Author: Neel Achary

PM Modi Praises Vadodara’s Cleanliness Drive, Calls Citizen Participation Encouraging

Vadodara, Sep 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised Vadodara residents for their enthusiastic participation in the city’s cleanliness campaign, saying the effort reflects the strong spirit of public participation in keeping the city clean.

The appreciation came during PM Modi’s visit to Vadodara, where he attended the ‘NaMo 4 Viksit Bharat’ programme and inaugurated and dedicated several development projects. The city had launched a large-scale cleanliness and environmental campaign ahead of his visit under the Gujarat government’s ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ initiative.

The cleanliness campaign brought together residents, sanitation workers, civic officials, elected representatives, educational institutions and voluntary organisations. The drive covered public spaces, lakes, gardens, healthcare centres, heritage sites and other important areas of the city.

Large numbers of citizens joined the campaign across Vadodara’s 19 wards. The initiative also included tree plantation and environmental awareness activities, giving the cleanliness drive a broader focus on protecting the city’s natural and public spaces.

The campaign saw particularly strong participation around heritage and recreational locations. Thousands of residents also joined cleanliness activities along important routes and public areas, while saplings were planted and distributed at several locations.

A cyclothon organised as part of the wider campaign further brought residents and children together to promote both fitness and cleanliness. Around 1,500 children participated in the event, reinforcing the message that keeping the city clean is a shared responsibility.

PM Modi’s remarks have placed the spotlight on the role citizens can play alongside municipal authorities in improving urban cleanliness. The Vadodara campaign has shown how community participation can turn a civic initiative into a broader public movement.

With the festive season approaching, the cleanliness effort is also expected to encourage residents to maintain cleaner streets, neighbourhoods, markets and public spaces. The emphasis is now on sustaining the momentum beyond the campaign and making cleanliness a regular part of civic life.

The Vadodara initiative reflects a wider effort to combine cleanliness, environmental awareness and public participation, while creating a cleaner and more welcoming city for residents and visitors.

Akoirah by Augmont Introduces ‘Sculpted by Nature’, A Contemporary Fine Jewellery Collection Inspired by Nature’s Timeless Forms

Mumbai, 8th September 2026: Nature has long been one of design’s greatest muses, inspiring architecture, fashion, interiors, and art with its effortless balance of beauty and structure. Drawing from this enduring influence, Akoirah by Augmont unveils Sculpted by Nature, a contemporary fine jewellery collection that reimagines botanical forms through sculptural silhouettes, refined craftsmanship, and laboratory-grown diamonds.

The collection celebrates the quiet elegance of nature, translating blooming petals, graceful vines, delicate leaves, and organic curves into wearable works of art. Designed for the modern consumer who values individuality as much as craftsmanship, Sculpted by Nature reflects a new perspective on fine jewellery, where timeless inspiration meets contemporary expression.

The collection features standout creations including The Diamond Cluster Studs, inspired by petals in full bloom and finished with striking pear-cut diamond drops; The Enchanted Vine Hoops, which reinterpret climbing vines through fluid, diamond-studded silhouettes; The Pear Halo Studs, a modern take on a timeless classic with layered pear-shaped brilliance; and The Botanical Laurel Ring, inspired by intertwined foliage and designed to capture nature’s graceful movement.

Crafted in recycled gold and set with laboratory-grown diamonds, each piece balances artistic design with everyday versatility. Rather than being reserved for special occasions, the collection is designed to become part of the wearer’s personal style, seamlessly transitioning from everyday dressing to celebratory moments.

Commenting on the launch, Namita Kothari, Founder, Akoirah by Augmont, said: “Nature has an effortless way of creating forms that are timeless, balanced, and endlessly inspiring. With Sculpted by Nature, we wanted to capture that beauty through a contemporary lens, creating jewellery that feels artistic, versatile, and deeply personal. Every piece is designed to celebrate craftsmanship while allowing the wearer to express their individuality, making it as relevant for everyday wear as it is for life’s special moments.”

As consumers increasingly gravitate towards jewellery that reflects their personality rather than tradition alone, design is emerging as one of the strongest differentiators in the luxury jewellery category. Today’s buyers are seeking pieces that are versatile, expressive, and thoughtfully crafted, moving beyond occasion-led purchases to jewellery that becomes part of their everyday identity.

Sculpted by Nature, Akoirah continues to redefine modern luxury by creating collections that combine contemporary design with conscious craftsmanship. Inspired by nature yet designed for today’s lifestyles, the collection offers a fresh interpretation of fine jewellery, one where every piece is intended to be worn, cherished, and collected.

Influence is what happens after people listen’: Ranveer Allahbadia

Hyderabad, Sept 08: “Influence is not about how many people listen to you; it is about what happens after they listen.” That was the message from prominent podcaster, content creator and entrepreneur Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, at a special session on the future of digital influence organised by FLO Hyderabad at ITC Kakatiya on Monday.

Speaking at “Beyond the Algorithm: Building Influence in the Digital Age,” Allahbadia said influence should not be measured merely by followers, views or reach, but by the ability to change perspectives, inspire action and make people believe in themselves.

The 33-year-old engineer-turned-content creator was in conversation with Seetha Reddy, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad, before an audience of more than 400 FLO members, past chairpersons of FLO and YFLO, entrepreneurs and professionals.

One of Allahbadia’s key messages to businesses was to rethink the way they approach digital marketing. “I think it is time for enterprises to create a youth department to handle such tasks,” he said, adding that young people below 25 from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities could bring a fresh perspective to digital marketing, given their familiarity with rapidly changing platforms, trends and online behaviour.

He said algorithms are changing at an extremely rapid pace and are becoming increasingly difficult and tiring to manage, making it important for organisations to bring younger perspectives into their digital strategies.

 Allahbadia also identified WhatsApp marketing as an emerging area of opportunity, saying that audiences and marketers are increasingly moving beyond conventional social media platforms into more direct and demanding forms of digital engagement.

Explaining the role of different platforms, he said X drives conversation, LinkedIn builds business connections, Instagram creates visual influence, Facebook builds communities, while YouTube establishes authority through storytelling.

On the future of podcasting, Allahbadia said the space has become increasingly crowded and that there has been some decline in podcasting.

He, however, said talk shows and long-form conversations will continue to have relevance.

His advice to aspiring podcasters was to begin with short-form content before graduating to long-form conversations.

“Political podcasting is scary,” he said, referring to the challenges and sensitivities associated with the space.

Sharing a personal insight, Allahbadia said he had learnt a great deal from Priyanka Chopra after podcasting with her.

“I want to give back to society through my work by creating more jobs. I want to spread values through my work,” he said.

Looking ahead, Allahbadia identified quantum computing as one of the technologies that could have a major impact on the future, suggesting that it could dramatically expand computing capabilities.

His comments highlighted the rapidly changing technology landscape and the need for businesses and professionals to keep looking beyond today’s dominant technologies.

Speaking about Hyderabad, Allahbadia revealed that he had tried Hyderabadi biryani in Mumbai and was keen to experience the authentic version in Hyderabad.

He also invited his followers in Telangana to send him suggestions through social media and direct messages about places he should explore in the state, saying he would like to discover more of Telangana based on recommendations from his audience.

The session examined a fundamental question of the digital era: Does visibility automatically translate into influence?

For generations, influence was largely associated with institutional positions, credentials, professional achievements and years of experience. Digital platforms have dramatically changed that equation. Today, an individual with a phone, an idea and the ability to communicate can potentially reach millions.

But, as the discussion highlighted, attention is not influence, reach is not trust, and popularity is not necessarily credibility.

Speaking about the relevance of the session, Seetha Reddy, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad, said: “Influence today is no longer something that simply comes with a position or title. The digital world rewards speed, visibility and attention. But attention is not influence, and a large audience is not necessarily trust. The real challenge is to build relevance, credibility and staying power. Influence has to be built deliberately—through what we say, what we stand for and the conversations we create.”

She said the issue was particularly relevant for women as more women take on public-facing roles as entrepreneurs, founders, professionals, spokespersons, creators and thought leaders.

“FLO believes that the ability to communicate effectively, shape conversations and establish credibility is becoming an increasingly important component of modern leadership,” she added.

The “Beyond the Algorithm” session brought together digital influence, entrepreneurship, personal branding and leadership, encouraging women to look beyond simply being visible online and focus instead on building credibility, trust and lasting impact.

From Water to Wealth: Technology Reshapes India’s Aquaculture Growth Story

New Delhi, Sep 8: India’s fisheries and aquaculture industry is undergoing a significant transformation as advanced technologies, rising investment and growing demand for seafood push the sector towards more efficient and commercially viable production models.

Technologies such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc are emerging as important tools in this transition, enabling fish farmers to produce more in controlled environments while making better use of water and other resources. The shift is also opening new opportunities for rural businesses, employment and investment across the wider fisheries value chain.

The fisheries and aquaculture sector already plays a major role in India’s rural economy, supporting the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers. Its economic footprint extends well beyond primary production, encompassing feed, equipment, processing, cold-chain infrastructure, transportation, packaging, retail and exports.

India is now the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing around 8 per cent of global production. It is also the second-largest aquaculture producer, the world’s largest producer and exporter of shrimp and the second-largest producer in capture fisheries.

Sustained public investment has helped accelerate this growth. Since 2015, more than ₹39,272 crore has been approved or announced through various government initiatives aimed at strengthening fisheries infrastructure, improving production, encouraging technology adoption, expanding market access and boosting exports.

The results are reflected in the sector’s production performance. Annual fish production has more than doubled from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to a record 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. Inland fisheries and aquaculture have been at the centre of this expansion, with output increasing 147 per cent from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 151.60 lakh tonnes over the same period.

India’s seafood export performance has also strengthened considerably. Exports rose from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to a record ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26, underlining the growing importance of fisheries to India’s export economy and its integration with global seafood markets.

Technology is now expected to play a larger role in sustaining this momentum. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), RAS and Biofloc systems are helping shift aquaculture towards controlled, intensive and resource-efficient production.

RAS relies on water treatment and recirculation, enabling farms to reuse a large proportion of their water. The systems can recycle up to 90-95 per cent of water, reducing freshwater requirements and making aquaculture possible in locations where conventional farming may be difficult. Production units can also be established closer to urban consumption centres and major markets, potentially improving supply efficiency and reducing logistical distances.

Biofloc technology takes a different approach by using beneficial microorganisms to maintain water quality and support fish growth. The system can help farmers make more efficient use of resources while creating controlled production conditions.

Under PMMSY, 9,467 RAS units and 4,573 Biofloc units have been approved, backed by an investment of ₹4,120 crore. The expansion of these systems is helping promote year-round production and extend aquaculture beyond conventional farming regions.

The economic impact could extend well beyond fish farms themselves. As technology adoption increases, demand is likely to grow for aquaculture equipment, specialised feeds, water-treatment systems, farm automation, digital monitoring, cold storage, logistics, processing and technical services. This creates space for both established businesses and new rural enterprises to participate in the emerging aquaculture ecosystem.

Technology-led production could also strengthen India’s position in high-value seafood markets. Controlled farming environments can offer greater consistency in production, improved biosecurity and better traceability, all of which are becoming increasingly important as international markets place greater emphasis on quality and food safety.

The applications are expanding across different segments of aquaculture. RAS and Biofloc systems are being adopted for premium-value trout production in cold-water regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. They are also being used in shrimp farming in saline and brackish-water areas and in ornamental fish production, creating opportunities in specialised and higher-value markets.

The next phase of the sector’s development could see aquaculture increasingly integrated with digital technologies. Artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring, drones and renewable energy solutions have the potential to improve farm management, monitor water conditions, optimise resource use and reduce operating costs.

At the same time, greater diversification towards high-value species such as shrimp, trout, seabass, tilapia, murrel and pangasius could help farmers improve returns while expanding India’s presence in international seafood markets.

For the rural economy, the transformation carries significance beyond higher fish production. A stronger aquaculture industry can generate additional income opportunities, create skilled and semi-skilled jobs and stimulate demand for businesses involved in processing, storage, transportation and marketing. It can also provide farmers with alternatives to traditional sources of rural income.

As investment, technology and private-sector participation deepen, Indian aquaculture is gradually evolving from a largely traditional activity into a more organised and technology-driven industry. If supported by skills, infrastructure and efficient market linkages, this transformation could strengthen rural livelihoods, expand the seafood export base and establish fisheries as an even more important pillar of India’s emerging blue economy.

AcroMeta to Enter Ambient Temperature Cellular Logistics Through Strategic Partnership with Macro HRD SG Pte. Ltd.

India’s Lithium Battery Manufacturing Sector to Create 3 Million Jobs by 2030, says Adecco India

Mumbai, 8th September 2026: India is transforming from importing and assembling lithium-ion cells to building a domestic cell-to-pack manufacturing base. The country’s battery industry is entering its most capital-intensive and employment-intensive phase, evolving from an assembly and import-dependent opportunity into a fully integrated cell-to-recycling industrial ecosystem, according to Adecco India. The sector is projected to generate 1.5 to 2 million jobs, 25% direct and 75% indirect, by 2030. Hiring is expected to grow by 25% to 30% Y-o-Y, with the next decade defined less by conventional assembly-line roles and more by specialised electrochemistry, materials science and battery process engineering capabilities across the value chain.

According to Deepesh Gupta, Director and Head of General Staffing, Adecco India, “India’s battery manufacturing journey is no longer just a policy ambition; it is now translating into plant-level capacity. Under the PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells, the Government of India has committed Rs. 18,100 crore to develop 50 GWh of domestic ACC manufacturing capacity, with an additional 5 GWh reserved for niche chemistries. A new component manufacturing incentive scheme of nearly Rs. 12,000 crore is also under consideration for cathode and anode active materials, copper foil, electrolytes and separators. With battery manufacturing capacity currently at around 60 GWh and expected to approach 100 GWh by the end of 2026, along with upcoming gigafactory investments in Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana and Telangana, the sector is moving beyond assembly and building the depth of a full industrial ecosystem. Since battery components account for more than 60% of cell cost, and India continues to depend heavily on imported lithium, cobalt and refined battery-grade materials, workforce planning must cover the entire value chain, from cell chemistry and pack integration to end-of-life recycling, not just finished-vehicle manufacturing,”

“Catalysing the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, this localisation drive, supported by the Critical Minerals Mission and India’s participation in the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework, will reduce India’s reliance on imported cells and refined materials, strengthen energy security, and support the Net-Zero target by 2070, while creating employment opportunities across both established manufacturing hubs and emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 industrial corridors,” he added.

Lithium Battery manufacturing is expected to contribute 50% – 60% of India’s projected green manufacturing jobs by 2030, with specialised battery engineering talent commanding salary premiums of up to 35% to 40% over conventional manufacturing and electronics roles.

Gigafactory clusters continue to be the primary employment engine for the sector, concentrated in Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and Haryana, with individual facility capacities ranging from 6 GWh to upwards of 16 GWh of cell and pack manufacturing capacity. 70% of total hiring demand is concentrated across these clusters, with 30% of new mandates expected to originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 industrial corridors as component parks, battery recycling facilities and supplier ecosystems mature around the anchor gigafactories. State-wise, karnataka and Gujarat are expected to account for the largest share of this hiring at 24% and 22% respectively, followed by Telangana (18%) and Haryana (14%), as cell manufacturing, pack assembly and ancillary supplier capacity scales across these clusters.

The Cell Manufacturing and Battery Components segment will account for the largest share of hiring (42%-45%), extending well beyond gigafactory operators into cathode and anode active material producers, copper foil, electrolyte and separator manufacturers, and precursor chemical suppliers, as India works to localise a supply chain. Currently, China controls roughly 80% of global copper foil output and refines the majority of the world’s lithium, nickel and cobalt.

Talent planning is also beginning to look beyond lithium-ion chemistry. A 2026 CEEW assessment argues that India will need to diversify its battery chemistries as demand could reach around 1.3 TWh annually by 2047, with sodium-ion batteries emerging as a credible pathway to supporting the country’s energy transition and reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities. Several key sodium-ion battery components, including cathode materials, hard-carbon anodes, electrolytes and aluminium current collectors, can draw on India’s existing industrial capabilities in pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, textiles and chemicals, potentially enabling significant domestic value addition and opening a parallel talent pathway for chemical and process engineers already embedded in these sectors. Emerging players commercialising hard carbon made from agricultural and bio waste for sodium-ion batteries with support from the Department of Science and Technology and the Technology Development Board, point to the kind of cross-sector talent movement this diversification could unlock.

Entry-level demand is strongest across process engineering, cell testing, validation and quality functions (45%), while mid-level hiring is increasingly concentrated on Battery Management System Engineers, Process and Automation Engineers, and Materials and Electrochemistry Engineers (40%). At the senior level, demand centres on Cell Chemistry Scientists, Functional Safety Leaders and Advanced Manufacturing Heads (15%).

Battery Recycling and Circular Economy Manufacturing is emerging as one of the sector’s fastest-growing talent segments as end-of-life volumes begin to build. With India currently recycling only a small fraction of its end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, and industry estimates pointing to a recycling market opportunity of around USD 3.5 billion by 2030, alongside the Government’s Critical Minerals Mission and the KABIL joint venture working to secure upstream lithium, cobalt and nickel supply, recycling and materials recovery are becoming central to the sector’s workforce planning rather than a peripheral function. Hiring in this segment is projected to grow by 25-30%, with demand shifting towards Hydrometallurgy Engineers, Battery Diagnostics Specialists and EPR Compliance Leaders, and salary premiums of up to 30%-40% reflecting an acute skill shortage estimated at 45%.

“Despite the pace of capacity announcements, specialised battery talent availability continues to lag industry demand by 25-30% across electrochemistry, materials science, battery process engineering and functional safety. A significant share of India’s conventional electronics and automotive manufacturing workforce, skilled in mechanical and electrical assembly, is not directly transferable to gigafactory environments without structured reskilling in cell chemistry, cleanroom protocols and battery safety systems. Addressing this gap will require accelerated reskilling of the existing manufacturing workforce, deeper industry-academia collaboration with chemical engineering and materials science institutions, and sustained investment in specialised battery technical education,” Deepesh added.

Looking ahead, organisations that build layered, function-specific talent pipelines, spanning cell chemistry, process manufacturing, functional safety and materials recovery, will be best placed to lead India’s battery manufacturing ecosystem as it scales. A one-size-fits-all workforce strategy will not work for a manufacturing base this technically complex and still this early in its build-out. With deep expertise in engineering, manufacturing and specialised workforce solutions, Adecco India is well positioned to support companies in building this future-ready talent base.

The commentary is based on insights from over 30+ client base of Adecco India.