Category: business

British Virgin Islands Looks to Strengthen Financial Services and Cross-Border Investment Ties with India: Premier Wheatley

New Delhi, 25 August 2026: The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) today hosted a high-level delegation from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to explore opportunities for strengthening trade, investment and legal cooperation between India and the BVI. Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, British Virgin Islands, along with Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, British Virgin Islands led a delegation of senior government and private-sector representatives.

The discussions focused on opportunities for enhancing trade and commerce, investment and cross-border legal cooperation, while also exploring emerging areas such as investment protection in the age of artificial intelligence, ESG and energy transition. The interaction provided a platform for the BVI Government delegation and SILF members to exchange perspectives on strengthening professional engagement while respecting the sovereign legal frameworks of both jurisdictions.

Speaking during the interaction, Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, British Virgin Islands, said, “This is the BVI’s first trade mission and dedicated roadshow to engage India’s financial services agencies and markets, reflecting our ambition to deepen cooperation between our financial services sectors. The India–BVI relationship extends back some 20 to 25 years, and BVI financial services have long supported India’s international investment efforts. As Indian businesses increasingly expand globally and investors look overseas to invest and raise capital, we believe the BVI can play an even greater role in supporting India’s financial architecture and cross-border trade. Our engagements here have reaffirmed that this is the right time to build a lasting and strategic partnership between the BVI and India.”

He further added, “With our flexible corporate framework, common law legal system and deep professional services ecosystem, the BVI can support Indian businesses in overseas expansion and fundraising, while facilitating global investment into India. We also want to bring more Indian legal practitioners into our global network and build partnerships with institutions including GIFT City, towards a dedicated BVI–India investment corridor and gateway. Our purpose is to refresh a decades-old friendship, strengthen existing ties and build new value together as India advances towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.”

Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, British Virgin Islands, said, “The time is right for us to be in India. Our delegation brings together government and the private sector, with BVI-linked firms and professionals operating across jurisdictions including Switzerland, Dubai, Panama, Hong Kong and Mauritius, reflecting the truly global nature of the BVIs’ financial services ecosystem. Lawyers are an integral part of this ecosystem and play an important role in helping us understand and navigate financial services and globalisation. Our engagements with the Government of India have already opened discussions around areas for greater cooperation and capacity building.”

She further added, “FinTech is a vital sector for us and it has been an important part of our discussions. India’s UPI payment system is of great interest to the British Virgin Islands, and we are keen to learn more from India’s experience in building this ecosystem. The willingness we have seen to share knowledge and expertise demonstrates the opportunities that exist for deeper cooperation between our two jurisdictions. This certainly will not be our first and last visit to India; we look forward to continued engagement and to being part of India’s journey towards becoming a developed country by 2047.”

Highlighting the importance of building stronger legal and economic linkages, Dr Lalit Bhasin, President, SILF, said, “We have to build a legal architecture for a connected global economy. The visit of the delegation of the Government of the British Virgin Islands is a timely step towards this goal. The high-profile delegation led by the Hon’ble Premier and the Finance Minister of the British Virgin Islands highlights the need for mutual economic cooperation between India and the British Virgin Islands.”

He further added, “The interaction of the delegation with members of the Society of Indian Law Firms would showcase cooperation while preserving sovereign legal entities. Other areas of discussion would be investment, protection in an age of AI, ESG and energy transition.”

Senior government officials, financial services representatives, legal professionals and business leaders from the British Virgin Islands participated in the high-level interaction. Other prominent members of the delegation included Mr Kenneth Baker, CEO/Managing Director, BVI Financial Services Commission; Ms Ayana Glasgow, Director of Financial Services, BVI Government; Mr Rhodni Skelton, Director of Marketing and Business Development, BVI Finance; and Dr Ricardo Wheatley, Director, BVI Government, BVI Hong Kong Office. They were accompanied by representatives from leading legal, financial and professional services organisations.

Leading members of the SILF present at the interaction included Mr Rohit Kochhar, General Secretary; Mr Ravi Nath, Senior Vice-President; Anand S Pathak, Vice-President; Mr Rajesh Narain Gupta, Vice-President; Mr Sudhir Mishra, Vice-President and Ms. Nina Gupta, Advocate and Mediator, Member, Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee of the Supreme Court of India among other senior members of the Indian legal fraternity.

The meeting marked another step in SILF’s efforts to deepen engagement with international legal and professional communities and facilitate greater cross-border cooperation. It is expected to contribute towards building stronger institutional linkages and identifying new avenues for legal and commercial collaboration between India and the BVI.

India’s Gig Economy Grows, but Women Continue to Face Barriers to Participation

 Pic Credit: Pexel

Aug 25: India’s rapidly expanding gig economy is creating new employment opportunities, but women continue to remain significantly underrepresented in app-based work, according to a recent study by the International Labour Organization and the National Council of Applied Economic Research.

The study highlights that India’s gig workforce is expected to expand substantially in the coming years. However, the benefits of this growth are not reaching women at the same pace as men.

Concerns over personal safety, limited mobility, lack of digital skills and prevailing social norms are among the key factors discouraging women from taking up platform-based jobs. These challenges are particularly important in sectors such as ride-hailing, food delivery, home services and other app-based work.

The findings come at a time when India is seeking to increase women’s participation in the workforce. Despite significant progress in access to banking and digital financial services, the same level of participation has not been seen in the rapidly growing digital labour market.

India’s female labour-force participation rate stood at around 32 per cent in 2025, compared with nearly 78 per cent for men, according to internationally comparable ILO estimates compiled by the World Bank.

The expansion of the gig economy is expected to make the issue increasingly important. With the number of gig workers projected to rise sharply by the end of the decade, improving women’s access to these jobs could provide an important source of additional income and employment.

At the policy level, the government is also working to strengthen social security provisions for gig and platform workers. The implementation of the Code on Social Security is expected to pave the way for welfare measures covering areas such as accident protection and maternity benefits.

Authorities are also working to improve the identification and tracking of platform workers through the e-Shram portal, which is intended to help eligible workers access government welfare programmes.

However, worker organisations have raised concerns about delays in sharing and updating worker information. At the same time, several platform companies have expressed concerns about regulatory requirements and the potential overlap between state-level measures and the emerging national framework.

The industry is also facing wider debates over fair pay, working conditions, algorithmic decision-making and income security, particularly for workers exposed to extreme weather and fluctuating demand.

For businesses, increasing women’s participation could represent a significant opportunity as the platform economy expands. Creating safer working conditions, improving access to digital training, providing flexible work arrangements and strengthening social protection could help companies attract and retain a larger female workforce.

The next phase of India’s gig economy may therefore depend not only on how quickly the sector creates jobs, but also on how effectively businesses and policymakers make those opportunities accessible, secure and sustainable for women.

MMTC-PAMP unveils the Radha Krishna 50g Silver Bar; A Timeless Celebration of Divine Love and Devotion

Mumbai, 25 August 2026: MMTC-PAMP, India’s only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery gold and silver refiner, has announced the unveiling of its latest offering, the Radha Krishna 50-gram Silver Bar. Crafted in 999.9+ pure silver, the all-new bar is inspired by the eternal bond of Lord Krishna and Radha. The collectible embodies the deep meaning of love, devotion, harmony and spiritual peace, blending India’s rich cultural heritage with exquisite craftsmanship.

The Radha Krishna Silver Bar from the house of MMTC–PAMP is a visual celebration of one of the most cherished symbols of divine love in Indian tradition. The obverse depicts Radha and Krishna sitting together in a serene garden under an ornate temple arch, representing unconditional love, peace and everlasting companionship. Krishna’s flute showcases divine music, while Radha represents devotion. The floral detailing adds richness, further enhancing the artwork and adding depth, vibrancy and a premium aesthetic to the design of the bar.

The back of the product shows an elegant decorative frame inspired by traditional Indian temple architecture. Delicate lotus vines, hanging temple bells, peacock feathers and Krishna’s flute with a jewelled crown surround the product specifications, creating an elaborate composition that reflects the timeless beauty of Indian art and spirituality.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Samit Guha, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC–PAMP, said, “The Radha Krishna Silver Bar is a celebration of love, devotion and India’s rich artistic heritage. Radha and Krishna represent a timeless bond that continues to inspire generations through its message of love, harmony and spiritual connection. Through intricate craftsmanship and the beauty of pure silver, we have brought these emotions to life. We are delighted to offer our consumers a collectible that goes beyond its precious metal value to become a meaningful keepsake of faith, love and tradition.” 

Crafted in 50 grams of 999.9+ purest silver, the bar features a premium proof-like finish with high-definition colour printing, bringing its intricate artwork to life. It is presented in MMTC–PAMP’s tamper-proof Assay Certified Packaging and is individually serialized to ensure authenticity.

The Radha Krishna Silver Bar makes a meaningful gift for special occasions and as a collectible, celebrating divine love while holding the lasting value of silver.

Every MMTC–PAMP product undergoes a rigorous purification process to guarantee the highest purity and quality. Additionally, every gold and silver product from MMTC–PAMP comes with positive weight tolerance, ensuring customers receive more than the stated weight and maximum value with every purchase.

With the Radha Krishna Silver Bar, MMTC–PAMP continues to bring together India’s spiritual traditions and precious metal artistry, creating meaningful products for collectors, devotees and those seeking an auspicious gift for special occasions.

HSBC Consumption Fund completes three years, delivers 15.13 percentage CAGR since inception

Indian Markets Slip as Rising Oil Prices and Iran Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

Mumbai, Aug 25: Indian equity markets opened lower on Tuesday as investors turned cautious amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran and a rise in global crude oil prices.

The Sensex fell about 30 points to 77,336.32 in early trading, while the Nifty 50 declined 38.80 points to 24,179.50. The selling pressure increased slightly later, with the Sensex trading around 77,235 and the Nifty near 24,162.

The weakness was visible across several major stocks. HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, NTPC, Power Grid and Bajaj Finance were among the notable laggards. On the other hand, Trent, Adani Ports, ICICI Bank and Bharat Electronics were among the stocks showing gains.

A major concern for investors is the movement in crude oil prices. Brent crude rose 0.35 per cent to around $92.49 a barrel, raising concerns about the impact of expensive energy on India, which depends heavily on imported crude oil.

Higher oil prices can put pressure on India’s import bill, the rupee and corporate costs. If crude remains elevated for a prolonged period, investors may also become more cautious about sectors that are sensitive to fuel and input costs.

Market sentiment was further affected by the latest escalation in the US-Iran standoff. Renewed geopolitical uncertainty has increased concerns about possible disruption to global energy supplies and has encouraged investors to adopt a more defensive approach.

Global markets also remained under pressure. South Korea’s Kospi, Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng were trading lower, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 moved higher. US markets had largely closed lower in the previous session.

Analysts expect volatility to remain high as investors also adjust positions ahead of the monthly derivatives expiry. Market movements could become sharper towards the end of the trading session as traders manage their positions.

Despite the cautious opening, foreign institutional investors remained buyers on Monday, purchasing equities worth ₹1,181.66 crore, according to exchange data.

The Sensex had ended Monday at 77,369.11, down 171.72 points, while the Nifty closed at 24,219.05, a decline of 32.95 points.

For investors, the immediate market direction is likely to depend on crude oil prices, developments in the US-Iran situation, global equity trends, foreign fund flows and the upcoming monthly expiry. With several uncertainties moving at the same time, traders are likely to remain cautious and expect increased swings in the market.

India’s Clean-Energy Push Crosses 300 GW Milestone

New Delhi, Aug 25: India has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition, with installed non-fossil fuel power capacity touching 300.50 GW as of July 31, 2026. The achievement takes non-fossil sources to more than half of the country’s total installed power capacity and puts India more than 60 per cent of the way towards its 500-GW target for 2030.

The milestone was highlighted during the first regional roadshow of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo (BRE Summit) 2026) in Rajasthan, ahead of the main event scheduled in New Delhi from November 2 to 5.

India’s growing clean-energy capacity reflects a major shift in the country’s power mix. Solar and wind energy have emerged as key drivers of this expansion, supported by hydropower, bioenergy and nuclear power. The rapid addition of renewable capacity is also creating demand for new transmission infrastructure, energy storage and technologies that can provide dependable electricity when renewable generation fluctuates.

Rajasthan has an important role in this transformation. With abundant sunshine and large areas suitable for renewable projects, the state has become one of India’s leading destinations for solar and other clean-energy investments. The regional roadshow aims to connect policymakers, businesses, investors and technology providers and build momentum for future projects.

For India, reaching 300 GW is an important step, but the journey is far from complete. The country needs to add nearly 200 GW more non-fossil capacity by 2030 to achieve its stated target. That will require sustained investment, faster project implementation, stronger power-transmission networks and greater deployment of battery and other energy-storage technologies.

The clean-energy expansion also has wider economic implications. New renewable projects can generate investment and employment while helping states attract industries seeking access to cleaner electricity. At the same time, a larger domestic clean-energy ecosystem can reduce exposure to fluctuations in imported fossil-fuel prices.

The next few years will therefore be crucial. India’s challenge is no longer simply to add renewable capacity, but to build a power system capable of integrating, storing and delivering clean electricity reliably at the scale required by a rapidly growing economy.

The 300-GW milestone marks a major step forward. The real test now is whether India can convert that momentum into a reliable, affordable and increasingly clean power system by 2030.

Nasscom Engages Stakeholders as US Proposes Major H-1B Fee Increase

New Delhi, Aug 25: India’s technology industry is closely monitoring a proposed sharp increase in the cost of US H-1B visa applications, with industry body Nasscom saying it is engaging with key stakeholders on the issue.

The proposed US regulation would introduce an additional $103,265 fee for employers filing cap-subject H-1B petitions, on top of existing fees. The proposal has been issued by the US Department of Homeland Security and is open for public comments for 30 days.

Nasscom said the H-1B programme was originally designed to help US employers address temporary shortages of specialised skills. The organisation said the programme should be considered in the context of the changing employment landscape, particularly as Indian technology companies have expanded their hiring within the US.

According to Nasscom, the number of H-1B employees working for Indian technology companies in the US has declined significantly over the past five years as companies have increased local recruitment.

The industry body also highlighted the contribution of Indian technology companies to the US skills and education ecosystem. It said the sector has invested more than $1.1 billion in strengthening STEM education and skills development, working with more than 130 US universities and colleges. These initiatives have reached around 2.9 million students and supported the upskilling of more than 255,000 employees.

Under the proposed US rules, the additional fee would apply to cap-subject H-1B petitions, including applications covered by the advanced-degree exemption. Employers would be required to pay the amount when submitting the petition, in addition to other applicable government charges.

The US Department of Homeland Security estimates that the proposed fee could generate approximately $8.8 billion annually, based on an estimated 85,000 cap-subject petitions each year. The government has said the funds would help cover costs associated with immigration processing, fraud prevention, security screening, technology upgrades and record management.

The H-1B programme currently provides 65,000 regular visa slots each year, along with an additional 20,000 places for foreign nationals holding a qualifying master’s degree or higher from a US institution.

For Indian technology companies and professionals, the proposed fee increase could raise the cost of deploying specialised talent to the US. However, the longer-term impact will depend on the final form of the regulation, the outcome of the public consultation process and how employers adjust their hiring and workforce strategies.

Nasscom’s continued engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders is expected to remain important as the US considers the proposed changes.

NSE Stocks: Genesys International Leads Gainers as Metal Stocks Shine

New Delhi, August 25, 2026: Stock-specific buying remained in focus at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday, with several companies witnessing sharp gains during the trading session. The top-performing stocks included both broader-market counters and heavyweight constituents of the NIFTY 50 index.

Among NSE-listed stocks, Genesys International Corporation emerged as one of the strongest performers, gaining around 19.99%. Chandrima Mercantile followed closely with a rise of approximately 19.90%, while Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) advanced nearly 14.93%.

Thrive Future Habitats was another notable gainer, with its stock rising around 14.38% during the session. The sharp movements highlight the wide dispersion in performance across the broader NSE market, where smaller and mid-sized stocks can register significantly larger intraday moves than benchmark constituents.

Within the NIFTY 50, buying interest was comparatively measured but metals remained prominent among the gainers. JSW Steel rose around 2.57%, making it the strongest performer among the large-cap stocks listed in the provided set. Hindalco Industries gained approximately 2.37%, while Tata Steel advanced around 1.80%.

HCL Technologies also remained in positive territory, gaining nearly 1.50%. The performance of JSW Steel, Hindalco and Tata Steel points to continued investor interest in the metal segment, although the broader market picture remained dependent on intraday developments.

The contrast between the broader NSE gainers and NIFTY 50 performers is significant. While selected smaller stocks recorded gains approaching 20%, the leading benchmark constituents moved within a more moderate range. Such differences are typical of equity markets, where liquidity, company-specific developments, trading volumes and investor positioning can produce substantially different price movements.

NSE maintains dedicated market-watch sections for top gainers and losers, allowing investors to track securities experiencing significant price changes during the session.

For investors, however, a sharp rise in a stock does not necessarily indicate a sustainable trend. Top-gainer lists primarily highlight price momentum, and stocks showing unusually large intraday gains can also experience heightened volatility or profit-taking. Market participants generally assess the move alongside trading volume, corporate announcements, earnings, valuations and broader sector trends before drawing conclusions.

The latest market action also follows a cautious start to the week. Indian equity benchmarks ended Monday lower, with the Sensex and Nifty declining by around 0.2%, while Tata Steel and HCL Technologies were among the notable gainers during that session.

Overall, Tuesday’s stock movement underscores the divergence between high-beta broader-market counters and established NIFTY 50 companies. Genesys International, Chandrima Mercantile, FACT and Thrive Future Habitats dominated the broader gainers’ list, while JSW Steel, Hindalco Industries, Tata Steel and HCL Technologies led gains among the major benchmark stocks.

The figures cited are intraday indications and may change during the trading session. This report is for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.

Luxiora Cosmetics Nude Edit Lipsticks Makes For A Perfect Raksha Bandhan Gift

This Raksha Bandhan, make Luxiora Cosmetics’ new Nude Edit Luxe Liquid Lipsticks, a part of your sister’s beauty ritual. With nude lips reigning as the colour of the season, the collection makes for a chic and thoughtful gift — offering effortless colour that transitions seamlessly from everyday minimalism to evening glam.

Perfect for the sister who loves understated beauty with a polished finish, these liquid mattes offer one-swipe colour payoff, a featherlight feel and up to 12 hours of wear. Enriched with Vitamin E, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Rosemary, Candelilla and SPF 15, the formula delivers a comfortable, non-drying matte that stays put through long days and meals.

Available in five versatile shades — Gulabi Glow, Crush Tone, Bare Vibe, Chai Date and Masala Mood — the collection is designed to complement Indian skin tones and suit everyday wear. Choose the shade that feels most like her, or give her the complete edit. Bringing together high-performance beauty and affordable luxury, these nudes are an effortless addition to any Raksha Bandhan gifting edit.

Available at: https://www.luxioracosmetics.com/collections/nude-velvet-matte-liquid-lipstick