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Increase Industry and manufacturing contribution to GDP our top priority: Hemant Sharma

Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Edition of the Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, organized by the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Council, successfully commenced today at a city hotel. This year’s conclave, themed “AI-Driven Manufacturing: Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology pioneers, and academia to discuss Odisha’s roadmap for becoming a future-ready manufacturing hub.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industry, Govt of Odisha, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted that Manufacturing currently contributes 36% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the combined contribution of industry and manufacturing stands at 53%. He emphasized that there is significant potential to further enhance this share, and this remains a top priority for the state government. “Our policies have been strategically designed to drive this growth, and we are witnessing a rapid inflow of investments. Many investment proposals have not only been received but have also been successfully grounded,” he said.

Reflecting on Odisha’s industrial transformation over the past few decades, Sharma noted the role of technological advancements in optimizing resource use. “For instance, the land required for establishing aluminium plants with double the production capacity has now been reduced to almost half, thanks to improved technology,” he explained. He further added that the state government is actively supporting industries with a steady supply of skilled manpower and comprehensive infrastructure to help them flourish.

Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha unveiled ASSOCHAM study paper in partnership with Primus Partners

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM, who lauded the Government’s visionary approach and called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enable smart and sustainable manufacturing in Odisha.

“AI is no longer an emerging trend; it is now a defining catalyst of modern manufacturing. Odisha must now transition from being resource-rich to becoming data-rich and digitally intelligent,” said Mr. Mohanty.

The conclave also witnessed the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report, providing critical insights on AI adoption and manufacturing best practices.

Mr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India remarked, “India and the UK share a rich history of industrialisation and innovation. We now stand at the cusp of a new era, shaped by digital transformation, green technologies, resilient supply chains and the rising importance of critical minerals. With Odisha aspiring to become a major manufacturing hub, it naturally aligns as a strategic partner for the UK. Together, we can drive industrial innovation while upholding the principles of sustainability. Today, the UK is at the forefront of smart factory automation, advanced industrial engineering, and sustainable supply chain practices all underpinned by the latest advances in AI”.

Two key plenary sessions held. On Enabling a Competitive Manufacturing Ecosystem – Policy & Tech Integration session, Eminent speakers discussed how Odisha can leverage policy frameworks and cutting-edge technologies to build a future-ready manufacturing sector. Similarly, AI for Sustainable Manufacturing – Innovations & Best Practices session,
Industry experts explored how artificial intelligence can foster sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities across sectors. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to make Odisha a national leader in AI-powered, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing.

The event was attended by senior officials, industry stalwarts, technology leaders, international representatives. Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director – East & Northeast, ASSOCHAM proposed vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries spoke at the event were Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha, Shri. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Manufacturing Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Mining & Steel Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr Prashant Hota, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha CSR & Sustainability Council & Mr. Bharat Dureja, Senior Adviser, Primus Partners India.

Zigly Expands Footprint with Two New Experience Centres in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, June 19, 2025: Zigly, India’s first tech-enabled omni-channel pet care brand has announced its entry in Gujarat market with the grand unveiling of two new stores in the capital city – Ahmedabad. These mark Zigly’s 33rd and 34th stores nationwide, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering specialized, holistic pet care to pet parents across India.

Located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 5, Shilp Epitome, Sindhu Bhavan Road, and Showroom No. 6, Iconic Shyamal, Shyamal Crossroad, the new Zigly Experience Centres in Ahmedabad are designed to offer a comprehensive and elevated experience for pets and their parents. These stores feature state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, a dedicated grooming spa, and a curated selection of premium pet products creating a one-stop destination for all pet care needs.

Zigly’s new Experience Centres in Ahmedabad offer a comprehensive range of specialised veterinary care services designed to meet the diverse needs of pets. Both centres are equipped with a full-service OPD for routine check-ups and consultations, as well as a dedicated IPD to provide continuous monitoring and care for pets requiring hospitalisation. They feature in-house veterinary consultations, diagnostic & pathology services and vaccination facilities to ensure preventive care. Furthermore, these two centres also provide a fully functional operating theatre for advanced surgical procedures, all managed by a team of highly trained veterinary professionals and supported by cutting-edge medical infrastructure.

Speaking on the brand’s foray into this new market, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First, said, “The launch of not one, but two Zigly Experience Centres in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine pet care across India. As we expand our footprint in Gujarat, we’re proud to introduce our holistic and trusted pet care ecosystem to one of the fastest-growing cities for pet lovers. We look forward to serving Ahmedabad’s vibrant pet parent community with the best in pet wellness, grooming, and retail.”

The launch of Zigly’s two new stores in Ahmedabad marks another step forward in its mission to revolutionize pet care, enabling pet parents to give their furry companions the very best in love, wellness, and quality experiences.

Apcolite All Protek Sets New Gold Standard with Lotus Effect Tech

Asian Paints’ Apcolite All Protek redefines the Gold Standard in Interior Paints with Breakthrough ‘Lotus Effect Technology’

Hyderabad, June 19, 2025: In homes that are constantly alive with activity, the demand for interiors that blend elegance with endurance has never been greater. As Indian lifestyles evolve, so do the expectations from the spaces we live in, and no one understands this better than Asian Paints. With decades of experience shaping the aspirations of Indian homes, the country’s foremost name in paints and décor now unveils its latest breakthrough, Apcolite All Protek powered by Lotus Effect Technology. This cutting-edge premium interior emulsion represents a bold leap in innovation, offering superior stain repellency, flame retardance, and refined aesthetics — all engineered for modern living.

For over eight decades, Asian Paints has consistently set the benchmark for the industry — not just in colour, but in technology, aesthetics, and performance. From pioneering integration of Graphene for lamination protection in Ultima Protek, to introducing Teflon-based stain resistance in Royale, the brand has led with a series of category-first innovations that have redefined what paint can do. Apcolite All Protek, powered by the advanced Lotus Effect Technology, is the latest chapter in this legacy of breakthroughs — reaffirming Asian Paints’ position as the definitive gold standard in paints and coatings.

Inspired by the natural self-cleaning properties of the lotus leaf, Lotus Effect Technology forms a protective shield that repels common household stains before they can even settle. From coffee to sauces and crayons, this next-gen formulation ensures walls stay pristine with minimal effort making it the ideal solution for contemporary Indian homes that are active and full of life. The paint also comes with flame-retardant properties, a refreshing fragrance, and is available in both Matt and Shyne finishes. With a 6-year performance warranty, it represents the highest standards of durability and care.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd. said, “At Asian Paints, we spend a lot of time understanding how homes are evolving, and our innovations reflect what today’s consumers truly need from their spaces. Today’s households are dynamic—full of celebrations, children, pets and everyday activities that leave their mark. With Apcolite All Protek and its Lotus Effect Technology, we’ve created a solution that responds to this reality. It takes the stress out of keeping walls clean with best-in-class stain repellency. It’s a step towards smarter, more seamless living, where homes reflect elegance and endure daily wear with ease.”

The launch is accompanied by a new ad film starring Virat Kohli, the brand’s ambassador, who brings the product’s promise to life with charm and energy. Conceptualized by McCann Worldgroup, the ad takes viewers into a playful yet relatable setting, where Kohli’s beautifully done-up home is put to the test by a mischievous child armed with juice, milkshakes and more. In every instance, Apcolite All Protek rises to the challenge effortlessly repelling every stain. The film captures the product’s power in a light-hearted narrative that resonates with modern families navigating playful, unpredictable moments with style.

Mr. Prasoon Joshi – Chief Creative Officer & CEO McCann Worldgroup India, and Chairman McCann Worldgroup APAC said “Innovation and performance define Asian Paints, and Apcolite All Protek exemplifies that spirit. With its revolutionary ‘Lotus Effect Technology,’ it prevents stains before they even stick, which is a true shift in the stain ‘removal’ category. Bringing this innovative feature to life visually needed a fresh approach, and with Virat Kohli leading the charge, this campaign delivers both charm and impact.”

With this launch, Asian Paints redefines expectations in the super-premium interior paint category yet again demonstrating that when it comes to paints and décor, the brand is not just participating in the industry but shaping its future.

Beacon Unveils Surge in UPI Usage as NRIs Shift from Traditional Banking to Real-Time Payments

Mumbai, 19th June25: Beacon, a leading cross-border fintech platform serving the Indian diaspora in Canada, has released key insights on significant trends in Unified Payments Interface (UPI) usage among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Canada. The findings highlight a fundamental shift in how NRIs manage cross-border payments and financial obligations in India.

Beacon’s analysis reveals that since UPI has become second nature to users in India, NRIs, especially recent immigrants, carry this behavioral expectation with them as they seek the same speed and ease to send money home or manage expenses. Even older NRIs now accustomed to using UPI because recipients, including family, landlords, or service providers, ask for UPI IDs, not account numbers. This shift represents a significant transformation in transaction patterns, with users moving away from traditional lump-sum remittances toward smaller, more frequent transactions. It allows for better cash flow management and ongoing support rather than large, infrequent transfers, enabling NRIs to stay more engaged with financial responsibilities back home.

Aditya Mhatre, Co-founder of Beacon, commented, “Having migrated from India to Canada myself, I understand firsthand the challenges of managing finances across borders. What we are seeing today with UPI adoption among NRIs shows that there is a clear generational shift toward financial autonomy and digital-first behavior. Our platform enables this transformation by bridging CAD-to-INR payments through UPI infrastructure, eliminating the friction that traditional banking has imposed on the global Indian community.”

Beacon’s research shows that over 70% of Indian students in Canada now prefer mobile-first fintech platforms to manage cross-border transactions. Indian students and NRIs represent one of the most financially active, digitally native segments in Canada, demanding flexibility, speed, and control over their money both locally and across borders. The Indian diaspora in Canada continues to grow rapidly, with Indian Canadians numbering over 1.85 million, representing 5.1% of the population. New permanent residents from India have surged from approximately 33,000 in 2013 to 140,000 in 2023, which is a remarkable 326% increase. In 2024 alone, India accounted for approximately 23.4% of new Canadian citizens, totaling about 87,800 individuals.

Canada’s contribution to India’s remittance market has grown substantially, reaching around $4 billion in 2024. This growth occurs within the broader context of India remaining the top recipient of global remittances in 2024, receiving approximately $129.4 billion. UPI infrastructure processed over 172 billion transactions in 2024, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores UPI’s role as a trusted, real-time payment method for everyday needs, offering NRIs a seamless and familiar experience that bridges their life abroad with financial commitments in India.

Beacon’s insights reveal that NRIs most commonly use UPI for family support, rent payments to landlords, utility bills, school and tuition fees, medical expenses, and service payments including caretakers, drivers, and local consultants. The platform enables users in Canada to pay over 21,000 Indian bills directly in CAD, a first-of-its-kind global solution made possible through partnerships with Yes Bank and Bharat BillPay. Growing numbers of NRIs are moving away from traditional NRE/NRO accounts, which come with challenges such as documentation requirements, minimum balances, tax confusion, and poor digital interfaces. NRIs today want fast, transparent, mobile-first tools, with UPI via platforms like Beacon often representing their first fintech-led alternative designed specifically for their needs.

Beacon bridges CAD-to-INR payments by layering a compliant foreign exchange engine over UPI infrastructure. The platform allows users in Canada to send money directly to any UPI ID in India instantly, securely, and in INR, eliminating the need for maintaining NRE/NRO accounts or dealing with delays and high fees of traditional remittance players. The solution is built with full regulatory alignment across both countries, registered with FINTRAC and compliant with Canadian AML and KYC standards, while working within RBI and NPCI frameworks in India.

Based on adoption patterns in similar corridors like the UK, Singapore, and UAE, Beacon projects that short-term UPI usage could capture 5-10% of Canada to India remittances, driven by digital-first student cohorts, with mid-term projections suggesting expansion to 20-30%, mirroring Singapore and UK’s early adoption curves. The trend reflects a generational shift toward financial autonomy, digital-first behavior, and reduced reliance on traditional banking structures, with Beacon positioning itself as a financial bridge purpose-built for the Indian diaspora to manage money across borders effortlessly.