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  • Aamir Khan Reportedly Set to Marry Gauri Spratt; Private Ceremony Expected

     
    Mumbai, July 3 (UDN): Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is reportedly set to marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony expected to take place in the coming days.

    Aamir Khan Reportedly Set to Marry Gauri Spratt; Private Ceremony Expected

    According to media reports, the wedding is likely to be an intimate affair attended by close family members and close friends. Aamir Khan’s children are also expected to be present to celebrate the occasion.

    The actor had earlier introduced Gauri Spratt to the media during his 60th birthday interactions, confirming that the two had been in a relationship for some time. Since then, the couple has largely kept their personal life away from the public eye.

    While reports about the wedding have generated considerable interest among fans and the film fraternity, neither Aamir Khan nor Gauri Spratt has officially confirmed the wedding date or shared details of the ceremony.

    Aamir Khan, one of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed actors, was previously married to Reena Dutta and later to filmmaker Kiran Rao. Despite their separation, he continues to maintain cordial relationships with both families.

    An official announcement from the actor or his representatives is awaited regarding the reported wedding.

  • US Retains Position as India’s Largest LPG Supplier in June: Report

    July 3: The United States continued to hold its position as India’s largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in June, according to industry data, underscoring strong energy trade ties between the two countries.

    The report highlights that LPG imports from the US remained robust during the month, supported by competitive global pricing and steady supply availability. India continues to rely on diversified import sources to meet its growing domestic LPG demand, driven by rising household consumption and government-backed clean cooking initiatives.

    Energy analysts note that the sustained supply from the US reflects India’s broader strategy of ensuring energy security through a balanced import portfolio across key international suppliers. Alongside the US, other major exporters also contribute to India’s LPG requirements, helping maintain stable supply conditions in the domestic market.

    The continued dominance of the US in June reinforces its role as a key energy partner for India, particularly in the liquefied petroleum gas segment, where demand is expected to remain strong in the coming months due to seasonal and structural consumption trends.

  • Japan Emerges as Leading Contributor to India’s GCC Ecosystem in Asia Pacific: Report

    July 3: Japan has emerged as the largest contributor to India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region, according to a new industry report highlighting the country’s expanding role in offshore business operations.

    The report states that Japanese companies are increasing their presence in India’s GCC landscape, driven by the need for greater operational efficiency, access to skilled technology talent, and growing demand for digital transformation capabilities. Key sectors seeing rising participation include automotive engineering, manufacturing support services, financial services, and IT-enabled operations.

    India continues to strengthen its position as a preferred global GCC hub, supported by cost advantages, a strong talent base, and rapid improvements in digital infrastructure. The growing involvement of Japanese firms also reflects deeper economic and technology collaboration between the two countries.

    The report further notes that this trend is part of a broader shift among Asia Pacific enterprises, which are increasingly diversifying their global delivery networks and expanding capability centres across new geographies.

    Overall, India’s GCC ecosystem is expected to see continued expansion, with rising participation from developed Asian economies reinforcing its role as a key hub for global business operations and innovation.

  • State-Level Reforms Set to Triple India’s Commercial & Industrial Renewable Energy Capacity by 2032: Report

    July 3: India’s commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy capacity is expected to nearly triple by 2032, rising from about 32 GW in 2025 to nearly 100 GW, driven by sustained policy reforms at the state level, according to a new industry report by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and Customized Energy Solutions (CES).

    The report highlights that progressive state initiatives—particularly Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) frameworks, streamlined regulatory approvals, and incentives for renewable procurement—are enabling faster adoption of clean energy among industrial and commercial consumers.

    According to the findings, state governments are emerging as key enablers of India’s decentralized energy transition by improving market access and allowing large consumers to directly procure renewable power. This shift is expected to reduce energy costs for industries while helping them meet renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) and long-term sustainability targets.

    The study also projects strong growth in energy storage within the C&I segment, which is expected to reach 28–31 GWh by 2032. This expansion will be driven by the increasing integration of variable renewable sources such as solar and wind, necessitating reliable storage solutions to ensure round-the-clock power availability and grid stability.

    Industry experts cited in the report note that improving cost competitiveness of renewable energy, combined with corporate net-zero commitments, is accelerating demand across manufacturing, IT, and large commercial sectors. However, the report also flags uneven policy implementation across states and grid infrastructure limitations as potential challenges that could affect the pace of growth.

    India’s broader clean energy transition goals, including achieving over 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, are expected to be significantly supported by the rapid scaling of the C&I renewable energy segment.

  • Vatika Bio Infusions Launches India’s First ‘No Added Salt’ Shampoo Range

    Vatika Bio Infusions Launches India’s First ‘No Added Salt’ Shampoo Range

     

    Hyderabad July 03: Dabur India’s trusted hair care brand, Vatika, has launched Bio Infusions, India’s first ‘No Added Salt’ shampoo range, reinforcing its commitment to science-backed innovation and transparency.

     Developed with the philosophy of combining nature and science, the new range blends globally inspired natural ingredients such as Tuscan Rosemary, Ginseng, Spanish Olives, and Moroccan Argan with advanced actives including Plant Biotin Complex, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid to deliver effective haircare solutions.

    Beyond introducing a new product range, Vatika aims to encourage greater consumer awareness about product formulations and ingredients. Through its unique ‘No Added Salt’ proposition, the brand seeks to educate consumers about the role ingredients play in haircare products and inspire more informed purchase decisions. The initiative challenges long-held perceptions in the shampoo category, where added salt has traditionally been used as a thickening agent and is often associated with product effectiveness.

     Commenting on the launch, Gurdatar Singh Ryait, Group Product Manager, Dabur India Ltd., said that Bio Infusions represents a commitment to greater transparency and informed consumer choices, encouraging people to look beyond marketing and better understand the products they use.

     The launch has been supported by a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign spanning digital, social media, e-commerce, and on-ground activations. The campaign features actress Ayesha Khan, partnerships with over 300 influencers and creators, including Parul Gulati and Isha Malviya, and extensive visibility across leading commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Amazon, Zepto, and Reliance Retail. The product range is also available in more than 500 Reliance stores nationwide.

     To drive awareness and product trials, Vatika has distributed samples through modern trade, e-commerce channels, and consumer engagement programs. A notable Blinkit activation saw select consumers receiving salt packets alongside shampoo orders, sparking conversations around ingredient transparency and highlighting the range’s key differentiator. The brand also launched ‘The Vatikan’, an interactive digital platform designed to educate consumers about ingredients and product formulations in an engaging manner.

     Taking the message beyond digital platforms, Vatika conducted experiential activations at events such as Flipkart Glam Up and Anime India, engaging consumers through product sampling, blind hair-feel demonstrations, and educational initiatives focused on shampoo ingredients and formulation awareness.

     Avtej Sawhney, Category Head – Shampoos & Post Wash, Dabur India Ltd., added that the launch brings together nature, science, and transparency in line with evolving consumer expectations and marks an important milestone in Vatika’s growth journey.

     The launch of Bio Infusions also reflects a broader transformation of the Vatika brand—from being known primarily for natural care to embracing a more holistic approach where nature is enhanced by science, innovation is driven by consumer insights, and transparency remains central to product development. Through Bio Infusions, Vatika aims to foster meaningful conversations, challenge category norms, and empower consumers to make better-informed haircare decisions.

  • India’s Consumer Goods Sector Projected to Grow 17.3 pc in Revenue Through 2030

    New Delhi, July 3: India’s consumer goods sector is projected to register strong growth, with revenues expected to rise by 17.3 per cent through 2030, according to industry estimates.

    The outlook is driven by steady demand across both urban and rural markets, supported by rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, and greater adoption of branded and packaged products.

    Key categories expected to contribute to this growth include packaged foods, personal care, home care, and lifestyle products. Expansion of modern retail channels and rapid growth in e-commerce are also expected to support wider product reach and availability.

    Industry experts note that premiumisation, convenience-led consumption, and increased brand awareness are shaping purchasing behaviour across segments.

    While the long-term growth trajectory remains strong, analysts caution that inflationary pressures, input costs, and global supply chain fluctuations may influence short-term performance.

    Overall, the sector is expected to remain a major driver of India’s consumption-led economic growth over the coming years.

  • Entrepreneur Loans Grow Faster Than Lending to Commercial Entities: Report

    New Delhi, July 3: A recent report shows that business loans to individual entrepreneurs and small business owners are growing at a faster pace than credit extended to larger commercial entities, indicating a shift in lending patterns.

    The report highlights rising credit flow toward micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed entrepreneurs, supported by improved access to formal banking channels and digital lending platforms.

    Government-backed credit schemes and financial inclusion initiatives have also contributed to easier loan availability for small businesses, encouraging wider participation in formal credit systems.

    While lending to established corporate entities continues to expand steadily, the stronger growth in entrepreneur-focused loans reflects increasing emphasis on supporting grassroots business activity and job creation.

    Experts note that this trend signals growing confidence in the small business segment, while also stressing the need for prudent lending practices to maintain credit quality.

  • India, France to Deepen Innovation and Investment Ties: Sitharaman

    New Delhi, July 3: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the India–France strategic partnership will play an important role in driving the next phase of innovation-led growth, with both countries expanding cooperation in key areas such as technology, investment, and sustainable development.

    India, France to Deepen Innovation and Investment Ties: Sitharaman

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/FinMinIndia 

    She highlighted that the bilateral relationship between India and France is built on long-standing trust and is steadily deepening across sectors including defence, space, digital technologies, clean energy, and infrastructure.

    According to officials, the partnership is expected to open new avenues for research, innovation, and economic collaboration, while also supporting long-term development priorities for both nations.

    The Finance Minister’s remarks reflect India’s growing emphasis on strengthening global partnerships to support innovation-driven economic expansion and enhance competitiveness in the global economy.

  • FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem affirms commitment to V8 return ahead of F1 Pirelli British Grand Prix

    FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem affirms commitment to V8 return ahead of F1 Pirelli British Grand Prix

     

    Record crowds expected as five British drivers line up at iconic Silverstone circuit

    Dubai, UAE, July 03: H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has affirmed his commitment to delivering the return of V8 engines to the FIA Formula One World Championship ahead of this weekend’s Pirelli British Grand Prix.

    The FIA President will be in attendance at Silverstone for one of the sport’s most historic races which is forecast to attract a record crowd of over half a million fans to the iconic circuit.

    “As we look to the future, the FIA is ensuring Formula 1 remains at the forefront of global motorsport development bringing thrilling racing to a growing number of fans around the world, and I am committed to delivering the return of V8 engines, which will deliver for fans by being lighter, cheaper, safer and louder,” said Ben Sulayem.

    “The British Grand Prix and iconic Silverstone Circuit showcase the Championship’s extraordinary history and remarkable progress since the first British Grand Prix 100 years ago at Brooklands in 1926. From safety to technology, our sport has continually evolved while remaining true to the spirit of racing that defines it.”

    The circuit hosted the first FIA Formula One World Championship race in 1950, and in 2027 will see the return of the FIA World Endurance Championship hosting the newly added 6 Hours of Silverstone in another boost for motorsport fans.

    This weekend’s race will feature five British drivers competing in their home race; George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Oliver Bearman, and Arvid Lindblad.

    As Formula 1 inspires the next generation of competitors and fans, this milestone reflects the FIA’s commitment to strengthening grassroots motorsport participation and developing future talent through its competitions and FIA Global Karting Plan.

    With the FIA Formula One World Championship continuing to grow globally, the FIA remains focused on strengthening it long-term, ensuring world-class competition, advancing safety and sustainability, and supporting the continued development of motorsport at every level.

     

     

     

  • Gujarat Boosts Chip Talent Ecosystem with New IIT Gandhinagar Facility

    Gandhinagar, July 3: The Government of Gujarat has announced plans to set up a semiconductor research and training hub at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, backed by an investment of ₹190 crore.

    The initiative aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem by promoting advanced research, skill development, and industry-ready training in chip design and related technologies. The hub is expected to support collaboration between academia, industry, and government institutions.

    Officials said the centre will focus on building a skilled workforce in semiconductor technologies, a sector that is becoming increasingly critical for electronics manufacturing, artificial intelligence systems, automotive technology, and other high-tech industries.

    The project is also expected to enhance research capabilities at IIT Gandhinagar and contribute to India’s broader goal of self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing and design.

    Experts believe the facility will play a key role in bridging the talent gap in the semiconductor sector while supporting innovation and startup activity in deep-tech domains.