Category: Business

New Delhi, June 18: Gold and silver prices declined in global and domestic markets as a stronger US Federal Reserve outlook and easing geopolitical tensions reduced demand for safe-haven assets.

Market sentiment remained under pressure after signals from the US Federal Reserve suggested a continued hawkish stance on interest rates, supporting the US dollar and putting downward pressure on precious metals. A stronger dollar typically makes gold and silver more expensive for buyers using other currencies, leading to reduced demand in international markets.

At the same time, easing geopolitical tensions in key global regions have reduced risk aversion among investors, further weakening demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as bullion. As a result, trading activity in gold and silver remained subdued.

Analysts said that expectations of tighter monetary policy in the United States, along with improving global risk sentiment, have together contributed to the recent weakness in precious metal prices. Investors are also repositioning their portfolios in response to changing macroeconomic conditions.

Despite the short-term decline, experts noted that gold and silver continue to hold long-term relevance as hedge assets against inflation, currency volatility, and broader financial market uncertainty.

Market participants are now closely watching upcoming US economic data releases and further commentary from the Federal Reserve for clearer signals on interest rate direction, which is expected to influence bullion price trends in the coming sessions.

New Delhi, India June 18: Living up to the commitment of delivering the best quality products, Gautam Solar Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading solar module manufacturers, has recently added advanced technologies in the , in-house Solar Module Reliability Testing Laboratory at its manufacturing facility in Bhiwani, Haryana. This new step aligns with the company’s aim to ensure optimal quality control in each product. The facility is one of the most comprehensive in-house module testing capabilities in the Indian solar industry — built to validate performance, ensure durability, and accelerate R&D across Gautam Solar’s full product range.

Objective of the Lab

The Reliability Lab has been established with three core purposes: independent accelerated lifetime testing of every module type in Gautam Solar’s portfolio before it reaches a project site; R&D support to test and validate new module architectures and cell technologies faster than external testing cycles allow; and durability validation under real-world Indian operating conditions — extreme heat, coastal humidity, UV intensity, and mechanical stress — for projects designed to run for 25 to 30 years.

Key Features — Testing Capabilities

The lab conducts 18 distinct module qualification tests across mechanical, thermal, environmental, electrical, and corrosion disciplines — all in-house, with parameters aligned to IEC and industry standards:

•       Visual Inspection & AI-Assisted EL Testing — detects micro-cracks and defects pre- and post-lamination using Gautam Solar’s patented AI system

•       Sun Simulator (Flash / IV Test) — verifies nameplate wattage and full IV curve for every module

•       Thermal Cycling (TC 50 & TC 200, IEC/UL) — -40°C to +85°C cycling to validate solder joint and interconnect durability

•       Damp Heat (DH 1000, IEC 60068-2-14) — 1000 hours at 85°C and 85% RH for encapsulant and delamination resistance

•       Humidity Freeze (HF 10, IEC 60068-2-38) — combined humidity and freeze cycling for high-altitude and northern environments

•       Pressure Cooker Test — 121°C at 100% RH for accelerated moisture ingress screening

•       Mechanical Load Testing — 5400 Pa snow load and 2400 Pa wind load, no frame deformation

•       Wet Leakage Test — confirms zero current leakage under wet conditions

•       Peel Test — validates encapsulant and glass layer adhesion against delamination

•       PID Resistance Testing (IEC 62804) — 60°C, 85% RH, 1000V DC for 96 hours

•       LETID Testing — 75–80°C for 162 hours, confirming degradation below 1–2%

•       UV Pre-Conditioning & UV Exposure — up to 5× sun intensity for encapsulant stability

•       Hail Impact Test (IEC 61215) — 25mm hailstone at 84 km/h for glass resilience

•       High Voltage / HiPot Testing — insulation and dielectric strength per IEC 61730

•       Salt Mist Corrosion Test — validates frame and connector durability for coastal installations

•       Sand & Dust Test (IEC 60068-2-68) — 4 positions, 90 minutes each at 9 m/s

•       Ammonia (NH₃) Corrosion Test — 6667 ppm over 480 hours across 20 cycles for agri-solar environments

•       Cell Test — individual cell EL screening before module assembly for defect-free production

Business Impact

The lab strengthens Gautam Solar’s product reliability by enabling every module to be validated against a full accelerated lifetime test programme before leaving the factory. For customers — developers, EPC contractors, and institutional lenders who require in-house testing capability alongside third-party certifications — the lab provides the quality infrastructure that long-term supply relationships are built on.

For export markets, the lab reinforces Gautam Solar’s credibility with international buyers in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia where in-house testing capability is increasingly a prerequisite for premium supply partnerships. Combined with Gautam Solar’s existing IEC, UL, CE, CEC, and ALMM certifications, the lab positions the company at the global frontier of Made-in-India solar quality.

Location Details

Facility: Gautam Solar Reliability Testing Laboratory

Location: Bhiwani, Haryana — co-located with Gautam Solar’s manufacturing plant

Status: Fully operational — all 18 test stations commissioned and validated

Standards: IEC 61215  ·  IEC 61730  ·  IEC 62804  ·  IEC 60068-2-14  ·  IEC 60068-2-38  ·  IEC 60068-2-68  ·  UL 61215  ·  UL 61730  ·  BIS

Statement from Leadership

“At Gautam Solar, quality is not a claim — it is a system. The Upgrade of our Reliability Lab takes that commitment to a fundamentally new level. We can now conduct the full suite of accelerated lifetime tests in-house, at our own facility, with our own engineering team. That means we catch problems before they reach the field, accelerate new product development with confidence, and give every customer, lender, and partner detailed, internally verified reliability data alongside our third-party certifications. It signifies our 29+ Years of Experience, Excellence and Trust. India is building the world’s largest solar programme. This lab is our commitment to ensuring every Gautam Solar module is worthy of that responsibility.”

— Mr. Gautam Mohanka, Director, Gautam Solar Pvt. Ltd.

Chennai, India | June 18: MRF Limited has been awarded the prestigious Three-Star level of the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey and its continuing presence in global motorsport.

The certification, awarded recently, follows an audit conducted under the FIA Environmental Accreditation framework. The FIA audit recognised MRF’s structured approach to environmental management, continual improvement and responsible manufacturing practices across its motorsport tyre operations.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, MRF Limited, said: “MRF’s global motorsport journey is powered by performance and responsibility. This FIA Three-Star accreditation reinforces our commitment to sustainable innovation, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement across our operations worldwide today.”

With this recognition, MRF is the only Indian Tyre Company and also joins a select group of global motorsport tyre manufacturers to have achieved the FIA’s highest environmental accreditation.

MRF manufactures motorsport tyres at its manufacturing locations, which are certified to ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System standards. The audit also noted that these manufacturing locations maintain ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification.

The audit further recognised MRF’s SMART environmental objectives across its manufacturing locations, covering areas such as reducing specific power consumption, fuel consumption, water consumption and waste generation. Monitoring and measurement systems were documented across key environmental impact areas, including energy use, waste management, water consumption, biodiversity, air quality, noise, materials and procurement, transport, and Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions.

The FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation is the highest level within the programme and reflects MRF’s continued commitment to integrating sustainability into its motorsport operations while maintaining the performance standards associated with the MRF brand globally.

June 18: Some expressions of love are spoken, while others are carried quietly through everyday actions. This Father’s Day, ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations unveils ‘A Briefcase of Love’, a heartfelt tribute to fathers whose love has always been reflected through responsibility, resilience, and unwavering presence.

At the heart of the campaign is the briefcase, an everyday companion that, over time, came to symbolize everything a father carried: responsibilities, aspirations, sacrifices, and the quiet promise of showing up, day after day.

Bringing the campaign’s central symbol to life is the Father’s Day Couverture Chocolate Briefcase Cake, a handcrafted creation designed as a chocolate briefcase that embodies the love, responsibility, and dedication fathers carry every day. The cake features layers of chocolate sponge, caramel diplomat cream, and a delightful crunchy layer, making it as meaningful as it is indulgent.

The Father’s Day collection also includes Dad’s Favourite Pistachio Chocolate Pastry, a delightful combination of rich chocolate sponge and velvety pistachio mousse finished with an edible moustache, alongside the Belgian Chocolate Brownie (No Added Sugar), which delivers deep chocolate flavour and a dense fudgy crumb with zero added sugar for those seeking a mindful indulgence.

Extending beyond the product range, the campaign comes alive through an emotional digital film, social media storytelling that explore what a father’s briefcase truly held, not just essentials, but memories, values, and acts of love that often went unnoticed.

With ‘A Briefcase of Love’, Sunfeast Baked Creations invites people to look beyond the ordinary and recognize that sometimes, the things fathers carried every day were carrying their love all along. This is now available across Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai & Hyderabad on Swiggy and Zomato.

New Delhi, June 18: The India–UK trade agreement will come into effect from July 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday, describing it as a “historic milestone” in the economic partnership between the two countries.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia 

The operationalisation of the agreement is expected to mark a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, while opening new opportunities for businesses, exporters, and industries on both sides.

According to officials, the agreement is designed to enhance market access, streamline trade processes, and deepen cooperation in key sectors including goods, services, manufacturing, technology, and innovation-driven industries. It is also expected to support supply chain integration and encourage greater economic collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Modi said the agreement reflects the growing trust and shared ambition between India and the UK to build a stronger, future-oriented economic partnership. He noted that the pact will contribute to expanding trade opportunities and fostering long-term economic growth.

Officials further stated that the implementation of the agreement will provide a structured framework for boosting bilateral trade flows and improving ease of doing business between the two economies.

The development is being viewed as a major milestone in India’s expanding global trade engagements, reinforcing its position as a key player in international economic partnerships.

New Delhi, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump held discussions on key global and bilateral issues on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, focusing on West Asia developments, progress on the India–US trade agreement, and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

PM @narendramodi met US President @realDonaldTrump in Evian and reviewed progress in India-US cooperation across sectors such as energy, trade, defence, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on developments in West Asia. The Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/CVZLtgcmDL

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2026

The MEA said the meeting covered strategic, economic and geopolitical priorities of mutual interest, with both leaders reviewing ways to further strengthen trade, investment, defence, energy and technology partnerships between India and the United States.

The discussions also included the situation in West Asia, with emphasis on regional stability and its global economic impact. Both sides expressed interest in deepening cooperation to support long-term strategic and economic alignment.

Following the meeting, business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora welcomed the engagement, saying it could help further boost confidence in India–US economic and strategic relations.

Officials noted that the interaction reflects continued efforts to expand the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries.

Mumbai, June 18: Indian benchmark equity indices traded flat in early trading on Thursday as investors remained cautious amid mixed signals from global markets.

The domestic market opened on a subdued note, with buying in select sectors offset by weakness in others. Investors largely adopted a wait-and-watch approach while tracking developments in international markets and key economic indicators.

Market sentiment remained influenced by global uncertainty, with traders closely monitoring movements across Asian and international markets. Sector-specific activity was seen in banking, information technology, and automobile stocks, while broader market participation remained moderate during the opening session.

Analysts said mixed global cues and investor caution contributed to the range-bound movement in early trade. Despite the muted start, domestic equities continued to find support from steady investor participation and resilient economic fundamentals.

The benchmark indices fluctuated within a narrow range during the initial hours of trading as market participants awaited fresh triggers for directional movement.

Trading activity is expected to remain focused on global developments, corporate updates, and economic data releases that could influence investor sentiment in the coming sessions.

New Delhi , June 18 : This Father’s Day, celebrate the men who inspire us every day through their passion, dedication, and attention to detail. Fathers play countless roles in our lives as mentors, creators, providers, and protectors, bringing care and commitment into everything they do. Whether it is preparing a favourite family meal, exploring creativity in the kitchen, or beginning the day with a refined grooming ritual, fathers understand that excellence lies in the smallest details.

Rooted in more than 800 years of Japanese blade making heritage, KAI India has built a legacy of innovation, performance, and timeless craftsmanship. Combining traditional Japanese expertise with modern technology, KAI India offers thoughtfully designed grooming and kitchenware essentials that bring together style, functionality, and everyday comfort.

This Father’s Day, KAI India highlights a curated selection of premium grooming and culinary essentials designed for fathers who appreciate quality and precision in every aspect of life. From high performance grooming tools to expertly crafted kitchen knives, every KAI product reflects superior craftsmanship, reliability, and attention to detail. More than just everyday essentials, KAI products become a part of daily routines and personal passions, helping fathers create memorable meals, enjoy moments of self-care, and experience comfort and performance in the moments that matter most.

The Perfect Grooming Companion

The KAI Auger 5 Blade Razor Pack is thoughtfully designed for fathers who value sophistication, comfort, and precision in their grooming routine. Combining advanced Japanese technology with premium craftsmanship, the razor delivers a smooth and effortless shaving experience with its advanced 5 blade system that ensures a close and comfortable shave while minimising irritation.

Crafted with multi layered coated blades for enhanced durability and sharpness, the KAI Auger range reflects the brand’s commitment to performance, innovation, and everyday functionality. Its ergonomic design provides superior grip and control for enhanced comfort and precision with every use. Whether preparing for a busy workday or an important occasion, the KAI Auger Razor Pack adds refinement and confidence to everyday grooming rituals.

For the Father Who Loves to Cook

For fathers who find joy in cooking and appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, the KAI Shun Sora Chef’s Knife makes for a distinctive Father’s Day gift. Inspired by Japanese culinary traditions, this premium chef’s knife is crafted to deliver remarkable sharpness, balance, and cutting precision for an elevated cooking experience.

Designed with advanced Japanese blade technology, the KAI Shun Sora Chef’s Knife combines durability with refined aesthetics. Its finely crafted blade ensures long lasting sharpness and superior cutting performance, while the ergonomic handle offers comfort and control during extended use. Ideal for culinary enthusiasts and passionate home chefs alike, the KAI Shun Sora Chef’s Knife transforms everyday cooking into a more refined and enjoyable experience. This Father’s Day, celebrate fathers who express their creativity and passion through food with a gift that reflects sophistication, functionality, and Japanese craftsmanship.

Mr. Keijiro Takasago, Managing Director, KAI India, said, 

“This Father’s Day, we wanted to highlight products that go beyond everyday utility and reflect craftsmanship, quality, and thoughtful design. From premium grooming essentials to culinary tools, KAI India’s range is designed for those who value precision and performance.”

With products rooted in Japanese innovation and trusted quality, KAI India’s Father’s Day collection brings together premium grooming essentials and high performance kitchen tools designed for fathers who value precision and functionality in their everyday routines. The collection is available on KAIIndiaOnline.com and leading e commerce platforms. 

Founded in Seki, Japan, in 1908, the KAI Group is globally recognised for its high quality grooming, beauty, and kitchenware products. Known for combining refined craftsmanship with practical innovation, KAI has built a strong legacy in blade making and everyday utility products.

In India, KAI established a 30,000 sq. mt. manufacturing facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan, bringing its Japanese heritage and advanced technology to Indian consumers. Today, KAI India offers a wide range of premium kitchenware, beauty, and personal grooming products, backed by strong R&D and a commitment to quality and innovation.