All posts by Neel Achary

New Delhi, Mar 27:  Resurgent ESG Services Private Limited (Resurgent ESG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Resurgent India Limited and a SEBI-registered ESG Rating Provider (ERP), has assigned an ESG rating to Network People Services Technologies Limited (NPST). The ESG score assigned to the NPST for the FY 2025-26 (Data based on FY 2024-25) stands at 66, which corresponds to an ESG Rating of A. 

NPST, one of the country’s leading digital payments and transaction processing company, has been evaluated through Resurgent ESG’s rigorous and comprehensive ESG assessment framework. The rating reflects the company’s current ESG profile, measuring the impact of its technology-driven business activities on the environment and society, as well as the strength of its governance practices in supporting a secure and inclusive payments ecosystem.

Commenting on the importance of ESG ratings, Mr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director, Resurgent ESG Services Pvt Ltd., said, “ESG Ratings are rapidly becoming a major benchmark for all Indian Companies influencing decisions regarding investment, credibility of brands, and regulatory compliance such as SEBI’s BRSR framework. Improved ESG performance also helps companies to manage the long-term risks, improve sustainability, and potentially lower the cost of capital. In today’s time ESG is not only about the compliance, but it is also about building future ready businesses.”

This rating will serve as a valuable tool for NPST and its stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and supporting the company’s ongoing ESG journey.Resurgent ESG’s rating methodology goes beyond publicly available disclosures, incorporating a comprehensive assessment framework. This approach ensures that the ratings consider both quantitative and qualitative factors, providing investors and market participants with a reliable view of the entity’s sustainability profile and future outlook.

Riyadh, Mar 27: The Esports Foundation appointed NODWIN Gaming, a global leader in gaming, esports and youth entertainment, as India’s official National Team Partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh from November 2–29, 2026. The appointment reflects NODWIN Gaming’s role in shaping India’s esports ecosystem over more than a decade, delivering national competitions, operating publisher-led circuits, and building connections across players, creators and partners.

 As India’s National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming will spearhead team formation, mobilize grassroots and competitive communities, support coaches across game titles, and coordinate with publishers, Clubs, and ecosystem stakeholders to establish the pathways needed for Indian players to represent the country on the global stage.

Nimish Raut, Global Head of Esports: Partnerships & Special Projects at NODWIN Gaming, commented,

“The Esports Nations Cup represents a defining shift in how competitive gaming is structured globally, and for a country like India, this is a truly transformative opportunity. We have one of the largest and most passionate gaming communities in the world, but until now, there hasn’t been a unified pathway for players to represent the country on a global stage. As the National Team Partner, our focus will be on building that structure from the ground up, identifying and nurturing talent across titles, and creating a high-performance environment that enables Indian players to compete at the highest level. We are excited to work closely with the EF to unlock this next phase of growth for Indian esports and establish a sustainable foundation for the future.”

NODWIN Gaming joins a global roster of National Team Partners appointed across more than 100 nations, as part of the Esports Nations Cup’s partnership-led model for national team development. The Esports Foundation received more than 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, reflecting the scale of global interest in nation-based esports. The full list of National Team Partners is available on the ENC website and will be updated as additional appointments are confirmed.

The Esports Nations Cup introduces a structured global framework for national teams at scale, adding a new layer to the esports ecosystem alongside club-based competition. Designed to complement existing structures, the ENC works with local stakeholders closest to the sport to strengthen connections, enable participation, and support long-term national development.

“India is a country full of passionate esports fans, building up to be a not-so-silent powerhouse of esports on the global stage”, said Hans Jagnow, Director, Special Projects, The Esports Foundation. “NODWIN Gaming has been a key architect of the Indian community and we couldn’t think of anyone better to bring together the ENC National Team for India and spark national pride for the players competing for a place in Riyadh.”

NODWIN Gaming brings deep operational expertise and a proven track record of building and scaling esports ecosystems in India and globally. The company has played a key role in shaping the competitive gaming landscape through large-scale tournaments, original IPs, and strategic partnerships across South Asia, Europe, and other international markets. Last year, it partnered with the EWCF to manage media rights sales across South Asia for the Esports World Cup and also collaborated with Chess.com and ChessBase India to build the future of chess esports in India, aligning with chess’s inclusion at the inaugural ENC. With a strong foundation in community building, content, and large-scale event execution, the company is well positioned to drive talent development, fan engagement, and international competitiveness as part of ENC 2026.

ENC 2026 is backed by a total investment of $45 million (approx INR 414 crore), including $20 million (approx INR 184 crore) in prize money for players and coaches across 16 titles, $5 million (approx INR 46 crore) in Club incentives, and $20 million (approx INR 184 crore) dedicated to national team development. The tournament will feature a placement-based prize structure with equal payouts across titles, where first place earns $50,000 (approx INR 46 lakh) per player, second place earns $30,000 (approx INR 28 lakh), and third place earns $15,000 (approx INR 14 lakh), with payouts scaling for team-based titles.

The tournament will feature Chess, PUBG Mobile, Rocket League, DOTA 2, VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Fatal Fury, League of Legends, Trackmania, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, EA SPORTS FC 26, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, and Apex Legends.

The ENC will launch in Riyadh in November 2026 before moving to a rotating city model. The biennial ENC complements the annual Club-based Esports World Cup (EWC), providing a stable structure for players and long-term investment in national team programmes.

 

L TO R Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Gregor Trumel Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action, French Embassy in India H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India

New Delhi, Mar 27: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah has been awarded the Goncourt Choice of India 2026. The winner was announced by a jury of Indian students following a day of deliberations held in New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished guests including Ms Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited and H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

The prize honours a work of French literature from the shortlist of the prestigious Goncourt Prize. The winning title is subsequently translated into at least one Indian language. The jury members formally announced the winner for the 2026 edition: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah.

The Goncourt Choice of India, supported by Apeejay Surrendra Group Director Priti Paul through the Apeejay Trust, aims to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between Indian readers and French authors. 

In La Nuit au cœur (Night in the Heart, 2025), Nathacha Appanah examines the unbearable enigma of intimate partner femicide, when the dark night takes the place of love, through the intertwined stories of three women who are victims of their partner’s violence. The book won the prestigious Prix Femina in France and has now become the Goncourt Choice of India.

Nathacha Appanah is a prize-winning French-Mauritian novelist of Indian origin. Born in Mauritius, she is descended from Telugu-speaking Indian indentured labourers who immigrated to the island. Her writing often addresses themes of identity, displacement, and the memory of her Indian heritage in a Mauritian context. Her debut novel, The Rocks of Gold Dust (Les Rochers de Poudre d’Or, 2003) traces the journey of Indian indentured labourers to Mauritius, and Washed-Out Memory (La Mémoire délavée, 2023) recounts the story of her grandparents.

Programme Expansion & Future Initiatives

Under a new partnership with the Apeejay Trust, the programme will expand with additional initiatives. A translation competition will be launched this month, inviting translators to submit excerpts of the winning title in languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi.

The winning translator will receive a publication contract supported by Institut Français India and Apeejay.

Event Highlights

The jury members, literature lovers, publishers, and authors gathered at The Park Hotel for a distinguished literary soirée. A thought-provoking conversation between Meena Kandasamy, Prayaag Akbar, and Gautam Bhatia, moderated by Amrita Tripathi, on the theme, “In literature, are we always writing about ourselves?”

The theme reflects a growing trend in contemporary literature, particularly in France, where recent selections increasingly foreground intimate, personal narratives. The latest shortlist for the Prix Goncourt features works that intertwine family histories with broader historical events, prompting reflection on the autobiographical nature of writing.

About the Jury & Selection Process

For the fifth consecutive year, students of French from across India participated in the International Goncourt Prize programme, run by the Académie Goncourt and extended to more than forty countries by the French cultural network.

The Indian jury was composed of students from eight universities — The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Pondicherry University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Rajasthan, Banaras Hindu University, and University of Punjab — along with students from the network of Alliances françaises in India.

Over four months, the jurors read and discussed four shortlisted books in original French:

• Nathacha Appanah’s La Nuit au Cœur

• Emmanuel Carrère’s Kolkhoze

• Caroline Lamarche’s Le Bel Obscur

• Laurent Mauvignier’s La Maison Vide

A series of online sessions helped familiarise participants with the Goncourt Prize, literary criticism, and the publishing journey behind the titles.

This edition was particularly special as it was patronized by eminent Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, member of the Prix Goncourt jury and winner of the prize in 1987.

The presidents of each of the nine juries met at the Embassy of France in Delhi on the morning of March 17, where they debated their choices before a lunch hosted by the Ambassador — following a tradition established by the Goncourt Academy over a century ago. The jury arrived at their decision early in the afternoon.

Amsterdam, Mar 26:  TPV Technology – the world’s leading supplier of displays and the tech giant behind TP Vision, MMD Monitors and Displays, and AOC, together with PPDS – has further strengthened its global commitment to social sustainability and the human rights of workers by partnering with leading not for profit organisations The Mekong Club and the EPRM.

Continuing to meet the requirements of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), these new memberships, focused on social sustainability and human rights, form part of TPV Technology’s unwavering, long held, and deeply ingrained commitment to people, communities, and the planet – a philosophy shared across all business units.

Stefan van Sabben, Global Director of CSR and Sustainability at TPV Technology, commented: “We are a production oriented organisation with a worldwide network of locations and suppliers. Our responsibility focuses not only on our own sphere of influence but also on processes further down the supply chain. We believe in working both as a community and as a part of communities to amplify our efforts. That is certainly the case with our social responsibility.”

Joining forces for good

Founded in 2011 in Hong Kong, The Mekong Club is a leading not for profit organisation that works together with member companies to combat modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking. 

Recognised and respected globally, its members span multiple industries, including manufacturing, finance, and hospitality, reflecting a shared determination to drive meaningful change. Members include renowned global brands, including Mattel, Decathlon, Unilever, Amazon, and The Walt Disney Company.

Membership provides access to expert guidance, practical tools, and a network of like minded organisations committed to addressing these complex challenges.

Commenting on the new membership, Stefan commented: “We strictly prohibit all forms of forced labour and modern slavery in both our own operations and in our supply chains. Membership of the Mekong Club will help us ensure forced labour is never used in the scope of our business.”

He continued: “To address modern slavery challenges across sectors and industries, collaboration with other organisations is key. We look forward to collaborating with The Mekong Club and fellow members to deepen our knowledge and to exchange ideas and learnings with other businesses that are serious about making a difference.”

TP Vision, MMD Monitors and Displays, AOC, and PPDS rigorously follow the human rights and labour standards set by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA).

Ethical sourcing of materials

Meanwhile, the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) concentrates on human rights and environmental challenges linked to mineral extraction and processing, an area at the very start of TPV Technology’s supply chains.

Set up in 2016, key areas of focus for the ERPM include artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) in conflict affected and high risk areas.

By bringing together companies, governments, and civil society organisations, the EPRM works to improve working conditions and environmental practices. It also promotes responsible sourcing of key minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold. Through on the ground projects and collaborative support, the initiative helps supply chain participants strengthen their responsible sourcing practices.

Members include blue chip organisations such as Royal Philips, NXP, Samsung, Intel, and Fairphone, as well as other supply chain actors, such as Valcambi (a refiner), Gold by Gold Colombia (a gold purchaser and trader), and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI – of which TPV is also a member). Civil society members include Solidaridad, Terre des hommes, and Pact.

TPV Technology publishes an annual Conflict Minerals report that outlines its commitment, policy and procedures regarding the responsible sourcing of minerals, with the company committed to not purchasing raw materials, subassemblies or supplies that are known to contain conflict minerals that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the DRC or other CAHRAs (conflict affected and high risk areas).

Furthermore, the company has been a member of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) since 2015 and a member of the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) since early 2023. Since December 2023 – and recently renewed for another three years – it has actively funded and supported ITSCI’s responsible and inclusive mining governance projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Marcella Klinker, Sustainability Specialist – Human Rights and Supply Chains at TPV Technology, said: “For us at TPV Technology, joining the EPRM reinforces our commitment to responsibly sourcing the minerals used in our products and continuously strengthening our mineral due diligence practices. We look forward to collaborating with the EPRM and other members on developing innovative partnerships and initiatives that enhance due diligence practices and support more responsible mineral supply chains.”

Celebrate the spirit of Easter with a delightful Easter Special Brunch at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. Designed to bring together family and friends in a warm and festive setting, this special brunch promises a memorable afternoon filled with seasonal flavours, cheerful spring-inspired décor, and the joy of togetherness that defines the Easter celebration.

The specially curated brunch menu features a selection of comforting and indulgent dishes crafted to highlight seasonal ingredients and festive favourites. Guests can savour signature offerings such as Roasted Leg of Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken with Spring Vegetables, along with a variety of brunch delights that perfectly complement the celebratory mood.

Set within the vibrant ambience of Food Exchange, the experience is enhanced with themed décor inspired by the freshness of spring and soothing live music that adds to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere. With warm hospitality and a welcoming setting, the Easter Special Brunch promises a perfect way to celebrate the occasion with loved ones.

Event Details:
Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
Dates: 5th April
Timing: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

India’s economy is on track to sustain robust growth in the coming financial year, with GDP expected to remain above 7% in FY27, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). This strong performance is being fueled by resilient domestic consumption and continued investment across sectors.

Pic Credit: Pexel

As per Assocham, India’s GDP is projected to expand by approximately 7.6% in FY26, maintaining the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. “India’s growth trajectory remains healthy, with domestic demand and investment continuing to drive economic activity,” said Nirmal K Minda, president of the industry body.

Despite global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, India’s economy is demonstrating remarkable resilience. Analysts point to strong consumption trends, rising infrastructure investment, and steady industrial output as key factors supporting sustained growth.

This optimistic outlook underscores India’s potential to not only weather global economic challenges but also to attract more business, investment, and innovation domestically. With continued policy support and a large, dynamic consumer base, the country is poised for sustained economic expansion in the years ahead.

India’s flagship financial inclusion initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), is showing remarkable progress as average account balances reach a record ₹5,233. Total deposits across the scheme have now crossed ₹3 lakh crore, reflecting a growing trust in the banking system.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

As of March 11, 2026, aggregate balances stood at approximately ₹3.03 lakh crore, spread across nearly 578.6 million beneficiaries. The steady increase signals a shift from dormant, zero-balance accounts to actively used financial instruments for savings, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and daily transactions.

Analysts note that the trend highlights greater financial literacy and the increasing adoption of formal banking channels among rural and low-income populations. With PMJDY accounts now playing a crucial role in government benefit disbursements and routine financial activities, the program continues to strengthen India’s foundation for inclusive economic growth.

This milestone not only underscores the success of PMJDY but also points to a broader transformation in India’s banking ecosystem, where digital and formal financial access is becoming an everyday reality for millions.

Mar 27: D‘Decor Home Fabrics continues its expansion journey across India, by launching a new showroom in Kolhapur today. This milestone highlights the brand’s strong growth trajectory and retail scaling capabilities by reflecting its growing resonance with consumers seeking premium home décor solutions, while reinforcing its commitment to design excellence, innovation, and elevated living experiences.

In a short span, the brand has redefined the home decor retail sector by offering an immersive shopping experience that features exquisite curtain and upholstery fabrics, bedding and wallpaper of D‘Decor along with the advanced, high-performance solutions of FabriCare by D‘Decor – from easy clean curtain and upholstery fabrics to rugs, blinds, and more.

The new store in Kolhapur is envisioned as a signature home décor destination. It showcases an extensive library of meticulously crafted designs, textures, and patterns across curtains, upholstery, bed linen, and wallpapers. The space features thoughtfully curated experience zones where customers can interact with the fabrics, visualizing their dream homes through the brand’s design-first philosophy.

The showroom also highlights D’Decor’s Fit-To-Perfection – a made-to-measure service for custom, factory-finished curtains, the Style Expert Service – for a professional design curation, automated blinds, unique kids’ bedding, and more to suit modern lifestyles.

With this launch, D‘Decor further solidifies its presence across key metros and Tier-II cities, joining an expansive national network that includes 250+ Cities. 

Speaking on the occasion, Simone Arora, Creative Director, D‘Decor Home Fabrics, said: “As we continue our retail expansion journey, the Kolhapur launch is a proud milestone for us. At D’Decor Home Fabrics, we believe every home is a canvas for self-expression, and this expansion allows us to bring global trends and design closer to our consumers. This moment reflects our long-term vision of building a nationally admired home lifestyle brand. Our growth is rooted in a legacy of innovation, design leadership, and trust. For decades, we have stood for reliability, aesthetic excellence, and value creation—principles that continue to guide our retail journey as we shape the future of Indian homes.” 

Mr. Manish Dhaka, VP – Head India Sales, D‘Decor Home Fabrics, added, “As we scale our presence across India, the launch of the FabriCare & D’Decor Exclusive Showroom in Kolhapur reflects both our growth momentum and the strong trust we’ve built with our customers. We remain focused on delivering design-led, experience-first home solutions that blend innovation, quality, and functionality. Kolhapur represents a key strategic market for us, with its growing demand for premium home décor, making it an important focus area in our expansion journey. This milestone further strengthens our commitment to setting new benchmarks in the home décor space and accelerating our journey as category leader.” 

D‘Decor Home Fabrics continues to lead the category by blending refined aesthetics with experiential retail, ensuring that every touchpoint – from the fabric feel to the final installation -embodies the brand’s legacy of trust and innovation.

India’s aviation sector is gaining fresh momentum as global aircraft makers deepen their engagement with the country’s growing market.

Leading aerospace companies Airbus and Embraer are expanding their “Make in India” plans, encouraged by rising demand for regional air travel. This demand is being driven in part by the UDAN Scheme, which has improved connectivity across smaller cities and towns.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

The increase in regional routes has created a strong need for smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft, prompting manufacturers to look beyond sales and toward long-term investments in India. Both companies are exploring deeper partnerships with local suppliers, with potential plans for assembly lines and expanded manufacturing operations.

These developments reflect a broader shift in India’s aviation landscape—from being primarily a buyer of aircraft to becoming a key player in the global aerospace supply chain. With supportive policies, a growing domestic market, and a skilled workforce, India is positioning itself as an emerging hub for aviation manufacturing.

As investments gather pace, the country’s aviation ambitions are steadily moving from runway to reality.