Category: Business

June 22: A recent industry report highlights that operational efficiency has become a key focus area for 78% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting a broader shift toward productivity improvement, cost management, and sustainable growth across the sector.

The findings indicate that MSMEs are increasingly working to streamline operations, improve workflow systems, and adopt digital tools to enhance overall efficiency. This shift is being driven by rising competition, evolving customer expectations, and the need to maintain profitability in a rapidly changing business environment.

The report notes that many enterprises are investing in technology-led solutions, automation, and process optimisation to reduce inefficiencies and strengthen output. In addition, a growing number of MSMEs are focusing on workforce training and better resource allocation to improve long-term performance.

Experts say the focus on operational efficiency reflects a wider transformation within the MSME ecosystem, as businesses adapt to digitalisation and changing market dynamics.

The study also highlights that improved efficiency is helping MSMEs reduce costs, scale operations, expand market access, and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.

Industry observers believe that continued emphasis on efficiency and innovation will play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience and growth prospects of the MSME sector.

June 22: The Indian rupee is expected to appreciate against the US dollar in the first half of FY27, supported by improving global risk sentiment and a more stable macroeconomic environment, according to a recent market report.

The outlook reflects expectations of reduced external volatility, easing inflationary pressures, and moderating commodity prices, which together are likely to support emerging market currencies, including the Indian rupee.

Analysts note that a more favourable global backdrop could encourage stronger capital inflows into Indian equity and debt markets. Combined with steady domestic economic fundamentals, this may provide additional support for the currency in the near term.

However, the report highlights that currency movements remain vulnerable to global uncertainties, including US Federal Reserve policy decisions, crude oil price fluctuations, and geopolitical developments. Any unexpected shifts in these factors could influence short-term volatility.

Market observers will continue to track foreign portfolio investment trends, trade balances, and macroeconomic indicators to assess the sustainability of the rupee’s potential gains.

Overall, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with improving global conditions seen as a key driver for potential rupee strength in H1 FY27.

June 22:  Since its market debut last year, the Aprilia Tuono 457 has transformed expectations for what a mid-performance motorcycle can deliver. It has proven that the sophisticated engineering and technical prowess of a world-renowned brand can be perfectly tailored for the demands of the open road and the urban landscape. Tuono 457 is not just a standard bike; it is a true mid-performance naked, stripped of excess fairings and engineered to provide a raw, authentic connection between the rider and the asphalt.

Today, Aprilia India announces the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, a machine refined for the everyday rider who demands precision, character, and absolute reliability.

Introduced on World Motorcycle Day, this new iteration pays homage to the legendary 2006 Aprilia Tuono 1000R, a motorcycle that earned its reputation by mastering the street. By leveraging the proven, responsive 457cc parallel-twin platform, Aprilia has crafted a motorcycle designed specifically to conquer the diverse realities of Indian commuting.

Available in the striking Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the special edition is an evolution of the original concept, focused entirely on elevating comfort and rideability. With a contemporary aesthetic and updated hardware, it once again redefines its category, establishing itself as the technical benchmark for the naked segment and the clear leader among twin-cylinder motorcycles.

Designed for motorcyclists who prioritize real-world usability and high-level riding satisfaction, this Aprilia is the fastest machine in its class. It is a motorcycle that understands the needs of the modern rider, offering a balance of punchy performance and effortless control.

Thanks to innovations developed by Aprilia’s engineering team, the special edition Tuono 457 sets a new standard for high-performance street machines. Here are the key upgrades:

• Distinctive New Colorway: The Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries draw from the iconic spirit of the 2006 Tuono 1000R, providing a sophisticated and athletic look suited for any street environment.
• Modernized Graphics: Fresh, sharp decals and a redesigned brand logo create a clean, contemporary visual signature.
• Upgraded Comfort Pack: Optimized ergonomics ensure a premium, effortless riding experience, specifically designed for daily use:

o   Aerodynamic flyscreen for wind protection

o   Adjustable brake lever for personalized control

o   Enhanced rider saddle for superior long-distance support

o   Increased handlebar height for an intuitive, upright posture

o   Refined suspension geometry for maximum comfort over varied surfaces

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said: “The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys.

The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

THE DESIGN:

·       A new, aggressive flyscreen incorporates a very close headlight. It has been designed to cleanly integrate into the aggressive streetfighter design and reinforce its premium, authentic naked character. The Flyscreen has been crafted from a premium high-impact material with smoked finish that helps reduce rider fatigue at high speeds, Every detail has been designed to attract the eyes with its refined style, but also and above all to be functional.

·       Inspired by the 2006 Tuono1000R, the liveries for the special edition are a result of the utmost attention to detail. Mamba Black and Puma Grey emphasize aggressiveness, radical new graphics for an unmistakeable Tuono feel

THE ‘ELEVATED’ HANDLEBAR:

·       The elevated handlebar has been thoughtfully engineered to enhance overall riding comfort and control. By shifting the rider’s torso into a more relaxed, upright posture, it significantly reduces strain on the wrists, shoulders and lower back, while also improving steering leverage for effortless manoeuvrability in urban conditions.

·       At the same time, it enhances long-distance riding endurance, with factory-optimised geometry ensuring seamless integration without compromising cable routing or steering lock.

ENHANCED COMFORT PACK:

·       Engineered specifically for Indian riding conditions, the Tuono 457 incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort enhancements designed to deliver superior ride quality across varied terrains.

·       A softer initial suspension stroke effectively absorbs potholes and speed breakers, while factory‑recalibrated compression damping ensures adaptability across diverse road surfaces.

·       Preload adjustability at both ends allows riders to tailor the setup to their preference, further elevating control and confidence.

·       Complementing this is an advanced seat construction featuring a high‑resilience foam core that significantly dampens engine and road vibrations.

ADJUSTABLE BREAK LEVER:

The new special edition Tuono 457 features customizable lever positioning designed to enhance rider comfort and control across every journey. It improves control in very tangible ways:

·       Optimised reach = better modulation: When the lever span matches the rider’s hand size, fingers can apply pressure more progressively rather than overreaching or gripping awkwardly. This results in more precise braking input.

·       Stronger grip and stability: A comfortable hand position allows the rider to maintain a firm, confident hold on the controls, especially during sudden braking or quick adjustments, reducing the chances of jerky inputs.

·       Reduced fatigue = consistent control: Less strain on the fingers and wrist means the rider can maintain consistent braking performance over longer durations, whether in traffic or on highways.

·       Improved feedback from the brakes: With better finger placement and leverage, the rider can more clearly feel the braking response, enabling quicker and more accurate adjustments.

ENGINE, ELECTRONICS AND CHASSIS:

·       At the heart of the new special Edition Tuono 457 edition lies the same trusted 457cc parallel-twin engine producing max power of 35 kW and 43.5 Nm of torque, delivering a responsive and exciting riding experience across the rev range.

·       Paired with a lightweight aluminium chassis, best in class power-to-weight ratio, ride-by-wire throttle and sophisticated rider aids, the new naked motorcycle embodies Aprilia‘s philosophy of delivering race-inspired road performance with precision and control.

·       What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the special edition Aprilia Tuono 457 is the care and attention dedicated to every single element and detail that makes it up. Attention that allows improved performance and functionality.

·       The dashboard: TFT digital instrument, receives all the information from the CAN line and becomes an integral part of the self-diagnosis system as it has a historical memory. It retains all the indications of the previous one (including the possibility of self-timing with memory of the last 40 laps) with an extremely modern and compact design

·       The LED lighting is adjustable to three levels.

·       The front headlight ensures perfect vision when driving in the dark.

·       The rear sports an innovative design and is equipped with LEDs.

·       The ignition key has internal coding, and the ignition lock is equipped with an immobilizer as standard.

QUALITY:

·       All Aprilia performance, with sure shot peace of mind. The endless durability tests during the development phase have made it possible to create a bike with total reliability in every component. Aprilia now able to offer a 4-year warranty or 48000 KM (whichever is earlier) to protect its value for longer.

·       Passenger Seat Cover

·       USB Socket

·       Helmet Cable Lock

·       TPMS

·       Outside Vehicle Cover

·       Electronic Antitheft

·       Fork Sliders

·       Shorter Mudguard

·       Quick Shifter Up/Down

·       Front Brake Pads Sintered

New Delhi, June 22: The space sector in India is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with estimates placing the size of the country’s space economy at around $40–45 billion, driven by rising commercial participation, innovation, and expanding global demand for space-based services.

The outlook reflects strong momentum in satellite manufacturing, launch services, earth observation, communication technologies, and downstream applications such as navigation and data analytics. Increasing involvement of private players alongside national initiatives has further accelerated the sector’s growth trajectory.

India’s space ecosystem has been evolving rapidly in recent years, supported by policy reforms, technological advancements, and growing collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises. The sector is expected to play a key role in boosting innovation-led economic growth and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.

Officials and industry experts note that the expansion of the space economy is also likely to enhance India’s position in the global space market, as demand for cost-effective and reliable space solutions continues to rise worldwide.

The progress is closely linked to the efforts of Indian Space Research Organisation and the emerging network of private space startups, which together are strengthening India’s capabilities across the value chain.

Analysts believe that sustained investment, supportive policy frameworks, and increased global partnerships could help India capture a larger share of the global space economy in the coming years.

The projected growth underscores the strategic importance of the space sector in shaping India’s technological and economic future.

June 22: Gold and silver prices traded higher in global markets today, supported by easing crude oil prices and improved investor sentiment amid a calmer geopolitical backdrop.

Precious metals saw renewed buying interest as softer crude prices helped ease concerns over inflationary pressures, prompting investors to reassess their risk positions. The decline in energy costs has strengthened expectations of a more stable macroeconomic environment, which typically benefits demand for safe-haven assets such as gold and silver.

Market participants noted that fluctuations in global energy prices continue to play a key role in shaping commodity trends. Lower crude prices tend to reduce inflation expectations, while also influencing currency movements and broader financial market sentiment.

Silver also gained alongside gold, with industrial demand expectations providing additional support. Analysts point out that silver often benefits from both safe-haven demand and its industrial usage, particularly in sectors such as electronics and renewable energy.

Investors are closely monitoring further developments in global oil markets, central bank policy signals, and geopolitical conditions, all of which are expected to influence the trajectory of precious metal prices in the near term.

Overall, the movement in gold and silver reflects a broader shift toward stability in global commodity markets, driven by easing energy costs and cautious optimism among investors.

New Delhi, June 22: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to undertake an official visit to Mongolia and South Korea aimed at reinforcing India’s strategic partnerships and expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation with both nations.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations through high-level engagements with leadership in both countries. Discussions will cover a broad range of areas, including trade and investment, energy cooperation, connectivity initiatives, regional security, and cultural exchanges.

In Mongolia, the talks are anticipated to emphasize India’s continued commitment to deepening development cooperation and enhancing collaboration in sectors of mutual interest. The engagement also reflects India’s growing focus on strengthening ties in the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian regions.

In South Korea, the discussions are expected to build on the robust economic and technological partnership between the two countries, with particular attention to advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, supply chain resilience, and innovation-led growth.

Officials noted that the visit underscores India’s broader diplomatic strategy of expanding strategic partnerships while fostering stronger economic linkages with key regional partners. The engagements are also expected to provide momentum to ongoing initiatives and open new avenues for collaboration.

The visit reflects India’s continued efforts to enhance its global partnerships, strengthen regional cooperation, and support shared priorities in an evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.

India, June 22 : Bakingo’s Aamingo Mango Pastry has emerged as one of the breakout dessert successes of the summer, driving a wave of consumer demand that has seen the product repeatedly sell out within 3-4 hours of being listed across several cities. The overwhelming response has prompted the brand to significantly increase production capacity as it works to meet growing demand for what has quickly become one of its most talked-about launches.

The brand is currently recording nearly 600 orders per day for the Aamingo Mango Pastry, representing a 70% increase over the previous month. The strong demand has led to temporary stock-outs in select markets, with consumers actively tracking product availability and sharing their experiences online. Alongside strong sales, the pastry has generated significant traction across social media, where food creators and consumers alike have contributed to the growing buzz through reviews, reaction videos, unboxing content, and cut-open clips showcasing the product’s unique design.

The momentum follows the launch of Bakingo’s seasonal mango collection under the campaign ‘Ye Mango Aam Nahi’, a celebration of mango-inspired dessert to offer consumers a fresh take on one of India’s most loved flavours. At the heart of the collection is the Aamingo Mango Pastry, a dessert crafted to closely resemble a real mango while delivering a layered sensory experience.

Designed to resemble a real mango, the Aamingo Mango Pastry combines a smooth mango mousse with a juicy mango compote core and a crunchy layer that adds texture to the experience, creating a contrast that has encouraged consumers to share the product widely across platforms. Videos featuring the dessert being cut open, reaction-based content, and creator-led posts have contributed to the growing traction around the launch.

Commenting on the response, Himanshu Chawla, Co-founder, Bakingo, said:

“When we conceptualised the Aamingo Mango Pastry, the idea was never to create a product that relied only on novelty. Consumers today engage with products very differently. They want something that catches attention immediately, but they also expect the experience behind it to feel worthwhile. Our R&D team spent considerable time bringing together design, texture and flavour to create a product that offers a genuinely new experience while staying rooted in a familiar summer favourite. What worked in Aamingo’s favour is that people did not just consume the product, they interacted with it, recorded it, shared it, and made it part of larger conversations online. That kind of organic behaviour cannot be manufactured easily. The response has been extremely encouraging, and with the pastry selling out within hours in several locations, we have also increased production capacity to meet the growing demand.”

As consumer interest continues to grow, Aamingo is evolving beyond a seasonal product launch into a wider cultural conversation, demonstrating how innovation, nostalgia, and digital discovery can come together to create one of the summer’s most sought-after dessert experiences.

June 22: BRICS nations have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and creating a stronger ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth, innovation, and employment across member countries.

During recent discussions, representatives from BRICS countries emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration in areas such as access to finance, digital transformation, entrepreneurship development, technology sharing, and cross-border trade opportunities for small businesses. The initiative aims to help MSMEs become more competitive and resilient in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

The member nations acknowledged that MSMEs form the backbone of their economies, contributing significantly to job creation and local development. By strengthening partnerships and sharing best practices, BRICS countries seek to address common challenges faced by small businesses while unlocking new opportunities for growth and expansion.

The move is expected to encourage greater business collaboration among entrepreneurs across BRICS economies, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering innovation. Improved cooperation could also help MSMEs gain better access to international markets, investment opportunities, and emerging technologies.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, viewing it as a positive step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable business environment. Enhanced support for MSMEs is expected to contribute to economic resilience and strengthen the role of small enterprises in driving long-term growth.

The agreement reflects the shared vision of BRICS nations to empower entrepreneurs, support business development, and create a more dynamic and interconnected MSME ecosystem capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

New Delhi, June 22: India and the United States are preparing for a series of high-level discussions this week aimed at advancing a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement, signaling renewed momentum in one of the world’s most important economic partnerships.

The planned meetings reflect a shared commitment to strengthening commercial ties and expanding opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries. Officials are expected to focus on resolving key trade issues, improving market access, and identifying areas for deeper economic cooperation.

The discussions come as India and the United States continue to build on their growing strategic and economic relationship. A potential trade agreement is expected to enhance bilateral trade, encourage investment flows, and support job creation across multiple sectors.

Business leaders have welcomed the continued engagement, noting that greater clarity and cooperation on trade matters could help unlock new growth opportunities and strengthen supply chain partnerships. The talks are also expected to reinforce confidence among investors looking to benefit from closer economic collaboration between the two nations.

Experts believe the upcoming negotiations could serve as an important step toward addressing long-standing trade concerns while laying the foundation for a more comprehensive economic framework. Progress in the discussions would not only benefit businesses on both sides but also contribute to greater stability and resilience in global trade.

As the talks get underway, stakeholders will be closely watching for signs of progress that could bring India and the United States closer to a mutually beneficial trade agreement and further strengthen their economic partnership.