Carrum Mobility, a technology-led fleet management company, today announced the launch of its operations in Kolkata, marking its entry into eastern India. The expansion will support the growing demand for organised ride-hailing services in the city.

With this expansion, Carrum now operates over 4500 vehicles across six cities, providing end-to-end fleet management services including driver partner onboarding, vehicle maintenance, compliance management, and day-to-day fleet operations for ride-hailing platforms.

As part of its Kolkata launch, Carrum has introduced a structured onboarding programme for driver partners covering vehicle handling, safety practices, and platform training. The initiative is designed to equip driver partners with the skills and support required to build sustainable livelihoods. Since its inception, the company has enabled livelihood opportunities for more than 15,000 driver partners across its markets.

Suresh Nair, Partner - Indirect Tax, EY India 

"The entry into force of the India-UK CETA on 15 July 2026 marks a significant milestone for India's pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. By providing duty-free access for nearly all Indian exports to the UK, including pharmaceutical products, the agreement is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Indian pharmaceuticals, including generics, APIs and finished formulations, in an important healthcare market. It also creates opportunities for Indian companies to deepen their participation in UK healthcare supply chains, including public procurement opportunities and partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.

Importantly, the agreement preserves India's public-health safeguards and existing patent framework, providing continued support to the country's globally competitive generic pharmaceutical industry and its role in ensuring access to affordable medicines.

Looking ahead, CETA is expected to strengthen bilateral pharmaceutical supply chains, facilitate greater collaboration in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO), research, innovation and technology partnerships and support deeper life sciences collaboration between the two countries. The agreement further reinforces India's position as a trusted, high quality and cost effective healthcare and life sciences partner as the UK continues to diversify and strengthen its healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chains."

Ravindra Singh, Managing Director, Delcom Telesystems

"World AI Appreciation Day is a timely reminder that the true value of artificial intelligence lies not in the technology itself, but in its ability to solve real-world challenges across critical infrastructure sectors. In India's power transmission and distribution ecosystem, where reliability, resilience, and operational continuity are paramount, AI is increasingly becoming a strategic capability rather than an emerging trend.

As utilities accelerate investments in smart grids, digital substations, and modernized infrastructure, they are managing more distributed and interconnected environments than ever before. This calls for systems that can do more than simply record or report incidents after they occur.

AI is helping drive this shift from reactive operations to predictive intelligence. AI-powered video analytics, anomaly detection, edge computing, and intelligent monitoring are enabling utilities to identify potential security threats, equipment failures, and operational disruptions before they escalate into larger incidents. The result is improved situational awareness, faster response times, and more resilient infrastructure.

At Delcom Telesystems, we view AI as an enabler that strengthens the convergence of surveillance, networking, cybersecurity, and operational technologies into a unified infrastructure ecosystem. The organizations that embrace AI-driven intelligence today will be better positioned to build the secure, resilient, and future-ready power networks that India's growth ambitions demand."

Global semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales are projected to reach a record US$165.9 billion in 2026, a 23.2% increase over the previous year, and continue their growth trajectory to US$229.5 billion by 2028, according to SEMI's Mid-Year Total Semiconductor Equipment Forecast. This marks five consecutive years of industry growth, driven by accelerating investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced logic, high-bandwidth memory (HBM), advanced packaging and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

The forecast highlights robust growth across wafer fabrication equipment, semiconductor test systems, and assembly and packaging equipment as chipmakers worldwide expand capacity to support AI-driven computing, hyperscale data centres, automotive electronics and intelligent edge devices. Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE), the largest segment, is expected to reach US$143.9 billion in 2026, while semiconductor test equipment is projected to grow 31% to US$15.3 billion.

Vikas Gupta, Country Manager - India, Bybit 

With Bitcoin crossing the $65,000 mark, what market sentiment, ETF flows, and other key factors should investors watch?

While volatility is a natural characteristic of digital assets, investors today have access to significantly more institutional indicators than in previous market cycles.

One of the most important indicators to watch is Spot Bitcoin ETF flows, which have become one of the strongest measures of institutional sentiment.

Investors should also closely monitor U.S. inflation data and Federal Reserve decisions, as interest-rate expectations continue to influence capital flows into crypto markets.

In addition, on-chain metrics such as exchange reserves, whale accumulation and long-term holder behaviour provide valuable insight into underlying demand and broader market conviction.

Market leverage, including funding rates and open interest, is another important factor to watch, as it helps assess whether rallies are being driven by sustainable spot demand or excessive leverage.

Ashvini Jakhar, Founder and CEO, Prozo

"The world is rapidly moving towards a clear divide: people and organisations will either be users of AI or creators of AI. Tools such as ChatGPT and Claude are already transforming not only analytical work, but also creativity, problem-solving, and execution-creating a powerful multiplier effect on productivity.

At Prozo, we are embedding AI platforms across functions to help our teams work faster and execute better. In several use cases, this has compressed timelines to a fraction of what they were earlier-sometimes enabling outcomes in nearly one-tenth of the original time. The real opportunity lies in moving beyond experimentation and making AI an integral part of how organisations think, operate, and grow."

KisanKraft Limited today announced its foray into electric-powered farm equipment, bringing the electric revolution that transformed India's roads to the Indian farm. The company is debuting two new additions to its electric farm equipment range with two machines - the E-Inter-cultivator and the E-Self Propelled Reaper - the latest additions in a planned range of battery-powered equipment designed and manufactured in India for small and medium farmers. In KisanKraft's field trials, the machines brought energy costs down from approximately Rs 170 per hour for comparable petrol-powered equipment to approximately Rs 10 per hour -- a reduction of over 90 per cent.

The foray is a response to a problem KisanKraft has watched build for years across its farmer base: mechanization is becoming harder to afford for the very farmers who need it most. Fuel is the single largest recurring cost of running farm equipment, and petrol engines add to it with regular servicing, spares, breakdowns, and downtime during critical crop windows. At the same time, labour shortages during peak weeding and harvesting seasons are pushing more small farmers towards machines. Caught between rising fuel bills and disappearing labour, the small farmer needed a third option.

Sajeev Viswanathan, Founder & CEO MiFiX.ai

"AI Appreciation Day is a good moment to take stock of how far the conversation has moved. A year ago, enterprises were asking whether they should adopt AI. Today they are asking why their AI is still not in production.

That gap is not a technology problem. It is what we describe as a FITS problem: Fear, Inertia, Trust issues, and Surprise. Enterprises have run the pilots. Most are still stuck there. Industry research shows nearly 80% of enterprise AI initiatives fail to deliver intended business value, not because the models are poor, but because organisations struggle with governance, fragmented workflows, and production deployment.

The next phase of enterprise AI will not belong to companies with access to the best models. It will belong to those with the best architecture: AI used responsibly at the design stage, deterministic and auditable systems in execution, and governance built in from day one rather than bolted on later. AI should not just make work faster. It should make enterprises fundamentally more trustworthy in how they operate, decide, and serve their customers."

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX 

"The same discipline traders bring to crypto trading should reflect in their tax filing too. Start by pulling your complete transaction history across every exchange and wallet. Then match it with your TDS records, Form 26AS and AIS before calculating your gains. 

Three mistakes that we see from investors every year are not claiming eligible TDS credit, reporting only profitable trades instead of your complete transaction history, and leaving calculations until the last minute. These small oversights can lead to unnecessary mismatches or even paying more tax than required.

This is exactly why we are building Taxlyst, a free crypto tax reporting tool. Users can import their transactions from multiple exchanges, calculate your gains, losses, refund claims, and walk away with a tax-ready report. Whether you trade on WazirX or elsewhere, the goal is the same: less manual effort, fewer errors, and a filing process that doesn't take up your entire weekend.

A little preparation today can make tax season far less stressful and far more accurate."

Siddhartha Abburi, Director, Avantel Limited

"In defense communications, AI is moving from promise to practice. We see it in how satellite networks manage bandwidth, how systems flag a failing component before it fails, and how operators make sense of data in the field. The gains in readiness and uptime are real. But in our line of work, an algorithm that is clever is not enough. It has to be secure, validated, and accountable to a human at every step. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, because in national security, trust in the system matters as much as the technology inside it."

Arisinfra Solutions Limited (NSE : ARIS I BSE 544419), a leading technology-enabled construction materials and infrastructure solutions company, has secured a work order worth Rs 79.05 crore  from J. Kumar - NCC (GMLR) JV for the loading, transportation and disposal of excavated material for the prestigious Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) Twin Tunnel Project in Mumbai.

Under the work order, Arisinfra will undertake the end-to-end management of excavated material generated from the tunnel excavation, including deployment of loading equipment, transportation through a dedicated fleet, identification and management of approved dumping yards, statutory approvals, environmental compliances and disposal in accordance with project requirements.

Figaro, one of India's most recognised olive oil brands and part of Deoleo, the world's leading olive oil company, is entering a new phase of growth with a refreshed brand identity, updated packaging and a new national campaign featuring actor and entertainer Sunil Grover.

The launch marks a significant milestone for the 100-year-old brand, which has been present in India for over four decades. Backed by Deoleo's global expertise across 68 countries and a portfolio of some of the world's most recognised olive oil brands, Figaro's latest transformation reflects the brand's continued evolution while building on a legacy of trust and quality.

India continues to be a priority growth market for Deoleo. With the olive oil category in India estimated at approximately Rs 880 crore and witnessing sustained growth, the company sees significant opportunity to expand household penetration, increase category adoption and strengthen Figaro's presence across both established and emerging markets.

Ionic Wealth, a tech-led wealth management platform, reported total Assets Under Management (AUM) of over Rs 134 billion in Q1 FY27, clocking a quarter-on-quarter growth of 33.3%. This momentum was led by the UHNI Business, which has steadily built an AUM of Rs 87.3 billion through a solution-led advisory approach. The firm continues to double down on a global suite of solutions and is introducing features based on new-age technologies keeping investor needs at the epicentre. 

In an industry-first initiative, the firm has digitised the entire certification process to be an Accredited Investor, enabling investors to complete the accreditation process from document submission, verification to approvals, directly through the Ionic Wealth application. Under AI initiative, Ionic AI Agent empowers relationship managers with sharper, data-driven insights by analysing up to 20 years of historical investment data, identifying behavioural patterns, benchmarking portfolio performance and identifying new investment opportunities. 

Kartik Narayan, CEO, Apna

"AI adoption is beginning to reshape workforce readiness in India. Findings from our recently launched Apna AI Readiness Pulse 2026 show that AI-skill mentions on candidate profiles grew 18% year-on-year in Q1 FY27, while AI-related job postings on the platform increased 112% over the same period. Among freshers, AI-skill mentions grew 20% year-on-year nearly twice the pace of experienced professionals suggesting that young Indians are proactively building AI capabilities even before entering the workforce.

What's equally significant is that this shift is no longer confined to technology roles. We are seeing AI adoption expand across Marketing, Customer Support, Administration and other business functions, reinforcing that AI is becoming a foundational workplace capability rather than a specialist skill.

The next phase of India's AI journey will not be defined solely by how powerful AI models become, but by how effectively people use them to learn faster, solve better, and become more productive. AI literacy is steadily becoming a foundational layer of employability much like digital literacy was a generation ago."

Raahul Seshadri, Director of AI and Tech at WebEngage

"As India strengthens its status as one of the leading AI economies, the way brands gain and maintain their customer base is undergoing a historic transformation. Today, AI is used by 87% of Indian companies, and among the main business functions AI is used in, marketing offers the most measurable value across large scales. At WebEngage, we hold that AI's most significant impact on marketing is not through the automation of processes. It is through the ability to personalize. The times for campaigns that are one size fits all are over. We have entered the times for the ability to engage customers in a context-sensitive manner and to know customer behavior and engagement in a timely manner."

The AI race isn't about prestige. Experts say AI is becoming critical infrastructure-just like electricity, telecom networks or cloud computing. Read full report here

Nirmal K Minda, President, ASSOCHAM

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a historic milestone in India's FTA journey, bringing together two of the world's oldest democracies through a comprehensive free trade partnership. Under the agreement, 99% of India's exports to the UK will enjoy duty-free access, while India has opened 89.5% of its tariff lines to the UK.

The agreement is expected to significantly benefit Indian sectors such as textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and chemicals. Likewise, the UK is set to gain across key sectors, including automotive, beverages and spirits, life sciences, and healthcare.

The duty-free market access will strengthen business opportunities in both countries by leveraging complementarities, expanding trade volumes, promoting investments, and generating greater economic welfare. This landmark agreement is the outcome of four years of sustained negotiations.

We look forward to the early implementation of the CETA and expect its benefits to become visible soon.

Bilateral trade is projected to nearly double from around USD 58 billion in 2025-26 to approximately USD 120 billion by 2030, ushering in a new era of economic cooperation between India and the UK.

Sameer Merchant, Managing Director & CEO of Laxmi Dental Limited

"Artificial intelligence has evolved from being a productivity tool to becoming a strategic enabler of precision-driven dentistry. As AI becomes increasingly integrated with digital workflows, advanced imaging, intraoral scanning, and treatment planning, it is helping clinicians deliver more accurate diagnoses, personalized care, and improved patient outcomes. Recent advancements in AI have further strengthened its role in supporting clinical decision-making, improving diagnostic capabilities, and enabling more efficient treatment planning across dental specialties. At Laxmi Dental, we are embedding AI across our digital ecosystem, from enhancing laboratory workflows to enabling connected care through innovations such as i Scope360, our AI-connected remote dental monitoring platform. We believe AI delivers its greatest value when it complements clinical expertise, strengthens digital workflows, and improves patient engagement beyond the dental chair. However, innovation must be accompanied by robust clinical validation, data security, transparency, and rigorous quality standards. The future of dentistry will be defined not only by technological advancement, but by how responsibly AI is applied to make oral healthcare more connected, accessible, and patient-centric."

Arvind Subbarao, Co-founder & CEO, iMeUsWe 

"AI is really changing how people look for guidance and interact with technology in their daily lives. What makes this shift so fascinating isn't just that AI is getting smarter, it's that people are increasingly trusting it with things that used to be deeply human experiences.

At iMeUsWe, our pilot data clearly shows this shift. The AI astrologer chatbot accounted for nearly 30% of all consultations. Conversations are mostly about relationships and self-awareness. Most activity takes place in the afternoon when people are making decisions and late at night when they want reassurance.

These insights tell us that users want technology to be always-available, quick, responsive and truly get where they are coming from. AI is progressing day by day, making even the most advanced, traditional knowledge more accessible. Artificial intelligence can democratize this without sacrificing the depth of centuries-old wisdom in fields like astrology where help has always been a matter of timing, availability and personal expertise.

The real opportunity isn't just about speed or efficiency. It lies in creating digital experiences that feel more personal, responsible, and trustworthy. In the end, the future of AI will be defined by how well it complements human judgment, deepens meaningful connections, and delivers guidance that still carries empathy and trust, empowering people to make life's important decisions with greater clarity and confidence."

Ankita Pathak, Head - Global Investments, Ionic Asset 

"The inflationary pressures in the US eased sharply in June amid global crude oil prices correction However, the geopolitical situation remains uncertain, making the inflationary impact of the conflict difficult to assess. Along with volatile energy prices, weather related risks to food inflation, AI-led investment and gradual pass through of tariffs could keep US CPI above 2% for an extended period. With Fed Chair Kevin Warsh remaining reluctant to provide explicit forward guidance, we expect the Fed to remain highly data-dependent and maintain a cautious policy stance in the near-term as it seeks greater clarity on inflation outlook."

Vamsi Karatam, Founder & CEO of Deepfacts Private Limited 

National AI Appreciation Day is a moment to recognise how artificial intelligence is helping healthcare move from information overload to meaningful clinical understanding. At proRITHM, we believe the true value of AI lies in its ability to support medical expertise, making complex healthcare information easier to interpret and enabling timely, informed decisions. Our focus is on using AI to strengthen remote monitoring and screening capabilities, extend access to specialised insights, and support healthcare professionals in delivering better care across diverse settings. The future of healthcare will be shaped by responsible innovation where technology and clinical knowledge work together to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes. AI's greatest achievement will be measured by how effectively it enhances human expertise and helps make preventive or proactive healthcare more accessible.

Smarten Power Systems, an Indian power backup and solar energy solutions company catering to residential and commercial users, today announced the appointment of Mr. Ranjit Singh as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 August 2026. The appointment was approved by the company's Board of Directors at its meeting held on 14 July 2026.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Singh was associated with Smarten Power Systems as Consultant - Vice President, Operations, where he played an instrumental role in strengthening operational processes, enhancing manufacturing efficiencies and supporting several of the company's key initiatives. In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, he will lead the company's end-to-end operations, manufacturing excellence, supply chain, quality systems and strategic execution while driving operational efficiencies to support Smarten's expansion plans in India and international markets.

Aditya Nadkarni, Director, Indirect Tax, Nexdigm and Snehal Gadhave, Senior Manager, Nexdigm

Recent announcements extending customs duty exemptions on specified electronic components and manufacturing equipment represent another significant step in the government's broader strategy of strengthening India's position within global electronics and battery supply chains.

The notifications are expected to reduce the landed cost of critical components and capital goods, thereby improving the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers. In particular, the expansion of concessional duty benefits for battery manufacturing equipment could facilitate large-scale investments in advanced battery manufacturing and electric mobility ecosystems.

Over the past decade, India's electronics manufacturing sector has expanded dramatically, with production rising from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in FY2014-15 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, while electronics exports grew from Rs 38,000 crore to approximately Rs 3.27 lakh crore during the same period. In 2025, electronics exports crossed the US$ 47-48 billion mark, making electronics one of India's largest export sectors.

More broadly, these measures reflect a targeted tariff strategy aimed at enhancing domestic value addition and reducing dependence on imported finished products. The approach is consistent with the broader evolution of India's manufacturing policy, which has contributed to mobile phone production increasing from approximately Rs 18,000 crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs 5.45 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, with India now manufacturing over 99% of the mobile phones sold domestically and emerging as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturing nation.

The government seems willing to forego a relatively modest amount of customs revenue in pursuit of a larger economic benefit through investment, technology transfer, employment creation and export growth. The 31 March 2029 sunset date further suggests that these exemptions are intended to create a defined investment window rather than permanent concessions.

While these achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted policy interventions, sustained success will ultimately depend on continued development of local component manufacturing capabilities, technology transfer, research and development, and a skilled workforce to support deeper integration into global value chains.

Collectively, the notifications reflect a broader shift in India's trade policy; from protecting domestic industry through tariffs to strategically shaping manufacturing ecosystems through targeted customs interventions. The ultimate measure of success will be whether these measures attract fresh investments in component manufacturing, increase domestic value addition beyond current levels and strengthen India's position within global electronics supply chains.

Sumit Singh, Co- Founder & CEO of DashLoc

National AI Appreciation Day is a celebration of how intelligence is reshaping the way businesses connect, grow, and create value. Every search, every customer interaction, every review, and every digital touchpoint carries insights that often go unnoticed until AI brings them into focus. At DashLoc, that intelligence is applied to help businesses strengthen their online presence, understand customer behavior, make faster decisions, and deliver experiences that build lasting trust. The real promise of AI is not replacing human judgment but giving it greater clarity, speed, and confidence. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the businesses that thrive will be those that transform everyday data into meaningful action and lasting relationships. That is the kind of progress worth recognising today and every day.

Amit Sharma, Founder and Whole Time Director at Matrix Geo Solutions

"Matrix Geo Solutions celebrates artificial intelligence as a practical force reshaping geospatial intelligence. AI is helping us read the Earth with greater precision by accelerating survey workflows, extracting meaning from drone and satellite imagery, and uncovering patterns that would otherwise remain hidden in complex datasets. It enables faster decisions with predictive analytics and real time insights, strengthening how infrastructure is planned, cities are designed, ecosystems are monitored, and disasters are responded to. For us, the real value of AI lies not in automation alone but in its ability to convert spatial data into informed action, helping organizations build with more confidence, respond with more speed, and plan with greater responsibility for the world ahead." 

Delnaz Elavia, Managing Director, Great Place To Work India

"AI Appreciation Day serves as a reflection on one of the most transformative developments of our era: the ability of technology to amplify human potential at scale. Across industries, AI is enabling organisations to generate deeper insights, enhance effectiveness, accelerate innovation, optimise operations, and create more meaningful work experiences. Our latest study indicates that 64% of CHROs have prioritised AI-led workforce transformation, including strategy and governance, work redesign, and skills development, as a key component of their people agenda for FY 2026-27.

At Best Workplaces™, technological advancements such as AI adoption are most impactful when supported by a strong culture of trust and confidence in leadership. Organisations with high confidence in leadership report 34% greater innovation, while those with high levels of trust in leadership experience a 47% increase in productivity.  The best workplaces stand out by ensuring clear and transparent communication, addressing feedback on priority, building cross-functional teams to explore AI opportunities, and personalizing learning. AI readiness is fundamentally a people capability, and its successful adoption within organisations is driven by leaders who are able to balance growth, innovation, and inclusion. Ultimately, the success of AI transformation in India will depend not only on the technology itself, but on the people and leadership that guide its implementation." 

Yashwant Singh, Founder & CEO, AmbitionHire.ai

"National AI Day is a great opportunity to remember how quickly artificial intelligence has become an established technology that transforms the way we conduct our work and recruitment activities and helps us move forward. Today, it assists organizations in automating routine tasks, getting more valuable insights out of data, and making more informed decisions. At the same time, its true value lies in the ability of people to apply their critical thinking skills and focus on those areas where they excel, rather than try to replace them with AI.

In the sphere of recruiting, AI can help organizations hire candidates more efficiently by automating many aspects of the process and improving candidate matching and the overall hiring experience. Nonetheless, hiring remains a people-driven process, as qualities such as cultural fit, leadership, adaptability, and emotional intelligence can only be assessed through human intuition and experience. Organizations that effectively combine the speed and efficiency of AI with recruiter expertise will have a clear advantage in attracting the right talent.

As AI continues to evolve, organizations must prioritize its responsible adoption by ensuring transparency, fairness, and continuous employee development. It is essential to build people-first organisations empowered by AI, rather than AI-first organizations. This balanced approach will help businesses attract top talent, drive innovation, and create a more sustainable future of work."

Bhavin Turakhia, Founder, Neo

"Artificial intelligence is the biggest force multiplier of my lifetime, bigger than the internet or the smartphone. It can genuinely expand what humans are capable of, letting a small team achieve what once took an army and far more capital. We are only beginning to understand how far that goes.

The shift isn't about access to powerful models. It's about reimagining how work gets done. When tasks, context, and knowledge come together in one place, people and intelligent agents work side by side, decisions carry full context, and execution gets dramatically faster. This is how the next generation of ambitious companies gets built.

AI Appreciation Day is a chance to focus on that real promise: enabling individuals and organizations to solve bigger problems, create greater value, and redefine what they're capable of achieving."

Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO, Pi42

"The crypto market is showing encouraging signs of renewed institutional confidence, with Bitcoin finding support from fresh ETF inflows while Ethereum continues to attract attention ahead of potential catalysts in the second half of the year. At the same time, assets such as XRP and XLM are witnessing improved buying interest as selling pressure begins to ease, indicating that investors are selectively positioning themselves across quality digital assets rather than chasing short-term price movements. The broader market continues to reward projects with strong utility, growing adoption and credible ecosystems, which remains a healthy signal for the next phase of the cycle.

Investors should use this phase to build positions gradually with a disciplined approach instead of reacting to daily price swings or speculative narratives. Diversification across fundamentally strong assets, maintaining adequate liquidity and staying focused on long-term wealth creation will be far more rewarding than attempting to time every market move. It is equally important to avoid excessive leverage, emotional trading and making investment decisions based solely on social media sentiment, as sustainable returns are built through patience, research and consistency." 

Ross Maxwell, Global Strategy Operations Lead, VT Markets 

Global markets have remained resilient despite the recent jump in oil prices back above above $85, mainly because investors are treating the current rise as a geopolitical risk premium rather than the beginning of a sustained energy crisis. Equity markets appear to believe that, while tensions remain elevated, major powers want to avoid a wider conflict that could seriously disrupt global oil supply, due to the potential economic consequences.

There has been a consistent theme to these issues under the Trump administration, which has led to people referring to it as the "TACO Trade" - Trump Always Chickens Out. 

The market sentiment is that aggressive rhetoric, threats and escalation are often used more as negotiating tactics followed by de-escalation. Investors have therefore become increasingly willing to buy market weakness rather than immediately price in the worst-case scenario. Markets are effectively saying, until there is actual evidence of a genuine supply disruption they are not going to panic and act aggressively.

However, India remains vulnerable to persistent high crude prices. As a major oil importer, higher energy costs can increase the import bill, pressure the rupee and feed into inflation through fuel, transport and manufacturing costs. This can complicate monetary policy and weigh on corporate margins and equity valuations.

This could escalate quickly, especially if oil moves above $100 and sustains, physical supply is disrupted, or geopolitical tensions escalate further. Central Banks and the FED are also watching data closely to decide their next policy move, a renewed inflation spike could force them to maintain tighter policy which would challenge the current optimism. 

For now, markets are pricing for the TACO Trade, however this could change quickly in a situation that is unpredictable and volatile.

The projects come at a time when Varanasi is witnessing an unprecedented surge in visitors. The city now attracts nearly 15 crore tourists and pilgrims every year. Read full report here

Legal experts say that overlooking just a few clauses can later lead to disputes over security deposits, maintenance charges or even hefty penalties. Read full report here

Angel One has announced its Q1 FY27 results, reporting a strong quarter with standalone PAT of Rs 2,707 crore, up 102.2% YoY, and gross revenue of Rs 14,135 crore, up 26.2% YoY. 

Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange

Global risk sentiment improved after softer US inflation pulled Treasury yields and the dollar lower, supporting equities and crypto. US indices ended firmer, led by large technology stocks and encouraging financial-sector earnings, although weakness in semiconductors showed that investors remain selective.

Bitcoin briefly reclaimed $65,000 but is still struggling to establish acceptance above the $65,000-$66,000 resistance zone. The first support lies near $64,200. Ethereum continues to show stronger relative momentum, though its RSI near 71 signals stretched conditions, while elevated ATR points to larger price swings as it approaches the $1,940-$1,975 resistance band. Sustained ETF inflows and continued strength in US equities will be important for the next leg higher.

Gold remains caught between softer US data and renewed inflation concerns from higher crude prices. Technically, XAUT stays vulnerable below $4,070-$4,100. The $4,000 level is the key near-term support, and a decisive break could expose $3,980 and $3,950.

Trideep Bhattacharya, President and CIO - Equities, Edelweiss MF

India-UK FTA strengthens a high-potential economic corridor: tariff relief and services mobility can lift growth and improve trade mix, while deeper strategic ties offer investors a more predictable platform for cross-border capital allocation. Notably, the FTA entered into force on 15 July 2026, is forecast to raise bilateral trade by £25.5bn annually in the long run.

Disclaimer: Trideep Bhattacharya, is the President & CIO-Equities at Edelweiss Asset Management Limited (EAML) and the views expressed above are his own

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX

"We're already in a phase where AI will increasingly participate in crypto economies. AI is becoming an always-on research assistant, helping traders analyse markets, simplify complex data, and make more informed decisions. Traders can use AI to summarise market conditions, identify emerging trends, and better understand technical indicators.

AI-powered trading assistance can also simplify the experience for first-time crypto users by explaining market movements in plain language and helping them understand risk before placing a trade.

That said, AI should augment human decision-making, not replace it. Markets are influenced not only by data but also by unexpected events and human behaviour. The future lies in combining AI with human judgment to build a smarter, more efficient, and more accessible financial ecosystem."

The projects come at a time when Varanasi is witnessing a surge in visitors. The city attracts nearly 15 crore tourists and pilgrims every year. Read full report here

Legal experts say that overlooking just a few clauses can later lead to disputes over security deposits, maintenance charges or even hefty penalties. Read full report here

The Thesis

Industrial metals and defense manufacturing top the investment themes today as US-Iran escalation drives Brent above $85 to a one-month high. DIIs absorbed Rs 2,928 crore against FII selling of Rs 740 crore - a domestic commitment to India's capex and infrastructure cycle. Nifty 500 up just 0.28% signals the relative-value edge lies in names that benefit directly from elevated crude and geopolitical supply disruption.

Where We're Concentrated

The basket concentrates in Aditya Birla Group materials, base metals and defense precision castings - the bet is that India's domestic infrastructure pipeline insulates these names from crude cost shocks while geopolitical stress structurally accelerates global armament orders. A healthcare position adds quality defensiveness. The thesis weakens if Brent holds above $90, compressing downstream margins and widening India's current account.

Conviction Picks

Highest Conviction

Grasim Industries

Cement, chemicals and fiber converge on India's infrastructure cycle as capex allocations widen despite rising energy costs.

Hindalco Industries

Aluminum demand tied to global energy transition; elevated copper keeps refining margins firm despite Brent-driven cost pressure.

PTC Industries

Titanium castings for defense aerospace gain structural order flow as US-Iran escalation drives global armament spending higher.

Tata Steel

India's infrastructure pipeline insulates domestic steel volumes even as elevated Brent tests global cost assumptions.

Apollo Hospitals

Premium private hospital demand holds as India's healthcare spend stays structurally insulated from geopolitical cost volatility.

One Thing to Watch

Brent above $90 A sustained break reprices input costs across the metals and cement cluster, risks triggering sector rotation from cyclicals to defensives, and puts fresh pressure on the rupee and India's current account.

Rajesh Palviya, Head of Research, Axis Direct

The Nifty 50 ended Wednesday with modest gains, rising 26.45 points (0.11%) to close at 24,078.50, recovering partially from the previous session's sharp decline. The index climbed to an intraday high near 24,220 before paring gains as Brent crude extended its rally and renewed US-Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz dented risk sentiment. Financials provided stability, with the Nifty Bank advancing 0.51%, while IT stocks underperformed following IBM's softer revenue outlook. Overnight, US markets finished higher, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.38% and the Nasdaq adding 0.62%, supported by strength in mega-cap technology stocks and softer US wholesale inflation data that eased concerns over further policy tightening.

Asian markets are witnessing a mixed start on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei trading lower while Hong Kong's Hang Seng is outperforming, gaining nearly 300 points. Brent crude remains the key monitor, holding above $85 per barrel for a third consecutive session amid persistent supply disruption concerns, posing a headwind for India's inflation and current account outlook.

GIFT Nifty around 24,110 indicates a flat-to-positive opening for domestic equities.

From a technical perspective, the near-term trend remains constructive as long as the Nifty sustains above the 24,000 mark, which coincides with the 20-day moving average and acted as a strong support during Wednesday's session. A decisive move above 24,200 could trigger fresh momentum towards 24,300-24,400, while a breach below 24,000 may invite profit booking towards 23,900 and 23,800. With India VIX remaining subdued at 13.27, volatility is likely to stay contained, although any moderation in crude oil prices could provide the next catalyst for a stronger upside move.

BTC climbed to a three-week high of $65.5K after US producer inflation fell 0.3% month-on-month, reinforcing the softer CPI print released a day earlier, before easing below $65K. Cooling inflation reduced expectations of further Fed tightening and improved sentiment across risk assets. BTC now faces resistance near $67.2K; a sustained breakout could open the path toward $70K. However, traders remain cautious as BTC approaches its 50-month EMA, a level that has historically acted as resistance in bearish phases. Geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz also remain a key risk through their potential impact on energy prices. Markets are now evaluating whether easing inflation will give the Fed room to adopt a more hawkish policy stance.

Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus.com

Bitcoin is trading near $64,670 and remains broadly unchanged over 24 hours. Softer US inflation data has reduced expectations of an immediate Federal Reserve rate increase, supporting risk appetite. However, rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty are limiting further gains.

Institutional demand remains uneven. US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a $424.7 million outflow on July 13, followed by a $181.1 million inflow on July 14. On-chain indicators show that Bitcoin is still trading below key investor cost-basis levels. This could lead to increased selling pressure if the market extends its recovery.

Altcoin performance remains selective. Ethereum is the strongest large-cap mover, rising about 3% to $1,921, with a market capitalisation of nearly $232 billion and 24-hour volume of $12.7 billion. XRP gained about 1% to $1.11, while BNB was flat near $580. Solana declined 0.4% to $77, and TRON fell 0.4% to $0.324. Bitcoin dominance remains high at 58.3%, indicating that this is not yet a broad altcoin rally.

Our advice: Investors should avoid chasing short-term breakouts. Staggered buying, limited leverage and disciplined position sizing remain prudent until Bitcoin sustains a move above $65,500 and ETF demand becomes more consistent.

Nischal Shetty, founder, WazirX

"Crypto markets are seeing renewed optimism as softer inflation data has eased concerns around further interest rate hikes. Lower rate expectations tend to improve liquidity for risk assets, and we're already seeing signs of institutional confidence returning, with both Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs recording fresh inflows last week. 

At the same time, global regulatory developments continue to support long-term adoption, with Japan recognizing crypto as a financial asset and Europe advancing its digital euro initiative. While investor sentiment remains cautious, improving macro conditions and steady institutional participation suggest the market is gradually rebuilding confidence after a volatile period.

Bitcoin continues to trade above the key $64,000 mark, suggesting that bulls remain in control despite short-term consolidation. According to analysts, for futures traders, the immediate support zone lies between $63,800 and $64,000. Holding this range could encourage fresh long positions, while a break below the stronger support at $62,500-62,800 may trigger increased selling pressure and long liquidations. 

Ethereum has been showing stronger relative momentum, gaining over 11% during the past week while holding comfortably above $1,900. Experts indicate that for futures traders, it will be important to monitor funding rates, open interest, and trading volumes alongside price action, as these indicators often provide early clues on whether a breakout is backed by conviction or likely to reverse."

At the close on Wednesday, the total market cap of all BSE Sensex companies stood at Rs 4,81,02,851.