Category: Business

  • Government Sets Focus on Expanding India’s Leather and Footwear Exports to Dollar 15 Billion

    New Delhi, July 7: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged India’s leather and footwear industry to work towards achieving an ambitious $15 billion export target, highlighting the sector’s crucial role in boosting manufacturing, employment, and India’s global trade presence.

    The minister emphasised the need for the industry to adopt advanced technologies, improve product quality, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen its presence in international markets. He said that innovation, sustainable manufacturing practices, and skill development would be key factors in unlocking the sector’s full potential.

    The leather and footwear industry has significant scope for expansion, particularly through increased value addition, modern production methods, and stronger integration with global supply chains. The sector can contribute substantially to India’s export growth while creating new employment opportunities.

    The government is focused on providing policy support, improving infrastructure, and creating a favourable business environment to help exporters overcome challenges and expand their global reach.

    With rising international demand and growing manufacturing capabilities, the leather and footwear sector is expected to remain an important contributor to India’s vision of becoming a leading global manufacturing and export hub.

  • Strong Market Rally Lifts BSE Market Capitalisation to Record High

    Mumbai, July 7: The combined market capitalisation of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has reached an all-time high of ₹482.31 lakh crore, reflecting sustained investor confidence and strong momentum in the Indian equity markets.

    The record valuation comes amid positive domestic and global market sentiment, supported by steady economic growth, robust corporate earnings, and continued participation from both domestic and foreign investors. The milestone underscores the resilience of India’s capital markets despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.

    Market experts attribute the surge in overall market capitalisation to broad-based gains across key sectors, including banking, financial services, information technology, and manufacturing. Strong inflows from institutional investors and optimism over India’s long-term growth prospects have further boosted market performance.

    The achievement highlights the growing strength of India’s equity markets and reinforces the country’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Analysts expect market sentiment to remain influenced by corporate earnings, macroeconomic indicators, foreign investment trends, and global developments in the coming weeks.

  • Sensex, Nifty Open Higher on Positive Global Market Sentiment

    Mumbai, July 7: Indian benchmark equity indices opened on a positive note on Tuesday, supported by favourable global market cues and improved investor sentiment. Both the BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty traded higher in early deals, tracking gains in Asian markets and optimism surrounding international economic developments.

    Sensex, Nifty Open Higher on Positive Global Market Sentiment

    Market participants remained focused on global trends, foreign investment activity, and domestic economic indicators, which contributed to the positive momentum at the opening bell. Buying interest in key sectors, including banking, information technology, and select heavyweight stocks, helped lift the benchmark indices during early trading.

    Analysts said investors are closely monitoring global market movements, corporate earnings, and macroeconomic developments for further direction. The performance of international markets and foreign institutional investor activity is expected to continue influencing domestic equities in the coming sessions.

    The early gains reflect cautious optimism among investors, although market volatility may persist amid evolving global and domestic economic conditions.

  • Stanley Lifestyles Partners with Singer, Launches Stanley Boutique Homes in Sri Lanka

    Stanley Lifestyles Partners with Singer, Launches Stanley Boutique Homes in Sri Lanka

    Colombo, Sri Lanka / Bengaluru, India July 07: Stanley Lifestyles, one of India’s leading integrated super-premium and luxury furniture manufacturers and retailers, has announced India’s leading luxury furniture and lifestyle brand, today announced its entry into the Sri Lankan market through a strategic partnership with Singer Sri Lanka PLC, the country’s leading retailer. Marking a significant milestone in Stanley Lifestyles‘ international expansion journey, the collaboration brings the brand’s globally benchmarked luxury furniture collections to discerning Sri Lankan consumers.

    As part of its market debut, Stanley Lifestyles has launched its flagship showroom, Stanley Boutique Homes, at No. 24, Ward Place, Colombo 07. Designed as an immersive luxury retail destination, the showroom showcases the brand’s curated portfolio of premium furniture, offering customers an opportunity to experience Stanley‘s hallmark craftsmanship, timeless design, and uncompromising quality.

    Commenting on the launch, Sunil Suresh, Founder and Chairman, Stanley Lifestyles, said, ” Sri Lanka represents an exciting opportunity for Stanley Lifestyles as we continue our international growth journey. We see a growing appreciation among Sri Lankan consumers for quality, craftsmanship, and design-led living. At Stanley, we have always believed that thoughtfully crafted products have the ability to enhance everyday living and create spaces that people truly love to call home. This belief has shaped our journey over the years and continues to inspire us as we expand into new markets. Through our partnership with Singer Sri Lanka, we are delighted to bring the Stanley experience to a market that values authenticity, excellence, and timeless design. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers by delivering not just exceptional furniture, but meaningful living experiences.”

    The partnership combines Stanley Lifestyles‘ internationally recognized expertise in luxury furniture manufacturing with Singer Sri Lanka‘s extensive retail network and deep understanding of the local market. Together, the two organizations aim to redefine Sri Lanka‘s premium interiors landscape by offering customers access to world-class furniture collections and an elevated retail experience built on quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

    Stanley Lifestyles‘ entry comes at a time when Sri Lanka‘s luxury interiors market is witnessing increasing demand for premium, design-led home solutions. As consumers seek products that reflect individuality, craftsmanship, and lasting value, the brand is well-positioned to meet the evolving aspirations of the country’s growing luxury segment.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka PLC, said,” At Singer, we are committed to partnering with globally respected brands that deliver exceptional quality and innovation. Stanley Lifestyles brings an outstanding legacy of craftsmanship, premium design, and manufacturing excellence, making it a natural addition to our portfolio. We are pleased to introduce a brand that reflects the evolving aspirations of Sri Lankan consumers seeking sophisticated living spaces and internationally benchmarked luxury furniture.”

    The launch reinforces Stanley Lifestyles‘ long-term vision of expanding its footprint across carefully selected international markets while remaining true to the values that have defined its success. As the brand continues its global growth journey, it remains focused on driving innovation, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and setting new benchmarks in luxury furniture and lifestyle solutions.

    Over the years, Stanley Lifestyles has established itself as one of India’s most respected luxury furniture brands, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, superior materials, and sophisticated design philosophy. Trusted by homeowners, architects, and interior designers alike, the brand has built a strong reputation for creating elegant living spaces that seamlessly combine comfort, functionality, and contemporary aesthetics.

    The launch reinforces Stanley Lifestyles‘ long-term vision of expanding its presence across carefully selected international markets while remaining true to the values that have shaped its success. With a continued focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and customer experience, the brand remains committed to setting new benchmarks in luxury furniture while inspiring elevated living experiences across the region.

    Beyond furniture, Stanley Lifestyles represents a philosophy of living that celebrates artistry, authenticity, and uncompromising attention to detail. Every collection reflects a commitment to creating spaces that inspire, offering customers an opportunity to experience luxury through thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring quality.

    At the heart of the Stanley brand is an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Every collection is meticulously crafted using carefully selected premium materials, including top full-grain genuine leather, and manufactured through advanced production processes that combine cutting-edge technology with skilled craftsmanship. Rigorous quality standards ensure every piece delivers exceptional comfort, durability, and timeless appeal.

    With its entry into Sri Lanka through SingerStanley Lifestyles brings not only internationally acclaimed luxury furniture but also a globally celebrated design philosophy that is set to redefine contemporary luxury living and establish a new benchmark for premium lifestyle experiences in the country.

  • India’s steel production grows 5.9% in April–June: Report

    New Delhi, July 6: India’s steel production recorded a growth of 5.9% during the April–June quarter, according to a recent report.

    The report said the increase was driven by strong demand from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors, along with steady domestic consumption. Improved capacity utilisation across steel plants also supported the upward trend.

    It added that government-led infrastructure development and ongoing industrial activity continue to boost steel demand in the country. However, global price fluctuations and external market conditions remain key factors to watch in the coming months.

    Overall, the sector’s performance reflects sustained economic activity and continued investment in core industries.

  • Strong advances growth to drive profitability of Indian banks: Report

    New Delhi, July 6: Strong growth in bank advances is likely to remain a key driver of profitability for Indian banks, according to a recent report.

    The report said expanding credit demand across retail, corporate, and small business segments is supporting overall loan growth in the banking sector. This momentum, combined with relatively stable asset quality and improving operational efficiency, is expected to strengthen earnings outlook.

    It added that banks are benefiting from steady economic activity and rising consumption trends, which are boosting credit uptake across key sectors. However, the report cautioned that interest rate movements, global financial conditions, and credit risk in certain segments could influence future profitability.

    Overall, analysts said the banking sector remains well-positioned for sustained growth, supported by healthy loan demand and a stable macroeconomic environment.

  • Cooperatives drive inclusive growth in India: Report

    New Delhi, July 6: India’s cooperative ecosystem is emerging as a strong pillar of inclusive development, playing a growing role in supporting rural livelihoods and broad-based economic participation, according to a recent report.

    The report highlighted that cooperative institutions across agriculture, dairy, credit, fisheries, and small-scale enterprises are helping improve access to affordable finance, fair markets, and essential services. This has particularly benefited farmers, rural households, and self-help groups by strengthening income opportunities at the grassroots level.

    It added that ongoing policy support, institutional reforms, and increasing digital adoption have improved transparency, efficiency, and outreach within the cooperative framework. These developments have enabled cooperatives to function more effectively as community-driven economic units.

    Experts noted that the cooperative model continues to contribute to balanced regional development by reducing disparities between urban and rural economies. They said its expanding role in employment generation, skill development, and value-chain integration is helping position it as a key engine of inclusive growth in India’s development landscape.

  • India’s deal value jumps 127 pc to four-year high in Q2: Report

    New Delhi, July 6: India’s deal-making activity recorded a sharp surge in the second quarter, with total deal value rising 127% to a four-year high, according to a recent report.

    The report attributed the jump to increased mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and strong activity in sectors such as technology, financial services, and infrastructure. Large-value transactions played a key role in pushing overall deal value higher.

    It added that investor confidence in India’s long-term growth story remains strong, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and continued foreign and domestic capital inflows.

    However, the report noted that global uncertainties and fluctuating market conditions could influence deal momentum in the coming quarters, even as India continues to remain a preferred investment destination.

     
  • India–New Zealand Trade, Travel Surge Ahead of FTA Rollout

    July 6: Trade and tourism between India and New Zealand are witnessing strong growth ahead of the implementation of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.

    Export volumes from India have increased in recent months, reflecting higher demand for Indian goods and services in overseas markets. At the same time, there has been a noticeable rise in visitor arrivals from India to New Zealand, driven by tourism, education, and business travel.

    Officials from both countries said this upward trend signals growing confidence among businesses and travellers as economic ties continue to strengthen. They added that the upcoming FTA is expected to further reduce trade barriers, simplify customs procedures, and open new opportunities for exporters, investors, and service providers.

    The agreement is also expected to boost cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, technology, education, and tourism, while improving market access for businesses on both sides.

    Overall, the rising trade and travel activity highlights deepening economic engagement between India and New Zealand ahead of the formal rollout of the FTA.

  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches Mutual Fund Distribution Services

    Bengaluru, July 06: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank recently launched its Mutual Fund distribution services, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s journey towards offering comprehensive banking solutions. This offering is designed to provide customers with a seamless and digitally enabled investment experience that is supported by curated fund options, simplified onboarding processes along with in-depth analytics for better financial planning. The platform offers easy onboarding with minimal customer input, multi-channel access through Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, and RM channel.

    Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has partnered with leading AMCs to offer customers a wide range of investment options.

    Commenting on the launch Mr. Hitendra Jha, Head of Retail Liabilities – TASC & TPP, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank said, “At Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, we are committed to empowering our customers with accessible and transparent wealth creation opportunities. The launch of our Mutual Fund distribution platform marks an important milestone in our journey of providing comprehensive financial solutions. With a seamless digital experience, wide range of mutual fund offerings across channels, we aim to simplify investing and help customers make informed financial decisions aligned with their goals.”