Current Affairs - Business

MRF was recognised as India's most valuable and strongest tyre brand in the Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 report. The company also secured the distinction of being the third strongest tyre brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.7 out of 100. The rankings reflect MRF's strong market presence, customer trust, financial performance, and effective brand management. Established in 1946 and headquartered in Chennai, MRF manufactures tyres for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, and aircraft, making it one of India's leading tyre manufacturers.

Vivo entered into a joint venture with Dixon Technologies (India) Limited for manufacturing smartphones and other electronic devices in India. The venture has an equity structure of 51% held by Dixon Technologies and 49% by Vivo Mobile India, ensuring majority Indian ownership in compliance with Press Note 3 regulations. Approved by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the partnership is expected to strengthen domestic electronics manufacturing, promote local production, and support India's growing mobile device manufacturing ecosystem.

Bisleri International signed a Letter of Association with the Indian Coast Guard (Kerala & Mahe) to strengthen plastic waste management and promote coastal sustainability. The collaboration is being carried out under Bisleri’s flagship sustainability initiative, Bottles for Change (BFC). It focuses on the efficient collection, segregation, and recycling of post-consumer plastic waste while preventing plastic from entering marine ecosystems. Working alongside Green Worms, the initiative aims to improve waste management systems across the coastal regions of Kerala and Mahe, contributing to cleaner coastlines and enhanced environmental conservation.

The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India Pvt. Ltd. to enhance the digital visibility of India's tourism destinations through advanced technologies. The partnership focuses on using artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, data-driven insights, and capacity building to improve visitor engagement and promote the Incredible India campaign. The agreement is non-commercial, non-binding, and has no financial implications for either party. By leveraging Google's digital ecosystem, the collaboration aims to showcase India's cultural, historical, spiritual, and natural attractions more effectively, strengthen global tourism outreach, and support the country's broader goals of digital transformation and sustainable tourism development.

Tata Motors signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on June 18, 2026, to support the replacement of old commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. Under the agreement, eligible buyers can receive discounts on new trucks and buses, encouraging the adoption of cleaner and more efficient vehicles. The initiative is complemented by central and state government incentives, including interest subsidies, fuel vouchers, tax concessions, and registration fee waivers. The programme aims to reduce vehicular pollution, modernise the commercial transport fleet, improve fuel efficiency, and promote sustainable mobility while supporting economic activity in the transportation sector.