Category: Business

New Delhi, July 17: Lava International Limited, India’s leading homegrown smartphone brand, today revealed the key specifications of the Virat V1 5G & Virat V1, the first smartphones in the Virat series, ahead of their launch. Designed to empower value-seeking Indian consumers, these new entrants aim to deliver robust day-to-day performance, long-lasting reliability, clean software experience, and a premium design. 

Leading the lineup, the Virat V1 5G is designed to combine seamless next-generation connectivity with long-lasting battery performance and enhanced durability. On the other hand, The Virat V1 is designed to deliver reliable all-day performance and dependable everyday functionality for users seeking practical smartphone experience. 

Virat V1 5G 

The Virat V1 5G is built to deliver powerful all-day performance with a 6000mAh battery, 17.13cm (6.75″) HD+ Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate, and IP64 Dust & Water Resistance to deliver a reliable experience for work, entertainment and everyday use.

Powered by the UNISOC T8200 processor, the smartphone comes with 4GB RAM with up to 4GB of additional virtual RAM and 64GB internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample storage. It also features a 13MP AI Dual Camera and a 5MP Selfie Camera and offers users a clean Android experience free from ads and bloatware. The device will be available in 2 stylish colour options – Arya Blue and Sonar Gold. 

Virat V1 

Designed for consumers looking for a dependable everyday smartphone, the Virat V1 features a 5000mAh battery, 17.13cm (6.75″) HD+ Display, and IP64 Dust & Water Protection for enhanced durability.

The smartphone is powered by the UNISOC SC9863A processor and comes with 4GB RAM with up to 4GB of additional virtual RAM and 64GB internal storage. It features a 13MP AI Dual Rear Camera and a 5MP Selfie Camera, while delivering a clean Android experience with no ads and no bloatware. Available in 2 colour options – Nilgiri Blue and Himalayan Silver, the device combines reliable performance with a clean, user-friendly software experience.

Continuing Lava‘s customer-first approach, both smartphones will be backed by Lava‘s Free Service@Home, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free after-sales experience for customers across India.

Launching on July 24, the Virat V1 5G and Virat V1 will be available exclusively on Flipkart.

New Delhi, July 17: India’s merchandise exports recorded a growth of 15.5% in June, according to a recent report, highlighting improved performance across key export sectors and strengthening the country’s position in global trade.

The rise in exports was supported by steady demand from international markets, improved manufacturing activity and growth in several major product categories. The performance indicates continued momentum in India’s external trade sector despite evolving global economic conditions.

The report noted that sectors contributing to export growth have benefited from enhanced production capacity, policy support and increasing integration with global supply chains.

Experts said sustained export expansion will be important for strengthening India’s trade balance, supporting economic growth and creating new opportunities for domestic industries.

The government continues to focus on boosting competitiveness, improving logistics infrastructure and supporting exporters to help Indian businesses expand their presence in international markets.

New Delhi, July 17: India’s balance of payments (BoP) position is expected to move into surplus in the financial year 2026-27, according to a recent report, supported by improving external sector conditions and steady economic activity.

The projected shift to a surplus reflects expectations of stronger capital inflows, stable foreign exchange reserves and improved resilience in India’s external accounts. Analysts believe favourable global conditions and continued domestic economic growth could provide further support to the country’s balance of payments position.

The report highlighted that developments in exports, foreign investment flows and global commodity trends will remain key factors influencing India’s external sector performance in the coming months.

A stronger BoP position is expected to enhance macroeconomic stability, provide greater support to the rupee and strengthen India’s ability to manage external economic challenges.

India’s ongoing focus on boosting exports, attracting investment and maintaining economic stability continues to play an important role in strengthening the country’s position in the global economy.

Guwahati, July 17: The Assam government is strengthening its sports ecosystem through expanded infrastructure development, improved training facilities and enhanced support programmes aimed at nurturing athletes with the potential to compete on global platforms.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state is focused on creating a strong foundation for sporting excellence by investing in modern facilities, professional coaching and athlete development initiatives. The efforts are designed to encourage young talent and provide aspiring sportspersons with better opportunities to achieve success at national and international levels.

The government’s sports development strategy focuses on upgrading infrastructure, promoting grassroots participation and building a supportive environment for athletes across disciplines. These initiatives are expected to help identify emerging talent and provide them with the resources needed to progress in their sporting careers.

Assam’s continued investment in sports reflects the state’s commitment to youth empowerment, healthy lifestyles and the creation of a sustainable pathway for athletes to represent the state and the country at major competitions.

With a focus on long-term development, Assam aims to establish itself as a centre for sporting excellence and contribute to India’s growing presence in international sports.

New Delhi, July 17: The Government of India has introduced a new export handbook to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their export readiness and expand into international markets.

The handbook offers practical guidance on export procedures, documentation, regulatory compliance, logistics, financing options and government support schemes. It is intended to simplify the export process and equip MSMEs with the knowledge needed to access global opportunities more effectively.

The initiative supports the government’s efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs, promote export-led growth and encourage greater participation by small businesses in international trade.

Mumbai, July 17: The Indian rupee opened 4 paise stronger against the US dollar on Friday, supported by weakness in the greenback and improved sentiment in the domestic foreign exchange market.

The local currency gained in early trade as the US dollar softened against major global currencies, providing support to emerging market currencies, including the rupee. Market participants also monitored foreign fund flows, crude oil prices and broader global economic developments for additional direction.

Currency analysts noted that a weaker dollar helped strengthen the rupee at the opening, although volatility may persist throughout the trading session amid changing global market conditions and investor positioning.

The performance of the rupee will continue to be influenced by movements in the US dollar index, international crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor activity and upcoming domestic and global economic data releases.

The stronger opening reflects cautious optimism in the currency market as investors assess global macroeconomic trends and their potential impact on India’s external sector and financial markets.

New Delhi, July 17: India is taking a significant step toward sustainable transportation with the development of its hydrogen-powered train initiative, reinforcing the country’s commitment to cleaner mobility and low-carbon infrastructure. The project is aligned with the government’s broader vision of accelerating green energy adoption and modernizing the national rail network.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the hydrogen-powered train reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for green mobility, emphasizing that the initiative demonstrates India’s focus on innovation-driven and environmentally sustainable transport solutions.

The hydrogen-powered train is expected to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and provide a cleaner alternative for rail operations, particularly on non-electrified routes. The initiative supports India’s long-term objectives of achieving sustainable economic growth, enhancing energy security and promoting the use of clean technologies across critical infrastructure.

The project forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to transform Indian Railways through advanced technologies, improved operational efficiency and environmentally responsible practices. As investments in green transportation continue, hydrogen-powered rail systems are expected to play an important role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India.

The initiative highlights India’s commitment to building a modern, resilient and environmentally conscious transportation ecosystem while contributing to global climate goals and the country’s transition to a greener economy.

Mumbai, July 17: Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Friday, with benchmark indices advancing in early trade, led by strong buying interest in information technology (IT) and automobile stocks. The upbeat market sentiment reflected investor confidence amid ongoing corporate earnings announcements and expectations of stable domestic economic growth.

The benchmark BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty traded higher during the opening session as gains in leading IT companies and automobile manufacturers lifted the broader market. Technology stocks attracted investor attention on optimism surrounding quarterly earnings and improving global demand trends, while auto shares benefited from continued expectations of healthy domestic sales and improving consumer sentiment.

Market participants remained focused on the ongoing earnings season, with upcoming financial results from major listed companies expected to provide further direction to equity markets. Investors also continued to monitor global economic developments, crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor activity for additional cues.

Analysts noted that the resilience of India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, coupled with sustained domestic investor participation, continues to support market sentiment despite global uncertainties. Selective buying in large-cap stocks helped benchmark indices maintain positive momentum during early trading.

Looking ahead, market experts expect stock-specific movements to dominate trading in the near term as investors assess corporate earnings, economic data and global market trends. The performance of the IT and automobile sectors is likely to remain a key driver of market sentiment in the sessions ahead.