Archives 2026

Mr. Abhishek Somany, Managing Director and CEO, SOMANY Ceramics

Natural gas constitutes one of the most critical input costs in ceramic tile manufacturing, yet it continues to remain outside the GST framework. This exclusion leads to a significant cascading tax impact, as manufacturers bear tax levies without access to input tax credit, thereby increasing production costs significantly. Bringing natural gas under GST would meaningfully improve cost efficiency and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian tile manufacturers. Additionally, despite tiles being a fundamental material in residential construction and housing-led infrastructure, they continue to be taxed at 18%. A rationalisation of GST on tiles to the 5 % slab would support affordable housing, stimulate demand and strengthen the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. We hope the upcoming Budget considers these measures to enable sustainable growth for the sector.

Mr Santosh Shah, MD of VYNA Electric

Strengthening Domestic Electrical Manufacturing Through PLI Support

“With India’s electronics PLI scheme disbursing over ₹21,500 crore so far and attracting ₹1.76 lakh crore in committed investment, we expect Budget 2026 to double down on support for domestic manufacturing. A modest reduction in import duties on raw materials and extension of incentives to components for lighting and switchgear would help companies deliver global-quality products at competitive prices. For consumers, this could mean access to safer, more durable home electrical solutions built for Indian conditions. For manufacturers willing to uphold strict quality, it would renew confidence in scaling up responsibly.

 Mr. Tushar Verma, EVP India & Subcon. REHAU India

As India prepares for the next phase of economic growth, the interiors and furniture sector stands at an important inflection point. Urban housing, commercial real estate, and renovation activity are together creating a strong, long term demand for better designed, more durable, and more sustainable interior solutions. The Union Budget has an opportunity to recognise this shift and support an industry that sits at the intersection of manufacturing, housing, and employment. The sector needs a stable and forward looking policy environment, one that encourages domestic manufacturing, simplifies the cost structure of essential inputs, and improves access to capital for the thousands of MSMEs who form the backbone of the interiors ecosystem. From designers and fabricators to component makers and installers, this value chain drives both innovation and livelihoods. A budget that strengthens housing, infrastructure, and small business financing will directly translate into healthier growth for interior solutions, helping Indian homes and workspaces move toward higher quality, safety, and long term value. That is where the real opportunity lies, for the industry and for the economy as a whole.

Manesar, Jan 29: Montra Electric part of the Murugappa Group, has achieved a significant milestone in India’s clean mobility journey by becoming the first heavy-duty electric truck manufacturer in the country to receive certification under the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme. Marking this achievement, the company has also delivered the country’s first PM E-DRIVE–certified electric heavy truck, Rhino 5538 EV 6×4 Tractor trailer, to UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete company, reinforcing its commitment in advancing growth of electric vehicles.

The milestone was commemorated in the presence of Shri Arun Murugappan, Chairman-Montra Electric  Jalaj Gupta MD-Montra Electric Shri Sathia Raj, Chief Procurement Officer, UltraTech Cement Limited, underscoring the significance of this achievement for India’s clean mobility ecosystem.

This move is expected to expedite the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks across India’s logistics, mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors by significantly improving the business case for electrification. By enabling large fleet operators and industrial customers to transition away from conventional fuels without compromising on performance, uptime, or economics, the certification marks a decisive step towards cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready freight movement.

The first PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV was flagged off and handed over to UltraTech by Shri Arun Murugappan.

The INR 10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme has an out lay of Rs 500 crore dedicated for e-trucks, translating into a direct customer benefit of up to INR 9.6 lakh per vehicle for the Rhino 5538 EV. The incentive improves long-term fleet economics by lowering operating costs, reducing fuel price volatility exposure, and supporting compliance with evolving sustainability and emission norms.

Commenting on the occasion, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy,  Union Minister for Heavy Industries, said, 

“The PM E-DRIVE scheme is a testament to the growing prowess of Indian innovation in the heavy-duty electric vehicle segment. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are committed to decarbonizing our logistics and making India a global hub for EV manufacturing. Electric trucks are pivotal to our Net Zero goals, and by fostering a self-reliant ecosystem through such certifications, we are driving the spirit of Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat.

We are very happy to see our Prime Minister’s vision coming to life with the 1st PM E-Drive certified heavy duty electric truck from ‘Montra Electric’ getting delivered today.”

Commenting on the milestone, Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited), said,

 “Decarbonising freight is one of the most critical challenges in India’s energy transition. We are grateful to the Government of India and our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for introducing forward-looking and progressive policy frameworks such as the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, which represent a welcome and transformative step in accelerating this shift, particularly in heavy commercial vehicles where emissions intensity is high.

At Montra Electric, we are proud to contribute to this national mission by delivering technologically advanced, reliable, and scalable electric M&HCV solutions that can drive meaningful and lasting change in India’s mobility ecosystem.”

Designed specifically for Indian operating conditions, the Rhino 5538 EV Tractor trailer range is available in 6×4 and 4×2 Tractor trailer variants. The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 Tractor trailer offers both battery swapping and fixed battery options, six-minute battery swaps, a 282 kWh LFP battery delivering 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque, and a range of nearly 198 km under standard test conditions. These capabilities make the Rhino 5538 EV well-suited for high-utilisation, fixed-route, and hub-to-hub applications across ports, mining operations, cement logistics, steel plants, and long-haul freight corridors—segments that contribute significantly to India’s freight emissions footprint.

With heavy-duty trucks accounting for a disproportionate share of freight emissions, the PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV represents a critical lever in India’s journey towards net-zero and cleaner industrial growth. Montra Electric plans to work closely with customers, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to accelerate the deployment of electric heavy-duty trucks across India’s core economic sectors.

Jan 29: Cathay Cargo has successfully transported approximately 60 elite showjumping horses from Europe to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, scheduled to take place at AsiaWorld-Expo from 30 January to 1 February 2026.

Building on the success of last year’s event, Cathay Cargo’s specialist teams executed a highly coordinated logistics operation to transport the equine athletes on a 12-hour journey from Liège, Belgium—a central European hub with a well-equipped cargo airport and stabling facilities—to Hong Kong International Airport. The horses travelled aboard a chartered Boeing 747 freighter, whose spacious main deck and temperature-controlled environment provide optimal conditions for safe and comfortable long-haul transport, ensuring the horses arrive calm, healthy, and competition-ready.

Commenting on the operation, Dominic Perret, Director Cargo, Cathay, said: “Transporting world-class equine athletes is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. We understand the pressures riders and owners face ahead of elite competition, which is why our focus is to eliminate travel as a source of stress. Our proven expertise in live animal logistics has driven year-on-year growth in this segment, and supporting an event of this calibre further reinforces our position as a trusted partner for high-stakes animal transport.”

Reimagining the live animal transport experience

As global demand for live animal cargo continues to grow, Cathay Cargo’s approach extends beyond transportation alone. Its Live Animal solution is anchored in three core principles:

• Creature comfort: IATA-compliant travel stalls ensure adequate space, ventilation, and safety.

• Charting the right path: Optimised routing minimises stops and transit time, reducing stress for the animals.

• Flying with trust: Industry-leading IATA CEIV Live Animals certification ensures the highest standards of animal welfare.

Each flight is supported by dedicated human expertise. The horses benefit from priority ground handling and slow-speed tarmac transfers. During the flight, CEIV-certified crew continuously monitor and adjust cargo-hold temperature and airflow, while professional grooms accompany the horses throughout the journey, providing hands-on care and constant supervision.

Jo Peck, Event Director at HPower International, said:

“For an international event of this scale, the stakes are exceptionally high. There is no room for uncertainty when transporting elite equine athletes. That’s why we are delighted to partner with Cathay Cargo for the second consecutive year. Their meticulous care, deep understanding of horses, and world-class cargo discipline provide invaluable assurance, allowing riders and organisers to focus entirely on delivering a successful event.”

Cathay Cargo is the first airline in Asia to achieve IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification, reflecting its deep expertise in managing complex, high-value animal shipments across multiple species.

The successful delivery of these elite showjumping horses once again underscores Cathay Cargo’s leadership in live animal logistics and its continued partnership with one of Asia’s most anticipated international equestrian events.

Bangalore, Jan 29: Cervical cancer is often silent, undetected, and devastating. But what if the story could be changed? What if prevention was within reach—right now?

Cervical cancer: A preventable crisis

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, responsible for nearly 20% of all female cancer cases. The good news is that 90% of these cases are preventable with timely vaccination and screening. Yet, fewer than 2% of women between 30–49 have ever been screened. This isn’t due to a lack of concern, but because many women lack the access, awareness, and support to act early. The solution is simple, taking an HPV (Human Papillomavirus vaccine) in advance as a preventive measure.

Prevention Starts with Early Action

What if families could act before cervical cancer even has a chance? Tata AIA Health Buddy empowers families to take control of their health. With easy access to HPV vaccination as part of Health Buddy benefits, our consumers can ensure they are protected from cervical cancer, that too at discounted rates. Tata AIA removes the hassle of external appointments and complicated procedures, enabling families to act when it matters most.

Sujeet Kothare, Chief of Products, Marketing, Corporate Communications & Business Mid Office, Tata AIA Life Insurance said,

 “Cervical cancer remains a significant threat to women’s health in India, but prevention is within our control. Taking proactive steps, such as the HPV vaccination, can help protect future generations. At Tata AIA, we are committed to empowering women with the tools they need to live healthy lives. Through our Tata AIA Health Buddy benefits, we offer exclusive discounts on HPV vaccinations, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being of the communities we serve. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the fight against cervical cancer.”

More than just Vaccination: Comprehensive support at every step

Cervical cancer prevention is just the beginning. Tata AIA Health Buddy is designed to support families throughout their health journeys:

• Doctor Consultations: Easy access to expert advice when needed.
• Health Check-ups: Regular monitoring to stay ahead of health needs.
• Medical Second Opinions & Case Management: Dedicated support for families during critical health challenges.
• Extra Savings: Discounts on prescribed medicines and lab tests.

These services aren’t just about convenience—they’re about giving families the tools to make informed decisions and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are supported at every step of the way.

Real benefits for the Whole Family

Health decisions affect the entire family. Whether it’s a mother, wife, sister, or daughter, caring for loved ones is a shared responsibility. With Tata AIA Health Buddy, the whole family has access to crucial health services, empowering them to stay healthy. And it’s not just policyholders who benefit; Tata AIA extends these services to nominees and family members as well.

Shifting the Focus: Life Insurance that cares about Health

What if life insurance was about more than just financial protection? What if it was about proactive care, early action, and long-term health management? Tata AIA is shifting the paradigm. With Tata AIA Health Buddy, the company is not only protecting families’ financial futures—it’s helping them stay healthy, stay informed, and take charge of their well-being every step of the way.

Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), participated in a high-level roundtable on “Net Zero Emissions: Environmental, Economic and Social Implications – Role of Oil and Biofuels in the Transition” at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa.

Highlighting India’s rapid progress in clean energy, Shri Das noted that the parallel scaling of renewable energy and alternative low-carbon fuels is already delivering tangible outcomes. Initiatives such as ethanol blending are reducing import dependence, lowering emissions, and enhancing energy security, collectively steering the country towards a Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that this integrated approach is aligned with India’s development-first pathway to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and its commitment to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. With India’s per capita electricity consumption still less than one-third of the global average, he stressed the importance of a phased, realistic, and growth-oriented energy transition.

Shri Das further underscored that oil and gas will continue to play a critical transitional role across transport, petrochemicals, and industry, ensuring energy security and price stability. He added that biofuels offer a scalable decarbonisation pathway by leveraging existing infrastructure while simultaneously supporting rural livelihoods.

He also highlighted that India’s clean energy expansion represents one of the largest nation-building opportunities globally, generating significant demand for engineers, financiers, data specialists, and project managers. A just, affordable transition—supported by reskilling initiatives and strong domestic manufacturing—will be essential to maximise social and economic benefits.

Concluding his address, Shri Das stated,

“Oil, gas and biofuels are not obstacles but enablers of a systematic transition. IREDA remains committed to ensuring that India’s climate ambitions are supported by accessible and affordable green finance.”

In addition, the CMD, IREDA, contributed to the CEO Roundtable on “Global Green Hydrogen and its Derivatives Offtake,” where he emphasised that scalable financing mechanisms and coordinated policy support are critical to accelerating the development of India’s green hydrogen and green ammonia markets. He noted that speed and skill, backed by strong policy frameworks, can position India not only as a major manufacturing hub for green hydrogen but also as a significant global export hub.

New Delhi, Jan 29: Punjab & Sind Bank marked the 77th Republic Day of India with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across its offices, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. The celebrations reflected the Bank’s deep respect for India’s democratic ethos and its enduring legacy of service to the nation.

At the Bank’s Corporate Office, the celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Shri Swarup Kumar Saha, Managing Director & CEO, in the presence of senior management, officers, staff members, and invited guests. The solemn flag-hoisting ceremony was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, instilling a strong sense of unity and national pride among all present.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Swarup Kumar Saha highlighted the significance of Republic Day and reiterated Punjab & Sind Bank’s unwavering commitment to nation-building, inclusive growth, customer-centric banking, and service excellence. He also commended the dedication and collective efforts of the Bank’s employees in strengthening its contribution to India’s economic development.

The celebrations were further enriched by a stirring military band performance, adding grandeur and patriotic spirit to the occasion. Reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, a plantation drive was also organised as part of the event.

A vibrant cultural programme followed, featuring performances by Bank employees and their children, celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity. Special group dance performances by Amrit Saini Academy emerged as a key highlight of the celebrations and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Chief General Manager, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants, performers, and organising teams for making the celebration memorable. The event concluded with a brunch, fostering camaraderie and togetherness among employees.

Punjab & Sind Bank continues to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and remains committed to serving the nation with integrity, dedication, and excellence—where service truly remains a way of life.

New York, NY – Jan 29- The debate is over. CFOs aren’t asking whether to adopt AI in finance anymore. They’re asking why every solution forces them to choose between speed they can’t audit and control that doesn’t scale.

A new research study from Wakefield Research surveyed 100 CFOs at mid-market U.S. companies ($50M-$500M revenue). Between 60 and 77 percent already plan to adopt AI depending on the use case. But the findings reveal a massive trust gap blocking execution. Read the full report here: Finance AI Adoption Benchmarking Report.

The trust gap is real. 96% of CFOs say AI’s biggest benefit is freeing time for strategic work. But only 14% completely trust AI to deliver accurate accounting data on its own. And 97% say human oversight is critical. That’s not a contradiction – it’s CFOs defining the solution.

The findings reveal a market stuck between two broken models. AI copilots – whether standalone or embedded in legacy tools – still require accountants to review transaction by transaction, delivering single-digit productivity gains. AI agents – black-box LLM wrappers with finance branding – promise full automation but deliver unacceptable risk: no way to verify accuracy, no real audit trail, and low understanding of business context.

CFOs want neither babysitting nor black boxes. They want what they are calling “intelligent escalation” – AI that operates autonomously on routine transactions but knows when it’s encountering ambiguity and escalates with full context. One CFO put it simply: “We need an autopilot – fast, accurate and with the sound judgment of our most reliable accountant.”

The bottleneck isn’t AI intelligence – it’s AI judgment. As foundation models get smarter, the differentiator isn’t raw capability – it’s understanding business context, company policies, and when a decision requires human input. Speed and accuracy are table stakes. Judgment is what separates automation from intelligent escalation.

“We evaluated several AI solutions, and the difference was night and day,” said Dominic Rand, CFO of Kiva Brands. “Most tools either wanted full control with zero transparency, or they created more work for my team. What we needed was what Maximor delivered: AI that could handle the routine with speed and precision and knew exactly when to bring a human into the loop. That’s when automation becomes a partnership, not a risk.”

“When intelligence becomes commoditized, judgment becomes the competitive advantage,” said Ramnandan Krishnamurthy, co-founder and CEO of Maximor. “CFOs aren’t asking for smarter AI – they’re asking for AI that knows its limits. They need systems that are verifiable, operate autonomously when appropriate, and demonstrate judgment about when to act and when to escalate. That’s the shift we’re seeing in the market.”

The study makes clear what finance leaders demand: speed, verifiable accuracy, full audit trails, and intelligent escalation – AI that earns the right to operate autonomously by demonstrating judgment about when to act and when to ask.

CFOs have drawn the line: AI that can’t show its work and doesn’t know when to escalate is unacceptable in finance.

Mumbai, India, Jan 28:  Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PCs, laptops, and HiFi audio, unveils its flagship motherboard, the iGame X870E VULCAN OC, built on the AMD X870E platform for enthusiasts and extreme overclockers. Even prior to its official launch, the motherboard made global headlines by pushing the AMD Ryzen™ 7 9800X3D processor to an astounding 7335.48MHz, setting a new world record for this CPU.

Designed to unlock the full potential of AMD’s Ryzen 9000 X3D processors, the iGame X870E VULCAN OC combines high-end power delivery, advanced cooling, and gamer-focused tuning, reflecting COLORFUL’s commitment to performance, intelligent firmware optimization, and futuristic design.

Futuristic Design with Smart Display

The Vulcan series’ signature aesthetics are enhanced with deep-black multi-layer metal heatsinks for visual impact and thermal efficiency, while a fin-array cooling structure and full-coverage backplate ensure stability under sustained loads.

• Customizable iGame Smart LCD (268×800 pixels) for system monitoring and personalization

• Integrated iGame RGB lighting for a futuristic look

• Airflow-optimized layout for durability under extreme conditions

Extreme Power Delivery and Memory Support

Engineered for high-current workloads and overclocking:

• 18 + 2 + 2 phase power design with 110A DrMOS stages

• Dual 8-pin CPU power connectors for stable high-load operation

• 10-layer server-grade PCB with electroless silvering for clean signal transmission

• Dual-channel DDR5 memory support up to 10400MT/s with Intel XMP and AMD EXPO

Overclocking-Focused Features and Connectivity

The motherboard comes equipped with on-board controls and firmware tools for streamlined manual tuning and benchmarking:

• Shortcut buttons for rapid overclocking adjustments

• Debug LED for real-time system diagnostics

• Dual BIOS support with hardware switching

• BLCK external frequency adjustment

Expansion & Connectivity:

• 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16 slot

• 5 × M.2 slots, including 3 × PCIe 5.0

• 5GbE wired LAN & Wi-Fi 7 wireless module

Dedicated X3D Optimization for Gaming

The X3D AI Turbo tuning feature maximizes performance for AMD Ryzen X3D processors:

• One-Click Overclocking button on the rear I/O

• High Frame Rate Mode integrated into BIOS

• Automatic optimization of base clock and PBO

• Multiple manual profiles for performance/stability balance

The iGame X870E VULCAN OC sets a new benchmark in extreme overclocking and gaming motherboard design, combining futuristic aesthetics, advanced tuning, and next-generation connectivity for elite enthusiasts.

By:- Mr. Sidhartha Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS  Accessories Ltd.

“As the auto industry continues to evolve, the Union Budget 2026 comes at a crucial time, especially after a strong recovery driven by GST 2.0 reforms that have improved compliance and strengthe chandanbasumallik@gmail.com ned supply chains. Sustained focus on infrastructure development, support for domestic manufacturing and skill upgradation will be key to maintaining growth momentum across the auto and auto ancillary sector as volumes rebound across segments. The industry is also looking for continuity, along with a renewed push towards localization, innovation and ease of operations to enhance global competitiveness. A forward looking budget that supports manufacturing scale-up, road safety and policy stability will enable companies like ours to invest with confidence, create employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey as a global automotive manufacturing hub.”

NEW DELHI, India, Jan 28:  Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced that TruAlt Bioenergy Limited will use Honeywell’s Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) process technology to produce 80,000 tons per annum (TPA) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India. The agreement marks a major step towards establishing one of India’s first grassroots, dedicated SAF production facilities utilizing ethanol as a feedstock.

Honeywell UOP’s Ethanol-to-Jet technology enables producers to convert ethanol derived from renewable sources into SAF, offering a cost-effective pathway to reduce carbon emissions of air travel. The process is easily integrated into existing ethanol production infrastructure and can also produce renewable diesel, helping reduce carbon emissions in the road transport sector.

“Our proven Ethanol-to-Jet technology provides a cost-efficient pathway for SAF production and will help TruAlt Bioenergy advance its net-zero ambitions while creating value across the agricultural and energy ecosystems,” said Ranjit Kulkarni, VP & GM – Honeywell Process Technology, India. “This agreement marks another milestone in Honeywell’s journey to help India build self-reliance in sustainable fuel production.”

The collaboration underscores Honeywell’s alignment with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting domestic biofuel production. Once operational, the project will help reduce CO₂ emissions from the rapidly growing aviation sector while also contributing to higher farmer incomes through increased demand for bioethanol.

Vijay Nirani, Managing Director of TruAlt Bioenergy Limited, said, “Our agreement with Honeywell is a defining step in TruAlt’s journey to help build India’s sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem. By leveraging Honeywell technology, we aim to create a scalable, ethanol-based SAF pathway that connects India’s farmers directly to the global aviation decarbonization agenda. Through this project, we are strengthening our conviction that India’s energy transition must be rooted in domestic feedstocks, strong industrial capability and inclusive economic value creation without external dependence. Additionally, it leverages India’s unique geographic and demographic advantages to progressively position the country as a major global hub for sustainable aviation fuel production.”

Honeywell currently offers solutions across a range of feedstocks to meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels, including SAF. The company also offers modular renewable fuels technology that can be built off-site and quickly installed at refineries, lowering risk and accelerating start up compared to traditional methods.