Author: Neel Achary

Awsum brings DO or DIY cake A Rakhi cake you decorate, write on & roast your sibling with

This Raksha Bandhan, Awsum is giving siblings a new way to celebrate: DO or DIY, a limited-edition chocolate cake that arrives undecorated—because the fun is in finishing it yourself.

Each DO or DIY box comes with a chocolate cake, a ready-to-pipe cream cone and sprinkles. The giver decorates the cake and, more importantly, writes the message. It could be sweet, sentimental or the sibling nickname that would never make it onto an official document. The box also includes roast prompts to get things started.

The idea follows Awsum’s recent festival-led innovations, including Cakes Ka Baap for Father’s Day and Maa Verified for Mother’s Day, bringing the brand’s irreverent and culturally relevant approach to Rakhi.

“Rakhi is supposed to celebrate the relationship, but most gifting still speaks in greeting-card language. Siblings don’t. They tease, roast, annoy and love each other in equal measure. DO or DIY is our way of putting that real relationship back into the celebration. We give you the cake, the cream and the tools—you bring the inside joke. And if you accidentally spell it wrong, that probably makes it even more authentic,” said Pranav Sharma, Founder and CEO of Awsum.

DO or DIY is available for a limited Rakhi window through the Awsum website and leading quick-commerce platforms, with delivery available nationwide.

Delhi Launches Lakshmi Yojana, ₹2,500 Monthly Support for Eligible Women

New Delhi, Aug 26: The Delhi government has begun rolling out the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a financial assistance programme aimed at improving the economic security of eligible women across the national capital.

More than 9.2 lakh women have registered for the scheme, according to the government. Approval letters have started being distributed to selected beneficiaries, with monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 expected to begin from September 1 after completion of the required formalities.

The assistance is intended to help women manage essential household expenses and meet needs such as children’s education and healthcare. Beneficiaries may also use the support to strengthen their livelihood activities or contribute towards small business-related expenses.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said women’s economic progress is closely connected with the development of families and society. The government has described the scheme as an effort to provide women with greater financial stability and encourage self-reliance.

The programme is aimed at women between 21 and 60 years of age who meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. The government has also put verification procedures in place to ensure that financial assistance is provided to eligible applicants.

With registrations already exceeding nine lakh, the scheme is expected to become a significant welfare initiative for women in Delhi. The government has said the programme reflects its focus on strengthening women’s financial independence and supporting families through direct assistance.

Award-winning Indian celebrity Chef establishes UAE culinary venture with RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah, Aug 26: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has welcomed Maison Management, a culinary and hospitality company founded by award-winning Indian celebrity Chef Ishijyot Surri in partnership with multi-sector investor and entrepreneur Sameer Musale, to its growing F&B business community. The company will serve as the regional base for Surri’s expansion into the UAE, beginning with the launch of multi-concept cloud kitchens in partnership with Talabat, starting with Business Bay and Al Rashidiya in Dubai.

From company formation and visa processing for its global team to ongoing business support, RAKEZ worked closely with Maison Management to provide a smooth and straightforward set-up experience, enabling the team to focus on bringing its concepts to market. Maison Management plans to introduce distinctive restaurant concepts, establish food-processing facilities, and provide restaurant management and food consultancy services. Over time, the company also aims to explore technology-enabled dining experiences and contribute to a more resilient and accessible food ecosystem across the region.

Welcoming the company to the UAE, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “At RAKEZ, our role goes beyond helping businesses establish themselves. We work closely with our clients to understand their plans, simplify the process and provide the support they need as they move from set-up to operations and growth. Chef Ishijyot Surri brings a strong track record of developing distinctive culinary concepts, and we are pleased that he has chosen RAKEZ as the base for this new venture. Maison Management adds a new dimension to our expanding F&B community and reflects the growing interest from Indian entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in the UAE and access opportunities across the wider region. We look forward to seeing its concepts take shape in the market.”

Surri shared, “The UAE is one of the most exciting culinary markets in the world, and Ras Al Khaimah offered exactly the right foundation to build from. RAKEZ made setting up seamless, so I can focus on what I do best, creating memorable food experiences. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us in the region.”

Surri brings extensive experience across restaurant development, catering and culinary innovation, with a portfolio that includes Mulk, an award-winning old-world North Indian dining concept; MiniyaTurk, offering Turkish, Middle Eastern, Mexican and Pan-Asian flavours; Pachinco, an Italian diner and café; and SJI Gourmet, a premium catering vertical. Through Maison Management, he joins RAKEZ’s growing community of F&B entrepreneurs and Indian businesses establishing a regional base in Ras Al Khaimah.

RAKEZ continues to support businesses across the food and hospitality value chain, from hospitality management and catering companies to food trading, production, packaging and distribution. With service excellence at the heart of its customer approach, RAKEZ provides tailored solutions, responsive support and streamlined services that help entrepreneurs and established brands access the licences, facilities and business support suited to their operations and expansion plans.

JSW MG Motor India Redefines the Future of Mobility; Launches the MG Hector Tomahawk in EV and PHEV

Mumbai, August 26, 2026: JSW MG Motor India today unveiled the Hector Tomahawk, the first product engineered on ADAPT, its newly developed Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology and India‘s first Multi-New Energy Vehicle (NEV) platform. Combining intelligent technology, premium comfort, advanced safety and electrified performance, the MG Hector Tomahawk will be offered with both Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains.

Parth Jindal, Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Hector Tomahawk represents a significant milestone in our journey toward building a sustainable mobility ecosystem in India. We remain focused on bringing the world’s-best available technologies and environmentally responsible solutions to Indian consumers, while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner transportation. The introduction of the Hector Tomahawk EV and the Hector Tomahawk PHEV, India‘s first plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)^, reflects our commitment to offering a diverse portfolio of new-age mobility solutions that address evolving customer needs and driving patterns.”

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The future of mobility will not be defined by a single technology solution but by providing customers the freedom to choose the pathway that best suits their needs. We recently introduced India‘s First Multi New Energy Vehicle Platform – ADAPT as the foundation for our next generation of products. Today, the Hector Tomahawk becomes the first SUV to bring that vision to life. By offering both EV and Plug-in Hybrid technologies, we are democratising sustainable mobility while addressing the diverse requirements of Indian consumers. The Hector Tomahawk combines intelligent technology, advanced safety, premium comfort and electrified performance, reaffirming our commitment to developing future-ready products for a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.”

Bold, Futuristic Design

The MG Hector Tomahawk stands out with its bold, futuristic design and segment-leading proportions in its class, delivering significant space and comfort for every occupant. Measuring 4,745 mm in length, 2,130 mm in width (including mirrors), and 1,770 mm in height, it has been designed with substantial proportions and a commanding road presence, standing as the tallest and among the longest in its vehicle segment. With an expansive 2,810 mm wheelbase, MG Hector Tomahawk offers a spacious cabin that delivers best-in-segment space. With 230 mm of ground clearance at the battery, the SUV is engineered to deliver both commanding presence and everyday practicality.

The exterior design is enhanced by sculpted dynamic bumpers, signature Beacon Lights, an illuminated MG logo, distinctive Rotor Alloy wheels, and strong character lines that create a commanding road presence. Further elevating convenience and innovation, the Hector Tomahawk features the Automatic Power Tailgate, enabling effortless access to the cargo area at the touch of a button.

Elevated Cabin Comfort

Inside, the MG Hector Tomahawk has been meticulously crafted to deliver a premium blend of comfort, connectivity, and versatility. The cabin showcases the exclusive Desert Squadron Interior, featuring a sophisticated Almond Brown and Carbon Black theme complemented by premium leatherette seat upholstery, leatherette-finished door armrests and dashboard inserts, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Enhancing occupant comfort are front ventilated seats, a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat and a 4-way powered co-driver seat. The driver seat also features memory function with auto-retract for easy entry and exit. All windows feature one-touch auto up/down with anti-pinch function, adding further convenience to everyday use. Its spacious cabin is complemented by expansive boot capacity of up to 610 litres with all rows in use in the 5-seater configuration. In the 7-seater, the space can expand significantly as the third and second rows are folded.

There is a flexible second row with 60:40 split, along with recline and slide functionality and an easy tip-and-tumble function for convenient third-row access in the 7-seater.

The expansive dual-pane panoramic Cockpit SkyRoof floods the interior with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere for all passengers. At the centre of the cabin is a largest-in-segment 15.6-inch (39.62 cm) HD Grand View Display, bringing infotainment, connectivity and vehicle controls together within one intuitive interface. Drivers benefit from a crisp 8.8-inch Multi Information Display that keeps essential vehicle information easily accessible, while the 10-speaker Infinity premium audio system delivers an immersive entertainment experience.

Practicality is further enhanced through rear window sunshades, intelligently designed storage spaces throughout the cabin, and a PM2.5 air filtration system helps maintain a cleaner, healthier in-cabin environment by effectively filtering fine dust and airborne particles. While the customizable 256-colour ambient lighting enhances the mood of the occupants in the cabin, the thoughtful additions such as dual B-pillar coat hooks further improve everyday convenience.

A New Era of Electrified Performance

The MG Hector Tomahawk redefines sustainable mobility with a choice of advanced electrified powertrains that combine performance, efficiency, and intelligent energy management. The all-electric MG Hector Tomahawk EV is powered by MAGIC Battery delivering a 69.2 kWh high voltage battery pack paired with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, delivering 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. It offers a certified driving range of 517 km on a single charge and supports DC fast charging of up to 90 kW, ensuring both everyday convenience and long-distance capability.

Further expanding its electrified portfolio, the MG Hector Tomahawk introduces India‘s First Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in its segment. The advanced powertrain combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and a 20.5 kWh battery pack delivering over 115 km of pure-electric driving range. The 148 kW electric motor delivers strong and responsive acceleration, enabling 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 9 seconds.

Designed with intelligent innovation at its core, the DHT offers industry-leading thermal efficiency, while its highly efficient drive motor and advanced electric control system form the foundation of its globally proven PHEV technology. The Motor Control Unit (MCU) achieves a maximum efficiency of 99.1%, while advanced IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) technology helps optimise energy consumption and enhance driving range. The DHT’s electromagnetic clutch enables precise mode transitions with a rapid 0.1-second response time, ensuring a smooth and seamless driving experience.

The Intelligent Energy Management System continuously analyses driving conditions and automatically selects the most efficient operating strategy through four dedicated drive modes:

• Pure Electric Drive: Silent and responsive urban driving.
• Series Hybrid Drive: The engine generates electricity while the motor powers the wheels.
• Parallel Hybrid Drive: The engine and motor work together to deliver maximum performance.
• Engine Direct Drive: Optimised for efficient highway cruising.

Together, these advanced technologies form an integrated powertrain ecosystem that enables the Hector Tomahawk to deliver a remarkable, combined driving range of over 1,100 km, offering the convenience of electric mobility for everyday journeys while providing the flexibility and confidence required for long-distance travel.

Further enhancing its versatility, the Hector Tomahawk introduces India’s first Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities, enabling customers to power appliances, outdoor equipment and even homes directly from the vehicle’s battery.

Safety at the Core of the MAGIC Battery

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV’s 69.2 kWh high-voltage MAGIC Battery has been developed with a safety-first philosophy at its core. Built using high-thermal-stability cell materials, ceramic insulation layers, and high-temperature-resistant electrolyte, the battery is engineered to deliver exceptional durability and protection under demanding conditions. It has successfully undergone rigorous safety validations, including full needle penetration without fire, 180-degree thermal shock testing, 55-degree short-circuit testing without abnormality, and up to 40% cell deformation without fire or explosion. Reinforcing its robust credentials, the battery system has been subjected to more than 2,000 bench tests, over 490 full-vehicle validation tests, and extensive environmental evaluations across extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and severe cold conditions. Complementing this comprehensive safety architecture is an advanced Battery Management System that continuously monitors battery health in real time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring enhanced reliability and peace of mind for customers. In addition, the company is offering the lifetime battery warranty to the first owner of both Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV.

Intelligence & Connectivity

Technology lies at the core of the MG Hector Tomahawk experience, delivering a seamlessly connected and highly intuitive driving environment. Equipped with MG’s most advanced connected car platform, i-SMART 3.0, featuring over 80 smart features, the SUV introduces first-in-segment i-SWIPE technology with 2-, 3-, and 5-finger gesture controls, enabling effortless interaction with key vehicle functions. The newly introduced India’s First Gen AI, powered by an advanced voice assistant, allows natural and intuitive conversations along with 30+ Hinglish voice commands, making every journey more personalised and convenient for Indian customers.

Further elevating the in-cabin experience is the segment’s largest 15.6-inch HD infotainment screen, complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Digital Bluetooth Key with key-sharing capability, and over-the-air software updates. Reinforcing MG’s ‘It’s a Human Thing’ philosophy, the Hector Tomahawk also offers six thoughtfully designed experience modes: Nap Mode, Pro Pet Mode, Camp Mode, Quiet Mode, Energise Mode, and Smoking Mode, catering to diverse lifestyle needs and making every journey smarter, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

The first-in-segment Starmaanch Karaoke app transforms the cabin into an interactive entertainment space. With a library of over 8,000+ karaoke tracks spanning Bollywood favourites, English hits, regional music and children’s content, occupants can sing along, record performances and enjoy a truly engaging in-car entertainment environment. The MG App Store also brings together multiple Jio-powered services like access to 18+ entertainment, shopping, social media, quick commerce, food services and gaming apps on a single platform. A new voice-first interface supported by Jio VR and powered by GenAI capabilities and JioSaavn delivers a refreshed and personalized music streaming experience. ETV Bharat, a multilingual digital news and video platform, brings regional content and news closer to customers through multilingual support.

Advanced Safety

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Hector Tomahawk experience. The SUV comes equipped with 6 airbags as standard across all variants, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child-seat anchors and all-wheel disc brakes. 

Further enhancing safety and convenience is the 360° Around View HD Camera System with Wheel View, front and rear parking sensors and a comprehensive suite of Level 2 ADAS technologies. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Front Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking for Pedestrians and Intelligent Headlamp Control.

MG SHIELD

The MG Hector Tomahawk is supported by MG SHIELD, the brand’s comprehensive ownership programme designed to deliver a convenient and worry-free after-sales experience. Customers of Hector Tomahawk EV can avail 3-3-2 benefit program, which includes a three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, three years of Roadside Assistance, and two labour-free periodic services. For PHEV Customers, the MG SHIELD will offer 3-3-3 package including three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, three years of Roadside Assistance, and three labour-free periodic services. For added flexibility and peace of mind, customers can further personalise their ownership experience by opting for extended warranty and roadside assistance packages, or choosing from MG‘s Protect Plans, a range of prepaid maintenance programmes tailored to individual needs. ** Customers of MG Hector Tomahawk can also opt for an Assured Buy Back Program.

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV will be available in six striking single-tone colours: Pearl White, Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Celadon Blue, Shadow Gold, and Khaki Green. In addition, customers can choose from two dual-tone options: Shadow Gold + Black and Khaki Green + Black. The Hector Tomahawk PHEV will be offered in Pearl White, Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Celadon Blue, Turquoise Green, and Shadow Gold, along with two dual-tone combinations: Turquoise Green + White and Celadon Blue + White.^^

The Hector Tomahawk EV will be available in both 5- and 7-seater configurations, while the PHEV will be offered exclusively as a 7-seater. Combining advanced electrified powertrains, segment-leading technology, comprehensive safety features, and a premium ownership experience, the Hector Tomahawk is poised to redefine expectations in the premium SUV segment.

Customers opting for full vehicle ownership can avail of the introductory ex-showroom offering. The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV will also be offered under an introductory Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offering for a limited number of bookings, along with an introductory ex-showroom offering.

Bookings for the MG Hector Tomahawk EV and MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV are now open across MG dealerships in India and on the company’s website. Deliveries of the MG Hector Tomahawk EV will begin in September 2026. For the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV, test drives and deliveries will commence in November 2026.

Regulation ‘Significant’ in Determining Fund Structures in Private Equity

Aug 26: Regulation is playing a significant role in fund structuring for private equity fund managers as concerns about regulatory fragmentation grow, new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider, shows.

Regulatory fragmentation is shaping fund structures

The study, which surveyed private equity fund managers across the U.S. and Europe, who collectively manage $3.511 trillion in AUM, found North America is regarded as posing the greatest regulatory complexity ahead of Europe, despite recent relaxation of rules in the U.S. covering climate and ESG disclosures.

Ocorian’s study across  key U.S. markets, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden and Bulgaria, found more than three out of four (77%) said regulatory considerations are a significant but manageable factor in determining fund structures, while 7% said they are a primary structuring constraint.

Respondents identified regulatory fragmentation as one of the most underestimated risks facing  the market, ahead of operational scale and resilience. Nearly half (44%) believe the market is underestimating risks from regulatory fragmentation compared with 38% saying the same about operational scale and resilience.

Just 15% questioned believe investor concentration risk is underestimated and only 4% say the same about liquidity risks.

North America is seen as the most complex market

But surprisingly more than half (55%) believe North America currently poses the greatest regulatory complexity for their business despite recent changes. That compares with 38% who say Europe is more challenging. Just 2% say complexity is broadly similar across all regions.

Nearly half (46%) say they have avoided or found it challenging to structure funds due to regulatory complexity in Europe excluding the UK, while 55% have avoided Latin America and 18% have avoided the UK itself.

Rebecca Thorpe, Global Head of Regulatory Consulting at Ocorian, said: “Regulation plays a significant role in fund structuring and there is genuine concern about the risks of regulatory fragmentation being underestimated across the global market.

“Regulation to some extent influences where private equity fund managers launch funds, and there is evidence that firms are avoiding certain regions or finding it hard to structure funds in those regions. That makes it surprising that North America is seen as more complex for regulation than other regions despite recent changes, possibly reflecting the focus by U.S. authorities on transparency and valuations.

“Fund managers increasingly need expert support across different markets and jurisdictions to adapt to different regulatory regimes and practices.”

Premium Housing Emerges as a Key Growth Driver for India’s Real Estate Market

New Delhi, Aug 26: India’s residential property market is seeing a strong rise in demand for premium homes, prompting developers to shift a growing share of new housing supply towards higher-priced projects.

The change reflects evolving buyer preferences, rising purchasing power and greater demand for homes that offer more space, better locations and modern amenities. In major cities, buyers are increasingly willing to spend more for improved quality and lifestyle features.

For real estate developers, this shift is creating an opportunity to increase revenue and strengthen project profitability. Premium homes typically generate higher value per transaction, allowing companies to build larger projects and invest in better amenities and construction quality.

The trend is also encouraging developers to focus on established and well-connected locations where demand for premium housing remains strong. Larger developers with access to capital and land are increasingly expanding their presence in this segment.

The growth of premium housing is benefiting several related industries as well. Construction companies, building-material suppliers, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, home-automation providers and other businesses are seeing opportunities from the increasing demand for high-end residential projects.

At the same time, the changing supply mix raises concerns about housing affordability. Higher land and construction costs, particularly in major urban centres, can make it difficult for developers to deliver homes at lower price points.

For the real estate industry, the shift towards premium housing represents a change in the nature of growth. Developers are increasingly focusing on the value and quality of projects rather than relying only on higher unit volumes.

If demand remains strong, premium housing is likely to remain an important contributor to real estate growth in India. Developers that can combine strong execution, attractive locations, quality construction and competitive pricing could be best placed to benefit from the changing housing market.

SIDBI, RRBs Join Hands to Expand MSME Financing and Strengthen Rural Business Growth

New Delhi, Aug 26: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has convened the heads of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to strengthen collaboration in MSME lending and expand access to formal credit for small businesses in rural and semi-urban areas.

The conclave, held in New Delhi on August 25, discussed the expansion of the SIDBI-RRB co-lending model and ways to create a stronger financing channel for micro and small enterprises. Senior officials from the Department of Financial Services, SIDBI and NABARD, along with the heads of all 28 RRBs, attended the meeting.

The initiative seeks to combine SIDBI’s expertise in MSME financing with the extensive grassroots network of RRBs. With branches located across villages, smaller towns and semi-urban centres, RRBs are in a strong position to identify local businesses and connect eligible enterprises with institutional credit.

Expanding the co-lending framework could help address funding gaps faced by small businesses, particularly enterprises that struggle to secure timely formal financing. Improved access to credit can enable MSMEs to invest in machinery and equipment, meet working-capital requirements, increase production and generate employment.

The programme is also expected to encourage RRBs to increase their exposure to MSME lending while diversifying their loan portfolios. Technology-based credit assessment can help reduce processing times, improve lending decisions and strengthen credit-risk management.

Greater attention is also being given to MSME clusters. Using local business information and cluster-level data can help lenders understand credit demand more effectively, identify viable enterprises and extend financing to a wider pool of eligible borrowers.

Financial awareness among small businesses is another important focus. Better understanding of formal lending options and other financial services can help entrepreneurs choose suitable financing solutions and reduce their reliance on informal sources of credit.

SIDBI’s digital Co-Lending Origination Platform is expected to play a key role in supporting the expanded framework. The paperless platform facilitates digital submission of applications and documents, faster processing and direct disbursement of loans, potentially reducing the need for borrowers to make repeated visits to bank branches.

The initiative follows positive outcomes from an initial pilot involving three RRBs. Its proposed expansion could bring additional banks and borrowers into the co-lending network and widen the reach of institutional MSME finance.

Overall, the effort is aimed at improving the flow of credit to grassroots enterprises and supporting entrepreneurship, production, employment and economic activity across rural India and smaller towns. By strengthening cooperation between financial institutions and local businesses, the initiative could contribute to a more accessible and inclusive MSME financing ecosystem.

India’s Occupied Office Space Crosses 900 Million Sq Ft as Business Demand Stays Strong

Mumbai, Aug 26: India’s occupied office space crossed 900 million square feet in the first half of 2026, reflecting steady demand from companies and continued expansion across major business markets.

According to a report, occupied office space reached around 901.1 million square feet by June 2026, compared with about 847 million square feet a year earlier. The increase highlights continued activity in India’s commercial real estate sector.

Bengaluru remained the country’s largest office market, followed by Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. Pune also recorded significant office space, supported by growing demand from businesses.

The rise in occupied office space has been supported by the expansion of technology companies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), financial services firms and other businesses. Companies are increasingly establishing and expanding offices in major cities to support their workforce and operations.

The growth of the office market is also creating opportunities for related sectors, including construction, real estate services, transport, hospitality, retail and other business services.

The continued demand for commercial space indicates that companies remain active in expanding their operations in India. It also highlights the growing importance of the country’s major cities as centres for technology, corporate services and global business operations.

With businesses continuing to expand and new offices being added, India’s commercial real estate market is expected to remain an important contributor to employment, investment and overall economic activity.