India’s aspiration to become a worldwide artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse is getting a huge boost as global technology giants have committed around $80 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure in the nation over the next few years, solidifying its position as a major innovation and digital infrastructure center.

The most recent drive occurred after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed an additional $13 billion investment in AI and cloud infrastructure in India by 2030, raising the company’s total intended investment in the nation to $48 billion over the following five years.

Furthermore, the research underlined that the new pledge includes over $21 billion set aside for growing AI and cloud infrastructure.

In addition, the investment supports similar pledges made by other multinational technology companies.

It further stated that Google has pledged $15 billion over five years to build its first AI hub in Visakhapatnam, while Microsoft has announced $17. 5 billion in investments for AI and cloud infrastructure in India through 2029.

These expenditures represent almost $80 billion combined, indicating increasing trust in India’s AI environment from international technology businesses.

According to the study, this impetus is a result of a combination of governmental support policies, a sizable pool of technical talent, a growing digital infrastructure, and a rapidly expanding local market.

According to the announcement, the government’s IndiaAI Mission, which was established with a budget of about $1. 25 billion, hopes to create a complete AI ecosystem by fostering indigenous AI models, datasets, startups, skilling, responsible AI development, and computing infrastructure.

In order to encourage private sector investment in innovative technologies like biotechnology, quantum computing, semiconductors, and AI, the government has also established a $12 billion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

Meanwhile, India is experiencing rapid growth in digital infrastructure.

According to the report and industry estimates, AI investment in India increased by 58% year over year in 2025.

It further stated that India is becoming more and more recognized as a favored location for creating and implementing AI applications at scale, given its substantial digital consumer base and over 1. 5 million engineering graduates joining the workforce each year.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that, the India-France Strategic Partnership is ideally positioned to lead the next stage of sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven expansion.

She established the context of a quickly changing global economy influenced by technological change, supply chain diversification, energy transition, and geopolitical events while speaking at an India-France Business Roundtable with prominent firms and institutions in Paris.

To work towards shared prosperity for both nations and strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership, the Finance Minister invited French investors and businesses to join India in its path toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

FM Sitharaman stated that India and France are reliable partners in building the global AI ecosystem and generating fresh opportunities for cooperation in trusted AI, digital infrastructure, and next-generation technologies.

She also emphasized the significant advancement in bilateral economic involvement.

The Union Finance Minister emphasized that India-France trade has doubled over the previous decade and acknowledged that about 1,000 French businesses are located in India.

According to a Finance Ministry post on X, she stated that India is a major digital economy, propelled by Digital Public Infrastructure such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, ONDC, and India Stack, which account for almost half of all real-time digital payments globally.

She told industry leaders that India’s ambitious clean energy transition—which includes the goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes—is creating significant investment opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, battery storage, offshore wind, and smart grids.

She highlighted the International Financial Services Centre Authority, stating that it has grown into a major international financial centre with more than 1,200 registered entities as of June 2026, banking assets totaling $111 billion, cumulative banking transactions totaling $176 billion, and expanding chances across banking, fund management, leasing, Global Capability Centres, reinsurance, and sustainable finance.

The Finance Minister stated that investors can explore greater collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology by capitalizing on complementary strengths in life sciences, vaccines, APIs, clinical research, precision medicine, and digital health in order to create strong healthcare value chains.

The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, which offers long-term investment opportunities through its forthcoming $3. 5 billion Infrastructure Fund II and $1 billion Private Markets Fund II, providing exposure to green hydrogen, energy transition, and other high-growth industries, infrastructure, and digital infrastructure, was also highlighted by her.

According to All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), jewellery demand is predicted to stay slow, although the holiday season may increase sales, particularly in lightweight categories.

It further said that the industry is awaiting clarification regarding reforms to the Gold Monetisation Scheme and potential tax modifications, while geopolitical risks continue to be a major element that might spark a new need for safe-havens.

In the first half of the year, there were unprecedented increases in bullion prices, which were followed by corrections that changed the mood of consumers and the industry’s perspective, according to the report.

In January 2026, gold prices reached an all-time high of Rs 1,70,480 per 10 grams before falling to about Rs 1,42,800 per 10 grams by the end of June. During the same period, silver prices surpassed Rs 4,02,490 per kilogram in January before declining to roughly Rs 2,25,940 per kilogram by the end of June.

These changes drove investors to safe-haven purchases, but affordability issues caused a decrease in jewellery demand, according to the report.

The Council observed that customers are increasingly turning toward lightweight jewellery designs, reflecting both budgetary considerations and changing fashion sensibilities.

The council stated that a customs duty increase that was announced in May 2026 caused domestic prices to rise and put a burden on retail demand. Demands for rationalisation were made as GST load and compliance requirements continued to put pressure on profits.

In order to realize the worth of idle household gold, lower import reliance, and reinforce domestic supply chains, the council reiterated its call for changes to the Gold Monetisation Scheme.

Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of the GJC, stated, “Looking ahead, the peak wedding calendar in the second half of the year and the approaching festive season are anticipated to provide strong support to jewelry demand, especially in lightweight categories. ”

These cultural drivers, along with India’s strong emotional attachment to gold, will guarantee that the market continues to be resilient despite volatility, he continued.

He claimed that even if futures prices were adjusted, retail prices would remain high and that the market was currently correcting after unprecedented highs.

Expectations of continued high interest rates, profit taking, and a stronger US dollar index are the causes of these changes. He added that worldwide mood has also changed as demand for safe havens diminished after the recent geopolitical panic subsided.

Nat Sciver-Brunt was crucial as England defeated South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final at The Oval to face Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.

Sciver-Brunt assisted England in overcoming a shaky start and scoring 169/5. Despite a spirited fifty from Tazmin Brits, South Africa could only muster 129/8 in their 20 overs.

The Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the final on Sunday between the competition’s two undefeated teams, England and Australia. England will be looking to maintain their perfect record at home as well. They have never hosted a World Cup for women, T20 or ODI, and lost.

Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp got South Africa off to a strong start after deciding to field first. Ismail dealt the first strike by taking Amy Jones’ wicket, while Kapp bowled Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

Ismail came back and caught Alice Capsey leg before the wicket to bring England’s score down to 23/3 in 3. 2 overs. Ismail became the first bowler in the process to reach the milestone of 50 wickets at the event, according to ICC.

Kapp was dismissed early by South Africa in their search for another significant wicket, and the pacer completed her four overs with amazing statistics of 1/16.

Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight led England’s comeback with a 133-run stand for the third wicket after early blows, making it the highest partnership in knockouts in the tournament.

Sciver-Brunt was outstanding with her footwork and ran hard between the wickets, smashing 11 boundaries and a six on her way to her eighth half-century in the Women’s T20 World Cup. This placed her alongside Suzie Bates (New Zealand) and Beth Mooney (Australia), two of the sport’s greatest players.

Knight maintained the runs moving at the opposite end as well. She hit a six over deep mid-wicket to score her fifty. When it seemed like England was going to change gears, Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered crucial blows in the 19th over. She had England’s captain caught in the deep as she attempted to sweep, ending their collaboration. Knight lifted the ball straight to Laura Wolvaardt at extra-cover two balls later.

Despite not reaching their peak speed at the end, England ended with a difficult 169/5.

Wolvaardt and Brits collaborated for 43 runs as South Africa had a cautious start to their reply. Sophie Ecclestone caught Linsey Smith’s high catch at mid-on, stopping Wolvaardt from continuing his innings.

Freya Kemp later quickly dismissed Annerie Dercksen for 3. The loss of Kapp, who tried to flick the ball into the leg side after scoring only five runs but got a leading edge, leaving Sciver-Brunt with the easiest of catches, was a crushing blow. The South Africans were 68-3 in 10. 4 overs as a result.

Despite South Africa losing wickets frequently, Brits fought alone, reaching 50. However, she was dismissed on the very next ball when Sciver-Brunt took a leading edge off Charlie Dean. England won after the South African challenge crumbled as the Brits left.

Dean and Lauren Bell were the most effective bowlers, taking two wickets apiece. In addition, Freya Kemp, Smith, and Eccelestone each contributed with a wicket.

The outcome further helped England get revenge for two consecutive semi-final losses to South Africa at the 2023 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ODI World Cup.

Brief scores:
England Women 169/5 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 75, Heather Knight 58; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-25, Shabnim Ismail 2-31)
South Africa Women 129/8 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 51, Laura Wolvaardt 17; Lauren Bell 2-28, Charlie Dean 2-32)

Karan Adani, the managing director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), stated on Thursday that Odisha is the core of eastern India’s economic growth for the Adani Group.

This statement was made at the same time as the business, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC), revealed intentions to build a revolutionary aluminum plant in the area with a projected investment of $11. 5 billion (about 1. 08 lakh crore).

Karan Adani said in his speech to the crowd that Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani “sees resilience, not simply resources, in Odisha. ”

Destiny as well as geography. The ability to lead India’s subsequent wave of industrial expansion, not just potential. “And this endeavor represents a significant step in that direction,” he added.

Odisha, according to Karan Adani, is a special country that combines contemporary goals with antique legacy.

“With its abundance of mineral wealth, Odisha makes a significant contribution to India’s industrial infrastructure. He said that the state has significant coal resources, more than half of India’s iron ore reserves, and the biggest bauxite reserves, all of which contribute to industrial and power expansion.

According to Karan Adani, “Odisha is moving from a raw material provider to a value-added manufacturing center with a proactive government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, as well as strong policy backing. ” He also stated that it is a “privilege to be here today in this great land of enterprise, courage, culture, and immense opportunities. ”

India has set for itself the national objective of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047‘ under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

These kinds of projects serve as the cornerstones of that vision. By 2036, Viksit Odisha will be required for a Viksit Bharat, and Samrudh Odisha will be required for Viksit Odisha. An Odisha that adds value to its minerals. Odisha creates manufacturing ecosystems of the highest caliber. “An Odisha that generates employment for its young people,” Karan Adani emphasized.

He said the initiative aims to “take Odisha to the world, support your entrepreneurs, boost your local economy, and generate opportunities for your kids. “

About 93% of Indian chief technology officers (CTOs) indicated that their position is increasingly focused on assisting organizations in adjusting to upcoming work methodologies.

The report by LinkedIn stated that around 79% of CTOs claimed that their responsibilities now encompass duties that were not previously a part of their remit.

Furthermore, 84% of CTOs believed their position was being re-evaluated at the same moment.

CTOs are also facing increasing expectations about AI implementation and business effect as their responsibilities continue to change, according to the report.

56% of respondents cited balancing long-term AI change with short-term performance requirements as a major leadership challenge, while 79% claimed their position is evolving more quickly than their organization can make decisions.

Malai Lakshmanan, Head of India Engineering at LinkedIn, stated that technology leadership today goes far beyond managing systems and infrastructure, with over 9 in 10 Indian CTOs admitting that their position has changed to assisting businesses in adjusting to the future of work.

When AI implementation shifts from pilot projects to large-scale deployment, human factors are just as crucial as technological ones. Malai Lakshmanan continued, saying that closer cooperation between CTOs and talent leaders has become critical since workers need the abilities and self-assurance to incorporate AI into their daily tasks.

According to the report, the organizations that gain the most from AI will be those that invest in workforce preparation and ongoing education as much as they do in technology.

In India, ‘Prompt Engineer‘ and ‘AI Engineer‘ were recognized as the jobs with the highest growth rates.

According to the study, 81% of CTOs are under pressure to accelerate their AI efforts more quickly than they can accurately assess their impact.

According to the survey, 51% of CTOs believe that more robust CTO-CHRO partnerships are the most crucial element in establishing a workforce powered by artificial intelligence, and 89% of CTOs stated that they collaborate closely with their CHROs.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the nation’s food safety authority, has sent notices to beverage companies regarding their use of the term “energy drink” and their allegedly deceptive product label claims, stating that no standard has been established for these items under the food safety laws.

The food regulator stated in an Instagram post that it had issued alerts to companies such as Hell Energy (Hell Energy Private Limited), Red Bull Energy Drink, Adrenaline Rush and Sting from PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, Campa Energy Drink, and Monster Energy for purportedly misbranding and labeling violations.

No standard for energy drinks or similar items has been notified under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, or the rules and regulations created in accordance with it, according to FSSAI.

Additionally, the watchdog stated that the Food Category System, which is included in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations of 2011, should not be used for naming or labeling products.

According to the FSSAI, the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 forbids functional or therapeutic claims for food products, such as “boost energy levels,” “enhance focus,” “vitalizes body and mind,” “stimulates mind,” “energizes body,” and “aid in general weakness. ”

The authority also stated that the brands had used terms like energy drink to promote and label their products while making statements that are not permitted by the current regulatory structure.

In an attempt to prevent misleading claims and misbranding in the food and beverage industry and to ensure that product labels adhere to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and associated laws, the FSSAI is continuously sending out these notices.

The regulator sent notices to several food business operators (FBOs) in June for alleged infractions connected to misleading product claims, branding and labelling policies, and customer complaints, and instructed them to make the necessary repairs.

Report says, up to 85% of Indian consumers expressed great faith in artificial intelligence (AI) and enthusiasm for its part in defining the future, while around 94% said technology has improved their lives.

According to the report from Assurant, Inc. , India’s Technology Sentiment Index score of 74, significantly higher than the global average, demonstrates a high level of confidence in technology and a willingness to embrace cutting-edge experiences.

Consumers are therefore more accepting of AI-powered gadgets that boost productivity, communication, and daily convenience.

According to the study, smartphones, computers, and linked devices facilitate everything from employment and entertainment to communication and financial transactions, leading to higher demand for seamless, constantly available experiences.

“Although connected technology is growing more and more essential to daily life all over the world, what counts most now is how successfully these experiences fit individual demands, balancing innovation with simplicity, trust, and reliability,” remarked Federico Bunge, President, International at Assurant.

According to Bunge, India is experiencing this transformation at a phenomenal rate, with consumers who are extremely optimistic and digitally fluent embracing AI-driven innovation and demanding continuous, frictionless experiences that easily fit into their daily lives.

The report emphasized the significance of dependable performance and accessible support by highlighting how difficulties—like connectivity or storage limits—can interfere with daily living.

The report states that protection programs are quickly becoming a major enabler of consumer trust and a brand value enhancer.

According to the survey, around 97% of Indian customers indicated that personalized protection programs raise their probability of buying a device and registering for protection.

Country Director at Assurant India, Harini Kannan, said, “India stands out as one of the most vibrant and progressive connected consumer markets worldwide. ”

“Consumers are adopting innovation on a wide scale, but they expect the technology to operate effortlessly in the background. This creates a tremendous chance for companies to stand out through protection and service experiences, according to Kannan.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India’s markets regulator, issued an ex-parte interim order on Tuesday against the promoters and associates of Darjeeling Industries Limited, accusing them of orchestrating a complex plot that included circular funding, misuse of preferential issue proceeds, and suspected stock price manipulation.

Additionally, the regulator has questioned the listed company’s very existence, stating that it was unable to locate any operational presence at either of its stated registered office locations.

SEBI identified ten noticees in its 62-page interim ruling, including Managing Director Ashok Dilipkumar Jain, who it claimed was the brains behind the alleged plot.

Dilip Sanklecha, Sonali Parmar, Abhishek Prakash Jain, Kirti Ravi Kothari, Kalidas Magar, Joy Banerjee, Punyah Sachin Jain, and director Pradeep Sutodiya are the other noticees. The regulator stressed that its conclusions are prima facie and require further inquiry and responses from the notifyees.

Darjeeling Industries collected Rs 11. 76 crore by issuing convertible warrants to ten non-promoter investors, according to SEBI. The regulator claimed that Ashok Jain directly or indirectly financed at least Rs 1. 71 crore, or more than 58 percent of the amount, through his relatives and related companies, despite the investors first subscribing Rs 2. 94 crore. According to SEBI, this cast significant question on the allottees’ real independence as investors.

Additionally, the regulator claimed that Darjeeling Industries gave Ashok Jain the entire amount of Rs 2. 94 crore almost immediately after getting the subscription money. SEBI dubbed the sequence of transactions as circular funding, claiming that the money went via a number of companies after returning to the original firm.

According to the ruling, a big chunk of the cash was redirected to businesses that appeared to have no relationship to Darjeeling Industriies’ stated agricultural trading business.

Payments of approximately Rs 3. 09 crore to Lifeway Hygiene LLP (a baby-care products maker), Rs 1 crore to Shree Adhyashakti Metals Pvt. Ltd. (a scrap recycler), more than Rs 1. 28 crore to Antala Industries, Rs 40 lakh to Le Lavoir Ltd. (where Ashok Jain is also a director), and an additional Rs 40 lakh to the newly established Ghantiram Foods were questioned by SEBI.

After they were received, a sizable portion of the money that was sent to Ghantiram Foods was withdrawn in cash, according to the investigators.

Additionally, SEBI questioned the company’s real activities. Investigators discovered during inspections that Darjeeling Industriies was not operating out of its stated Mumbai registered office, which had been previously acquired by an unrelated finance firm that had purchased the property.

The firm continued to provide the address for board meetings, nevertheless. The office was locked when it was visited at the stated location in Rajkot, and there were no indications of trade or business. Additionally, the regulator pointed out that the company’s publicly available website was inactive.

In addition, the ruling was based on information obtained during a distinct investigation involving Surendra Jain, who is a suspect in the Sunshine Capital incident.

According to SEBI, WhatsApp chats supposedly tied Ashok Jain to Surendra Jain and included debates about Darjeeling Industries, shareholder lists, business expenses, and market operations.

According to the regulator, these talks, when examined in conjunction with the fund trail and trading patterns, suggested a coordinated scheme to manipulate the company’s shares.

Since a considerable portion of the preferentially assigned shares’ lock-in period was set to expire on June 30, SEBI claimed that it responded quickly. The regulator was worried that the notification recipients may have sold their shares and recorded illegal earnings at the expense of public investors.

At current market prices, it was estimated that shares owned by Ashok Dilipkumar Jain and related entities may have brought in as much as Rs 29. 05 crore.

In light of its ongoing investigation, SEBI has forthwith placed the noticees under market restrictions. The regulator reaffirmed that the interim order’s conclusions are preliminary and that all affected parties will have a chance to present their defense before any final ruling is made.

Sanjay Malhotra, the governor of the Reserve Bank of India, stated that, India’s financial system continues to be a major source of strength and support for the real economy and the country’s growth momentum. This is due to the continued soundness of banks and NBFCs, which are backed by strong capital and liquidity positions, healthy profitability, minimal levels of non-performing assets, and robust credit growth.

In the foreword to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, Malhotra remarked: The financial system and economy of India have shown amazing resiliency in the face of major external shocks.

Macrofinancial stability has been maintained by robust growth, minimal inflation, sound balance sheets of both financial and non-financial enterprises, and significant buffers.

India’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals, according to the Financial Stability report, give it a stronger position than many of its counterparts and more resilience to external shocks than in previous crisis episodes. Recent policy initiatives by the government and the Reserve Bank, as well as the interim peace agreement, have contributed to a favorable balance of hazards.

The domestic financial system, according to the research, is still robust due to strong balance sheets of both banks and non-banks. SCBs are still sound and secure, thanks to solid capital and liquidity buffers, a sustained improvement in asset quality, and consistent profitability.

Results from macro stress tests suggest that the banking system is still well-positioned to withstand potential shocks, with anticipated aggregate capital ratios staying comfortably above regulatory limits even in hypothetical unfavorable scenarios.

Solid capitalisation, high profitability, and increasing asset quality continue to support the financial health of non-banking financial firms (NBFCs).

With the solvency ratio of life insurers staying over the minimal threshold, the insurance industry maintains its balance sheet strength.

Malhotra added that we are nevertheless conscious of the changing external and internal risks and are dedicated to strengthening the guardrails that shield our economy and financial system from potential shocks.

Inflammatory pressures might be revived and monetary conditions tightened as a result of ongoing supply chain issues.

Meanwhile, the study stated that bond market fragilities, high public debt, leveraged NBFIs, and stretched asset valuations continue to be important vulnerabilities that could magnify future shocks.