Author: Sreelatha M

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Corporate

Sensex trades flat, Nifty tops 23,100

Indian equity benchmarks traded in a narrow range on Tuesday, with the Sensex hovering around the flat line while the Nifty 50 climbed above the 23,100 mark. Investor sentiment improved after easing tensions in the Middle East led to a decline in crude oil prices, helping offset concerns over inflation and global growth.

Banking and financial stocks provided support to the market, with PSU banks, private lenders and realty counters attracting buying interest. The broader mood remained positive despite weakness in information technology shares.

Among the day’s notable gainers, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) rose around 2% after several brokerages maintained positive ratings and upbeat growth expectations for the airline. Retail major Trent also featured among the top performers, extending recent gains.

Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) advanced about 3% after securing a railway project worth ₹221 crore, while Redington surged nearly 5% as investors reacted positively to product and technology announcements made at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026.

On the downside, NLC India fell around 3% after the government launched an offer for sale (OFS) of up to a 3% stake in the company. IT stocks remained weak, with TCS among the laggards as the sector continued to face selling pressure.

Meanwhile, government bond yields eased as lower crude prices and recent Reserve Bank of India measures aimed at boosting foreign currency inflows improved expectations for the country’s external position and currency stability.

Also Read: Elon Musk flags India’s falling birth rate concerns

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1 Minute-Read

Elon Musk flags India’s falling birth rate concerns

India’s fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, drawing attention from billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Reacting to a social media post highlighting the trend, Musk said the decline was particularly notable among educated populations.

According to recent data, India’s fertility rate has dropped to around 1.9, signalling a slowdown in population growth. These falling birth rates are linked to factors such as urbanisation, higher education levels, delayed marriages and greater workforce participation by women.

While lower fertility can ease pressure on resources, demographers warn that sustained declines could eventually lead to an ageing population and labour shortages, challenges already being faced by several developed nations.

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Technology

LinkedIn brings new analytics tools for creators

Professional networking platform LinkedIn has introduced new analytics features aimed at helping creators, professionals, and businesses better understand how their content performs on the platform. The update includes detailed audience breakdowns and a new reach metric that shows how far posts travel beyond a user’s immediate network.

The new audience analytics tool allows creators to see more information about the people engaging with their content. Users can now view audience data based on factors such as job function, industry, seniority level, company size, and geographic location. The feature is designed to help content creators understand who is interacting with their posts and whether they are reaching their intended audience.

LinkedIn has also launched a new “network versus beyond-network” reach metric. This feature shows how much of a post’s visibility comes from a user’s direct connections compared with people outside their network. The company says the update will help creators measure the broader impact of their content and understand how effectively their posts are being shared across the platform.

According to LinkedIn, the new insights are intended to give users a clearer picture of content performance. By understanding audience demographics and reach patterns, creators can make more informed decisions about the type of content they publish and how they engage with their followers.

The update comes as LinkedIn continues to strengthen its creator-focused tools and compete with other social media platforms that offer advanced analytics. In recent years, the platform has introduced newsletters, video content features, and expanded creator resources to encourage more professional content creation.

The additional analytics could be particularly useful for professionals, thought leaders, recruiters, and brands that rely on LinkedIn to build visibility and connect with specific audiences. The new data may help users evaluate content strategies, identify growth opportunities, and improve engagement over time.

LinkedIn stated that the features are being rolled out gradually to eligible users worldwide.

Also Read: Gautam Adani reclaims title of Asia’s richest person

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Beyond

Newspaper packaging poses health risk, warns FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food business operators across the country to stop using newspapers for packaging, wrapping and serving food, citing potential health hazards linked to newspaper ink and printing chemicals.

The advisory targets a long-standing practice commonly seen at street food stalls, eateries and small food outlets, where items such as samosas, pakoras, vadas and snacks are often wrapped in newspaper sheets. According to FSSAI, newspapers are not food-grade materials and may contain harmful substances that can contaminate food.

The regulator warned that printing inks used in newspapers contain chemicals, pigments and solvents that may transfer to food, particularly when it is hot, oily or moist. Such contamination can expose consumers to substances that may have adverse health effects over time.

FSSAI officials said recycled paper used in newspaper production may also contain residues of chemicals, dyes, adhesives and other contaminants. These substances can migrate into food and compromise food safety standards. The authority emphasised that consumers are often unaware of the risks associated with direct contact between food and printed paper.

The food safety regulator has instructed food business operators, including restaurants, street vendors, caterers and food delivery services, to discontinue the use of newspapers and similar printed materials for food packaging and serving purposes. Businesses have been advised to use food-grade packaging materials that comply with safety regulations.

FSSAI stated that ensuring safe packaging is an important part of maintaining food hygiene and protecting public health. The authority also urged state food safety departments to create awareness among food vendors and encourage compliance with food safety norms.

Food safety experts have welcomed the advisory, noting that the practice of using newspapers for food packaging remains widespread despite repeated warnings over the years. They said the move could help reduce the risk of chemical contamination and improve overall food safety standards.

Also Read: Domestic LPG prices up by ₹29 per cylinder

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Beyond

Domestic LPG prices up by ₹29 per cylinder

The Centre has increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by ₹29, making cooking gas costlier for consumers across the country. The latest revision comes amid rising international LPG prices and growing financial pressure on state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs).

With the increase, the cost of a domestic LPG cylinder has moved closer to the ₹1,000 mark in several cities. The government said the revision was necessary to address losses incurred by fuel retailers, which have been absorbing a significant portion of the rising cost of supplying cooking gas.

According to official estimates, OMCs are currently facing an under-recovery of nearly ₹700 on every domestic LPG cylinder sold. Despite periodic price revisions, companies have continued to bear losses due to fluctuations in global energy markets and higher import costs.

Government officials said international benchmark LPG prices have risen sharply in recent months, increasing the burden on fuel retailers. They argued that the latest increase is aimed at ensuring the continued availability and distribution of cooking gas while reducing the financial strain on oil companies.

The Centre also noted that domestic LPG prices in India remain relatively lower than those in several other countries. Officials said the government continues to monitor global market trends and will take appropriate decisions based on prevailing economic conditions.

The price hike, however, has drawn criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups. They argue that higher LPG prices add to inflationary pressures and increase the cost of living for households. Consumer advocates have called for measures to protect vulnerable families from the impact of rising fuel prices.

Industry experts say LPG prices are closely linked to global energy markets, making them susceptible to international developments. Any further rise in crude oil and LPG benchmark prices could influence future revisions.

With global energy prices remaining volatile, market observers expect cooking gas prices to remain under scrutiny in the coming months. Consumers and industry stakeholders alike will be watching closely for any further policy measures or pricing changes.

Also Read: Gold at ₹1,52,720, Silver at ₹2,74,900 

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Beyond

Gold at ₹1,52,720, Silver at ₹2,74,900

Gold and silver prices witnessed a slight decline across major Indian markets on Sunday, offering some relief to buyers after recent sharp gains. According to bullion market data, gold prices slipped marginally, while silver also recorded a modest fall amid subdued trading activity.

The price of 24-carat gold fell by ₹10 per 10 grams to around ₹1,52,720, while 22-carat gold also edged lower across several cities. Silver prices declined by ₹100 per kilogram and were quoted at approximately ₹2,74,900 per kg in the domestic market. Retail rates varied slightly between cities due to local taxes and transportation costs.

In major markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, jewellers reported steady demand despite the minor correction in prices. Market experts said the decline was largely influenced by developments in international markets, where gold prices remained under pressure due to expectations that the US Federal Reserve could maintain higher interest rates for a longer period. Rising bond yields and a stronger dollar have reduced the appeal of non-interest-bearing assets such as gold.

Analysts noted that investors are closely monitoring global economic indicators, inflation trends and geopolitical developments, all of which continue to influence precious metal prices. Although gold is traditionally considered a safe-haven investment during uncertain times, expectations of tighter monetary policy have tempered buying interest in recent sessions.

Silver prices have also mirrored global trends, with industrial demand and broader commodity market movements playing an important role in determining price direction. Traders expect volatility to continue during the week as markets react to fresh economic data and international developments.

Also Read: Sensex slumps over 500 points, Nifty ends below 23,250

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Beyond

India plans to bring E85 fuel to cut oil imports

India has introduced E85 fuel, a new blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, as part of its efforts to reduce crude oil imports and promote cleaner transport. The fuel will be priced around ₹20 per litre cheaper than regular petrol.

The move is part of the government’s broader ethanol blending programme aimed at improving energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Officials say greater use of ethanol can help lower India’s fuel import bill while supporting farmers and the domestic biofuel industry.

E85 can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles, which are designed to run on higher ethanol blends. Several automobile manufacturers are preparing to launch flex-fuel models in India as the government pushes for alternative fuel options.

The government believes E85 will help reduce vehicle emissions because ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from agricultural feedstock such as sugarcane. Higher ethanol use is expected to lower the transport sector’s carbon footprint compared to conventional petrol.

India has made significant progress in ethanol blending in recent years and has achieved key targets ahead of schedule. The launch of E85 is seen as the next step in expanding the country’s biofuel ecosystem.

The introduction of E85 aligns with India’s wider strategy to diversify energy sources through biofuels, electric vehicles and other cleaner alternatives. The government hopes the new fuel will contribute to lower emissions, reduced fuel costs and greater energy independence in the years ahead.

Experts say the success of E85 will depend on the availability of flex-fuel vehicles and the expansion of fuel distribution infrastructure. Consumer awareness and access to refuelling stations will also play an important role in driving adoption.

Also Read: HDFC, ICICI Prudential impose curbs on large gold ETF investments

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Corporate

Vietnam’s Green SM launches EV taxi service in Delhi-NCR

Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup has launched its electric taxi service, Green SM, in the Delhi-NCR region, marking its entry into India’s growing electric mobility sector. The service started operations on June 5 and represents Green SM’s expansion into a major international market after establishing its presence in Vietnam and parts of Southeast Asia.

The company has deployed an all-electric fleet across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and surrounding areas. Passengers can book rides through the Green SM mobile app, available on Android and iOS devices. The service aims to provide a sustainable transportation alternative while contributing to efforts to reduce urban pollution.

Green SM’s fleet consists of electric vehicles produced by VinFast, Vingroup’s electric vehicle subsidiary. The company said the initiative aligns with its broader vision of promoting environmentally friendly transportation solutions and supporting the transition to cleaner mobility.

To ensure service quality, Green SM said its drivers will undergo professional training focused on customer service, road safety and operational standards. The company also highlighted transparent pricing, vehicle cleanliness and a consistent customer experience as key features of its offering.

The launch is part of Vingroup’s wider strategy to expand its presence in India. VinFast is preparing to introduce its electric vehicles in the country and is developing a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. The taxi service is expected to help increase brand visibility ahead of the company’s planned automotive expansion.

India has emerged as an important market for electric vehicles, driven by government support, policy incentives and growing consumer awareness of sustainable transportation. Industry observers say electric taxi services can play a significant role in encouraging EV adoption by familiarising more people with the technology through daily use.

Green SM enters a competitive ride-hailing market currently dominated by established players. However, the company is positioning itself as a dedicated electric mobility platform focused entirely on zero-emission transportation.

Also Read: Google signs $920 mn-a-month AI deal with SpaceX

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Technology

Google signs $920 mn-a-month AI deal with SpaceX

Google has signed a major cloud computing agreement with SpaceX, committing to pay about $920 million every month for AI computing capacity in one of the largest technology infrastructure deals announced this year. The agreement was disclosed in regulatory filings ahead of SpaceX’s planned stock market debut.

Under the deal, Google will gain access to approximately 110,000 Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs), along with related computing infrastructure such as CPUs, memory, and networking resources. The contract is scheduled to run from October 2026 through June 2029, with a lower-priced ramp-up period before full capacity becomes available.

The computing power will help Google meet growing demand for its AI products and services, including its Gemini Enterprise platform. As companies race to develop and deploy advanced artificial intelligence systems, access to large-scale computing resources has become a critical competitive advantage.

The agreement also includes performance guarantees. SpaceX must deliver the promised GPU capacity by the end of September 2026. If those commitments are not met, Google will have the option to terminate the contract after a short grace period. Beginning in 2027, either company can end the agreement by providing 90 days’ notice.

The deal further strengthens SpaceX’s growing presence in the AI infrastructure market. Earlier this year, the company secured another large computing agreement with AI startup Anthropic. Together, the contracts are expected to generate tens of billions of dollars in revenue and create a significant new business line beyond SpaceX’s traditional space and satellite operations.

The announcement comes just days before SpaceX’s highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO). Investors are closely watching the company’s efforts to expand beyond rockets and satellite services into AI computing, a sector experiencing rapid growth as demand for advanced AI models continues to rise worldwide.

Also Read: Cloudflare acquires VoidZero to strengthen AI web development

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Corporate

Cloudflare acquires VoidZero to strengthen AI web development

Cloudflare has acquired VoidZero, the company behind the popular Vite JavaScript toolchain, in a move aimed at advancing the development of the AI-native web. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Cloudflare’s position in web infrastructure and developer tools as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into online applications.

VoidZero was founded to improve the JavaScript development ecosystem and is best known for supporting Vite, a widely used tool that helps developers build modern web applications more efficiently. Vite has gained significant popularity among software developers because it enables faster application development and improved performance.

Cloudflare said the acquisition aligns with its vision of creating a more powerful internet infrastructure for the next generation of AI-driven applications. As businesses increasingly adopt AI technologies, developers require tools that can support rapid deployment, scalability and real-time performance.

The company believes combining Cloudflare’s global network and computing platform with VoidZero’s expertise in developer tools will help simplify the process of building and deploying modern web applications. The partnership is expected to benefit developers by providing faster workflows and improved support for AI-powered services.

Cloudflare emphasized that the acquisition is not only about software development tools but also about preparing the internet for a future in which AI plays a central role in how applications are created and used. The company has been investing heavily in technologies that support edge computing, serverless development and artificial intelligence.

The acquisition also highlights the growing importance of open-source developer communities in shaping the future of web technology. Vite has become one of the most widely adopted tools in modern web development, making VoidZero an attractive addition to Cloudflare’s technology portfolio.

As demand grows for applications powered by large language models and AI agents, infrastructure providers are increasingly focusing on tools that make development easier and more efficient.

Also Read: Wipro shares fall upto 8% after buyback record date