Archives 2025

Life-Changing Surgery at Jaslok Hospital Helps Woman Overcome Hyperhidrosis Affecting 2-5% of Indians, Restores Confidence and Dignity

Mumbai, Dec 12: Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre has successfully treated a young ex-airhostess suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis, a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating of the hands, through Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (VATS)—a safe, minimally invasive, day-care surgical procedure with immediate results.

Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect 2–5% of the population in India, yet remains significantly underreported, as many individuals do not recognize it as a medical condition and continue to suffer silently. The disorder can severely impact daily functioning, emotional well-being, and professional life if left untreated.

The patient had been experiencing symptoms since adolescence and had sought multiple medical opinions over the years with no lasting relief. The condition eventually forced her to step away from her profession and affected her mental health and self-confidence.

The patient underwent Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (VATS), performed by Dr. Vimesh Rajput, Consultant – Thoracic Surgery. Anaesthesia was expertly managed by Dr. Savi Kapila, Consultant – Anaesthesiology, a one-hour surgical procedure that interrupts the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating of the hands.

“Hyperhidrosis is not a minor inconvenience—it is a disabling medical condition that can push patients into social isolation, anxiety, and even depression,” said Dr. Vimesh Rajput, Thoracic Surgeon at Jaslok Hospital. “What makes the situation unfortunate is that a definitive, safe solution exists, yet awareness remains extremely low.”

Emphasising the effectiveness of the procedure, he added:

“This is a minimally invasive, day-care surgery. Patients walk in with a problem that has affected them for years and walk out the same day with immediate relief. The results are predictable, lasting, and often life-changing.”

Dr. Rajput also highlighted the importance of early consultation and intervention:

“Many patients dismiss excessive sweating as something they must live with. Over time, it impacts confidence, social interactions, and mental health. Early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment can completely restore dignity and quality of life.”

Post-procedure, the patient experienced instant and complete resolution of symptoms, allowing her to resume normal daily activities without fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.

Speaking about the case Dr Milind Khadke, Chief Medical Officer at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre said

“Correct diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is vital. With minimally invasive, short-stay procedures like VATS sympathectomy, patients can achieve immediate relief and restored confidence. Greater awareness is needed so individuals recognise this condition as treatable and seek timely medical intervention. Jaslok Hospital’s clinical excellence ensures comprehensive management of all kinds of diseases with world-class care.”

Mumbai, Dec 12: Hyperlocal e-commerce platform LoveLocal has rolled out its own dedicated delivery partner network, marking a major step in strengthening service quality for its customers and retailer partners. Known for specialising in solving for freshness via trusted local retailers, with hero categories of FNV and MNF, the platform now builds on this strength with the new network. The new delivery system brings last-mile operations in-house, enabling faster deliveries, better order accuracy, and a more dependable shopping experience across the neighbourhoods the platform serves.

By owning the delivery chain end-to-end, LoveLocal will work more closely with local retailers to streamline order flow and reduce delays. The company said the shift will help stores manage demand efficiently while ensuring customers receive fresh products with the consistency they expect.

To mark the launch, LoveLocal is introducing its 6-Star Experience Campaign, a premium service layer designed for new customers. Delivery partners will be seen in distinctive pink uniforms, reinforcing the brand’s focus on a personalised, concierge-style interaction at the doorstep. First-time customers will also receive curated goodies and a surprise gift with their orders.

Akanksha Hazari, Founder of LoveLocal, said,

 “A great shopping experience is not defined only by selection or speed. It is shaped by the final interaction at the doorstep. By establishing our own delivery partner network, we are raising the standard of that moment for both customers and retailers. The 6-Star Campaign takes this forward by turning each delivery into a thoughtful, welcoming experience that captures the everyday warmth of neighbourhood shopping and gives it a premium edge.”

She added that as the network scales across Mumbai, the company will continue to build a delivery ecosystem that strengthens local commerce while offering a modern, reliable customer journey.

LoveLocal’s latest move builds on its quality-commerce model, which prioritises freshness, trust, and retailer partnerships over rapid-delivery speed. The platform offers two-hour delivery, powered by over 820+ digitised stores across Mumbai. Customers also benefit from a wider assortment of essentials and fresh produce, competitive daily pricing, and the convenience of shopping from neighbourhood retailers they already trust.

The company provides small retailers with digital storefronts, logistics support, payments, marketing tools, and analytics. This reduces operational costs by leveraging existing retail supply chains rather than creating separate infrastructure.

LoveLocal has raised nearly USD 30 million from investors including Vulcan Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Blume Ventures. With India’s e-grocery market projected to touch USD 96 billion by 2033, the company said it sees a clear shift towards reliability, transparency, and freshness as key drivers of consumer choice.

As 2025 draws to a close, industry leaders across India’s technology spectrum reflect on a year defined by accelerated digital maturity and the convergence of intelligence, design, and sustainability. From next-gen display innovations and AI-led surveillance to the rise of accessible consumer electronics and energy-aware ecosystems, the sector is gearing up for a transformative 2026. c

BY:-  Mr Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia

“2025 was a defining year for the display technology ecosystem, marked by accelerated adoption of smart, sustainable, and experience-driven solutions. At BenQ, we witnessed a dynamic shift in how consumers and professionals engage with technology – from hybrid work and education spaces to the growing demand for personalised entertainment and creator-focused innovation. Our focus remained on designing visual solutions that blend cutting-edge performance with user wellbeing, from eye-care monitors and laser projectors to interactive panels that foster collaboration and creativity.

As we step into 2026, the technology sector stands at the cusp of a new era, one where AI, visual intelligence, and eco-conscious innovation converge to shape more meaningful digital experiences. Key trends include accelerating OLED/microLED/quantum dot advancements for superior contrast and efficiency, rising adoption of interactive projections in education and collaboration spaces, and AI-driven personalization across displays. BenQ sees this as an inflection point to lead with purpose: advancing smarter, energy-efficient display technologies that serve both productivity and sustainability goals. The coming year will be about deepening the intersection of design, technology, and human experience – where visual innovation not only informs and inspires, but also contributes to a greener, more connected future.”

By:-  Mr Pankaj Rana, CEO, Hisense India

“2025 has reinforced a clear shift, Indian consumers are no longer satisfied with basic, functional appliances; they increasingly expect smarter, more connected and energy-efficient solutions for their homes. With rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanisation, adoption of IoT-enabled devices, especially smart TVs is moving from early adopters to the mainstream. In 2026, this momentum will only accelerate. We expect strong demand for larger-screen smart TVs, AI-enhanced picture and sound experiences, energy-efficient cooling solutions, and more voice-driven, connected home behaviour. At Hisense, we are doubling down on innovation and localisation, bringing global-quality TVs and next-generation air-conditioning solutions to India at accessible price points, anticipating that households will prioritise convenience, sustainability and intelligent living as core purchase drivers.”

By:-  Mr. Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS (Aditya Infotech Ltd.)

“2025 was a pivotal year for CP PLUS and the surveillance industry, characterised by rapid AI-driven security advancements improved connectivity and more intuitive surveillance systems. Trust and compliance were crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape.

As the industry shifts towards reliable, scalable technology solutions that adapt to changing safety and operational demands, CP PLUS sets a benchmark. We are the first company in the industry to secure the STQC-Certification for the widest range of products and the only brand in the surveillance sector to get listed on the NSE, a testament to our commitment to quality and national standards. This achievement, coupled with our innovation-first approach, solidifies our dedication to developing technologies that precisely, resiliently, and confidently address real-world challenges.

Looking towards 2026, the technology landscape is set to deepen its focus on integrated intelligence and automation. CP PLUS has a number of technologies and inventions in the pipeline for the new India and anticipates that security solutions will increasingly leverage AI edge computing and IoT to create more proactive and adaptive environments. We anticipate innovations that extend beyond protection seamlessly integrating to streamline operations, inform strategic decisions and foster secure interconnected ecosystems.”

By:-  Ravi Agarwal, Co-founder and Managing Director, Cellecor Gadgets Ltd

“2025 has been a defining year for the Indian consumer electronics industry, and for us at Cellecor, it marked a phase of disciplined scale, stronger consumer trust, and deeper market penetration. We saw a clear shift in consumer behaviour, where value, reliability and smart functionality became non-negotiable. Demand was no longer limited to metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as strong growth engines across televisions, audio products and smart wearable categories. This shift reinforced our belief that accessible technology is the future of this industry.

For Cellecor, the year was about strengthening our Make in India approach, optimising our product portfolio, and building meaningful visibility across both digital-first and offline channels. We witnessed robust traction across our smart TV and audio segments, along with strong adoption in fast-moving wearable categories. The festive season, in particular, demonstrated how rapidly the market is evolving, with consumers seeking feature-rich products that offer genuine value.

Looking ahead to 2026, we believe the next phase of growth in consumer electronics will be driven by deeper integration of smart ecosystems, AI-led personalisation, and energy-efficient technologies that balance performance with sustainability. We also foresee stronger omni-channel buying journeys, where online discovery and offline experience will work together seamlessly.”

By:-  Murali M. Mantravadi, Jt. Managing Director, Energy Bots

“2025 marked a decisive inflection point for the global technology ecosystem. We witnessed the convergence of advanced compute, AI, and clean energy at a pace unmatched in the past decade. Generative AI matured from experimentation to enterprise-scale adoption, contributing to a global AI market that has reached around US$294 billion in 2025 and pushing demand for high-performance compute to historic highs. Simultaneously, renewable energy capacity expanded at record speed, with global additions crossing 500 GW for the first time, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between digital infrastructure and sustainable energy. This was a year where industries realised that intelligence and efficiency must evolve together.

Looking ahead, 2026 will intensify this shift. Industrial AI will move into full production, edge-AI shipments are expected to grow over 30%, and sustainable computing will become a standard design principle. Smart homes, in particular, will evolve into energy-aware ecosystems where appliances dynamically optimise consumption, adapt to grid patterns, and extend their lifespan through predictive maintenance and continuous updates.

At Energy Bots, we see this as the beginning of a truly integrated household energy future, one where appliances become intelligent participants in reducing waste, lowering bills, and supporting national sustainability goals. Technology is no longer just powering convenience; it is actively shaping responsible living. The transformation we are witnessing is not incremental; it is foundational, and 2026 will be the year it scales from early adopters to the mainstream.” 

By:-  Srividya Kannan, Founder-CEO, Avaali Solutions

“As we enter 2026, the AI conversation in India needs to mature rapidly. While ‘agent washing’ has dominated headlines – companies slapping AI labels on traditional automation – the real opportunity lies in building robust AI infrastructure that can support genuine intelligent systems. India has a unique advantage: we can leapfrog the mistakes other markets made by building AI infrastructure with governance, ethics, and explainability baked in from day one. What concerns me is the gap between AI ambition and AI readiness. Too many organizations are implementing AI agents without the foundational data infrastructure, security frameworks, or change management capabilities to make them work. In 2026, we need to shift from ‘AI theater’ to AI substance – investing in the unsexy but critical work of data quality, model governance, and human-AI collaboration frameworks. At Avaali, we’re focused on helping enterprises build this foundation through solutions that integrate AI thoughtfully into existing workflows rather than disrupting for disruption’s sake.”

Bengaluru, Dec 12: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., one of India’s most trusted engineering and manufacturing brands with a legacy of over five decades, showcased its advanced technological strengths and precision-engineered solutions at EXCON 2025. VST is showcasing its evolution from a leading farm equipment manufacturer to a diversified engineering powerhouse catering to multiple global industries at the exhibition.

At EXCON, VST Tillers Tractors showcased a comprehensive lineup of 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder compact engines ranging from 17 HP to 30 HP alongside a series of precision components designed for high-demand applications. The showcased solutions have gained strong acceptance across varied segments, including construction and earthmoving equipment, DG sets, marine applications, reefer units and cold chain logistics, hospitals, sports complexes, and other institutional power requirements, reducing dependence on import of such engines and contributing to self-reliance for the country. With growing capabilities and investments, the company’s state-of-the-art Mysuru manufacturing unit is also expanding into new industrial segments, strengthening VST’s role as a preferred supplier for high-performance engines, driveline units, and precision components.

A major attraction at the stall was VST’s iconic 13 HP horizontal engine. On one side, the Engine is used in Power tillers supporting Farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers. On the other side, it is widely regarded as the most trusted engine in the country for powering concrete cutter machines and the construction equipment industry. Its industry leadership directly ties into India’s expanding infrastructure development momentum. With the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reporting rapid growth in road construction and infrastructure upgrades nationwide, VST’s engines have become a silent enabler, powering machines that build high-quality roads and thereby supporting India’s infrastructure transformation.

The displays highlighted VST’s journey into new territories where performance, fuel efficiency, and durability are essential.

Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO of VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., commented on the company’s evolving technology leadership stating “VST is undergoing a significant transformation driven by design thinking-led innovation, high-quality precision engineering, and product modernization for global markets. Our focus is to create lasting value through technology, sustainability, and continuous building. The Global Technology Center in Hosur is a major part of this journey, to advance our expertise in future engines, driveline technologies, EV systems, and next-generation precision components. With these advancements, VST is positioning itself as a truly Fast – Frugal and Future-Ready solutions provider for India and the world.”

VST’s reputation for superior engineering and world-class quality was underscored by the recognition the company has earned over the years. The organization has consistently been honored with highly regarded awards such as the CII Design Excellence , Manufacturing Excellence and Super shopfloor Award , also Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Quality Award for continual improvements and for the new product development, These accolades reaffirm VST’s unwavering commitment to robust design thinking, disciplined manufacturing, and long-term product reliability—hallmarks that continue to inspire confidence among OEMs and industry partners in India and abroad.

Human resources platforms use digital tools to simplify how organisations manage hiring, payroll, attendance, performance tracking, and day to day workforce operations. By automating routine and time intensive tasks, these systems reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and create more consistent employee experiences.

More importantly, such platforms help organisations make better decisions through real time data and clearer visibility into workforce trends. They support faster and more effective recruitment, improve transparency across people processes, and enable businesses to adapt quickly to changing talent needs. In a fast evolving workplace, these solutions play a key role in helping companies remain agile, productive, and competitive.

 Zoho is a cloud-based software company offering a wide range of affordable, user-friendly business applications such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho People, Zoho Mail, and many more to help organizations streamline workflows, improve productivity, and manage everything from sales and finance to HR, marketing, and operations in one integrated ecosystem

Unstop is an Indian platform that helps students and fresh graduates build skills and access opportunities through hackathons, quizzes, assessments, mentorship, and job/internship applications, while offering companies tools for employer branding, candidate assessment, and streamlined hiring all in one ecosystem.

Keka HR is a cloud-based HR management software from India that streamlines and automates payroll, attendance, leave tracking, performance management, recruitment, and onboarding to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and enhance the overall employee experience for small to medium-sized and growing businesses.

InCruiter is an AI-powered HR platform offering products like automated interview scheduling, resume screening, video interviews, coding assessments, and end-to-end candidate evaluation to help companies streamline hiring, reduce manual work, and make recruitment faster and more data-driven.

Darwinbox is a cloud-based HR platform offering unified products for recruitment, onboarding, payroll, attendance, performance management, employee engagement, and workforce analytics, using AI automation, mobile-first design, and customizable workflows to make HR operations seamless and scalable for medium to large organizations.

Workline is a cloud-based, highly configurable HRMS offering products for hiring, onboarding, attendance, payroll, performance management, and employee engagement, enabling organizations to customize workflows, use real-time analytics, and integrate systems to streamline HR operations and improve workforce efficiency.

 GreytHR is a cloud-based HR and payroll software offering products for attendance, leave management, payroll processing, statutory compliance, employee self-service, and onboarding to help businesses automate routine tasks, reduce errors, and deliver a smoother employee experience.

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) successfully hosted a seminar on the New Four Labour Codes, aimed at sensitizing industry and HR professionals to the significant regulatory changes and providing practical guidance for effective compliance. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 100 industry representatives.

Ms. Charanya Lakshmikumaran, Chair of the Law & Justice Committee, PHDCCI, delivered the Welcome Address, noting that recent weeks have been both exciting and challenging for industry due to a major regulatory shift on the horizon. She emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of the Labour Codes and highlighted that the Law & Justice Committee and HR & IR Committee jointly organized the seminar  to clarify the new legal framework. Ms. Lakshmikumaran stressed the need for a standardized and centralized compliance regime which is essential for strengthening India’s position in the global landscape.

She introduced the session’s distinguished speakers: Mr. Paritosh Chauhan, Partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS), a seasoned professional with deep expertise in employment law across sectors including manufacturing, automotive, chemicals, food, healthcare, FMCG, e-commerce, logistics, and media; and Ms. Shylla Sawhney, Principal Associate, LKS, recognized for her strong subject-matter expertise and experience advising clients on compliance transitions, policy structuring, and practical implementation under the evolving labour law framework.

Mr. Ashish Wig, Chair, HR & IR Committee, PHDCCI, highlighted the collaborative efforts of the committees in supporting industry through this major policy shift. He underlined the advantages of the new regime, including greater transparency, digitization, and simplified returns. Mr. Wig emphasized the importance of balancing operational realities with legal requirements and encouraged participants to actively engage in the technical sessions.

Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, welcomed the participants, stressing the relevance of the Codes for diverse categories of workers, including gig, platform, construction, and other marginalized segments. He noted that the program, supported by knowledge partner LKS, was designed to simplify the complexities of the Codes and help businesses navigate compliance effectively.

The technical sessions led by Mr. Paritosh Chauhan and Ms. Shylla Sawhney provided participants with an in-depth, practical overview of the Codes on Wages, Social Security, Occupational Safety & Health, and Industrial Relations. Their structured presentations, practical insights, and real-world examples greatly enhanced participants’ understanding of the new labour law framework.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Vivek Agarwala, Chair, Industry Affairs Committee, PHDCCI, appreciated the speakers for their engaging session and highlighted that the reforms aim to strengthen social security for all workers, thereby enhancing workforce stability and national productivity. He emphasized the broader economic benefits, noting that higher employee earnings contribute to improved performance, consumption, and long-term growth.

The seminar received tremendous response from participants and reinforced PHDCCI’s commitment to supporting industry during this transition. The knowledge partner of the Seminar was Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys.

India-Sweden Sustainability Day 2025 Doubles Down on Collaborative Endeavours for Industry 4.0 and a Net-Zero Future

“India–Sweden Sustainability Day stands as a testament to the shared vision of both nations to turn ambition into action and to deliver long-term value. Through forward-looking initiatives such as the India–Sweden Green Transition Partnership (ISGTP), we are building an ecosystem where innovation takes centre stage and sustainability is embedded into every industrial process,” said Ms. Sofia Högman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India.

‘’The Sweden-India collaboration is rooted in trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to shaping a greener, more equitable future. The India–Sweden Sustainability Day 2025 embodies this spirit, serving as a platform where both nations unite to create joint frameworks, share knowledge, and mobilise resources. Through these efforts, the partnership is setting new global benchmarks in advancing shared sustainability and development goals, ensuring that industrial progress contributes not only to net‑zero ambitions but also to inclusive growth and long‑term resilience,” said Mr. Sven Östberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai.

Dec 12: India Accelerator  India’s leading multi-stage, fund-led accelerator, is set to launch its accelerator program in Saudi Arabia, backed by a dedicated $15 million fund to support Indian startups entering and scaling in the Kingdom. The initiative is supported by the National Technology Development Program’s Empowering Accelerators product, advancing Saudi Arabia’s growing innovation mandate under Vision 2030.

The initiative will focus on startups across AI, Sustainability, Electric Mobility (EV), PropTech, and DeepTech- sectors closely aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities and NTDP’s mission to accelerate technology-led economic transformation.

The first cohort, scheduled for launch in March 2026, will support 8–10 high-potential startups, providing them with structured market-entry support, regulatory guidance, access to local partnerships, and investor connectivity. Applications for the inaugural batch opened on December 8, 2025, and remained open until February 28, 2026.

Ashish Bhatia, Founder, India Accelerator, said:
“Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the world’s most forward-looking innovation markets. Through this partnership with NTDP, we aim to offer Indian startups a trusted, structured pathway to scale in the Kingdom. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to enabling cross-border expansion and building meaningful linkages with global innovation ecosystems.”

Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), added:
“Saudi Arabia and India are home to two advanced startup ecosystems. Through our partnership with India Accelerator, we are opening new pathways that enable Indian entrepreneurs to collaborate with Saudi partners, tap into the Kingdom’s evolving technology and investment landscape, and contribute to the growth of its digital economy. This partnership strengthens the connection between our ecosystems and helps deepen long-term collaboration between the two countries in technology and investment.”

The partnership with NTDP establishes a strong foundation for deeper engagement across the GCC, expanding India Accelerator’s global footprint and advancing its mission to support founders beyond domestic markets

Anudip Foundation and DBS Bank India inaugurate DeepTech Training Centre in Airoli, Maharashtra to empower underserved youth

Chandigarh, Dec 12: Anudip Foundation for Social Welfare, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of economically and socially vulnerable youth, in partnership with DBS Bank India, inaugurated its new DeepTech Training Centre at Airoli, Navi Mumbai. This signified a major milestone in their three-year initiative to skill and empower 2,400 young individuals from underserved communities across Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai. The programme aims to achieve a minimum 70% placement rate, with expected monthly salaries ranging between ₹22,000 to ₹25,000, significantly contributing to economic upliftment.

The DeepTech Programme for Underserved Youth, supported by DBS Bank India, addresses the growing skills gap in India’s technology sector by offering industry-aligned training in non-programming digital technologies, communication, career readiness and soft skills. Delivered through a blended learning model powered by AI tools, gamification, and a Moodle-based LMS, the programme prepares learners for the digital workforce, with third-party assessments by Mettl ensuring standardised evaluation and job readiness.

Senior leadership members of the Anudip Foundation and members from DBS Bank India also graced the occasion, providing guidance and strong encouragement to the learners. The welcome address eloquently articulated the unified vision of advancing digital inclusion and cultivating robust career opportunities for underserved youth. During the beneficiary engagement segment, students adeptly showcased their projects, unequivocally demonstrating their technical proficiency and the programme’s nascent yet significant impact.

Nekzaad Vakil, Executive Director, Group Strategic Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India, said, 

“We are proud to partner with Anudip Foundation on the inauguration of the DeepTech Training Centre in Airoli. This aligns with our larger efforts and commitment towards fostering inclusion and empowering underserved youth with future-ready skills. We believe that addressing critical skills gaps can create pathways to sustainable careers. By supporting the development of advanced technological capabilities among the next generation, we aim to contribute to creating economic opportunities and building resilient communities.”

Monisha Banerjee, CEO, Anudip Foundation said,

 “At Anudip, we believe success begins with access. By providing market-driven skills, mentoring, and employment opportunities, we enable young people from underserved communities to build brighter futures.”

DBS Bank India is committed to creating impact beyond banking. Its efforts are further reinforced by the DBS Foundation, which actively aims to uplift the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Asia. This includes providing essential needs and fostering inclusion for vulnerable communities through grants, mentorship, and capacity-building programmes. The DBS Foundation also supports Businesses for Impact (social enterprises and SMEs with innovative solutions for creating positive social impact and forging strategic partnerships) to catalyse the growth of the ecosystem.

The States’ Policy Conclave 2025 convened yesterday under the theme “Navigating Global Challenges with Fast-Tracked Indian Economy,” bringing together policymakers, experts, and leaders to deliberate on transformative strategies for India’s growth. The event focuses on strengthening local governance, prioritizing sustainable development, and fostering inclusive institutions to drive robust state-level progress that aligns with the nation’s broader economic ambitions.

Mr Tripurari Sharan, Chief Information Commissioner & Former Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, delivered insightful remarks emphasizing the need to empower the third tier of governance-local self-government bodies such as panchayats and municipalities. Drawing from decades of administrative experience, he highlighted that despite past efforts, urban governance remains a challenge in many parts of India. He urged a strategic reorientation toward delegating more power with adequate resources at the grassroots level, rather than relying solely on transferred funds. Using Bihar as a case study, Mr. Sharan illustrated how focused priorities on infrastructure- roads and rural electrification- and education transformed the state’s development trajectory, taking its budget from a mere ₹3,000-6,000 crores decades ago to a robust ₹3.5 lakh crores today. Mr. Sharan concluded with a compelling reminder that a society shapes its government and that intellectual and institutional capital must guide governance to ensure progress benefits all citizens.

Mr Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Government of India, highlighted India’s resilience in a VUCA world of geopolitical tensions like Russia-Ukraine supply disruptions to petroleum, fertilizers, and railway imports, alongside OECD-projected global growth dipping to 3.2%. Despite these headwinds, India’s Q2 surge to 8.2% and ADB’s 7.2% FY26 forecast drive Viksit Bharat by 2047 through a $1.35 trillion infrastructure push- including Bharat Mala’s 34,000 km highways (over half complete), near-100% rail electrification, and collateral-free ₹10 lakh MSME credit, plus energy sovereignty with 51% non-fossil capacity (256 GW of 509 GW total: solar 128 GW, wind/hydro 52 GW each), green hydrogen targets of 5 MT by 2030 and 125 GW by 2047, and nuclear expansion from 8.8 GW to 100 GW via ₹20,000 crore mission. Digital transformations shine via UPI in 9 nations, DBT delivering ₹47 lakh crores while saving ₹3.8 lakh crores by curbing fakes (4.15 crore LPGs, 5.03 crore ration cards) and halving subsidies to 9%, alongside DigiLocker (61.27 crore users) and DigiYatra; human capital harnesses a 1.44 billion youthful population (median age 29 rising to 37 by 2047) through 1 crore PM internships, skilling schemes, and 1,000 industry-led ITIs, as he quoted: “Degrees are for recognition, skills define character”- bolstered by defence exports reaching ₹25,000 crores.

Mr Amit Sharma, Director Census Operation & Citizen, Registration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, shared insights from his service across J&K, Ladakh, and Mizoram, emphasizing digital reforms like e-office implementation that enabled 24/7 paperless secretariats in J&K, eliminating costly file transports between capitals, and 100% paperless operations in Mizoram, alongside Bhashini AI to bridge linguistic barriers amid new rail connectivity. He advocated launching an “India Lithium Mission” to exploit 5.9 million tonnes of high-grade reserves, plus three more nearby sites rivaling South America’s Lithium Triangle, to end 100% import dependency from China, power EV manufacturing, and propel India to the world’s third-largest economy far ahead of 2028-29 projections. Spotlighting global admiration for UPI, DigiLocker’s paperless certificates, and DigiYatra, he stressed the upcoming first-ever digital paperless census, starting pre-tests in J&K by 2026 with high publicity via local stars, to deliver precise data beyond 2011 figures, enabling accurate policies, private initiatives, and fast-tracked growth toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Mr Rajinder Kumar, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, affirmed India’s consistent high-growth trajectory, endorsed by IMF, World Bank, and ADB, sustained over the past 8-10 years despite geopolitical volatilities impacting core industries like steel and oil, with inflation and interest rates expertly balanced by the Monetary Policy Committee. Focusing on textiles, the second-largest employer after agriculture (4.5 crore jobs, ~60% women), he highlighted recent reforms including GST simplification eliminating all inverted structures (reducing slabs effectively to 5% and 18%, costing government lakhs of crores but boosting working capital for handlooms and handicrafts), removal of 7 outdated Quality Control Orders, PLI threshold cut from ₹300 crore to ₹100 crore for broader incentives, PM Mitra Parks across 7 states (e.g., Telangana, UP, Gujarat) offering free land and full infrastructure for farm-to-fibre value chains, and the SMART scheme achieving 82-83% post-training employment via industry-customized skilling. He noted export diversification targeting 40 key markets, a nearing UK FTA ratification by June, and a mantra of “Inform, Perform, Transform” to propel the sector and economy forward.

Dr Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, highlighted India’s rise as the 5th largest economy with its global share doubling to 3.4-3.5% since 2000, sustaining 6.5-7% growth as the fastest major economy per IMF and World Bank despite pandemics, supply shocks, geopolitical tensions, and climate disruptions, emphasizing that empowered states- leveraging federal diversity, competitive patriotism, performance incentives, and reforms in infrastructure, labor (four new codes to boost FDI), energy, and ease of doing business, form the crucible for resilient, inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047 through state-led strategies, collaborative problem-solving, and structural reforms building a “Silk Road” policy by policy.

PHDCCI, in collaboration with Koan Advisory Group, released the “Tech Readiness Index of States” knowledge report, benchmarking states’ digital infrastructure, AI adoption, and innovation readiness to drive tech-led growth toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

As the conclave progresses, these perspectives set the stage for critical discussions on harnessing local governance reforms and strategic state policies to accelerate India’s journey towards fast-tracked economic growth with equitable development. The emphasis on inclusive, decentralized governance and prioritized resource allocation offers a roadmap for states to effectively navigate the complex challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.