As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez prepare to tie the knot in one of the world’s most iconic cities, Venice finds itself at the intersection of spectacle and controversy. The billionaire’s high-profile wedding has prompted logistical and security shifts following environmental protests and fears of disruption. Originally planned for a more central location, the event has been relocated to the historic, fortified Arsenale complex.

Global retail titan Walmart is intensifying its commitment to India, aiming to source goods worth USD 10 billion annually by 2027. CEO Doug McMillon, during his India visit, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to expanding exports from India across diverse product categories such as apparel, food, and toys. With over USD 30 billion in exports from India in the past two decades, Walmart is now focusing on inclusive growth through its Vriddhi program, which has trained over 70,000 MSMEs.

Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), a state-owned Miniratna under the Ministry of Mines, is set to diversify beyond copper by bidding for blocks of critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs), both domestically and internationally. The company is pursuing strategic partnerships with fellow public sector undertakings (PSUs) including Indian Oil Corporation, GAIL (India), and RITES Ltd. It also plans international collaborations with Coal India for exploration activities in Chile.

Indian equities rallied on Wednesday, buoyed by positive global cues and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The benchmark Sensex climbed 528.93 points to close at 82,584.04, while the Nifty advanced 153.40 points to end at 25,197.75—just shy of a new milestone. Gains in index heavyweights, appreciation of the Indian rupee, and a dip in volatility indicators added to investor confidence. A measured technical outlook, however, hints at potential near-term consolidation unless the Nifty breaks decisively above 25,200.

Sana Khan, a former television actor and reality TV personality known for her work in Jai Ho! and Special OPS, announced the passing of her mother, Saeeda Khan, late Tuesday evening. In a heartfelt message shared via Instagram, Khan revealed that her mother had been battling a severe health condition before her demise. The funeral prayers were scheduled to take place at Oshiwara Kabristan in Mumbai following the Isha prayers at 9:45 p.m. The exact cause of death remains undisclosed.

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stressed the urgent need for greater competition in India’s telecom sector, warning against market concentration and duopoly. Speaking at a Broadband India Forum event, the minister underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing broadband accessibility, pledging to delicence the 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi services before August 15. With Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio currently dominating the market, and Vodafone Idea facing financial distress, Scindia reaffirmed that policy frameworks must promote diverse participation.

ACME Solar Holdings Ltd has announced the full commissioning of its 300 MW Sikar Solar project in Rajasthan, following the activation of the final 60 MW on Monday. This milestone lifts the company’s operational capacity to 2,890 MW. Situated on 1,300 acres in Bikaner, the Sikar plant is expected to generate approximately 780 million units of clean energy annually. In a parallel development, ACME also completed its first 50 MW wind energy project in Gujarat during the current quarter.

S&P Global Ratings has revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY2026 upward to 6.5%, citing a favorable combination of domestic demand resilience, anticipated monetary easing, and supportive fiscal measures such as income-tax concessions. The revision is also underpinned by assumptions of a normal monsoon and lower global crude oil prices.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds has reached a significant milestone by launching its 400th showroom in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s largest jewellery retailers. With operations spanning 13 countries and a current annual turnover of Rs. 63,000 crore, the company now aims to increase its revenue to Rs. 78,000 crore by March 2026. The Kerala-based firm plans to open 60 new showrooms this fiscal year and expand into 15 countries, 22 Indian states, and three Union Territories. Backed by a Rs.

Managed office space provider Incuspaze has acquired Pune-based co-working firm Trios in a strategic all-cash and stock transaction aimed at expanding its national footprint and enhancing operational synergies. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to raise Incuspaze’s topline revenue by 10–15%, advancing its revenue target of Rs. 350–400 crore for FY 2025–26. Trios’ existing network of 12 centres in Pune and Gurugram will be integrated into Incuspaze’s portfolio, now spanning over 40 lakh sq. ft. across 18 cities.