Category business

Chennai, Mar 20th:  On the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, the fledgling Home Finance Company, Nestavia Home Finance Private Limited, unveiled its new-age Customer–first Mobile Application, ‘NestCFirst’. Designed to simplify and streamline loan servicing, the unified platform brings together critical loan functions into a single, digital interface, enabling borrowers to track, access, and manage their critical loan information and service requests, without waiting periods or charges.

Nestavia envisions a world where every individual and family has a place to call home. The launch of NestCFirst marks a significant step in this journey, combining customer–first design with a robust, technology-driven backbone to simplify loan servicing and enhance transparency, speed, and convenience.

Speaking on the launch, Mr Suchindran VG, MD & CEO of Nestavia Home Finance Private Limited, said, “Ugadi symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity, and we are delighted to launch NestCFirst on this special occasion. At, Nestavia, this is a big step for us in enhancing customer experience and delivering quality services with Customer First Approach”

A key differentiator of NestCFirst lies in its ability to provide customers with instant, self-service access to all loan-related documents, including loan agreements, sanction letters, repayment schedules, insurance policies, tax certificates, statements of account, and even original property documents, without waiting periods or charges. This significantly enhances transparency while placing greater control directly in the hands of the borrower. The platform also offers real-time visibility into tranche disbursements, EMI schedules, transaction history, and service request tracking. Customers can seamlessly initiate requests for subsequent disbursements, top-up loans, and support services, including grievance redressal, through a unified interface. Additionally, the platform enables users to refer friends and family for new loans, further extending its functionality beyond servicing into engagement.

Mr Ravi Kumar Jayanthi, CTO of Nestavia, said, “The application has been built with a user-friendly interface and robust security features to ensure a safe, seamless digital experience for our customers. We are pleased to have partnered with Novac Technology Solutions to bring this to life.”

Developed by Novac Technology Solutions, NestCFirst integrates core servicing capabilities within a secure and scalable ecosystem. The application enables borrowers to instantly access loan information, repayment status, service requests, and critical documentation without delays, eliminating the need for multiple touchpoints, or manual requests. 

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr N S Nandakishore, Managing Director & CEO, Novac Technology Solutions said, “Housing finance in India is at a pivotal point where customer expectations are shifting rapidly toward real-time, self-service experiences. Platforms today need to go beyond digitisation and enable true accessibility, transparency, and speed at scale. We have worked closely with Nestavia to translate this vision into a robust, customer-centric solution. “

With operations across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Nestavia is making home ownership increasingly accessible and convenient for borrowers. With this app, Nestavia demonstrates how strategic partnerships and innovative digital solutions can transform housing finance, giving millions of borrowers greater control and confidence over their loan experience.

Mumbai, Mar 20: Mrida, a premium handloom saree label, has announced the launch of its Spring/Summer 2026 collection titled ‘Scoop Of Summer’, a thoughtfully curated range of pure linen sarees inspired by the softer, more mindful side of the season.

Rooted in the philosophy of slow craft and everyday elegance, the collection reimagines summer dressing through breathable fabrics, artisanal detailing, and playful hand block prints. Each saree is handwoven and dyed in Bhagalpur, a region renowned for its expertise in linen weaving, using 100% pure linen that becomes softer over time while retaining its natural texture and character.

The collection showcases exclusive in-house developed hand block prints, featuring motifs such as florals, fruits, birds, stripes, and checks. These designs are brought to life in a soothing palette of pista green, periwinkle blue, mint, peach, cream, and citrus-toned pinks, striking a balance between vibrancy and subtlety.

Adding to the tactile appeal, each saree is finished with handcrafted embellishments including lace borders, crochet trims, tassels, pom-poms, and delicate bead accents. The meticulous process—from weaving and dyeing to printing and finishing—takes approximately 10 to 15 days per piece, reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and detail.

Commenting on the launch, Shriya Nagi said,

“Scoop Of Summer is our ode to slower days and softer dressing. We wanted to explore linen as a breathable, living textile and pair it with motifs that feel joyful yet grounded. These sarees are designed to be lived in, whether at work, at home, or during unhurried summer afternoons.”

Moving beyond occasion-led fashion, the collection positions sarees as an integral part of everyday wardrobe choices—lightweight, versatile, and easy to wear. With Scoop Of Summer, Mrida invites consumers to embrace comfort, craftsmanship, and quiet elegance, celebrating the season with effortless style and mindful living.

India is preparing for a major industrial upgrade in its sports goods and equipment sector, with NITI Aayog proposing ₹7,500 crore in structural reforms and fiscal incentives for the period 2027–2031. The initiative aims to position India as a globally competitive hub for sports manufacturing while significantly boosting exports, employment, and innovation.

This ambitious roadmap is built around a seven-pronged strategy designed to strengthen production capacity, modernise infrastructure, and integrate Indian manufacturers into global supply chains.

India’s Sports Manufacturing Sector Set for Major Expansion

The sports goods industry in India has traditionally been driven by small and medium enterprises, but global demand for fitness equipment, sportswear, and performance gear is rising rapidly. Recognising this opportunity, the proposed policy framework focuses on scaling up domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The goal is clear: transform India from a cost-based supplier into a quality-driven global exporter of sports equipment.

Key Objectives of the ₹7,500 Crore Reform Plan

The proposed strategy focuses on long-term structural transformation rather than short-term subsidies. Key priorities include:

• Expansion of modern manufacturing clusters

• Technology upgradation in production units

• Improved testing, certification, and quality standards

• Better logistics and supply chain efficiency

• Incentives to attract private and foreign investment

• Strengthening export-oriented production systems

These reforms are designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness.

Boosting Exports and Global Market Share

A major focus of the initiative is to increase India’s presence in the global sports goods market. Currently, India holds a relatively small share despite strong domestic manufacturing potential.

The policy aims to:

• Increase exports of sports equipment and fitness products

• Improve international quality compliance standards

• Promote “Made in India” branding in global markets

• Strengthen trade competitiveness against established exporters

If successfully implemented, India could emerge as a key alternative manufacturing hub for global sports brands.

MSMEs at the Core of Growth Strategy

Micro, small, and medium enterprises form the backbone of India’s sports manufacturing ecosystem. The reform plan places strong emphasis on supporting MSMEs through:

• Easier access to credit and incentives

• Skill development and workforce training

• Cluster-based industrial development

• Integration into global value chains

This is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities, especially in traditional manufacturing regions.

Economic and Employment Impact

The sports goods sector has the potential to become a high-employment industry, particularly for semi-skilled and skilled workers. The proposed reforms are expected to:

• Generate new manufacturing jobs

• Strengthen export-linked income opportunities

• Encourage entrepreneurship in small-scale industries

• Support regional industrial development

States with existing manufacturing clusters are likely to benefit significantly from this growth push.

Conclusion

NITI Aayog’s proposed ₹7,500 crore reform package marks a strategic step toward transforming India’s sports goods industry into a globally competitive manufacturing powerhouse. By combining infrastructure development, export promotion, and MSME support, the initiative aims to unlock long-term growth potential in a sector with rising global demand.

If implemented effectively, this vision could place India firmly on the global map as a leading exporter of sports goods and equipment by the end of the decade.

Bengaluru, Mar 20: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has once again been recognised as the ‘Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia’ at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026, marking its third consecutive win and reinforcing its position as a leading aviation hub in the region.

 Further strengthening its global standing, BLR Airport has climbed the global airport rankings from 48 to 41 in 2026, securing its place among the world’s top 50 airports. This achievement reflects the airport’s continued focus on delivering a world-class passenger experience and operational excellence.

Widely regarded as a benchmark for airport quality, the Skytrax World Airport Awards recognise excellence across key passenger touchpoints, including check-in, arrivals, transfers, retail, security, immigration, and departures. BLR Airport’s consistent performance across these areas has contributed to its sustained recognition on the global stage.

The airport has also earned multiple global accolades in recent years, including being named ‘Best Airport in Arrivals Globally’ for the fourth time. Terminal 2 at BLR Airport became the first in India to receive a 5-star Skytrax rating. Additionally, the airport has achieved the highest Level 5 Accreditation under ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme and Level 3 Accessibility Accreditation, highlighting its leadership in sustainability, inclusivity, and customer experience.

Commenting on the achievement, Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said,

“Our continued recognition at the Skytrax World Airport Awards reflects the strength of our long-term vision and consistent focus on passenger experience. It is a testament to the collective effort of our teams and partners who continue to push the boundaries of what a modern airport experience can be. As we scale and strengthen our position as a key transfer hub in the region, we remain committed to continuously raising the bar on service and experience.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, added,

“Winning this award for a third consecutive year is a fantastic achievement for Bangalore Airport and highlights strong appreciation shown by passengers. Terminal 2 has strengthened the airport’s reputation, and Bangalore is now positioned among the region’s most recognisable airports.”

BLR Airport continues to witness strong growth across both passenger and cargo operations. In calendar year 2025, the airport served 43.82 million passengers and handled 520,985 metric tonnes of cargo. Backed by network expansion and infrastructure enhancements, the airport is further strengthening its position as a key transfer hub in the region.

With a continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and passenger-centric design, BLR Airport is poised to redefine the future of airport experiences in India and beyond.

On cold spring mornings in the Nebraska Sandhills, calving season can test even the most experienced ranchers.

Twenty-five years ago, a collaboration between a Sandhills ranch family, a rural veterinarian and University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers led to a management innovation that transformed how cattle producers prevent calf scours. Known today as the Sandhills Calving System, the approach has become one of the most widely recommended strategies for preventing neonatal calf diarrhea — a disease that historically caused significant illness, death loss and treatment costs in beef calves.

The system was first developed through a partnership between Tim Knott, a veterinarian in Arthur, Nebraska; Mart and Cindy McNutt at the McNutt Ranch west of Tryon, Nebraska; and former Husker veterinarians David Smith and Dale Grotelueschen.

Together, they sought a practical solution to outbreaks of calf scours that many ranchers across the Great Plains faced during the spring calving season.

“When you lose 10% of your calf crop and it starts hurting your financial business because you’re spending so much money trying to save them, you get willing to try something different,” Mart McNutt said.
Rather than relying solely on medical treatment, the team focused on changing how cattle were managed during calving.

The resulting system emphasizes separating calves by age and regularly moving pregnant cows that have not yet calved to clean pastures, preventing younger calves from being exposed to pathogens shed by older animals.

“Management practices can have a profound effect on the health of cattle,” said Smith, a veterinarian and epidemiologist who helped investigate the original outbreaks.

Research showed that calf scours was not typically caused by a single new disease. Instead, common pathogens built up in the environment as the calving season progressed, exposing younger calves to higher disease pressure.

“The first calves are exposed to a relatively small dose of pathogens,” Smith explained. “But later in the calving season, those pathogens accumulate in the environment, and younger calves can be exposed to much higher levels.”

By separating calves by age and moving pregnant cows to clean pastures during the calving season, producers could interrupt that cycle.

Research-backed results Initial research conducted in commercial Sandhills ranch herds demonstrated dramatic improvements in calf health after adopting the system.

In early case studies, illness and death from calf scours dropped significantly. Some herds reported no calf deaths due to scours after implementing the system, while veterinary treatment costs during calving declined sharply.

“When we first started trying it, we didn’t know if it would work,” McNutt said. “But once you learn the basics of it, it’s just like turning the scours switch off.”

The system works by reducing the buildup and transmission of pathogens that cause scours — including viruses, bacteria and protozoa — which commonly spread from older calves to younger animals during the calving season.

According to Grotelueschen, the system emerged through close collaboration between veterinarians and ranchers working through the problem together.

“There was never a grant or funding attached to this work,” he said. “It was veterinarians and ranchers working together in a problem-solving mode.”

A Nebraska innovation with national impact Although the Sandhills Calving System was developed and first tested in Nebraska ranch herds, its impact has extended far beyond the state.

The management approach has since been widely shared through veterinary conferences, extension programs and beef industry education efforts. Today it is commonly taught in veterinary schools and recommended by extension specialists and veterinarians across North America.

For Brian Vander Ley, a veterinarian and epidemiologist at Nebraska, the system remains one of the best examples of how applied science can solve real-world problems.

“This is bringing science to bear on a real-world problem to generate solutions that actually work for producers,” Vander Ley said.

Unlike many disease-control strategies that rely on medications or vaccines alone, Vander Ley said the Sandhills Calving System demonstrates the power of management decisions.
“In veterinary medicine, we sometimes talk about solutions delivered through needles,” he said. “This was the opposite of that — understanding the disease, how it spreads and how ranch operations work, and adapting management to solve the problem.”

A legacy of applied research Twenty-five years later, the Sandhills Calving System remains a cornerstone of calf health management in the beef industry. Its success highlights the power of applied research rooted in the needs of producers — and the role Nebraska’s land-grant university continues to play in developing practical solutions for ranchers.

“These guys made a real difference for a lot of people,” Vander Ley said.

What began as a practical solution tested on a Sandhills ranch has grown into a management approach now used by cattle producers across North America — improving calf health, reducing treatment costs and helping ranchers raise more healthy calves each year.

 Summit emphasises bridging institutional and industry gaps to accelerate value creation, strengthen GCCs, and support India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy

New Delhi, Mar 20: The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, successfully concluded the RISE India Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and financial experts to deliberate on the role of strategic leadership in advancing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

ICMAI, the largest Cost and Management Accounting body in the world and in Asia, with nearly five lakh students and over one lakh qualified CMAs globally, continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening governance systems, ensuring transparency, and promoting financial discipline across India’s economic ecosystem. 

Held at Shangri-La Eros, the summit centred around the theme “Strategic Leadership for Global Capability Centre – CMAs as Architects of Value Creation & Capability Augmentation”, with a strong focus on identifying institutional, regulatory, and operational gaps that must be addressed to accelerate India’s transformation into a developed economy.

In his address, CMA T.C.A. Srinivasa Prasad, President, ICMAI, underscored the pivotal role of Cost and Management Accountants in driving efficiency, transparency, and value-based decision-making across sectors. He highlighted that CMAs are uniquely positioned to act as strategic enablers in bridging gaps between policy formulation and on-ground implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as Global Capability Centres (GCCs), digital finance, and sustainable growth frameworks.

The summit witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri Beeda Mastan Rao, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; Shri D Prasada Rao Hon’ble Member of Parliament. CMA Anand Kumar Pal, Advisor Manistry of finance, Shri CMA L.V. Sudhakar Babu, Managing Director, Sagarmala Finance Corporation; Shri Vivek Chandrakant Tongankar, Director (Finance), ONGC; CMA Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi, Director (Finance), BHEL; CMA Rakesh Yadav, Chairman, NIRC, ICMAI; and Shri CMA Sanjay Jindal, Director (Finance), Engineers India Limited, among others.

The event also reflected the collective leadership of ICMAI, including CMA Neeraj Dhananjay Joshi, Vice President; CMA Vinayaranjan P, Chairman, Career Counselling & Placement Committee; CMA B B Nayak , CMA Manoj Kumar Anand, CMA Rajendra Singh Bhati, CMA Navneet Kumar Jain, CMA Chittranjan Chattopadhyaya, CMA Avijit Goswami and Council Members; and CMA Dr D.P. Nandy, Secretary, along with other Council Members who contributed to the success of both the summit and the preceding press conference. 

Deliberations throughout the summit focused on strengthening India’s institutional capacity to support the Viksit Bharat mission by enhancing financial discipline, improving cost competitiveness, and fostering innovation-led growth. Speakers highlighted the need for robust policy alignment, capacity building, and deeper industry-academia collaboration to address skill gaps and ensure that India’s GCC ecosystem evolves into a global benchmark for efficiency and value creation.

The summit served as a high-level platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, bringing together CEOs, CFOs, Directors, senior corporate leaders, HR professionals, senior government officials, and industry representatives to collectively shape strategies for strengthening India’s global business and capability ecosystem. 

A key takeaway from the discussions was the critical importance of CMAs in enabling data-driven governance, optimizing resource allocation, and supporting regulatory frameworks that align with global standards. The summit also stressed the need to institutionalise best practices in cost management and performance measurement to enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets.

Industry leaders from organisations such as Microsoft India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Accenture, Apple India Private Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, BHEL, NSIC, REC Limited, Central Warehousing Corporation, Cement Corporation of India Limited, KRIBHCO Green Energy Pvt Ltd,  Accenture, HCL, Samsung, Orange Business and TPM Consultants Pvt Ltd shared insights on building resilient and future-ready enterprises aligned with national priorities.

The RISE India Leadership Summit 2026 concluded with a collective commitment from ICMAI and participating stakeholders to actively contribute towards bridging systemic gaps, strengthening institutional frameworks, and enabling a robust economic architecture—reinforcing the role of CMAs as key drivers in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.