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Prada team lands in Kolhapur to engage artisans after Milan sandal row
The visiting team includes Andrea Boscaro, director of collection development for Prada and Miu Miu footwear; Paolo Tiveron, head of the men's technical and production department; and Daniele Contu, pattern-making manager. All three are from Prada's footwear division. External consultants Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli are also part of the delegation, the company told Mint.
According to Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), the team is visiting for two days. 'The technical team will evaluate the process of making Kolhapuri chappals, share their experience, and outline expectations as per Prada's requirements. They will also visit artisan clusters involved in traditional footwear making,' he said.
The visit follows a virtual meeting held last week between MACCIA and Prada to discuss concerns raised over the collection shown in Milan. During the meeting, Prada expressed interest in launching a limited-edition, made-in-India Kolhapuri-inspired line in collaboration with local craftsmen, according to MACCIA.
Kolhapuri chappal–Prada controversy
The row began after Prada revealed leather sandals at Milan Fashion Week that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals. Part of its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear line, the sandals were reportedly priced at around ₹1.2 lakh. The design drew criticism for ignoring the cultural and craft-based roots of the original footwear.
Prada later said the style was 'inspired by Indian craftsmanship', but that statement came only after public criticism intensified.
Kolhapuri chappals, known for their toe-strap design and handmade leatherwork, are a traditional form of footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The chappals also carry a Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Last week, intellectual property rights advocate Ganesh S Hingmire filed a public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court, alleging that the Milan showcase amounted to cultural misappropriation and unauthorised commercial use of a GI-tagged product.
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Indian Express
8 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Trump 2.0 is upending US ties. De-coupling may be hard – de-risking is necessary
Sections of the Indian foreign policy community feel 'betrayed' by the Donald Trump administration, which has found unexpected affection for Rawalpindi, raised a host of tough demands on trade, and threatened additional tariffs on India because of its BRICS membership and continued purchase of Russian oil. It is, perhaps, a small consolation that India is not alone. America's neighbours and largest trading partners (Mexico and Canada) and its longstanding allies in Europe and Asia have even more reasons to feel betrayed. Most of these alliances date back to the end of World War II and have weathered multiple crises over the past eight decades. But as in life, so in international relations — nothing is forever. If change is the only constant, that moment of restructuring has now arrived for America's alliances and partnerships in Europe and Asia. As a non-ally, India is better prepared for change in America. The idea of 'strategic autonomy', long central to India's foreign policy, has been viewed with scepticism by India's Western partners. They have argued that India's near obsession with autonomy limits the scope for strategic cooperation with the US and Europe. But today, 'strategic autonomy' has become the new mantra among America's allies themselves. In his address to the British Parliament last week, French President Emmanuel Macron reflected on the implications of the unprecedented disruption unleashed by President Trump's second term. He underlined the need for deeper Franco-British cooperation to reduce what he called the 'dual dependency' on the US and China. Macron warned against Europe's excessive reliance on the two superpowers for economic, technological, and security needs, and emphasised the urgency of reclaiming European strategic autonomy. He called for stronger Franco-British collaboration on defence, climate action, migration and technological innovation, suggesting that only through unity can Europe effectively respond to global challenges and safeguard its interests. Although America's European allies bent over backwards to placate 'daddy' Trump at the NATO summit last month, they are shocked by the Trump administration's policies. If there were any lingering doubts, Trump dispelled them over the weekend by imposing a 30 per cent tariff on imports from the European Union, shattering hopes for compromise on trade. Trump has long regarded the EU as a bigger economic threat than China but few anticipated that transatlantic ties would deteriorate so sharply in his second term. Britain's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, may lack the rhetorical flair of his French counterpart but he, too, is seeking to rebalance the 'special relationship' with the US against the geographic imperative of Europe. If Brexit a decade ago was about distancing from Europe and reconnecting with the Anglosphere, Starmer's Labour government is working to rebuild links with the Continent. Trump, despite his family origins in the UK, has little affection for Britain. His MAGA coalition looks down on its 'poorer cousins' in the British Isles. The story is no different in Asia, where two of America's staunchest allies are seething over Trump's actions. The announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on Japanese imports triggered rare outrage within Japan's political class, which has placed nearly all its strategic bets on the US since World War II. It was remarkable, therefore, to hear the Japanese PM declare that Tokyo must reduce its dependence on Washington. He made it clear that Japan would not offer 'easy concessions' or compromise its national interests in the face of US pressure. To be sure, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is in the midst of an upper house election campaign this week. But this is not mere campaign rhetoric. He stressed that Japan, as the largest foreign investor in the US and a major creator of American jobs, deserves different treatment from countries targeted by the tariffs. Despite months of negotiations, repeated diplomatic missions to Washington, and a pledge of $1 trillion in new investment, Ishiba's government could not persuade Trump to hold back, especially as the US President remained dissatisfied with Japan's market access for American rice and automobiles. Equally emphatic about strategic autonomy has been Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Few countries have been as close to Washington as Australia. Yet, in a major speech last week, Albanese insisted that being an ally does not mean being a blind follower. He described the US alliance as a 'pillar' of Australian foreign policy but argued that this partnership should not constrain Australia's sovereignty or decision-making. He called for an 'Australia first' approach — particularly relevant amid intensifying US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific. As it happens, Albanese is in China this week, stepping up efforts to engage Australia's Asian neighbours. The frustration among allies does not mean they can simply walk away from Washington. All America's partners have enormous stakes in sustaining their economic and technological ties with the US. Even more important, their security challenges would become far more demanding without American guarantees. If Europe must find new ways to defend itself against Russia, Asian allies must devise strategies to cope with Chinese power. America's Eurasian partners will not simply fold their hands — they will search for creative answers. In Europe, France and Britain are discussing better coordination of their nuclear weapons policies, while the EU is accelerating collective defence efforts. In Asia, the challenge is harder. Unlike in Europe, regional institutions remain underdeveloped, and the gap between China's power and that of its neighbours is vast. Yet, the logic of diversification is undeniable. We are already seeing Asian allies doing more with each other and engaging other actors, such as the EU. Some are beginning to reassess their engagement with China. At the same time, the depth of the US relationship is such that preventing a slide into outright rupture remains a top priority for allies in both Asia and Europe. As Macron told the British Parliament, Europe does not want to walk away from the US — but it must 'de-risk' ties by finding new partners and rebuilding its own capacities. India, for its part, is holding its nerve and continuing to engage Washington. As Delhi weighs the consequences of the Trump upheaval for Eurasia and the global order, it is worth recalling that India has managed many strategic surprises before: The Chinese 'betrayal' in 1962, Beijing's embrace of Pakistan, the Sino-Soviet split, the US-China entente in the 1970s, the Soviet collapse in 1991, the rise of a new economic order in the 1990s, and the Russia-China alignment in the 2000s. If external change is inevitable, Delhi's focus must be on managing it rather than bemoaning it. For now, India remains one of the few major US trade partners not yet notified of a new tariff level. Delhi has resumed trade talks with Washington this week and is eager to conclude one of its most ambitious negotiations before the August 1 deadline. But it must be prepared for failure. As Trump might remind us, the golden rule of any negotiation is the will to walk away. The writer is distinguished fellow at the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, Delhi, and contributing editor on international affairs for The Indian Express
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First Post
24 minutes ago
- First Post
FirstUp: India's chief negotiator joins India-US trade talks in Washington, and other news today
India's Chief Negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agarwal, will be in Washington today to participate in the ongoing India-US trade talks. A court hearing on the release of the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, will take place in Tennessee's Nashville read more It is set to be a busy Wednesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, India's Chief Negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agarwal will be in Washington to participate in the India-US trade talks. Meanwhile, a court hearing on the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia will take place in Nashville, Tennessee. Suriname, a South American country, will be witnessing history being created today with the inauguration of its first female president. Foreign ministers of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine will meet today in Poland's Lubin, marking the fifth anniversary of the 'Lubin Triangle'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today marks the 60th anniversary of the inauguration of the Mont-Blanc tunnel. In India, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a protest in Kolkata against the targeting of migrants. Here are some events set to take place across the world today. India-US trade talks to take place in Washington Rajesh Agrawal, India's chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, is set to join the Indian commerce ministry team in Washington, DC today. This visit is part of a crucial round of negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between India and the United States. Rajesh Agrawal, India's chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce. File image/PTI The Indian team has already commenced talks in Washington on Monday (July 14) and the discussions are scheduled to continue for four days, concluding on Thursday (July 17). Agrawal's arrival signifies the heightened importance and intensity of these ongoing negotiations. The visit assumes significance as both sides have to iron out issues in sectors like agriculture and automobiles. It is also important as the US has further postponed the imposition of additional tariffs on several countries, including India, until August 1. Hearing on the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia An important hearing on the case relating to the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia will take place in Tennessee's Nashville today. This hearing will address a request by federal prosecutors to revoke a previous order that granted him pretrial release, allowing him to remain in custody while he awaits trial on human smuggling charges. Abrego Garcia's case has garnered significant national attention. He was in March 2025 by the Trump administration, despite a 2019 US immigration judge's order shielding him from deportation due to fears of gang violence. After intense pressure, including a Supreme Court order, he was returned to the US last month to face the smuggling charges stemming from a 2022 traffic stop. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inauguration of Suriname's first woman president Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is set to make history with her inauguration as Suriname's first woman president today in the capital city of Paramaribo. Geerlings-Simons' National Democratic Party (NDP) won 18 of the 51 seats in the National Assembly. A physician and veteran politician, Geerlings-Simons led the National Democratic Party (NDP) to a narrow victory in the May 2025 general election. Following the inconclusive results, she successfully hammered out a coalition agreement with five other parties, securing the necessary two-thirds supermajority (34 out of 51 seats) in parliament to ensure her election unopposed. Her vice president will be Gregory Rusland, leader of the National Party of Suriname (NPS). Foreign ministers meet of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine The foreign ministers of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine are set to meet in Lublin, Poland, today, marking the fifth anniversary of the 'Lublin Triangle,' a trilateral regional cooperation platform established in July 2020. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the meeting, stating that the foreign ministers Radoslaw Sikorski of Poland, Kestutis Budrys of Lithuania and Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will participate in the meeting. Sybiha will be standing in for Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who has been attending other engagements. The agenda for the meeting will focus on strengthening political, economic, cultural, and social ties between the three nations, with a particular emphasis on coordinating efforts to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inauguration of the Mont-Blanc tunnel's 60th anniversary The iconic Mont-Blanc Tunnel will mark its 60th anniversary, commemorating six decades since its official inauguration in 1965. The tunnel stretches 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometres) through the Alps and at the time of its inauguration was a marvellous genius that connected Chamonix in France with Courmayeur in Italy. The tunnel drastically shortened travel times between the two nations. An aerial view shows the French-side entrance to the Mont Blanc road tunnel which links France and Italy beneath the Alps. File image/Reuters Construction on the tunnel began in 1957, taking eight arduous years to complete under incredibly challenging conditions. Workers faced extreme cold, high altitudes, and the dangers of drilling through solid granite, often encountering unpredictable geological formations and water intrusions. The project symbolized European cooperation and ambition, as it was a joint venture between France and Italy. Mamata Banerjee to lead protest in Kolkata against targeting of migrants Responding to what the Trinamool Congress calls 'continued targeting' of migrants from West Bengal in BJP-governed states, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a protest rally in Kolkata today. The rally is scheduled to begin at 1 pm from College Square and culminate at Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata. It is a strong assertion of ' Bengali pride" by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The protest comes amidst a series of incidents where Bengali-speaking individuals have reportedly faced discrimination, detention and even deportation attempts, with allegations of being labelled as 'Bangladeshis.' With inputs from agencies
Mint
31 minutes ago
- Mint
Recommended stocks to buy today, 16 July, by India's leading market experts
On Tuesday, 15 July, the Indian stock market showed remarkable resilience as it clawed back intraday losses to close on a stronger note. Despite early weakness and broad-based volatility, the market gradually stabilized, buoyed by gains in defensive and auto sectors, reflecting selective buying and investor confidence in quality counters. The Nifty 50 closed at 25,195.80, trimming earlier losses and settling just 113.50 points or 0.45% lower. The BSE Sensex too recovered from deeper intraday cuts to end at 82,570.91, down 317.45 points or 0.39%, as investors rotated into stable and value-led stocks. The Bank Nifty also pared its earlier decline, closing at 57,006.65, down 241.30 points or 0.43%, with support emerging in select financial names. On to the top stock picks for16 July, as recommended by some of India's leading market experts. Three auto stocks to buy today—Ankush Bajaj Why Hero MotoCorp is recommended: Hero MotoCorp is showing a strong bullish setup with clear confirmation across major technical indicators. The stock has broken out from the upper channel of a falling wedge pattern on lower timeframes, which is a classic bullish reversal signal pointing to further upside. On the daily chart, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is trading above 60, indicating healthy bullish momentum without being overbought—leaving room for the rally to extend. The breakout is supported by decisive price action and sustained buying interest, confirming that the stock is attracting fresh momentum traders. Hero MotoCorp is also holding firmly above key moving averages on both daily and lower timeframes, which reinforces the validity of this breakout. Given the strong technical setup and pattern confirmation, Hero MotoCorp remains a solid candidate for a short-term swing trade. Key metrics Technical analysis: The overall structure remains technically sound, backed by decisive price action and alignment with moving averages. The immediate upside target lies in the ₹4,580-4,600 zone as the breakout plays out. Traders can expect continuation towards this level if the broader market stays supportive and the stock holds above its near-term support levels Risk factors: A close below ₹4,395 would invalidate this breakout setup and indicate a potential short-term pullback. Any sudden reversal or sharp profit-booking near the breakout zone should be watched closely, and traders must maintain strict stop-loss discipline to protect gains. Buy at: ₹4,454.00 Target price: ₹4,580-4,600 Stop-loss: ₹4,395.00 Why TVS Motor is recommended: TVS Motor is showing a strong bullish setup with confirmation across key technical indicators. On the daily chart, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is holding at 63, indicating healthy bullish momentum with more room for upside before hitting overbought levels. On lower timeframes, the stock has broken out of a well-formed triangle pattern, which is a classic continuation signal suggesting a fresh upward leg in the short term. The breakout is backed by strong price action and sustained buying interest, indicating that momentum traders are actively participating. The stock is trading firmly above key moving averages on both daily and intraday charts, reinforcing the strength of the breakout. Given the clear pattern breakout and supportive momentum indicators, TVS Motor remains a good candidate for a short-term swing trade targeting higher levels. Key metrics Technical analysis: The overall structure remains technically strong with decisive price action and alignment of moving averages supporting the move. The immediate upside target lies in the ₹2,955-2,960 zone as the stock continues its momentum-driven breakout. Traders can expect continuation towards this level if the broader market remains supportive and the stock stays above its near-term support levels. Risk factors: A close below ₹2,845 would invalidate this breakout setup and indicate a potential short-term pullback. Any sudden reversal or profit-booking near the target zone should be watched closely, and traders must maintain strict stop-loss discipline to protect gains. Buy at: ₹2,885.00 Target price: ₹2,955-2,960 Stop-loss: ₹2,845.00 Why Mahindra and Mahindra is recommended: Mahindra and Mahindra is trading in a large consolidation range between ₹3,135 and ₹2,650, showing strong base-building activity over a significant time period. The stock is currently positioned near the higher end of this consolidation band, indicating potential for a breakout above the range. If the price sustains above the upper band, it is expected to trigger fresh buying interest and push the stock towards new highs. The consolidation structure provides a well-defined support and resistance zone, giving traders a clear breakout level to watch. The overall price action remains positive with the stock respecting key support levels and showing signs of accumulation. With the broader market supportive, M&M is well placed to break out of this multi-month range and target higher levels in the short term. Key metrics Technical analysis: The overall structure remains technically solid with a strong consolidation base and clear resistance at the upper band. A sustained move above the range should open the path to the next target zone near ₹3,230. Traders can expect momentum to pick up once the breakout is confirmed, with the stock likely to make new highs if near-term supports hold. Risk factors: A close below ₹3,082 would invalidate this breakout expectation and signal a potential failure of the range breakout. Any sudden reversal near the upper band should be watched closely, and traders must maintain strict stop-loss discipline to protect capital. Buy at: ₹3,128.00 Target price: ₹3,230.00 Stop loss: ₹3,082.00 Stocks to trade today, recommended by Trade Brains Portal for 16 July: Current price: ₹646 Target price: ₹825in 16-24 Months Stop-loss: ₹550 Why it's recommended:Founded in 1995, Tanla Platforms Ltd. has been the top provider of Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) in India, accounting for around 35% of the market. It has led the way in mobile and digital communications innovations and is now the preferred partner for more than 2,500 businesses and their users in a variety of industries in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, including well-known international tech firms like Google, Meta, and Truecaller. They are still growing their presence in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with India continuing to be their main focus market, which makes up over 95% of their business. In FY25, the company reported a 2.5% YoY increase in revenue to ₹4,028 crore, a gross profit of ₹1,051 crore, and margins of 26.1%. Ebitda was ₹691 crore for the entire year, with an Ebitda margin of 17.2%. The profit margin was 12.6%, with a profit after tax of ₹507 crore. The free cash flow was ₹514 crore, or 101% of profit after taxes, and the earnings per share were ₹37.76. In order to prevent scams on their messaging platform by detecting fraud phone numbers, the company signed agreements with one of the Global Tech Majors on Wisely ATP in Q1 FY25. The company launched Wisely ATP with another top Indian bank in Q2 FY25 and was the first to introduce and execute Call to Action (CTA) whitelisting on the Trubloq platform. The company was one of the top players in the world in Q3 of FY25, delivering one billion RCS business messages in a month. The company is the first to introduce and use PE/TM binding on the Trubloq platform later in Q3. Additionally, the company's subsidiary Karix has worked with a number of partners, including Makemytrip (MMT), Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), and Axis Bank, to digitise ticketing and enhance customer engagement in various services. The company continues to work with global Internet tech giants like Google and Meta to accelerate the adoption of OTT channels in India. In FY25, their OTT channel doubled in size, and almost one-third of their 400 new customers were on new OTT channels. Risk factors: Tanla is particularly exposed to the possibility of technical failure because it works in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Because of shifting market dynamics and advancements in communication technology, existing CPaaS solutions run the real danger of becoming less competitive over time. Tanla's reputation and clientele may suffer as a result of system malfunctions and potential hacks that steal confidential customer data. Current price: ₹1,478 Target price: ₹1,750 in 16- 24 Months Stop-loss: ₹1,310 Why it's recommended: One of India's top City Gas Distribution (CGD) firms, Mahanagar Gas was founded in 1995 and serves a wide range of clientele in its operating Geographical Areas (GAs) by meeting their various needs. More than 2.83 million PNG households and 1.11 million CNG vehicle users are served by its infrastructure, which includes more than 7,460 km of pipeline and 385 CNG stations. MGL has played a key role in establishing gas infrastructure and encouraging gas use among a range of consumers throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Mumbai, Urban Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, and others, for more than thirty years. Revenue for FY25 was ₹6,924 crore, up 10.87% from FY24's ₹6,245 crore, according to the company. Over the past four years, it has grown at a 34% CAGR. Ebitda was ₹1,510 crore, while gross profit was ₹2,466 crore. The gross margin was ₹16.51/SCM, which was more than the FY22 gross margin of ₹13.61/SCM. The average sales realization was ₹46.54/SCM, higher than FY21's ₹26.42/SCM. Over the past four years, PAT has grown at a 14% CAGR to reach ₹1,045 crore. As of FY25, ROE was 18.94%. The company wants to expand its customer base in all regions for both PNG and CNG. The market penetration of CNG will rise as more OEMs prepare to introduce CNG-based automobiles. The business intends to invest approximately ₹1,300 crore in FY26 and ₹150 crore in MGL's subsidiary, UEPL. Approximately ₹500 crore would be spent on PNG, including pipelines, and ₹300 crore will be spent on CNG. Within the next five years, 250 CNG filling stations and 180 km of steel pipeline are planned. In order to diversify into new markets or bolster its current ones, the company has made a number of acquisitions and partnerships and is growing into various energy-related subsegments. Risk factors: Delays caused by prolonged authorization procedures typically have an impact on the company's project implementation. The installation of CNG stations and an increase in pipeline infrastructure would be necessary to streamline the procedure. Also, exorbitant costs and a lack of available land make it difficult to establish new CNG stations in the company's operating areas. MarketSmith India's best stock recommendations for today, 16 July Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Its trade name is William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi registration number is INH000015543. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
