8, Sep 2026
AcroMeta to Enter Ambient Temperature Cellular Logistics Through Strategic Partnership with Macro HRD SG Pte. Ltd.
[L-R] Signing ceremony between Mr Toh Ker How, Executive Director of AcroMeta Group Limited, and Ms Kawinyarat Mardpiratchata, CFO and Managing Partner of Macro-HRD Pte. Ltd.
SINGAPORE, Sept 08- AcroMeta Group Limited (“AcroMeta”, or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) today announced that it has entered into a non-binding term sheet (“Term Sheet”) with Macro HRD SG Pte. Ltd. (“Macro”), a Singapore-based provider of management consultancy services to the healthcare sector. The Term Sheet sets out the principal terms for a strategic partnership between AcroMeta and Macro-ATCLS Pte. Ltd. (“Macro-ATCLS”), the company through which Macro’s Ambient Temperature Cellular Logistics technology is being commercialised.
Mr Lawrence Toh, Executive Director of AcroMeta Group Limited, said, “This proposed strategic partnership gives us the opportunity to build a position in an industry where cell and gene therapy logistics are expected to grow at double-digit rates in the years ahead. We see this as a natural extension of our strategy to grow our portfolio beyond our core operations, and we’re excited about the potential to build a meaningful presence in bringing this technology into Southeast Asia.”
About Ambient Temperature Cellular Logistics (ATCLS)
Ambient Temperature Cell Logistics (ATCLS) is an emerging technology licensed by Macro HRD, designed to fundamentally transform the transportation and distribution of living cells and other temperature-sensitive biological materials by eliminating reliance on conventional refrigerated and cryogenic cold chains. ATCLS uses proprietary ambient-temperature preservation and reactivation technologies, supported by its proprietary Gradient Equilibrium Decision Modeling (GEDM) platform for real-time governance, chain-of-identity and process control, enabling dormant living cells to be transported at ambient temperature and reactivated at the point of use.
The opportunity addresses rapidly expanding markets including stem cells, CAR-T/immune-cell therapy, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, organ and tissue transplantation, and cell-and-gene-therapy logistics; the underlying markets cited in the project materials range from US$5.2 billion for immune-cell therapy to US$47 billion for organ transplantation, while the global cell-and-gene-therapy 3PL market is estimated at US$1.81 billion in 2025 and projected to reach US$16.95 billion by 2035 (25.1% CAGR).
Based on defined ambient-addressable segments, ATCLS estimates a Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) of approximately US$14.5 billion by 2032, positioning the technology as a potential category-creating solution capable of reducing the cost, fragility and geographic limitations of conventional cold-chain logistics. (See Footnote 1)
Proposed Exclusive Licensing Arrangement for Southeast Asia
AcroMeta will have an option to acquire an exclusive licence to deploy the ATCLS technology across agreed territories in Southeast Asia, including the right to appoint sub-licensees. The proposed exclusive licensing arrangement is intended to provide AcroMeta with the rights to develop and commercialise the ATCLS business within Southeast Asia.
This structure allows AcroMeta to secure exclusive rights across the Southeast Asian markets, together with a first right to acquire additional territories, significantly expanding the Group’s potential commercial reach for the ATCLS technology.
Building AcroMeta’s Platform Growth Strategy
The Group intends to continue evaluating strategic opportunities to support its long-term value creation for shareholders. The Board remains focused on disciplined capital allocation as the Group progresses through its next phase of development.
Footnote 1: This information was provided by Macro’s management and has not been verified by the board of directors. The directors have not audited or verified the data supplied by the company.
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- By Neel Achary
8, Sep 2026
MENA Fintech Association Welcomes Wise as a Corporate Member to Advance Cross-Border Payments and Global Financial Connectivity Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sept 08 – The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the region’s leading not-for-profit fintech industry body and globally ranked among the top fintech associations, has welcomed Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world’s money, as a new corporate member. The partnership brings together Wise’s global payments infrastructure and MFTA’s regional network to support the continued evolution of cross-border payments and financial connectivity across MENA.
Wise joins MFTA as international money movement becomes increasingly central to the region’s digital economy. Growing trade, digital commerce, workforce mobility, and cross-border business activity are driving demand for payment infrastructure that is faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective.
Serving around 19 million customers globally, Wise processed more than $240 billion in cross-border transactions during the last financial year, helping customers save more than $3 billion in fees. Its infrastructure connects directly to domestic payment systems across multiple markets, enabling faster international transfers while reducing complexity and improving transparency.
Beyond its consumer and business offering, Wise Platform enables banks and financial institutions to embed international payment capabilities into their own products and services. This allows financial institutions to provide faster, more transparent cross-border experiences while leveraging Wise’s global payments infrastructure.
The partnership comes at an important time for MENA, where financial institutions, fintechs, regulators, and businesses are working to modernize payment infrastructure and strengthen the region’s connection to global financial markets. As part of its engagement with MFTA, Wise will contribute its expertise to initiatives focused on payments, financial infrastructure, cross-border commerce, and digital financial inclusion.
Mohamed Mansour, CEO of Wise UAE, commented:
“Joining the MENA Fintech Association marks a key step in Wise’s continued engagement in the UAE and across the wider region. As more people and businesses live, work and trade across borders, the need for international payments that are fast, transparent and low-cost has never been clearer. We look forward to working with MFTA, regulators, policymakers and industry partners to support an open, connected and more transparent ecosystem, and to help make moving money internationally more convenient for customers across the region.”
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association and Founder of Fils, added:
“The way money moves across borders is becoming increasingly important to the competitiveness of modern economies. As trade, talent, and capital move more seamlessly between markets, the infrastructure supporting these flows must evolve with them. Wise has demonstrated at significant global scale what faster, more transparent international payments can look like, and we look forward to bringing that expertise into our network and supporting the continued development of more connected payment ecosystems across MENA.”
As part of the MFTA network, Wise will collaborate with banks, fintechs, financial institutions, regulators, and technology providers across the region. The collaboration will support dialogue around cross-border payments, payment infrastructure, digital inclusion, and the technologies enabling more efficient global money movement.
Together, MFTA and Wise aim to contribute to a more connected financial ecosystem where businesses and individuals can move money across borders with greater speed, transparency, and accessibility.
8, Sep 2026
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.
7, Sep 2026
SAFEEN Drydocks Expands Ship Repair Capacity with UAE’s Largest Floating Dock
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 07 September 2026: SAFEEN Drydocks, the shipbuilding and repair subsidiary of Noatum Maritime, has expanded its drydocking operations with the addition of a 230-metre floating dock at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi. Designed to accommodate ocean-going commercial vessels and rig repair projects, the new dock strengthens SAFEEN Drydocks’ ship repair, maintenance and refurbishment offering, while improving turnaround flexibility for customers.
SAFEEN Drydocks, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Premier Marine Engineering Services LLC, currently operates over 170,000m² of shipyard facilities at Khalifa Port and Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi.
Located at Zayed Port, the new 230-metre floating dock is the largest in the UAE, with a lifting capacity of 21,000 tonnes, and is positioned alongside 1,000 metres of quayside. The addition broadens the range of vessel repair and maintenance projects SAFEEN Drydocks can accommodate, while providing greater scheduling flexibility.
The expanded drydocking infrastructure will also support the maintenance of Noatum Maritime’s extensive deep-sea fleet, boosting operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The addition of the floating dock marks an important step in the continued expansion of SAFEEN Drydocks’ capabilities. By increasing our capacity to serve larger vessels and maintenance projects, we are strengthening our ability to support customers with faster, more flexible maintenance solutions, while also enhancing the efficiency of our own fleet operations.”
The new floating dock complements the recently acquired Balenciaga Shipyard in Spain, which includes drydocks, a 105-metre slipway, and a 22,385m² factory equipped with advanced automation technologies.
The continued expansion reinforces Noatum Maritime’s commitment to investing in high-value maritime infrastructure and expanding integrated marine services across the UAE and beyond. It also enhances SAFEEN Drydocks’ role in supporting vessel owners and operators with comprehensive ship repair, maintenance and refurbishment solutions from Abu Dhabi.
7, Sep 2026
Samsung Announces Exciting Festive Offers on Galaxy Tab S10+ in India
Gurugram, Sep 07: Samsung today announced exciting offers on its flagship Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet ahead of the festive season in India. Galaxy Tab S10+ combines cutting-edge hardware with AI-powered features, making it the ideal choice for professionals, creative individuals, and tech enthusiasts seeking a versatile device for work, play, and smart home management.
Galaxy Tab S10+ comes with a 31.47 cm Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with anti-reflective technology to deliver vibrant visuals while minimizing glare. Whether you are working on documents, reviewing presentations, or streaming content, the display ensures an immersive experience. Galaxy Tab S10+’s quad-speaker setup, enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost, delivers crisp audio, while its IP68 rating and Armor Aluminium construction ensure durability for everyday use.
The intuitive S Pen, included with Galaxy Tab S10+, unlocks new possibilities for productivity and creativity. From jotting down ideas during meetings to annotating documents or sketching concepts, the S Pen offers a natural way to interact with the tablet. Note Assist leverages AI to automate transcription and summaries, transforming lengthy discussions or lectures into organised notes. PDF Overlay Translation allows users to translate PDFs seamlessly through an on-screen overlay, making multilingual document handling effortless. Handwriting Help further enhances usability by cleaning up handwritten notes for better organisation and readability.
Galaxy Tab S10+ simplifies everyday interactions, with Google’s Circle to Search, enabling users to search or translate content directly on the screen without switching apps. This feature assists with researching topics, looking up information while reading or translating text on the fly. Air Command with AI provides quick access to Galaxy AI Assistant features, while the Galaxy AI ecosystem lets users choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini for compatible experiences.
Beyond productivity and creativity, Galaxy Tab S10+ doubles as a smart home hub. With 3D Map View and SmartThings integration, users can monitor their connected home devices from a single screen, eliminating the need to switch between apps. SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode offer insights into energy consumption across connected devices, empowering users to manage their home’s energy usage effectively.
Galaxy Tab S10+ is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, with a slim & portable design. It packs 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, a 10090 mAh battery, and 45W charging for all-day productivity and flexibility for users on the go.
Galaxy Tab S10+ is designed for professionals, creatives, and tech-savvy individuals who demand a larger-screen device for work, creativity and entertainment.
Consumers can also avail No-Cost EMI options through banks and NBFCs. For Galaxy Tab S10+ Wi-Fi variant, monthly EMI options include INR 14833 through banks, INR 7417 through NBFCs and INR 6877 through Samsung Finance+ with a 15% down payment. For the 5G variant, monthly EMI options include INR 17333 through banks, INR 8667 through NBFCs and INR 8036 through Samsung Finance+ with a 15% down payment.
The festive offers make it easier for Indian consumers to own the Galaxy Tab S10+ — a device that redefines productivity, creativity, and smart living in one sleek package.
7, Sep 2026
RAKEZ showcases Ras Al Khaimah’s investment proposition at AIM Congress 2026
Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 07: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is participating in AIM Congress 2026, which opened today at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until 9 September, showcasing Ras Al Khaimah’s growing proposition as a competitive destination for investment and business expansion.
RAKEZ is participating as a co-exhibitor within the Ras Al Khaimah Pavilion, alongside Marjan, RAK Chamber, RAKBANK, RAK Properties, RAK Innovation City and other participating entities, collectively presenting the breadth of the emirate’s business and investment ecosystem to global investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.
Commenting on the significance of AIM Congress, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The UAE’s investment momentum speaks for itself. In 2025, the country attracted a record AED 177.3 billion in foreign direct investment, marking its fourth consecutive year of record inflows and placing it ninth globally for inbound FDI. This reflects the confidence international investors have in the UAE as a place to establish, expand and compete.”
“At Ras Al Khaimah, we are building on that momentum by offering businesses a competitive operating environment, strong infrastructure and connectivity, access to regional and international markets, and an ecosystem designed to support growth. AIM Congress gives us an important platform to engage directly with investors and demonstrate how RAKEZ can support them at every stage, from market entry to long-term expansion,” he added.
During the three-day event, the RAKEZ team is engaging with prospective investors, business leaders and strategic partners from international markets, highlighting its comprehensive range of business set-up solutions and facilities, spanning from flexible workspaces and offices to warehouses, industrial facilities and land, complemented by a range of support services designed to simplify establishment and ongoing operations.
This offering supports a diverse business community that today comprises more than 50,000 active companies from close to 200 across more than 50 sectors. The scale and diversity of this community reflect Ras Al Khaimah’s growing appeal to businesses at different stages of growth, and from a wide range of industries and markets.
AIM Congress provides a timely platform to take this proposition to a global audience, bringing together leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to explore new investment pathways, sustainable economic growth, digital transformation and international partnerships. Through its presence within the Ras Al Khaimah Pavilion, RAKEZ is contributing to the emirate’s wider investment story and strengthening its visibility among businesses seeking opportunities to establish, expand and grow across the UAE and wider region.
7, Sep 2026
India’s Cold Chain Takes Centre Stage as RX India Unveils India Cold Chain Show 2026 Conference Programme
Mumbai, Sep 07 : RX India today announced the conference programme for the India Cold Chain Show 2026, taking place from 22 to 24 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.
The one-day conference, taking place on 22 October will centre on the theme “India’s Cold Chain Opportunity – Capital, Infrastructure and Growth. It will bring together policymakers and industry leaders toexamine how investment, infrastructure expansion and digital innovation can build a more efficient and resilient cold chain ecosystem in India.
India’s cold chain sector is fast emerging as a critical growth engine, fuelled by rising demand across food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and e-commerce. Growing investment in cold storage, refrigerated transportation and digital technologies is guiding the shift toward a more capable and dependable value chain. The conference will explore how capital deployment, infrastructure expansion and technology led innovation can unlock new opportunities, reduce supply chain losses and support India’s long-term economic growth.
The programme will open with a keynote address, followed by a note on “The Cold Chain Imperative: Building a Future-Ready India”. The session will bring together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the sector’s shift from a supporting logistics function to a critical national infrastructure for food security, healthcare, exports and modern retail.
The conference programme will feature a series of focused sessions, including:
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From Perishable to Preserved: temperature-controlled food supply chains, cutting post-harvest losses and reshaping India’s frozen food trade
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Connected, Compliant and Patient-Centric: reimagining pharma cold chain logistics for the “Pharmacy of the World”
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Building Agile Logistics through AI and Automation: a fireside chat on predictive planning, smart warehousing, autonomous operations and real-time visibility
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The Reefer Revamp: transforming India’s temperature-controlled transport through fleet modernisation, infrastructure and sustainable, low-carbon solutions
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Last Mile and Return Logistics: the economics of reverse logistics, product safety, asset recovery and last-mile efficiency
Umang Gupta, Country Head, RX India, said
“India’s cold chain sector is at an inflection point, driven by rising demand, increasing investment and rapid advances in technology. The opportunity now is to move from fragmented growth to a more integrated, scalable and resilient ecosystem.
The conference at India Cold Chain Show 2026 has been designed to bring industry experts, policymakers and innovators under the same roof and turn that momentum into measurable outcomes to support India’s long-term growth story.
Across food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and e-commerce, businesses are investing in infrastructure, technology and new operating models to meet the country’s rapidly changing needs. As the sector evolves, the focus must remain on creating measurable value: reducing losses, improving efficiency, strengthening returns and building and a more resilient ecosystem that supports India’s long-term growth story,”.
Through these discussions, the conference aims to prioritize the next phase of India’s cold chain growth, while creating a platform to bring together stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation.
The India Cold Chain Show is co-located with the India Warehousing & Logistics Show, together forming one of the country’s most significant gatherings for the warehousing, logistics, cold chain and supply chain community. Visitors can expect live product demonstrations, new product launches and a high-level conference programme, alongside 200+ exhibitors and more than 10,000 business visitors across the co-located shows.
7, Sep 2026
Odisha T20 League Set for Exciting Return as Six Teams Complete Squads
Bhubaneswar, Sep 7: The Odisha T20 League 2026, CM Trophy is ready for its second season, with all six franchises finalising their squads through the player draft held on Sunday.
The tournament will be played from September 20 to 29 at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Debasis Mohanty have been named brand ambassadors of the league.
The six teams taking part are Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Keonjhar Miners, Rourkela Superstars, Sambalpur Warriors and defending champions Cuttack Panthers.
The player draft has given teams an opportunity to build their squads for the new season, while also creating a platform for young cricketers from Odisha to showcase their talent.
OCA Honorary Secretary Sanjay Behera said the growing interest from franchise owners and investors is encouraging for the league. He also stressed the importance of providing local players with opportunities to gain experience and progress to higher levels of cricket.
The association expects the second edition to further strengthen the league and provide more exposure to emerging players across the state.
With the squads now finalised, the teams will begin preparations for the tournament. Defending champions Cuttack Panthers will look to retain their title, while the other five franchises will aim to challenge them for the trophy.
The upcoming season is expected to bring competitive T20 cricket to Barabati Stadium and give Odisha’s young players another opportunity to make their mark.
7, Sep 2026
India’s Demographic Dividend Holds Key to Becoming World’s Largest Economy
New Delhi, Sep 7: India has a significant opportunity to become the world’s largest economy, but achieving this goal will depend on how effectively the country uses its young and growing workforce, former Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Dr Michael Debabrata Patra said.
Patra said India’s demographic advantage could remain an important driver of economic growth until around the mid-2050s. This gives the country a crucial window to strengthen its economy, create jobs and raise productivity.
He stressed that a large working-age population alone cannot guarantee faster growth. India will need to focus on quality employment, better education and skill development, stronger infrastructure and higher productivity.
Expanding manufacturing and improving opportunities for young people will also be important to ensure that the growing workforce contributes meaningfully to economic activity.
Greater participation of women in the workforce could further strengthen India’s growth prospects and help the country make better use of its demographic potential.
Patra’s remarks highlight the importance of turning India’s demographic strength into sustained economic growth. With the right policies, investment and reforms, the country’s young population could become one of its biggest advantages in its journey towards global economic leadership.
7, Sep 2026
Jindal Stainless Partners with Japan’s JFE Steel to Strengthen Ferritic Stainless Steel Capabilities
Sep 07: Jindal Stainless, India’s stainless steel manufacturer, has entered into a Technical Assistance Agreement with JFE Steel Corporation, Japan, one of the world’s steelmakers, to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities for selected ferritic stainless steel grades. The collaboration will focus on enhancing product quality, manufacturing practices, and process efficiency through technical assistance.
The agreement comes at a time when global demand for stainless steel is accelerating, driven by increasing adoption across automotive, infrastructure, railways, process industries, and other value-added applications owing to its corrosion resistance, durability, and lower lifecycle costs. Industry estimates indicate that the global stainless steel market, particularly the ferritic stainless steel segment, is expected to witness steady growth over the coming decade, supported by rising demand for cost-efficient and sustainable material solutions. Ferritic stainless steel grades are widely used in automotive components, railway coaches, kitchen equipment, industrial machinery, construction, and several other value-added applications, making them an important growth segment for the future. Under the Technical Assistance Agreement, JFE Steel will support Jindal Stainless’ ongoing efforts to strengthen product quality and manufacturing practices for the grades specified in the Agreement.
Commenting on the cooperation, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Abhyuday Jindal, said,
“The future of manufacturing will be shaped by materials that deliver superior performance, sustainability, and value. Stainless steel, as a group of diversified high-performance alloys, is emerging as the material of choice across industries. Ferritic stainless steel, in particular, is becoming an increasingly important solution for industries looking to balance durability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency. At Jindal Stainless, we are committed to continuously enhancing our technological capabilities by cooperation with the world’s best. JFE Steel’s decades of expertise in ferritic stainless steel manufacturing will help us further strengthen product quality and operational excellence. More importantly, this association is about building capabilities that create greater value for our customers by strengthening our people, processes, and practices through this agreement.”
The Agreement will reinforce Jindal Stainless’ commitment to leveraging global expertise, fostering innovation, and building world-class manufacturing capabilities to support the future growth of stainless steel.
