Category: Business

Future Caribbean‘s Global AI Movement Accelerates with Inaugural Agentic AI Assembly, Recruitment Continues Worldwide

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – July 13 – Future Caribbean hosted its inaugural Agentic AI Assembly from July 10–12 in Barbados, bringing together leading Agentic AI builders, founders, investors, and researchers for three days of hands-on collaboration focused on the future of open-source Agentic AI. The event was also live streamed, allowing a global audience to participate virtually, with satellite events held throughout the region.

The Assembly marked the next milestone for Future Caribbean, which had rapidly grown into a global AI initiative in just six weeks. Since launching its Global Open-Source Agentic AI Buildathon, the initiative had attracted nearly 700 builders, founders, investors, advisors, judges, and ecosystem partners from around the world, with applications and participant recruitment continuing as judging took place on a rolling basis.

Future Caribbean continued to welcome founders, developers, engineers, advisors, judges, and partners from around the world to join the initiative, collaborate with the growing global community, and apply to build the next generation of open-source Agentic AI companies with real-world impact.

Hosted at the Inter-American Development Bank Barbados Country Office, the Assembly featured technical workshops, live demonstrations, collaborative build sessions, and discussions focused on deploying AI agents to solve real-world challenges across industries including finance, energy, healthcare, tourism, and climate resilience.

The event was led by Lily Dash, Founder of Future Caribbean and Co-Founder of ACTAI Advisors, alongside Steven Echtman, Founder of ClawCamp, with special guest Ajay Yadav, Founder of The Vibe on Instagram.

“In just a matter of weeks, we’ve seen incredible momentum from builders and partners who share the vision of creating the next generation of AI-native companies for and from distributed markets,” said Lily Dash. “The Assembly was about turning that momentum into collaboration while continuing to grow a global community of builders. We continued to actively recruit participants from around the world, and by live streaming the Assembly and hosting satellite locations around the region, it became easier than ever for innovators everywhere to get involved.”

The technology was designed for distributed markets, and the Caribbean served as a strong example of such a market, with multiple currencies, legal systems, languages, and regulations. The initiative focused on coordinating technologies around that distribution. If the model worked in the Caribbean—a complex distributed market and one of the best deployment environments for companies—it had the potential to scale globally across other distributed environments. The Caribbean was not unique in its distributed nature, as much of the world operates as a distributed market.

Future Caribbean brought together an international network of partners including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), IDB Invest, ACTAI Global, ACTAI Advisors, Cayman Enterprise City, Export Barbados, ClawCamp, Highrise AI, MiniMax, OWC, The OECS, DMZ, and numerous global private sector, regional technology, and government organizations.

The Assembly built on the ongoing Global Open-Source Agentic AI Buildathon, where applications from around the world continued to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the finals at the New York Stock Exchange later this year.

By connecting world-class builders, investors, and institutions, both in person and online, Future Caribbean aimed to establish the Caribbean as a launchpad for the next generation of open-source Agentic AI companies with global impact.

New Delhi, July 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles has reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening maritime security cooperation and serving as a reliable security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The visit highlighted the close and longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles, with discussions focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as maritime safety, defence collaboration, capacity building, and regional stability.

India reiterated its vision of supporting a secure and peaceful Indian Ocean through collaborative efforts with partner nations. The engagement also underlined the importance of collective action in addressing emerging maritime challenges and ensuring the safety of sea routes.

During the visit, both sides explored opportunities to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including development, security, and sustainable growth.

The outreach reflects India’s continued focus on building partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region and contributing to regional peace, stability, and security through cooperation and shared responsibility.

New Delhi, July 13: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, New Delhi Regional Office (NABARD) marked its 45th Foundation Day in New Delhi with a ceremony that reflected the institution’s enduring commitment to rural transformation, financial inclusion, and sustainable development. The event was graced by Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary Department of Women and Child Development as Chief Guest along with Sh. S Manikumar, DMD, IFCI Ltd, Ms. Suparna Tandon, CEO, NPS trust, Dr. Har Gopal Yandra, MD NABCONS, Sh. Nabin Kumar Roy, CGM, NABARD, New Delhi Regional Office, Sh. T D Sivakumar, CGM Exim Bank, Sh. Rajesh Bhowmick, CGM PNB, Sh. Vikram Duggal, CGM Canara Bank, Sh. D Sahoo, GM SLBC and other senior dignitaries. The event brought together senior officials from NABARD and NABCONS, Senior government representatives, bankers, development partners, and a large group of women farmers and rural entrepreneurs who have benefited from NABARD’s support over the years.

In his inaugural address, Sh. Nabin Kumar Roy highlighted the journey of NABARD for over the last four and a half decades and how NABARD has evolved from a refinancing institution into a development bank of national importance, supporting initiatives that have shaped India’s rural economy. Its work has extended across key areas such as rural infrastructure, climate-resilient agriculture, watershed management, digital financial inclusion, microfinance, tribal development, producer organizations, and the promotion of traditional crafts and livelihoods.

Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS highlighted how NABARD’s interventions have helped improve productivity, strengthen rural institutions, and create pathways for sustainable income generation in villages across the country. She emphasized that empowering women farmers is essential to achieving broader goals of economic inclusion, household resilience, and community development. The felicitation of outstanding women farmers during the program served as a tribute to their determination, innovation, and contribution to rural prosperity.

The event aligned with the International Year of Women Farmers by celebrating the recognition of women farmers and self-help group leaders whose success stories exemplify the power of skill development, collective enterprise, and institutional support. Several women shared how training and guidance from agricultural institutions and NABARD-linked programs enabled them to build livelihoods through dairy, beekeeping, vermicomposting, bakery operations, organic farming, and food processing. Their journeys, speakers noted, are a powerful reminder that women are not only participants in agriculture but also leaders in reshaping rural economies.

The celebration further highlighted NABARD’s role in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in rural India. With increasing focus on quality branding, packaging, GI-tagged products, and market linkages, NABARD’s ecosystem support was described as crucial for helping rural producers move from subsistence to enterprise. Participants also stressed the need for mentorship, capacity building, and stronger partnerships to ensure that rural women and small producers can expand their businesses and access new markets.

On the occasion a high-level Delegation from Nigeria led by the Dr. Ruchira Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor and Head of NIRDPR, Delhi Unit visited the NABARD, New Delhi RO to learn from India’s experience in rural development, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihood creation.

During the visit, the Nigerian delegation observed how India has built an integrated rural development ecosystem that combines self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), rural financial institutions, digital infrastructure, and community-led enterprise models to support inclusive growth at the last mile.

The delegation noted the value of India’s approach to strengthening women-led livelihoods, improving database and beneficiary tracking systems, and promoting adaptive social protection through coordinated institutional frameworks. They also expressed strong interest in how NABARD supports rural households through credit, capacity building, institutional linkages, and social finance interventions.

On the occasion, 09 products supported by NABARD for GI registration were displayed by the artisans of Uttam Nagar Terracotta of Delhi, Sangam Vihar Beads Craft of Delhi, Seelampur Wood Carving of Delhi, Delhi Hand Embroidery, Delhi Wooden Block Making Craft, Delhi Metal Ware Craft, Delhi Paper Mache Craft, Delhi Zardozi and Delhi Mock / Sham Jewellery. The exhibition cum display was well appreciated by the Nigerian delegation as well as dignitaries who attended the Foundation Day celebration.

New Delhi, July 13: India’s retail inflation increased to 4.38% in June, driven in part by a rise in prices of precious metals such as gold and silver, according to recent data.

The increase reflects changes in consumer price trends, with higher costs in select categories influencing the overall inflation rate. Precious metal prices witnessed significant movement during the period, contributing to the rise in the inflation index.

Economists said that while inflation remains within the broader policy framework, price trends across food items, commodities, and other key sectors will continue to be closely monitored.

The latest data highlights the evolving inflation landscape as domestic and global market factors influence consumer prices. Policymakers are expected to continue tracking price movements and economic indicators to maintain stability.

The government and financial authorities remain focused on balancing growth objectives with measures to manage inflationary pressures and support economic stability.

New Delhi, : India’s total exports recorded a robust growth of 11.37% to $232.73 billion during the April-June quarter, demonstrating the resilience of the country’s trade sector despite global economic uncertainties.

The strong export performance reflects continued demand for Indian goods and services, along with the growing competitiveness of domestic industries in international markets. Key sectors have contributed to maintaining the positive trade momentum amid evolving global challenges.

Trade experts attributed the growth to supportive government policies, expanding market reach, improved manufacturing capabilities, and efforts to strengthen India’s position in global supply chains.

The government continues to focus on boosting exports through enhanced infrastructure, trade facilitation measures, and initiatives aimed at supporting businesses and improving global market access.

The latest figures highlight India’s ability to sustain trade growth while navigating external pressures and strengthening its role in the global economy.

New Delhi, July 13: The project order secured by NHPC is expected to be a key point of discussion during the upcoming energy talks between India and Nepal, as both countries look to strengthen cooperation in the power sector.

The development comes amid growing focus on expanding cross-border energy partnerships, improving electricity trade, and harnessing the region’s hydropower potential. The NHPC project is likely to highlight opportunities for greater collaboration between the two nations in renewable energy development.

India and Nepal have been working towards enhancing energy connectivity through joint initiatives, with hydropower emerging as a major area of cooperation. Discussions are expected to focus on project implementation, investment opportunities, and long-term energy partnerships.

The inclusion of NHPC-related developments in bilateral talks reflects the increasing importance of clean energy collaboration in strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Officials and industry stakeholders believe that deeper cooperation in the power sector can support regional energy security and contribute to sustainable development goals.

New Delhi, July 13: India is set to play a significant role in driving the growth of the corporate learning market across the Asia-Pacific region, fuelled by increasing demand for workforce upskilling, digital transformation, and technology-enabled training solutions.

A recent report highlights that organisations are rapidly expanding investments in employee development programmes to address changing business needs and prepare their workforce for emerging opportunities. Focus areas include artificial intelligence, digital skills, leadership capabilities, and industry-specific expertise.

India’s vast talent pool, strong technology ecosystem, and growing adoption of digital learning platforms are positioning the country as a major contributor to the region’s evolving corporate learning landscape.

Experts believe that continuous skill development will become increasingly important as businesses navigate technological advancements and changing market dynamics. The growing focus on workforce readiness is expected to create new opportunities for learning providers and enterprises alike.

The rising momentum in corporate learning reflects India’s broader transition towards a knowledge-driven economy, strengthening its position as a hub for innovation, talent development, and future-ready workforce solutions.

New Delhi, July 13: India’s merchandise exports recorded strong growth in June, rising 15.5% year-on-year to $40.41 billion, reflecting continued resilience in the country’s export sector and sustained demand across key international markets.

The increase underscores the strength of India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem, supported by higher shipments across multiple sectors and improving global trade activity.

The robust export performance is expected to contribute positively to economic growth, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and reinforce India’s position in global trade. Industry stakeholders believe the growth reflects the competitiveness of Indian products and the expanding reach of domestic exporters in international markets.

Experts noted that continued policy support, market diversification, and improved logistics infrastructure will be important in sustaining export momentum amid evolving global economic conditions.

The latest export figures highlight India’s ongoing efforts to boost outbound trade, expand market access, and strengthen its role in the global supply chain.

New Delhi, July 13: Marking an important milestone in its journey, WomanCart reflects on its evolution into a trusted woman–first omnichannel lifestyle commerce platform built around innovation, convenience, and customer-first experiences. What began with a vision to simplify shopping for women has grown into a comprehensive retail ecosystem that seamlessly integrates digital commerce, offline retail, and quick commerce.

Over the years, Womancart has continuously evolved to meet the changing aspirations of modern consumers while remaining committed to empowering women through a seamless shopping experience. Today, the company offers 12,000+ products across fashion, beauty, jewellery, home, wellness, and lifestyle categories through its pan-India digital platform. Strengthening its omnichannel presence, WomanCart operates 9 offline stores, provides quick commerce services in Delhi NCR and Jaipur, and has established an international presence through Womancart Australia, while serving customers across India through its digital platform.

Innovation has remained at the heart of Womancart‘s journey. By continuously investing in technology, expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its retail ecosystem, and introducing customer-centric initiatives such as 2-hour delivery in select markets, the company has remained focused on delivering greater convenience, accessibility, and trust. Its omnichannel approach enables customers to enjoy a seamless shopping experience across digital and physical touchpoints.

Commenting on the milestone, Madhu Sudan Pahwa, Managing Director, Womancart Limited, said: “Every milestone is a reminder of the trust people place in a brand. This occasion is not just about celebrating our journey—it is about celebrating every customer who chose us, every employee who believed in our vision, every partner who grew with us, and every stakeholder who supported us along the way. I sincerely thank each one of them for being part of the WomanCart story.

Over the years, we have remained committed to one purpose—to build a shopping experience that women can truly trust. While we are proud of what we have achieved, we believe our biggest opportunities still lie ahead. We will continue investing in innovation, technology, customer experience, and our omnichannel ecosystem as we work towards building one of  the most trusted woman–first lifestyle commerce platforms.”

Looking ahead, Womancart remains focused on strengthening its omnichannel ecosystem through strategic investments in technology, retail expansion, customer experience, and quick commerce capabilities. The company also plans to broaden its product portfolio, deepen collaborations with leading brands, and continue delivering a seamless shopping experience that combines the convenience of digital commerce with the trust and accessibility of offline retail.

Driven by a long-term vision of empowering women through greater choice, convenience, and accessibility, WomanCart continues to build a future-ready lifestyle retail ecosystem that places customers at the heart of every decision while creating sustainable value for all its stakeholders.

Mumbai, July 13: Indian benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended Monday’s trading session on a flat note after recovering from early losses, supported by gains in information technology (IT) stocks.

Market sentiment remained cautious during the session amid mixed global cues and selective buying across sectors. However, a rebound in IT shares helped offset losses in other segments, allowing the benchmark indices to close largely unchanged.

Investors continued to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings expectations, and sector-specific trends, resulting in range-bound trading throughout the day.

Market experts noted that the resilience shown by IT stocks provided stability to the broader market despite ongoing volatility. They expect investor sentiment to remain influenced by domestic economic indicators, global market movements, and upcoming corporate results.

The session reflected cautious optimism among investors, with selective buying helping the markets recover from intraday weakness while maintaining overall market stability.