All posts by Neel Achary

Grupo Salinas Selects Integral Digital to Power Coinpro's Institutional Digital Asset Trading Desk

Grupo Salinas Selects Integral Digital to Power Coinpro’s Institutional Digital Asset Trading Desk

Business Wire India

  • COINPRO will use Integral’s technology to aggregate liquidity, automate pricing and support wholesale transactions between digital assets and fiat currencies

Integral, a leading currency technology provider, today announced that Grupo Salinas, through COINPRO, has selected Integral Digital as the technology infrastructure for Coinpro’s institutional digital asset trading desk.

 

The desk is designed to serve corporate and institutional clients seeking to buy or sell digital assets against fiat currencies. Its wholesale model will support exchanges, digital asset companies and other businesses that require institutional pricing, liquidity and execution.

 

 

Integral Digital will provide Coinpro with a single environment for liquidity aggregation, price formation, order and position management, risk controls and real-time analytics across digital assets and fiat currencies.

 

 

By automating these functions, Coinpro will be able to quote and execute institutional transactions more efficiently and scale its operations as client demand grows.

 

 

The infrastructure may also support institutional use cases that require efficient conversion between digital assets and local currencies.

 

 

Carlos Díaz Alonso, General Manager of Comission- Based Business of Grupo Salinas, said: “Through Coinpro, Grupo Salinas is developing a specialized institutional capability for digital assets. We selected Integral because its technology brings liquidity, pricing, risk management and operational control into a highly automated workflow. This gives us the infrastructure needed to serve corporate and institutional clients with the speed and discipline this market requires.”

 

 

Harpal Sandhu, CEO of Integral, said: “Integral Digital enables global partners to seamlessly integrate digital assets into their institutional offerings while navigating market complexity. By combining cross-exchange aggregation with institutional-grade risk management, Integral bridges the gap between client demand and operational requirements. Grupo Salinas is a pioneer in Latin American financial innovation, and we are thrilled to support their execution.”

 

 

About COINPRO

 

 

COINPRO is Grupo Salinas’s digital asset and blockchain infrastructure platform, enabling cryptocurrency services and next-generation financial solutions across the Grupo’s ecosystem. COINPRO connects traditional financial rails with the digital economy, creating more efficient, scalable and borderless ways to move and manage value.

 

 

About Grupo Salinas

 

 

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating economic value through market innovation and goods and services that improve the lives of its customers, social value –with the creation of capacities in society to improve their living conditions– and environmental value –by mitigating negative impacts of its value chain. By bringing well-being to all levels of society, Grupo Salinas fosters the development of the countries where it operates.

 

 

Created by entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a forum to develop entrepreneurial ability and support decision-making among the executives who lead Group’s member firms: TV Azteca (www.azteca.com;https://www.irtvazteca.com/), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx;www.elektra.com), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Totalplay (www.totalplay.com.mx), among others. The Group shares a common vision, values and strategies to achieve rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

 

 

About Integral

 

 

Integral is the currency technology partner to hundreds of financial institutions, including banks, brokers, investors and cross-border payment companies, who have embedded Integral’s technology in their workflows and customer-facing services.

 

 

Adopted first by the financial markets and now integrated across all industries – our embedded FX and crypto services are solving the currency challenges faced every global organization. Founded in 1993, we support customers from our offices in Palo Alto, New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Bengaluru.

 

 

Additional information is available at www.integral.com.

 

 

©2026 Integral Development Corp. All rights reserved. Integral technology is protected under U.S. patents and patent-pending applications and related intellectual property rights.

 

 

Grupo Salinas Selects Integral Digital to Power Coinpro's Institutional Digital Asset Trading Desk

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260903365815/en/

 

Grupo Salinas Selects Integral Digital to Power Coinpro's Institutional Digital Asset Trading Desk

Niharika Singhania Delivers Stellar Performance at Brussels Stephex Masters With a Clear Round at 1.45m and Finishing Sixth in a CSI2* Grand Prix Represents a Significant Level of International Performance

Niharika Singhania Delivers Stellar Performance at Brussels Stephex Masters With a Clear Round at 1.45m and Finishing Sixth in a CSI2* Grand Prix Represents a Significant Level of International Performance

Business Wire India

Key Highlights:

  • Breaking Barriers: Niharika Singhania continues to shatter glass ceilings as a prominent female equestrian athlete, earning respect and commanding elite arenas in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
  • Double International Accolades: Honoured with two prestigious international awards, recognizing her skill, resilience, and rapid emergence on the global stage.
  • Elite European Results: Delivered a clear first round on 29 August in the 1.45m CSI2 Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters with First To Cash Out, wrapping up a sixth-place result amidst world-class competition.
  • Championing Female Excellence in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Sport

In a sport where male athletes historically dominate, 19-year-old Indian equestrian Niharika Singhania is proving that vision and skill transcend traditional boundaries. Cementing her status as one of India’s most extraordinary sportswomen, Niharika – who added two major International accolades to her record last year – delivered a stellar performance at the prestigious Brussels Stephex Masters in Belgium on 29 August 2026. Competing against a strong international field, the 19-year-old produced an impressive clear first round over the demanding 1.45m course with her Asian Games partner First To Cash Out to earn a place in the jump-off. Completing the jump-off in 43.65 seconds with eight faults to take a sixth-place finish.

Niharika’s exceptional consistency earned her a coveted selection for this year’s Asian Games team – a landmark milestone for the young athlete – before her competitive show-jumping category was unfortunately dropped prior to the Games. Undeterred by the administrative decision, Niharika continues to let her performances speak. She is the youngest and only woman in India’s four-member show jumping team and that makes her journey more about the visibility of women in sport where access to horses, international competition and sustained training is demanding. Niharika has spoken openly about wanting to inspire younger girls to take up the sport and compete at the highest level.

Speaking on her performance, Niharika Singhania said, “Honestly, I think it’s something I can be really proud of my team and myself for. To have this kind of result in a 2* Grand Prix, and especially in Brussels, which is such a prestigious venue, is a dream. Cash is just such an incredible horse, and I’m so grateful to have him as my partner. More than anything, it’s just an extremely satisfying feeling for me to be able to put the Indian flag up there in the rankings in such a European-dominated field at this level.”

Niharika’s performance in Brussels also brings into sharp focus the question of how India identifies, supports and develops its leading equestrian athletes for major international competitions. The Brussels Stephex Masters is one of Europe’s important international show-jumping events, attracting riders and horses from across the world. Producing a clear round at 1.45m and finishing sixth in a CSI2* Grand Prix represents a significant level of international performance for a 19-year-old Indian athlete.

Yashaan Khambatta, Coach of Niharika Singhania, said, “Niharika’s stellar performance and finish in the 1.45m CSI2* Grand Prix at Brussels Stephex Masters is a very significant result for a 19-year-old Indian rider. The clear first round demonstrates both her ability and her growing confidence with First To Cash Out. What is particularly encouraging is how quickly she has developed this partnership and adapted to the demands of international competition. Stephex Masters has reinforced our belief in her potential. Our focus now is on building consistency, gaining more international experience & Victory for the tricolour.”

Niharika’s stellar performance is not merely a result on a scoreboard. It is evidence of the potential of India’s young equestrian talent and a reminder of why promising athletes must be given every opportunity to compete, develop and represent the country at the highest level.

Niharika Singhania Delivers Stellar Performance at Brussels Stephex Masters With a Clear Round at 1.45m and Finishing Sixth in a CSI2* Grand Prix Represents a Significant Level of International Performance

Malaysian Palm Oil Exports Slip as Indian Demand Cools in August

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 4: Malaysia’s palm oil exports weakened in August as softer demand from India weighed on shipments, highlighting growing pressure on the world’s edible-oil market even as palm oil prices remain close to a two-year high.

Malaysian Palm Oil Exports Slip as Indian Demand Cools in August

 Pic Credit: Pexel

Malaysia is estimated to have shipped around 1.3 million tonnes of palm oil in August, about 8 per cent lower than in July. At the same time, inventories are estimated to have risen nearly 6 per cent, reaching their highest level since January.

The decline in Indian purchases is significant for the global market because India is among the world’s largest edible-oil importers. A prolonged slowdown in buying could leave Malaysian exporters with larger inventories and increase competition for overseas markets.

For India, weaker palm oil imports could also influence the sourcing decisions of refiners and food companies. If palm oil remains expensive, businesses may increasingly compare it with alternatives such as soybean and sunflower oil, depending on relative prices and availability.

Palm oil prices have gained around 7 per cent in the third quarter and are trading near their highest levels in about two years. The price strength comes despite weaker exports, reflecting concerns that global supplies could tighten in the months ahead.

Weather remains a key risk. The possibility of an El Niño pattern affecting palm production has raised concerns about future supplies, while Indonesia’s expanding use of palm oil for biofuel production could reduce the amount available for international trade.

Higher palm oil prices could also raise input costs for food manufacturers, particularly companies producing packaged foods, snacks, bakery products and other items that use vegetable oils. For consumers, any sustained increase in edible-oil costs could eventually add pressure to household food budgets.

The combination of weaker Indian demand and rising Malaysian inventories may create some short-term pressure on the market. However, potential production disruptions and stronger biofuel demand could limit any significant decline in prices.

Market participants will now watch Indian buying, Malaysian inventory levels and weather conditions closely. The direction of these factors will determine whether the current weakness in exports develops into a broader slowdown or proves to be a temporary pause in demand.

Second Point S campus to help workshops manage growth in a changing automotive industry

 For the second consecutive year, Point S welcomes young automotive leaders from nine countries to France. • Building on the success of the inaugural programme, the campus continues to prepare the next generation of family business leaders for a rapidly evolving automotive industry. • This year’s programme focuses on managing growth across people, teams, and business performance.
 

Sept 04: Independent tyre dealers and mechanical workshops will descend upon France for an exclusive conference aimed at preparing future leaders to manage growth in an automotive aftermarket shaped by technological change, evolving customer expectations, and increasing market competition.

Following the success of its inaugural event in 2025, Point S International is bringing together the next generation of automotive entrepreneurs with the second Next Generation Campus, taking place from 31st August to 4th September in Provence, France.

Second Point S campus to help workshops manage growth in a changing automotive industry

 
This year, the campus is centred around the theme of growth management, helping participants develop across four key areas: My Growth, Team Growth, Business Growth, and Brand Growth. Through a series of interactive sessions, attendees will strengthen their leadership and managerial capabilities, learn how to motivate and develop high-performing teams, improve customer satisfaction, monitor commercial and financial performance, and enhance the local digital visibility of their businesses to complement wider national and international marketing initiatives.

Participants from Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa, and the UK will come together to share experiences and learn from industry experts while building lasting international relationships

Fabien Bouquet, CEO of Point S International, commented: “The independent sector, like many others, is undergoing an age of rapid digital transformation. New technologies, digital tools, and AI are changing the way workshops operate and engage with customers, but sustainable success depends on much more than technology alone. Strong leadership, motivated teams, good commercial management, and an exceptional customer experience remain the foundations of every successful business. Our role is to help the next generation develop the skills to grow across all of these areas with confidence.”

The campus is Point S International’s bespoke response to one of the industry’s most significant long-term challenges – preparing the next generation of family business leaders to succeed during a period of unprecedented technological and commercial transformation. While previous generations were able to build on relatively stable business models, today’s emerging leaders must navigate workforce shortages, changing customer expectations, digitalisation, electrification, and rapidly evolving vehicle technologies, while continuing to grow profitable, resilient businesses.

Participants represent three stages of the leadership journey: students preparing to join the family business, employees developing towards future leadership roles, and recent successors who have already taken over day-to-day management. Building on the foundations established during the inaugural campus, this year’s programme places greater emphasis on developing practical management skills that help leaders drive employee engagement, improve business performance, and support sustainable long-term growth.

The campus also continues to strengthen the growing community of young leaders across the Point S network. Alongside the formal programme, participants will build relationships through team activities, networking opportunities, and shared experiences, creating an international peer network that will continue long after the event concludes. Professional translation services will once again support collaboration across languages, ensuring participants can exchange ideas freely regardless of their country of origin.

Fabien Bouquet added: “Last year’s historic inaugural campus demonstrated the value of bringing together the next generation of leaders from across our European network. The challenges facing our industry continue to evolve, making it more important than ever that young business leaders develop the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to lead with confidence. By investing in their development today, we are helping ensure that our members remain strong, innovative and successful for generations to come.”

The second edition of the Next Generation Campus reinforces Point S’s long-term commitment to supporting its members beyond day-to-day business operations. By equipping future leaders with the leadership, commercial, and operational skills needed to manage growth, alongside an international network of peers, Point S is helping to safeguard the continued success of its independent tyre dealers and automotive service providers while preserving the entrepreneurial values that have defined the network for generations.

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital Joins the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, Urges Citizens to Pledge and Bridge India's Corneal Donation Gap

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital Joins the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, Urges Citizens to Pledge and Bridge India’s Corneal Donation Gap

Business Wire India

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is actively participating in the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight (25 August to 8 September), an initiative led by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, to accelerate eye donation pledges and bridge the severe gap between the supply and demand for donor Corneas in India.

India is home to approximately 1.1 million people living with orneal blindness, yet only around 25,000 to 30,000 corneal transplants are performed each year. Despite 396 functional eye banks across the country and a 12 per cent rise in Cornea collections from 62,370 in 2022-23 to 69,848 in 2024-25 as recorded by the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment, the gap between need and availability remains wide.

As part of this year’s fortnight, Nethradhama is intensifying its public awareness efforts through community rallies, eye donation camps, talks at schools, colleges and corporates, and digital and on-ground myth-busting campaigns. The hospital also offers online pledge forms, e-pledge cards, a 24×7 eye bank hotline, and trained personnel for timely tissue collection across the city.

Dr. Sushmitha Sriganesh, Executive Director, Shraddha Eye Bank, and Chief Medical Officer, Shraddha Eye Care Trust, pointed to awareness and public understanding as the core of the problem. “India continues to face a significant burden of corneal blindness, with donor Cornea availability falling well short of the need. While the eye-banking ecosystem has strengthened, greater public awareness and informed family conversations are critical to closing this gap,” she said.

She also addressed the misconceptions that continue to hold potential donors back, and said: “Many people still fear that eye donation will disfigure the face, believe that only younger people can donate, or assume that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or previous Cataract surgery make donation impossible. These are misconceptions. The eye bank carefully assesses the suitability of donated tissue, and eye donation is a dignified and respectful process.” Shraddha Eye Bank’s guidance further clarifies that spectacle wearers and people who have had LASIK surgery can also donate.

Beyond dispelling myths, Nethradhama emphasises that a pledge is only as strong as the family’s awareness of it. Dr. Supriya Sriganesh, Consultant, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon, and Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, underscored the role families play in making donation possible. “Pledging your eyes is only the beginning. It is extremely important to tell your family about your decision so they can honour that wish when the time comes. A formal pledge is not the only route to donation; even if someone has not formally pledged, their family can still come forward and give consent if they know their loved one wished to donate, subject to the applicable process and medical assessment,” she said.

She added that the process itself is far simpler than most people assume, and said: “There is no cost involved for the donor family, and the retrieval process generally takes only 15 to 20 minutes, without significantly delaying funeral arrangements. Families should contact the nearest eye bank as soon as possible after death, ideally within six to eight hours, to enable timely assessment and retrieval. Ultimately, eye donation is a gift that you can continue to give even after death. All it takes is a decision to donate, a conversation with your family, and a timely call to the eye bank can give someone else the possibility of seeing again.”

Eye donation in Bangalore can be pledged online via Nethradhama’s Eye Donation page and registered with Shraddha Eye Bank, Jayanagar. As National Eye Donation Fortnight brings the issue into focus, Nethradhama continues to advocate for awareness that moves beyond one-time pledges and becomes part of everyday family conversations, so that a decision made in one home can become the gift of sight in another.

For pledges and enquiries:
Call: +91-8026634200
Email: eyebank@nethradhama.org

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital Joins the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, Urges Citizens to Pledge and Bridge India's Corneal Donation Gap

E-Commerce Gives Small-Town Businesses a New Route to Global Customers

New Delhi, Sep 4: India’s push to expand e-commerce exports is opening a new avenue for small businesses and traditional producers in smaller towns to reach customers beyond the country’s borders.

For many local entrepreneurs, selling internationally has traditionally meant dealing with complex export procedures, finding overseas buyers and building distribution networks. The growing use of e-commerce is changing that equation by allowing businesses to display their products online and connect directly with customers in international markets.

The opportunity is particularly significant for artisans, weavers, manufacturers and traders involved in handlooms, handicrafts, textiles and jewellery. Many of these businesses are rooted in smaller cities and towns where generations of skills and specialised production have created distinctive products with potential appeal in overseas markets.

E-commerce can help these businesses enter global trade at a much earlier stage of their growth. A small seller can begin with limited shipments, understand demand in different markets and gradually expand its international customer base without immediately requiring a large overseas distribution network.

The benefits could extend beyond individual businesses. As more local producers enter export markets, demand could rise for packaging, warehousing, transportation, logistics, digital payments and other supporting services, creating a wider economic impact in smaller towns.

Traditional manufacturing clusters such as Karur, Panipat, Jaipur, Moradabad and Tiruppur have the potential to gain from this shift because of their established expertise in textiles, home products, handicrafts, metalware and apparel. Greater online access to international buyers could help these clusters strengthen their position in global supply chains.

The government’s efforts to promote e-commerce-led exports are also aimed at bringing more small businesses into international trade. Simplified procedures, better logistics, digital payment infrastructure and easier access to overseas markets can make exporting more practical for micro, small and medium enterprises.

For India’s MSME sector, the emerging opportunity is not simply about selling more products online. It is about helping local businesses build brands, improve product quality, understand international consumer preferences and develop a sustainable presence in global markets.

As cross-border e-commerce continues to expand, businesses that were once limited largely to regional or domestic customers are gaining the tools to think internationally. This could give India’s smaller towns a larger role in the country’s next phase of export growth.

A Race Is Never Won Alone: With La Tavolata, Barilla Brings the Paddock Family Together on the Monza Grid

A Race Is Never Won Alone: With La Tavolata, Barilla Brings the Paddock Family Together on the Monza Grid

Business Wire India

On Thursday evening ahead of the Formula 1® Italian Grand Prix, Barilla transformed one of the sport’s fastest and most competitive environments into a place where the Paddock Family took center stage.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260902463001/en/

 

 

La Tavolata by Barilla on the starting grid of the Monza circuit.

La Tavolata by Barilla on the starting grid of the Monza circuit.

 

More than two hundred people gathered around a single table: drivers, Team Principals, mechanics, engineers, strategists, safety and medical car drivers, personal trainers, tire technicians. The individuals whose collaboration, precision and trust shape every race, every decision and every performance.

 

A nearly 100-meter table set with plates and pasta. With the first-ever Tavolata organized by Barilla and F1, people from across the Formula 1® ecosystem – including VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda and his Race Engineer Alexandre Iliopoulos – celebrated the same principle that defines racing: exceptional performance is never achieved alone.

 

 

Curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura, the dinner celebrated Italian hospitality through a menu designed around Barilla pasta, in partnership with DO&CO, Official Supplier to the F1 Paddock Club.

 

 

“Great performances are never a solo effort – Massimo Bottura said – Whether aiming for the podium in Monza or running a Michelin restaurant, success always belongs to the team. That is why I always say, ‘On my own I am Massimo Bottura; together we are the Francescana Family’. Bringing La Tavolata to life with Barilla is a celebration of the culinary community that drives our daily practice.”

 

 

For one evening, the usual rhythm of the paddock changed. Drivers, engineers and mechanics came together away from the intensity of the race weekend, creating space for meaningful conversations and celebrating the collaboration that drives every achievement on track. La Tavolata brought attention to the many hands, minds and relationships that shape Formula 1® beyond what fans see.

 

 

Yuki Tsunoda, VCARB driver said: “I’m so happy to have been able to join La Tavolata this evening with Barilla. In Formula 1®️, you’re never driving alone and tonight showcased all the people it takes to win on and off track. Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s in these moments where you build those relationships and trust. It’s something we rarely get to do during a race weekend so to do this was pretty special.”

 

 

“When I was racing, some of the most important relationships were built away from the cameras. With engineers, mechanics, strategists and everyone who had to trust each other when the pressure was at its highestFormula 1® World Champion Nico Rosberg said – That’s what makes an evening like this one so meaningful. It brings the people behind the performance together and reminds us that, ultimately, racing is a team sport built on human connection.”

 

 

Generations of Formula 1® teams have arrived at Monza chasing performance, each relying on the same foundations: trust, preparation and collaboration. While the sport continues to evolve, the relationships behind every race remain one of its enduring constants.

 

 

“When I raced in Formula 1®, I learned very quickly that every lap, every decision and every result depended also on the people around me,” said Paolo Barilla, Vice Chairman of Barilla Group and former Formula 1® driver. “Today’s cars and technologies are very different, but that principle hasn’t changed. Behind every performance is a team whose trust, expertise and dedication make success possible. La Tavolata celebrates those people and the role they play in every race weekend. The moments we shared around the table added a sense of friendship and joy to the adrenaline of the competition.”

 

 

A Race Is Never Won Alone: With La Tavolata, Barilla Brings the Paddock Family Together on the Monza Grid

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260902463001/en/

 

A Race Is Never Won Alone: With La Tavolata, Barilla Brings the Paddock Family Together on the Monza Grid

Smith & Jones Launches New Campaign with Rasika Dugal Celebrating the Tiffin Kids Love

Sep, 4: Smith & Jones, a  food brand from Tata Consumer Products Limited with popular offerings such as Pasta Masala and Ginger Garlic Paste, has launched a new TVC for its Pasta Masala featuring acclaimed actress Rasika Dugal. Rooted in the everyday school tiffin occasion, the campaign celebrates the joy of packing a lunch that children look forward to and love sharing with their friends.

Smith & Jones Launches New Campaign with Rasika Dugal Celebrating the Tiffin Kids Love

Today’s moms are always looking for new ways to keep mealtimes exciting for their children. Smith & Jones takes the guesswork out of trying something new. With four exciting flavours to choose from, Smith & Jones makes it easy to bring variety to the lunch tiffin while keeping preparation easy. Simply boil pasta, toss it with stir-fried veggies, add a pack of Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, and it’s done. No additional ingredients, no stress, just tasty pasta in minutes.

 
Speaking on the campaign, Ms. Deepika Bhan, President Packaged Foods, Capital Foods & Soulfull at Tata Consumer Products, said:
“Every mom hopes for the same thing at the end of the school day, that the tiffin comes back empty. At Smith & Jones, we want to make that a little easier for moms with super tasty pasta that kids genuinely enjoy. This campaign is inspired by those everyday lunch-break moments that many of us remember fondly, friends sharing food, and creating lovely memories around the lunch table.
 
Heval Patel,
 
COO The Womb, ‘Right through our journey of consumer explorations and product tasting, we realised that Smith & Jones Pasta Masala along with convenience is also an emotion. It not only makes the kids happy but also puts the mother on a pedestal. We carried this feeling forward in our creative expression, the signature line ‘Taste Gajab’ expresses both taste and emotion”
 
The campaign will roll out across television, digital and social media platforms, celebrating the simple joy of packing a lunch that becomes a class favourite.

Borrowing Costs May Rise as RBI Eyes Repo Rate Hike in FY27

New Delhi, Sep 4: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) could shift towards tighter monetary policy in the second half of the financial year 2026-27, with the repo rate potentially rising to 5.75-6 per cent, according to an assessment by Union Bank of India.

The expected rate hike cycle could begin as early as December, as the central bank weighs strong economic growth, excess liquidity in the banking system and emerging inflation risks.

The RBI is currently maintaining the repo rate at 5.25 per cent, following its latest monetary policy decision.

The outlook marks a possible change from the recent easing phase, with policymakers expected to focus more closely on keeping inflation under control while ensuring that surplus liquidity does not create additional price pressures.

India’s economy has continued to show resilience, with GDP growth reaching 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of FY27. The stronger-than-expected growth has led several economists to raise their full-year growth expectations.

At the same time, the banking system is facing a substantial liquidity surplus following large foreign-currency inflows. The surplus has recently approached Rs 9.7 lakh crore, prompting the RBI to explore measures to absorb excess liquidity.

A higher repo rate would increase the cost of funds for banks and could eventually push up borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. On the other hand, tighter policy could help contain inflation and prevent excess liquidity from adding to price pressures.

The final direction of monetary policy will depend on how inflation, growth, liquidity and global economic conditions evolve in the coming months. The RBI is also closely monitoring external risks, including elevated crude oil prices and pressure on the rupee.

SAIL’s August Performance Signals Fresh Momentum for India’s Steel Industry

New Delhi, Sep 4: Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) recorded a strong sales performance in August, with sales climbing 13 per cent year-on-year to 1.87 million tonnes, reflecting steady demand for steel across key segments of the economy.

SAIL’s August Performance Signals Fresh Momentum for India’s Steel Industry

The company’s production also moved higher during the month. Crude steel output increased 8 per cent to 1.68 million tonnes, while hot metal production rose 9 per cent to 1.78 million tonnes. Saleable steel production stood at 1.69 million tonnes, compared with 1.66 million tonnes in August last year.

Demand was particularly encouraging for higher-value products. SAIL achieved its best-ever August sales in categories including cold-rolled, galvanised and alloy steel, indicating growing demand for specialised products from industrial and manufacturing customers.

The company also strengthened its supplies to the railway sector. Supplies to Indian Railways rose 5 per cent to 123,000 tonnes, while long rail supplies increased 11 per cent to a record 112,000 tonnes.

SAIL’s sales for the April-August period reached 7.71 million tonnes, marking a 5.6 per cent increase from the corresponding period last year. Cash collections also improved, rising 23 per cent year-on-year, while borrowings declined by Rs 8.7 billion from the March-end level.

The latest performance comes at a time when India’s steel industry continues to expand on the back of infrastructure development, construction, manufacturing, transportation and other industrial activities. India remains the world’s second-largest steel producer, while crude steel production reached around 168.4 million tonnes in 2025-26.

Steel consumption has also been gaining momentum. During April-May 2026, finished steel consumption increased 9 per cent year-on-year to 14.33 million tonnes in May alone, underlining the importance of domestic demand for producers.

With India’s crude steelmaking capacity reaching about 222 million tonnes by June 2026 and the country targeting 300 million tonnes of capacity by 2030, steelmakers are expected to remain important contributors to the country’s infrastructure and manufacturing expansion.