China's auto production rises sharply in first half of 2025
Between January and June 2025, total vehicle production reached 15.62 million units, marking a 12.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Vehicle sales also rose by 11.4%, totaling 15.65 million units.
The production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) — including electric and hybrid cars — saw particularly rapid growth, with output increasing 41.4% year-on-year to 6.97 million units. Sales of NEVs climbed 40.3%, reaching approximately 6.94 million units in the same period.
These figures reflect growing demand and robust momentum in the People's Republic of China's push toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
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Times of Oman
10 hours ago
- Times of Oman
A green gateway in the heart of the Lion City
There are hotels you stay in, and then there are those that stay with you. voco Orchard Singapore, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' premium collection, is firmly the latter. Tucked along the storied boulevard of Orchard Road — Singapore's glittering epicentre of commerce, fashion, and culture — this stylish hotel offers far more than just location. It's a refined experience that fuses sustainability, smart design, culinary flair, and cultural inclusivity into a memorable stay for travellers from around the world — particularly guests from the Middle East. I recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days at this vibrant property, and what stood out was how effortlessly it balanced comfort with consciousness. In a city known for its forward-thinking spirit, voco Orchard Singapore manages to feel both intimate and innovative in Lion City's most iconic shopping and lifestyle belt. A warm welcome with a green soul Singapore is a city of contrasts — lush greenery and towering skyscrapers, heritage shop houses and gleaming malls. voco Orchard Singapore fits right in. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, greeted by the scent of citrus grapefruit and pink peppercorn — a tribute to the area's historic orchards — I sensed this wasn't your typical business hotel. voco Orchard Singapore is designed with intention: filtered water taps in every room replace plastic bottles; stylish non-smoking signage are crafted from reused chopsticks; bedding is plush yet sustainable. These aren't gimmicks. They're thoughtful, purpose-driven decisions that create a lighter footprint without sacrificing comfort. 'Sustainability is not a marketing slogan for us — it's our DNA,' explains Vikram Mujumdar, General Manager of voco Orchard Singapore 'We want our guests to experience a sense of responsibility woven into a unique experience they've come for.' That intention comes through in subtle ways: biodegradable straws at the bar, bulk-size amenities from Apotheke in the bathrooms, and the conscious selection of MSC graded seafood that is served in their restaurants. Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose. Designed for business, perfect for leisure While the hotel has a clear green conscience, it doesn't forget the needs of modern travellers —especially those from the Middle East looking for both comfort and cultural connection. voco Orchard Singapore's 423 rooms and suites offer sleek, spacious accommodation with intuitive design. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Orchard MRT station, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure guests. Singapore's financial district is easily accessible, as are major event venues and embassies. For corporate travellers, there's over 1,914 square metres of meeting and event space equipped with the latest technology. But what I appreciated most was the ease with which the hotel blends work and play. After long days of sightseeing, I could unwind at the rooftop pool or take a leisurely stroll to the nearby UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. A culinary playground above the city Dining at voco Orchard Singapore is not just about meals — it's an experience of flavours, culture, and creativity. The hotel's dining venues are exceptional in both quality and diversity, each offering a distinct identity. The newly refreshed Opus Bar & Grill is a highlight. Known as one of Singapore's top steakhouses, it has recently unveiled an inspired dinner menu curated by Executive Chef Dean Bush and Chef de Cuisine Edwin Tan — both alumni of Singapore's most respected kitchens. Their ingredient-first philosophy is evident in every dish: from crab cakes enriched with caramelised miso aioli to the fork-tender octopus with mojo verde and golden baby potatoes. The main attraction, though, is the grill. With prime cuts like Stockyard Angus 200-day grain-fed ribeye and Sanchoku Wagyu ribeye, every bite is smoky, juicy perfection. For sharing, the Longhorn Bone-in Dry-aged Beef is a showstopper — robust in flavour and grilled to excellence. Yet the menu doesn't forget vegetarian diners either, offering delights like smoked napa cabbage with burnt onion purée and Josper-grilled aubergine with herb pesto. This kind of inclusive attention to detail is what elevates the dining experience. Beyond Opus, there's il Cielo, an elegant rooftop Italian restaurant that pairs authentic dishes with breathtaking skyline views, and D9 Cakery, famed for its artisanal patisserie (don't miss the D9 American cheesecake). The exclusive Club Lounge offers a more intimate setting for cocktails, canapés, and conversation. A home away from home for Middle Eastern guests For travellers from the Middle East — especially Oman — voco Orchard Singapore offers a welcoming space that understands and respects cultural nuances. The hotel provides halal dining options, prayer facilities on request, and a team trained in cultural sensitivity, ensuring guests feel seen, respected, and comfortable. This hospitality is more than surface-deep. It's rooted in Singapore's historical ties with Oman. Muscat Street, named after Oman's capital, lies not far away from the hotel and is a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two cities — now sister cities in a formal partnership. 'We have a deep appreciation for our Middle Eastern guests,' says Mujumdar. 'From Muscat to Singapore, there's a bond that runs through both countries. We hope guests from the region feel that connection during their stay with us.' This genuine warmth is what transforms voco OrchardSingapore from an indulgent stay into a cultural experience. It's also why the hotel is seeing increasing numbers of Middle Eastern guests — both business travellers and families — who are drawn not only by the comfort but by the thoughtful hospitality that makes them feel at home. Explore the best of Singapore from one central address Location is everything in a city like Singapore, and voco Orchard Singapore delivers. It places you within easy reach of the island's most iconic landmarks: Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and of course, Orchard Road's dazzling stretch of luxury boutiques and flagship stores. For nature lovers, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are just 3km away — a tranquil escape perfect for a morning walk or an afternoon picnic. For cultural enthusiasts, neighbourhoods like Little India and Haji Lane offer immersive encounters with Singapore's multiethnic heritage. And when you return to the hotel after a day of discovery, you're greeted with a smile and a scent — reminders that this is more than just a place to rest your head. The final word: A stay that stays with you voco Orchard Singapore doesn't try to be everything to everyone — but what it does, it does with style, sincerity, and sustainability. It's a hotel that doesn't just check the boxes of modern luxury but redefines them through an experience that's deeply rooted in place, people, and purpose. Whether you're traveling from Muscat or Dubai, whether you're here to shop, sightsee, or sign deals, voco OrchardSingapore offers more than a room. It offers a story — one of comfort, care, and cultural connection. As Mujumdar aptly puts it, 'We're not just offering a hotel stay — we're offering a sense of belonging.'
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
India to sustain 6-6.5% YoY real GDP growth in FY26, amid supportive domestic demand: Report
New Delhi: India is projected to maintain a steady 6-6.5 per cent year-on-year real GDP growth in FY26, supported by resilient domestic demand and potential relief from softer global crude oil prices, despite pressures from recent tariff hikes, according to a UBS report. The Report believes India is less vulnerable to global trade shocks compared to more export-reliant Asian economies, owing to its lower goods trade exposure and a strong services export base, which now accounts for about 47 per cent of total exports. The policy focus is expected to remain on enhancing monetary transmission, following a cumulative 100 bps repo rate cut so far this calendar year. The report's analysts added that there may be room for an additional 25-50 bps of easing if inflation remains low and external risks dampen growth momentum. The fiscal drag is also expected to ease, with the central government likely to accelerate its capital expenditure targets. A reduction in retail diesel and petrol prices ahead of Diwali and the Bihar state elections in October-November could further boost household disposable income, providing additional support to consumption, the report added. India's economy grew by 7.4 per cent in the January-March quarter (Q4) of FY25, beating expectations and marking the strongest quarterly growth of the fiscal year. This was a sharp rise from the 6.2 per cent recorded in the previous quarter. Several experts have stated that the robust GDP numbers of the Indian economy in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 are attributed to strong domestic consumption, government investment, and a relatively lower dependence on exports. Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran expressed confidence in the economy's resilience, stating that India's economy is in good shape despite the challenging global environment. India is poised to lead the global economy again, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting it to remain the fastest-growing major economy over the next two years. According to the April 2025 edition of the IMF's World Economic Outlook, India's economy is expected to grow by 6.2 per cent in 2025 and 6.3 per cent in 2026, maintaining a solid lead over global and regional peers.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Trade deal uncertainty weighing on private sector investment: UBS
New Delhi: Uncertainty around trade deals is emerging as a major factor holding back investment by India's private corporate sector, according to UBS Securities India. The report attributes the lack of clarity on global trade to countries and pending agreements as a contributing factor to companies' hesitation in investing in long-term capital expenditure (Capex). "From corporates'/investors' point of view, we believe trade deals do reduce business uncertainty--and uncertainty is one of the factors that has constrained India's private corporate sector from investing," the report added. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday expressed concern about the lack of substantial investment by corporate firms despite the capital push by the governments at both the centre and state levels. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Sitharaman said, "From government, whether it's the state or the centre, the two powerful instruments with which we can influence investment in the country are government spending and also making policies which are attractive. What I'm not speaking about, and you may probably follow up asking me. Is the Indian private sector investment going in pace with the public investments? The first few years after COVID, probably not." "In fact, why would I say COVID? In fact, even from 2019, once the twin balance sheet problem was addressed. And the corporate tax was brought down. We can see that the balance sheets of the corporate sector have really become healthier. But today, what observers tell me and what I keep sometimes talking to industries, business leaders, are they sitting over passive investable funds? Meaning investable funds which are being engaged passively rather than invest in producing more in having capacity expansion and so on. So that's an issue which I would obviously want the industry to speak about," the Union Finance Minister added. Recently, speaking to ANI, Rajiv Memani, President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), countered prevailing market sentiment about private capital expenditure, asserting that while there's a perception of a slowdown, private capex is actually taking place across various industry sectors in the country. Private Capex refers to the investments made by private sector companies in long-term assets like property, equipment, or technology. These Capex are made with the intention of broadening the company's operations. While acknowledging a slowdown in the past 6-8 months, Memani attributed this to external factors rather than structural issues. The private capital expenditure growth in the country registered a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8 per cent in the last five years from FY21 to FY25E.
