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  • India’s Grocery Market Set to Reach Dollar 992 Billion by FY30: Report

    New Delhi, June 26: India’s grocery market is projected to grow to nearly $992 billion by financial year 2030, according to a recent industry report, reflecting strong growth prospects in the country’s fast-expanding retail sector.

    The report highlights that the growth will be driven by rising household consumption, increasing urbanisation, and a shift in consumer preferences towards organised retail and digital grocery platforms.

    It notes that the sector continues to be dominated by traditional retail channels, but organised retail and quick-commerce platforms are rapidly gaining market share, supported by improved logistics, digital payments, and wider internet penetration.

    Industry experts said that changing lifestyles, growing disposable incomes, and expansion of e-commerce are expected to further accelerate the transformation of India’s grocery market over the next few years.

    The report also pointed out that India remains one of the fastest-growing consumer markets globally, with the grocery segment forming a significant share of overall retail consumption.

    The projected growth underscores the long-term potential of the sector and the increasing role of technology-driven retail models in shaping consumer buying behaviour.

  • India Emerges 4th in Hurun Unicorn Index

    New Delhi, June 26: India has ranked fourth globally with 61 unicorn companies, according to the latest Hurun Global Unicorn Index, underlining the country’s expanding footprint in the global startup ecosystem.

    The report highlights India’s growing stature as a major hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by rapid growth across key sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, software services, and consumer technology.

    The United States and China continue to occupy the top two positions in the global rankings. India’s strong performance reflects the sustained expansion of its digital economy, rising domestic demand, and increasing participation from domestic and global investors in high-growth startups.

    Industry experts attribute the rise in unicorn companies to improved access to venture capital, supportive policy initiatives, and accelerated digital adoption across industries. These factors have collectively strengthened India’s startup ecosystem and enabled several firms to scale rapidly.

    The Hurun report also notes that India’s startup landscape is steadily maturing, with new-age companies contributing significantly to innovation, employment generation, and overall economic growth.

    India’s fourth-place ranking reinforces its position as one of the fastest-growing innovation-driven economies in the world, with expectations of further growth in the number of unicorns in the coming years.

  • Strait of Hormuz Shipping Traffic Recovers to 57 pc of Pre-Conflict Levels: Report

    June 26: Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to approximately 57% of pre-conflict levels, indicating a gradual stabilisation in one of the world’s most critical maritime and energy transit routes, according to a recent shipping and trade monitoring report.

    The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is a vital chokepoint for global energy flows, particularly crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from major producing countries in the Middle East to international markets. Any disruption in this narrow waterway typically has a significant impact on global energy supply chains and price stability.

    The report highlighted that shipping activity in the region has improved steadily following earlier disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. However, overall traffic remains below normal levels as shipping companies continue to adopt cautious routing strategies amid lingering security concerns.

    Industry analysts noted that while the rebound in vessel movement reflects improving operational conditions, the pace of recovery remains uneven. Many shipping operators and insurers continue to factor in elevated risk premiums, which is affecting voyage planning and limiting a full return to pre-conflict shipping volumes.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains under close observation by global energy markets, insurers, and maritime authorities due to its strategic importance and its role in facilitating a significant share of the world’s seaborne energy trade. Analysts say sustained stability in the region will be crucial for a complete recovery in shipping traffic in the coming months.

  • India Reviews Residual Shelf-Life Norms for Imported Pharmaceuticals

    New Delhi, June 26: The government has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed framework concerning residual shelf-life requirements for imported pharmaceutical products, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory clarity and ensure the availability of quality medicines in the country.

    The consultation exercise aims to review and rationalise existing provisions governing the minimum residual shelf-life required for drugs at the time of import clearance. The objective is to ensure a balanced approach that safeguards patient safety while also improving ease of doing business for the pharmaceutical sector.

    Officials said the proposed review seeks to align regulatory requirements with current global practices and supply chain realities, particularly in cases where medicines are imported to meet urgent clinical or public health needs. The initiative is also expected to reduce procedural bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of drug availability in the domestic market.

    Stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, industry associations, healthcare professionals, and other concerned parties, have been requested to submit their comments and feedback within the stipulated timeframe.

    The government will examine all suggestions received during the consultation process before finalising the revised guidelines on residual shelf-life requirements for imported drugs. The updated framework is expected to enhance regulatory transparency while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines.

  • AVer Receives 2026 Unified Communications Product of the Year Award from TMCnet

    AVer Receives 2026 Unified Communications Product of the Year Award from TMCnet

     Taipei, Taiwan – June 26: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company helping clients build communities via in person and digital marketing campaigns has named the VB150 as a 2026 Unified Communications Product of the Year Award winner.

    “We are honored to receive TMC’s 2026 Unified Communications Product of the Year Award for the VB150,” said Marc Happes, Sr. Product Manager at AVer Information Inc. “The VB150 was designed to simplify hybrid collaboration in smaller meeting rooms while delivering exceptional video and audio experiences for every participant. TMCnet’s recognition reflects our commitment to creating innovative solutions that help organizations communicate and collaborate more effectively in today’s dynamic workplace.”

    AVer’s VB150 is a next-generation USB video bar designed to make hybrid collaboration effortless, accessible and highly impactful. Built specifically for huddle rooms and small meeting spaces, the VB150 combines powerful 4K video performance, intelligent AI features and simple plug-and-play connectivity to deliver seamless hybrid meeting experiences for BYOD and PC-based room solutions.

    The VB150 features a high-performance 4K camera with a 120° wide-angle lens, ensuring every participant is clearly visible and included in the conversation. The VB150 also includes intelligent features such as AI Voice Tracking, which automatically follows the active speaker, while Smart Composition frames all meeting participants for a balanced, engaging view. Together, these capabilities create a natural and inclusive meeting experience without requiring manual camera adjustments.

    The VB150’s advanced audio system ensures every voice is heard clearly. Equipped with five beamforming microphones and AI noise reduction, the system captures speech accurately while minimizing background distractions. An optional expansion microphone can further extend audio pickup range, making the VB150 adaptable to a variety of room layouts.

    “It gives me great pleasure to honor AVer as a 2026 recipient of TMC’s Unified Communications Product of the Year Award for their innovative solution, VB150,” said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. “Our judges were very impressed with the ingenuity and excellence displayed by AVer in their groundbreaking work on VB150.”

    Winners of the 2026 Unified Communications Product of the Year Award will be announced online and highlighted in INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine online.

     

     

  • IICT and Wacom India Join Hands For Creative Learning Through Manga and Anime Engagements

    Strengthening the growing collaboration between India and Japan in the creative technology ecosystem, IICT extended the earlier signed MoU for a series of engagements around Manga, Anime, digital creativity and skill development bringing together Japanese industry expertise, technology leaders and India’s emerging AVGC talent ecosystem.

    IICT and Wacom India Join Hands For Creative Learning Through Manga and Anime Engagements

    As part of this collaboration, a Manga Masterclass was conducted on 22nd June 2026 in collaboration with Wacom India, which facilitated the participation of Akiko-San, a renowned Manga Artist from Japan with over 30 years of industry experience. The session introduced participants to the history and evolution of Manga, traditional Manga creation techniques, storytelling methods and professional approaches used in the industry.

    Held at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, the workshop was conducted across two batches of 30 participants each, with one session exclusively for IICT students and another open to the public. The free masterclass received over 250 registrations, reflecting the growing interest among Indian creators and students in Japanese creative formats and global storytelling practices.

    The Manga Masterclass was part of a broader India–Japan engagement focused on expanding opportunities in Anime, Manga and creative technology education. A strategic meeting was also held between Mr. Koji Yano, Global Head of the Creative Experience Unit at Wacom Co., Ltd., Japan; Mr. Rajiv Malik, Senior Director, Wacom India; Ms. Jenica Kalra from JETRO; and representatives from IICT, including its leadership team and faculty members from Animation and Comics disciplines.

    The discussions explored opportunities for specialised training initiatives in Anime and Manga, knowledge exchange, industry engagement and strengthening industry led education models for future creators.

    Further strengthening this partnership, IICT and Wacom India exchanged an addendum to their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), building on their collaboration in creative education, industry readiness and access to global digital creative technologies. The MoU provides a framework for joint workshops, expert sessions, industry-oriented training programmes, access to professional creative tools, inter-institutional initiatives and mentorship opportunities for students.

    Speaking on the India–Japan collaboration, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), said,

     “India’s creative economy is at a stage where global partnerships, industry exposure and access to advanced tools will play a key role in building future-ready talent. The collaboration between Indian and Japanese stakeholders brings together Japan’s expertise in Manga, Anime and creative technology with India’s growing talent base in the AVGC sector. Such initiatives will help create stronger pathways for learning, innovation and international engagement for aspiring creators.”

    Mr. Koji Yano, Global Head of the Creative Experience Unit at Wacom Co., Ltd said,

     “I am truly honored to have the opportunity to hold this workshop at the IICT campus. This innovative workshop allows participants to learn the essential skills of idea creation and storytelling through Manga, one of Japan’s most iconic cultural expressions. I hope this experience will inspire young creators and strengthen the creative connection between Japan and India. Wacom has been supporting creative education in India through its partnership with IICT, and we look forward to building an even stronger partnership to help nurture and empower many more creators in India.”

    Mr. Rajiv Malik, Senior Director, Wacom India, said,

    “At Wacom, we believe India has the potential to become a global leader in the AVGC ecosystem. Our collaboration with IICT reflects Wacom’s long-term commitment to strengthening the country’s creator economy by investing in skill development, industry-academia partnerships, and access to world-class digital creative technologies. Through initiatives such as the Manga Workshop and continued engagement, we aim to equip students with globally relevant creative skills while encouraging innovation, storytelling, and digital content creation. We see this partnership as the beginning of a long-term roadmap to nurture future-ready talent, support the growth of India’s AVGC sector, and contribute to building a globally competitive creative workforce.”

  • 5 Skills Indian Employers Will Prioritize Over Degrees in 2026

     By Arindam Mukherjee, Co-founder & CEO, NextLeap

    As India’s job market continues to evolve, employers are increasingly shifting their focus from traditional qualifications to practical, job-ready skills. According to NextLeap, a career accelerator helping learners transition into high-growth careers, companies in 2026 will prioritize candidates who can demonstrate real-world capabilities, problem-solving abilities, and immediate workplace impact. Based on hiring trends across emerging industries, these are the five skills expected to matter more than degrees in the coming years. 

    1. Data Analytics

    It is clear that companies create huge volumes of data nowadays, yet the success of those companies relies heavily on specialists who will be able to extract valuable information from that volume. Nowadays, employers look for people who are capable of utilizing databases like SQL, Excel, Power BI, and Tableau.

    In this age of data, it becomes increasingly common for organizations to require skills in analytics as a part of the main responsibilities of employees, not just an analytical role. Employees who will be able to interpret business data will definitely have an edge in the labor market.

    2. Product Management

    Organizations do not want people who only know how to follow instructions but professionals who know how to find the problems of their customers and create solutions to those problems. With product management skills, professionals will be able to understand the needs of users, assess the priorities of the business, and make decisions that will lead to growth.

    There is growing interest in digital products, which is why product thinking is now useful outside of the field of products too.

    3. UX/UI Design

    The success or failure of a product in the competitive digital world hinges on user experience. There is a need for individuals who can come up with experiences that are not only intuitive and easy to use but will increase user engagement and retention.

    It is now necessary to understand the users, as user experience skills such as conducting user research, doing wireframes, prototypes, and usability tests become key elements of business success.

    4. Business Analysis

    With businesses undergoing their digital transformations, the requirement for individuals who would be able to connect between their goals and action plans has increased tremendously. The role of a Business Analyst involves assisting the organization with finding the problem areas and converting their complex requirements into viable solutions.

    Employers prefer those individuals who have the ability to comprehend business processes, be able to communicate well, and make decisions based on data.

    5. AI-Enabled Problem Solving

    Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way things get done at work, which makes the knowledge of AI an important requirement in the workplace. Companies need employees that know how to take advantage of AI to increase efficiency, automate mundane activities, and come up with insights faster.

    The key factor is being able to utilize the power of AI along with human decision-making skills. The employees who will know how to apply AI to problem-solving and decision-making are likely to be in great demand by 2026.

  • Crude Oil Extends Losses, Set for Weekly Drop

    Crude Oil Extends Losses, Set for Weekly Drop

    June 26: Crude oil prices fell by up to 2% in early trading on Friday, extending losses through the week amid concerns over supply-demand imbalances and shifting global market sentiment.

    Benchmark crude contracts continued to remain under pressure as investors weighed expectations of steady production levels against uncertain demand outlooks in key consuming regions. The decline has put oil prices on track for their sharpest weekly losses in recent weeks.

    Market analysts said the downward trend reflects cautious trading sentiment, with participants closely tracking global economic indicators, inventory data, and production signals from major oil-producing nations.

    Despite short-term volatility, energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and policy decisions that could influence future supply dynamics.

    Traders are expected to monitor upcoming economic data and industry reports for further direction in global crude price movements.

  • India, UK Explore New Avenues to Strengthen Economic and Trade Partnership: Piyush Goyal

    New Delhi, June 26: India and the United Kingdom are exploring new opportunities to further deepen their economic and trade partnership, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.

    Goyal said both countries are actively engaged in discussions aimed at expanding bilateral trade, enhancing investment flows, and identifying new areas of cooperation to strengthen the overall economic relationship.

    He noted that the India–UK partnership continues to offer significant growth potential across key sectors, including technology, manufacturing, services, and innovation. According to him, ongoing engagements reflect a shared commitment to building a stronger, more balanced, and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

    The minister added that closer economic cooperation between the two countries will help create new opportunities for businesses and contribute to long-term economic growth on both sides.

    India and the UK have been regularly engaging through high-level dialogues to further deepen their strategic and economic ties.

  • Muharram Holiday: Stock Markets to Remain Closed

    Mumbai, June 26: The Indian stock markets will remain closed today on account of Muharram, a scheduled trading holiday.

    Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will not conduct trading in equity, equity derivatives, securities lending and borrowing (SLB), and currency derivatives segments. Normal trading activities will resume on the next working day.

    The closure is in line with the official holiday calendar issued by the stock exchanges. Investors and market participants have been advised to plan their trading and settlement activities accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

    While markets remain closed, investors can still access their trading platforms to view portfolios and place orders, which will be processed once trading resumes.

    The exchanges periodically release trading holiday schedules to ensure smooth functioning and advance planning for all stakeholders in the financial markets.