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The Indian government has launched a substantial ₹1 lakh crore initiative aimed at advancing research and development in DeepTech sectors, which include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy. The move seeks to position India at the forefront of technological innovation while addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and health issues, through groundbreaking advancements.

The scheme, which is the largest of its kind in the country, provides financial support through low-interest loans and grants to organisations engaged in pioneering research within these high-tech fields. This initiative is designed to fuel India’s transition to a knowledge-based economy, empowering domestic companies to compete on the global stage.

The programme has been met with widespread enthusiasm across industries, particularly for its potential to create high-skilled jobs and promote sustainable growth. Industry experts believe that the government’s focus on DeepTech will provide the necessary infrastructure for start-ups and established companies to undertake transformative research, particularly in AI and biotechnology, areas that are expected to revolutionise industries globally.

The scheme is structured to benefit both large-scale enterprises and smaller start-ups, ensuring a wide distribution of opportunities across the technology ecosystem. By offering loans with highly favourable interest rates, the government is incentivising private investment in research and innovation. These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including product development, infrastructure creation, and collaboration with academic institutions. The emphasis on clean energy projects is particularly timely, given the global push towards sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.

Aimed at fostering a more robust R&D culture, this initiative also ties into broader national objectives, such as strengthening India’s technological independence and making strides towards self-reliance. By facilitating the creation of homegrown technologies, the government hopes to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign technologies and build a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem.

The programme is expected to bring a ripple effect, spurring greater investment in the country’s deep-tech space. This comes at a time when global investors are showing increasing interest in emerging markets like India, particularly in sectors that address environmental concerns and healthcare challenges. Experts suggest that this initiative could make India a major player in AI, clean energy, and biotech, which have seen explosive growth globally.

This initiative builds upon earlier steps taken by the government to boost technological innovation. A notable example is the government’s push for AI adoption across industries, with initiatives such as the National AI Strategy. Moreover, India’s growing digital infrastructure, which includes expanding internet access and cloud capabilities, is seen as a foundation for the country to lead in cutting-edge research and development.

With AI poised to reshape industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, the government’s focus on AI-driven projects through this scheme could significantly enhance the country’s global competitiveness. For example, AI technologies are expected to play a critical role in optimising supply chains, improving healthcare diagnostics, and even contributing to smarter urban planning and infrastructure.

Similarly, India’s biotechnology sector, which has been a cornerstone of the nation’s medical advancements, stands to benefit enormously from the new scheme. Biotechnology holds promise for breakthroughs in disease treatment, diagnostics, and sustainable agricultural practices. With government backing, researchers and innovators will have access to the necessary resources to push the boundaries of what is currently possible in life sciences.

The clean energy component of the scheme is particularly crucial in the context of global environmental concerns. India, as one of the world’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide, has made ambitious commitments to reduce its carbon footprint, and this initiative is aligned with those goals. By providing financial incentives for renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydrogen energy, the government is fostering an ecosystem conducive to green innovation.

The scheme also complements India’s broader economic reforms aimed at boosting manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency under the “Make in India” programme. By nurturing DeepTech innovation, India could develop indigenous solutions that cater not just to domestic needs but also to international markets, enhancing its stature as a hub for cutting-edge technology.

As part of its effort to ensure the programme’s success, the government is also facilitating partnerships between industry players and academia. This collaborative approach is intended to strengthen the research base and bridge the gap between innovation and practical application. Partnerships with international research bodies are also expected to enhance India’s global position in deep-tech innovation.

Union Properties reported a sharp decline in second-quarter net profit, registering AED 8.74 million, a 52% fall from AED 18.3 million for the same quarter last year. The Dubai-listed developer attributed the downturn to heavier upfront investments channelled into development activities and upgrades to infrastructure across its portfolio.

For the first half of 2025, profit stood at AED 14.56 million, significantly lower than the AED 34.77 million reported during the same period in 2024. Despite this decline in bottom-line earnings, the company recorded a notable improvement in revenue. Total income for the six-month period rose to AED 316 million, a 19% year-on-year increase compared to AED 266 million during the first half of 2024.

The company’s performance reflects a strategic pivot toward long-term asset enhancement, which has led to a temporary squeeze on margins. According to statements from company officials, this phase of intensified capital expenditure is aligned with efforts to revitalise core assets and push forward master-planned projects aimed at bolstering future recurring revenue.

Union Properties has been seeking to reposition itself in the competitive Dubai real estate landscape, where both private and publicly traded developers are ramping up efforts to respond to shifting demand patterns in residential, commercial, and mixed-use spaces. The firm’s latest investment push includes modernisation of infrastructure, land parcel optimisation, and enhancements across its flagship MotorCity community, as well as new project launches in high-growth corridors of Dubai.

Market analysts indicate that the firm’s choice to front-load development expenses may place temporary pressure on quarterly earnings but positions the company for stronger medium-term growth, particularly as Dubai’s property sector remains buoyant. Real estate transaction volumes in the emirate have continued to show strength, driven by both domestic end-user demand and international investor interest.

Union Properties has also been undertaking restructuring initiatives since 2022 in a bid to reverse a prolonged downturn marked by legal disputes, operational setbacks, and financial mismanagement. The group’s current leadership has focused on stabilising the balance sheet, improving transparency, and advancing stalled developments. The company’s equity structure has undergone changes, with efforts to attract new institutional investors and offload non-core assets.

During the latest reporting period, the developer recorded a surge in project execution costs, which contributed to the narrowing of margins. Construction and infrastructure spending increased significantly, while administrative expenses remained relatively stable. The higher costs are partly reflective of an accelerated build-out of key developments and a recalibration of timelines to align with updated delivery schedules.

The developer’s revenue boost was attributed largely to stronger unit sales and improved rental income from existing properties. However, the impact of increased capital expenditure overshadowed these gains, resulting in lower profitability. The company’s cash flow remains positive, supported by pre-sales and project advances, although liquidity management remains a focus area amid the ongoing investment cycle.

Union Properties’ board has reiterated its confidence in the current trajectory, describing the strategic investments as necessary for sustainable growth. Internal forecasts suggest that revenue streams will continue to expand into the second half of the year as multiple projects reach key development milestones. Delivery schedules have been tightened and operational efficiencies have been integrated to mitigate further cost overruns.

The wider Dubai property market has shown continued resilience, with price growth moderating but staying positive. Analysts suggest that Union Properties’ recent performance must be viewed in the context of its turnaround efforts and sector-wide transformation. Large-scale developers have increasingly shifted focus towards quality, lifestyle-oriented developments, a segment Union Properties is now actively targeting through its redevelopment strategy.

The UAE India Business Council has reaffirmed its collaboration with Expand North Star, marking a significant milestone in fostering cross-border innovation and entrepreneurship. This renewed partnership, now in its second consecutive year, highlights the UAE’s ongoing commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in the startup ecosystem.

Expand North Star, the world’s largest event dedicated to startups and investors, serves as a critical platform for innovation, providing entrepreneurs and investors with opportunities to forge strategic partnerships and explore new ventures. The event, which has grown significantly since its inception, attracts top-tier startups, venture capitalists, and industry leaders from around the globe. Through this renewed alliance, the UIBC-UC aims to amplify the UAE’s role as a hub for high-growth startups, particularly those looking to expand into the MENA region.

The UIBC-UC, a prominent organisation that promotes business ties between the UAE and India, has become instrumental in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation. By partnering with Expand North Star, the council seeks to enhance access to resources, networks, and investment opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs from both nations.

The UAE has been at the forefront of creating a conducive environment for startups, with government-backed initiatives and policies designed to support innovation. Initiatives such as the Dubai Future Foundation, the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, and various free zones dedicated to tech startups have positioned the Emirates as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. The country’s emphasis on digital transformation, coupled with its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and Asia, provides an ideal platform for businesses to scale internationally.

For India, which boasts one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, the partnership with Expand North Star offers immense potential for collaboration. Indian entrepreneurs, especially those in tech and fintech, have been increasingly looking towards international markets, and the UAE presents a strong opportunity due to its thriving business climate and connectivity. The renewal of this partnership with Expand North Star will undoubtedly encourage more Indian startups to engage with the UAE market and beyond.

The annual event itself is a significant gathering of key players from the global startup and venture capital scenes. This year’s edition is expected to feature prominent speakers, thought leaders, and investors, all aiming to inspire innovation and growth. Attendees will have the chance to network, share ideas, and discuss investment opportunities in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and green energy – industries that have been gaining momentum in both the UAE and India.

For the UAE, the collaboration with Expand North Star is also part of its broader economic diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce dependence on traditional industries such as oil and gas. By fostering a dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial landscape, the UAE aims to build a sustainable economy driven by innovation. The UAE has seen substantial growth in its startup ecosystem, with a surge in venture capital investments and the launch of several unicorns in recent years. The nation’s commitment to fostering a vibrant startup environment has been instrumental in attracting foreign investors and top-tier talent from around the world.

At the same time, India’s startups are increasingly gaining recognition on the global stage, with many successful exits, IPOs, and growing international footprints. The country’s growing focus on entrepreneurship, combined with a large and diverse consumer base, makes it an ideal partner for the UAE in terms of business and innovation. The collaboration between the UAE and India, therefore, holds significant promise for further enhancing their economic ties and enabling knowledge exchange between the two nations.

Factory activity in China showed unexpected signs of contraction in July, signalling deeper challenges for the world’s second-largest economy. This downturn comes despite a partial thaw in trade tensions with the US, with early data indicating a slowdown in exports and continued weakness in domestic demand.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index for July, a key indicator of factory activity, dropped below expectations, highlighting a downturn in production and new orders. Official data indicated that the PMI for manufacturing fell to 49.3, dipping below the critical 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. This marks a stark contrast to the optimism that initially followed trade negotiations between the US and China.

The Chinese economy has been grappling with several systemic issues, including ongoing structural imbalances and shifts in consumer behaviour. Economic experts attribute the stagnation in factory activity not only to the global economic uncertainty but also to persistent domestic challenges. While the export sector has been a critical driver of China’s growth in the past decades, the country’s trade surplus has been narrowing as demand for its goods slows down in key markets like the US and Europe.

China’s trade relationship with the US, although stabilised, still faces a challenging landscape. A shift in global trade patterns, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the pandemic, has taken a toll on China’s manufacturing sector. Exports of major products such as electronics and textiles have begun to show signs of slowing, even as Beijing has attempted to bolster its trade position through policy adjustments.

Compounding the issue, domestic demand has failed to pick up the slack. Despite various government efforts to stimulate spending, consumer confidence remains low, particularly in sectors like retail and real estate. The country’s efforts to transition from an export-driven economy to one more reliant on domestic consumption have yet to show significant results, and the reliance on government spending for growth is becoming increasingly evident.

The weakness in the manufacturing sector is linked to a sharp decline in the production of industrial goods, which has directly impacted job creation. Although the government has taken steps to mitigate the effects of unemployment by investing in infrastructure and green technologies, these efforts have yet to yield the desired economic recovery in the short term.

Economists are increasingly concerned that without more comprehensive structural reforms, China may continue to face these economic headwinds. Some analysts suggest that more aggressive monetary policies or fiscal stimulus could be required to stabilise the economy. The People’s Bank of China has already hinted at such moves, potentially lowering interest rates further to spur investment and consumer spending.

However, the global economic context remains challenging. Countries that traditionally rely on Chinese exports are also facing downturns, which could further dampen demand. Additionally, as global inflation continues to impact the purchasing power of consumers worldwide, the potential for China’s manufacturing recovery to take hold seems uncertain.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has escalated its investigation into the trading activities of Jane Street, a global proprietary trading firm, as part of a broader probe into alleged market manipulation. The regulatory body has now requested trading data from several Indian stock exchanges, further deepening its scrutiny of the firm’s involvement in the country’s financial markets.

SEBI’s action stems from claims that Jane Street engaged in manipulation of stock indices through derivative positions. This move follows a regulatory ban imposed on the firm in early July, which temporarily barred it from conducting any trading activities in Indian markets. The ban was issued after SEBI’s preliminary findings suggested that Jane Street had used complex strategies to artificially influence the performance of key stock indices.

As part of the ongoing investigation, SEBI is focusing on obtaining detailed trading records from exchanges including the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. The goal is to determine whether the firm’s activities, particularly its use of derivatives, involved any illegal practices that could have distorted market prices or harmed retail investors.

Industry experts suggest that the regulator’s heightened interest in Jane Street reflects a broader concern about the role of large institutional traders in shaping market dynamics. Derivative positions, often leveraged and high-risk, can be used to exert significant influence on the underlying stocks, especially in a market as liquid as India’s. By examining data from exchanges, SEBI aims to clarify the extent of Jane Street’s trading strategies and assess whether they align with Indian securities laws.

The investigation is seen as a key test of SEBI’s ability to enforce its regulations on foreign firms operating in India’s rapidly growing financial markets. Despite the firm’s global operations, Jane Street has a significant presence in India, with its trading strategies often tied to the country’s major stock indices. The firm’s complex use of derivatives, particularly index futures, has drawn scrutiny from both regulators and market participants, who have raised concerns about potential market distortion.

Jane Street, which is based in the United States, has yet to publicly comment on SEBI’s request for trading data or the investigation itself. The firm has previously maintained that its activities are compliant with global market regulations, including those in India. However, the SEBI inquiry underscores growing concerns among global regulators about the tactics employed by large-scale traders in emerging markets.

The investigation into Jane Street is part of a broader initiative by SEBI to strengthen its oversight of foreign investment in India. Over the past few years, SEBI has been increasingly focused on improving market transparency and curbing potential manipulative practices, particularly in high-frequency trading and derivative markets. While foreign firms play an essential role in providing liquidity to Indian markets, their influence has raised alarms about potential market imbalances.

Market analysts point out that the use of derivatives and other sophisticated financial instruments by international trading firms has brought India into closer alignment with global financial markets. However, the rise of algorithmic and high-frequency trading has led to concerns over market stability, especially in volatile times. In response, SEBI has ramped up its efforts to ensure that such trading does not compromise the fairness or integrity of the market.

In the wake of SEBI’s actions, some market participants have called for more stringent regulations governing the use of derivatives in India. While derivatives are legal and widely used, their impact on the underlying markets can sometimes be opaque, especially when large institutional players use them in tandem with other strategies to influence stock movements. Calls for greater transparency and stricter enforcement mechanisms are expected to intensify as the investigation continues.

The timing of SEBI’s investigation is significant, as it comes at a time of heightened global scrutiny on market manipulation and the role of high-frequency traders. In the wake of high-profile cases involving market abuses in other jurisdictions, regulators are under pressure to ensure that trading practices do not undermine investor confidence or market integrity.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, a prominent sovereign wealth fund, has bolstered its investment in India with the acquisition of a 1.17% stake in the National Securities Depository Limited, the country’s oldest central depository. This move comes as part of NSDL’s initial public offering, which has garnered significant attention within the Indian financial sector.

The deal positions ADIA as one of the key anchor investors in NSDL’s IPO, valued at ₹40.12 billion. The IPO officially opened for subscription today, marking a critical phase for both the company and the broader investment landscape. ADIA’s involvement is seen as a strong endorsement of NSDL’s role within the Indian financial ecosystem and reflects the UAE-based fund’s growing confidence in India’s capital markets.

ADIA has acquired 174,996 equity shares in NSDL at ₹800 per share, amounting to an investment of ₹140 million. This participation places ADIA among the notable institutional investors backing the public offering, signalling the strategic importance of NSDL in India’s burgeoning financial sector. The sovereign wealth fund’s move is likely to strengthen its position in the Indian market, where it has been increasing its footprint over the past several years.

The IPO has attracted substantial attention from institutional investors, with the Life Insurance Corporation of India securing the largest anchor allotment. LIC holds an 11.99% stake, underscoring its significant role in India’s financial services landscape. Following closely is the Smallcap World Fund, which has committed to an 8.33% stake, further highlighting the appeal of NSDL as a viable investment proposition for large-scale financial institutions.

NSDL, which plays a pivotal role in the clearing, settlement, and dematerialisation of securities in India, has been integral to the functioning of the Indian stock markets since its inception in 1996. The company provides critical infrastructure that supports the trading of securities and facilitates the electronic transfer of ownership. Its IPO is seen as a major milestone, not only for the company but for the broader development of the Indian financial market.

As the oldest depository in the country, NSDL has witnessed the rapid expansion of India’s financial markets over the past few decades. The company’s role in streamlining the trading of securities has been a key enabler of the country’s financial growth, positioning it as a leader in the sector. The funds raised through the IPO will be used to further enhance its technological infrastructure and expand its range of services, including the digitalisation of securities.

The growing interest from global institutional investors, such as ADIA, underscores the attractiveness of India’s financial market. Despite global economic uncertainty, India’s stock exchanges continue to attract significant foreign investments, bolstered by the country’s large consumer base, robust economic growth, and ongoing reforms aimed at improving market liquidity and transparency.

ADIA, which has been active in the Indian market for several years, has diversified its portfolio across various sectors, including infrastructure, real estate, and technology. The sovereign wealth fund has shown a particular interest in India’s financial services sector, making strategic investments in leading financial institutions and companies with strong growth potential.

NSDL’s IPO marks a significant step in the company’s journey, with the funds raised providing a boost to its expansion and digitalisation efforts. For ADIA, this investment represents a continuation of its strategy to capitalise on India’s growing financial sector and enhance its portfolio through carefully selected high-potential opportunities.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has introduced The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook, a strategic guide designed to equip businesses with essential tools to leverage artificial intelligence for growth and innovation. This new initiative is set to support entrepreneurs in integrating AI technologies into their operations and improve overall business performance.

The playbook offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and implementing AI in various sectors, including retail, finance, logistics, and manufacturing. It features step-by-step instructions on how to start using AI, from adopting the right technologies to ensuring scalability. By emphasising AI’s transformative potential, the Dubai Chamber aims to accelerate the digital economy and position the UAE as a global leader in tech-driven entrepreneurship.

Dubai has been at the forefront of the digital transformation in the Middle East, and the launch of this playbook aligns with the Chamber’s vision to create a robust ecosystem for technology adoption across businesses. The playbook is intended to help both established companies and startups identify the most suitable AI tools to streamline their processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive profitability.

The timing of this release comes as AI continues to disrupt industries worldwide, creating both challenges and opportunities for business owners. AI’s ability to automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making, and personalise services makes it an attractive option for companies looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. However, despite the benefits, many entrepreneurs still face significant barriers to AI adoption, including a lack of understanding, high implementation costs, and concerns about data privacy.

The playbook addresses these challenges by providing clear, actionable insights that guide users on how to navigate these hurdles. It covers various AI applications, including machine learning, natural language processing, and automation tools, providing practical case studies to demonstrate their effectiveness in real-world business scenarios. The playbook also provides resources for entrepreneurs to upskill their workforce, ensuring that companies can build internal capabilities to manage AI integration seamlessly.

One of the key features of the playbook is its emphasis on ethical AI use. As AI systems become more advanced, ethical considerations around data privacy, bias, and transparency are gaining importance. The playbook includes guidelines on how entrepreneurs can ensure their use of AI remains ethical, highlighting the need for responsible data handling practices and fairness in AI-driven decisions.

Experts believe the playbook could significantly improve the UAE’s competitive edge in the global digital economy. By enabling entrepreneurs to harness the power of AI effectively, the initiative could drive innovation across multiple sectors and attract international investments. The playbook also represents the Dubai Chamber’s commitment to creating a future-ready business environment that fosters innovation and digital growth.

The release of The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook is a part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Chamber to cultivate a thriving digital economy. The Chamber has been actively working to expand the reach of AI and other emerging technologies, offering various training programs, workshops, and collaborations with industry leaders to further the development of digital capabilities among businesses in the UAE.

Entrepreneurs and business owners in Dubai have welcomed the introduction of the playbook, with many highlighting its practical approach to AI implementation. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the playbook offers a valuable resource to overcome the complexity of AI adoption. Entrepreneurs can now explore how AI can be a game-changer in driving efficiency and customer satisfaction without the need for massive upfront investments in technology infrastructure.

Scala Data Centers has secured $328 million in international financing to fund the construction of three new hyperscale data centres and a critical power substation in Chile. This significant investment underscores the growing demand for high-capacity, scalable infrastructure to support the rapid expansion of digital services across Latin America.

The financing deal marks a pivotal moment for Scala as it continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the Latin American data centre sector. The new development in Chile forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in key markets across the region, which are increasingly becoming hubs for global data traffic and cloud services.

With digital transformation accelerating in multiple industries, Latin America has seen a surge in demand for high-performance data infrastructure. The planned facilities will cater to the needs of global cloud providers, hyperscale customers, and enterprises, allowing them to store, process, and manage vast amounts of data. The new data centres will also help reduce latency and improve connectivity for companies operating in the region.

The investment comes at a time when Latin America is experiencing a surge in the adoption of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. With more companies moving their operations to the cloud, the need for secure, reliable, and energy-efficient data centres has never been more pressing. Scala’s expansion will enable it to meet these demands, providing businesses with the infrastructure necessary to drive innovation and growth.

Scala’s expansion in Chile also reflects the increasing importance of sustainable infrastructure. The new data centres will be designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The company has also committed to using renewable energy sources to power its facilities, aligning with the growing trend of sustainability in the data centre industry.

Chile’s favourable business environment, combined with its advanced telecommunications infrastructure and strategic location, has made it an attractive destination for data centre investments. The country has been positioning itself as a key player in the global digital economy, offering tax incentives and other benefits to companies investing in technology and infrastructure. The addition of Scala’s new facilities further strengthens Chile’s standing as a leading hub for digital infrastructure in the region.

Alongside the construction of the data centres, the financing will also support the development of a major power substation, ensuring that the facilities have a stable and reliable energy supply. The substation will play a crucial role in supporting the growing demand for electricity, which is essential for the operation of the new data centres. With a growing number of digital services being powered by cloud platforms, the need for reliable and scalable energy solutions is increasingly important.

Scala’s investment comes amid a wave of expansion in the Latin American data centre market. The region has witnessed significant growth in the last few years, driven by increased cloud adoption, demand for edge computing, and the expansion of global tech giants in the area. The financing will allow Scala to build upon its already strong presence in the region and continue supporting the evolving needs of the digital economy.