Recognising this urgent gap and the absence of a dedicated national policy framework in India, NCPEDP will unveil the policy paper on June 24. The document presents foundational recommendations for a National Assistive Technology Policy Framework and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of how India designs, delivers, finances and sustains assistive technology for persons with disabilities, older persons and individuals with functional limitations. It aims to provide a roadmap for government and other stakeholders to build an accessible, affordable and future-ready assistive technology ecosystem for the country.
 

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP argues that assistive technology should no longer be viewed as a welfare measure or a one-time distribution exercise, but as essential social and economic infrastructure that directly impacts education, employment, healthcare access, mobility, independent living and productivity.
 

India is home to 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, while more than 70 percent of them live in rural areas where access to assistive services remains limited. The challenge is expected to grow further as India's elderly population increases rapidly and more people live longer with chronic illnesses and functional impairments.
 

"India has established a strong normative and rights-based foundation for disability inclusion through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Accessible India Campaign, and sectoral policies such as the National Education Policy, 2020. The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme remains the principal public mechanism for AT provisioning and has expanded access to basic devices for many low-income households. However, assistive technology delivery remains fragmented across ministries, schemes, and service channels, with a predominant focus on device procurement and one-time distribution," said Ali.
 

The policy paper estimates that India's assistive technology market could reach USD 8-10 billion by 2030, presenting a significant opportunity for policy-led innovation, investment domestic manufacturing. Yet access remains limited to only a fraction of those who need assistive products and services.
 

The launch event is expected to bring together Members of Parliament, senior government officials, representatives from STPI and technology institutions, civil society organisations, development sector experts, disability rights advocates, academia, research institutes and persons with disabilities to discuss the future of assistive technology in India and the need for a dedicated national policy framework.

The man behind Operation Toofan, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala

The operation's success relied on a carefully timed blueprint.

Two weeks before the academic year started, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala finalized a strategy designed to catch school-zone traffickers off guard. Police units then began quietly mapping out the networks. The moment students went back to class, the trap snapped shut, shifting from silent surveillance to aggressive field arrests across state lines.

The word “Toofan” knows no geographic or linguistic borders. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala explained why the administration chose a name with pan-India resonance.

“Kerala, today is a rapidly evolving global hub, welcoming a massive workforce of guest workers from various states, IT professionals, and international tourists. We chose a name that instantly communicates our absolute zero-tolerance policy to everyone who steps into the state,” Chennithala said.

The official launch of the campaign took place at Cotton Hill Girls Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the function, which was presided over by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. The event saw massive participation from students, parents, police officials, and the general public, capturing immense public attention right from the school venue.

From that very moment, social media platforms began flooding with viral campaigns backing the crackdown, creating a digital wall of solidarity against the drug networks. On the ground and across the internet, the operation triggered an unprecedented wave of public support, with citizens courageously stepping up to flood police tip lines and use secure digital nodes to share real-time, actionable information about local peddlers.

Breaking away from formal press releases, Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar and the officer in charge, IG Putta Vimaladitya, took to official social media pages, using the native language to personally ask the public for help.

Two days into the campaign, the Home Minister stepped in to launch special mobile and WhatsApp hotlines, guaranteeing complete anonymity to anyone passing on information about local dealers. Rather than just booking local buyers, the state police focused on finding the drug network at its source.

The crackdown included highly unusual incidents, such as a suspect who hid a packet of ganja inside a boiling pressure cooker, only for the cooker’s whistle to emit a strong odor that alerted searching officers. In another case, a tech worker caught growing cannabis claimed the plants were meant for making kitchen chutney.

To dismantle the wider syndicate, investigators used pictures found in seized phone galleries to trace the supply lines backward. This root-level approach led teams straight to the top, resulting in the interstate arrest of two major foreign kingpins, Samuel in Delhi and Elsina in Bengaluru.

Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt uses a four-pillar system to fight drugs. Under Toofan Strike, specialized police teams and supporting departments launch smart, targeted raids at border check posts to stop chemical drug shipments. For health and recovery, Toofan Care links the police with medical departments to provide rehabilitation and clinical counseling for those dealing with dependency. To protect students, Toofan Warriors uses the Student Police Cadet network and local youth under the Education Department to closely monitor school and college campuses.

As part of this initiative, Kerala Police organizes specialized awareness classes for students to educate them against drug abuse under Operation Toofan. To turn this into a massive state movement, the Home Minister and high-ranking officials plan to personally visit as many schools as possible to deliver the anti-drug message.

Furthermore, all campuses have been asked to hoist the Toofan campaign flag to declare themselves as drug-free zones. Additionally, every student across campuses has been asked to wear the “Toofan Warrior” badge, declaring their commitment to actively protecting their campuses.

The operational framework of this unique drug hunt, Operation Toofan, relies heavily on strategies previously established by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.

A senior national figure within the Indian National Congress and a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, Chennithala has adapted successful mechanisms from his earlier landmark campaigns, most notably Operation Kubera. Launched during his previous tenure, that courageous enforcement drive successfully eradicated the state's predatory illegal money-lending network.

Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga at the signing ceremony between MDNIY and Habuild

As part of the yoga 365 initiative, Habuild and MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush rolled out a large-scale digital yoga movement (in March 2026) leading up to June 21, 2026, with the objective of encouraging people to practise yoga consistently every day for 100 days. The initiative has already seen participation from over 4 lakh active participants from 130+ countries and every Indian state and Union Territory and is expected to grow multifolds until June 21. 

The initiative introduces participants to simple yoga practices that can be integrated into everyday life via the Youtube channel of the Ministry of Ayush. The guided sessions are led by Saurabh Bothra, Co-Founder  and Yoga Instructor of Habuild, whose approach to yoga focuses on habit formation, mindful movement, and building sustainable wellness routines rather than short-term fitness goals. The format has been designed to ensure that everyone can comfortably participate and gradually build a consistent yoga practice.

The initiative reflects a shared vision between MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush and Habuild to expand the reach of yoga through digital platforms while strengthening the culture of preventive healthcare in India. 

Commenting on the initiative, Saurabh Bothra, Co-founder, Habuild, said, “Yoga becomes transformative when it moves from an occasional activity to a quiet daily discipline. India has always had a deep cultural relationship with yoga, yet modern lifestyles often make it difficult for people to stay consistent. Through this collaboration with MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush, we hope to create a simple pathway for people to begin and sustain that relationship again. When millions of people practise even a few minutes of yoga every day, the impact extends far beyond individual wellbeing and begins to shape a healthier society.”

Over the years, global observance of International Yoga Day on June 21 has helped introduce yoga to millions of people across the world. The new digital initiative seeks to deepen that engagement within India by encouraging people to move beyond symbolic participation and experience yoga as a consistent part of everyday living.

For Free Yoga until June 21, register here - moa.habit.yoga or call on the toll-free 1800-315-2008.

Link to Message from Sh. Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush in India - www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqezzyXjfkU

Indo-French Investment Dialogue Strengthens Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh
 

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav welcomed the delegation for a Roundtable Meeting at his residence and emphasised that India and France share a strong and trusted strategic partnership, which can be further strengthened through deeper collaboration in sectors such as defence, technology, innovation, and skill development. He highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s immense potential for global investors, supported by its central location, strong connectivity, industrial peace, skilled workforce, and transparent, industry-friendly governance. He further reiterated the State Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for sustainable industrial growth and long-term partnerships.

Organised in association with MP Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) and supported by the Embassy of France in India, the Conference witnessed the presentation of seven Expressions of Interest (EoIs) and two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between leading French companies and the Government of Madhya Pradesh across key sectors. The presenting companies and focus areas included:

• POMA Ropeways: development and operation of ropeway and cable mobility systems for urban transport, tourism, and pilgrimage connectivity

• AIVancity and Medicaps University: establishment of a higher-education institution focused on technology, innovation, and applied sciences

• Dassault Systèmes: deployment of virtual twin technologies across industrial development, urban planning, water management, and skill development

• Soufflet: development of a contract-farming ecosystem for malting-grade barley, including farmer capacity building and storage infrastructure

• SYSTRA: collaboration opportunities in transport infrastructure, mobility planning, and engineering initiatives

• ENGIE: exploration of renewable energy, energy storage, green industrial energy solutions, and green hydrogen initiatives

• Tesca Textiles: proposed manufacturing facility for advanced textiles and automotive seat components in Madhya Pradesh

• Sanofi: signed an MoU with the National Health Mission, Madhya Pradesh for capacity building and strengthening the public health system in the areas of diabetes and rare diseases, including knowledge-sharing, training, and healthcare support initiatives.

• An MoU was also signed between IFCCI and MPIDC to strengthen institutional collaboration and facilitate greater Indo-French business engagement in the state.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Chetanya Kasyap, Hon’ble Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of Madhya Pradesh and H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

The event brought together nearly 150 senior delegates, including CEOs and CXOs of French and Indian companies, industry leaders, diplomats, government officials, and policymakers, to explore new avenues for Indo-French collaboration. It saw participation from both existing and prospective French investors keen to tap into Madhya Pradesh’s expanding industrial and economic landscape, with investment discussions expected to contribute significantly to industrial growth and job creation in the region by 2030 and beyond.

The conference commenced with a presentation on Doing Business in Madhya Pradesh: Policy, Incentives & Ease of Access by Mr. Raghwendra Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Discussions throughout the day focused on facilitating investments, strengthening ease of doing business, and fostering partnerships across priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, defence, communications, IT/ITeS, food and agribusiness, logistics, and supply chain.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Chetanya Kasyap, Hon’ble Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of Madhya Pradesh expressed confidence that deeper collaboration between France and Madhya Pradesh would create new opportunities for industrial growth, innovation, and shared economic progress.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said, “I am pleased that French large and small companies are leveraging their expertise in key sectors to increase their footprint in the State of Madhya Pradesh, a region with a sustainable growth of 8% that represents close to 5% of India’s domestic product. The Indo-French Innovation Network, a flagship initiative of the India-France Year of Innovation, will drive more French investments in this region enabling companies from France and Madhya Pradesh to further synergise their business to double its GDP before 2030.”  

A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on “Unlocking Madhya Pradesh: Policy, Partnerships & Pathways for Sustainable Investment”, which explored how policy support, infrastructure readiness, and cross-border collaboration can position the state as a hub for Indo-French innovation and business growth. The panel featured leaders from Soufflet Malt, Sanofi, EDF Nuclear Projects and Dassault Systèmes, moderated by Ms. Axelle Blanchard, Deputy head of the French Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia, Embassy of France in New Delhi.

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI said, “IFCCI is proud to bring its first Investment Conclave to Madhya Pradesh, an emerging growth hub with immense potential for French investments. Our objective is to strengthen Indo-French ties by unleashing new avenues for trade, innovation, and sustainable development across the region.”

Senior state Government officials Mr. Anurag Jain, IAS, Chief Secretary, Mr. Neeraj Mandloi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. Manu Srivastava, IAS, Additional Secretary for the New & Renewable Energy Sources Department, Mr. Raghwendra Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, DIPIP and Mr. Chandramauli Shukla, MD, MPIDC also joined the interactions. Another key highlight of the event was the series of B2G and B2B meetings held on the sidelines of the conference, facilitating targeted discussions and potential collaborations.

To further boost bilateral trade and French investments across India, IFCCI has been actively organising Investment Conclaves in states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. The Madhya Pradesh edition marks another significant step in IFCCI’s ongoing efforts to deepen state-level collaboration, foster innovation-led growth, and create long-term economic value through Indo-French partnerships.

About IFCCI
Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) is part of a global network of 124 French Chambers (CCIFI) across 94 countries, representing over 37,000 companies. One of India’s most active bilateral chambers, IFCCI promotes trade and investment between India and France through a network of 800 member companies and over 6,500 business leaders. Headquartered in Mumbai, IFCCI has offices in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad.

In 2024, the two sides adopted an Action Plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2024-2028 period. This document not only consolidates traditional areas of cooperation but also expands into new domains such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy and sustainable development.

Economy continues to be a bright spot in bilateral cooperation

Over the past decade, Vietnam-India economic cooperation has recorded significant positive developments. Bilateral trade turnover has maintained steady growth, increasing from over USD 14 billion in 2023 to nearly USD 16.5 billion in 2025, reflecting the increasingly close integration between the two dynamic Asian economies.

The structure of two-way trade has increasingly demonstrated complementarity. Vietnam has strengthened its exports of electronics, machinery, processed agricultural products, wood, and seafood, while India serves as an important supplier of steel, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and textiles to Vietnam.

Amid the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains, both Vietnam and India are intensifying efforts to diversify their partners and reduce dependency risks. This creates significant room for the two countries to promote supply chain linkages in areas such as processing and manufacturing industries, supporting industries, logistics, and high-tech agriculture. Vietnam, with its strategic location in Southeast Asia, can serve as a gateway for Indian enterprises to expand their presence deeper into ASEAN, while India represents a vast market with rapidly increasing consumer demand.

Science and technology: a new driver for deeper cooperation

Scientific and technological cooperation has seen remarkable development recently, gradually shifting from exchanges to more substantive collaboration, tied to specific products and developmental needs. Priority areas of cooperation include information technology, biotechnology, clean energy, and digital transformation.

Several representative projects, such as the Satellite Data Receiving Station and Satellite Image Processing Center, the Vietnam-India Nuclear Science Center (Da Lat), the Army Software Park (Nha Trang), and the Center of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT), have been contributing to enhancing Vietnam's technological capacity. Notably, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program continues to be an effective channel for human resource training, helping Vietnamese officials and experts access modern management knowledge and experience.

Against the backdrop of the vigorous Fourth Industrial Revolution, the potential for cooperation between the two countries remains vast. The two sides can expand their cooperation into emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, fintech, and biotechnology, aiming for the goals of co-development and co-innovation. 

Environmental cooperation and sustainable development are gradually expanding

In the context of increasingly complex climate change, environmental cooperation between Vietnam and India is becoming an important component of the bilateral agenda. Areas such as renewable energy, water resource management, circular economy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure are receiving growing attention and promotion from both sides.

Cooperation agreements in marine science, along with Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) supporting communities, such as clean water supply, drought mitigation, and saline intrusion prevention in the Mekong Delta, have delivered practical results. Vietnam’s participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), initiated by India, also opens up opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sustainable infrastructure and climate change adaptation.

In the coming period, areas encompassing solar energy, energy storage, waste management, marine pollution monitoring, and early warning systems for natural disasters are considered promising directions for cooperation.

Prospects for cooperation

The prospects for cooperation in the coming period are assessed as positive. With the economic and scientific-technological complementarity, along with strong political will from both sides, Vietnam-India relations have many favorable conditions to grow more strongly, particularly in areas such as the digital economy, green economy, innovation.

Orientations for promoting cooperation in the coming period

With a foundation of excellent relations and significant room for cooperation, the two countries have the basis to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new height, making it increasingly substantive and effective in the new phase, particularly in the context of the two countries heading towards new high-level engagements with the state visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to India in May 2026.

To effectively capitalize on opportunities, both sides need to continue maintaining high-level exchanges, intergovernmental mechanisms and specialized dialogues, and further translate strategic commitments into cooperation programs and projects with clear roadmaps and resources.

In the economic field, efforts should be intensified to remove trade barriers, improve logistics connectivity, and promote the review and upgrading of the ASEAN – India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA); strengthen the development of large-scale investment projects in priority areas such as pharmaceuticals, the marine economy, renewable energy, and supporting industries.

In the field of science and technology, establishing joint research cooperation mechanisms, strengthening linkages between research institutes, universities, enterprises, as well as promoting expert exchanges, technology transfer, and human resource training will play an important role.

In the environmental field, efforts should be directed toward building a comprehensive green cooperation framework, focusing on water management, marine science, plastic pollution reduction, clean energy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure, while also effectively leveraging regional initiatives such as the CDRI.

The forum will bring together senior leaders from cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and data platforms, alongside policymakers, regulators, academia, and innovators, to forge an actionable roadmap for India’s next digital decade.

The Strategic Moment: Why Now, Why BDIA

India stands at an inflection point. As the country transitions into one of the world’s largest digital economies, the infrastructure that underpins that economy - cloud compute, AI systems, data storage, identity platforms - remains heavily concentrated in the hands of global providers. BDIA was established to change this.

BDIA is India’s dedicated policy–industry platform for strengthening domestic capabilities across critical technology layers: cloud, AI, compute infrastructure, and data systems. It operates at the intersection of national security, economic value creation, and technological self-reliance - three imperatives that can no longer be treated in isolation.

At the heart of this effort is the principle of Data Swaraj, India’s sovereign right to determine how its data is collected, stored, governed, and monetised. Data Swaraj is not a slogan; it is an operational imperative for a nation whose digital economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.

Bharat Digital Samvad: From Dialogue to Direction

Bharat Digital Samvad is designed for outcomes, not optics. The summit is structured to move beyond discussion panels toward concrete policy alignment and deliverable outputs that industry and government can act upon the very next day.

The Forum will culminate in a set of key deliverables, including a structured policy brief translating multi-stakeholder deliberations into actionable recommendations for MeitY, TRAI, and other relevant ministries. It will also outline a proposed Digital Industrial Policy Framework, identifying specific levers such as taxation, procurement preferences, R&D incentives, and market access to accelerate the growth of India-built digital products. In addition, the forum will seek to quantify India’s dependence on foreign technology and map a clear pathway towards greater digital self-reliance.

Leadership Voices

Piyush Somani, President, BDIA and Promoter, Chairman & Managing Director, ESDS Software Solution Ltd., said, “India has built one of the world’s most ambitious digital infrastructures. The next chapter is about ensuring that the control, governance, and value created by this infrastructure remain within India. Data Swaraj is no longer a future aspiration- it is an operational imperative. Bharat Digital Samvad is the moment industry and policy align to make that happen.”

Abhishek Bhatt, Secretary General, BDIA, said, “India had early leadership across key internet categories, from email platforms such as Rediff and Sify, to search engines like Khoj, and e-commerce initiatives such as Indiatimes. What we lacked was a Digital Industrial Policy that gave domestic players the room and the tools to compete, global players came to dominate these spaces. Today, with Atmanirbhar Bharat as national policy and a generation of founders ready to build at scale, we have a second chance. Bharat Digital Samvad and the launch of BDIA mark India’s determination not to miss it again.”

The IAMAI appreciates the consultative approach adopted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which has enabled constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders. It believes the rules will bring in the much-needed regulatory clarity, allowing the industry to operate, innovate and re-build with greater confidence.

The notification marks an important step towards establishing a clear, consistent and forward-looking regulatory framework for the online gaming ecosystem in India. The incorporation of several industry recommendations in the Rules has ensured that the regulatory framework is implementable, future-ready and aligned with the evolving nature of technology and digital platforms.

The IAMAI will continue to work closely with both the industry and the Government to facilitate smooth and effective implementation of the Rules, ensuring outcomes that are beneficial for the industry as well as for the users.

The IAMAI remains committed to supporting the development of a robust, responsible and futuristic digital gaming ecosystem, and to strengthening India’s position as a global leader in digital innovation and emerging technologies.

The meeting formally recognized that the challenges faced by exporters are systemic, widespread, and not isolated incidents, cutting across sectors, ports, and shipment categories, and require policy-level intervention. Exporters across industries—including agri commodities, food products, FMCG, and handicrafts—highlighted severe operational and financial distress resulting from unilateral actions by global shipping lines.

Containers remain stranded across ports, ICDs, and transshipment hubs due to service suspensions, rerouting, and cargo diversions. Despite the disruption in cargo movement, exporters continue to incur detention, demurrage, and multiple ancillary charges.

Ms. Priyanka Mittal, Chairperson, Basmati Rice Farmers & Exporters Development Forum, stated, “We appreciate DG Shipping’s proactive step in formally documenting exporter grievances and acknowledging the scale and seriousness of the issue. However, the situation on the ground continues to remain extremely challenging for exporters.”

Exporters reported widespread imposition of charges that are arbitrary, non-transparent, and disproportionate to services rendered, including war risk surcharges (WRS), detention, demurrage, congestion levies, and transshipment-related costs. War risk surcharges alone have ranged from USD 800 to USD 6,000 per container, often imposed without prior notice or revised retrospectively. In several cases, cumulative charges have escalated to 60–70% of cargo value, rendering exports commercially unviable.

Operational disruptions have further aggravated the situation, with shipping lines unilaterally:

• Diverting cargo to alternate ports such as Jebel Ali, Sohar, and Salalah

• Holding containers at transshipment hubs without clarity on onward movement

• Returning containers to origin ports (“back-to-town” scenarios)

These decisions have been taken without adequate consultation with exporters, while the financial burden arising from such disruptions continues to be borne entirely by them.

“Exporters are effectively being asked to absorb open-ended financial liability for circumstances entirely beyond their control. This is not sustainable and requires urgent correction,” Ms. Mittal added.

A key concern highlighted during the meeting was the lack of transparency and absence of standardized norms governing shipping line charges. Exporters noted that charges are frequently imposed without adequate justification or cost breakdown, and often communicated after cargo movement has commenced, creating significant uncertainty and contractual risk.

The discussions also brought out a critical structural gap in India’s maritime ecosystem, including the absence of a clear regulatory framework governing shipping line practices, lack of standardization in the application of detention and demurrage, and absence of defined protocols for handling force majeure situations and cargo diversions.

“In this context, the continued imposition of charges without commensurate service delivery raises important questions of alignment with the principles of fairness, reasonableness, and carrier obligations embedded within India’s maritime regulatory framework, including the Merchant Shipping Act,” Ms. Mittal noted.

Exporters, particularly MSMEs, highlighted a significant imbalance in bargaining power between large global shipping lines and individual exporters, leaving them with limited recourse and exposing them to disproportionate financial risks. The ongoing accumulation of charges has created what many described as a “running meter,” severely impacting working capital and, in some cases, forcing exporters to consider abandoning cargo.

Beyond immediate financial stress, the situation is straining export commitments, disrupting long-standing buyer relationships, and undermining India’s credibility as a reliable supplier in global markets.

DG Shipping informed participants that complaints have been formally registered, assigned unique tracking mechanisms, and will be consolidated for submission to the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), DGFT, and other relevant authorities for policy-level consideration. Industry bodies including FIEO have also submitted consolidated representations reflecting the widespread nature of the issue.

While acknowledging the facilitative role played by DG Shipping, the industry has urged time-bound and decisive intervention, including:

• Ensuring that charges are strictly linked to actual services rendered

• Directing shipping lines to release and allow return of containers without linkage to disputed charges

• Establishing clear regulatory guidelines for treatment of cargo during force majeure and geopolitical disruptions

• Introducing standardized norms and transparency requirements for shipping line charges

“Immediate relief is essential to prevent further financial damage. At the same time, this situation presents an opportunity to address long-standing structural gaps and create a more transparent, balanced, and resilient maritime trade framework for India,” Ms. Mittal said.

The industry emphasized the need for a collaborative, rules-based approach, with regulators, shipping lines, and exporters working together to ensure continuity of trade while upholding fairness and accountability.

Exporters remain hopeful that the ongoing engagement will lead to timely, structured, and enforceable solutions that safeguard India’s agri, FMCG, and MSME export sectors—critical pillars supporting farmer incomes, employment, and the broader economy.

“If left unaddressed, such practices risk setting a precedent that could undermine confidence in India’s maritime trade framework and distort fair market conduct,” Ms Mittal concluded.

K.V. Karthik, President, Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA)

To help industry manage the present global volatility, the associations have suggested targeted policy support measures, including a special working capital credit line, temporary relaxation in MSME payment norms, enhancement of working capital borrowing limits and waiver of safeguard duties on critical raw materials.

However, the associations expressed serious concern over the unprecedented rise in raw material prices over the past six months, which is placing severe stress on the MSME-driven pump manufacturing sector.

Over the past year, copper prices have increased by more than 50%, rising from about ₹800–850 per kg to ₹1,200 per kg. Copper alone accounts for 25–30% of the material cost in several categories of pumps. At the same time, sharp increases in aluminium, steel, cast iron, polymers, cables and other key inputs have resulted in overall manufacturing cost escalation exceeding 20%, significantly eroding industry margins.

Industry leaders cautioned that continued absorption of raw material inflation could push many pump manufacturers — particularly MSMEs — into an existential crisis. To partly absorb these abnormal cost increases, manufacturers have already initiated a phased price revision of around 10% with reference to October 2025 price levels, to be implemented before 31 March 2026. Given the continuing volatility in metal prices and supply uncertainties, the situation now warrants a further minimum price increase of 7.5 -10% effective from April 2026.

The associations also reiterated that water pumps are primary agricultural machinery, essential for irrigation, groundwater management and rural livelihoods. In view of this, the industry has urged the Government to reduce GST on water pumps from 18% to 5%, to support farmers, sustain organised manufacturing and promote energy-efficient technologies.

For Further information, please visit  www.ipma.world.

New Tax Rules 2026: Gifts Tax-Free Upto Rs 15,000 in Both New and Old Tax Regime, AdvantageClub.ai Ready with Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards

Two key employee benefit changes HR teams will care about

1. Gifts and festival vouchers (new and old tax regime)
 The annual exemption limit for gifts/festival vouchers has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 in both new and old tax regime. This is especially relevant for engagement and Rewards & Recognition moments—including spot awards, festive gifting, and milestone recognitions—where organizations want employees to feel the value directly.

2. Meal and food vouchers (old tax regime)
The exemption limit for meal/food vouchers has been increased from Rs 50 per meal to Rs 200 per meal under the old tax regime, subject to the conditions specified in the notified rules.

Practical “tax-free” salary can reach Rs 12.9 lakh in new tax regime

Under the new tax regime, many salaried employees can have nil tax liability up to Rs 12 lakh of taxable income, and the Rs 75,000 standard deduction can take this to Rs 12.75 lakh of salary income in practical terms. The revised Rs 15,000 gift/festival voucher exemption can further add tax-efficient value through employer-provided Rewards & Recognition, depending on applicability and structure.

AdvantageClub.ai said its Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards offering has been updated to align with the notified rules, effective April 1, enabling HR teams to structure and issue benefits such as gifts/festival vouchers, and meal vouchers (where applicable) in a compliant manner, so employees experience the enhanced value seamlessly.

“April 1 should feel like a smooth switch, not a scramble. The revised limit on gifts and festival vouchers is a meaningful upgrade for Rewards & Recognition, and the change to meal vouchers further strengthens everyday benefits for eligible employees. We are ready with Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards so HR teams can implement the updated limits with compliance and clarity from Day 1,” said Sourabh Deorah, CEO & Co-founder, AdvantageClub.ai.

Other notified changes impacting salaried employees (selected highlights):

• Company car perquisite (motor car): monthly valuation revised upward—up to 1.6L from Rs 1,800 + Rs 900 to Rs 5,000 + Rs 3,000; above 1.6L from Rs 2,400 + Rs 900 to Rs 7,000 + Rs 3,000 (as applicable by use-case).

• Driver provided by employer: perquisite value revised from Rs 900 per month to Rs 3,000 per month.

• Interest-free or concessional loans: no perquisite value where the aggregate loan does not exceed Rs 2,00,000; medical treatment loans have specific provisions, including limits where reimbursed under medical insurance.

• Children-related allowances (old tax regime): Children Education Allowance revised from Rs 100/month/child to Rs 3,000/month/child; Hostel Expenditure Allowance from Rs 300/month/child to Rs 9,000/month/child.

• HRA expansion + disclosures (old tax regime): “metro” list expanded to 8 cities for 50% of salary (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad); additional disclosure requirements apply in certain cases, including landlord-relationship disclosure in Form 124 where applicable.

• Transport allowance (transport system employees): exemption remains lower of 70% of allowance or the monthly cap, with the cap increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 (subject to conditions, including not receiving daily allowance).

• Driver provided by employer (with company car): taxable perquisite value for a driver has been revised from Rs 900 per month to Rs 3,000 per month (effective April 1).

AdvantageClub.ai added that as HR teams recalibrate benefits for the new financial year, organizations should proactively educate employees on what has changed, and help them make an informed choice between the old and new tax regimes based on their individual salary structure and eligible benefits.

Gharni River: Desilted. Revived. Alive
 

With groundwater declining and monsoons often turning rogue, the response is bold, structured, ambitious, and practical - building resilience, restoring water bodies, and securing long-term water stability for the state.
 

A Nation Running on Empty

India’s water crisis is no longer a distant warning - it’s an everyday challenge. Nearly 80% of the country’s agricultural and domestic water needs rely on groundwater, while only about 20% come from rainfall and surface sources like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. For more than two decades, extraction has outpaced natural recharge, causing water tables to fall. Disruptions in the hydrological cycle and increasingly erratic rainfall have intensified stress.
 

The imbalance is stark: an estimated 239 trillion litres of groundwater is extracted each year, yet only around 6% of rainfall is effectively stored, while nearly 78% flows into rivers and eventually the sea. Aquifers remain under severe strain, highlighting the urgent need for structured conservation, storage, and recharge systems.
 

Between Drought and Flood

For years, large parts of Maharashtra have swung between extremes - drought and flood. Failed or uneven monsoons bring acute scarcity, while heavy rainfall rushes away unchecked, causing damage instead of relief. Streams and rivers that once held water longer are now shallow and silted, reducing storage and weakening groundwater recharge. Increasing reliance on borewells and deeper wells further lowers water tables.
 

Communities face frequent droughts, declining agricultural productivity, crop losses, flood damage, and dependence on tanker water. This cycle - scarcity, over-extraction, runoff, and loss - reveals that the problem is not rainfall alone, but how water is managed. Structured, long-term conservation became not just necessary, but urgent.
 

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0: Turning Rain into Security

The initiative is driven by a single, practical goal: make Maharashtra drought-resilient through systematic water management. Its core objectives:

• Capture and store rainwater efficiently

• Strengthen groundwater recharge

• Stabilise and improve agricultural productivity
   

By rebuilding natural water-holding systems, Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 converts short-lived monsoons into year-round security - benefiting farmers, villages, and future generations.
 

Reviving Maharashtra’s Waterways

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 revitalises rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes by desilting, deepening, and widening channels. Pond and lake silt is reused on marginal farms, improving soil fertility.
 

Maharashtra faces a challenging reality: 80–90% of rainfall falls within just a few months, and most of it runs off without recharging groundwater. Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 changes this, raising infiltration from 6% to 25–35% through scientific, phased interventions:
 

• Phase I (2013 - 2019): Focused on drought-prone regions, desilting, stream deepening, and water storage

• Phase II (2024 - 2026): Expands coverage, consolidates long-term water security
   

Scale & Impact

• 2,90,64,668 cubic metres of silt removed from rivers, including Gharni, Tavarja, Jana, Mudgul, and more

• 16,716 million litres of water conserved since 2013

• 12,38,175 total beneficiaries
  ​

Farm-Level Benefits:

• Higher yields: Consistent water and soil moisture support better cultivation and crop rotation.

• Stronger incomes: Multiple crop cycles and diversified farming reduce risk and stabilise earnings.

• Flood resilience: Wider, desilted streams prevent waterlogging, erosion, and crop loss.

• Lower drought risk: Recharged aquifers provide water even during dry spells.
   

National Recognition

In November 2025, The Art of Living Social Projects was honoured by the Ministry of Jal Shakti with two national awards - Best Civil Society at the 6th National Water Awards 2024 (for the second consecutive year) and Best NGO award under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB 1.0).
 

These accolades recognise the scale, innovation, and measurable impact of Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 - a model for science-driven, community-led, long-term water resilience across India. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said, “Our survival depends on water; it is the basis of our life force. We need to protect and nurture the sources of water.” This insight underlines the very ethos of Jalyukt Shivar 2.0: protecting water is protecting life.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is deeply committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through large-scale water conservation initiatives, the organisation works to alleviate water scarcity, restore ecosystems and enhance the quality of life for communities across the country.
 

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India.
 

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G.I.T.A. Tier II cities report

The major metros have reached saturation on infrastructure, talent cost, and expansion capacity, and therefore, the focus must now shift to emerging “urban centres” that offer demographic advantage, regional talent pools, and sector-specific strengths.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget Speech for 2026-27 announced the government’s focus on developing India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities as City Economic Regions (CERs). The Economic Survey also stressed on the significance of Cities as engines of growth.

Growth Interface for Tech Advocacy (G.I.T.A.) aims to catalyse this transition by identifying high-potential cities and mapping technology-led development opportunities suited to each region’s inherent and unique capabilities.

This report highlights eight such cities across India and outlines sector-focused roadmaps that can accelerate their transformation into Regional Economic Centres (RECs).

Each selected city demonstrates unique strengths (Anchors):

• Jaipur — Well placed to become a regional economic hub for Biotech, Biopharma and Pharmatech

• Lucknow — Can use enhanced value of tech quotient in growing quality of human life through health-tech. Besides engineering products from new frontiers of Space and Defence.

• Gwalior — Telecom and Electronic Manufacturing and Research Hub

• Bhubaneswar — Sports and Skilling Regional Hub

• Indore — Food Processing and Agritech Research Regional Hub

• Guwahati — High Aqua Tech and Water Management Research Hub

• Varanasi — Tech Led Spiritual Regional Hub

• Surat — Global sustainability-tech hub

By infusing technology into region-specific sectors such as water systems, Biotech and Healthcare, Data Centres, Food Processing, Sports, Electronics Manufacturing, and Spiritual Tourism, India can create distributed economic hubs that reduce pressure on Tier I cities and support balanced national growth.

“These cities with rightful infusion of policies can enhance overall tech coefficient of their respective States. Through the guiding principle of this macro report, G.I.T.A wishes to trigger an intense Dialogue among the stakeholders to unleash overarching Tech led progression for these states that missed the earlier IT-led growth. Services in Tech-led domains such as Healthcare, Biotech, Agriculture etc will have much bigger economic pie benefitting domain specific GCCs (Global Capability Centers) to gain from these setups,” said Puneet Kumar, Chairman, G.I.T.A.

Chairman of the Advisory Council of G.I.T.A, Santosh Tiwari said, “This report identifies economic potential of these cities based on their inherent strengths and demography. Infusion of technology through short-, medium- and long-term milestones, prescribed here for these 8 cities, can develop the much-desired runway. We will keep including more cities and updating our recommendations for the cities already covered, in subsequent reports.”

Access full report here:

www.linkedin.com/feed/update

About G.I.T.A

Growth Interface for Tech Advocacy (G.I.T.A.) is striving to serve as a national-level catalyst enabling the technological transformation of emerging cities. The interface is a platform to define and help create the technology landscape of developed India by bringing together all the stakeholders — central government, state governments, academia/think tanks and industry — in a collaborative manner.

Visit - gita.net.in.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Curtain Raiser of PULSE 2026, convening leaders from healthcare, academia and industry

More than a ceremonial opening, the Curtain Raiser underscored how the Government of Maharashtra is reframing healthcare not only as a social imperative, but also as strategic infrastructure central to the state’s economic, innovation and research agenda. Headlined by the Chief Minister, the event was graced by Minister for Medical Education Shri Hasan Mushrif, Minister of Water Resources Girish Mahajan, Minister of State for Medical Education Smt Madhuri Misal, Secretary, Medical Education and Pharmaceuticals Shri Dheeraj Kumar (IAS), and Commissioner, Medical Education Shri Anil Bhandari (IAS).

Leaders from healthcare institutions including Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Lilavati Hospital, alongside Swapnali Kadam of Bharati Vidyapeeth, and diagnostics major Agilus Diagnostics participated in the discussions. They were joined by Prashant Desai, longevity and health span educator; integrative health expert Luke Coutinho; actor and women’s health advocate Soha Ali Khan, associated with UNFPA India; and representatives from the Ramky Group, which is involved in bulk drug park development in Maharashtra. Many of the participants also joined the initiative as Champions for PULSE, committing to support the platform’s long term vision of strengthening healthcare innovation, research collaboration and health systems transformation in the state.

The composition of the gathering reflected the ambition of PULSE 2026 as a convergence of clinical medicine, preventive wellness, diagnostics, policy and investment. Importantly, the state confirmed that PULSE 2026 will be held on March 27 to 28, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, reflecting the scale and ambition of the summit.

In his address, the Chief Minister articulated a clear vision for the sector’s evolution.

“Healthcare must be viewed as both a social responsibility and a driver of long term economic growth. Maharashtra has the institutional depth, medical expertise, and innovation capacity to emerge as a national leader in healthcare transformation. Through PULSE 2026, we aim to create a structured platform that brings together policy, capital, research and clinical excellence to strengthen our health ecosystem,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of building affordable healthcare models and strengthening Maharashtra’s health and medtech ecosystem. He emphasised that the state’s expanding digital health infrastructure and public health data systems can play a catalytic role in enabling innovation, research and technology development, while creating new opportunities for collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers and private sector innovators.

Beyond infrastructure and innovation, PULSE 2026 will place strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, early diagnostics and community awareness as foundational pillars of long term health resilience. By aligning public policy with private sector participation and institutional expertise, the state aims to catalyse investment into healthcare infrastructure, medtech manufacturing, digital health platforms, biotechnology research, wellness, medical tourism and healthcare expansion.

Research and academic collaboration will form another central pillar of the conclave, with a focus on competency based medical education, global university partnerships, translational research and technology enabled learning environments.

Mumbai’s status as a medical, financial and educational hub gives the initiative natural momentum. The broader vision, however, is more expansive: to position Maharashtra as a gateway for healthcare innovation, research excellence and global capital participation. 

PULSE 2026 is expected to bring together more than 130 national and international speakers across 20 sessions over two days, with an estimated 2,900 delegates representing government, academia, clinicians, industry leaders, investors and multilateral institutions. Conceived not as a one time event but as part of a sustained five year charter for healthcare transformation, the initiative will also explore how emerging technologies and digital platforms are reshaping healthcare delivery, medical education and innovation ecosystems.

As momentum builds toward March 27 to 28 at the Jio World Convention Centre, PULSE 2026 is being framed not merely as a conference, but as a strategic platform to shape the future of healthcare delivery, investment and research in India.

Smt. Santana Chakma, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura, with senior officials of the State Government and FICCI at the Delhi Roadshow
 

The Roadshow was organised as a precursor to Destination Tripura: Business Conclave 2026, scheduled to be held later this year in Agartala. The programme effectively showcased Tripura’s evolving industrial ecosystem, ongoing infrastructure initiatives, and emerging opportunities across priority sectors. The event facilitated meaningful engagement between the State Government and industry representatives, reinforcing Tripura’s position as an emerging investment destination.
 

The Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura, Mrs. Santana Chakma, graced the event. She briefed participants on the vast potential of investing in Tripura across multiple sectors. The Minister also highlighted the progressive reforms being undertaken by the State Government to ensure hassle-free investment processes and to strengthen further the Ease of Doing Business ecosystem in Tripura.
 

Senior officials of the State Government were also present and actively engaged with participants on policy initiatives, sector-specific incentives, and investment facilitation mechanisms being implemented across the State.
 

Smt. Santana Chakma, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura, addressing the Delhi Roadshow on Destination Tripura: Business Conclave 2026 in New Delhi
 

Highlighting the Government’s focus on multiple service-sector industries and investor-friendly policies, Kiran Gitte, IAS, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, urged the business community to explore untapped opportunities in skilled human resources, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Tourism, Food Processing, Rubber, and other emerging sectors. He also emphasised opportunities for public-private partnerships in various sectors in the State. Dr Deepak Kumar, Director, Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura, also gave a presentation highlighting the immense opportunities in the State.
 

V R Sharma, Vice Chairman, Jindal Advisory Service, shared the experience of investing in Tripura and said that his company had already invested Rs. 250 crore and looks forward to investing more in the State.
 

The event witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent worth over Rs. 2000 crore across multiple sectors.
 

An exclusive interactive Ambassador & High Commissioner Meet was also held in the evening, bringing together members of the diplomatic fraternity and the senior representatives of bilateral chambers and trade bodies. The discussions were focused on strengthening international partnerships, enhancing trade linkages, and exploring new avenues for investment and cooperation with Tripura and the Northeastern region.

French Minister Mr. Roland Lescure with IFCCI President Mr. Jean Touboul holding the India-France Economic Report 2026 at the India France CEOs Forum
 

Prepared over the past year by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) in partnership with the Regional Economic Department (SER) of the French Embassy in India, with contributions from Team France, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Embassy of India in Paris, Invest India, and in close coordination with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the India–France Economic Report 2026 reaffirms the strong institutional alignment and strategic depth of the bilateral economic partnership.
 

The report was presented to Mr. Roland Lescure, Minister for Economy, Finance, Industry, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, Government of the French Republic, on the sidelines of the India-France CEOs forum by Mr. Jean Touboul, IFCCI’s President and CEO of Pernod Ricard India.
 

The report features a Special Message each, by the French Minister, Mr. Roland Lescure and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India respectively, and provides a comprehensive analysis of bilateral trade and investment flows, sectoral cooperation, employment generation, and the regional footprint of businesses across both economies.
 

It also highlights that bilateral trade reached approximately €17 billion in 2024, more than doubling over the past decade. France remains among India’s top ten foreign investors, with over €12.8 billion in FDI stock and more than 700 French companies operating in India, collectively supporting over 450,000 direct jobs.
 

Conversely, more than 150 Indian companies are established in France, contributing to employment generation and strengthening India’s industrial and technological presence within the European market.
 

The report highlights the expanding sectoral engagement between the two countries, particularly in civil aviation and aerospace, renewable energy and green hydrogen, urban mobility and infrastructure, digital technologies and AI, automotive manufacturing, and advanced industrial systems.
 

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, stated, “The India–France economic partnership has matured into a strategic and future-oriented relationship. Our cooperation today spans innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and industrial resilience. This report reflects the confidence of French enterprises in India’s long-term growth trajectory and our shared ambition to shape global solutions together.”
 

Mr. Jean Touboul, President, IFCCI, remarked, “The India–France Economic Report demonstrates the structural depth of the India–France economic and trade relationship. Beyond trade volumes, we are witnessing sustained industrial integration, expanding research collaboration, and growing two-way investments that firmly anchor this partnership for the future.”
 

Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI, added, “The India–France Economic Report 2026 captures not only economic metrics but the institutional strength and industrial complementarity of this partnership. The scale of employment supported, the geographic spread of French companies across Indian states, and the increasing Indian footprint in France reflect a forward-looking bilateral relationship.”
 

Regional Footprint and Innovation Ecosystem

The report documents a strong French business presence across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi-NCR, and Gujarat, with growing engagement in emerging states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, reflecting deeper regional integration and alignment with state-level industrial policies. It also highlights India’s position as a strategic R&D and innovation hub for French enterprises, hosting advanced engineering centres, digital hubs, and Global Capability Centres serving global markets.

Outlook

As India and France advance toward the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the report concludes that the partnership is well-positioned for its next phase of growth, driven by sustainability, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and strategic industrial collaboration. The full report is available through IFCCI. Please write to contact@ifcci.org.in a copy of the report.
 

About IFCCI
The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) is the official bilateral business chamber dedicated to promoting trade and investments between India and France. With a network of over 800 member companies, IFCCI facilitates strategic dialogue, sectoral cooperation, and institutional engagement across key industries.

CANEUS International, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra (India) recently announced plans to establish the world’s first dedicated Mid-TRL (Technology Readiness Level 4–6) Institute in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Dr. Milind Pimprikar of CANEUS International. The proposed institute will focus on Mid-TRL Innovation, Acceleration and Skilling in frontier technologies-Aerospace, Space, Energy and Deeptech. CANEUS International is a leading global organisation accelerating next-generation systems since 2000.
 

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS International and Shri Binoay B, Chief Strategist, CANEUS International
 

At the signing of the MoU at WEF Davos, Switzerland, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, reaffirmed the State’s strong commitment to the global investor community. He emphasized, “Maharashtra is well equipped and proud to partner with CANEUS International to pioneer the creation of innovation centres across dynamic sectors, frontier technologies, and aerospace. The State takes pride in partnering with this prestigious institute near Mumbai - the commercial capital of India and the world’s fourth-largest economy - perfectly aligning with Maharashtra’s aspirations to scale its innovation ecosystem globally.”
 

According to Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman of CANEUS International, “This world-first Mid-TRL Innovation Acceleration Institute will bridge the ‘valley of death’ by advancing TRL 4–6 innovations through rapid prototyping, systems integration, validation, and flight/field trials, taking breakthroughs from lab to qualification and early production for real-world deployment and global competitiveness”.
 

The Institute will be located in an integrated, purpose-built ecosystem in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), spread over a sprawling 10 million square feet supporting global collaboration, mission stakeholder engagement, and industry partnerships at scale.
 

Designed as a global skilling and capability-building engine, the Institute will be developed in collaboration with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, regulators, research institutions and centres of excellence, ensuring that skilling pathways are aligned with real-world industry requirements in mission-critical sectors.
 

Dr. Pimprikar noted that the institute would be a true game changer, serving as a powerful magnet to attract global aerospace conglomerates to India. The initiative will strengthen talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing and high-reliability systems, enabling the workforce to meet the demands of aerospace, space, energy and deep-tech ecosystems.
 

The Institute will also address a critical global gap in frontier technology programmes: system integration readiness. This capability is essential for aerospace and space missions, where reliability, qualification, and deployment readiness are mission-critical and cannot be compromised.
 

Dr. Pimprikar also expressed appreciation for the dynamic team within the Government of Maharashtra for their exceptional support and commitment. Maharashtra already stands as a leading investment destination, with one of the highest ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings in India for FDI inflows.
 

The institute is envisioned as a key catalyst for the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision and its ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy, in alignment with the forward-looking objectives of MIISP 2025 (Maharashtra Industries, Investment & Services Policy).
 

The partnership strongly aligns with the Government of Maharashtra’s increasing emphasis on industry-aligned skilling through public–private partnerships (PPP), building demand-driven training programs, strengthening institutional capacity, and creating workforce pathways that directly support emerging and strategic sectors.

About CANEUS International

CANEUS International, Canada, founded in 2000, is a pioneering global organisation that brings together industry, research institutions, centres of excellence, and mission stakeholders to validate, integrate and scale next-generation systems. CANEUS enables end-user-driven consortia, testbeds, pilots and systems integration to accelerate high-impact innovations toward deployment.
 

For inquiries, contact:

Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman | mp@caneus.org | +1 (514) 664-2079

Mr. Binoay B, Chief Strategist | binoay.b@caneus.org | +91 7400030896
 

For more information, please visit www.caneus.org.

ABHFL makes first-time home ownership more accessible with PMAY
 

Through its PMAY-linked home loan offerings, ABHFL is facilitating affordable and accessible homeownership for eligible first-time homebuyers by providing repayment tenures of up to 30 years, funding of up to 90% of the property’s market value, flexible eligibility assessment frameworks, and minimal documentation, thereby streamlining the home-buying process and enhancing ease of access to housing finance.
 

Key Benefits

1. Loan amount: Up to Rs. 25 lakhs OR 90% of the property market value

2. Tenure flexibility: Up to 30 years, ensuring smaller EMIs.

3. Minimal documentation: Tailored for EWS, LIG & MIG

4. Interest Subsidy: Rs. 1.8 lakhs in 5 annual instalments

5. Doorstep service: Guidance and support at the customer’s convenience

6. Digital onboarding + Track My Loan: Seamless loan journey with transparency.

Eligibility

• Property Value: Up to ₹35 lakhs

• Carpet Area: Maximum 120 sq.mt (1291 Sq.ft)

• Ownership: Women must be owner/co-owner of the property
  ​

The scheme, applicable to only first-time home buyers clearly defines income-based beneficiary segments as follows:

• Economically Weaker Section (EWS): Annual household income up to Rs. 3 lakh

• Low Income Group (LIG): Annual household income between Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh

• Middle Income Group (MIG): Annual household income between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh

Why it Matters?

India’s affordable housing momentum reflects a strong growth outlook, with GDP projected at 7.3% in FY26. This creates favourable conditions for first-time homeownership. As PMAY-U 2.0 advances India’s affordable housing agenda, ABHFL continues to expand formal housing finance. This supports the Government of India’s Housing for All mission and enables more households to move into organised homeownership.
 

To know more click on – Aditya Birla Housing Finance- PMAY 2.0

Aditya Birla Housing Finance, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading diversified financial services provider, stands as one of the fastest-growing housing finance companies in the country. The company is backed by the highest level of creditworthiness, holding a long-term AAA (Stable) rating and a short-term A1+ rating from CRISIL, ICRA & India Ratings. As of September 30, 2025, Aditya Birla Housing Finance manages assets under management of over Rs. 38,270 Crore with a footprint of 167 pan-India branches.

Policy Continuity and Capex Boost Accelerate India’s Urbanisation Story

Industry leaders say the continuity in infrastructure investment, regional connectivity and urban development policies creates the structural conditions required for the next phase of India’s urban transformation — where Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities evolve into strong economic nodes rather than satellite extensions of metros.

Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group says, "The budget, with its focus on infrastructure-led growth and financial stability along with an increase in public capex to Rs. 12.2 lakh crore carries forward the momentum witnessed in the real estate sector in the last few years. The continued thrust on infrastructure spending will also boost office, retail, and mixed-use project, while also strengthening the ecosystem for job creation and demand generation, consequently boosting residential development. The setting up of the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will also accelerate further expansion. The focus on infrastructure expansion and economic activity in tier 2 and tier 3 cities will accelerate urban growth and unlock new real estate markets beyond major metros."

Urbanisation is being shaped not only by physical infrastructure but also by improved financing mechanisms that reduce risk and enable large-scale development.

Sahil Agrawal, CEO, Nimbus Group, says, "The sector welcomes the Budget’s pragmatic approach, which combines strong capital expenditure with targeted policy measures to strengthen the infrastructure ecosystem. The increased capex provides visibility and confidence for developers and investors, particularly for long-gestation projects in metros and emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The introduction of dedicated REITs for public sector assets is a positive step towards unlocking capital, enabling reinvestment into new infrastructure and creating a more efficient funding cycle. Complementing this, the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will mitigate execution and financing risks, making large-scale projects more viable and predictable. Together, these measures are likely to improve project delivery timelines, enhance asset quality, and support sustainable, infrastructure-driven growth across the sector."

Higher allocations toward urban infrastructure and stronger fiscal transfers to states are expected to accelerate both housing and commercial development in emerging urban regions.

Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, says, "The budget creates a stable and enabling framework for sustained real estate development. Its singular focus on infrastructure-led growth will be highly critical for the expansion of the real estate sector. The rise in capital expenditure, along with the emphasis on urban development, will lead to a conducive environment for the growth of residential and commercial segments. Moreover, the higher allocations for urban infrastructure and increased resource transfers to states will accelerate growth in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, expanding housing and commercial opportunities beyond metros."

Connectivity upgrades are emerging as some of the most powerful drivers of urbanisation, reshaping commuting patterns and development corridors.

Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, says, "The Budget’s continued thrust on infrastructure development, particularly across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is a positive step for the real estate sector in the medium to long term. The announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors will act as powerful growth connectors, improving accessibility between major cities and emerging urban centres, and unlocking new residential and commercial micro-markets along these corridors. Equally important is the proposed scheme to enhance construction and infrastructure equipment, which can improve execution efficiency, reduce project timelines and bring greater predictability to delivery. With public capital expenditure raised to Rs. 12.2 lakh crore for FY27, the multiplier effect on roads, utilities and urban infrastructure is likely to accelerate planned developments beyond metros. As economic reforms also work towards easing financing conditions, we can expect increased developer confidence and institutional interest, translating into more organised, well-planned real estate growth across India’s next-generation cities."

As infrastructure creates new job centres, commercial ecosystems are expected to deepen beyond traditional CBDs.

Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group says, "Increased government capital spending, focus on infrastructure creation, and development of urban areas will act as demand drivers for offices, business parks, logistics, and mixed-use commercial property. Further, the thrust on City Economic Regions with Rs. 5,000 crore allocation per region over five years and the focus on Tier 2 and 3 cities will also lead to the development of new job centres outside the metropolitan areas, thus aiding demand in emerging markets."

Improved infrastructure quality and longevity are also expected to reduce development risk and strengthen institutional participation.

B.K. Malagi, Vice Chairman, Experion Developers says, "Through Budget 2026, the government sends a strong signal of continuity and long-term commitment to infrastructure-led growth. Sustained public capital expenditure, combined with improved construction capabilities, enhances the viability of large-scale real estate developments across metros as well as Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Better infrastructure reduces risk, improves asset longevity, and makes emerging markets more attractive to institutional investors. As connectivity improves, we can expect stronger demand for residential projects, office parks, logistics hubs and mixed-use developments along new growth corridors. The broader reform push, including efforts to improve financing frameworks, further supports capital flow into real estate-linked infrastructure. Overall, this Budget lays the groundwork for a more mature, fiscally disciplined real estate market aligned with India’s evolving urbanisation story."

While the sector continues to seek tax and approval-related reforms, many view the Budget as favouring structural enablers of urbanisation over short-term demand triggers.

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group, says, "While the sector had hoped for measures around tax rationalisation, enhanced buyer incentives and faster approval mechanisms to further improve project viability, the Budget 2026 has clearly doubled down on infrastructure as the primary growth lever for real estate. Improved mobility has a direct impact on how cities expand, commute patterns evolve, and new economic zones emerge, and the announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors is set to be transformative. For metro regions, faster inter-city travel can unlock peripheral residential markets and ease pressure on core urban areas, while enhanced connectivity will also attract businesses, talent and institutional capital. The focus on upgrading construction and infrastructure equipment is equally important, as execution efficiency and quality delivery are critical for large-scale developments. Backed by a capital expenditure outlay of Rs.12.2 lakh crore, these measures strengthen the ecosystem for long-term, infrastructure-led real estate growth rather than speculative demand."

Emerging cities are expected to transition from peripheral growth centres into independent, self-sustaining urban economies.

Bhupindra Singh, COO, RISE Infraventures says, "The Budget marks a decisive push towards strengthening India’s next growth engines, the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, through sustained infrastructure investment. High-speed rail corridors will dramatically improve accessibility, making these cities more attractive for businesses looking for cost-efficient expansion. As connectivity improves, we are likely to see increased demand for new commercial hubs and stronger office and retail ecosystems developing beyond metros. The proposed scheme to enhance construction and infrastructure equipment will further support faster project execution, which is critical in emerging markets where delivery timelines shape buyer trust. With capital expenditure raised to Rs.12.2 lakh crore, infrastructure-led urbanisation is expected to gather pace. This creates a strong runway for organised real estate development, allowing smaller cities to evolve into self-sustaining urban centres rather than satellite extensions of metros."

Overall, policy continuity and sustained capex are not just supporting real estate — they are actively shaping India’s urbanisation trajectory, expanding the country’s city network and laying the groundwork for more balanced, infrastructure-backed urban growth.

Epic NSG Action Calendar 2026

In a world cluttered by AI-generated imagery, this calendar stands apart-because nothing replaces raw action and real grit. Link to download more images of the calendar 

Pravin Talan & Rupali Talan - creators of the NSG Calendar

What began in 2016 as a deeply personal tribute has, over a decade, evolved into one of India’s most recognisable and trend-setting visual properties, with a strong cult following, particularly among the youth. The NSG Calendar has consistently redefined how India’s elite counter-terror force is visually represented-combining authenticity, cinematic intensity, and operational realism. 

The project was shaped by the lived experience of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks-when counter-terror operations unfolded in the heart of the city, not at distant borders-leaving a lasting imprint on a generation that witnessed courage in real time. 

The 2026 edition features 16 carefully curated images, each documenting a distinct operational capability of the National Security Guard. Together, the images present a rare, comprehensive visual overview of the force’s multi-domain readiness-ranging from heliborne aerial insertions, high-rise vertical assaults, metro and mass-transit interventions, to women commandos in frontline combat roles, K9-led building interventions, precision bomb disposal operations, and sniper overwatch. 

The calendar also highlights the NSG’s expanding maritime and inland waterway counter hijack capabilities, including combat diving operations, sea-based rapid response, and vessel intervention scenarios, alongside post-assault clearance operations and close-protection evacuations using ballistic shield formations-each image reflecting discipline, preparedness, and the ability to operate decisively across land, air, and water. 

Released annually in mid-January, the NSG Calendar aligns organically with the Republic Day period-when national focus turns toward the armed forces and internal security institutions that safeguard the Republic. 

Speaking on the evolution of the force, the Director General, NSG, noted that since its establishment in 1984, the organisation has evolved into a technologically advanced and highly adaptive counter-terror unit, integrating personnel from the Army, Police, and CAPFs, while continuously enhancing its capabilities to address emerging threat environments, including inland water operations. 

“This calendar was never about spectacle,” said Pravin Talan. “It began as a tribute-born from lived experience-and grew into a responsibility. If imagery shapes perception, then India’s elite forces deserve to be seen with the same honesty, intensity, and respect with which they operate every day.” 

Conceived as a tribute rather than a commercial exercise, the calendar emerged from a simple belief: in a digital age where imagery shapes perception, India’s elite forces deserve representation that reflects their true capability and resolve. 

Over nearly two decades, the award-winning duo has created calendars, cinematic short documentaries, and coffee table books documenting a wide cross-section of India’s defence and CAPF ecosystem, including organisations such as CRPF, CoBRA, CISF, and multiple State Police forces. Their work has been featured globally and recognised with numerous awards. 

Beyond defence-focused visual storytelling, Pravin Talan and Rupali Talan continue to expand into cinematic films, documentaries, and new-age vertical storytelling. Their recent vertical series Naina: The Hunt, currently streaming on Amazon MX Player (MX Fatafat), has drawn attention for setting new benchmarks in high-intensity digital-first storytelling. Rupali Talan is also set to launch her podcast Magic Moments with Rupali, featuring candid conversations with leading actors and sportspersons including Jaideep Ahlawat, Kavita Kaushik, and Sangram Singh. 

As the 10th edition of the NSG Calendar travels rapidly across screens and conversations nationwide, it stands as a milestone—a decade-long visual commitment to honouring India’s elite forces through authentic access, cinematic discipline, and unwavering respect. 
 

Blog: pravintalan.blogspot.com/2026/01/from-tribute-to-icon-nsg-calendar-2026.html?m=1

The report lays out solutions that could reduce PM2.5 levels significantly, mitigate business losses and support the creation of new jobs

Air pollution continues to create a significant burden for the economy through reduced productivity, unplanned absences, lower consumer activity, and increasing healthcare expenditure.

This report follows a previous study from 2021 by Dalberg Advisors, Air Pollution in India and the Impact on Business, which quantified the economic losses due to particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution levels in India. The 2021 study estimated these economic losses at USD 95 billion annually, equivalent to 3% of India’s GDP.

Despite recent improvements due to initiatives by national and state governments and city authorities, average PM2.5 levels in many cities remain significantly above national standards.

The new report evaluates high-impact solutions across key economic sectors: transport, industry, agriculture, waste, power, construction, and residential combustion. If implemented effectively, these solutions could:

• reduce PM2.5 levels by ~20% by 2030 from current levels;

• generate USD 220 billion in economic opportunity;

• avert USD 85 billion in business losses by 2030;

• avoid nearly 10 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) annually

• support approximately 1.4 million job transitions and new jobs

Speaking on the launch of the report, Jagjeet Sareen, Partner and India Head, Dalberg Advisors said, “Clean air is not only a public health priority but also an economic imperative. This analysis highlights where targeted investments can deliver measurable returns for businesses, workers, and the broader economy.”

Clean Air Fund’s recent report, The State of Global Air Quality Funding 2025, shows an increase in air quality investments from development finance institutions flowing to South Asia. This growing priority for development donors is an opportunity for South Asian countries to unlock further public and private capital that will deliver economic, health and environmental benefits.

Shirish Sinha, Executive Director of Programmes at Clean Air Fund added, “Asia’s development financial institutions and agencies are some of the biggest players in international public finance, and countries across the continent are working to tackle air pollution. Development donors recognise that funding clean air measures is an opportunity to see multiple returns on investment through climate and health co-benefits, while catalysing private capital in South Asian countries. India has demonstrated significant progress through the National Clean Air Programme. The next step is to scale proven solutions and align clean air more closely with India’s economic and development priorities.”

The report also outlines five enabling actions critical for scale:

1. crowding in private capital;

2. prototyping solutions in priority regions;

3. building a skilled green workforce;

4. strengthening community participation; and

5. investing in digital public infrastructure.

Together, these steps can help position clean air as a driver of growth and resilience. Integrating clean-air action into India’s economic planning can improve public health, enhance productivity, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

For the full report, see here: dalberg.com/our-ideas/the-business-case-for-clean-air-unlocking-economic-opportunities-for-india/

About Dalberg Advisors

Dalberg Advisors is a strategic advisory firm that combines the best of private sector strategy skills and rigorous analytical capabilities with deep knowledge and networks across emerging and frontier markets. We work collaboratively across the public, private and philanthropic sectors to fuel inclusive growth and help clients achieve their goals.

About Clean Air Fund

Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic organisation working with governments, funders, businesses and campaigners to create a future where everyone breathes clean air.

A key component of PMAY-U 2.0 is the Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS), under which eligible beneficiaries can receive an interest subsidy of up to Rs. 1.80 Lakh over a period of 5 years on their housing loan. This helps reduce the effective cost of borrowing and supports more manageable monthly repayments. The subsidy is applicable on home loans sanctioned and disbursed after 1 September 2024, subject to eligibility and scheme norms.

Eligible homebuyers who opt for Bajaj Housing Finance Limited’s Sambhav Home Loan can apply for PMAY-U 2.0 interest subsidy benefits, subject to the scheme’s eligibility framework, verification, and allotment process, among other factors. Final allotment under PMAY-U 2.0 is determined based on preference categories outlined in the official guidelines.

Eligible applicants can also check their eligibility and register for PMAY-U 2.0 benefits through the Unified Web Portal of PMAY 2.0, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as per the scheme’s eligibility criteria and process.

As urban India continues to expand, widening access to housing remains central to building stronger communities. PMAY-U 2.0, through its interest subsidy framework, helps eligible households reduce the cost of borrowing, while lending solutions such as Sambhav Home Loan expand access to home loans for customers with varied income profiles. Together, these efforts contribute to a more inclusive housing ecosystem for eligible homebuyers.

Sambhav Home Loan is designed for homebuyers from the unorganised segment, including micro-entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and households with cash-based incomes. The product framework is structured to consider varied income profiles and, where applicable, supports assessment through alternative income and repayment indicators. The product framework also follows a simplified documentation approach for eligible applicants, subject to internal verification and credit norms.

Borrowers can read PMAY-U 2.0 scheme details and registration information on the Unified Web Portal of PMAY 2.0.

BHFL is a facilitator of the PMAY-U 2.0 application and does not guarantee any receipt of the subsidy.

About Bajaj Housing Finance Limited

Classified as an ‘Upper-Layer NBFC’ by the RBI pursuant to Scale Based Regulations, Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL) is a subsidiary of Bajaj Finance Limited — one of the most diversified NBFCs in the Indian market, catering to more than 110.64 million customers across the country. Headquartered in Pune, BHFL offers finance to individuals as well as corporate entities for the purchase and renovation of homes, or commercial spaces. It also provides loans against property for business or personal needs as well as working capital for business expansion purposes. BHFL also offers finance to developers engaged in the construction of residential and commercial properties as well as lease rental discounting to developers and high-net-worth individuals. The Company is rated AAA/Stable for its long-term debt programme and A1+ for its short-term debt programme from CRISIL and India Ratings.

For more queries, visit www.bajajhousingfinance.in

Signify I Har Gaon Roshan

Guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this milestone mirrors India’s ambition of Viksit Bharat, a developed, empowered nation. Har Gaon Roshan initiative aids in strengthening rural infrastructure, enhances community safety, and stimulates local economic growth. Signify’s expertise in sustainable lighting innovation, the Government of Chhattisgarh’s rural development priorities, and Bharat Cares’ deep community engagement form the foundation of this powerful collaboration, blending technology, governance, and grassroots action.

Hon’ble Union Home Minister of India, Shri Amit Shah inaugurating the Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative in Chhattisgarh

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Government Affairs & CSR, Signify, Greater India, said, “Light is more than just illumination, it’s an enabler of safety, opportunity, and social connection. Har Gaon Roshan in Chhattisgarh demonstrates how government, industry, and community can unite to drive inclusive progress.  At Signify, we are committed to using the power of light to support inclusive development and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat, ensuring every village shines brighter. This partnership reflects the power of collective action in creating sustainable, long-term impact.” 

Bhomik Shah, Founder, Bharat Cares, said, “Chhattisgarh, with its rich natural resources and proud tribal heritage, stands at the cusp of meaningful change. Through our collaboration with Signify and the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Har Gaon Roshan initiative, we are enabling safer communities, supporting inclusive development, and strengthening harmony between people and nature.”

Built on a community-first model and implemented with support from district administrations and village representatives, ensuring that every installation meets local needs and achieves maximum impact. The new LED streetlights will boost public safety, unlock extended hours for commerce and community activities using energy-efficient technology. By enhancing accessibility after dark, the initiative enables more inclusive participation in social, educational, and economic life.

Across multiple states, Har Gaon Roshan has already illuminated numerous villages, underscoring Signify’s unwavering dedication to rural advancement. With each installation, the company reaffirms its mission: to transform lives, one village at a time, through sustainable lighting solutions that empower communities and inspire progress.

About Signify
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

DATSI School and TILTEDU sign the GameCraft Pro MoU at IGDC 2025, strengthening Kerala’s game-design ecosystem

The MoU was signed in the presence of senior government officials Seeram Sambasiva Rao (IT Special Secretary) and Anoop Ambika (CEO, Kerala Startup Mission), alongside industry leaders Ashish Kulkarni, Nikhil Chandran, Veerendra Patil, Venkataramanan K, and Michael Joseph.

This marks one of Kerala’s strongest pushes to position itself as India’s next creative-tech hub, where storytelling meets technology.

A New Professional Program for Game Development in Kerala: Designed by game developers and studios

Unlike traditional game courses focused only on software, GameCraft Pro embeds students directly inside working creative studios.

Students learn:

• Game Mechanics & Systems Design

• Narrative Design & Storytelling

• Game Programming & Prototyping

• 2D/3D Asset Creation with production discipline

• Level Design inside professional engines

In the final 3 months, every student builds a full-fledged original game IP - complete with documentation, gameplay systems, audio, FX and investor-ready pitch materials.

This approach transforms students into creators who can design, build, and publish rather than just entry-level operators.

GameCraft pro program - your gateway to a gaming career

India’s gaming market is projected to reach $4–4.5 billion by 2025, yet the majority of talent still clusters around metros like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad.

Kerala, with its design-oriented youth and strong education ecosystem, has the right ingredients but lacked:

• Industry integration

• Storytelling-led game design

• Exposure to publishing pipelines

• Hands-on project-based curriculum

GameCraft Pro directly solves this gap. “This isn’t a course launch - it’s a movement. We want Kerala to export original stories through gaming,” Veerendra Patil, CEO, Zebu Animation & Founder, DATSI.

To learn more about the course: www.datsischool.com/courses/gamecraft-pro

Industry Voices Endorsing the GameCraft Pro Vision

On building world-class IP from Kerala, “Kerala has incredible creative talent. GameCraft Pro bridges the gap between idea and commercially viable game IP,” Ashish Kulkarni, FICCI AVGC Forum Chair.

On building creators, not just coders, “We’re nurturing entrepreneurs who can build the future of India’s gaming economy,” Nikhil Chandran, CEO, TILTLABS & TILTEDU.

Government Support Strengthening the Movement

Kerala has introduced a forward-looking AVGC Policy to boost animation, gaming, immersive media, and digital content creation.“This partnership directly aligns with Kerala’s vision to create strong, consistent talent pipelines and original content from the state,” Seeram Sambasiva Rao, IT Special Secretary.

GameCraft Pro is housed inside KINFRA Film & Video Park, supported by ASAP Kerala, making it one of India’s most policy-aligned creative-education launches.

What Students Will Graduate With

According to the program brochure, students gain:

Programme Outcomes

• Design and analyse games as rule-based systems

• Build playable spaces with real engine workflows

• Script core and advanced gameplay systems

• Produce 2D/3D assets with production discipline

• Publish a capstone game with professional documentation

Career Prospects

• Game Designer

• Unity Game Developer

• Level Designer

• Gameplay Scripter / Systems Designer

• 3D Game Artist

• Technical Artist

This directly answers what most media outlets (like CollegeDekho, Careers360, India Today Education, BW Education) look for when covering new programs.

What Makes GameCraft Pro Different (Media-friendly Angles)

These are the lines NewsVoir will love — they speak to the whole TML list:
 

1. Studio-integrated learning

Students learn inside the culture of working animation, VFX, and game studios.

2. Story-first game design

The program treats games as a storytelling medium — not just technology.

3. Original IP creation

Every student graduates with one publishable prototype that can be pitched to investors/publishers.

4. Kerala as a new gaming hub

Strong angle for Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Express, regional Malayalam media.

5. Government + industry partnership

This significantly boosts credibility for national financial and business press (Mint, Business Standard, BW Businessworld).

Call to Action (Strong admissions focus)

GameCraft Pro begins January 2026. Limited seats.
Admissions are now open for students, gamers, storytellers, and creative-tech aspirants.

For Admissions & Curriculum Details:

+91 73060 71754
 datsischool.com / TILTEDU.com
 On-campus program at KINFRA Film & Video Park, Trivandrum

At the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025 in Mumbai, Invest in Denmark and Copenhagen Fintech, in partnership with Startup Réseau, hosted a thematic interaction on “Green Fintech,” bringing together Danish and Indian stakeholders committed to driving sustainable innovation in financial services.

Launch of the report titled ‘Green Fintech – Denmark: Digital Solutions for a Sustainable Future’

The closed-door session convened policymakers, industry leaders, investors, ecosystem enablers, and high-growth ventures, all working at the intersection of sustainability and finance, to explore collaborative pathways that accelerate climate-aligned financial innovation.

The program began with an opening address by H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, who spoke about Denmark’s commitment to driving global sustainability through collaboration. This was followed by Ulrik Nødgaard, Governor, Danmarks Nationalbank, who shared his perspectives on Denmark’s leadership in integrating climate considerations into financial regulation and policy.

A Special Address was delivered by Shri K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), on “India’s Global Financial Gateway: IFSCA’s Vision for Green and Innovative Finance.”

During the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Invest in Denmark and Copenhagen Fintech hosted a Climate FinTech Roundtable followed by the launch of a report titled ‘Green Fintech – Denmark: Digital Solutions for a Sustainable Future’. The report features several innovative startups and cluster organizations in both Denmark and India, with the aim of triggering conversations around collaboration between the two countries. It explores the convergence of technology and sustainability within the banking and financial services sector, aligning perfectly with the platform of Global Fintech Fest 2025, where Denmark was one of the Country Partners. 

The interactive discussion brought together participants across five clusters - Policy & Framework, Industry, Investors, Startups, and Ecosystem Enablers to capture diverse insights and recommendations.

Participants collectively agreed that regulatory alignment and clear policy signals are essential to mobilize private capital at scale and strengthen investor confidence in climate-aligned financial instruments. The dialogue emphasised that partnerships among banks, corporates, and Fintechs will be crucial in accelerating the transition to low-carbon business models, facilitating new forms of blended finance, and driving innovation throughout the global financial ecosystem.

Through its participation at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Denmark aimed to position Nordic region as a strong and stable economic region, showcasing global leadership in Ethical AI and Quantum, cybersecurity, and growing capabilities in sustainability-driven Green Fintech and Climate Fintech. Denmark offers a strong, stable, investor friendly business environment making it an ideal launchpad into the Nordics. Recently enhanced air connectivity from both Delhi and Mumbai to Copenhagen augurs well for stronger collaboration.

About Copenhagen Fintech
Copenhagen Fintech is the leading innovation hub for financial technology in the Nordic region. Founded to accelerate the growth of fintech startups and foster collaboration between financial institutions, academia, and entrepreneurs, it supports companies driving innovation in areas such as ethical AI, green finance, digital inclusion, and climate-focused solutions. By bridging global fintech ecosystems, Copenhagen Fintech plays a pivotal role in positioning Denmark as a world leader in sustainable and technology-driven financial innovation.

For more information, visit- www.copenhagenfintech.dk

About the Consulate General of Denmark in Bangalore
The Consulate General of Denmark in Bangalore works to strengthen ties between Denmark and India by fostering impactful opportunities across industry, academia, and innovation. With a focus on green transition, life sciences, technology, and sustainable growth, the Consulate drives long-term partnerships and mutual success. Its three key teams—The Trade Council, Innovation Centre Denmark, and Invest in Denmark—collaborate to support Danish companies in India, connect industries and startups for cutting-edge innovation, and assist Indian companies in expanding into Denmark and the Nordic region. Together, they build a future of shared progress, driving economic diplomacy, innovation, and sustainability between the two nations.

For more information, visit- indien.um.dk/en/about-us 

About the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark promotes Denmark’s interests abroad by fostering international cooperation, trade, and investment. Through a global network of embassies, consulates, and trade offices, the Ministry supports Danish companies in building partnerships and expanding internationally, while also strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships. Its efforts are closely aligned with Denmark’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.

For more information, visit- um.dk/en 

MediSim VR and Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) Launch Uttarakhand's First Center of Excellence in AI and VR-based Medical Simulation

The launch took place during the 10th edition of SIMULUS, the annual flagship simulation event hosted by the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Dehradun, which was held from October 4–7 in collaboration with AIIMS Rishikesh. The event brings together global leaders, educators, and innovators in healthcare simulation and serves as a dynamic platform for advancing dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in medical education.

The Center was inaugurated by Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, who has also previously chaired many government counseling bodies, experienced a live demonstration, appreciated the initiative, and encouraged the wider adoption of AI and VR in healthcare education.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming medical training by creating immersive, risk-free, and experiential learning environments. These technologies empower students to build practical clinical skills and decision-making capabilities while complementing their theoretical knowledge. The Center of Excellence will be accessible not only to HIMS students but also to external medical learners and professionals across Uttarakhand, amplifying its reach and impact on capacity building.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Swami Rama Himalayan University, said, “The launch of an AI- and VR-based Center of Excellence in medical simulation at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, marks a significant advancement in medical education. Our students and external learners will benefit from realistic, safe, and highly interactive learning environments that build competence, critical thinking, and innovation—preparing them to excel in global healthcare systems. This initiative will also be highly beneficial for medical, nursing, and allied healthcare professionals, enhancing their training and professional development.”

Sabarish Chandrasekaran, Co-Founder & CEO, MediSim VR, said, “We are delighted to launch Uttarakhand’s first Center of Excellence in AI and VR Medical Simulation at HIMS Dehradun—one of India’s most respected medical institutions. This lab bridges the gap between traditional medical training and next-generation experiential learning. At MediSim VR, we believe such initiatives will empower future healthcare professionals with advanced skills, confidence, and global exposure.”

Looking Ahead
Through this partnership, MediSim VR and HIMS are redefining the future of healthcare education by combining innovation with accessibility. As India accelerates toward global leadership in medical sciences, this collaboration sets a precedent for how AI- and VR-driven learning ecosystems can shape the next generation of medical professionals.

For a long time, jewellers have faced harassment during investigations of theft and robbery cases involving gold and silver. In some unfortunate incidents, jewellers even lost their lives during the process. Taking cognizance of these grave concerns, on March 14, 2024, the Government of Maharashtra issued a circular under the Home Department, clearly instructing police officers regarding investigations under BNS 317 (formerly Section 411 IPC). The circular also recommended the establishment of a special Dakshata Committee.

This Vigilance Committee has been constituted by the State Government. Representatives from 36 districts of Maharashtra have been included, and in the near future, district-level committees will also be established with the support of GJC. The key objective of this initiative is to build a secure and reliable bridge between the government and trade bodies, ensuring the safety of jewellers and extending full support to honest business practices.

GJC expresses its sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis for this visionary step. The Council also acknowledges the special efforts of Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Pankaj Bhoyar and Hon’ble Smt. Chitra Wagh (MLC) in making this reform a reality.

GJC Chairman, Mr. Rajesh Rokde, said, “This decision marks a historic moment for the jewellery industry in Maharashtra. The formation of the Dakshata Committee reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe business environment in a safe state. We are deeply thankful to Hon’ble Shri Devendra Fadnavis for this far-sighted reform and appreciate the tireless efforts of Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Pankaj Bhoyar and Hon’ble Smt. Chitra Wagh. We congratulate all trade representatives included from various districts of Maharashtra. I urge jewellers across India to make similar efforts in their respective states so that a strong and secure national framework can be created. GJC remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry.”

GJC Vice Chairman, Mr. Avinash Gupta, added, “The jewellery sector has long grappled with serious security challenges. The Maharashtra Government’s decision is indeed a revolutionary step, reflecting both sensitivity and strong commitment towards the jeweller community. This initiative will instill confidence among jewellers. We appeal to all our pan-India members to actively engage with their respective state governments for similar committees, so that a safe ecosystem for jewellery business can be built nationwide.”

As the national apex body, GJC also invites all state heads across India to replicate such initiatives in their respective states. GJC will extend full support and is preparing a detailed national Plan of Action to help implement this framework across India.

Members of the State-Level Dakshata Committee:

• Shri Nitin Khandelwal, District Akola – Member

• Shri Rajesh Rokde, District Nagpur – Member

• Shri Shailesh Kharote, District Akola – Member

• Shri Sudhakar Tank, District Nanded – Member

• Shri Kiran Andilkar, District Pune – Member

• Shri Mahavir Gandhi, District Solapur – Member

• Shri Bharat Oswal, District Kolhapur – Member

• Shri Subhash Vadala (Jain), Mumbai – Member

• Shri Girish Devrmani, District Solapur – Member

• Shri Ajit Pendhurkar, Mumbai – Member

• Shri Rajendra Dindorkar, District Nashik – Member

• Shri Amol Dhomne, District Wardha – Member

About GJC
The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) is a national trade council with the objective of promoting and protecting the interests of the jewellery industry. For over 20 years, GJC has been acting as a strong bridge between the government and the industry, spearheading multiple progressive initiatives to elevate the sector to new heights.

Panel Discussion on India's Pet Food Industry

The paper highlighted that India’s pet food market is expanding rapidly with the country’s pet population at an estimated 42.2 million in 2024, projected to surpass 100 million by 2035. In revenue terms, the industry was valued at USD 720 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2035. While dog food accounts for over 85% of the market, cat food is the fastest-growing segment, and e-commerce has become a key growth enabler.

Despite this momentum, the sector continues to operate under frameworks not designed for it. The paper calls for a harmonized and science-backed regulatory framework to enable trust, affordability, and access. Recommendations include rationalizing GST to align pet food with essential nutrition categories, adopting BIS standards as enforceable benchmarks, creating a single-window system for compliance, expanding accredited testing infrastructure, and ensuring consistent labelling and product standards across offline and online markets.

In his preface to the paper, Dr. Umesh Kalahalli, Independent Veterinarian, noted, “As veterinarians, we see daily how nutrition impacts pet health. Many pets in India are still fed improvised diets that lack essential nutrients. Dedicated, enforceable regulations would give pet parents confidence, enable vets to guide responsibly, and ensure pets receive the same quality of nutrition as globally.”

The panel discussion at World Food India brought together leading voices from across the industry, including Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India; Satinder Singh, Managing Director, Royal Canin; Rinka Banerjee, Founder & CEO, Thinking Forks Consulting Pvt. Ltd; Ram Soni, Partner, Food & Agriculture, Praxis Global Alliance; and Abhishek Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Innomalous, moderated by Ms. Pallavi Anand, Business Head, Nestlé Purina Petcare – South Asia Region.

Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India said, “India is home to over 35 million pets today, a number set to double within the next five to seven years. Yet, penetration of manufactured pet food remains below 10% in Indian households, compared to near-universal adoption in developed markets. Unlocking the true potential of India’s pet food sector requires three structural shifts: First, a responsible and science-aligned regulatory framework to build consumer trust and ensure transparency. Second, rationalizing the current 18% GST on pet food which is essential nutrition — an anomaly while other pet care items like pet shampoos are now taxed at just 5%. Third, a nationwide effort to raise awareness so that pet parents move from home-cooked meals to complete, science-backed nutrition that ensures a longer, healthier life for pets. And finally, recognizing the sector’s ability to create jobs and value across manufacturing, retail, veterinary care, and allied services. Together, these steps can accelerate India’s journey to becoming a truly better nation for pets and a future export hub for pet food.”

Satinder Singh, General Manager, Royal Canin, added, “The sector is already a USD 720 million industry, growing at double digits annually. Despite this growth, pet food is still seen as discretionary and lacks a clear regulatory identity in India. Giving the sector the recognition it deserves through dedicated regulations will provide clarity for companies and veterinarians, strengthen India’s Make in India initiative and establish the country as a key export hub for global markets, as well as reassure millions of pet parents through consistent, quality, safe, and hygienic food for cats and dogs. When policies treat pet nutrition as essential rather than optional, India will be able to close the nutrition gap and align with global best practices.”

On the Day 1 of the WFI event, Ministry of Food Processing Industries highlighted the pet food sector's strategic alignment with the Make in India initiative. At the CEO roundtable, the Ministry called for a harmonized, science-backed regulatory framework that would secure nutrition and consumer trust. The discussion reinforced that regulation must serve as an enabler, supporting balanced growth and positioning India more confidently in the global pet food landscape.

About World Food India 2025

World Food India is the Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ flagship international event, serving as a premier platform for stakeholders across the food value chain to connect, collaborate, and invest in India. Following successful editions in 2017, 2023, and 2024, the 4th edition will be held from 25–28 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Multinational R&D driven crop science companies; on its 45th AGM organized a National Conference. The conference witnessed the presence of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India; senior Government officials, experts, academia and industry leaders.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at CropLife India National Conference

National Conference 2025 opened with the Inaugural Session, setting the vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. This was followed by “The Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Context”, where regulators, policymakers and industry leaders decode India’s framework; Panel Discussion – “Empowering Farmers, Navigating Compliances & Global Standards: A State-wise View of the Agri-input (Crop Protection & Bio-stimulants) Industry & Export”, highlighting state-level complexities and how policy, compliance and innovation can empower farmers and boost exports and the CEO’s Panel – “Pesticides in the Spotlight: Villain, Hero or Scapegoat?”, featuring a candid debate on the future of crop protection.

During his inaugural address Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, shared that, “For me, the farmer is the soul of our nation and serving them is a gift from God. From the days of food scarcity and dependence on imports, India has today become self-reliant and an emerging exporter—with agriculture growing by 10% in recent months. Yet, with our population set to reach 170 crore by 2050, ensuring food and nutritional security is our foremost duty. Nearly half our people depend on farming, most with less than two acres of land and our policies must reflect this reality. To achieve a $5 trillion economy, we must increase productivity per hectare, embrace new technologies and translate research into solutions for farmers’ real problems. Agriculture is not just an industry—it is a national responsibility. Together, the Government, scientists and industry must ensure prosperity for farmers, sustainability for our land and nourishment for humanity."

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, PPV&FRA, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India said, "India’s agrochemical sector has been key to our food security and growth—from 65 million tons of food grains to nearly 350 million today. As the industry grows at 9–11% CAGR, we must balance productivity with sustainability through responsible use, strong regulation, and science-led innovation, ensuring the protection of farmers, consumers and the environment."

Dr. P. K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India highlighted "India’s agri-input ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and digitalization will be key to its future—from AI-enabled regulatory processes to harmonized Centre–State laws. Responsible pesticide use and promotion of bio-pesticides are vital; farmers should spray only when necessary. By aligning regulation, innovation and good practices, we can empower farmers, safeguard food security and strengthen India’s global competitiveness."

Dr. Vandana Tripathy, Network Coordinator (AINP) & Scheme In-charge (MPRNL), ICAR highlighted, "There is a critical need for harmonized pesticide residue data generation across diverse locations. Only by collecting comprehensive and sensitive health-related data — including pregnancy outcomes — from multiple regions can we ensure reliability and build science-based systems that safeguard public health.”

Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, ADG (PP), ICAR shared, "Protecting our traditional fairs and agricultural practices with clear safeguards, while fostering global collaboration, is vital. Partnerships with countries like the US and Japan offer immense opportunities, even as we address critical gaps in regions such as Libya.”

Dr. Subhash Chand, Secretary CIB&RC said, "The key challenge in the import-for-export framework is balancing Ease of Doing Business with regulatory safeguards. While flexibility for genuine exporters is important, registration certificates and confirmed international orders are essential to prevent misuse. Where companies provide credible documentation, we are open to supportive, positive solutions."

Shri T. M. Tripathi, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh said, "There is no blanket ban on crop protection products—only crop-specific restrictions like in Basmati, where farmer training is crucial. The bigger challenge is retailer incentives: they must guide farmers toward correct, judicious use. By improving training, standardizing drone applications, and ensuring pricing transparency, we can create a fairer, more balanced ecosystem that empowers farmers and strengthens the agri-input industry."

The CEO’s Panel – "Pesticides in the Spotlight: Villain, Hero or Scapegoat?" moderated by Mr Prabhu Chawla focussed on India being the world’s 2^nd largest exporter and 4^th largest manufacturer of crop protection products facing challenges of perception and the image building. Panellists emphasized that pesticides are medicine for plants—safe, responsible and scientific use is essential to prevent crop losses and ensure food security. With farmer training, innovation and clear communication, India can set a global benchmark in sustainable crop protection.

Mr. Susheel Kumar, MD, Syngenta India said, "Crop protection is medicine for plants—without it, farmers face heavy losses. India can lead globally with integrated, sustainable solutions."

Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection shared, "India uses just 400 g/ha of pesticides against the global 8,000 g/ha—our challenge is not overuse, but misuse and misperception."

Mr. Sahin Ozkan, MD, Adama India reinforced, "Farmer training is the cornerstone of safe crop protection and India is fast emerging as a global agrochemical hub alongside China."

Mr. Subroto Geed, MD, Corteva Agriscience India emphasised, "Farmers need end-to-end solutions—biologicals, proven chemistries and clear communication in their own language to build trust."

Mr. Simon Wiebusch, CEO & MD, Bayer CropScience shared, "Pesticides are a necessity, not a luxury—farmers use them only when the benefits outweigh the costs, ensuring food security for billions."

Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman, CropLife India said, “India is today the fourth-largest producer and the second-largest exporter of agrochemicals, with CropLife India members contributing over 70% of the industry’s business and providing 95% of the world’s molecules and chemistries. Our exports, worth nearly Rs. 40,000 crores, reflect the strength and global relevance of Indian agriculture. Yet, we continue to lose crops worth Rs. 2 lakh crores annually to pests and diseases—even though India’s pesticide use is just 400 grams per hectare compared to the global average of 8,000 grams. This proves that Indian farmers are efficient, not excessive.

With responsible stewardship, we can cut crop losses, raise farmer incomes and help India move towards its $1 trillion agricultural economy goal. Our industry stands committed—to responsible innovation, natural farming support, integrated pest management and research-driven solutions. With government partnership and sustained investment in science, we can empower farmers, feed our 150 crore people and make in India for India and the world.”

About CropLife India     

CropLife India is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and it is an association of 17 R&D driven member companies in crop protection. We jointly represent ~ 70% of the market and are responsible for 95% of the molecules introduced in the country. Our member companies have annual global R & D spend of 6 billion USD and are firmly committed to engaging with the farming community to enable Safe, Secure Food Supply.

Our member companies were established in India as far back as the 1950s; we continue to work hand-in-hand with the Government to build the agriculture sector – from direct investment of building factories, jobs creation, bringing in agriculture innovation and working endlessly over the years with multi-stakeholders to enhance agriculture productivity.

3rd Banking Transformation Summit 2025

RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao highlighted the sector’s resilience and growth: India’s banking sector has demonstrated strong resilience and growth, with credit expanding at an average of 10.5% over the last five years. Addressing a gathering of banking sector experts and leaders at a banking summit Rao informed that retail lending now constitutes 32% of total credit, while credit to MSMEs which contribute 30% to India’s GDP has grown steadily to form 18% of total lending as of March 2025, reflecting the sector’s important role in driving Viksit Bharat.

Building on this, M. Nagaraju, Secretary (FS), Ministry of Finance, made it clear: India’s economic rise demands banking muscle. “As we transition from the world’s fourth-largest economy to the third, Indian banks must aim for global recognition by featuring among the world’s top 10. This requires building larger institutions with secure capital bases and sustained credit growth,” he said.

Nagaraju stressed that India’s banking sector not only supports economic growth but must also ensure stability and resilience as it scales. By strengthening capital bases and expanding credit sustainably, banks can play a central role in powering India’s rise on the global stage.

RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao elaborated on the inclusive growth trajectory of the sector. “The rise in retail and MSME lending reflects how the sector is deepening its reach and supporting productive growth. The goal is not just universal bank accounts, which Jan Dhan Yojana has largely achieved, but affordable credit, insurance, and investment options for every citizen. Credit directed toward MSMEs, infrastructure, and rural India ensures a Samaveshi Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Rao added further insights on the opportunities ahead. “While 40% of MSME credit needs are currently met, this also represents a huge potential for expansion. Banks and financial institutions have an opportunity to bridge this gap, bringing access to productive sectors and contributing to Bharat’s next phase of inclusive growth,” he said.

Parag Bhise, CEO & Executive Director, Nucleus Software, in his keynote emphasised “Banking today must be more than digital-it must be AI-powered, credit-driven, and purpose-built for Bharat. The future belongs to banks that can combine technology, resilience, and inclusivity to build trust at scale. Together with regulators and financial institutions, we are shaping banking that not only powers India but globalises Bharat.”

CEOs and MDs of over 15 leading Indian banks and financial institutions participated in the summit, engaging in a series of panel discussions on key issues shaping the sector. The discussions kicked off with “Navigating Slower Credit Growth: How Banks Can Boost Lending and Build Bharat”, Dr. Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda; Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB; Amara Ram Mohan Rao, MD, SBI; Rajiv Anand, MD & CEO, IndusInd Bank; K.V.S. Manian, MD & CEO, Federal Bank and Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO, Bank of India deliberated in conversation with Latha Venkatesh of CNBC-TV18 on strategies to accelerate credit flow, strengthen lending frameworks, and support productive sectors across India.

Next up, the Fintech panel, “Fintech 3.0: Improving Scale & Sustainability”, brought together Anubrata Biswas, MD & CEO, Airtel Payments Bank; Sohini Rajola, ED-Growth, NPCI; Upasana Taku, Co-Founder & CFO, MobiKwik; Santosh Aggarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar; Amrita Sirohia, Co-Founder, INDMoney; and Rishi A. Chhabra, Country Manager, India, Visa, moderated by Ritu Singh of CNBC-TV18. The conversation explored how next-generation fintech solutions, AI-driven analytics, and digital platforms can help banks scale efficiently without compromising on long-term sustainability - a masterclass in growing smart, not just big.

The NBFC panel, “Credit for the Next Billion”, featuring Raul Rebello, MD & CEO, Mahindra Finance; Jairam Sridharan, MD, Piramal Finance; Sudipta Roy, MD & CEO, L&T Finance; and Aseem Dhru, MD & CEO, SBFC, in conversation with Prashant Nair of CNBC-TV18. The panelists explored strategies to extend credit to underserved segments, innovate financing models, and bring the next billion consumers into India’s formal financial ecosystem - proving that when it comes to inclusive finance, the next billion isn’t just a number; it’s an opportunity waiting to be seized.

Adding further industry perspective, Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-founder, Nucleus Software, highlighted India’s position as a global leader in digital banking: “India’s contribution to global real-time payments is a testament to our leadership in digital banking. With UPI processing over 2,000 crore transactions worth Rs. 24.85 lakh crore in August 2025, India is not just adopting technology - we are driving the future of global finance. Our journey is about more than growth; it’s about reshaping banking for both urban and rural India, making financial services truly inclusive and accessible for all,” Dusad said.

Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, reflected on the summit’s role in shaping critical dialogue. “The summit has become a critical platform for discussing how India can harness technology, credit, and innovation to drive inclusive growth. With banks playing an increasingly central role in the economy, dialogues like these are essential to shaping policies and strategies for a Viksit Bharat,” Bhan said.

The summit also felicitated Zarin Daruwala, Former CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, and Shanti Ekambaram, Deputy Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank, honouring their long-standing contributions to India’s banking sector.

The 3rd Banking Transformation Summit concluded with a shared view: India’s banks are not just growing—they are growing smart, secure, and inclusive, poised to power Bharat’s economic ascent while staking a claim among the world’s top economies.

Team Kochi Refinery

To mark the occasion, Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism, lit the ceremonial lamp and planted a tree sapling. He lauded Kochi Refinery for its energizing presence in Kerala and recalled the pivotal role it has played in the State’s economy.

Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble MoS for MoPNG and Tourism

Addressing this event he said, “I firmly believe that over the years, Kochi Refinery has become more than just an oil & gas entity. It has grown as an institution of trust, contributing to Kerala’s economic self-reliance, energy security, and sustainable development. The Refinery has played a catalytic role in the socio-economic transformation of Kerala through direct and indirect job creation, empowering thousands of families in and around Kochi.”

Taking the stage at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Shri Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) with additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL highlighted, “BPCL’s strong Q1 performance and Kochi Refinery’s proactive efforts in reducing the Energy Intensity Index (EII) and cutting raw water consumption by 20–25%. He noted that the refinery achieved this through multiple initiatives, including the maximization of water recycling from Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) via the RODM plant, cooling tower make-up optimization, and other water conservation measures. Several technological advancements have also been identified for further reductions in water consumption.”

Shri M. Sankar, Executive Director (Kochi Refinery), welcomed the gathering, while Shri George Thomas, Chief General Manager (HR), proposed a vote of thanks.

Born as Cochin Refineries Limited in collaboration with Phillips Petroleum, USA, the Kochi Refinery began operations in 1966 with a capacity of 50,000 barrels per day. It was later renamed Kochi Refineries Limited and, today, operates as one of BPCL’s three major refineries with a current crude oil refining capacity of 15.5 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA).

The refinery’s product portfolio includes Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Naphtha, Motor Spirit, Kerosene, Aviation Turbine Fuel, High-Speed Diesel, and Asphalt. Specialty products for domestic markets include Benzene, Toluene, Food Grade Hexane, Propylene, Special Boiling Point Spirit, Mineral Turpentine Oil, Sulphur, Petcoke, and Hydrogen.

In the petrochemicals sector, the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 14, 2021. BPCL is also investing Rs. 5,044 crore in a new Polypropylene (PP) Unit at Kochi Refinery, with a production capacity of 400 kilo-tonnes per annum (KTPA). This project will utilize the refinery’s propylene feedstock to meet the growing domestic demand for polypropylene, a versatile material used in packaging films, containers, and homeware.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 23,500+ Fuel Stations, over 6,200+ LPG distributorships, 500+ Lubes distributorships, 80 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 79 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 5 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6500+ Fuel Stations.

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

Turning visions into ventures: DuDigital Global hosted an advisor-exclusive Delhi session on UAE company formation; strong turnout and new partner onboardings

Hosted in association with Meydan Free Zone, the session focused on actionable pathways for Indian advisors to expand client services into Dubai through streamlined licensing, compliant structures, and concierge-led execution. The discussions emphasized practical use cases, referral workflows, and go-to-market enablement for channel partners.

Manoj Dharmai, Group CEO, DuDigital Global, said, “We are delighted by the response from Delhi’s advisory community. The quality of discussions and immediate sign-ups validate our proposition of trusted execution, transparent processes, and measurable outcomes for clients expanding to the UAE.”

Shivaz Rai, Director, DuDigital Global, added, “This activation was designed for decision-makers like CAs, lawyers, and travel leaders who advise growth-focused clients. We’re pleased to have onboarded several partners and will continue to equip them with training, sales enablement, and on-ground support in Dubai.”

Mohammad Bin Humaidan, Director, Meydan Free Zone, commented, “Our collaboration with DuDigital Global is helping us engage India’s advisory community more effectively. The strong turnout in Delhi and multiple onboardings demonstrate the demand for a simplified, compliant, and growth-oriented pathway to establish businesses in Dubai.”

If you missed the session and would like to explore becoming a channel partner, please write to info@dudigitalglobal.com and a concerned associate will connect to guide you through program details and onboarding.

About DuDigital Global

DuDigital Global Limited (NSE: DUGLOBAL), established in 2015, leads digital transformation in global mobility—simplifying international travel, identity, and business establishment for individuals and enterprises. The company manages visa application centres and consular services, offers end-to-end UAE company formation (Free Zone and Mainland), and provides investment-led Residency and PR pathways. DuDigital is a trusted partner to embassies and tourism boards, including the Embassy of India in South Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization, and is the developer of DuVerify, a digital document authentication platform. DuDigital has a strong presence across India, South Korea, UAE, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

About Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone, centrally located in Dubai, provides entrepreneurs and businesses a premium platform with 100% foreign ownership, tax advantages, multi-activity licensing, and modern infrastructure, supported by streamlined setup and concierge services.

Anoop Kumar Saxena, CEO of Vicat In India Operations

This progressive and visionary reform, led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji, will directly benefit millions of individual home builders, infrastructure developers, and consumers across the country. It is also expected to significantly accelerate India’s low-cost housing schemes and infrastructure growth, while creating a more competitive environment for the cement industry.

Mr. Anoop Kumar Saxena, CEO, Vicat In India Operations, said, “The reduction of GST on cement from 28% to 18% is a bold step that lays the foundation for a stronger and more self-reliant India. At Bharathi Cement and Kalburgi Cement, we remain fully committed to supporting this movement by ensuring a reliable supply of superior quality products in the market. From 22nd September, we will be passing on the complete benefit of this GST reduction to our customers across both our brands – Bharathi Cement in the South and Vicat Cement in Maharashtra.”

Mr. Manish Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, Vicat In India Operations, added, “Our invoices will reflect the GST change from 28% to 18% for cement sales across India. We have already advised all our dealers and channel partners to reduce cement prices accordingly and ensure that the full benefit is passed on to customers. This reform will not only help home builders but also contribute to India’s journey of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.”

With this decisive step by the Government of India, Vicat in India reiterates its commitment to being a responsible partner in the nation’s growth story, while continuing to deliver superior quality products backed by global expertise and eco-friendly practices.

About Vicat Group

Founded in France in 1853, Vicat Group is behind many of the world’s landmark constructions and is widely recognized for its eco-friendly approach. Operating in 12 countries, Vicat’s core businesses include cement manufacturing, ready-mix concrete, and building aggregates, supported by a workforce of 10,000 employees worldwide. In India, Vicat operates through Bharathi Cement Corporation Limited and Kalburgi Cement Private Limited, delivering superior quality cement and contributing to the nation’s infrastructure and housing growth.

Hon’ble Union Minister of Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, made the formal announcement at an event held in Delhi

The allocation positions BharatGen as the foremost beneficiary of the Rs. 1,500 crore IndiaAI Mission 2025, highlighting its central role in building India’s sovereign AI ecosystem.

The funding will help BharatGen create powerful AI models, including Large Language and Multimodal Models with up to one trillion parameters, as well as smaller models designed for specific uses. It will also boost the development of India-focused technologies like text-to-speech, speech recognition, and vision-language tools. The models are expected to support real-world applications across key areas such as agriculture, governance, finance, healthcare, and education. To make this possible, BharatGen will train the models on advanced supercomputing clusters, while also setting aside resources for other essential needs.

Earlier this year, BharatGen launched Param-1, a bilingual LLM with 2.9 billion parameters, pretrained on 5 trillion tokens in English and Hindi. The next phase will expand to multilingual and multimodal AI systems across all 22 scheduled Indian languages, ensuring equitable access for every citizen. The BharatGen consortium includes leading institutions such as IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIM Indore, IIIT Delhi, and IIT Kharagpur, strengthening the mission’s collaborative foundation.

Sharing his excitement on the announcement, Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, IIT Bombay & Principal Investigator stated, “The allocation will empower BharatGen to advance its foundational models, strengthen India’s AI infrastructure, drive enterprise adoption, and enable developers through our Sovereign AI stack, while ensuring inclusive access across the country’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. As a national sovereign AI ecosystem, BharatGen brings together a consortium of dedicated faculty members committed to this vision.”

Commenting on the development, Rishi Bal, Executive Vice President, BharatGen stated, “This landmark allocation by MeitY signals India’s resolve to build sovereign AI at scale. With BharatGen, we are laying the foundations of an AI ecosystem that reflects the diversity of our nation while advancing India’s leadership in the global technology landscape.”

Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST also expressed his enthusiasm, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire BharatGen team for this well-deserved support by India AI Mission for scaling the technology. It's truly inspiring to witness the remarkable scale and speed of the progress that the BharatGen team has achieved. We at the Department of Science & Technology are proud to have been a part of the revolutionary journey for sovereign LLM and we are confident that with this 'whole of government' approach, BharatGen is poised for an even brighter and greater future."

Professor Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay stated, "At IIT Bombay, we are very happy to host BharatGen as a National Sovereign AI Ecosystem that works laterally across academia and industry. It is to the credit of Team BharatGen’s leadership of Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan and Mr. Rishi Bal that IIT Bombay will play a central role in India’s sovereign AI journey. We are extremely grateful to the India AI Mission, MeitY and the Department of Science and Technology for helping set up this initiative through BharatGen."

Mr. Krishnan, Secretary MeitY states, “I am delighted to see BharatGen taking on the crucial responsibility of developing a sovereign GenAI stack for our nation. The India AI mission is delighted to facilitate their effort through 988.6 Cr of funding over 1 year to build LLM models in the range of 1 trillion parameters. This unique consortium has set a good precedent for effectively bridging the gap between academic research and downstream applications. We are proud to see this completely government-funded mission thriving in its goal to build a robust Gen AI ecosystem for India. We are looking up to Team BharatGen to make a mark globally as India’s Sovereign AI.”

BharatGen is led by Rishi Bal, Executive Vice President, and Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, IIT Bombay, Principal Investigator. Their combined leadership bridges cutting-edge academic rigor with enterprise-scale execution.

About BharatGen

BharatGen is a pioneering initiative by the BharatGen Consortium, envisioned as a comprehensive suite of Generative AI technologies designed to serve India’s diverse socio-cultural, linguistic, and industrial needs. Anchored under the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH), IIT Bombay, and supported by the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, BharatGen is the nation’s first government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) project. The initiative is developing inclusive and efficient AI across 22 Indian languages, integrating text, speech, and images to create robust AI solutions built for India’s realities.

Goldi Solar Unveils World’s Largest Solar Module in Honour of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 75th Birthday

The NaMo Saur Samrat is not just a solar panel; it is a manufacturing marvel, embodying the scale, precision, and ambition that define a new era of Indian innovation. Goldi Solar stated that the initiative celebrates the Prime Minister’s key role in placing India at the forefront of the global solar energy transition. While China may have pioneered solar PV manufacturing, India today represents Atmanirbhar Bharat at its peak - proving that when it comes to self-reliance at a gigantic scale, India leads the way.

Dimensions of 75 Inches for 75th Birthday

Carrying deep symbolic value, the module has been engineered to exact dimensions of 75 inches in width and 150 inches in length, representing the Prime Minister’s 75th year. This extraordinary feat reflects the company’s commitment to combining symbolism with world-class engineering excellence. With a capacity/output of 1750 Wp, the module establishes a new benchmark for size, efficiency, and ambition in the global solar industry.

The massive module integrates advanced TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, boosting efficiency and power output by minimizing energy loss. By embedding next-generation technology into a module of such scale, Goldi Solar reinforces its reputation for precision-driven, future-ready manufacturing.

Backed by aggressive expansion, Goldi Solar has scaled its production capacity to 14.7 GW, with plans for further growth. Speaking on the occasion, Capt. Ishver Dholakia, Founder & Managing Director of Goldi Solar said, “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is advancing decisively towards sustainability, having already achieved over half of its 2030 target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity. The NaMo Saur Samrat is a landmark achievement,a symbol of India’s Atmanirbhar strength and a shining example of manufacturing excellence on a global stage. This is our greatest tribute to the Prime Minister, and our commitment to building a greener, self-reliant India that will power generations to come.”

Governing Council with Hon’ble Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman

In her inaugural address at the second annual two Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM), Symposium held in New Delhi, the Finance Minister asked for more participative and continuous dialogue from the industry. She stated, “If the government has been moving towards the direction that industry wanted, there should be no more hesitation to invest, expand the capacity, and produce more.” She invited the industry to engage with government on an ongoing basis and spell out reforms they require.

IFQM Symposium 2025 is, focusing on a central theme “Quality & Innovation to Make India Globally Competitive”.  Mr. N. Chandrasekaran Chairman, Tata Sons, in his welcome address highlighted the importance of Viksit Bharat and the industry need to walk with this vision of Honurable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

IFQM is led by a Governing Council* consisting of top industry captains. The symposium is being attended by government leaders, global experts, industry champions, and academia to deliberate on an action agenda for positioning India as a trusted, world-class player in global value chains.

IFQM will soon be equipped with a strong suite of 60+ Experiential Learning Solutions that are based on Action Learning principles. It is currently supported by 16+ experts in Assessment & Counselling and Solutioning, IFQM within the last one year has engaged large companies to co-create and support their Transformation journeys.

Developed Digital tools which are aimed at requirements of MSMEs keeping Quality, Productivity & Skill in mind, further a strong Industry-Academia collaboration to develop a talent pipeline industry-ready, HR while enabling solutions for the industry through Academic research has been developed by IFQM.

Three MSME Clusters have already started functioning and four more are on the anvil and will increase to 100 MSME companies joining by end of FY.  

These growing actions, will fuel ambitions to pursue the demanding standards of IFQM. It has instituted a Quality Excellence Prize, three MOUs are in the pipeline. IFQM within a year has six Case Study projects, 12 institutes for engagement and curated 26 Learning Solutions and enhanced continuous engagement with 20 member companies. The IFQM Academy, coming up near Bangalore airport, is set to be inaugurated in FY 2026–27.

The development of certain standard operating procedure for achieving the quality tools and skills like Daily Work Management (DWM), Digital Drawing to Manufacturing (DDM), and Supply Chain management (SCM) are being adopted by MSMEs. The handholding is being done by 10 large companies for 100 MSMEs. The Goal set by IFQM for 2026 is to develop 100 Companies in Clusters and companies are 20 already in Engagement and 30 in the Pipeline. Further, the drive is to Rolling out Assessments of QEP Applicants.

Experts at the event highlighted the Integrating Quality and Innovation for Excellence in Manufacturing and the Virtuous cycle of Productivity, Competitiveness, and Value creation focused on Quality and Safety in Design, Development and Operations as a Force Multiplier for Sustainable Growth. Dr. Hans-Joachim Neumann, Executive Vice President and Head of Integrated Supply Chain, Merck Electronics in his keynote pointed to India's role in the above area.

In a Fireside Chat industry experts discssed the leading in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, & Incomprehensible) Environment, the requirements approach of Leadership towards guiding their people in uncertain business environments, adaptability, empathy, and purpose-driven clarity, creating resilient systems, empowering people, and staying grounded, speakers led by Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya CEO and Director IFQM, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman and Co-Founder, Motherson Group, Mr. Srikanth Padmanabhan, Independent Director, IFQM, Mr. Dilip Shanghvi, MD, Sun Pharma, which was moderated by Mr. Jacques Esculier, Member of the Supervisory Boards, Daimler Truck AG and S&P Global (virtual) highlighted the challenges and opportunities for the MSMEs in India.

Another session discussed on imperatives for India to be a significant player in the Global Supply Chain

Positioning India as a dependable and competitive player in the global supply chain ecosystem, and what it takes to achieve the manufacturing excellence, quality systems, policy frameworks, digital readiness, infrastructure, skill development, and sustainability Mr. TV Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel ,Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD, Tata Electronics, Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Co, Mr. Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India & South Asia, Mr. R Mukundan, CEO & MD, Tata Chemicals Limited highlighted that India has strong opportunity in global supply chain management, especially with MSMEs undertaking cultural change and customer centricity.

About IFQM

Instituted in the year 2023, IFQM is the Indian Federation for Quality Management that is committed to the promotion of transformative changes across Indian industries. It seeks to institutionalise a culture of quality that meets and exceeds global standards. It is about bringing in continuous improvements of both products and services, thereby elevating the perception about Brand India. Committed to the prosperity and quality of life of all, IFQM functions as a catalyst in making Indian businesses globally respected with cooperative trust, respect, empathy, and mutual sharing. Through its initiatives, IFQM supports India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, with an emphasis on innovation, excellence, and stakeholder engagement across sectors.

The IFQM Governing Council: Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, Mr. Dilip Sanghvi, MD, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Biologics, Mr. TV Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel Limited, Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Co, Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India & South Asia, Mr. SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman & MD, Larsen & Toubro, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Co & Chairman, IFQM, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman and Co-Founder, Motherson Group.

IFQM on Web: ifqm.org.in

IFQM Events: events.ifqm.org.in

IFQM on social media: www.linkedin.com/company/ifqm

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today showcased its latest portfolio of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions at the IEC GM 2025 Exhibition (#IECGM2025India), organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The event, inaugurated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, underscores India’s commitment to aligning international standards with national requirements and advancing the country’s sustainability goals.

Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, inaugurates the Signify pavilion at IECGM 2025, alongside Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD, Signify Greater India

Signify unveiled four groundbreaking product lines designed to redefine lighting efficiency, sustainability, and user wellbeing. These solutions demonstrate how advanced lighting can power Indian industries, offices, public spaces, and streets with energy savings, comfort, and smarter performance.

• Philips UltraEfficient Range: A next-generation series of LED lighting products engineered to deliver substantial energy savings compared to conventional LEDs installed over the last decade.

• Outdoor: Road and Street light luminaires, Solar Street lights, Solar Post-Top systems

• Indoor: Highbay range for industrial applications

• NatureConnect – An indoor lighting solution that mimics daylight and replicates a virtual sky view. Through dynamic light scenes, it enhances energy levels, improves mood, and helps windowless indoor spaces feel in sync with nature transforming them into productive, inspiring, and relaxing environments.

• SootheSpace – A first-of-its-kind, high-efficiency, glare-free luminaire that balances visual comfort, wellness benefits, and sustainability

• Connected Lighting Solutions – Intelligent lighting systems for both indoor and outdoor applications that unlock deeper energy savings while enhancing user comfort, safety, and convenience. These solutions feature advanced functionalities such as energy monitoring, remote management, and automated operation, making spaces more efficient and responsive.

Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD, Signify Greater India, said, “At Signify, our purpose goes beyond technology. It is about lighting up India’s industries, offices, streets, and communities in a way that drives progress and sustainability. As the country advances towards visionary goals of Developed Nation by 2047 goal, Net-Zero by 2070 goal set by our progressive government under the leadership of our visionary prime minister, we are proud to contribute to these goals with solutions that balance innovation, human wellbeing, and environmental responsibility. IECGM2025India gives us the perfect platform to demonstrate how light can be a true enabler of growth, comfort, and resilience for the nation.”

Girish K Chawla, Head of Professional Business, Signify, added, “At Signify, we are committed to developing solutions that not only reduce energy consumption but also improve the quality of life for users. Our showcase at IECGM2025India highlights how our portfolio is designed to meet India’s evolving needs - from UltraEfficient LEDs that deliver significant energy savings, to human-centric solutions like NatureConnect and SootheSpace, and intelligent Connected Lighting systems for indoor and outdoor applications. Together, these innovations are not only cutting energy use but also creating healthier, smarter, and more sustainable environments across the country.”

With this showcase at IECGM2025India, Signify reinforces its leadership in driving sustainable lighting innovation and highlights its ongoing commitment to supporting India’s transition towards a greener and smarter future.

About Signify  

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers, and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

IFQM is led by a Governing Council* consisting of top industry captains. This year’s symposium will convene government leaders, global experts, industry champions, and academia to deliberate on an action agenda for positioning India as a trusted, world-class player in global value chains. Following the successful inaugural symposium in October 2024, which brought together policymakers, industry titans, and global quality experts to explore transformational quality agendas, the 2025 edition will not only further deepen these discussions and chart the way forward but will also showcase the many initiatives undertaken by IFQM since 2024 that are driving this journey.

The event will witness participation from Hon’ble Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, senior government policymakers, and industry leaders such as Mr. Venu Srinivasan (Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor & Chairman, IFQM), Mr. N. Chandrasekaran (Chairman, Tata Sons), Mr. S.N. Subrahmanyan (Chairman & MD, Larsen & Toubro), Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal (Chairman & Co-founder, Motherson Group), Mr. Dilip Shanghvi (Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceuticals), Dr. Randhir Thakur (CEO & MD, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan (Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company), and Mr. Salil Gupte (President, Boeing India & South Asia). More than 200 CEOs and CXOs, MSME representatives, and 50+ academic leaders and students are expected to join this by-invite event.

Global quality and innovation luminaries, including Dr. Noriaki Kano (TQM pioneer), Jacques Esculier (Daimler Truck AG, S&P Global), Harold Kroeger (SiMa.ai), M Onodera (JUSE), Al Faber, CEO Emeritus of Baldrige Foundation, Frank Sieren, China Bureau Chief, Wirtschafts Woche, Scot Gardner, a global Tech expert from Siemens, and Dr. Hans-Joachim Neumann, Head of Integrated Supply Chain, Merck Electronics will lead discussions alongside top Indian executives, sharing valuable insights and expertise around the theme.

Sharing his thoughts about the Symposium, Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, CEO & Director, IFQM, stated, the vision of Viksit Bharat demands nothing short of a quantum leap in India’s global competitiveness. Achieving this requires an industry-led movement anchored in a Nation First ethos, the one that brings together large enterprises, MSMEs, supply chains, and academia in a shared commitment to quality and innovation. By embedding world-class practices into our industries and nurturing future-ready talent through quality education, we can position India’s products, services, and ideas seamlessly within global value chains. The IFQM Symposium 2025 is not just a forum for discussion, but rather a call to action to set higher benchmarks, close critical gaps, and accelerate our journey toward becoming a global leader in excellence.

The major takeaways from last year’s symposium are:

• India needs to quickly move to become a global powerhouse in manufacturing, technology, and services.

• India’s diversity offers an ideal testing ground for sustainable and scalable solutions that deploy AI and digital tools as transformative forces to enhance quality standards.

• Leadership accountability is a crucial catalyst to making cross-industry partnerships meaningful.

• Cultivating a culture of quality and innovation needs a ‘Big Q’ approach that goes beyond quick fixes to embracing systematic and sustainable practices.

Taking forward the symposium agenda for 2025 will feature a broad spectrum of sessions designed to explore how India can accelerate its journey towards becoming a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally respected nation. Discussions will examine India’s current standing in global quality, productivity, and innovation; the pathways to achieve ambitious 2030 targets; the role of industry–academia partnerships in enabling growth; and how innovation can be deployed to address systemic barriers.

Over two days, the symposium will feature 25+ sessions covering national imperatives, sectoral deep dives, and cross-cutting enablers. Highlights include:

• Viksit Bharat- Imperatives and Opportunities: Keynote by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and N Chandrasekaran, on advancing towards a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally respected India.

• Fireside Chat with Venu Srinivasan, S.N. Subrahmanyan, Dilip Shanghvi and Srikanth Padmanabhan, moderated by Mr. Jacques Esculier, on leading in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) environment.

• Sector Panels on Auto & Engineering, Aerospace & Defence, Digital & AI, Electronics & Semiconductors, Pharma & Health Sciences, and Health and Hospitals.

• Thematic Tracks on MSMEs in global supply chains, Industry–Academia collaboration, leveraging crises as catalysts for national resurgence and learnings from Business from the disciplines of Fine arts.

• Cultural Integration: “Quality in Indian Culture” – a thematic dance performance by Abhinava Dance Company.

About IFQM

Instituted in the year 2023, IFQM is the Indian Federation for Quality Management that is committed to the promotion of transformative changes across Indian industries. It seeks to institutionalise a culture of quality that meets and exceeds global standards. It is about bringing in continuous improvements of both products and services, thereby elevating the perception about Brand India. Committed to the prosperity and quality of life of all, IFQM functions as a catalyst in making Indian businesses globally respected with cooperative trust, respect, empathy, and mutual sharing. Through its initiatives, IFQM supports India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, with an emphasis on innovation, excellence, and stakeholder engagement across sectors.

The IFQM Governing Council: Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, Mr. Dilip Sanghvi, MD, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Biologics, Mr. TV Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel Limited, Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Co, Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India & South Asia, Mr. SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman & MD, Larsen & Toubro, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Co & Chairman, IFQM, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman and Co-Founder, Motherson Group.

IFQM on Web: ifqm.org.in/

IFQM Events: events.ifqm.org.in

IFQM on social media: www.linkedin.com/company/ifqm

Industry experts deliberate on the future, and role of Indian steel at Metalogic PMS’ 8th annual conference

Steel plays a vital role in construction, infrastructure, automotive, and defence, together accounting for over 90% of India’s steel consumption. As these sectors are rapidly evolving, demanding advanced grades of steel, innovation in steelmaking is becoming crucial to enabling this transformation. The demand from the smaller and emerging sectors requiring smaller or specific order quantities has added a new market dimension for the steel industry. Steel as a commodity is now emerging as a “just in time” product. Apart from the opportunities in steel making, the conference also deliberated on the cost concerns of the steel makers, geo-political trade distortions, raw material availability matters and practical ways to further enhance steel consumption.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of prominent industry leaders - Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless; Ms. Sminu Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal SAW Ltd.; Mr. Vinod Gupta, ED Commercial, SAIL; Mr. V.R. Sharma, Vice Chairman of Naveen Jindal Group; and Ms. Preiti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, TATA Projects.

While addressing the conference Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Abhyuday Jindal, said, “The future of our industry will continue to be defined by two uncompromising pillars—quality and sustainability-led growth. We must prioritise quality and mainstream sustainable solutions to build infrastructure that is stronger, safer, and lasts longer. The journey will continue to demand collaboration across the value chain, so that the entire ecosystem works towards this common goal."

Ms. Sminu Jindal, MD, Jindal SAW, and Founder-Chairperson of Svayam highlighted, “To make India more self-reliant, it will be extremely important for us to invest in steel and different loads of steel to be made in India, so that we are less dependent on its import. Equipment is currently very low; despite this equipment manufacturers exist in India who actually do a very good quality job. Quality brings me to the cruciality of sustainability.”

She further concluded by stating that, “India is at a threshold where it's talking about making the best of steel, yet doing it sustainably is a double challenge that we all have to accept. Steel is strength, steel is stability and steel is the spirit of self-reliance in India. So, let's take a pledge to make in steel and make in India".

India’s crude steel output hit 55 million tons mark in just 4 months of this fiscal year 2025-26 (Apr-Jul), registering annual growth of 10.7% while finished steel output hit 51.4 million tons mark registering 8.5% hike on y-o-y basis.

Monica Bachchan Duvvuri, Founder & CEO of Metalogic PMS mentioned, “Steel is backbone of key consuming sectors including construction, infrastructure, automotive, defence etc. Our mission is to bring the industry together and address challenges, spark new ideas and encourage consumption.”

India’s steel sector, under the National Steel Policy (NSP), has set an ambitious target of enhancing production capacity to 300 million tonnes and raising domestic per capita steel consumption to 160 kg per person by 2030. Further it is being anticipated that the production capacity would touch 400 million tons by 2035 requiring over 550 million tons of iron ore. According to Metalogic PMS, in FY25 the per capita consumption of steel stands at ~108 kg per person, highlighting the significant growth potential that lies ahead when the same figures would cross 200 kg per person.

Metalogic PMS is a leading market intelligence firm and a prominent industry conference platform for the industry.

Thiruvananthapuram Gets Smarter with TSCCC Boosting Traffic and Safety

As part of the Smart City initiative, Thiruvananthapuram is witnessing a tech-driven transformation in urban traffic management through the Traffic Safety and City Command Centre (TSCCC). Conceived as an integrated command hub, the TSCCC functions as the nerve centre for regulating traffic, ensuring public safety, and enhancing city-wide surveillance.

After successful installation, extensive field testing and integration, the command centre was formally inaugurated on 6th February 2024 in the presence of Honorable Chief Minister Sri Pinarayi Vijayan, Honorable Minister Sri M.B. Rajesh, Honorable Mayor Smt. Arya Rajendran, Sri Nagaraju Chakilam IPS (IGP & Commissioner of Police), Sri Nidhinraj IPS (Deputy Commissioner of Police), Sri Rahul Krishna Sharma IAS, CEO and other notable dignitaries. The project was fully commissioned and operational sustainability secured via a 5-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for continuous upkeep and system monitoring.

The utility of the TSCCC extends far beyond traffic management, emerging as a critical asset in law-enforcement and crime prevention. Access to high-quality surveillance footage has significantly enhanced evidence gathering, accelerated probe timelines, and in many cases, proved instrumental in cracking complex cases. In just a short span, police officials have tapped into the system 923 times, procuring video footages to aid major investigations spanning homicides, chain-snatching, robberies, two-wheeler thefts, child abuse cases, accidents, hit-and-run incidents, and missing person reports.

Several advanced technologies work in tandem to make TSCCC a powerful urban management tool in the city. At the heart of the system is the Traffic Control System, deployed across 57 major junctions.

Complementing this is the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), in operation at 32 high-traffic intersections. The backbone of ITMS includes Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for vehicle tracking and Red-Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras for enforcing signal discipline. Together, these tools support round-the-clock monitoring and automated violation capture, boosting deterrence against traffic offences.

A robust network of city-wide CCTV surveillance further strengthens visibility and security. With fixed bullet cameras and high-zoom pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras positioned at 93 strategic points, the system uses AI-driven analytics to detect no-parking violations, wrong-way driving, unattended objects, overcrowding, and even conduct appearance-based searches. This 360-degree monitoring capability has vastly improved situational awareness for both traffic managers and law enforcement agencies.

The TSCCC project is a highly successful initiative and has been seamlessly integrated for the command control centre providing camera feeds 24*7 for the safety and security of the city of Thiruvanthapuram.

Signify and BharatCares partners to illuminate 58 Gram Panchayats in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

The project will see the installation of 2,000 streetlights. By supporting local infrastructure and rural development, the project will create a well-lit environment for residents, while fostering economic opportunities and improving daily life.

The letter of commitment was exchanged between District Administration, Ayodhya and Signify in the presence of Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, to further the sustainable development and community empowerment through innovative lighting solutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Vikas Malhotra, Head of Connected Professional Business - Signify, Greater India, said, “At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations to the communities across India, through our Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative. For this project, we are thankful for the support of BharatCares and the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh for aiding our collective mission to strengthen rural communities. By illuminating these Gram Panchayats and installing 2,000 streetlights, we are enhancing the safety and visibility for people around these areas. This partnership reflects our commitment to using light to positively impact lives in the most underserved regions of India, fostering sustainable growth and community empowerment.”

BharatCares representative Adarsh Trivedi, added, “This partnership with Signify marks a significant step toward realizing our collective vision of transforming rural infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. Providing lighting to these 58 Gram Panchayats will not only improve safety and infrastructure but also unlock new avenues for community development, economic growth, and enhance livelihood activities, especially during evening hours. This initiative will empower local communities and improve the overall well-being of its residents.”

As Signify continues to expand its efforts across India, the initiative stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to lighting up lives, building a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow through innovation that matters.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

IVCA CAT III Summit 2025 to Spotlight Innovation, Growth, and Alpha in India’s Fastest-Growing Alternate Asset Class

The summit comes at a time when Category III AIFs have recorded a 65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past three years, with RS. 2.3 lakh crore in capital commitments across 371 registered funds. In FY25 alone, 95 new Category III AIFs were launched, marking an 86% year-on-year surge in fund registrations. The segment’s 58% YoY jump in capital commitments has significantly outpaced the broader AIF industry growth rate of 19%, reflecting growing investor appetite for structured alpha and alternative strategies.

Rajat Tandon, President of IVCA, said, “Category III AIFs are at the forefront of India’s financial evolution—bridging strategic growth with institutional capital and enabling investors to tap into sophisticated, high-conviction strategies. As a platform, IVCA is committed to driving meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders—fund managers, regulators, and allocators—to build a more agile and future-ready investment ecosystem. The CAT III Summit is a step forward in unlocking the true potential of this asset class.”

The summit will feature marquee voices from both the policy and investment community. Shri Pradeep Ramakrishnan of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and Shri Pavan Shah will headline the regulatory discussions, alongside prominent fund managers such as Bhautik Ambani (AlphGrep Investment Management), Siddharth Bhaiya (Aequitas Investments), Prashant Jain (3P), Vikas Khemani (Carnelian Asset Advisors), Dr. Pritesh Majumdar (DSP Mutual Fund), Vikaas Sachdeva (IVCA CAT III Council Co-Chair), and Onkarpreet Singh Jutia (Nuvama Private), among others.

Dr. Pritesh Majmudar, Head- Legal & Compliance and Compliance Officer, DSP Asset Managers Private Limited said, “Indian equity markets have displayed sharp dispersion of returns within sectors over time. Such dispersion opportunities can be captured by long/short equity funds, while keeping net market exposure to a minimum. These strategies can deliver strong risk-adjusted returns, and also offer a diversification element to the overall portfolio. In collaboration with IVCA, we aim to deepen industry engagement and promote best practices in alternative investments. This partnership will help elevate awareness among institutional investors and foster a more robust ecosystem for equity-based alternatives.”

Priyam Kedia, Senior Portfolio Manager at Vivriti Asset Management, added, “Indian credit funds predominantly operate as a close-ended Category II fund with a 4–5-year investment horizon. Global investors have access to credit funds providing periodic liquidity and exit options under a semi-liquid strategy. The semi-liquid credit fund is a new asset class, within the ambit of CAT III regulations, introduced by Vivriti AMC to Indian investors. I am looking forward to participating in the IVCA Summit to introduce semi-liquid credit funds as an asset class, broadening the array of diversified debt products.”

In a statement ahead of the event, Udit Sureka, EVP and Head of Products at Nuvama Asset Services, remarked, “Category III AIFs are redefining the future of alpha in India’s alternatives landscape—offering investors uncorrelated, risk-adjusted returns that go beyond traditional market benchmarks. As the only vehicle that spans derivatives, quant strategies and private & public market investments, CAT III funds enable a multi-asset, market-agnostic approach to portfolio construction. For discerning investors, this isn’t just about diversification—it’s about accessing performance built on strategy, speed, and institutional discipline. While clarity on leverage norms and taxation will unlock further growth, the CAT III ecosystem is already leading the way in innovation-led investing.”

The partners for the summit include 3P, DSP, and Vivriti Asset Management. Nuvama joins as the Custody and Clearing Partner, lending strong institutional backing to the event.

As Category III strategies gain wider acceptance among domestic and global investors, the IVCA CAT III Summit 2025 promises to be a timely platform for industry leaders to decode key trends, navigate regulatory developments, and craft a forward-looking roadmap for the ecosystem.

About IVCA

The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital (IVCA) is a not-for-profit, apex industry body promoting the alternate capital industry and fostering a vibrant investing ecosystem in India. IVCA is committed to supporting the ecosystem by facilitating advocacy discussions with the government of India, policymakers, and regulators, resulting in the rise of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and job creation in India and contributing towards the development of India as a leading fund management hub. IVCA represents 450+ funds with a combined AUM of over $350 billion. Our members are the most active domestic and global VCs, PEs, funds for infrastructure, real estate, credit funds, limited partners, investment companies, family offices, corporate VCs, and knowledge partners. These funds invest in emerging companies, venture growth, buyout, special situations, distressed assets, and credit and venture debt, among others.

H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh inaugurates ICAC Bangkok with Ms. Paulomi Tripathi and the leadership of DuDigital Global - strengthening India–Thailand consular outreach

The ICACs will offer comprehensive support for visa applications, passport renewals, and other consular services to both Indian nationals and Thai citizens seeking travel or official documentation assistance related to India. The twin launches bring accessible, tech-enabled public services closer to residents in central and northern Thailand.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand, reaffirming India’s focus on citizen-centric service delivery and global outreach.

Centre Addresses and Contact Information:

Bangkok: Unit No. 36/28, 10th Floor, P.S. Tower, Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke) Road, North Klongtoey, Wattana District
Email: icac.bangkok@dudigitalglobal.com

Helpline: +66 2 460 6805

Chiang Mai: 2nd Floor, Building No. 60, Moo 2, Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang District
Email: icac.chiangmai@dudigitalglobal.com

Helpline: +66 2 460 6805

Website: duicac.dudigitalglobal.com/th

Services Offered:

• Indian Visa Application Services

• Passport Renewal & Documentation Support

• Consular Services for Indian Nationals

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manoj Dharmani, Group CEO of DuDigital Global, said, “With the establishment of these centres in Thailand, we are advancing our commitment to excellence in consular support. We are proud to assist the Embassy of India in ensuring accessible, efficient, and secure public services for all.”

Mr. Shivaz Rai, Director, added, “This expansion reinforces our mission to bring essential consular services closer to where people live and work. Our presence in Bangkok and Chiang Mai ensures broader reach and convenience for the Indian diaspora and Thai citizens alike.”

About DuDigital Global Limited
Established in 2015, DuDigital Global Limited is a trusted Indian name in visa, consular, and identity management services. With operations across multiple countries and a growing global network, the company partners with governments and diplomatic missions to deliver secure and seamless applicant experiences.

• Over 1.5 million visa applications processed globally

• Official consular partner for governments of India, South Korea, UAE, Bangladesh, and Thailand

• Strategic collaborations with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India

• Developer of DuVerify, a digital document authentication platform used by diplomatic missions

• Headquartered in India, with an active footprint across Asia and the Middle East

As part of the strategic roadmap for the air cargo industry, ACFI is proud to announce landmark partnership with The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) that will significantly bolster both regional connectivity and global knowledge sharing. Also, soon ACFI will be signing MoU’s with Government of Tripura and Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sanjiv Edward, President, ACFI, said, “The Indian air cargo sector is at a pivotal inflection point and undergoing rapid transformation. At this crucial juncture, this knowledge paper outlines the strategic roadmap until 2030, infrastructure requirements, policy reforms, and the initiatives by the air cargo industry to achieve the ambitious target of 10 MTPA of air cargo volumes set by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. This paper has laid down a clear action plan for all stakeholders of the industry. India is uniquely positioned to redefine global cargo corridors. With bold policy reforms and strategic investments, we can build a resilient, digitised, and world-class logistics ecosystem.”

Shri. Piyush Srivastava, Sr. Economic Advisor, Ministry Of Civil Aviation said, "Air infrastructure today faces key global dichotomies—demand is rapidly growing in the Eastern Hemisphere, while critical services like manufacturing and MRO remain concentrated in the West. This imbalance is bound to shift. As demand grows, supply will follow. It's not just about 'Made in India'; it's about 'Make in India'—a strategic priority for us moving forward.”

He further added, "The Aviation sector is highly sensitive to global geopolitical shifts. While events like the Red Sea crisis have offered temporary advantages for the Indian air cargo system. But prolonged airspace closures over Pakistan and over three years of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, have significantly disrupted operations and increased costs. These challenges are not only unpredictable but inevitable. The only sustainable path forward lies in embracing technology, innovation, and disruption.”

Speaking at the launch, Dheeraj Rastogi, Principal Commissioner Customs, Delhi, “India’s customs operations have undergone a significant transformation—from early digitization efforts to the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and risk-based segmentation,” stated Mr. Dheeraj Rastogi. These innovations have contributed to a substantial reduction in transaction costs and improved the overall efficiency of cargo processing.”

He further added, “Currently, 52% of air cargo is cleared on the same day, with average clearance time at Delhi Air Cargo reduced from 41 hours to 35 hours. The department remains committed to maintaining a fine balance between revenue mobilization, national security, trade facilitation, and legal compliance. Given the increasing complexities introduced by e-commerce, a collaborative, data-driven approach between industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities is imperative. Our collective goal must be to build a seamless, AI-enabled ecosystem that supports India’s emergence as a global leader in air cargo logistics.”

According to Mr. Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA, “With TIACA representing the entire air cargo supply chain and ACFI representing the Indian air cargo industry, it is crucial we work together so that the world can receive Indian exports efficiently and bring the best practices achieved in other countries. Globally, every year, goods worth US$9 trillion are transported through air cargo, accounting for one-third of global trade. India is at the heart of the growing global trade, and we will work toward making air cargo an integral part of it. TIACA, with its global memberships, would be able to act as a support to the Indian air cargo industry in the fields of digitalisation, enhanced usage of modern technology, including AI and adoption of other global standards.”

Together with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, ACFI is shaping a forward-looking roadmap to meet the growing demands of domestic and international logistics. These partnerships reflect ACFI’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient, efficient and globally competitive air cargo ecosystem that supports India’s economic aspirations.

Key findings of the knowledge report

• Capacity Concentration: 82% of air cargo is currently handled by just six airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata), amplifying concentration risk and operational inefficiencies.

• Growth Enablers: Digitisation, strategic airport locations in India, integrated multimodal corridors (PM Gati Shakti), and emerging connectivity in tier-2 cities.

• Regulatory Gaps: Scalability of the sector is hindered by fragmented clearance systems, high dwell times (almost 12 hours for exports and 48 hours for imports) and limited transhipment readiness.

• Investment Heatmap: High potential in cold-chain operations, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, automation and freighter fleet expansion.

The secondary airports have the potential to play a critical role. The Government of India’s initiative to significantly enhance air connectivity across India will give the required boost to the air cargo sector. At present, these secondary airports are underutilised due to poor infrastructure and limited airline networks.

The report highlights the strategic action areas to triple air cargo handling to 10 MTPA by 2030. These strategic actions include:

• Creation of transhipment hubs with 24x7 clearance and zero rescreening

• National Unified Digital Clearance Window and Cargo Command Centres

• Freighter acquisition incentives and plug-and-play terminals across regional hubs

• ESG integration via green infrastructure, SAF blending, and inclusive workforce practices

Global Inspiration, Local Action: Drawing on best practices from Singapore, Frankfurt and Dubai, the report advocates for modular warehousing, predictive slot allocation, and unified cargo community systems to manage rerouted and time-sensitive freight.

The paper serves as a call to action for industry, government, and private stakeholders to forge collaborative pathways and enhance India’s role in international trade and economic growth.

Here are the key highlights of the Knowledge Report

Key Highlights of the Knowledge Report India’s Air Cargo Horizon: Seizing Global Reroutes, Regional Dominance and Resilience

Indian Air Cargo Industry

• Target: 10 MTPA by 2030 (from 3.71 MTPA in FY-2025)

• Growth Drivers:

• E-commerce boom

• Greenfield airports (e.g., Jewar, Navi Mumbai)

• Digitised customs, Unified Logistics Interface Platform integration

• High-value cargo (pharma, perishables, electronics)

Infrastructure & Operational Bottlenecks

• 82% of cargo is handled by just 6 airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata)

• Secondary airports are underutilised due to poor infrastructure and limited airline networks

• High dwell times: 12 hours (exports), 48 hours (imports)

• Lack of dedicated transhipment zones and automation

Privatisation & Policy Reforms

• Rs. 6–7 lakh crore investment needed for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and infrastructure

• Key initiatives:

• Krishi UDAN 2.0 (50% freight subsidy for agri-perishables)

• 100% FDI allowed in air cargo

• SUGAM (Sustainable Green Airports Mission)

• Dedicated air freight corridors and cargo subsidiaries (e.g., Air India)

Regulatory & Governance Gaps

• Cargo rescreening and high clearance times increase costs

• Fragmented digital systems and inconsistent state regulations

• Only ~10% transhipment share at Delhi vs. ~40% at global hubs

• Limited SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) production and adoption

Building Rerouting Resilience

• India lacks integrator hubs like Singapore (DHL South Asia) or Frankfurt (CargoCity South)

• Best practices from global hubs:

• Zoned infrastructure

• 24/7 customs with fast lanes

• Real-time digital coordination (ACCS, CCS)

• Modular warehousing and predictive slot allocation

Strategic Roadmap to 10 MTPA

• Single-window digital clearance platform

• Transshipment hubs with zero rechecks

• Multimodal integration with Gati Shakti corridors

• Plug-and-play cargo terminals and standalone cargo airports

• IoT enabled cargo visibility and National Cargo Command Centres

• Friegth acquisition incentives

• National air cargo training alliance

Accelerating ESG in Air Cargo

• SAF blending targets: 1% by 2027 → 5% by 2030

• ESG Challenges:

• High SAF cost (2.5x jet fuel)

• Fragmented cold-chain

• Low female workforce participation (<10%)

• Limited automation and skilled talent

• ESG Drivers:

• Green airport infrastructure (solar, EVs, LEED)

• CORSIA-linked emissions reporting

• DE&I initiatives (e.g., IATA’s “25 by 2025”)

Emerging Cargo Hubs

• Navi Mumbai – Focus: Pharma, Perishables, Jewellery Potential: Multimodal Transhipment Hub

• Jewa (Noida) – Focus: Electronics, Apparel Potential: Cold chain, IGI integration

• Hyderabad - Focus: Pharma, Aerospace Potential: Dedicated Pharma infra Chennai - Focus: Leather, FMCG Potential: Cold chain, E-commerce

• Guwahati - Focus: Tea, Perishables Potential: Gateway to North East

The MoU establishes a framework for understanding between MoMSME and KredX’s DTX, specifically concerning the secure and efficient sharing of Udyam registration data. The KredX DTX platform, an RBI-licensed TReDS platform, will leverage this partnership to further its mission of empowering MSMEs. Through a two-way API integration, the agreement facilitates real-time data updation and seamless onboarding of MSMEs onto the DTX platform. This reciprocal data exchange will significantly enrich the DTX database, allowing for data-backed updates and more efficient registration processes for MSMEs, thereby directly aiding KredX in providing effective supply chain financing solutions to a wider set of MSMEs.

This collaboration is a testament to KredX's commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of Indian MSMEs, enabling faster access to financial services and fostering a more robust digital ecosystem. With direct integration with the Ministry's Udyam registration data, KredX will be able to reduce friction in the onboarding process, improve data accuracy, and provide more tailored solutions to a wider base of micro, small, and medium enterprises across the country.

Manish Kumar, Founder and CEO, KredX, said,"We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in this landmark initiative. This strategic step perfectly aligns with KredX's core goal to empower MSMEs by simplifying supply chain finance through seamless digitisation. Access to real-time Udyam registration data via this two-way API will revolutionise our onboarding process and how we serve these crucial businesses, enabling us to provide quicker, more efficient, and data-driven supply chain financing solutions. This will significantly aid us in reaching and supporting an even wider network of MSMEs nationwide, fostering their growth and contribution to the economy.”

As India’s leading integrated supply chain finance provider, KredX offers a comprehensive suite of solutions including early payments, accounts payable and receivable financing, and cash flow automation. These capabilities empower businesses to unlock working capital, drive operational efficiency, and maintain compliance across processes. It will continue to foster a robust financial ecosystem through strategic partnerships and collaborations to strengthen India’s digital supply chain infrastructure and drive inclusive economic growth.

About KredX

KredX is India’s leading integrated supply chain finance provider, enabling businesses to unlock working capital and optimise cash flows through a full stack of digital finance solutions for modern supply chains. With platforms like DTX (Domestic Trade Exchange), GTX (Global Trade Exchange), and CMS (AI-powered Cash Management Solutions), KredX has onboarded 3,000+ enterprises and enabled over 100,000 MSMEs to access timely working capital. The company has processed more than Rs. 550 billion in invoices. Backed by marquee investors including Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital India, and Prime Venture Partners, KredX is at the forefront of building future-ready, tech-led financial infrastructure for B2B supply chain ecosystems.

Drawing on 147 multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) across 13 broad sectors, from climate and food security to education and health, the report highlights both progress and persistent gaps in how philanthropic ecosystems are organised, resourced, and connected.

“We’re in a moment of profound global uncertainty, marked by conflict, climate extremes, and shrinking aid, where the role of regional philanthropy is more critical than ever. Our research across seven countries reports heartening movements in collective action across topics and stakeholders. Yet, only 13% of multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) include Philanthropy Support Organisations (PSOs) in a backbone role, which is crucial to establishing and scaling collective action, limiting its transformative potential. To respond to today’s urgent challenges with the speed, scale, and solidarity they demand, we must invest in building PSO capabilities. Engaging with governments and the private sector is an essential part of establishing sustainable collective action. At Sattva Consulting, we see a clear opportunity to strengthen this ecosystem and unlock the full power of diverse, well-supported MSPs,” Aarti Mohan, Co-founder, Sattva Consulting.

Some early signals from the report:

• India demonstrates the most developed philanthropy support ecosystem in the region, which enables both a significant number of multi-stakeholder partnerships and substantial philanthropic capital flows. In FY 2023-24 alone, approximately USD 280 million in philanthropic capital was directed through MSPs in the country.

• Indonesia’s MSP ecosystem has promising models in climate and food security, backed by growing domestic philanthropy and evolving private-public collaborations. Regional PSOs have a strong focus on influencing government policies as a means to drive collective action.

• Most MSPs are flying without support, only 13% across the region have a philanthropic support organisation (PSO) playing a backbone coordination role, revealing a critical whitespace for ecosystem actors.

• Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships (PPPPs) are among the most effective approaches for aligning government, private sector, and philanthropic efforts to drive systemic change by influencing policy, fostering innovation, and scaling impactful interventions.

• Innovative finance is gaining traction, from India's REVIVE Alliance helping workers and microentrepreneurs to Indonesia’s nutrition-focused platforms drawing in private sector investments.

But the report isn’t just about metrics; it zooms in on how regional collaboration is evolving. It traces the evolution from loosely connected knowledge-sharing networks to more grounded, implementation-focused programmes that inform practice, alongside the emergence of outcomes-based financing models. This is unfolding in parallel with the gradual development of data ecosystems — all against the backdrop of a persistent gap: the absence of dedicated PSO databases in any country. Together, these shifts reflect a developing ecosystem, gaining momentum toward more coordinated and impactful collective action.

“The new report from Sattva highlights just how vital strong philanthropy support ecosystems are to unlocking the full potential of multi‑stakeholder partnerships across South and Southeast Asia. It shines a light on where collaboration is working—and where greater support is needed—to drive systemic change across sectors and borders. This is precisely the focus of the #LiftUpPhilanthropy (LUP) Fund, launched by WINGS and generously co‑funded by the European Union, which aims to foster deeper connections, stronger ecosystems, and a more enabling environment for philanthropy to catalyse meaningful and lasting impact,”Jodel Dacara, Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific.

The study also highlights the role of regional conveners like Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), and Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) in strengthening collaboration across borders.

The full report includes country-specific analyses, best practices for enabling MSPs, and actionable recommendations for ecosystem actors working to drive more effective and collaborative development outcomes across the region.

About Sattva Consulting

Sattva Consulting is an Indian-origin global impact consulting firm. Our work spans 25 countries and 5 continents as we engage with communities, businesses and governments to deliver societal impact at scale since 2009. We believe that civil society, business, and government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our research & advisory services, knowledge platforms and collaborative initiatives.

About WINGS

WINGS is a network of over 230 members, consisting of philanthropy associations, networks, academic institutions, support organisations, and funders, across 58 countries, whose purpose is to strengthen, promote and provide leadership on the development of philanthropy and social investment to promote and develop philanthropy and contribute to a more effective and diverse civil society.

Group Image of the participants from the workshop

The workshop, facilitated by Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS), featured insights from more than 20 esteemed speakers and panelists from the government, academic institutions, and international organizations. Distinguished speakers included Sh. Brijendra Swaroop, IFS, Executive Director (Projects), National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, and Sh. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra (Retd. IAS), Former DG Namami Gange, and Chief Advisor, National Institute of Urban Affairs.

L -R  Dr Sudipto Chatterjee, DOP, NCIS, Dr Anjali Acharya, MD, NCIS, Sh Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Ex DG Namami Gange & Sh Brijendra Swaroop, ED, NMCG, Min of Jal Shakti, Dept of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation

Dr. Anjali Acharya, Managing Director of Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS), in her address to the participants, emphasized, “India’s rivers are lifelines for over 600 million people, crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and cultural heritage. Nature-based solutions are the scalable answer to restore these vital ecosystems, boost livelihoods, and build climate resilience."

Sh. Brijendra Swaroop, IFS, Executive Director (Projects), National Mission for Clean Ganga, stated, “Policy frameworks for nature-based solutions with scalable actions must be adapted alongside traditional methods to enhance ecology and invite broader policy support.”

Sh. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra (Retd. IAS), Former DG Namami Gange, Chief Advisor, National Institute of Urban Affairs, remarked, "Our river rejuvenation efforts have progressed significantly. Moving forward, policies and guidelines must adapt and be customized to region-specific requirements, leveraging Nature-based Solutions to meet diverse water system needs."

According to NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (2018), approximately 600 million individuals in India are experiencing high to extreme water stress. River basins such as the Ganga, Narmada, and Godavari face increasing pressures from urbanization, pollution, deforestation, groundwater depletion, sand extraction, and climate-induced hydrological changes. It is projected that fourteen out of twenty river basins in India will experience water stress by 2030.

The workshop delved into discussions on “River Rejuvenation through Nature-Based Solutions”, examining the connections between ecological restoration and water security. The session featured insights from Dr. Archana Chatterjee, Programme Manager at IUCN-India, Sh. Gopal Kumar, Deputy Country Representative at IWMI, Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director of Wetlands International-South Asia, Sh. Suresh Babu, Senior Director at WWF-India, Dr. Partha J Das from Aaranyak, Dr. Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri of TERI, Dr. Sandeep Behera from the National Mission for Clean Ganga, and Dr. Somnath Bandyopadhyay of the Foundation for Ecological Security.

Another session titled “Rivers of India, Stories of Renewal” highlighted the deeper connect of cultural and ecological aspects that play a crucial role in restoring the rivers as living entities bringing along community ownership in building sustainable future pathways. The session was chaired by Sh. Aseem Srivastava, PCCF-HOFF of Madhya Pradesh with contributions from Dr. D N Pandey, former PCCF of Rajasthan, Dr. Amitabh Pande from IGRMS, Bhopal, Dr. Faiyaz A. Khudsar from CEMDE, University of Delhi, Dr. Manish Kumar Goyal from IIT Indore, and Dr. Vikrant Jain from IIT Gandhinagar.

The latter part of the workshop featured discussions on “Legal and Policy Pathways”, diving deep to discuss the role of regulatory frameworks supporting conservational efforts. The session also delved in sharing insights on the interconnectedness of the role of civil society, government and community that are vital for river conservation. This session was chaired by Sh. Avi Prasad, IAS, Commissioner-NREGS in Madhya Pradesh, with notable speakers Dr. Syamal Sarkar, former Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources, Sh. Shawahiq Siddiqui, Advocate at the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Dr. Ombir Singh from the Forest Research Institute, sharing recommendations and their learnings.

The workshop concluded with a session on “Financing the Future”, which concentrated on unlocking the future potential and attention of corporates, multi-lateral agencies and funding institutions to strengthen Public Private Partnership, fostering innovative ways for Nature-based Solutions. Moderated by Dr. Anjali Acharya, Managing Director of Nature Conservancy India, the session featured expert insights from Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR at HCLTech, Ishrat Jahan, South Asia Lead at 1t.org, World Economic Forum, Tushar Thakkar, Partner at The Blended Finance Company, and Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sarangi of Indian Grameen Services.

The workshop highlighted the necessity for cross-sectoral collaboration, innovative financing, and policy coherence to enhance nature-based solutions for river rejuvenation. The event stressed the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and community involvement in promoting nature-based solutions, showcased successful pilot initiatives, and urged for stronger policy integration and financial mechanisms to ensure the long-term health of rivers.

About The Nature Conservancy in India 

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is committed to creating a world where both people and nature can thrive, ensuring the conservation of our lands and waters for future generations. Established in 1951 in the United States, TNC has expanded to become one of the foremost global environmental organizations, actively operating across 79 countries.

We work across sectors and borders to tackle the dual challenges of accelerated climate change and unprecedented biodiversity loss. Our science-based approach guides both the focus of our efforts and the strategies we employ to achieve sustainable, long-term outcomes. Grounded by decades of on-ground experience, we maximize our ability to affect change by integrating nature-based solutions, scientific research, technical advisory, evidence-based practices, sustainable financing, and collaborative partnerships.

Nature Conservancy India Solutions Pvt Ltd. operates at the unique intersection of India’s natural heritage and rapidly growing population. Recognizing the importance of the country’s natural resources, we align our mission with the national vision of "developing without destruction." We seek science-based solutions to the challenges that emerge at the nexus of conservation and development, offering nature-based approaches with an unwavering commitment to protecting the natural world, focusing on India’s diverse ecosystems.

Esteemed dignitaries releasing a report on Bihar during the National Seminar ‘Bihar Leads the Rising East’ held in Patna

The seminar was conceptualized under the leadership of Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chancellor, SGT University, and Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Former Member, Rajya Sabha, and Vice-Chairman, RMP. The event provides a platform for in-depth discussions on Bihar’s economic resurgence, governance models, rural development, and future policy frameworks.

The introductory address was given by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who said that “Bihar today is emerging not just as a symbol of cultural pride but as the capital of aspirational progress. Institutions beyond Bihar, including SGT University, PPRC, and RMP, must collaborate to analyze the Purvodaya model and accelerate development in the eastern states. To realize the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ we must document Bihar’s success stories and share its best practices across the nation.”

Shri Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, spoke on the tremendous progress the state is making and will continue to make. "Bihar is witnessing a historic transformation, where once no new medical colleges or universities came up for decades; today we proudly have 32 universities and a budget of Rs. 3.17 lakh crore. With Vikramshila University set for revival and land already allotted, we are reclaiming our legacy and building a stronger future for our youth."

Also, part of the start of the event was an address by Prof. (Dr.) Hemant Verma, Vice Chancellor, SGT University, who emphasized the importance of collaboration for development. “Bihar has long been a cradle of intellectual tradition, from Nalanda to Takshashila. As development increasingly pivots toward the eastern states, universities must move beyond academics to engage with public policy, governance, and field-based research. Today’s youth seek more than degrees, they want to understand and influence policies,” he said.

The seminar featured three thematic sessions that explored innovation and impact stories from Bihar, evaluated the implementation of central policies in the state, and envisioned a roadmap for Viksit Bihar @ 2047. Policy insights and success stories were shared by dignitaries including Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; Shri Nitish Mishra, Industrial Minister, Bihar; and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law and Justice, Government of India.

The Valedictory Session was presided over by Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Bihar, as the Chief Guest. In his key address, he talked about the vision of progress that he had for this state. "Today, I see Bihar beginning to write its own story of transformation. The roads that once took two hours to travel now take just 45 minutes. The change is visible not just in our infrastructure but also in our spirit. Women, who were once under-represented in public service, are now stepping forward in greater numbers to serve in the police and other sectors. These may seem like scattered signs, but together they mark the dawn of a new Bihar.” The last session also included the ceremonial release of the report titled “Bihar: BIMARU to Behtar.”

As a leading academic institution, SGT University is proud to be part of this initiative and remains committed to contributing to India’s development through policy dialogue, research, and partnerships. This seminar stands as a testament to the power of institutional collaboration in shaping a purposeful and progressive national future.

About SGT University

Nurturing Future Leaders in Gurugram Through Excellence in Education

Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT University), Gurugram, is one of the leading multidisciplinary institutions in Delhi-NCR, accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC. With over 200 programs across diverse fields such as Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Design, and Management, SGT University is committed to academic excellence, industry alignment, and research innovation. It houses advanced research labs, Centres of Excellence, and government-recognised incubation centres. With 600+ patents, 10,000+ publications, and collaborations with top organisations like Deloitte, Infosys, and KPMG, SGT University is a catalyst for transformative learning, entrepreneurship, and career-ready talent for a global future. 

For more information, please visit sgtuniversity.ac.in/index

Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal Joins All-Party Parliamentary Delegation Visit to Latvia

Following high-level engagements in Russia, Slovenia, and Greece, the Indian delegation is holding a series of high-level meetings with Members of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima), senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and key stakeholders from think tanks, academia, media, and the Indian diaspora.

Dr. Mittal stated, “Terrorism is a shared global threat, and India is committed to working hand-in-hand with the international community to eliminate it. Latvia, as a strong democratic partner, plays a vital role in this dialogue, and I am honoured to contribute to this effort on behalf of India.”

This marks the first high-level Indian parliamentary visit to Latvia since India established its Resident Mission in Riga in July 2024, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. 

The visit highlights India’s united political stance across parties on zero tolerance toward terrorism and promotes its evolving counter-terrorism doctrine, which prioritizes global cooperation, accountability, and decisive action based on shared commitments to global security, democratic values, and enhanced international cooperation.

The Express Industry Council of India (EICI), the apex industry association representing leading international and domestic express companies in India, has released an insightful White Paper in association with the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), a research-based policy think tank. The White Paper, titled 'The Future of Express Cargo Clearance in India - ECCS in the New Customs Integrated System', underscores the need to ensure the smooth integration of processes and preserve the strengths of the existing Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) as it is proposed to be integrated into the forthcoming Customs Integrated System (CIS).

Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (IT, Taxpayer Services & Technology), CBIC launches the white paper titled “THE FUTURE OF EXPRESS CARGO CLEARANCE IN INDIA - ECCS in the New Customs Integrated System

The White Paper aims to apprise the regulatory authorities, especially the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), about the critical features of the currently operational ECCS and the express industry’s expectations from the new CIS. It was formally submitted to the CBIC at a consultation held in New Delhi, which was also attended by Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (IT & Taxpayer Services), CBIC, officials from DG Systems, and senior representatives from the express and logistics industry.

Based on the on-ground realities of the express industry, the paper recommends measures to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and strengthen India’s trade facilitation architecture. The express cargo industry is recognized as a vital part of the logistics ecosystem, powering e-commerce and supporting India’s ease-of-doing-business and global trade integration goals. It is critical to MSMEs, providing solutions for their integration into global value chains. The Express Delivery Services (EDS) industry is estimated to be over INR 700 billion in 2024 and has witnessed a 15%-18% CAGR growth over the past 7 years, employing over 30 lakh people. India’s Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market is projected to grow from $8.62 billion in 2025 to approximately $15 billion by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for efficient logistics systems.

The White Paper outlines key recommendations for system-related reforms necessary to enhance ECCS as part of its integration into CIS. Given the time-sensitive nature of express shipments, it is critical that the new system retains the distinctive features and operational agility of ECCS.

Commenting on the release of the White Paper, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, EICI said, “Express cargo industry is a vital part to the logistics ecosystem, powering e-commerce and supporting India’s ease-of-doing-business and global trade integration goals. With the upcoming CIS poised to elevate India’s standing in global logistics and trade facilitation, this White Paper marks an important step in our continued engagement with policymakers. It outlines the express industry’s unique clearance requirements and calls for a seamless integration of ECCS into the CIS. We had a successful collaboration with CBIC in developing the ECCS, and this White Paper sets the course for the next vital phase of partnership—aligned with the government’s forward-looking approach to policy-making involving stakeholders. As India charts its course toward becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat mission, the express cargo industry will play a pivotal role in driving trade and fuelling MSME growth.”

Key recommendations include:

• The express clearance module should be a separate, independently designed module within the CIS, following the Immediate Release Guidelines of the World Customs Organization (WCO).

• CIS should adopt a modular architecture to separate express from other cargo modes (maritime, air, land, postal) to ensure that system failures in one domain do not disrupt others.

• Continuous engagement with the express industry is essential across all stages of CIS development and implementation.

• Core ECCS functionalities such as real-time status updates, bulk filing, and bulk and auto Out of Charge (OOC)/Let Export Order (LEO) must be preserved and incorporated into CIS.

• All functionalities currently offered through ICEGATE should be integrated into the express module to eliminate operational inefficiencies and reduce dwell times.

• The express module must be API-enabled to allow seamless interconnectivity, scalability, and adaptability.

• A refined risk management system should be embedded, balancing stringent controls with facilitative measures tailored for express cargo.

• Examination processes must be system-driven to minimize manual interventions which cause delays for time-sensitive shipments.

• A dedicated help desk should be established exclusively for express industry users to ensure swift resolution of system issues.

• Scheduled system downtimes must be limited and occur at times that minimize disruption.

• Information already available across government platforms (like GST and banking systems) should be auto-linked to the CIS to avoid redundant data entry.

These recommendations are described as foundational requirements to ensure the continued agility, scalability, and global competitiveness of India’s express cargo operations.

The successful development and implementation of the ECCS in India in 2017 was a joint effort between the EICI and the CBIC, standing as a strong testament to the power of consultative governance and stakeholder-driven reform. As India advances towards the CIS, the success of ECCS reinforces the need for continued dialogue, cooperation, and co-creation, embedding the voice of industry into the policy process. Preserving the distinct features of express cargo clearance—particularly its rapid processing capabilities—must remain a top priority.

Mr. Afaq Hussain, Director BRIEF added, "The White Paper demonstrates a shared vision between the express cargo industry and regulatory authorities to align operational priorities with the government’s vision of promoting economic growth and streamlining trade. We appreciate and acknowledge the government's commitment to stakeholder consultations and upholding the spirit of collaboration. With the recommendations of this paper, we are hopeful that Customs develops a system that not only meets the specific needs of the express logistics industry but also contributes to the broader development of India’s logistics ecosystem.”

As India is poised to become a USD 30 trillion economy under the Viksit Bharat vision, strengthening both traditional and express cargo systems in tandem is crucial. The proposed enhancements safeguard the efficiency of the express sector while reinforcing the overall resilience and scalability of the cargo ecosystem. In doing so, India will not only ensure uninterrupted trade flows but also cement its leadership in global logistics, e-commerce, and cross-border trade.

About EICI

Express Industry Council of India (EICI) is the apex industry association representing leading international and domestic express companies in India. EICI is a key driver of policies impacting the express industry and aims to create a favourable business environment for the users of the express industry. EICI jointly with Indian Customs had successfully developed a state-of-the-art electronic Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) for Customs clearance of express shipments in India. This has increased India’s global competitiveness and led to Ease of Doing Business in a paperless environment. EICI, as a trade facilitation initiative, operates the common user international express terminals at Delhi airport for the benefit of India’s exporters and importers. EICI is also part of the CII Logistics Skill Council which aims to upskill for the manpower requirements of the industry.

About BRIEF Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) is a research-based policy think tank.

The panel also features visionaries like Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, Founder of Energy Swaraj Foundation and Professor at IIT Bombay, championing solar energy advocacy; Dr. Indu K Murthy, Sector Head for Climate, Environment & Sustainability at CSTEP, known for her groundbreaking climate policy work; Mr. Jagdish Bakan, IFS, DFO Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with rich field experience in forest conservation; and Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of Scientific Division, Climate Energy & Sustainable Technology (CEST), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India who spearheads national strategies in critical areas such as solar energy, hydrogen, energy storage, smart grids, and carbon capture with her leadership role in advancing India's decarbonization goals and fostering climate resilience.

Other distinguished members include Mr. Jibin Thomas, Co-ordinator at M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), driving agricultural sustainability; Dr. K K Upadhyay, Chairperson of Sustainability & CSR at BIMTECH, an expert in corporate sustainability; and Dr. Kalachand Sain, Advisor at DST CoE for Climate Information, IIT Delhi, a leader in climate data research.

The panel further includes stalwarts like Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, Vice-Chancellor at Atria University and former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of UPES, with deep insights into sustainability education; Ms. Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO & Secretary of GRIHA Council, TERI, a sustainability ratings expert; Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, Former Engineer-in-Chief & Director General, Border Roads, Ministry of Defence, with extensive experience in sustainable infrastructure; and Dr. T.V. Ramachandra, Coordinator of the Energy and Wetlands Research Group at IISc, a distinguished voice in environmental research.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group and is committed to bringing equitable development that ensures a life of dignity for every individual. The Foundation works on key areas such as education, healthcare, environment, disaster management, skill development, and community welfare. Programs like iMpower, Lakshya, Sarvoday, Saakshar, and Sankalp are empowering communities across India with sustainable, inclusive development models.

About CASCA

CASCA (Climate Action & Sustainability Conference and Awards) is a premier platform dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions in the fields of climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The event, organised by India’s leading Impact Advocacy Platform TheCSRUniverse brings together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers to share knowledge, best practices, and strategies for a sustainable future.

More details: CASCA’25