Author: Neel Achary

Asit Tripathy Elected First President of Odisha Steel Producers’ Association

India’s logistics sector poised for rapid expansion on the back of infrastructure and digital reforms

Apr 17 (BNP): India’s logistics industry is expected to witness strong, sustained growth over the coming decade, with estimates placing its value at around $800 billion by 2030 and close to ₹120 trillion by 2035. The expansion is being driven by large-scale infrastructure development, policy reforms, and increasing digital adoption across supply chains.

A key factor behind this growth is the ongoing capital investment push in transport infrastructure, including highways, rail networks, and dedicated freight corridors. These projects are designed to improve connectivity, reduce transit time, and lower overall logistics costs across regions.

Government initiatives such as the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM Gati Shakti programme are also reshaping the sector by improving coordination between departments and streamlining freight movement. India’s logistics cost, currently estimated at 13–14% of GDP, is targeted to gradually decline toward around 8%, enhancing global competitiveness.

At the same time, digital transformation is accelerating efficiency and transparency in supply chains. Platforms like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), e-way bill systems, and RFID-enabled tracking are helping improve real-time visibility, reduce delays, and formalize operations. Industry expectations suggest that up to 60% of the sector could become formalized by 2035.

Demand-side growth is also strengthening the sector, supported by the rise of e-commerce, manufacturing expansion under “Make in India,” and the development of export logistics hubs. These trends are increasing the need for modern warehousing, cold chain networks, and efficient last-mile delivery systems.

With India’s economy projected to expand from around $4.2 trillion in 2025 to nearly $10 trillion by 2035, the logistics sector is expected to play a central role in enabling trade, industrial growth, and consumption across the country.

In Her Footsteps: Spotlight on the Great Women in the Himalayas

Global cultural initiative honours Alexandra David-Neel while re-framing history through the voices of women across the Himalayan region

India, Apr 17: The Embassy of France in India and the French Institute in India, in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok, organised a landmark cultural initiative presenting an exhibition titled “Alexandra David-Neel in Sikkim: A Journey into Buddhism (1912–1916)”, alongside an international symposium in honour of Alexandra David-Neel, “In Her Footsteps: Great Women in the Himalayas.”

Bringing together scholars, institutions, and international partners, this ambitious project curated by anthropologist Dr Anna Balikci invited audiences to rediscover the legacy of Franco-Belgian explorer Alexandra David-Neel, while shining new light on the often-overlooked trajectories of remarkable women across the Himalayan region.

Across the Himalayas, extraordinary women have made lasting contributions to culture, education, religion, and social transformation—yet many of these narratives remain underrepresented. This initiative sought to foreground these voices, situating Alexandra David-Neel’s journey within a broader continuum of women who shaped the region as explorers, thinkers, spiritual practitioners, and cultural transmitters.

The exhibition opened at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. Mr Om Prakash Mathur, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim; H.E. Dr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India; H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Ms Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, whose respective embassies supported this project, likewise graced the opening with their presence.

A rich, immersive project, the exhibition wove together archival materials from the Maison Alexandra David-Neel museum in Digne-les-Bains, visual narratives, and historical research to retrace David-Neel’s transformative years in Sikkim—years that played a defining role in shaping her engagement with Buddhist philosophy and Himalayan cultures.

The international symposium brought together leading researchers from Europe and South Asia to explore the lives and legacies of Himalayan women who had distinguished themselves as figures of transmission, resistance, and innovation across cultural, spiritual, and social spheres.

During his address, Ambassador Thierry Mathou highlighted: “Alexandra David-Neel’s influence on young women in France has been significant. Her legacy could be understood in several ways: as a symbol of intellectual independence, a model for female explorers, and an early bridge between Europe and Asian spiritual traditions. (…) Her years in Sikkim created enduring intellectual and cultural ties between our two regions stretching back to over a century, and through her writings she brought the spiritual and cultural richness of the Himalayas to Europe. This initiative honoured not only Alexandra David-Neel, but all the women whose contributions continue to inspire us.”

Strong Credit Momentum in FY26, Deposit Growth Also Rises: RBI

Apr 17 (BNP): Bank lending in India picked up strong momentum in FY26, with credit expanding by 16.08% year-on-year, marking its fastest growth since FY24, when growth had crossed 20%, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.

Deposits also showed healthy traction, rising 13.47% YoY—its strongest pace in the same period. Total bank credit stood at ₹213.61 trillion, while deposits reached ₹262.30 trillion.

In the fortnight ended March 31, credit rose sharply by 2.8% (₹5.92 trillion), compared with a marginal 0.1% increase in the previous fortnight. Deposits grew even faster during the same period, up 4.87% (₹12.18 trillion). However, analysts noted that year-end figures may appear elevated due to changes in RBI reporting dates.

Market experts said credit growth has improved in recent months, led by strong demand from corporates, MSMEs, and retail borrowers, particularly in segments like gold loans. Lower lending rates have also encouraged companies to shift back to bank borrowing, as bond market yields remained relatively high.

According to industry experts, external funding avenues such as overseas borrowing have become costlier due to elevated global yields and currency volatility, further boosting reliance on domestic bank credit.

Data shows major lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank have reported strong growth across corporate and MSME loan segments.

Analysts also pointed out that bond market activity has remained subdued due to higher yields, while tighter global financial conditions have constrained external commercial borrowing. This has further strengthened banks’ role as key lenders in the system.

However, experts cautioned that sustaining this pace of credit growth will require stronger deposit mobilisation, as rising credit demand is already creating pressure on liquidity and balance sheets. Banks have increasingly relied on certificate of deposits (CDs) to bridge funding gaps, with issuances rising sharply during FY26.

Overall, while credit momentum remains strong, analysts expect banks to focus on deposit growth and funding stability to support sustained lending expansion going forward.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Concludes Suzuki Matsuri in Mumbai, Creating Four Records in India and Asia Book of Records

Mumbai, April 17: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, successfully concluded the Mumbai edition of its flagship motorcycling festival, Suzuki Matsuri, at Mulund in Mumbai. The celebration not only brought together nearly 4,000 two-wheeler riders & enthusiasts but also created history by setting four records recognised by the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR).

At the event, SMIPL achieved the record for the Largest Gathering of a Single Scooter Model at One Location, with 390 Suzuki Burgman customers coming together with their scooters. Additionally, SMIPL also marked another record for the Maximum Single Model Scooter Delivered in a Single Day, as 175 new Suzuki Burgman scooters were delivered to customers at the event. Both achievements stand as a testament to the Suzuki Burgman’s growing popularity and the strong trust it enjoys among customers.

Speaking about the success of the Mumbai edition, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President Sales, Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., said,

“Suzuki Matsuri is a celebration of the riding community and their passion for two-wheelers. Setting two prestigious records at this year’s Mumbai edition is a proud moment for all of us and reflects the strong connect we share with our customers. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm reaffirm our commitment to delivering value-packed products and meaningful experiences. We will continue to engage closely with riders to build an inclusive riding culture in India.”

Event Highlights

Designed as a community-led celebration, Suzuki Matsuri in Mumbai featured a mix of experiences and engagement zones, creating a festival-like atmosphere throughout the day. A major highlight was the customer-led launch of the New Suzuki Burgman Street, which drew strong interest from nearly 4,000 attendees. Further elevating the excitement, SMIPL showcased the globally renowned Suzuki Burgman 400, giving participants a close look at Suzuki’s international maxi-scooter legacy and engineering excellence.

Participants explored curated riding zones featuring the New Burgman Street, Access ABS, e‑Access, and V‑Strom SX, while the celebration extended beyond riding with a Suzuki Parade, professional stunt performances, and interactive sessions with customers. Engagement zones such as tattoo booths, graffiti walls, merchandise booth, and cosplay artists, along with high‑energy performances by Khaanzadi and DJ Lady Barot, completed the festive experience.

Suzuki Matsuri continues to strengthen its position as a unique platform that goes beyond products bringing together people, experiences, and the spirit of motorcycling under one roof.