18, Mar 2026
ECO Mobility & Hospitality Limited reinforces trust-led leadership in employee transportation
New Delhi, March 18: ECO (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited strengthened its commitment to responsible, people-centric mobility through a leadership engagement led by its Chief Operating Officer, Deepali DeV, in Noida. Hosted at the premises of a leading corporate partner, the session brought together over 150 women professionals, both in person and virtually, around the theme of safe daily commuting.
The interaction underscored a simple belief trust in mobility is built not just through systems, but through leadership that listens and engages directly with those who experience the service every day. By stepping onto the ground and interacting with a key user group, the session highlighted the importance of real-world perspectives in shaping more responsive mobility ecosystems.
Deepali DeV spoke about awareness, preparedness, and shared responsibility as critical to strengthening commuting confidence, reinforcing that safety is an evolving commitment anchored in both systems and human behaviour.
The session evolved into an open dialogue, with participants sharing insights and everyday experiences, reinforcing the importance of listening-led engagement in building stronger safety practices.
A focused L&D interaction followed, covering practical scenarios and key safety protocols, and reinforcing a layered approach where awareness, processes, and accountability together enable reliable commuting.
The engagement reflects ECO Mobility & Hospitality Limited’s continued focus on trust-led mobility and its commitment to strengthening responsible transportation practices. By encouraging dialogue and demonstrating on-ground leadership, the Company continues to contribute towards safer and more confident commuting experiences for professionals across India.
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- By Neel Achary
18, Mar 2026
CDK Hosts Convergence 2026 to Celebrate Employees and Indian Familial Values
Mar 18: CDK recently organised Convergence 2026 in Hyderabad and Pune, where the company operates offices in India—bringing employees and their families together for celebrations, reflecting warmth and organizational success, with special emphasis on Indian culture-inspired entertainment and values. This year’s theme, “Going Back to Our Indian Roots”, focused on the richness of Indian cultural and familial values.
With its strong people-first culture, CDK has been consistently recognised as a Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM company (GPTW), having earned the prestigious certification in India since 2019 and one of the Top 100 IT & ITES Workplaces in India for 2025 by Great Place to Work®. The spirit of Convergence 2026 also mirrored this sustained recognition of a workplace, where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired every day, and where their family members play an integral part in their purposeful journeys.
Culturally inspired performances and experiences
From colourful ethnic attires and themed décor to culturally-inspired performances and experiences, Convergence 2026 saw attendees immersing in the richness of Indian culture, while creating cherished memories together. The programme featured a vibrant line-up of activities, including traditional dance performances, vocal acts, a themed fashion walk, and interactive segments that brought the attendees on stage.
A special highlight of the evening was a dedicated zone for children, with activities designed to help them participate in pottery, games, and engaging competitions. A formal Rewards & Recognition segment honoured outstanding contributions of employees, across roles and teams, reinforcing the CDK culture of celebrating employees who demonstrate the company’s values every day.
Mr. Sandeep Kumar Jain, Managing Director, CDK, India, highlighted the importance of family members in shaping the organization’s journey and values.
“Family Day is a heartfelt reminder that our success extends beyond the workplace. Families are the true catalysts in our journey — their support, encouragement, and belief empower us to strive for excellence every day. We strongly believe that smart families nurture smart individuals; smart individuals build smart teams; and smart teams transform a company into a truly great organization. That is the success formula we proudly live by at CDK.”
Mr. Ashish Saxena, Senior Director & Head of Human Resources, CDK, India, added,
“This is who we are at our core—a community that grows stronger when we stand together as one family. Through Convergence, beyond our culture and tradition, we also celebrate the values that bind us—respect, gratitude, and togetherness. The event reflects the inclusive and people-first culture that we are proud to nurture every day.”
18, Mar 2026
UP Road Infrastructure Boost: 4 Lane Highway Approved
New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 6,969 crore project to upgrade the Barabanki–Bahraich highway in Uttar Pradesh into a four-lane corridor. The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support regional economic growth.
The upgraded highway will benefit commuters, transporters, and local businesses by easing congestion and enhancing road safety. It will also strengthen access to remote areas, boost trade, and create employment opportunities during construction.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize road infrastructure across India, enhancing connectivity and fostering industrial and regional development.
18, Mar 2026
Leading US university reinforces commitment to sustainability with installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper displays for instant energy and waste paper reductions
Amsterdam, Mar 18: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the successful installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper signage displays at Duquesne University, with the range bringing instant energy savings and waste cutting benefits, as well as delivering on a more informed and sustainable campus.
Founded in 1887, Duquesne is among the top 15% educational institutions in the United States. A top ranked private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, it caters for 8,000 students from 80 countries and over 3,000 faculty and staff.
As the university continues to experience exponential growth, both in appeal and in size, its scenic 49 acre (198,300 m2) campus overlooking downtown Pittsburgh continues to evolve, with the university placing a growing focus on enabling students with the latest technologies both in and outside of the classrooms.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and with a commitment to sustainable ecologies – which saw them recently named on the Princeton Review List of Green Colleges – the team researched the global ePaper market and turned to PPDS to seize the opportunities of the technology to replace the tired paper directories used around its campus.
Concluding the in depth analysis, Philips Tableaux ePaper displays were selected as the standout choice to achieve the team’s ambitions, with a fleet of 21x 32” 5150 and 25” 4050 Philips Tableaux installed in classrooms, study areas, and hallways.
As with other installations of Philips Tableaux ePaper displays – most recently inside the Institut Pasteur’s HQ in Paris – the Philips Tableaux range provides Duquesne University with incredible levels of flexibility and adaptability, interchangeable for a wide range of uses – from wayfinding and safety notices, cafeteria menus and event information, and many more. This includes in areas with limited power sources.
Light in weight and fully portable, Philips Tableaux models used on campus are capable of displaying full colour imagery for days, weeks, months, or even years without using a single kilowatt of energy, only requiring a small amount of electricity (0.0025 kWh for the 25” model) during content changes.
Instant benefits
Running on an Android SoC, Philips Tableaux displays can be managed and updated remotely via a content management or remote display management system such as Philips Wave or as chosen by the team at Duquesne, content can be updated manually via a USB drive.
The project has been deemed a major success, and a second rollout phase is set to include Philips Tableaux displays in other buildings around the campus, including the School of Nursing, the School of Liberal Arts, and the College of Medicine.
Lauren Turin, Director of Classroom Technologies, Duquesne University, commented: “We have eliminated the need for complicated installation, and we are saving on the cost of paper, printing, and time. So, the cost per department is more economical in the long run. When our directories need an update, we use a USB drive with the content and an extension cord for power. The time it takes to update the directory is quicker than the time it takes to walk to the building.”
PPDS Director of Education, Patrick VanTreese, added: “With sustainability now an important focus for businesses and in education, ePaper has become a real game changer, opening new opportunities to reduce wastage, save on costs, and create new opportunities to communicate. We’re delighted to have supported Duquesne University, delivering on their ambitions with our Philips Tableaux range.”
18, Mar 2026
India on Track to Become Third Largest Economy by 2030, Manufacturing Holds the Key
New Delhi, March 18: India is steadily moving toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, driven by strong growth, rising investments, and a large domestic market. However, experts believe that expanding the country’s manufacturing sector will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and achieving long-term economic strength.
India’s economy has shown consistent growth in recent years, supported by increasing consumer demand, digital expansion, and infrastructure development. While the services sector continues to play a dominant role, the next phase of growth is expected to depend more on industrial development and production capacity.
Why Manufacturing Matters
A stronger manufacturing base can significantly boost the economy by creating jobs, increasing exports, and reducing dependence on imports. It also supports other sectors such as logistics, trade, and services, creating a multiplier effect across the economy.
At present, manufacturing contributes a smaller share to India’s overall economy compared to leading industrial nations. Expanding this sector will help India move up the global economic ladder and compete more effectively on the world stage.
Growth Drivers and Opportunities
India has several advantages that can support manufacturing growth:
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A large and young workforce
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Expanding infrastructure and industrial corridors
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Rising demand for goods both domestically and globally
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Increasing focus on technology and innovation
Key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, renewable energy, and semiconductors are expected to play a major role in this transformation.
Government Efforts and Policy Support
The government has introduced various measures to encourage manufacturing, including incentives for production, improvements in ease of doing business, and investments in infrastructure. These steps are aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment and building a stronger industrial ecosystem.
Efforts to improve logistics, reduce costs, and simplify regulations are also helping businesses expand more easily.
The Road Ahead
As India continues to grow, the focus is gradually shifting toward building a more balanced economy that combines strong consumption with robust industrial output. Scaling up manufacturing will be essential to creating jobs, boosting exports, and maintaining high growth rates.
With continued policy support and investment, India is well positioned to strengthen its manufacturing sector and achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s largest economies.
18, Mar 2026
Centre Clears Mega Rs 33,660 Crore Industrial Park Scheme to Boost Manufacturing and Jobs
New Delhi, March 18: In a major push to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, the Union Cabinet has approved the BHAVYA scheme with a total outlay of Rs 33,660 crore to develop 100 industrial parks across the country. The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities while enhancing industrial infrastructure.
The scheme aims to create world-class industrial clusters equipped with modern facilities, improved logistics, and better connectivity. By providing ready-to-use infrastructure, the government seeks to attract both domestic and global investors, making it easier for businesses to set up and expand operations.
Officials said the proposed industrial parks will be strategically located to support key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented industries. The focus will be on ensuring efficient land use, seamless connectivity, and access to essential services, which are often critical for industrial growth.
A major objective of the BHAVYA scheme is job creation, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. By developing industrial hubs beyond major cities, the initiative is expected to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.
The scheme also aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains. With improved infrastructure and policy support, the initiative is likely to enhance competitiveness and attract long-term investments.
Industry experts believe that the development of integrated industrial parks will not only improve ease of doing business but also create opportunities for ancillary industries, small businesses, and startups.
The approval of the BHAVYA scheme marks another step in India’s ongoing efforts to build a robust industrial base, support economic growth, and generate employment at scale. As implementation begins, the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s manufacturing future.
18, Mar 2026
Cabinet Approves Rs 2,584 Crore Scheme to Boost Small Hydro Projects
New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme aimed at promoting small hydro power projects across the country, with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s renewable energy capacity while supporting sustainable and decentralized power generation.
The scheme focuses on the development, modernization, and revival of small hydro projects, which are typically defined as plants with a capacity of up to 25 MW. These projects are considered environmentally friendly and play a crucial role in providing reliable electricity, especially in remote and hilly regions.
According to official sources, the programme will support both new and existing projects. It includes provisions for upgrading old plants to improve efficiency, as well as incentives to encourage fresh investments in the sector. By addressing issues such as ageing infrastructure and financial viability, the scheme aims to unlock the untapped potential of small hydro energy in India.
Small hydro projects are particularly significant for states with abundant water resources, including those in the Himalayan and northeastern regions. These projects not only contribute to clean energy generation but also help in local employment and regional development.
The government’s decision comes at a time when India is accelerating its push toward renewable energy to meet its climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By promoting small hydro alongside solar and wind energy, the country is adopting a more diversified approach to clean power generation.
Industry experts believe that the scheme could revive investor interest in the sector, which has faced challenges in recent years due to high initial costs and regulatory hurdles. With financial support and policy backing, small hydro projects are expected to play a more prominent role in India’s renewable energy mix.
The initiative also aligns with the broader objective of ensuring energy access in underserved areas while maintaining environmental sustainability. As implementation begins, the scheme is likely to contribute to both green energy expansion and rural development, reinforcing India’s long-term energy strategy.
18, Mar 2026
BimaPay Wins ‘Rising Star Company of the Year’ at India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026
Mumbai, Mar 18: BimaPay Finsure Private Limited, a fast-growing digital lending and insurance financing platform backed by Mufin Green Finance, has been awarded the prestigious “Rising Star Company of the Year” title at the India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026. The recognition underscores BimaPay’s emergence as a high-impact player driving innovation, affordability, and accessibility in India’s evolving insurance ecosystem.
The India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026 brings together key stakeholders across the insurance value chain to celebrate innovation, leadership, and transformative growth. BimaPay was recognised for its differentiated model of enabling insurance through flexible premium financing, seamless digital journeys, and deep integration with enterprise and partner ecosystems—helping unlock access to insurance for a wider customer base.
BimaPay has rapidly scaled its presence by enabling seamless digital insurance journeys, offering flexible premium financing, and embedding insurance solutions across enterprise and partner ecosystems. Its platform continues to empower salaried individuals, businesses, and the gig workforce with accessible and affordable protection solutions.
“Our vision has always been to simplify and democratise access to insurance through technology,” said Hanut Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO at BimaPay. “Being recognised as the Rising Star Company of the Year at the India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026 is a strong validation of the progress we’ve made and the impact we are creating. This milestone reflects the trust of our partners and customers, and the dedication of our team to reimagine insurance for modern India.”
Also commenting on the achievement, Mohit Gupta, Co-Founder at BimaPay, said,
“This recognition marks an important step in our journey and reinforces our commitment to building meaningful, customer-first insurance solutions. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on leveraging technology to make insurance more accessible, transparent, and flexible for individuals and organisations alike. We are excited about the road ahead as we continue to innovate and scale responsibly.”
Adding to this, Kapil Garg, Co-founder and Group Promoter at BimaPay, said,
“This recognition is a testament to BimaPay’s strong foundation and its ability to scale with purpose. We believe the future of insurance lies in accessibility, innovation, and customer-centricity, and BimaPay is well-positioned to drive this transformation. We remain committed to building a robust and inclusive insurance ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of modern India.”
With this achievement, BimaPay further strengthens its position as a key enabler in India’s insurtech ecosystem, driven by its mission to make insurance more inclusive and financially accessible. The company is actively working towards bridging the protection gap by offering innovative premium financing solutions, simplifying insurance distribution through digital integrations, and catering to underserved segments including salaried individuals and the gig workforce. Going forward, BimaPay aims to expand its product offerings, deepen strategic partnerships, and scale technology-driven solutions that address the evolving protection and affordability needs of a diverse customer base.
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18, Mar 2026
Samsung Launches Galaxy M17e 5G, Redefining the Smartphone Experience for India’s Young, On-the-Go Generation
Mumbai, Mar 18th: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of Galaxy M17e 5G. The smartphone will be available for sale on Samsung.com, Amazon, and select retail outlets starting March 20.
“The Galaxy M17e 5G delivers innovations and experiences that matter most to the Gen Z. These value-conscious young users demand devices with extended battery life, smooth app performance, high-quality photography, and intelligent features that enhance productivity,” said Akshay S Rao, Director, MX Business, Samsung India. “With a high-refresh-rate display, a bigger battery, a power-efficient 5G processor, a 50MP camera system, integrated AI tools, and long-term software support, the Galaxy M17e 5G ensures a dependable smartphone experience that this generation seeks.”
Galaxy M17e 5G sports a 6.7-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring every scroll, swipe, and tap feels effortlessly smooth. Whether you are streaming your favourite OTT content or browsing social media, the display renders visuals with accurate colours and sharp clarity. Available in Vibe Violet and Blitz Blue, the Galaxy M17e 5G blends sleek aesthetics with functional design. Its durable Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) back and robust build, rated against dust and water ingress, make it a reliable companion for young users with an active lifestyle, while its ergonomic 8.2mm slim profile ensures a comfortable in-hand feel.
Galaxy M17e 5G comes with robust 6000mAh battery to keep up with your lifestyle. From extended casual gaming sessions to binge-watching marathons and long video calls, it powers through the entire day for uninterrupted productivity and entertainment. Optimised by One UI 8, the Galaxy M17e 5G intelligently manages power consumption, ensuring your device lasts longer through the day.
The Galaxy M17e 5G is engineered for seamless multitasking and stable performance, thanks to its MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor. Whether streaming, gaming, or navigating through apps, the integrated ARM Mali-G57 GPU ensures smooth multimedia playback without compromising battery life.
You can capture every moment perfectly with the 50MP main camera, which is capable of vibrant and crisp photos in any lighting condition. Paired with a depth camera, it creates stunning portraits with professional-grade focus. The 8MP front camera ensures sharp selfies for your social media and clear video calls for work or connecting with family.
Powered by Samsung’s One UI 8.0 on Android 16, the Galaxy M17e 5G simplifies everyday interactions. With features like Large Folders for better app organisation and the Now Bar for real-time updates, multitasking has never been easier. Integrated Google Gemini AI and Circle to Search bring intelligent capabilities to your fingertips, from text generation to planning assistance.
Samsung understands that your security is paramount in the AI era. Galaxy M17e 5G is equipped with advance features like the Auto Blocker and Samsung Knox Vault, so that your sensitive information remains protected. With six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, your device evolves with your needs. Backed by one of India’s largest service networks—over 3300 service touchpoints—the Galaxy M17e 5G ensures you are always close to support if you need it
18, Mar 2026
Nawgati as the Title Sponsor for the Petrol Dealers Association Pune (PDAP) AGM 2026
Pune, Mar 18th: Nawgati, India’s leading fuel-tech startup, will be the ‘Title Sponsor’ for the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Petrol Dealers Association Pune (PDAP). The association represents more than 900 petroleum dealers across Pune district, playing a critical role in shaping the region’s fuel retail industry.
The PDAP AGM 2026 will take place on March 21, 2026, at the Hotel Westin Koregaon Park, in Pune, Maharashtra. The event will feature a comprehensive industry exhibition platform, bringing together organizations operating across the petroleum retail value chain to showcase technologies, solutions, and services shaping the future of fuel retail.
The gathering is expected to witness participation from senior bureaucrats, oil marketing company officials, and key industry stakeholders, alongside prominent representatives from dealer associations across Maharashtra. The collaboration between Nawgati and the Petrol Dealers Association Pune reflects the growing convergence of digital innovation and fuel retail infrastructure as industry stakeholders come together to discuss the next phase of operational and technological transformation.
Commenting on the participation as title sponsor, Mr. Vaibhav Kaushik, Co-Founder & CEO of Nawgati, said, “The Petrol Dealers Association Pune AGM is bringing together stakeholders who are directly involved in these discussions through this Annual General Meeting, and Nawgati is pleased to support a platform that encourages meaningful exchange within the sector, as such conversations are important in shaping practical solutions that benefit both dealers and consumers.”
Commenting on this, Mr. Aalaap Nair, Co-Founder, Nawgati, said, “Through Aaveg for Dealers, we are introducing an all-in-one operating system designed specifically for modern fuel retailers. It brings together real-time accounting, inventory management, and sales intelligence into a single, seamless platform. By enabling greater control over credit, customers, and cash flow, supported by smart insights, automated invoicing, and digital contracts, Aaveg is simplifying operations and helping dealers run more efficient, scalable fuel businesses.”
Reflecting on this, Petrol Dealers Association Pune President Mr. Dhruv Ruparel commented, “The Annual General Meeting serves as an important forum for the dealer community, as it gives us a platform to engage on operational and industry-related developments. Nawgati’s association this year as the “title sponsor” reflects the increasing role of tech-led solutions in fuel retail, which is strengthening these operations. We are looking forward to constructive discussions that support the sector’s continued progress.”
Nawgati continues to deepen its engagement within India’s fuel retail sector, working closely with dealers, energy companies, and mobility stakeholders to enable smarter station operations and improved customer service. With operations across India and subsidiaries in Sri Lanka and the UAE, Nawgati is scaling a connected fueling ecosystem that combines infrastructure intelligence, real-time analytics, and consumer-facing platforms.
