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Middle East governments moved to endorse a preliminary US-Iran peace deal on Monday, casting it as the strongest diplomatic opening yet to end a four-month conflict that has disrupted energy flows, strained Gulf security and unsettled global markets. The agreement, brokered after mediation led by Pakistan and supported by regional diplomacy, is due to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. It provides for a halt to […]

Foreign investors delivered their strongest one-day purchase of Vietnamese equities in nearly six years on 15 June, signalling a sharp improvement in risk appetite after fears over Middle East energy disruption eased.

Overseas funds bought a net US$160.4 million of Vietnamese shares on Monday, the largest daily inflow since 10 September 2020. The buying helped steady a market that had been under pressure from rising oil prices, global risk aversion and sustained foreign withdrawals despite Vietnam’s long-awaited move towards emerging-market status.

The VN-Index rose 0.43 per cent to 1,799.31 on Monday and moved back above the 1,800-point area on Tuesday, keeping the benchmark close to levels that still represent a strong annual advance even after a pullback over the past month. The shift was part of a wider rebound across Asian emerging markets after the United States and Iran agreed on terms aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over inflation and fuel costs.

The reversal is notable because foreign investors have remained net sellers of Vietnamese equities this year. Even after Monday’s inflow, overseas funds have sold about US$2.6 billion of Vietnamese stocks in 2026, following withdrawals of roughly US$4.8 billion last year. Those outflows reflected concerns over market concentration, heavy exposure to a few large-cap groups, tariff uncertainty, currency pressure and the impact of higher energy prices on a manufacturing-led economy.

“De-escalation in the Middle East and Vietnam’s own underperformance have created a textbook re-entry set-up for foreign capital,” said Quynh Cao, head of institutional business at VNDirect Securities. “Positioning was already tight and it does not take much to flip that.”

Vietnam’s appeal to global investors rests on more than a single trading session. FTSE Russell has confirmed that the country will be reclassified from frontier to secondary emerging-market status from 21 September, with inclusion in global equity indices to be phased through 2027. The upgrade is expected to bring passive inflows of about US$1.5 billion, with broader active flows potentially lifting the total to several billion dollars if market reforms continue.

The reclassification follows changes aimed at improving foreign access, including the removal of full pre-funding requirements for equity trades and the development of a global broker model. These reforms address long-standing obstacles for institutional investors, who had complained about settlement risk, limited access channels and operational frictions that made Vietnam harder to replicate within global index portfolios.

Large-cap names expected to draw attention include Vingroup, Masan Group, FPT Corp and Hoa Phat Group, alongside banks, securities firms, industrial stocks and consumer companies with sufficient liquidity and foreign room. Average daily trading value in Vietnamese equities this year has been around US$789 million, underscoring the market’s growing depth, though liquidity remains uneven across sectors.

The macroeconomic backdrop remains supportive. Vietnam’s economy expanded 8.02 per cent in 2025, helped by strong exports, public investment, manufacturing activity and resilient consumption. Foreign direct investment disbursement rose to about US$27.6 billion last year, while exports reached roughly US$475 billion. Growth is expected to moderate this year, but projections still place Vietnam among Asia’s faster-growing economies.

Higher oil prices had complicated that outlook. Vietnam is exposed to imported fuel and energy costs, making any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz a direct risk to inflation, transport costs and factory margins. The drop in crude prices after the US-Iran accord helped restore confidence among investors looking at countries with strong structural growth but sensitivity to external shocks.

The market is not without vulnerabilities. Retail investors remain a major force in daily trading, making sentiment swings sharper when liquidity thins. Foreign ownership limits continue to constrain buying in some leading companies. Corporate governance, disclosure quality and settlement infrastructure also remain areas under watch as Vietnam seeks eventual MSCI emerging-market status.

Analysts say the latest inflow will need to be sustained before it can be treated as a durable turning point. A single large session can reflect short-covering, index positioning or tactical buying after a sell-off. A lasting reversal would require more consistent foreign participation, firmer currency conditions, stable oil prices and evidence that earnings growth can match valuations after the market’s strong run.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Chambers has used a London business dialogue to press Dubai’s case as a global base for British companies seeking expansion across the Gulf, Africa and Asia, as trade and investment links between the emirate and the United Kingdom gather pace. The session, organised with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together British investors and business leaders for discussions on market […]

Dubai is preparing to award strategic contracts worth more than Dh55 billion for the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, marking a decisive step in turning Dubai World Central into the emirate’s main aviation gateway. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said work on the airport expansion was progressing in line with the […]

Shoppers can stand to win S$10,000 daily exclusively on foodpanda when ordering from Sheng Siong, while enjoying islandwide delivery within an hour

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – foodpanda, Singapore’s leading food and grocery delivery platform, today announced a partnership with Sheng Siong, bringing one of the nation’s largest supermarket chains exclusively onto its platform for on-demand grocery delivery.

(From left) Peter Tan, Senior System Architect, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Zi Kai, Director of Customer and Operations, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Ruiwen, Executive Director, Sheng Siong Group; Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director, foodpanda Singapore; Ricky Davda, Head of Marketplace, foodpanda Singapore; and Yingchun Li, Head of Marketing & Growth, foodpanda Singapore, at the launch of foodpanda's partnership with Sheng Siong
(From left) Peter Tan, Senior System Architect, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Zi Kai, Director of Customer and Operations, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Ruiwen, Executive Director, Sheng Siong Group; Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director, foodpanda Singapore; Ricky Davda, Head of Marketplace, foodpanda Singapore; and Yingchun Li, Head of Marketing & Growth, foodpanda Singapore, at the launch of foodpanda’s partnership with Sheng Siong

From 22 June 2026, consumers can order more than 12,000 grocery products and household essentials from 43 Sheng Siong outlets islandwide, with plans to progressively onboard more outlets. Orders can be delivered in an hour, bringing Sheng Siong’s signature value and budget-friendly savings straight to the doorstep.

“As grocery delivery becomes part of everyday life for more Singapore households, consumers are looking for trusted brands, competitive prices and the convenience of shopping on their own terms,” said Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director of foodpanda Singapore. “Sheng Siong has earned the trust of generations of Singaporeans, and we are excited to welcome this beloved household brand onto foodpanda. By bringing together Sheng Siong’s trusted value with foodpanda’s convenience, we are making everyday grocery shopping even more accessible for consumers across Singapore.”

The partnership comes as demand for quick-commerce continues to grow in Singapore. foodpanda has seen grocery order frequency increase by 7% since 2023, while the average number of items per order has risen by 8%. This points to a broader shift in shopping habits, with more consumers relying on on-demand delivery not just for last-minute top-ups, but for their regular weekly grocery runs.

Strengthening foodpanda’s grocery ecosystem

Complementing foodpanda’s network of pandamart stores and existing grocery partners, Sheng Siong further strengthens the platform’s grocery offering and expands access to affordable options for Singapore households.

As grocery baskets continue to grow, foodpanda is also investing in fulfilment capabilities to support larger and bulkier orders. This includes a three-wheeler delivery fleet with increased carrying capacity to improve fulfilment efficiency, helping customers receive their weekly essentials quickly and reliably.

Through the partnership, consumers can look forward to:

  • Access to over 12,000 grocery and household products from Sheng Siong
  • On-demand doorstep delivery in an hour
  • Additional perks for pandapro subscribers, including free delivery on applicable orders

Lin Ruiwen, Executive Director, Sheng Siong Group, said,”At Sheng Siong, our focus has always been on providing quality products at competitive prices for Singapore households. As more consumers embrace the convenience of online grocery shopping, partnering with foodpanda allows us to extend that value proposition beyond our physical stores and better serve our consumer’s needs.”

Celebrating the launch with daily S$10,000 giveaways and exclusive savings

To celebrate the partnership, foodpanda and Sheng Siong are rolling out one of foodpanda’s biggest grocery campaigns to date, with S$280,000 total in cash prizes to be won.

From 22 June to 19 July 2026, customers who order from Sheng Siong on foodpanda will stand a chance to win S$10,000 in cash awarded to one winner each day throughout the campaign (terms and conditions apply).

Shoppers can also enjoy exclusive launch discounts on foodpanda, including:

  • Up to 40% off selected Sheng Siong products
  • Additional rewards and promotions throughout the campaign period

Hashtag: #foodpanda #grocery #shengsiong #partnership #singapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About foodpanda Singapore

foodpanda is a leading on-demand delivery platform in Asia dedicated to bringing consumers a wide range of food, groceries and more, quickly and conveniently. Powered by technology and operational excellence, foodpanda is spearheading the growth of quick-commerce (q-commerce) across the region with its network of retail partners, as well as pandamart cloud stores to provide more on-demand options beyond the millions of food delivery options. foodpanda operates across 10 markets in Asia Pacific – Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. foodpanda is a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, a global leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit .

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Malaysia’s wellness market is moving beyond traditional competition over ingredients, dosage, and pricing toward product-format experience, sustained use, and differentiated innovation. The Global Wellness Consumer & Product Trends Forum 2026 will hold a forum on June 23, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme “Defining the Next Generation of Health Industry,” the event will bring together Malaysian trade associations, leading distribution channels, and Taiwanese R&D teams to jointly explore market opportunities.

Global Wellness Forum 2026 Set for June 23 in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia's Nutraceutical Industry Embarks on Next-Gen Transformation

As a core component, James Pereira, general manager of MADSA, will share insights on Malaysian health industry regulations. Adrian Toh, CEO & Executive Director of R Pharmacy, will provide frontline retail channel observations regarding shifting consumer demands. Alex Liao, General Manager of Welbloom Bio-Tech, will represent Taiwan to share how format innovation effectively responds to brand differentiation, consumption experiences, and market compliance needs.

Faced with brands’ attention toward differentiated experiences, Welbloom Bio-Tech will showcase its proprietary, Halal-certified FRESH-Jelly® technology on-site, demonstrating the innovative application to make supplements more food-like. Through ingredient payload capacities, zero- or low-sugar designs, and customized flavor development, FRESH-Jelly® allows supplements to maintain functionality while becoming more enjoyable to consume regularly, providing Malaysian brands with a distinctive option beyond capsules and tablets.

With the rapid rise of Malaysia’s wellness consumer market, its mature distribution channels and exceptional potential for regional expansion are accelerating the country’s growth as a critical hub for the Southeast Asian health industry. Welbloom Bio-Tech states that this forum is a bridging platform connecting Taiwan’s manufacturing capabilities with Malaysian market insights, aiming to unlock commercially viable partnerships for both regions.

The event is organized by The PAGE, co-organized by Welbloom Bio-Tech and SEAbizs, and supported by NTBSA, MATRADE, R Pharmacy, and MADSA.

【Event Information】
Time: June 23, 2026, 09:30 – 14:00
Venue: The Zenith – Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Hashtag: #WelbloomBioTech

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Welbloom Bio-Tech

Welbloom Bio-Tech focuses on health supplement R&D, manufacturing, and dosage form innovation. Through forward-looking market foresight and robust R&D technologies, it provides one-stop services from formulation design and flavor development to manufacturing, assisting clients in Malaysia and Singapore to build highly competitive health supplements.

To learn more, please search “Welbloom” or click the link:

The World Bank Group has raised $509 million through a second loan-backed bond deal, taking its emerging-market securitisation programme past $1 billion as it seeks to draw more private capital into businesses that can expand employment across developing economies. The transaction, closed through the International Finance Corporation, packages 62 IFC-originated loans from different sectors into a collateralised loan obligation, or CLO. It follows a $510 million debut […]

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Dubai WoodShow 2026 will open on June 22 with smart manufacturing technologies at the centre of a wider industry shift towards automated, data-led and materials-efficient production. The 22nd edition of the trade exhibition will run until June 24 at Dubai World Trade Centre, occupying Halls 6, 7 and 8 for a business-to-business audience spanning timber suppliers, machinery makers, furniture producers, fit-out contractors, architects, interior designers and building […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai will build 31 pedestrian bridges and tunnels across major corridors by 2030 under a five-year mobility plan aimed at cutting road risk, linking fast-growing communities and supporting a wider shift towards walking, cycling and e-scooter travel. The Roads and Transport Authority has approved the 2026-2030 programme after technical and field studies covering population density, land-use patterns, proximity to tourist and commercial districts, […]

Rise vGPU + ModelHub Power China’s AI into the Heterogeneous Orchestration Era

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 June 2026 – Frost & Sullivan, a globally renowned growth consulting firm, has released its “2026 AI Infrastructure Orchestration Platform White Paper”. The report recognizes Phancy Group’s Rise vGPU as a Tier 1 Leading Platform, the highest maturity tier in heterogeneous GPU orchestration. Phancy’s ModelHub also achieved the highest Overall Score in the enterprise-grade model management platform evaluation. This marks a significant endorsement of Phancy’s technological capability in heterogeneous AI infrastructure.

According to the white paper, as large model applications scale rapidly, China’s AI industry is facing structural challenges stemming from multi-chip coexistence. These include hardware heterogeneity, fragmented software stacks, persistently low GPU utilization (generally below 30%), and rising model adaptation complexity — all of which have become major bottlenecks for enterprise-scale AI deployment.

The report highlights a fundamental shift in AI infrastructure competitiveness – moving away from “single-chip performance” toward “cluster-scale system coordination.” At this critical juncture, Phancy has positioned itself as a leader in advanced orchestration through its full-stack AI infrastructure platform, offering a proven solution to heterogeneous compute challenges and helping drive China’s AI industry from “compute accumulation” into a new era of “compute orchestration.”

Phancy Rise vGPU: Tier 1 Leading Platform

In its assessment of mainstream AI infrastructure platforms, Frost & Sullivan defined Tier 1 criteria across three core dimensions: heterogeneous support, fine-grained control, and production-grade execution. Phancy Rise vGPU meets all three standards and has been recognized as a Tier 1 Leading Platform.

Rise vGPU transforms AI infrastructure from fragmented, low-efficiency device-level management to a unified software-defined control plane. Its key technology breakthroughs include:

  • Comprehensive Heterogeneous Management: Unified onboarding and management across more than 10 mainstream GPU/NPU vendors, including NVIDIA, Ascend, Cambricon, Hygon, and others.
  • Ultra-Fine Resource Partitioning: Industry-leading sub-GPU level compute and MB-level memory granularity slicing.
  • Significant Utilization Improvement: Through safe oversubscription and time/space multiplexing, GPU utilization is increased from industry averages below 30% to 70%-90%.
  • Intelligent Precision Scheduling: Multi-dimensional scheduling algorithms based on priority, topology, load, and resource awareness to achieve optimal compute allocation.
  • Production-Grade SLA Assurance: The Deterministic Execution Layer delivers committed and auditable SLA guarantees for critical inference workloads.
  • Full Lifecycle Operability: Comprehensive monitoring, metering, and cost allocation capabilities that turn GPU resources into truly operable digital assets.

Model Hub: Highest Overall Score in Model Management Platform Evaluation

Beyond compute orchestration, the report underscores the strategic importance of enterprise-grade model management platforms. As a powerful complement to Rise vGPU, Phancy ModelHub enables enterprises to build a complete full-stack AI infrastructure — from compute to models and from resource scheduling to business delivery.

The white paper notes that Phancy ModelHub delivers leading performance in key areas such as Model & Chip Compatibility, Execution Stability & Performance, and Model-GPU Coordination & Scheduling, achieving the highest Overall Score. Through its unified model management and execution platform, ModelHub creates a seamless closed-loop process covering model onboarding, deployment optimization, inference services, and version governance — significantly lowering the barrier to model deployment and accelerating AI innovation.

Dr. Dai Wenyuan, Founder & CEO of Phancy, said: “The Frost & Sullivan white paper accurately captures the inflection point in AI infrastructure development. The recognition of Rise vGPU as a Tier 1 Leading Platform and ModelHub’s top Overall Score provide important authoritative validation of Phancy’s technology strategy and product strength. As a full-stack AI cloud service platform, Phancy believes the next wave of competitiveness in the AI industry will come from systematic improvements in compute orchestration efficiency. We will continue to focus on heterogeneous compute unified scheduling and model ecosystem operations, working closely with customers and industry partners to advance China’s AI industry from ‘compute accumulation’ to a true ‘compute orchestration’ era.”

Hashtag: #PhancyGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Phancy Group

Phancy Group (6682.HK) is a leading full-stack AI cloud services platform, providing comprehensive solutions for the AI 2.0 era. Our offerings include Rise vGPU, ModelHub and SageAIOS, delivering efficient and scalable AI infrastructure with end-to-end capabilities. We provide a complete solution from heterogeneous compute resource management and optimization to the deployment of intelligent agent models. These solutions empower digital transformation across a wide range of industries, supporting our vision of building a large-scale and efficient “Token Factory.”

Guided by the mission of “AI for Everyone” and positioned as the “Navigator of AI,” Phancy Group is committed to becoming a global leader in Artificial General Intelligence.

By Nitya Chakraborty Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be taking part in the outreach session of the 52nd meeting of G7 being held in Evans of France hosted by the French President Emanuel Macron. Already the main session started on Monday with the participation of the leaders of the seven nations. The main task of […]

The article Can PM Narendra Modi Redeem India’s Status As Defender Of Global South At G7 Meet In France? appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Service provides medical assessment, ingredient information and delivery arrangements where appropriate

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 June 2026 – FastMed today announced the launch of online consultation support for hair loss concerns, providing a private and structured pathway for medical assessment of increased shedding, a receding hairline, thinning at the crown and reduced hair volume. The service covers online information submission, doctor assessment, review of possible hair loss causes, evidence-informed ingredient information and follow-up arrangements where appropriate.

Structured Online Assessment for Hair Loss Concerns

Hair loss has become an earlier concern among urban adults. Many cases are first managed through over-the-counter shampoos, hair growth serums, supplements or products promoted online. Hair loss, however, may be associated with a range of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, nutritional status, scalp conditions, underlying illnesses and medication-related effects.

FastMed’s online consultation workflow supports the submission of relevant health information before medical assessment. Information reviewed may include duration of shedding, location of hair thinning, family history of hair loss, recent health status, lifestyle factors and products previously used. The process is designed to support assessment of whether hair loss may be related to temporary shedding, scalp-related concerns, or genetic and hormonal factors.

Genetic and Hormonal Factors Included in Assessment

Male-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, and female-pattern hair loss are commonly associated with genetic and hormonal factors. These conditions may appear before middle age. Early signs may include a gradually receding frontal hairline, thinning at the crown, finer hair strands or widening of the hair parting. Because these changes often develop gradually, early signs may be mistaken for stress, insufficient rest or unsuitable haircare products.

Dr. Leung Kin Hei, medical adviser to FastMed, said: “Hair loss can involve a range of underlying causes. General haircare products may help cleanse the scalp or improve hair appearance, but hair loss associated with genetic or hormonal factors requires a clearer understanding of hair loss type and possible causes. A structured assessment process can support more appropriate follow-up decisions.”

Evidence-Informed Ingredient Information

FastMed’s online consultation support may also provide medical information on commonly discussed ingredients for hair loss, based on assessment findings. For androgenetic alopecia, ingredients commonly referenced in medical literature and supported by regulatory approval include finasteride and topical minoxidil. Finasteride is the active ingredient in prescription medicines such as Propecia and Damocare, while topical minoxidil is commonly found in external hair growth products such as Regro and Regaine.

Suitability, method of use and potential risks vary across ingredients. Prescription medicines in particular should only be considered following medical assessment. FastMed’s service is designed to support appropriate information provision and assessment-based follow-up, rather than product selection based solely on advertising, online reviews or brand claims.

Online Process Supports Privacy and Convenience

Hair loss is common, but concerns about appearance, confidence and privacy may delay medical support. FastMed’s online process allows information to be submitted through a digital pathway before doctor assessment. Where appropriate following assessment, the platform may arrange relevant support, medication advice, delivery or follow-up.

Dr. Leung added: “Hair loss concerns may affect confidence, social interaction and emotional well-being. Medical support is not intended to create anxiety. A structured assessment process can help clarify possible causes, reduce reliance on unverified online information and support more informed follow-up decisions.”

Hashtag: #FastMed #Medical #Health



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About FastMed HK

FastMed is a medical platform providing online doctor consultations and delivery support. The platform supports access to appropriate medical information and follow-up arrangements in a private, convenient and compliant manner, with assessments conducted according to individual circumstances.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DMCC has rolled out a business acceleration package aimed at lowering costs, freeing cash flow and giving companies in its 26,000-plus member ecosystem more room to expand as competition for global trade and investment intensifies. The initiative offers licence renewal incentives, penalty waivers, administrative flexibility and set-up discounts for new entrants, positioning the Dubai business district to support established firms and companies weighing […]

Greenlogue/AP The UAE has classified six non-native bird species as priority threats under a national plan aimed at protecting local biodiversity, farms, public spaces and human health from the spread of invasive wildlife. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has identified the common myna, bank myna, rock pigeon, house crow, Alexandrine parakeet and rose-ringed parakeet as species requiring priority management. The move places avian invasions more […]

By K Raveendran The promise of a ‘great settlement’ from President Trump has been enough to pull oil prices lower, calm equity markets and revive hopes that the Strait of Hormuz may return to normal traffic. Yet it shows how fragile the relief remains. A diplomatic opening can move prices in an instant, but a […]

The article The ‘Great Settlement’ That Could Decide Price Of Iran War World Will Pay appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Global peace has deteriorated for a 12th consecutive year as armed conflicts, military build-ups and geopolitical fragmentation deepen instability across much of the world, the 2026 Global Peace Index has found. The latest index, covering 163 countries and territories, recorded a 0.7 per cent decline in the average level of peacefulness over the past year, the 15th deterioration in 18 years. Ninety-nine countries became less peaceful, while […]

Scientists have identified cancer-linked mutations in brain immune cells that may help fuel Alzheimer’s disease, opening a new line of inquiry into how ageing blood biology, inflammation and neurodegeneration may intersect. The finding, published in Cell, suggests that mutations commonly associated with blood cancers and clonal haematopoiesis can appear in microglia-like immune cells in Alzheimer’s-affected brains. Rather than forming tumours, these altered cells appear to adopt inflammatory […]

OpenAI has shut down two China-linked ChatGPT account clusters that it says tried to manipulate US debates over artificial intelligence infrastructure, tariffs and technology policy, with one campaign generating posts and cartoons that blamed data centres for higher electricity bills. The San Francisco-based company said the accounts were used to produce social media comments, comic strips, slogans and political cartoons for apparent covert influence operations. The activity […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Future Foundation has graduated 160 students from the second cohort of the Dubai TKS – Knowledge Society programme, marking a sharp expansion of the emirate’s effort to build early-stage talent in artificial intelligence, robotics, climate technology, biotechnology and advanced computing. The students, aged 13 to 17 and drawn from a range of nationalities, completed the 10-month programme at a ceremony held at […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai L’Oréal Middle East has signed the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge, placing the beauty group’s regional operations under a national framework that asks private companies to measure emissions, set reduction plans and align business decisions with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 pathway. The pledge was announced at the third L’Oréal For the Future Summit in Dubai, where the company positioned climate action, refillable […]

New Delhi has moved into crisis-management mode as the war in Iran raises fuel costs, strains the rupee and forces the Centre to balance energy security against its deficit-reduction pledge.

The latest response includes curbs on bulk diesel purchases at retail outlets, a willingness to let the fiscal deficit widen beyond the Budget target, and measures to pull in overseas capital as policymakers try to contain pressure on inflation, subsidies and the balance of payments. The measures mark a sharp shift from the calmer macroeconomic backdrop at the start of the financial year, when lower inflation and steady growth had given authorities room to focus on consolidation.

Retail fuel outlets run by public sector oil marketing companies have been told to cap high-speed diesel sales at 200 litres per customer or vehicle per day. The restriction, planned for up to 90 days, is aimed at preventing hoarding and stopping commercial users from shifting large purchases to retail pumps, where prices are lower than bulk supply rates. Diesel bought from retail outlets cannot be resold, and dealers have been asked to ensure that sales go directly into vehicle tanks or approved containers.

The decision followed a surge in purchases from retail pumps after the conflict in West Asia widened the gap between retail and bulk diesel prices. Trucking firms, contractors and other commercial users have sought cheaper supplies, adding pressure on state-run fuel retailers that already carry most of the retail burden. Diesel accounts for a large share of transport and farm fuel demand, making any disruption politically sensitive as the kharif sowing season approaches.

The fiscal impact is becoming harder to ignore. The Budget had set the fiscal deficit target for 2026-27 at 4.3% of gross domestic product, after 4.4% in the revised estimate for 2025-26. Officials are now prepared to tolerate a higher deficit, potentially around 4.8% of GDP, if subsidy costs and energy-related spending rise further. Fertiliser subsidies are also expected to climb as global input costs move up, while fuel-related tax and pricing decisions could reduce revenue flexibility.

Spending cuts across ministries are being examined, though the Centre is likely to avoid sharp reductions in capital expenditure unless market conditions deteriorate further. Infrastructure spending has been one of the main pillars of growth in the past few years, and cutting it too deeply would risk weakening private investment at a time when companies are already facing higher transport and raw material costs.

The rupee has become the other pressure point. It strengthened on Friday after Brent crude fell below $90 a barrel on hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough, but the currency remains vulnerable to oil spikes because India depends heavily on imported crude. The Reserve Bank of India has introduced measures to attract dollar inflows, including support for foreign currency deposits and lower-cost hedging routes for overseas borrowing by state-run companies. Large lenders are preparing dollar bond issues, and banks expect a stronger push to tap non-resident deposits over the coming months.

Inflation has also started to reflect the shock. Retail inflation rose to 3.93% in May from 3.48% in April, with food and fuel costs moving higher. The reading remains close to the central bank’s 4% target, but the risk is that higher diesel prices feed into freight, farm operations and food distribution. Any weak monsoon spell linked to El Niño conditions would add another layer of pressure.

By Dr. Nilanjan Banik The Indian economy, to quote from Charles Dickens’ novel, looks like A Tale of Two Cities. Recent estimates suggest India’s real GDP expanded by 7.8%, with strong growth noted across sectors: services (9.3%), manufacturing (10.7%), and construction (7.4%). Consumption expenditure, which is the largest component of GDP explaining 58% of GDP, […]

The article Big Indian Corporates Are Not Investing Despite Series Of Govt Incentives appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Greenlogue/AP Climate stress is tightening its grip on vulnerable communities across the Middle East and North Africa, where water scarcity, conflict, weak public services and economic pressure are combining to narrow the choices available to millions of people. The region’s exposure is no longer defined by heat and drought alone. Families in fragile rural districts, informal urban settlements, refugee camps and conflict-affected towns are being pushed into […]

Investors have become so focused on AI software that many are overlooking the industries making the boom possible. I believe this could prove to be an expensive mistake. The dominant investment narrative has revolved around the companies building AI models, designing advanced chips and providing cloud-computing services. Investors have poured huge amounts of capital into firms such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta Platforms. Those businesses […]

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