • ten23 health obtains ATMP Manufacturing GMP Licenses from Swissmedic for its Basel and Visp facilities

    Basel & Visp, Switzerland, June 29th, 2026 ten23 health, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on sterile and biologic drug products, today announced it has successfully obtained GMP certifications for the manufacturing and testing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) in its facilities in Basel and Visp, Switzerland.

    These licenses mark a significant milestone in ten23 health’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing field of advanced therapies. With this authorization, both sites are now GMP certified to support the clinical and commercial sterile manufacturing of ATMPs in compliance with related quality standards. A first oligonucleotide customer program is in progress, advancing further into clinical development. In addition to ten23’s expertise in formulation development, the new GMP license means that ten23 can now also support its Customers for GMP sterile manufacturing and QC testing for clinical and commercial human use for oligonucleotide products such as mRNA, siRNA, DNA and antisense oligonucleotides.

    The Basel facility, known for its innovation-driven development environment, provides support for early- and late-phase product development, small-scale non-GMP manufacturing with ten23’s previously announced Line 0 and GMP Quality Control release and stability testing. The Visp facilities, leveraging its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scalability, provide late-stage clinical and commercial sterile production and QC Microbiology.

    Obtaining ATMP licenses for both Basel and Visp reinforces our commitment to enabling sterile medicines for next-generation therapeutics,” said Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO at ten23 health. “We are proud to provide our partners with integrated, high-quality sterile product solutions that accelerate their molecule’s journey from drug substance to drug products, from concept to patient.”

    As demand for advanced therapies continues to grow globally, ten23 health is positioned to be a trusted partner for biotech and pharmaceutical companies seeking flexible, reliable, and innovative manufacturing solutions.

  • Tata Motors targets 1 million commercial vehicle sales post Iveco deal: N Chandrasekaran

    June 29: Tata Motors is targeting annual commercial vehicle sales of 1 million units following its acquisition of Iveco, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, highlighting the company’s ambition to strengthen its global presence in the CV segment.

    The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Tata Motors’ international footprint and enhance its capabilities in product development, technology integration, and market reach across key global regions.

    According to the company, the combined strengths of Tata Motors and Iveco will help create a more competitive and diversified commercial vehicle portfolio, enabling better access to advanced technologies and global supply chains.

    The strategy aims to position Tata Motors as a leading global player in the commercial vehicle industry by leveraging synergies in manufacturing, innovation, and operational efficiency.

    Industry observers noted that the move could accelerate Tata Motors’ transformation into a global mobility solutions provider while strengthening its long-term growth prospects in the commercial vehicle segment.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Housing Sales Dip 6 percentage Y-o-Y in Q2 2026 Across 7 Cities, Launches Up 7percentage – ANAROCK

    Mumbai , June 29 : Persistent uncertainty amid the West Asia war and its inevitable supply chain disruptions impacted housing sales in the top 7 cities in Q2 2026, finds latest ANAROCK Research data. Residential sales dropped 6%, with approx. 90,715 units sold in the quarter against approx. 96,285 units in Q2 2025. On Q-o-Q basis, housing sales fell 11%.Housing Sales Dip 6% Y-o-Y in Q2 2026 Across Top 7 Cities, Launches Up 7% - ANAROCK

    MMR and Bengaluru together accounted for over 48% of total sales in the top 7 cities, with approx. 43,995 units cumulatively sold in these cities in Q2 2026. Of the top cities, only Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru respectively saw 10%, 2% and 1% yearly sales increases in Q2 2026. Pune saw the steepest yearly decline of 15% in the quarter.
    New launches, on the other hand, rose by 7% Y-o-Y – from approx. 98,625 units in Q2 2025 to approx. 1,06,000 units in Q2 2026. MMR and Bengaluru saw the maximum new supply, accounting for 53% of the total new inventory additions across the top 7 cities.

    Individually, MMR witnessed a 23% yearly rise and a 14% quarterly decline in new supply. Bengaluru saw new supply rise by a remarkable 41% Y-o-Y in Q2 2026 against Q2 2025, but a 11% quarterly decline.

    Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says,

     “These readings are along expected lines, as the Middle East war’s impacts on the entire sector were all too obvious. Reasons aside, what we have currently is a more balanced housing market where new supply is catching up with absorption as sales growth moderated across most top cities. Notable, the most sales growth now is in premium housing, GCC-led employment hubs, and infrastructure-driven corridors. Also, the Middle East war’s disruptions and, inevitably, AI-related uncertainties in the IT/ITeS sector have pushed more buyers onto the fence.”

    “Interestingly, new launces remained strong in Q2 2026 annually as large and listed developers unleashed projects on the massive land parcels they acquired in 2025,” adds Puri. “However, on quarterly basis, new supply in the top cities dropped by 16% in Q2 2026. Uncertainty-weakened buyer sentiment would also have caused many developers to throttle back new supply.”

    Average Price Movement Quarterly, average residential prices in the top 7 cities rose by a meagre 1% – but rose 7% annually. The annual growth rate has slowed down marginally in this quarter when viewed against the double-digit growth in these cities last year.
    At 13%, NCR by far saw the highest annual price surge in Q2 2026, while quarterly growth was a more modest 2%. Bengaluru followed with an 8% annual price jump.

    New LaunchesThe top 7 cities saw approx. 1,06,000 new units launched in Q2 2026, against 98,625 units in Q2 2025 – a 7% rise. The key cities contributing to new launches were MMR , Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, which together accounted for 81% of the supply addition.

    • MMR saw approx. 34,555 units launched in Q2 2026 – increasing by 23% over Q2 2025 and declining over 14% on quarterly basis. More than 57% of the new supply was added in the sub-INR 1.5 Cr budget segment.
    • NCR saw a 40% decline in new launches against Q2 2025 with approx. 11.205 units launched in Q2 2026. On quarterly basis, there was a 30% fall. A whopping 61% new supply in Q2 was added in the luxury segments (priced >INR 1.5 Cr.)
    • Bengaluru added approx. 21,670 units in Q2 2026, declining quarterly by 11%. However, on a yearly basis, there was whopping 41% jump. Approx. 96% of the new supply was in the premium and luxury segments (INR 80 lakh onwards)
    • Pune added approx. 12,735 new units in Q2 2026, compared to 14,220 units in Q2 2025 – a decrease of 10%. Quarterly, the city recorded a 20% supply decline. Over 78% of the new supply in Q2 2026 was added in the mid and premium segments (INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr.)
    • Hyderabad added approx. 16,970 units in Q2 2026, a quarterly decrease of 12% but a 53% increase against the corresponding period in 2025. Over 82% of the new supply was added in the premium and luxury segments (INR 80 lakh to INR 2.5 Cr.)
    • Chennai added approx. 5,315 units in Q2 2026, a quarterly decrease of 1% against Q1 2026 and an annual fall of 38%. Over 78% of new supply was added in the mid and premium segments.
    • Kolkata added approx. 3,550 units in Q2 2026, a decrease of 32% over Q1 2026 and a 42% rise against Q2 2025. Approx. 58% of the new supply was added in the premium and luxury segments (INR 80 lakh to INR 2.5 Cr.)

    City-wise Supply (In Units) & Percentage Change

    Cities Name

    Q2-2026

    Q1-2026

    % Change (Q1-2026 Vs Q2-2026)

    Q2-2025

    % Change (Q2-2025 Vs Q2-2026)

    NCR

    11,205

    15,985

    -30%

    18,760

    -40%

    MMR

    34,555

    40,015

    -14%

    28,165

    23%

    Bangalore

    21,670

    24,370

    -11%

    15,345

    41%

    Pune

    12,735

    16,000

    -20%

    14,220

    -10%

    Hyderabad

    16,970

    19,280

    -12%

    11,105

    53%

    Chennai

    5,315

    5,395

    -1%

    8,525

    -38%

    Kolkata

    3,550

    5,220

    -32%

    2,505

    42%

    Total

    1,06,000

    1,26,265

    -16%

    98,625

    7%

    Overall Sales Overview

    Approx. 90,715 units were sold in Q2 2026 across the top 7 cities – a quarterly decline of 11% over Q1 2026. NCR, MMR, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad together accounted for 90% sales in the quarter. Annually, the top 7 cities recorded a 6sales decline .

    • NCR saw sales decline 6% Y-o-Y – from approx. 14,255 units in Q2 2025 to approx. 13,365 units in Q2 2026. Quarterly, it saw a 12% decline in sales.
    • MMR witnessed the highest sales of approx. 28,710 units in Q2 2026, against 31,275 in Q2 2025 – declining by 8% annually and 12% quarterly.
    • Pune saw approx. 13,090 units sold in Q2 2026, down by 15% over Q2 2025.
    • Bengaluru saw housing sales by meagre 1% in Q2 2026 against Q2 2025, with approx. 15,285 units sold in the quarter. Quarterly, it saw a 7% decline in sales.
    • Chennai saw approx. 5,135 units sold in Q2 2026 – decreasing by 9% against Q2 2025. Quarterly, it saw a 3% decline in sales.
    • Hyderabad saw approx. 11,270 units sold in the quarter, rising by 2% over Q2 2025. Quarterly, sales declined by 9%.
    • Kolkata saw housing sales increase by 10% in the quarter against Q2 2025, with approx. 3,860 units sold in Q2 2026. Quarterly, the city saw sales decline by 8%.

    City wise Absorption (In Units) & Percentage Change

    Cities Name

    Q2-2026

    Q1-2026

    % Change (Q1-2026 Vs Q2-2026)

    Q2-2025

    % Change (Q2-2025 Vs Q2-2026)

    NCR

    13,365

    15,190

    -12%

    14,255

    -6%

    MMR

    28,710

    32,800

    -12%

    31,275

    -8%

    Bangalore

    15,285

    16,440

    -7%

    15,120

    1%

    Pune

    13,090

    15,300

    -14%

    15,410

    -15%

    Hyderabad

    11,270

    12,425

    -9%

    11,040

    2%

    Chennai

    5,135

    5,310

    -3%

    5,660

    -9%

    Kolkata

    3,860

    4,210

    -8%

    3,525

    10%

    Total

    90,715

    1,01,675

    -11%

    96,285

    -6%

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Ahead of Rath Yatra, Odisha Crime Branch Blocks 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.