Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer, has announced the new price for the Harley-Davidson X440. The bike will now start at Rs 2.39 lakh in Delhi. This price increase of Rs 10,500 will apply to all versions of the bike.

Until August 3, the Harley-Davidson X440 will be available at the current introductory price of Rs 2.29 lakh. After that date, the online booking window will close as the company prepares for test rides, which will begin on September 1, 2023. Production of the X440 will start in September at Hero MotoCorp’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Customer deliveries will begin in October 2023, prioritized based on booking dates.

The X440 is the smallest and most affordable Harley-Davidson bike in India, competing with the Triumph Speed 400 and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 450. It was jointly designed and developed by Harley and Hero. Bookings started on July 4, 2023, with a booking amount of Rs 5000/-.

Due to strong demand, Hero decided to temporarily close the online booking channel for the X440 on August 3. The next booking window will be announced later.

There are three trims available for the X440: Classic, Vivid, and Pinnacle. The Classic trim comes with spoke wheels and single-tone colors, priced at Rs 2.29 lakh. The Vivid trim, priced at Rs 2.49 lakh, comes with alloy wheels and dual-tone colors. The Pinnacle trim, priced at Rs 2.69 lakh, comes with alloys, premium color schemes, and machined engine fins.

Earlier, on June 30, Hero MotoCorp announced a price increase of around 1.5 percent for its motorcycles and scooters, effective from July 3, 2023. The exact increase varied depending on the specific models and markets.

In a promising start to the trading session today, India’s market benchmarks surged as foreign fund inflows reached a remarkable high and were further fueled by a rally in US equities. The nation’s investors were buoyed by the positive sentiment, driving key indices to record-breaking levels.

The Sensex, India’s premier stock market index, soared by a staggering 800 points within the first two hours of trading, touching an all-time high of 60,000 points. Similarly, the Nifty 50, which tracks the performance of the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) top 50 companies, experienced a significant boost, crossing the 18,000-point milestone for the first time in history.

The driving force behind this bullish trend was a massive surge in foreign fund inflows, which were reported to have hit a monthly record of over $10 billion. The inflow of foreign capital, particularly from institutional investors and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), has been attributed to India’s robust economic growth prospects, coupled with optimistic corporate earnings projections. Additionally, the nation’s progressive economic reforms and the government’s push towards easing investment regulations have further enhanced India’s attractiveness for foreign investors.

Market analysts are also pointing towards the rally in US equities, which served as a catalyst for the positive sentiment in the Indian markets. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite, major US indices, all witnessed significant gains in their recent trading sessions. This surge in the US markets has had a positive spillover effect on global markets, with India being one of the key beneficiaries.

Key sectors that have contributed substantially to today’s surge include technology, pharmaceuticals, banking, and energy. IT companies, in particular, have been driving the gains, with some major players witnessing double-digit percentage growth in their stock prices. The pharmaceutical sector has also witnessed an upswing, largely due to increased global demand for Indian-made vaccines and generic medications. Additionally, the banking and energy sectors have benefitted from improved investor confidence and rising oil prices in the international markets.

Market experts are cautiously optimistic about the sustained growth prospects, given the ongoing concerns over inflation, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainties surrounding the pandemic’s trajectory. Nevertheless, the overall outlook remains favorable, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintaining a accommodative stance on monetary policy and the government’s continued focus on driving economic growth through structural reforms.

As the trading session progresses, investors are closely monitoring the market dynamics, watching for any signs of profit-booking or volatility. However, the current market sentiment reflects a renewed faith in India’s economic resilience and its position as an attractive investment destination in the global arena.

In conclusion, India’s market benchmarks have witnessed a remarkable climb in early trade, propelled by soaring foreign fund inflows and a rally in US equities. As the nation strides ahead with confidence, investors and stakeholders alike are eagerly awaiting further developments, hoping for a sustained upward trajectory in the days to come.

Mumbai, The Mumbai Crime Branch has launched a comprehensive investigation into a compelling viral video clip featuring Kirit Somaiya, a prominent politician known for his active involvement in national affairs. The video, which surfaced on social media platforms yesterday, has sparked widespread attention and controversy, prompting the authorities to take swift action.

The 54-second video shows Kirit Somaiya engaged in a heated argument with a group of local street vendors in a bustling market area. In the clip, Somaiya can be seen expressing his dissatisfaction with the unregulated hawking in the city, raising concerns over its impact on public safety and the encroachment on pedestrian paths. His strong remarks and assertive gestures have drawn both support and criticism from the public.

The politician, who has represented the Mumbai North East constituency, has a history of advocating for stricter regulations on street vending to maintain order in public spaces. While some view his stance as an effort to improve urban infrastructure and safety, others perceive it as a threat to the livelihoods of struggling small-scale traders and hawkers.

Following the video’s rapid circulation across various social media platforms, citizens expressed mixed reactions, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Allegations and counter-allegations regarding the authenticity and context of the video have been circulating, fueling the need for an official investigation.

Senior officials within the Mumbai Crime Branch have asserted that they will conduct an impartial and rigorous investigation to ascertain the video’s veracity and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The team will analyze the video forensically and interview witnesses present during the altercation.

In response to the allegations, Kirit Somaiya released a statement through his spokesperson, asserting that the video is an attempt to defame him and tarnish his reputation. He maintains that certain elements with vested interests are attempting to sabotage his political career by spreading misinformation.

Kirit Somaiya, a seasoned politician, has been an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has served in various capacities over the years. His involvement in public affairs and vocal advocacy for political issues have made him both a respected figure among his supporters and a target for his critics.

The Mumbai Crime Branch’s investigation into the viral video aims to unravel the truth and provide clarity on the incident’s circumstances. As the case unfolds, the authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculating and spreading unverified information, which could further escalate tensions in the city.

This recent turn of events has sparked debates surrounding the use of social media in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of public figures when expressing their views on sensitive matters. It also highlights the significance of fact-checking and accountability in a digital age where information can rapidly disseminate with far-reaching consequences.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is expected to release its findings within the coming week, shedding light on the authenticity and context of the video in question. As the investigation progresses, the situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for the political landscape in Mumbai.

As India’s leading newspaper, we will continue to closely monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available. We urge our readers to rely on credible sources and await the official findings before drawing conclusions.

Reliance Brands, a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), is poised to purchase Ed-a-Mamma, a popular kidswear brand endorsed by Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, as per insider information. The renowned retailer is nearing the final stages of negotiations with the online-focused kidswear retailer. The estimated value of the deal is around ₹300 crore.

This acquisition is expected to bolster Reliance Brands’ presence in the thriving branded kidswear market, which is experiencing rapid growth in India. Alia Bhatt serves as a director for Eternalia Creative and Merchandising, the parent company of Ed-a-Mamma, which specializes in offering sustainable clothing options for children at affordable prices. Established in 2019, the brand has garnered significant attention.

Reliance Brands, founded in 2007, has cultivated partnerships with over 50 international brands and operates a network of more than 2,000 stores throughout India. Some notable brand associations include AK-OK, Armani Exchange, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, Dune, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gas, Giorgio Armani, Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Ritu Kumar, Salvatore Ferragamo, Satya Paul, Steve Madden, Superdry, Scotch & Soda, Tiffany & Co, Versace, Villeroy & Boch, and West Elm.

Reliance Industries Ltd, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, owns RRVL, which serves as the holding company for the retail operations. An email inquiry sent to Reliance Brands remained unanswered at the time of reporting.