SBI Ventures' Neev II Fund, a climate and sustainability-focused SME fund, has invested in RETAS Enviro Solutions Private Limited, a climate-tech company specializing in modular rainwater harvesting and disaster-resilient infrastructure. RETAS uses patented Rainmaxx tanks made from recycled polypropylene to capture and store rainwater, facilitating groundwater recharge. The investment supports RETAS's plans to expand its presence and product deployment in India, addressing water scarcity and urban flooding. RETAS has already captured over 75 billion litres of rainwater, aiming to significantly increase this capacity.Read more

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited flood-affected areas in Mandi district, assuring support and assessing damage. He urged MPs to help secure Union Government permission to rehabilitate families on forest land, as 68% of the state is forest area. The state plans to provide INR 7 lakh compensation for rebuilding homes. Over 1,184 houses, 710 cowsheds, and 201 shops were affected, with 15 fatalities. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with relief camps and road restoration prioritized.Read more

Namibia has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 9, during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia. CDRI, established in 2019 by India, promotes resilient infrastructure against climate risks. GBA, launched by PM Modi in September 2023, aims to advance biofuels globally. These memberships enhance cooperation in capacity building and reflect efforts to strengthen multilateralism for the Global South, boosting bilateral ties.Read more

Education loan growth for Indian NBFCs is projected to halve to 25% in FY26 due to policy uncertainty in the US, according to Crisil Ratings. The loan portfolio stood at INR 64,000 crore in March 2025, with stable asset quality and 0.1% gross NPAs. A 27% YoY drop in US student visas-linked to tighter rules and funding cuts-has reduced loan originations. The US share in education loans has fallen from 53% to 50%, with further declines expected. NBFCs are shifting focus to the UK, Germany, Ireland, and domestic education segments. Crisil warns of asset quality risks as moratoriums end and newer lending areas expand.Read more

The Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS), held in Kochi in February 2025, has attracted investments worth INR 1.77 lakh crore across 424 projects. Of these, 86 projects worth INR 31,429 crore have begun, expected to create over 40,000 jobs. In July alone, projects worth INR 1,500 crore-including ventures by BlueStar Realtors, Canyo Health, and Kaynes Technology-will commence. August will see another INR 1,437 crore in projects begin, including Green Worms Waste Management, Renai Medicity, and Nitta Gelatin. Adani Logistics will invest INR 600 crore in a logistics park in Kalamassery. A minister-led advisory group is overseeing smooth execution, with land secured for 268 projects so far.Read more

Shell has acquired full ownership of Mumbai-based Raj Petro Specialities from Germany's Brenntag Group, enhancing its presence in India's lubricant market. Raj Petro, with plants in Chennai and Silvassa, produces transformer oils, waxes, white oils, and more. Shell already operates a blending plant in Taloja and serves 50,000 outlets via 200+ distributors, a network that will grow with this acquisition. India, the world's third-largest lubricants market, is a key focus for Shell's growth. The company also partners with top OEMs like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. With Raj Petro, Shell aims to expand its product range, customer base, and value-added offerings across India's energy sector.Read more

Epson India has inaugurated its first ink tank printer manufacturing facility near Chennai, marking a major milestone under the 'Make in India' initiative. Located in Sriperumbudur and set to begin operations in October 2025, the plant-established with partner RIKUN-will initially produce Epson's EcoTank printers. These cartridge-free printers are known for their cost efficiency and eco-friendliness. Epson Global President Junkichi Yoshida highlighted the company's commitment to sustainability and local production. With over 100 million EcoTank units sold worldwide, including 8 million in India, Epson aims to enhance supply chain agility and deepen its presence in the Indian market through this facility.Read more

The JSW Group has secured INR 9,300 crore in financing to acquire Akzo Nobel India for INR 12,915 crore. This financing mix includes an INR 3,300 crore operating company-level debt from foreign lenders, a INR 3,000 crore convertible instrument from private credit funds, and a INR 3,000 crore loan against shares from domestic mutual funds. This acquisition aims to make JSW Paints India's fourth-largest paint company. The funding strategy also potentially includes proceeds from a recent INR 1,210 crore stake sale by promoters.Read more

India's economy is projected to grow between 6.4% and 6.7% in the current financial year, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The forecast reflects optimism around strong domestic consumption, a favorable monsoon, increased liquidity from the Reserve Bank of India's recent CRR cut, and a benchmark interest rate reduction. While geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties remain potential risks, the CII believes these are balanced by positive internal factors. This projection was shared by CII President Rajiv Memani during his first media briefing since assuming the role.Read more

India will host the 7th International Real Estate Conference (IREC) in Hyderabad in September 2026, marking a major win for the country's property sector. Organized by NAR-INDIA and Hyderabad Realtors Association, the event will bring together over 600 global real estate leaders, investors, and policymakers. NAR-INDIA secured the bid at IREC 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, where India's potential drew strong investor interest. IREC 2026 will spotlight Hyderabad's smart-city progress, host investor roundtables, and showcase landmark projects. With themes like proptech, ESG, and global investment, the event highlights India's growing leadership in real estate. High-level government participation and global media coverage are also expected.Read more