India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
BENGALURU: Reacting to the row involving Italian fashion brand Prada and Kolhapuri chappals, RDPR minister Priyank Kharge said artisans and their legacy must be "showcased" instead of being "sidelined" by international fashion houses. "So, Prada is selling what are essentially Kolhapuri chappals for Rs 1.2 lakh a pair," he said on X. He said local handicrafts and artisans should be promoted through cultural entrepreneurship. "They don't just deserve credit, they deserve better prices, wider exposure, and the chance to build lasting, dignified livelihoods from their craft," Priyank said. He said many artisans who make the iconic chappals are from Karnataka's Belagavi, Bagalkot and Dharwad, and revealed that he intervened to ensure the GI tag was given jointly to Maharashtra and Karnataka. "This was never about a contest between two states but about preserving our shared heritage," he said. "The GI tag only gives them legal rights. It's our responsibility to give them global platforms," he said.
Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 6 (PTI) Environmental activist Medha Patkar on Saturday appealed to the people of Odisha for protection of Rushikulya river. The government planned to construct a dam in the river Pipalapnaka under Sorada block in the district. While participating in the Save Rushikulya river movement in Ganjam district, she said, "Rivers may be small or big, but they are our mother. We have to protect the rivers from attacks." She attended a meeting were organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Kriyaanusthan Committee (RBKC) and the Centre for Climate Justice, spearheading the agitation a ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Italian luxury couture label shocked the desi fans after they featured at least seven of the 56 runway looks featuring sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Indian Kolhapuri Chappals - without any credit. After facing backlash over it, Prada has finally acknowleged that the footwear pieces featured in its Men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan, were inspired by the traditional Indian handcrafted pieces made in specific districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. In an exclusive response to NDTV, the Prada Group Press Office mentioned, "At Prada Group, we have alwa ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 31 (PTI) Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and NIFT, Srinagar has developed 36 box prototypes for unique packaging of Kashmiri handicrafts with the aim of boosting sales. Director IICT Zubair Ahmad said the packaging is an inseparable part of the famed Kashmir handicrafts, which facilitates its foray into international markets in a big way. "Time has come for artistic packaging to create a unique unboxing experience of the famed arts of Kashmir and boost its market value," Ahmad said. He called upon business stakeholders associated with Kashmir Arts to carry out fir ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the transformative role of women across India who are leading change through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), preserving heritage and shaping a new future for the nation. Speaking during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi underlined how initiatives led by women are giving new strength to the 'Women-Led Development' movement. "Just as our India is known for its regional, linguistic and cultural diversity, the diversity of arts, crafts and skills is also a great quality of our country," the PM said. "Whichever ar ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the ongoing Buyer-Seller Meet in Kashmir is not aimed at attracting tourists but at forging meaningful trade relationships that support local artisans and strengthen the region's handicrafts economy. "Tourists don't come for buyer-seller meets anywhere. This event is meant for buyers -- both domestic and international -- who are here to source in bulk, not to make one-off purchases," Omar said while speaking to reporters at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the venue of the Buyer-Seller Meet-2025. T ...Read More >
Kedia Advisory - India's coffee exports jumped 19% year-on-year in Q1FY25 to $616 million, even as export volumes dropped 18% to 1.03 lakh tonnes due to higher global prices. The unit value per tonne surged 49% to ₹5.07 lakh. Supply disruptions in Brazil and Vietnam have kept prices buoyant, prompting overseas buyers to opt for need-based purchases. For the first six months of 2025, shipments rose 26% in value to $1,166 million despite lower volumes. Italy remained India's top coffee buyer, followed by Germany and Belgium. India is the world's seventh largest coffee producer but the fifth larg ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India], July 15: The Bihar Idea Festival, an initiative aimed at discovering and supporting emerging startups across the state, driven by ideas, identity, and innovation, has taken a significant step forward with the launch of its new portal, opening a "significant opportunity for Bihar's startup sector." Also Read | Dabba Trading-Online Betting Racket: ED Conducts Searches in Mumbai in Money Laundering Case; INR 3.3 Crore Cash, Luxury Watches and Jewellery Seized. Launched a few weeks ago, it is a flagship initiative of the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, and Y ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) Following the backlash after featuring footwear strongly resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Italian fashion house Prada has acknowledged that it was inspired by the Indian handcrafted footwear. "We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. "We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship," said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, in a letter to Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra Chamb ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Shimla: Heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, triggering landslides and flash floods and blocking more than 100 roads, even as the weather department issued a red alert.A landslide at Chakki Mod near Parwanoo blocked the Chandigarh-Shimla highway for hours, resulting in a massive traffic jam Sunday morning. The local administration had to divert traffic through the Jangeshu link road until the landslide debris was cleared at Chakki Mod.The traffic was first restored one-way and later two-way, but the traffic jam continued on both sides of the highway throughout the day due to slow veh ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) The Delhi government will provide financial relief of Rs 5 lakh each to the 24 artisans whose stalls were gutted in the April 30 fire at Delhi Haat, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra has said. In addition to the financial aid, all affected artisans will be allotted stalls at Delhi Haat in INA free of cost for six months -- from July 1 to December 31, Mishra said. The allotment will be made through a lottery system, he added. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier announced Rs 5 lakh as ex gratia compensation for each affected artisan, Mishra said. The approval for ...Read More >
Patna: The state govt on Monday launched the 'Bihar Idea Festival', a dedicated portal aimed at encouraging grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. State industries minister Nitish Mishra inaugurated the portal at an event held at Soochna Bhawan, describing it as a "milestone" initiative that will allow students, youth, entrepreneurs and startup teams, even from rural areas, to submit their ideas directly to the govt."The aim is to collect innovative ideas and solutions from ...Read More >
Mumbai, February 7: Jeet Adani, the younger son of industrial magnate Gautam Adani, is marrying Diva Shah today, February 7, in a private and traditional ceremony. The couple, who has been engaged for a while, drew attention to their wedding when Gautam Adani confirmed the Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding date during his visit to Maha Kumbh 2025. Though rumours circulated about a performance by global music star Taylor Swift at Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding, Gautam Adani dismissed the speculation, emphasising that the wedding would be modest and traditional. "We live like ordinary people, and the ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) After facing severe backlash, Italian fashion house Prada has officially admitted that the Kolhapuri Chappals, featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show, is inspired by India's handcrafted footwear traditions. In a letter to Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, Prada noted that it is "open for meaningful exchange with artisans". "We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old herita ...Read More >
Mumbai : Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently took a trip down memory lane as he remembered the late actor Irrfan Khan. Ghai shared an old photo from an award ceremony with the actor, along with an emotional note that quickly caught the attention of fans online. In the photo, Ghai and Irrfan can be seen smiling. Ghai, who worked with Irrfan in the film 'Right Yaa Wrong,' took to his Instagram account to share a post praising him not just as an actor but as someone who deeply understood the art of storytelling. He wrote, "I have always been more in admiration of good and great actors than just co ...Read More >
MUMBAI/MILAN, July 2 (Reuters) - Indian footwear sellers and artisans are tapping into nationalist pride stoked by the Prada 'sandal scandal' in a bid to boost sales of ethnic slippers with history dating back to the 12th century, raising hopes of reviving a struggling craft. Sales are surging over the past week for the 'Kolhapuri' sandals that have garnered global attention after Prada sparked a controversy by showcasing similar designs in Milan, without initially crediting the footwear's origi ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 31: Online gambling has become a growing menace in Kashmir, driving several families into severe financial distress and emotional turmoil. The easy accessibility of online betting platforms has lured many, particularly youth, with the illusion of quick financial gains. However, this often results in heavy monetary losses, debt and psychological suffering. According to details obtained by the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a youth from south Kashmir initially won Rs 10,000 in online betting within a few days. Encouraged by this, he borrowed lakhs of rupees from neigh ...Read More >
Neiphiu Rio (left) during the opening of the new State Emporium Complex in Kohima on Friday Sourced by the Telegraph Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday inaugurated a seven-storey facility in Kohima to serve as a hub for Naga handloom, handicrafts and cultural promotion. The Nagaland State Emporium Complex includes a dedicated state emporium on the first floor, three floors of shopping areas, a restaurant and library, a fully furnished conference hall and guest accommodations for visiting artisans and officials. At the inauguration, Rio expressed his appreciation for all those inv ...Read More >
Mumbai: Net profit of Nifty 50 companies at the aggregate level is expected to increase 4.6% year-on-year while revenue may increase 4.5% for the June 2025 quarter. Net profit is likely to show single-digit year-on-year growth for the first time in at least nine quarters amid an anticipated poor performance by select companies, including Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank and Coal India. The sample's revenue is expected to grow in single digit for the fourth consecutive quarter reflecting persistent muted demand scenario. Select companies from metals, pharmaceuticals, cement, banking and finance and ...Read More >
Kohima, July 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described his state as "a land of breathtaking beauty and profound cultural richness" while addressing the closing ceremony of 'Bharat Utsav 2025' at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow. The Chief Minister stated that the festival's grand success has brought India and Russia closer, showcasing the "magic of Indian culture, music, dance, yoga, and cuisine". The event featured special highlights from Nagaland and Gujarat, with vibrant cultural performances and exhibitions. Highlighting the enduring and strategic partnership between ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], January 21 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday morning hailed Mahatma Gandhi ahead of the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally scheduled to be held in Belagavi district today. He lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) when asked to comment on their reaction to the program, labelling it as the "Godse" party. Shivakumar said that BJP doesn't know about sacrifices and the freedom movement. "I do not want to comment anything about the BJP, those who do not know about the freedom movement. They don't know what is sacrifice. We ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] June 6 (ANI): Following the death of 11 people in a stampede on Wednesday near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DNA (event management company) officials have been taken into custody and are being taken for medical tests, on Friday. On June 4, the incident happened at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium as a huge crowd of nearly three lakh people had gathered to witness the victory celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which won the Indian Premier League (IPL). https://x.com/ANI/status/1930900689351303502 Karnataka Pol ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 4 (PTI) A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Italian fashion house Prada for its alleged unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri chappals, and sought compensation to be paid to Indian artisans for allegedly copying their design. Prada in its spring/summer collection showcased their 'toe-ring sandals', which the petition said are deceptively similar to the Kolhapur chappal. These sandals are priced at Rs 1 lakh per pair. "The Kolhapuri chappal is the cultural symbol of Maharashtra," the plea filed by six Pune-based lawyers said. The petition has been filed against the ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday distributed compensation cheques to people who lost their shops in the fire that broke out at Dilli Haat, INA on April 30. She said that the Delhi government has provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the 24 artisans affected by the incident. This new government of Delhi (BJP government) has provided compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to the 24 affected people within 60 days of the incident. We have also waived off their rent for their shops. If we do not provide help to the people promptly, it is of no use to t ...Read More >
Bengaluru, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka BJP on Tuesday alleged that the state is turning into a drug heaven, and is joining the list of northeastern states and Punjab, where the drug menace has become a serious concern. "Drugs that have destroyed the lives of youth in northeastern states and Punjab are now spreading in Karnataka. The state is joining that list," alleged N. Ravikumar, BJP's Chief Whip in the Legislative Council. He said that drugs are rampant in Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, and Mangaluru cities in the state. "Drug seizures are being reported almost every week. In Kalaburagi, ...Read More >
Dimapur: In a landmark initiative to promote and preserve the rich handloom and handicraft tradition of Nagaland, chief minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the new state emporium complex in Kohima on Friday. The seven-storey facility will serve as a hub for Naga handloom, handicrafts, and cultural promotion of the state. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! Addressing the gathering, Rio emphasised the cultural and economic importance of the new facility, calling it a "beacon of identity and opportunity". He expressed appreciation for all those involv ...Read More >
Pune: Passengers on board a Goa to Pune SpiceJet flight (SG-1080) had a scare on Tuesday evening when a window panel was found dislodged while the plane was mid-air.The airline played down the incident, saying the window part that had come off was "a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade".But a person on board the plane -- a Bombardier Q400 -- told TOI the incident triggered anxiety among the passengers. "Two to three layers of the window panel just came off," said Aatish Mishra, the passenger."There was no depressurization, but this shouldn't have happ ...Read More >
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Marking the Cooperatives Year, a two-day national seminar will be inaugurated on Friday at the Swarn Jayanti Auditorium of Vikram University. Farmers from five major states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa are set to participate in the seminar, 'Dairy Development in Madhya Pradesh: Possibilities and Challenges', under the joint aegis of the Indian Dairy Association (DA) West Zone, and Vikram University (VU). Researchers, students, milk producers from across the country, where over two lakh cooperative societies function, along with experts ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 7: After Kareena Kapoor, veteran actress Neena Gupta took to social media to call out luxury brand Prada for allegedly copying the traditional Kolhapuri chappal design. Taking to Instagram, the 'Metro In Dino' actress posted a video where she flaunted a handmade pair of Kolhapuris gifted to her by the late Laxmikant Berde. In the clip, Gupta could be heard saying, "So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. So, once I did something with Laxmikant Berde. I don't remember what it was. So, I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said, yes. So, h ...Read More >
The Malda cybercrime police arrested primary school teacher Manojit Burman in connection with a massive online fraud targeting West Bengal’s 'Taruner Swapno' scheme. Burman allegedly used multiple bank accounts linked to him and his family to siphon off funds meant for students purchasing tablets. This arrest raises the total count in the case to 14. The fraud, suspected to involve inter-state gangs from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, impacted 1,911 of the 16 lakh beneficiaries. Police have registered 120 cases and formed a joint investigation team to expedite the probe into this large ...Read More >