Category business

By Dr Mamtamayi Priyadarshini

A balanced reflection from a pro–non-GM advocacy perspective

India’s recent decision to allow concessional imports of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) under the interim trade framework with the United States has sparked discussion across agricultural and feed industry circles. The government has capped imports at 500,000 tonnes — approximately 1% of domestic consumption — and positioned the measure as a calibrated step aimed at easing feed costs for poultry, dairy and aquaculture sectors.

At first glance, the policy appears limited in scope. Yet agricultural markets are shaped not only by volumes, but also by signals. Even relatively modest trade concessions can influence price expectations, bargaining power and rural income structures in ways that extend beyond their numerical share.

Understanding DDGS in the Broader Context

DDGS is a protein-rich by-product of maize-based ethanol production. In the United States — where most maize cultivation is genetically modified — DDGS is produced at industrial scale and widely used as animal feed. For India, the question is not merely about substituting one feed ingredient for another. It is about how such imports may interact with domestic maize markets, farmer incomes and India’s precautionary approach toward genetically modified crops.

Policymakers have emphasized the potential for cost relief to livestock industries. That objective is understandable, particularly in sectors that directly influence food prices and nutritional security. At the same time, it is worth examining how the distribution of benefits and risks may unfold across different stakeholders.

The Subtle Dynamics of Market Signals

On paper, a 1% import quota seems modest. In practice, however, imports can establish a reference price in the market. Large feed manufacturers and integrated poultry companies now have an additional sourcing option. This potentially strengthens their negotiating leverage when purchasing domestic maize or soybean meal.

In commodity markets, perception can influence pricing as much as supply volumes do. If buyers can point to lower-cost imported DDGS, domestic suppliers may feel pressure to align prices accordingly. Even before significant quantities enter the supply chain, the signalling effect alone can shape market sentiment.

For India’s maize farmers — many of whom operate on thin margins — these shifts can matter. Rising input costs for hybrid seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and transportation already weigh heavily. Limited storage infrastructure often compels farmers to sell soon after harvest, reducing their ability to wait for favorable price cycles. In such conditions, even a 5–10% softening in farmgate prices can meaningfully affect annual household income.

Distribution of Gains and Pressures

The potential advantages of DDGS imports are likely to accrue primarily to large feed integrators and industrial processors, who may benefit from diversified sourcing and improved margins. Whether such cost efficiencies translate into lower consumer prices for poultry, dairy or aquaculture products remains uncertain and depends on value-chain dynamics.

Conversely, small and marginal maize farmers could bear a disproportionate share of adjustment pressures if local demand weakens. Domestic traders, regional feed processors and associated rural service providers — transporters, warehouse operators, commission agents and labourers — form part of a broader ecosystem linked to maize cultivation. Gradual shifts in sourcing patterns could affect this interconnected rural economy.

These concerns do not imply that imports will inevitably destabilize markets. Rather, they underscore the importance of monitoring and policy responsiveness.

The Regulatory and Precedent Dimension

India has historically adopted a cautious approach toward commercial genetically modified food crops. While DDGS is a processed residue and not a seed, its origin from predominantly GM maize introduces a regulatory nuance. Some stakeholders view this development as a potential shift in precedent, even if indirect.

Agricultural policy is shaped not only by scientific assessments but also by public trust and consistency. Transparent biosafety evaluation, clear documentation of origin and open public communication can help maintain confidence. Once trade pathways are established, they often evolve, making early safeguards particularly important.

India also occupies a distinct position in certain export markets as a supplier of non-GM agricultural products. Preserving clarity around this identity may carry long-term strategic value. In that sense, the DDGS decision intersects with broader considerations of trade positioning and agricultural branding.

Balancing Feed Efficiency and Farmer Welfare

The needs of the poultry, dairy and aquaculture sectors are legitimate. Feed efficiency contributes to food affordability and nutritional security. However, agricultural policy works best when it carefully balances industrial competitiveness with farmer welfare.

If concessional imports proceed, they could be accompanied by defined safeguards — such as mandatory testing of consignments, full chain-of-custody documentation, disclosure requirements for feed mills and periodic policy reviews involving farmer representation. A clearly defined trial period with transparent evaluation metrics may also enhance accountability.

Parallel investment in domestic capacity offers another constructive pathway. Strengthening India’s ethanol industry and encouraging indigenous production of feed co-products would allow the country to meet rising feed demand while retaining value addition within domestic supply chains. Supporting innovation in non-GM feed alternatives could further reinforce resilience.

A Question of Calibration

The DDGS import decision may appear numerically small, yet its economic and symbolic dimensions are meaningful. Trade engagement is a natural component of a modern economy. The broader question is how such engagement is calibrated to protect those who may face adjustment costs.

Maize farmers are central participants in India’s agricultural landscape. Ensuring that short-term feed cost considerations do not unintentionally weaken long-term farmer resilience is a shared responsibility. Agricultural policy, ultimately, is measured not only in tonnes and percentages, but in the stability of livelihoods and the confidence of rural communities.

About the author: Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini is an environmentalist, social worker and author of Maize Mandate. She has written extensively on agricultural sustainability, seed sovereignty and the intersections of food and fuel policy in India.

New Delhi, Feb 19 – As India’s steel production crosses 160 million tonnes and installed capacity moves toward 300 million tonnes by 2030, the industry’s growth narrative is entering a new phase. While capacity expansion remains strong, the focus is increasingly shifting to a critical pillar of the value chain — India’s dealer and distributor network.

With nearly 50 million tonnes of finished steel in FY26 flowing through trade-led channels, dealers and distributors now account for a significant share of market movement. As steel demand is projected to rise steadily in the coming years, industry leaders note that distribution capability, financial resilience, and digital readiness will determine how effectively this growth translates into market reach.

This industry-wide conversation took centre stage at Build Connect 2026, held on February 19–20 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The platform was organised by BigMint, a commodity market intelligence firm, in association with the Akhil Bhartiya Loha Vyapar Sangh (ABLVS) as Supporting Association. The event recorded over 1,500 footfall, including 500+ confirmed participants and 1,000+ registered visitors, representing 400+ companies across 72 cities and 15+ states. Nearly 48% of attendees were senior decision-makers, including Directors, Managing Directors, and business owners.

The platform also saw participation from SAIL as Strategic PSU Partner, alongside institutional and industry support from the AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association, National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), Bureau Veritas, and prominent trade and construction organisations including BAI, GISF, CFI, RISTA, and BIMA — reflecting broad alignment across manufacturing, trade bodies, and technical institutions.

The inaugural ceremony featured senior industry figures including Shri V. R. Sharma (Member Advisory Board, Jindal Steel & Power), Shri Bimlendra Jha (Ex-MD, JSP & Ambuja Cements Ltd.), Mr. Anurag Sinha (Executive Director, Engineers India Limited), Mr. Vishesh Shahra (Chairman, Shreeyam Power & Steel Industries Ltd.), Mr. Vivek Adukia (Chairman, SRMA), and Mr. Amit Gupta (President, ABLVS).

Across 12 focused sessions and 40+ expert addresses, discussions spanned infrastructure demand, GST compliance, green steel adoption, supply chain finance, digital transformation, e-commerce integration, quality standards, branding impact, and payment recovery mechanisms. A recurring industry view emerged: expanding production capacity must be complemented by a more structured and financially empowered distribution ecosystem.

The Build Connect Awards 2026 recognised excellence across India’s steel distribution landscape, honouring regional distributor leadership, dealer performance, and technology adoption.

As India’s steel demand moves toward higher consumption levels, industry stakeholders reinforced that sustainable sectoral growth will depend not only on manufacturing scale but on building a stronger, more organised, and next-generation dealer–distributor backbone. Build Connect 2026 reflected that shift in focus — from capacity expansion alone to ecosystem strengthening across the value chain.

New Delhi, Feb 19th:  Today, adidas and Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team unveil their first performance-optimized team and fanwear range, marking the start of their journey together. Designed expertly for those racing around the track to those cheering in the grandstands, and beyond, the collection fuses style-first design cues with industry-defining technology from two icons of sport performance.​

Following the multi-year partnership announcement, which saw adidas become the official team partner of Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team – and in preparation of the team’s much-anticipated entry to the grid – the pieces set out to bring a touch of style on and off the track. Incorporating adidas’ latest technologies, the collection comprises of technical pieces tailored specifically for all the team – from drivers and engineers to mechanics – as well as ensuring the team’s dedicated fanbase can showcase the looks, no matter where they are supporting across the globe.

At the core of the collection, subtle red accents act as a unifying design anchor, subtly mirroring the performance and functionality of the Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team car itself. Embracing greyscale hues, inspired by the strength and stealth of titanium feature on the car, the silhouettes tap into a powerful yet refined aesthetic, complete with minimalistic line designs and branding. Comprising of around 160 pieces, key highlights from the drop include:

• Engineers: The tee exudes elegance through its close-to-the-body cut, contrasted by the oversized puffers and jackets – all complete and tied together with subtle red highlights.
• Mechanics: Rooted in a distinct utility black, charcoal and graphite colorway, the jacket comes with a strategic zipper shape that significantly increases pocket space, whilst adidas’ CLIMACOOL technology supports optimal temperature regulation.
• Footwear: A bespoke ADIZERO EVO SL taps into the grey and red color palette to complete the coordinated team wear looks. Serving up all-round comfort with a Lightstrike Pro midsole, the silhouette maintains a stripped-back aesthetic whilst ensuring the entire team is equipped with a lightweight offering.

Michael Batz, Motorsport Category GM at adidas said: “We are excited to officially mark the start of our journey with Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team, through a full teamwear collection which features adidas’ signature design and best in class technology at the forefront. Expertly crafted for the team to introduce themselves to the grid with style, each piece embodies the power, strength, and design of the car to meet the overall build up to and race-day demands. We can’t wait to see it in the paddock and stands across upcoming race weekends!”

NICO HULKENBERG, DRIVER AT AUDI REVOLUT F1 TEAM SAID: “The first time representing two leading icons on the track. Wearing the three stripes next to the four rings is a huge moment, and I’m excited to put on the jersey that has been built with precision and driven forward by adidas’ highest level of technical detailing – meaning it delivers style, functionality and hopefully a lot of speed.”

GABRIEL BORTOLETO, DRIVER AT AUDI REVOLUT F1 TEAM SAID: “Working with adidas is an incredible opportunity for our team. In a sport fueled by constant advancement and innovation, having the best in the game designing pieces for athletes, to meet their needs to perform at the top, is incredible. Knowing our kit has been crafted with careful thought and tailored to what we require, makes that first moment that I get to wear it, alongside my team, in front of our fans, even more special.”

The adidas x Audi Revolut F1 Team’s teamwear collection was formally unveiled in Berlin on 20 January <a>at the official Audi Revolut F1 Team Lauch Event, signaling the first moment the two brands will come together to announce the team’s new identity. 

The full teamwear drop, designed for the drivers and beyond, will be available to purchase from today, 19th February, online at <a>adidas.co.in/audirevolutF1team</a> and a worldwide selection of adidas wholesale accounts.

Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein has unveiled its ‘Protein Resolution Matlab No Cheating’ on-ground activation for New Year 2026, addressing India’s widespread protein deficiency through experiential engagement. Created and conceptualised by Schbang, the campaign features an innovative approach: using bold yellow-and-black footsteps inspired by metro wayfinding systems to physically guide commuters toward protein awareness – a smart intervention designed to convert fitness resolutions from mental intentions into physical actions. 

The campaign’s strength lies in its behaviour-led approach. Instead of passive advertising, Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein embedded protein awareness directly into people’s daily commute. Studies indicate that over 60% of urban Indians don’t meet their daily protein RDA* , with unhealthy snacking being a major contributor. The activation addresses this by using footsteps that lead commuters step-by-step to Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein Kiosks where they take the New Year’s Protein Pledge, participate in interactive fitness challenges like Bend the Bar and Arm Wrestling, engage with nutritionists through trivia, and sample products.

This approach creates memorable moments that make people physically walk towards their fitness goals rather than just thinking about them. Most resolutions fail because they remain just thoughts. People decide something in their mind, but they do not take physical action. There is no trigger that pushes them to actually move.

The campaign resonates with urban Indians aged 18-40, particularly office-goers and daily commuters who intend to eat better but struggle with unhealthy snacking habits, making protein awareness accessible to first-time protein snack users through non-intrusive, metro-embedded experiences.

Dr. Ravinder T Varma, Sr. Brand Manager at Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein says, “Every year, New Year resolutions begin with intent but often lose momentum. We wanted to change that. Instead of only talking about fitness, we encouraged people to take a visible step towards their goals. By placing footsteps in their daily commute, we turned a routine journey into a simple reminder about mindful protein choices. ‘Protein Resolution Matlab No Cheating’ is our way of bringing protein awareness into everyday life. When Protein Snacking options are visible and accessible, making better choices becomes easier.”

Tejasva Amarnani, Creative Lead, Schbang says, “New year’s campaigns every year bombard audiences with motivation that leads nowhere. We realised that when it comes to protein intake resolutions, motivation isn’t the gap. People lack the steps and the direction to fulfill them. So we thought, “Let’s help them take the steps in the most fun way possible.” The #ProteinResolutionMatlabNoCheating campaign establishes Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein as a brand that thinks differently about New Year resolutions, proving that protein snacking means no cheating on fitness commitments.

The Sand Stone collection by Technogym offers a renewed aesthetic inspired by nature, combining careful design and advanced materials to differentiate and elevate the design of the most exclusive wellness spaces. The authenticity and warmth of typical Mediterranean sandstone give rise to a versatile and sophisticated palette, capable of combining performance, sustainability, and timeless elegance in a wide variety of premium wellness contexts. The neutral tones and meticulously designed finishes allow the products to blend perfectly with wood, stone, and other high-quality materials, creating authentic and immersive spaces.

Sand Stone’s versatile and cross-cutting aesthetic offering is the only one that enables the creation of wall-to-wall wellness spaces that include products for cardio, strength and functional training in a complete family feeling. This creates a refined environment where design and performance merge into a seamless experience across different lines and products: Technogym Checkup, Artis cardio, Artis strength, Biostrength, up to Personal Tools and Technogym Reform.

Designed for both homes and high-end wellness spaces in hotels, residential complexes, and fitness clubs, Sand Stone allows you to create highly distinctive environments. Thanks to Sand Stone, architects can differentiate their offerings thanks to a consistent and uniform aesthetic that helps improve brand identity, customer experience, and perceived value. Every space becomes an opportunity to communicate quality, refinement, and a wellness-conscious approach.

Sand Stone’s innovation extends to its materials and finishes, designed to foster a renewed connection with nature through textures, colors and sensations inspired by the natural world.

·        Speckled Stone: the product casings are made from an innovative plastic material that contains 2-3% natural mica for a texturized effect reminiscent of real stone. 30% of these components come from recycled materials to reduce production impact.

• Warm Titanium: frames and inlays (the details that define the silhouettes of Artis products) in a metalized titanium finish express both luxury and technology, inspired by contemporary design’s most iconic hi-tech objects.
• Clay: all the tactile surfaces that come into direct contact with the user, such as handles and seats in vegan leather, are made from an opaque warm material that is pleasing to the touch, designed for natural and comfortable interaction.
• Beech and ash wood: the presence of natural wood veining reflects the most organic, living dimension of the material (in the Personal Tools handles and Technogym Reform frame).

Together, these elements create a holistic and exclusive design language made up of warm and welcoming tones that invite everyone to train without intimidation, offering users a unique wellness experience and operators the opportunity to create unique and differentiated spaces.

Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world-leading brand for fitness, wellness, sport, and health. Technogym offers a complete ecosystem made of connected smart fitness equipment, digital services, training content and apps that enable each user to access a fully personalized workout experience, anywhere and anytime: at home, at the gym and on-the-go. With over 2,500 employees Technogym is present in over 100 countries. More than 70 million people train with Technogym equipment in 100,000 wellness centers and 500,000 private homes in the world. For the tenth time, Technogym has been appointed as the Official Supplier of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics and it’s the reference brand for the training of worldwide champions.

Chennai, Feb 19th: Marking a major milestone in India’s sleep care landscape, SIMS Hospital has inaugurated the Integrated Sleep Institute, India’s first fully coordinated, multidisciplinary centre dedicated exclusively to sleep health. Designed to overcome the fragmented approach traditionally seen in sleep medicine, the institute brings together 10 specialties under one structured framework, integrating medical, surgical, diagnostic, and supportive services into a seamless, evidence-based care pathway. With a dedicated sleep board and advanced sleep analysis technologies, the institute offers comprehensive and personalised treatment for neurological, psychological, and respiratory sleep disorders across all age groups.

The institute was inaugurated by the Chief Guest actress Aishwarya Rajesh, who played the lead role in DeAr, a Tamil film portraying the challenges faced by a newly married couple when the wife’s snoring disrupts the husband’s sleep. Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SRM Group was the Guest of Honour at the event.

The Sleep Institute offers specialised treatment for sleep-related disorders, which are linked to sleep-time cardiac events, and stroke. A multidisciplinary team comprising ENT surgeons, pulmonologists, neurologists, bariatric specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and conservative dentists work collaboratively to deliver personalised care, adhering strictly to gold-standard protocols. The treatments provided include Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy – CPAP, Auto PAP, BiPAP, and gold standard conservative solutions using advanced, minimally invasive technologies including endoscopic, plasma-based, and radiofrequency (RF) methods that are designed to be precise, bloodless, and painless.

The facility houses a dedicated sleep lab staffed by experienced sleep technologists who conduct attended sleep studies in exclusive cabins. Live, real-time data is captured and analysed to evaluate how sleep impacts physiology, brain function, and cardiovascular health. The institute is equipped to perform DISE (Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy), conducted using monitoring leads similar to ECG. With the support of an anesthetist, sleep is induced to closely simulate natural sleep, during which a flexible endoscope is introduced into the airway to observe obstructions live and in real time.

The institute provides counselling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based treatment for insomnia and sleep apnea. It also offers specialised sleep optimisation programmes for sports professionals who frequently travel across time zones and need rapid circadian adjustment to remain match-ready.

In her comments, Actress Ms. Aishwarya Rajesh said, “While snoring can be normal, there are disease-related forms of snoring that pose a risk. These may arise from neurological or psychological issues, leading to disturbed sleep, difficulty waking from deep sleep, insomnia, or even involuntary physical actions during sleep. There is also the issue of ‘sleep divorce,’ where a snoring partner is forced to sleep separately. I am happy that with the launch of the Integrated Sleep Institute at SIMS, the city now has a comprehensive solution that can address not just health concerns but also relationship challenges within families that arise out of snoring.”

Speaking about the institute’s vision, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu said, “We are happy to launch India’s first dedicated multidisciplinary institute for comprehensive sleep care. The Advanced Institute of Sleep Health redefines how sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated in India. Unlike conventional models where patients move between disconnected departments, this institute functions as a fully integrated, multidisciplinary centre. Medical, surgical, diagnostic, and supportive services operate though a unified pathway rather than isolated consultations. We are equipped to manage the complete spectrum of sleep-related conditions – from pediatric to adult – through collaborative, evidence-based protocols.” 

Dr. Karthik Madesh Ratnavelu, Director and Senior Consultant, ENT, who heads the Sleep Institute, said, “Stroke and nighttime heart attacks frequently occur in individuals with sleep disorders. In fact, at least three-fourths of patients who experience these life-threatening events have underlying sleep disorders. The problem with snoring is that oxygen intake reduces while carbon dioxide elimination becomes inadequate, leading to serious systemic complications. In many ways, untreated sleep disorders are as risky for heart disease and stroke as cigarette smoking is for cancer.”

Talking about the care delivery model at the Institute, he explained that every patient will be assigned a dedicated sleep navigator, a trained professional who serves as a single point of coordination, guiding the patients through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up until discharge. The institute’s sleep board ensures shared decision-making. Once investigations are completed, the board, comprising airway specialists, pulmonologists, neurologists, CBT experts, and other specialists, discusses all available options with patients and their families, outlining the benefits and risks of treatments ranging from medication and CBT-based insomnia therapy to surgical interventions. A tailored treatment plan is then finalised with the patient’s informed consent.

On preventive care, Dr. Karthick Madesh emphasised the importance of sleep hygiene: “Waking up at a consistent time helps regulate when we fall asleep. Exposure to morning sunlight suppresses melatonin and triggers cortisol release, which keeps us alert for 12 to 14 hours. Thereafter, melatonin secretion resumes naturally to promote sleep. It is important to avoid arguments and distractions during sleep hours, complete dinner at least two hours before bedtime, and refrain from partying at midnight, late-night eating, or spending entire weekends awake. Such habits disrupt the body’s natural rhythm and increase long-term health risks.”

Mumbai, Feb 19th: Navi AMC Limited successfully conducted a financial awareness session for young doctors at YOUTHCON 2026, the West Zone National Conclave, organised by the Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network, supported by IMA Maharashtra JDN MSN. The session was held at IMA Mumbai West Hall and brought together medical students, junior doctors, and early-career practitioners from across Maharashtra. 

The session, led by Aditya Mulki, CEO, Navi AMC, focused on the unique financial realities faced by young doctors including delayed earning years due to prolonged education, student debt, career uncertainty during specialization, and the need for disciplined long-term savings. The discussion aimed to help participants understand how structured investing through mutual funds can support wealth creation alongside demanding medical careers. 

The presentation covered practical themes such as goal-based investing, managing irregular income during training years, the importance of starting early to benefit from compounding, and balancing risk with long-term financial aspirations such as higher education, practice setup, home ownership, and retirement planning. The session also highlighted how mutual funds provide a regulated, accessible investment avenue, with options suitable for investors across income levels and risk appetites. 

A key focus area was addressing common misconceptions including the belief that investing requires large capital, extensive financial knowledge, or constant monitoring. Through relatable examples tailored to the medical profession, participants gained clarity on how systematic investing approaches such as SIPs can help build financial resilience over time, even with modest starting amounts. 

Speaking at the event, Aditya Mulki, CEO, Navi AMC, said, “Doctors dedicate years to building their professional capabilities, often postponing financial planning in the process. Our objective through sessions like these is to help young professionals start early, invest consistently, and make informed decisions that support both their personal goals and long-term financial security.” 

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants sought guidance on risk management, asset allocation, and integrating investments with demanding work schedules. 

This initiative is part of Navi AMC’s broader financial literacy efforts aimed at empowering first-time investors and young professionals across India through education-led engagement. 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

The keynote address of the Prime Minister in AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, noted that the world economy is on an inflection point in artificial intelligence. “India is on the cusp of its own AI revolution, given the largest youth population and one of the most extensive technology talent pools”, says Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Artificial intelligence as a transformative force will reshape economic structures, governance systems, and patterns of work and given the exceptional speed, scale and depth sooner than we think, he said.

Prime Minister’s reiteration of Summit theme—Sarvjan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay (Welfare for All, Happiness for All) is the right step towards democratizing artificial intelligence for all, he added.

India’s AI-driven solutions in agriculture, national security, multilingual services, and accessibility for persons with disabilities reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous innovation and scalable public-interest technologies, he said.

India’s guiding framework for AI governance under the acronym M.A.N.A.V. (Human)—Human Vision for AI:

• M – Moral and Ethical Systems: Establishment of robust ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment.
• A – Accountable Governance: Transparent regulatory frameworks and institutional oversight.
• N – National Sovereignty: Protection of data rights and national interests in digital ecosystems.
• A – Accessible and Inclusive: Prevention of monopolization; ensuring AI serves as a multiplier for societal progress.
• V – Valid and Legitimate: Emphasis on verification, authenticity, and technical reliability.

Large-scale investment in skilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning to ensure workforce readiness has the capacity to take away the fear of unemployment and at the same time prepare India for next generation technology frontier, he added.

The Prime Minister’s articulation of India’s support for open collaboration in AI development, while at the same time recognising that AI-leading nations shall treat AI development as a collaboration effort with open standards, and shared code treating it as a Global Common Good, he added.

India is moving fast on its commitment to building a technological ecosystem encompassing semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, quantum computing, secure data centres, he said.

Prime Minister’s commitment to “Design and Develop in India” and “Deliver to the World” showcases emerging AI-led development opportunity for India rather than fear of job loss, and India will navigate this with confidence and with ethical governance, said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI. 

Mumbai, Feb 19th: Reinforcing its commitment to India’s skill development vision and expanding equitable access to AI education, Amazon flagged off two AI Skills Vans as part of its Think Big initiative. These are mobile learning labs designed to bring foundational cloud computing and AI education directly to government school students and communities with limited access to emerging technology resources. The vans were flagged off by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, in New Delhi in the presence of David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, Amazon. 

The mobile AI Skills Vans will be deployed across Delhi/NCR and Haryana, helping bridge access gaps in emerging technology education among government schools. Each van functions as a fully equipped mobile learning ecosystem delivering interactive, curriculum-aligned modules that introduces students to cloud technologies, AI fundamentals, computational thinking, and ethical AI principles, complementing formal science and technology education. 

 In 2026, the two vans are expected to directly engage more than 9,000 students and 100 teachers, supporting educators in integrating AI concepts into classroom instructions and building long-term institutional capacity within schools. The teacher training component is designed to in turn, create a multiplier impact, with trained educators expected to reach an additional 100,000 additional students over the next five years through classroom integration, peer learning networks, and teacher-led technology clubs. 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jayant Chaudhary said, “India’s skilling journey is grounded in the belief that every young learner should have the tools and opportunities to shape their future. The AI Skills Van exemplifies this vision by taking foundational AI and cloud education directly to students. It is encouraging to see industry leaders like Amazon complement national skilling priorities not only through such initiatives, but also through their long-term investments in India’s digital and innovation ecosystem. This initiative supports our national missions, including Skill India and the AI Mission, by expanding access to future-ready digital skills and ensuring that no student is left behind as we build a skilled, inclusive and innovation-driven workforce for the nation.” 

David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, Amazon, said, “India’s leadership in building digital infrastructure and skilling initiatives for communities at large is creating unprecedented opportunities for the next generation of innovators. Supporting the Government’s vision of AI inclusion, we have committed to bringing AI education to 4 million government school students by 2030. Through initiatives such as the AI Skills Vans, we aim to combine student learning with teacher capacity building. This reflects our commitment to democratising technology access and ensuring more young Indians are prepared for an AI-enabled future.” 

The initiative, implemented in partnership with Learning Links Foundation, builds on Amazon’s global Think Big Spaces program, which delivers hands-on learning through technology labs, school learning corners, and mobile innovation vans across multiple countries. 

Additionally, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has trained more than 6.2 million individuals in India in cloud skills since 2017 through programs such as AWS Skill Builder, AWS Educate, and AWS re/Start. It also launched the Think Big Spaces program in 2019 to help students in exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning pathways. In India, the program has expanded to 67 learning spaces, benefiting over 13,000 students, supporting more than 700 women entrepreneurs, and enabling nutrition support for more than 12,000 public school students to strengthen learning outcomes. In addition, it works on renovating school and community infrastructure projects including libraries, Primary health centres, community parks, water harvesting structures etc.  

More recently, at Smbhav 2025, Amazon announced its planned investment of more than $35 billion across all businesses in India through 2030, with AI-driven digitization as one of three strategic pillars, alongside export growth and job creation. As part of this, Amazon committed to bringing the benefits of AI to 15 million small businesses and AI education for 4 million government school students by 2030.

Chennai, India, Feb 19th: ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (India) (“STT GDC India” or the “Company”), a leading AI-ready colocation data centre services provider, today announced the launch of its fourth data centre in Chennai, marking the expansion of its second campus in the city at Siruseri. 

The Siruseri campus is designed as a 45 MW AI-ready facility, with the first phase of 7.2 MW now operational. This milestone reinforces STT GDC India’s continued investment in building next-generation digital infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. 

The facility was e-inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, on 12^th February 2026, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to positioning itself as a preferred destination for large-scale, next-generation data centre investments. 

With 40 MW already operational at its Chennai Ambattur campus, STT GDC India continues to scale its presence in one of India’s fastest-growing digital markets. Earlier this month, the Company also marked the groundbreaking of STT Chennai 4 within the same campus, unlocking a total development potential of approximately 130 MW, inclusive of the existing operational capacity. This expansion further strengthens STT GDC India’s ability to serve the rapidly accelerating demand from hyperscalers, enterprises and cloud service providers. 

The Company has recently signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu, proposing an investment of ₹4,200 crore to develop state-of-the-art, AI-ready data centre infrastructure in the state. 

Together, these developments reinforce STT GDC India’s leadership in strengthening Chennai’s position as a pivotal hub for AI-led and cloud-driven digital growth, aligned with India’s broader digital economy ambitions.

Aligned with India’s digital growth story, STT GDC India continues to evaluate long-term strategic options to support its future expansion plans, including a potential initial public offering (IPO) targeted for the first half of 2027,

as part of its roadmap to strengthen capital access and accelerate growth across India’s digital infrastructure landscape. 

Commenting on the Siruseri Campus Launch milestone, Bimal Khandelwal, Chief Executive Officer, STT GDC India, said: “The launch of our fourth data centre in Chennai at the Siruseri campus marks a pivotal milestone in our growth journey and reinforces our long-term commitment to the city. As AI adoption accelerates and cloud demand scales, the need for resilient, high-density, future-ready infrastructure has never been more critical. Siruseri has been purpose-built to support hyperscalers and enterprises as they scale seamlessly and sustainably. With strong policy support from the Government of Tamil Nadu and growing customer momentum, we see Chennai playing a defining role in India’s AI and digital transformation. Our focus remains clear – to invest decisively, build sustainably, and deliver world-class infrastructure that will power India’s growth for the next decade and beyond.”

Beyond Chennai, STT GDC India is undergoing one of the most significant expansion phases in its history, strengthening its presence across India’s leading digital corridors. The Company has signed strategic MoUs with the governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh to develop large-scale, AI-ready data centre infrastructure, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building national digital capacity. 

In parallel, expansion plans are progressing across key markets including Mumbai, Noida, Pune Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, ensuring customers benefit from geographically diversified, high-availability infrastructure across India’s most critical economic centres. 

Today, with 30 data centres spanning 10 cities and over 400 MW of critical IT load capacity, STT GDC India operates one of the country’s most extensive data centre platforms. Through sustained investments in next-generation, AI-ready campuses, the Company is not only scaling capacity—it is building the digital backbone that will power India’s cloud, AI and enterprise transformation at scale.