Jan Dhan Accounts Turn Active as Deposits Cross INR 3 Lakh Crore

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.

Jan Dhan Accounts Turn Active as Deposits Cross INR 3 Lakh Crore

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.

TECNO SPARK 50 5G Debuts with a Massive 6500mAh Battery and Military Grade Durability

Business Wire India

India doesn’t have a ‘pause’ button and neither do the people driving it forward. At TECNO, we believe technology should keep up with that pace. The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is built for the unpredictable flow of Indian life – where long days, constant movement and real-world challenges are the norm. From long commutes to dust, drops and sudden monsoon showers, the device is designed to keep up, bringing together style, endurance and everyday toughness so your digital life moves as consistently as you do.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said: “In a market as fast-moving as India, people aren’t just looking for a list of specs; they’re looking for a partner that can actually keep up with their day. With the TECNO SPARK 50 5G, we’ve moved beyond jargon to focus on what truly matters in the real world – dependability, endurance and performance that keeps up through long, demanding days and unpredictable conditions.”

Design shouldn’t just look good on a shelf, it should reflect the energy of the person holding it. Inspired by the premium shades of nature, the TECNO SPARK 50 5G comes in Fantasy Purple, Mint Green, Champagne Gold and Ink Black, balancing style with a build that’s ready for everyday life, reinforced with Military Grade MIL STD-810H Protection and IP64 Pro protection. Beyond the design, the 6500mAh battery keeps you going through long days, while FreeLink 2.0 technology helps you stay connected even in no-network zones. Combined with 5G+ carrier aggregation, it ensures a stable, reliable experience across environments.

On the software front, the device integrates features like Segment 1st All Scenario Active Noise Cancellation, AI WhatsApp Assistant, Ella Alarm Announcement, AI Writing Assistant, AI Eraser 2.0, AI Image Extender and Ella-powered tools, along with a 120Hz display for smoother, more responsive interactions.

The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is priced at Rs. 16,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant and Rs. 18,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant. The device will be available starting April 3rd across online and offline retail channels, along with no-cost EMI options for up to 8 months.

With the TECNO SPARK 50 5G, the brand continues to focus on delivering practical, reliable smartphones tailored for India’s fast-moving consumers.

D’Decor Home Fabrics Expands Its Retail Footprint with New Showroom Launch

D’Decor Home Fabrics Expands Its Retail Footprint with New Showroom Launch

Mar 27: DDecor 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 DDecor along with the advanced, high-performance solutions of FabriCare by DDecor – 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 DDecor’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, DDecor 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, DDecor Home Fabricssaid: “As we continue our retail expansion journey, the Kolhapur launch is a proud milestone for us. At DDecor 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, DDecor Home Fabricsadded, “As we scale our presence across India, the launch of the FabriCare & DDecor 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.” 

DDecor 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 Push Attracts Airbus and Embraer to Expand Local Manufacturing

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.

India’s Aviation Push Attracts Airbus and Embraer to Expand Local Manufacturing

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.

India’s Coffee and Tea Exports Gain Momentum Amid Global Shift to Premium Products

India’s Coffee and Tea Exports Gain Momentum Amid Global Shift to Premium Products

Pic Credit: Pexel

India’s coffee and tea exports are on a strong growth path, reflecting changing global tastes and the country’s expanding footprint in value-added segments.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry show that coffee exports rose sharply by 20% to $1.86 billion during April–February FY26, compared to $1.54 billion a year earlier. Tea exports also posted steady gains, growing 11% to $934.9 million over the same period.

This surge is being driven not just by higher volumes, but by a noticeable shift toward processed and premium offerings such as instant coffee and packaged teas. These products are increasingly preferred in international markets for their convenience and consistency, giving Indian exporters an edge.

According to Kurma Rao M. of the Coffee Board of India, India’s coffee exports have remained above the $1 billion mark for several consecutive years—a sign of resilience in a competitive global market. He noted that this year’s exports have already surpassed last year’s record performance, indicating sustained demand and a positive outlook.

The growth also reflects broader improvements across the supply chain, including better processing capabilities, branding efforts, and market diversification. As global consumers continue to move toward premium and ready-to-consume beverages, India appears well-positioned to deepen its presence and capture greater value in both coffee and tea segments.

 

Compliance Kart Pvt. Ltd. Empanelled as Industry Partner for Uttar Pradesh’s State-Level Carbon Credit Programme in Agriculture

Business Wire India

Compliance Kart Private Limited, a leading regulatory, sustainability, and climate-tech solutions provider, has been formally empanelled as an Industry Partner for the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s pioneering Carbon Credit Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. This empanelment marks a significant milestone in India’s transition toward a state-backed, large-scale carbon market ecosystem for agriculture, aimed at enabling smallholder farmers to participate in global carbon markets while enhancing soil health, productivity, and income. The empanelment has been issued pursuant to a competitive selection process under the project titled “Carbon Credits Initiative and Its Benefits for Sustainable Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh.”

Under this initiative, Compliance Kart will play a critical role in supporting the rollout of carbon credit projects across agricultural landscapes, beginning with pilot regions such as Saharanpur Division. The company will contribute to the development and deployment of advanced Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems to ensure scientific accuracy and credibility in carbon measurement. It will also facilitate farmer mobilisation through on-ground engagement, capacity building, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, Compliance Kart will support structured carbon credit generation, aggregation, and monetisation, enabling access to both domestic and international carbon markets. The implementation will take place within a collaborative framework involving IIT Roorkee and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, under a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding.

The programme is designed to establish a robust, science-backed carbon credit ecosystem in agriculture by integrating Sustainable Agriculture Land Management practices, soil carbon enhancement methodologies, and climate-resilient farming systems. By aligning with globally accepted carbon standards and verification protocols, the initiative aims to create a credible pathway for farmers to participate in carbon markets. Similar large-scale programmes indicate the potential to impact hundreds of thousands of farmers in the initial phase, with scalability to millions across the state, thereby creating new income streams while contributing meaningfully to climate mitigation efforts.

A key feature of the programme is its farmer-centric revenue sharing framework, which ensures that farmers receive a substantial share of the economic benefits generated from carbon credit sales. As per the structured model, farmers are entitled to fifty percent of total carbon credit revenue upfront, while the remaining proceeds are distributed among implementation stakeholders after accounting for project expenses. This approach is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and long-term sustainability, while prioritising farmer welfare and participation in the carbon economy.

Whereas Professor A S Maurya, IIT Roorkee, said, “Our role is to anchor the programme in scientifically sound methodologies and credible MRV systems, ensuring integrity and long-term trust in agriculture-linked carbon credits.”

CA (Dr.) Alok Panday, CEO of Compliance Kart Pvt. Ltd., stated, “This empanelment reinforces our commitment to building India’s climate economy through scalable, technology-driven carbon solutions. We are proud to collaborate with IIT Roorkee and the Government of Uttar Pradesh in creating a transparent, farmer-centric carbon ecosystem that delivers both environmental and economic value.”

This initiative represents a structural shift in Indian agriculture by bringing together government policy, scientific validation, digital MRV infrastructure, and global carbon market mechanisms into a unified framework. By enabling verified carbon credit generation at scale, the programme is expected to enhance farmer incomes, improve soil health and agricultural productivity, and support India’s broader climate commitments, including its Net Zero ambitions.

Compliance Kart Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Noida, specializes in compliance advisory, sustainability solutions, ESG frameworks, and carbon market infrastructure. The company is actively developing digital platforms and climate-tech solutions to enable carbon credit generation, trading, and compliance across sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and industry.

India’s Solar Boom: From Modest Beginnings to a Renewable Power Surge

India’s Solar Boom: From Modest Beginnings to a Renewable Power Surge

Pic Credit: Pexel

India’s renewable energy journey is gathering remarkable pace, with solar manufacturing and installation witnessing a dramatic transformation over the past decade.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi highlighted the scale of this shift. He noted that India’s solar module manufacturing capacity has soared from a modest 3 GW during the UPA years to an impressive 172 GW today.

The growth story extends beyond modules. Solar cell manufacturing capacity, which was virtually non-existent earlier, has now reached 27 GW. Meanwhile, the country’s overall solar power generation capacity has expanded sharply—from just 2.8 GW to 144 GW—reflecting a broader push toward clean energy adoption.

Joshi also pointed to structural changes supporting this growth. Under the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, integrated manufacturing projects covering ingots, wafers, and cells are being rolled out nationwide. According to him, such a comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem was previously missing.

India’s renewable momentum is not limited to solar alone. The wind energy sector has also grown steadily, with installed capacity increasing from 21 GW in earlier years to 55 GW at present.

At the grassroots level, the shift is becoming increasingly visible. Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, nearly 10,000 rooftop solar installations are being completed every day. States like Maharashtra are emerging as strong performers in this nationwide push.

The minister added that around 40 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a figure that reflects both policy support and growing public participation.

Taken together, these developments paint a picture of a country rapidly scaling up its renewable energy capabilities—not just through policy announcements, but through visible, on-the-ground change.

 

SLB Announces Dates for First-Quarter 2026 Results Conference Call

Business Wire India

 

SLB (NYSE:SLB) will hold a conference call on April 24, 2026, to discuss the results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026.

 

The conference call is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. US Eastern time and a press release regarding the results will be issued at 7:00 a.m. US Eastern time.

 

 

To access the conference call, listeners should contact the Conference Call Operator at +1 (833) 470-1428 within North America or +1 (404) 975-4839 outside of North America approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call and the access code is 742955.

 

 

A webcast of the conference call will be broadcast simultaneously at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/972985185 on a listen-only basis. Listeners should log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to test their browsers and register for the webcast. Following the end of the conference call, a replay will be available at www.slb.com/irwebcast until May 1, 2026, and can be accessed by dialing +1 (866) 813-9403 within North America or +1 (929) 458-6194 outside of North America and giving the access code 360731.

 

 

About SLB

 

 

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that has driven energy innovation for 100 years. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is in Full Bloom at the Empire State Building with New Festive Experiences, Sweet Treats, and Seasonal Tower Lighting

Business Wire India

Spring is in full swing at the “World’s Most Famous Building.” The Empire State Building (ESB) today announced a vibrant lineup of spring events in NYC, which include special experiences, treat pop-ups, and an iconic tower lighting that captures the joy and color of the beautiful season.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326216271/en/

 

 

Spring is in Full Bloom at the Empire State Building with New Festive Experiences, Sweet Treats, and Seasonal Tower Lighting

Spring is in Full Bloom at the Empire State Building with New Festive Experiences, Sweet Treats, and Seasonal Tower Lighting

 

“The Empire State Building Observation Deck has transformed into a celebration of the season and one of the best things to do in NYC this spring,” said Dan Rogoski, observatory general manager. “Whether it’s views beside our butterfly installation, sweet pop-ups, or a chance to spot the Easter Bunny, there is something special for every visitor.”

 

  • Flutter of Color: The Empire State Building installed a brand-new photo opportunity on the 86th Floor Observation Deck, where guests can step into a whimsical, larger-than-life butterfly installation. Set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, this immersive moment offers visitors a picture-perfect way to welcome spring high above the city. Guests can purchase tickets here.
  • Sweet Escape: ESB will host special pop-ups from fan-favorite treat vendors on the 86th Floor Observation Deck, which will start with Berry Stop, known for its cup of fresh strawberries drenched in melted chocolate. The exclusive spring flavor sold on top of the Empire State Building will include festive Cadbury eggs from now until April 9. Ghirardelli, a retail partner at the Empire State Building, will pop up from April 10 – May 10 and offer its signature hot chocolate and beloved mini chocolate Easter bunnies.
  • Hop on Top: Families and visitors of all ages can look forward to special appearances from the Easter Bunny who will be at the Observatory Experience on April 1-5 from 1-3 p.m. each day to take photos and meet and greet guests.
  • Early Birds: The famous Empire State Building Starbucks Reserve Sunrise Experience returns this spring on Saturdays. The experience offers a limited-capacity, early-morning visit to the 86th Floor Observation Deck before it opens to the public. Tickets start at $135 and include entry timed to sunrise, Starbucks Reserve coffee and pastries, and access to the building’s immersive exhibits. Tickets are available here.
  • Bloom-tiful Birthdays: The Empire State Building recently launched a birthday celebration package, that offers a one-of-a-kind birthday party experience with VIP Observation Deck access, a guided tour, and a private party room complete with festive décor and treats. Available on select weekends with 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. sessions, packages start at $90 per person and can accommodate groups of children and families for a two-hour celebration. Festive add-ons such as professional face painting and balloon art are also available. Bookings can be made here.
  • ESB’s Easter Glow: On April 5, the Empire State Building will shine its world-famous tower lights in its annual pastel fades to celebrate Easter 2026. Text CONNECT to 274-16 for real-time updates on ESB’s iconic tower lights.
  • Farm to Skyline: STATE Grill and Bar welcomes the season with the launch of its new spring menus, which highlights the best in fresh, locally sourced produce. Guests can also enjoy an enhanced Happy Hour, featuring half-priced small bites daily from 4–6 p.m.

 

 

The Empire State Building’s world-famous Observatory Experience underwent a $165 million reimagination that added a new interactive museum with nine galleries, bespoke host uniforms, and an upgraded 102nd Floor Observation Deck with unmatched views from the heart of New York City. The iconic Observatory Experience was voted the #1 top attraction in NYC for the fourth consecutive year in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do.

 

Hi-res imagery can be found here.

 

 

More information about the Empire State Building can be found online.

 

 

About the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, the “World’s Most Famous Building,” owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna. The $165 million reimagination of the Empire State Building Observatory Experience created an all-new experience with a dedicated guest entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The journey to the world-famous 86th Floor Observatory, the only 360-degree, open-air observatory with views of New York and beyond, orients visitors for their entire New York City experience and covers everything from the building’s iconic history to its current place in pop culture. The Empire State Building Observatory Experience welcomes millions of visitors each year and is ranked the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, “America’s Favorite Building” by the American Institute of Architects, the world’s most popular travel destination by Uber, and the #1 New York City attraction in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List.

 

 

Since 2011, the building has been fully powered by renewable wind electricity, and its many floors house a diverse array of office tenants such as LinkedIn and Shutterstock, as well as retail options like STATE Grill and Bar, Tacombi, and Starbucks. For more information and Observatory Experience tickets visit esbnyc.com or follow the building’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Weibo, YouTube, or TikTok.

 

 

 

 

 

Andersen Consulting Enters Collaboration Agreement with Solutia

Business Wire India

Andersen Consulting expands its presence in Spain through a Collaboration Agreement with Solutia, a firm specializing in occupational and workplace health solutions, as well as recruitment across the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

 

Founded in 2014, Solutia provides comprehensive services and consulting focused on healthy work environments, absenteeism, healthcare outsourcing, and training for organizations across all sectors. The firm also delivers recruitment and executive search solutions specialized in life sciences, technical professionals, and middle and executive management, with deep expertise in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, and healthcare industries. Solutia helps organizations enhance workforce efficiency and attract specialized talent through tailored solutions based on data.

 

 

“We are committed to advancing how organizations attract, develop, and manage talent in an increasingly complex environment,” said Cesar Castel, managing director of Solutia. “Collaborating with Andersen Consulting allows us to bring our specialized expertise into a broader strategic and digital context, delivering holistic solutions that accelerate sustainable growth for our clients.”

 

 

“Solutia brings deep industry expertise and a reputation for excellence in solutions that enhance organizational health and the scientific development,” added Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “Their capabilities perfectly complement Andersen Consulting’s multidisciplinary platform, enabling us to jointly help clients optimize operations, strengthen compliance, and drive transformation.”

 

 

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.