All posts by Neel Achary

New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 6,969 crore project to upgrade the Barabanki–Bahraich highway in Uttar Pradesh into a four-lane corridor. The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support regional economic growth.

The upgraded highway will benefit commuters, transporters, and local businesses by easing congestion and enhancing road safety. It will also strengthen access to remote areas, boost trade, and create employment opportunities during construction.

This initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize road infrastructure across India, enhancing connectivity and fostering industrial and regional development.

Amsterdam, Mar 18: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the successful installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper signage displays at Duquesne University, with the range bringing instant energy savings and waste cutting benefits, as well as delivering on a more informed and sustainable campus.

 Founded in 1887, Duquesne is among the top 15% educational institutions in the United States. A top ranked private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, it caters for 8,000 students from 80 countries and over 3,000 faculty and staff.

 As the university continues to experience exponential growth, both in appeal and in size, its scenic 49 acre (198,300 m²) campus overlooking downtown Pittsburgh continues to evolve, with the university placing a growing focus on enabling students with the latest technologies both in and outside of the classrooms.

 Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and with a commitment to sustainable ecologies – which saw them recently named on the Princeton Review List of Green Colleges – the team researched the global ePaper market and turned to PPDS to seize the opportunities of the technology to replace the tired paper directories used around its campus.

 Concluding the in depth analysis, Philips Tableaux ePaper displays were selected as the standout choice to achieve the team’s ambitions, with a fleet of 21x 32” 5150 and 25” 4050 Philips Tableaux installed in classrooms, study areas, and hallways.

 As with other installations of Philips Tableaux ePaper displays – most recently inside the Institut Pasteur’s HQ in Paris – the Philips Tableaux range provides Duquesne University with incredible levels of flexibility and adaptability, interchangeable for a wide range of uses – from wayfinding and safety notices, cafeteria menus and event information, and many more. This includes in areas with limited power sources.

 Light in weight and fully portable, Philips Tableaux models used on campus are capable of displaying full colour imagery for days, weeks, months, or even years without using a single kilowatt of energy, only requiring a small amount of electricity (0.0025 kWh for the 25” model) during content changes.

 Instant benefits

Running on an Android SoC, Philips Tableaux displays can be managed and updated remotely via a content management or remote display management system such as Philips Wave or as chosen by the team at Duquesne, content can be updated manually via a USB drive.

 The project has been deemed a major success, and a second rollout phase is set to include Philips Tableaux displays in other buildings around the campus, including the School of Nursing, the School of Liberal Arts, and the College of Medicine.

 Lauren Turin, Director of Classroom Technologies, Duquesne University, commented: “We have eliminated the need for complicated installation, and we are saving on the cost of paper, printing, and time. So, the cost per department is more economical in the long run. When our directories need an update, we use a USB drive with the content and an extension cord for power. The time it takes to update the directory is quicker than the time it takes to walk to the building.”

 PPDS Director of Education, Patrick VanTreese, added: “With sustainability now an important focus for businesses and in education, ePaper has become a real game changer, opening new opportunities to reduce wastage, save on costs, and create new opportunities to communicate. We’re delighted to have supported Duquesne University, delivering on their ambitions with our Philips Tableaux range.”

New Delhi, March 18: India is steadily moving toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, driven by strong growth, rising investments, and a large domestic market. However, experts believe that expanding the country’s manufacturing sector will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and achieving long-term economic strength.

India’s economy has shown consistent growth in recent years, supported by increasing consumer demand, digital expansion, and infrastructure development. While the services sector continues to play a dominant role, the next phase of growth is expected to depend more on industrial development and production capacity.

Why Manufacturing Matters

A stronger manufacturing base can significantly boost the economy by creating jobs, increasing exports, and reducing dependence on imports. It also supports other sectors such as logistics, trade, and services, creating a multiplier effect across the economy.

At present, manufacturing contributes a smaller share to India’s overall economy compared to leading industrial nations. Expanding this sector will help India move up the global economic ladder and compete more effectively on the world stage.

Growth Drivers and Opportunities

India has several advantages that can support manufacturing growth:

• A large and young workforce

• Expanding infrastructure and industrial corridors

• Rising demand for goods both domestically and globally

• Increasing focus on technology and innovation

Key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, renewable energy, and semiconductors are expected to play a major role in this transformation.

Government Efforts and Policy Support

The government has introduced various measures to encourage manufacturing, including incentives for production, improvements in ease of doing business, and investments in infrastructure. These steps are aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment and building a stronger industrial ecosystem.

Efforts to improve logistics, reduce costs, and simplify regulations are also helping businesses expand more easily.

The Road Ahead

As India continues to grow, the focus is gradually shifting toward building a more balanced economy that combines strong consumption with robust industrial output. Scaling up manufacturing will be essential to creating jobs, boosting exports, and maintaining high growth rates.

With continued policy support and investment, India is well positioned to strengthen its manufacturing sector and achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s largest economies.

New Delhi, March 18: In a major push to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, the Union Cabinet has approved the BHAVYA scheme with a total outlay of Rs 33,660 crore to develop 100 industrial parks across the country. The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities while enhancing industrial infrastructure.

The scheme aims to create world-class industrial clusters equipped with modern facilities, improved logistics, and better connectivity. By providing ready-to-use infrastructure, the government seeks to attract both domestic and global investors, making it easier for businesses to set up and expand operations.

Officials said the proposed industrial parks will be strategically located to support key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented industries. The focus will be on ensuring efficient land use, seamless connectivity, and access to essential services, which are often critical for industrial growth.

A major objective of the BHAVYA scheme is job creation, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. By developing industrial hubs beyond major cities, the initiative is expected to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.

The scheme also aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains. With improved infrastructure and policy support, the initiative is likely to enhance competitiveness and attract long-term investments.

Industry experts believe that the development of integrated industrial parks will not only improve ease of doing business but also create opportunities for ancillary industries, small businesses, and startups.

The approval of the BHAVYA scheme marks another step in India’s ongoing efforts to build a robust industrial base, support economic growth, and generate employment at scale. As implementation begins, the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s manufacturing future.

New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme aimed at promoting small hydro power projects across the country, with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s renewable energy capacity while supporting sustainable and decentralized power generation.

The scheme focuses on the development, modernization, and revival of small hydro projects, which are typically defined as plants with a capacity of up to 25 MW. These projects are considered environmentally friendly and play a crucial role in providing reliable electricity, especially in remote and hilly regions.

According to official sources, the programme will support both new and existing projects. It includes provisions for upgrading old plants to improve efficiency, as well as incentives to encourage fresh investments in the sector. By addressing issues such as ageing infrastructure and financial viability, the scheme aims to unlock the untapped potential of small hydro energy in India.

Small hydro projects are particularly significant for states with abundant water resources, including those in the Himalayan and northeastern regions. These projects not only contribute to clean energy generation but also help in local employment and regional development.

The government’s decision comes at a time when India is accelerating its push toward renewable energy to meet its climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By promoting small hydro alongside solar and wind energy, the country is adopting a more diversified approach to clean power generation.

Industry experts believe that the scheme could revive investor interest in the sector, which has faced challenges in recent years due to high initial costs and regulatory hurdles. With financial support and policy backing, small hydro projects are expected to play a more prominent role in India’s renewable energy mix.

The initiative also aligns with the broader objective of ensuring energy access in underserved areas while maintaining environmental sustainability. As implementation begins, the scheme is likely to contribute to both green energy expansion and rural development, reinforcing India’s long-term energy strategy.

Hong Kong, Mar 18: Cathay Group today announced its traffic figures for February 2026, highlighting a strong start to the year driven by robust Lunar New Year travel demand and sustained operational momentum across its passenger and cargo businesses.

Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer of the Cathay Group, said, “The first two months of 2026 have got off to an encouraging start, with the solid momentum seen in January continuing into February. We recorded a new single-day passenger milestone, carrying approximately 128,000 passengers on 14 February. Together, our airlines carried more than 3.2 million passengers during the month, marking a 24% year-on-year increase.”

Passenger Business Sees Strong Growth

Cathay Pacific reported a 24% year-on-year increase in passengers carried in February, reaching over 2.55 million passengers. Capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs), grew by nearly 16%, while passenger load factor rose to 85.6%.

Demand during the Lunar New Year period remained strong, particularly for short-haul outbound travel from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Inbound traffic also showed healthy growth, supported by long-haul markets and the Chinese Mainland. Business travel rebounded toward the end of the month, contributing to strong premium cabin performance.

Looking ahead, the airline is set to launch a new five-times-weekly Seattle service on 30 March, further enhancing connectivity for the Hong Kong aviation hub.

Cargo Operations Remain Resilient

Cathay Cargo recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in cargo carried, totaling over 127,000 tonnes in February. Capacity grew by 4%, while cargo demand remained steady despite seasonal fluctuations due to the Lunar New Year holidays.

Demand for specialized solutions such as Cathay Secure remained strong, particularly on routes from Europe and the Americas to Asia. Meanwhile, Cathay Live Animal services saw notable growth, driven by increased shipments from Oceania to Hong Kong.

HK Express Continues Growth Momentum

Low-cost carrier HK Express carried more than 730,000 passengers in February, representing a 25% year-on-year increase. The airline achieved a strong load factor of 86%, supported by high demand across regional routes.

South Korea emerged as the most popular destination, while routes to Malaysia and the Chinese Mainland also saw significant growth, with demand outpacing capacity increases.

Navigating Global Challenges

Despite the strong performance, the Group acknowledged ongoing global uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions in the Middle East have led to temporary suspension of passenger and cargo services to Dubai and Riyadh until 30 April 2026.

To adapt to shifting travel patterns, the Group has increased capacity on European routes, including additional flights to London and Zurich, to meet rising demand as passengers seek alternative travel options.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving global environment and remain agile in responding to changes in passenger and cargo flows,” added Lau.

Positive Outlook

With bookings remaining robust for March, particularly for leisure travel across Asia, the Cathay Group is optimistic about maintaining growth momentum in the coming months, supported by strategic network adjustments and continued demand across both passenger and cargo segments.

Hyderabad, Mar 18: Apis India Limited’s MISK has launched its newest innovation – Masala Dates in Hyderabad. It’s a savoury spin on a traditional superfood-on-the-go that brings three punchy Indian masala profiles – Achari, Imli (tamarind) and Chilli-Lime to deseeded, sliced dates. 

Traditionally consumed in their whole form, dates often require preparation such as deseeding or cutting before consumption. Recognising this friction and the growing consumer interest in flavour experimentation, Apis India has introduced Masala Dates as a value-added, sweet-savoury innovation in the category. The range is designed for immediate consumption and flavour exploration, offering an alternative to sugary and fried snacks. 

Unlike conventional date products that largely remain in their natural sweet format, Masala Dates is an innovation that introduces a differentiated flavour dimension. It combines the natural sweetness of dates with bold Indian spice blends to create a snack that stands apart from typical offerings in the segment.

Masala Dates pairs the natural energy and nutritional profile of dates with bold spice blends created for snacking, topping and quick recipe uses. The product is seedless, pre-sliced and ready to eat, making it easy to add to breakfast bowls, chaat, salads, or to enjoy straight from the pack as an on-the-go savoury bite.

The launch expands the company’s clean-nutrition and value-added portfolio and is aimed at  consumers who are curious about flavour, time-pressed, or looking for healthier substitutes to conventional snacks. The de-seeded format is intended to reduce handling time and broaden usage occasions across households and on the move.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Amit Anand, Managing Director, Apis India, said:

“We are excited to present this latest innovation to consumers. We developed Masala Dates to address everyday convenience and healthy choices without moving away from familiar Indian flavour profiles. The range is intended for consumers who want ready-to-use options that fit into modern routines while offering distinct taste choices.”

Masala Dates will be rolled out PAN India through retail shops, leading modern trade stores and major e-commerce platforms in coming weeks.

Mumbai, Mar 18: Rubix Data Sciences has released its latest report, “State of the States; Assessing State-level Performance: Driving India’s Economic Transition,” revealing that 10 states account for nearly 70% of India’s total economic output, underscoring the concentration of growth across key regions.

The decadal analysis, covering FY15 to FY25, evaluates state performance across multiple indicators including GDP contribution, per capita income, capital expenditure, exports, credit flows, social sector spending, and tourism.

South Emerges as Leading Growth Engine

According to the report, India’s southern region leads national GDP contribution with a 31% share in FY25, marginally ahead of the northern region at 30%. Key southern states—Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh—collectively increased their share of national GDP from 25% in FY15 to 27% in FY25.

These states also recorded strong growth:

• Karnataka: 7.8% average real growth

• Telangana: 7.1%

• Andhra Pradesh: 6.9%

• Tamil Nadu: 6.8%

Maharashtra Remains Top Contributor; Gujarat Leads Growth

While Maharashtra continues as India’s largest contributor to GDP, its share moderated from 15% in FY15 to 13% in FY25. Meanwhile, Gujarat emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies, posting a 7.9% average growth rate.

Investment and Credit Remain Concentrated

The report highlights that capital expenditure remains concentrated:

• Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat together account for nearly 30% of India’s capex

• The top 10 states contribute ~67% of total capex

Industrial credit is similarly concentrated, with the West and North accounting for 34% each, capturing two-thirds of total industrial credit.

Exports Driven by West and South

India’s goods exports remain dominated by a few states:

• Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu together contribute ~61% of total exports

• The West holds ~48% share, while the South has increased from ~26% to ~33%, reflecting growing manufacturing strength

Per Capita Prosperity Led by Southern States

Southern states also lead in per capita income:

• Telangana: ₹3.88 lakh

• Karnataka: ₹3.81 lakh

• Tamil Nadu: ₹3.62 lakh

These figures surpass larger states like Maharashtra and Haryana, indicating that growth in the South is translating into higher individual prosperity.

Shifting Investment Trends

India’s investment landscape is gradually evolving:

• Fixed capital remains concentrated in the West (33%)

• However, new investments are diversifying toward Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh

Karnataka and Telangana have demonstrated high capital efficiency, with capital-to-invested ratios exceeding 100%.

Northeast Leads in Social Sector Spending

The Northeast region recorded the highest social sector spending as a share of GDP, rising to ~16.4% in FY25. States like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh led with significant allocations toward education, healthcare, and welfare.

Tourism Growth Highlights Regional Trends

India recorded:

• 20.9 million foreign tourist arrivals

• 2.9 billion domestic visits in 2024

The North led tourism, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the top domestic destination (22% share), driven by events like the Ram Temple inauguration and the Maha Kumbh Mela.

BIMARU States Show Strong Transformation

Traditionally lagging states—Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh—have demonstrated notable progress:

• GSDP nearly tripled in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh

• Per capita income rose ~2.5 times across all four states

These states are increasingly becoming significant contributors to India’s economic landscape.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the findings, Mohan Ramaswamy said:
“India’s growth story is fundamentally a state-level story. While growth is broadening beyond traditional anchors, concentration risks remain. The ability of emerging states to convert investment momentum into sustainable industrial capacity will define the next phase of India’s growth.”

Conclusion: Need for Balanced Growth

The report emphasizes that while leading states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana continue to anchor India’s economy, long-term resilience will depend on broader regional participation.

A more balanced distribution of investment, credit, and industrial growth will be crucial in shaping India’s next phase of economic development.

For many new investors, diversification can sound like a concept reserved for large accounts. In reality, it’s simply a way to avoid tying the performance to a single stock, sector, or theme. The main idea is that different assets don’t always move in lockstep, so spreading exposure can help reduce the impact of a single company- or sector-specific shock on overall performance.

Having a limited capital changeshow investors diversify, not whether they can. One reason that diversification is more accessible than it used to be comes down to product design. Instead of trying to buy a long list of individual shares, investors can start with broader building blocks. That’s where pooled investments like ETFs come in. They are a way to spread risk because they bundle multiple underlying holdings into one product.

ETFs regularly feature in introductory conversations about investing. They’re designed to provide diversified exposure through a single instrument, and they trade throughout the day like stocks. For someone learning to invest, this removes the pressure of picking the right individual stocks while learning the basics. However, diversification can also be achieved through individual stocks.

It helps to be clear about what diversification can look like in everyday terms. It usually means mixing assets that are affected by different drivers and balancing higher-risk growth with more defensive holdings. It’s not about predicting what will win, but about avoiding overdependence on any single part of the investment portfolio.

While some assets are affected by global geopolitical developments, others react to local changes, shifts in monetary or economic policies. Investing in different assets from different industries and region of the world helps spread out risk and reduce exposure to sudden shocks and price corrections. This in turn add a layer of protection to a portfolio if it is well diversified.

Finally, position sizing can also play a role in the effectiveness of diversification. Small accounts can become concentrated by accident when one theme becomes a larger position holding, driving most of the day-to-day gains or losses, either because it moved sharply or because the rest of the portfolio is too small to balance it out. When a single big position dominates the outcome, diversification stops doing its job.

While none of this guarantees smoother performance as diversified portfolios can still move with broader risk sentiment, a proper diversification strategy can alleviate adverse market moves. In this regard, starting with a simple framework that reduces single-point risk, makes the portfolio’s overall performance less volatile and risks more manageable, in particular for newcomers with limited knowledge of the financial markets and more advanced instruments.

Bhubaneswar, March 17: Day three of the 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship 2025–26 at the Biju Patnaik Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, KIIT Deemed to be University, witnessed a spectacular performance by the Odisha contingent, as both the men’s and women’s teams topped their respective pools to secure quarterfinal berths.

Odisha Men’s Team Remains Unbeaten

The Odisha men’s team continued its impressive campaign with two commanding victories, demonstrating strength in both attack and defense. In their first match of the day, they outclassed Chhattisgarh, winning in straight sets 3-0 with a clinical display of teamwork and precision.

Facing Andhra Pradesh next, Odisha encountered a stiffer challenge. After winning the first two sets, the team temporarily lost momentum in the third but regrouped to clinch the fourth set in a thrilling finish, securing a 3-1 victory. With these wins, the men’s team remained unbeaten in their pool, showcasing consistency, confidence, and tactical superiority as they advanced to the quarterfinals.

Odisha Women’s Team Shows Resilience and Skill

The Odisha women’s team mirrored the men’s success with an equally impressive performance. They began their day with a strong comeback against West Bengal, bouncing back after dropping the first set to dominate the next three with controlled aggression and excellent coordination, winning 3-1.

Maintaining their momentum, the women secured another convincing 3-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh, remaining undefeated in their pool and earning the top position, thereby confirming their place in the quarterfinals.

Leadership Applauds the Teams

On this occasion, Achyuta Samanta, Chief Patron of the Volleyball Federation of India, founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, and President of the Odisha Volleyball Association, congratulated both teams for their outstanding performance. He praised their skill, teamwork, and determination, highlighting how Odisha continues to be a powerhouse in national volleyball competitions.

With the quarterfinals on the horizon, Odisha’s volleyball contingent looks set to maintain their unbeaten streak and make a strong bid for championship glory in both the men’s and women’s categories.