5 upcoming oil pipeline projects that could help India cut Hormuz dependence

Gulf producers are racing to build pipelines and ports that let oil leave the region without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Investors in SBI Funds Management's IPO have a unique opportunity to apply under two categories - retail and shareholder reservation. Eligible SBI shareholders can submit two separate applications, potentially increasing their chances of receiving an allotment.

JM Financial maintains 'Buy' rating on Bharti Airtel with Rs 2,450 price target, highlighting strong ARPU growth potential and premiumization strategy. Emphasises tariff repair in the Indian wireless industry, expects 12% CAGR in ARPU by FY29. Bharti Airtel is expanding home services and exploring new growth areas like data centres and financial services.

The US Congress passed the 'Sunshine Protection Act' to make daylight saving time permanent, pending Senate and presidential approval. This would eliminate clock changes but states can still choose to observe DST. Mixed reactions include concerns about safety, productivity, and air travel.

Devotees from Barbil and Bangriposi in Odisha now have convenient new train options to reach Puri for the Jagannath Rath Yatra. The East Coast Railway has introduced two special trains to ease trathe vel rush during the festival. The Barbil-Puri Special Train will run on July 15 and 23, while the Bangriposi-Puri Special Train will run on July 15, 23, and 24.

India's life sciences industry is moving towards innovative drug discovery, with a significant increase in programs and successful assets. The sector has attracted more investments and startups, but needs to improve in areas such as funding, research, trials, and regulations. Companies are taking different approaches to compete globally, and India has a competitive edge with lower costs and data.

The West Bengal government has transferred 1,024.75 acres of land to the BSF for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. This aims to enhance national security and overcome obstacles in the delayed fencing work. The state has also taken steps to identify and detain illegal immigrants and prevent smuggling. The BSF has also reviewed its operational readiness.

Novak Djokovic, the record holder for most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis, shares his mindset and habits that have kept him at the top for two decades. Success was not a choice for Djokovic, but a must, driven by his duty to his family. He attributes his resilience to his supportive environment and ability to learn from defeat.

A lawsuit has been filed against Meta by 26 former and current employees, alleging that the company used AI to conduct discriminatory mass layoffs. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary ruling to stop the layoffs and have an independent audit of the AI systems. Meta denies the claims and faces concerns about its use of AI in tracking employee data.

The Dholera International Airport in Gujarat, part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, is almost finished, with 80% of construction completed. The airport will have a 4-km runway, modern cargo facilities, and a strategic location near Dholera Smart City. It will start operations by October, improving connectivity, trade, and industrial growth in the region.

Akasa Air will resume its Noida-Navi Mumbai direct flight service from October 1, 2026, improving connectivity between the two airports. Meanwhile, IndiGo has suspended its non-stop flight service between Noida International Airport and Chandigarh Airport. The airline is planning to connect Noida International Airport with 16 destinations and offer one-stop connectivity on 14 city routes.

Maruti Suzuki's Dzire remains the top-selling car in India for the first half of 2026, with Tata Motors' compact SUVs Punch and Nexon following closely behind. Maruti Suzuki dominates the top 10 list with its Ertiga, Wagon R, Swift, Baleno, and Fronx models, while Hyundai's Creta and Mahindra's Scorpio/N take the ninth and tenth spots.

Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has introduced several reforms to modernize the country's freight system. These include container-based transportation for fly ash, simplified rules for container train operators, and a flexible system for fertiliser movement. A skilled certification framework for railway workers and stricter rules for contractors are also part of the reforms.

Uttar Pradesh is set for a major infrastructure boost with the approval of new road works worth ₹50,000–60,000 crore. The state will see the construction of several highways, including the Ayodhya–Gonda four-lane road project and the Agra–Gwalior greenfield six-lane Expressway. The government also plans to expand the National Highway network and develop service roads along Lucknow's Kisan Path.

Trump has made significant changes to the White House, using it as a venue for various events such as UFC fights and a Tesla showroom. Recently, the lawns were transformed into a motorcar-racing circuit, with Trump hosting IndyCar drivers and receiving his own Grand Prix helmet. This was a preview for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

Liang Wenfeng, founder of Chinese AI company DeepSeek, has become the world's richest AI founder with a net worth of $36 billion. This was achieved through a recent funding round that boosted his net worth by $19 billion. Other top AI founders, such as Sam Altman of OpenAI and Dario Amodei of Anthropic, have significantly lower net worths.

Motilal Oswal has recommended 'Buy' ratings on five companies, including HCL Technologies, Grasim Industries, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, Indian Hotels Company, and L&T Finance. The target prices for these stocks imply an upside of 17% to 20% from current levels. Motilal Oswal's positive view on these stocks is based on factors such as strong revenue performance.

A new expressway between Agra and Gwalior is set to reduce travel time from 3 hours to 1.5 hours. The six-lane project, costing Rs 4,600 crore, will also improve connectivity between Delhi and Gwalior. It is expected to boost tourism, ease daily commutes, and support development in the region by reducing traffic congestion and providing better road infrastructure.

India's wholesale price inflation rose to 9.87% in June, driven by higher prices of food items, petroleum products, basic metals, and chemicals. Food inflation accelerated, with the WPI Food Index reaching 6.14%. Fuel and power inflation remained high at 27.41%, while inflation in manufactured products remained unchanged at 7.48%. Output and input prices also continued to rise.

Andy Burnham is likely to become the United Kingdom's next Prime Minister after winning overwhelming support from Labour Party MPs, leaving him as the only candidate in the leadership race. 

East Coast Railway has announced special trains on demand between Shalimar and Puri, and Badampahar and Puri to make travel easier for devotees attending the Rath Yatra 2026 at Jagannath Dham. The trains will operate on selected dates, stopping at key stations along the route, providing additional travel options and managing the expected rush of devotees.

TCS and HCLTech entered FY27 with booming AI businesses and billion-dollar deal wins, but revenue growth remains subdued. TCS posted 0.4% sequential constant-currency growth, while HCLTech slipped 0.5%. With AI reshaping productivity, margins and workforce strategies, the key test now is how quickly record bookings translate into actual revenue.

Mangalagiri Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh has undergone a major transformation with upgraded facilities and modern infrastructure under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The station will be virtually inaugurated by PM Modi on July 17, featuring a modernised station building, improved waiting areas, upgraded platforms, and better accessibility for all passengers.

The United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai have cancelled all consular appointments scheduled over the next few days because of the current security situation in the region. 

The SBI Funds Management IPO is receiving positive reviews from experts as a long-term investment in the AMC sector. Its strong market position and backing by SBI provide a competitive edge. Despite being priced lower than ICICI Prudential, the IPO is fully subscribed and experts advise a 'Buy' rating.

HCL Technologies' Q1FY27 earnings show a 20.34% rise in net profit and 14% increase in revenue. The company declared an interim dividend and maintained full-year guidance. However, stock saw a 3% drop due to concerns over valuation, with JM Financial giving a "Reduce" rating. Analysts at Motilal Oswal and Nomura remain optimistic. Investors should weigh these factors before investing.

The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has launched a new lounge, Gate Z, catering to the needs of Gen Z travelers. The lounge offers dining, entertainment, and work spaces with a retro-diner decor and AI-powered experiences. It promotes inclusivity, authenticity, and self-expression and is not limited to credit card holders, but also accessible to Gen Z individuals.

A United Airlines flight from Rome to Newark was diverted to Ireland after the pilots noticed vibrations in the right-hand engine and a mysterious odor on board. The plane landed safely at Shannon Airport and passengers were offered accommodations and rebooked on other flights. This incident adds to the recent troubles faced by United Airlines, including a lawsuit over window seats.

Trump on Monday said the United States will act as the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes. But this time, he says America should not do it for free.

MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, makes headlines with her $20 million donation to Active Minds, her largest yet. Despite giving away billions, she remains a billionaire, with her net worth increasing by $321 million. She plans to donate at least half of her fortune to philanthropic causes.

An Indian crew member was killed, and eight others were injured after two UAE oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The attack marks another major escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with commercial shipping in the Gulf frequently coming under threat.

West Bengal government suspends entry passes for congregational prayers at Bankra Mosque located within the Kolkata airport premises due to airport expansion. BJP President Samik Bhattacharya supports the decision and emphasises the need for a modern airport. Airport authorities temporarily suspend prayers for renovation work.

SBI Funds Management IPO to open on July 14 to July 17, but investors should be cautious of the risks outlined in the DRHP. These include SEBI's new regulations, changing investment trends, and high royalty. The new BER framework may affect profit margins, and there are concerns about revenue cannibalisation and contingent liabilities. The company doesn't own the "SBI" brand.

Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal has completed trials for its new CAT-II Instrument Landing System, improving visibility for safe landings in heavy rain and fog. This upgrade will reduce flight delays and cancellations, making air travel from Bhopal more reliable. The airport also connects the city to major destinations, benefiting air passengers.

SBI Funds Management, the asset manager behind SBI Mutual Fund, is all set to open its Rs 9,812.9 crore IPO on July 14. The Grey Market Premium (GMP) for the IPO is currently around Rs 89-91, indicating a potential listing premium of 15-16%. The IPO size was reduced from Rs 11,692.91 crore to Rs 9,812.9 crore due to a pre-IPO placement of 3.

A protest in San Francisco by 'Stop the AI Race' called for a halt in the development of advanced AI models at major tech companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. Led by activist Michael Trazzi, the group raised concerns about job losses, existential risks, and environmental damage caused by the AI boom. This comes amidst widespread layoffs in the industry.

Today, a new MEMU train will be launched, connecting Yelahanka and Arsikere, fulfilling a long-standing demand for improved rail connectivity. The train will operate six days a week, stopping at important stations and providing affordable and convenient travel options. This is expected to benefit residents by improving access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Southern Railway has announced special train services between Chennai and Kollam to handle the expected increase in passenger demand during the Onam festival season. The trains will operate for four trips in both directions and will have a coach composition of sixteen 3-Tier AC Economy coaches. These special trains will benefit thousands of passengers and will stop at important stations.

Southern Railway has announced two special train services connecting Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, including Valsad-Velankanni and Velankanni-Dahanu Road trains. These trains will improve connectivity and provide an additional rail link to Velankanni, a popular pilgrimage destination. The trains will also benefit pilgrims, tourists, and regular passengers by offering more travel options.

HCLTech is set to announce its Q1FY27 results with muted expectations due to subdued demand, AI-led pricing pressure, and West Asia conflict. Analysts expect the company to maintain its revenue and EBIT margin guidance, with a 0.6% QoQ decline in revenue and 2.9% YoY growth. The services business is expected to decline while the products business is expected to grow.

Motilal Oswal maintains 'Buy' rating on Grasim Industries with a target price of Rs 3,770, citing the company's strong VSF segment, efficient chemical division, expanding paint business, and other factors. The VSF segment is expected to see steady growth due to global consumption trends, while the chemical segment is projected to improve profitability through integration and efficiency.

A tragic fire at a popular bar in Bangkok has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, with 63 others injured and 22 in critical condition. The bar, named Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, is located in the Chatuchak district. Videos of the fire show people panicking and running for their lives, while search and rescue efforts continue.

The rise in memory chip prices has resulted in higher smartphone prices, leading consumers to opt for refurbished devices. Counterpoint Research forecasts a 12% rise in India's refurbished smartphone market, while new smartphone shipments are expected to decrease.

The Kia Carens Clavis EV is a seven-seater electric SUV with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery options, ideal for families. However, it has problems with seating and body roll. Its range of 350-370 km makes it great for short trips, but not longer ones. Top models lack wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and prices start at Rs 18.

Renault and Nissan have released their new midsize SUVs, the Duster and Tekton, with comparable engines and features but distinct market strategies and powertrain choices. These SUVs offer advanced technology and begin at a competitive price of Rs 10.49 lakh. The Duster has a hybrid option, while the Tekton emphasizes a completely turbocharged engine lineup.

New research shows that foreign universities in India are financially feasible, with lower tuition fees compared to studying abroad. However, selecting the right branch campus is challenging. DrEducation Research has developed UniGrid to assist students and policymakers in making informed decisions.

IIM Kozhikode's record-breaking 66% female enrolment for its flagship PGP program of 2026-28 shattered a glass ceiling for the entire IIM system. However, a report reveals that the overall campus average is 62.9% women. The PGP-LSM track has 82.4% women while the specialized Finance program remains heavily male-dominated.

India and Canada have successfully advanced in talks for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to finalize the deal by 2026. The agreement is projected to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Key topics such as trade in goods and services, intellectual property, and technical barriers were discussed.

The Railway Ministry plans to use a public-private partnership model to implement the East-West dedicated freight corridor, a 2,100 km project requiring over Rs 1 lakh crore investments. The project will be divided into smaller sections and use a hybrid annuity model, with multiple sections being awarded simultaneously to reduce delays and ensure quality work.

Indian investors are flocking to foreign assets, specifically US stocks and ETFs, through GIFT City. Trading on the GAP platform has increased by 80% due to proprietary traders and retail investors. Regulatory changes and high returns from US AI and technology stocks are driving this trend. ETFs are the preferred choice for overseas investments, with potential for more policy support.