20, Dec 2025
India’s Steel Vision Takes Global Shape at Ambassadorial Meet Led by HD Kumaraswamy
Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy held an interactive meeting with Ambassadors and representatives of key partner countries, inviting them to actively participate in Bharat Steel 2026, the flagship international conference-cum-exhibition of the Ministry of Steel, scheduled to be held in April 2026.
The interactive session witnessed strong participation from Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of countries playing a significant role in the global steel value chain. The meeting formed part of the Ministry’s outreach efforts to deepen international cooperation and strengthen India’s engagement with global steel-producing and steel-consuming nations.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy warmly welcomed the Ambassadors and thanked them for their presence, noting that their participation reflected the importance India places on trusted international partnerships. He underlined that India’s steel sector mirrors the country’s broader economic transformation and has emerged as a pillar of growth, resilience, and global integration.
The Minister highlighted that India is currently the world’s second-largest steel producer, a position achieved through sustained reforms, steady investments, and a clear long-term vision focused on modernization, self-reliance, and sustainability. He noted that the steel sector contributes around 2.5% to India’s GDP and supports nearly 2.8 million livelihoods, with demand driven by infrastructure expansion, manufacturing growth, and strategic sectors such as defence and mobility.
Referring to the National Steel Policy 2017 and the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said India is progressing steadily towards a steel capacity of 300 million tonnes by 2030, with an even more ambitious target of 500 million tonnes by 2047. These milestones, he said, would further integrate India into global steel value chains and open new avenues for international collaboration.
Against this backdrop, the Union Minister announced that the Ministry of Steel has institutionalized an annual flagship International Conference-cum-Exhibition titled “Bharat Steel.” He informed the gathering that the first edition, Bharat Steel 2026, will be held in April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Bharat Steel 2026 is envisioned as a global platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, technology providers, and buyers from across the world. A key highlight of the event will be a dedicated Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet, aimed at facilitating structured B2B engagements and fostering long-term partnerships.
The conference will focus on expanding steel consumption, promoting sustainability and the circular economy, securing raw material supply chains, accelerating technological innovation, and enabling investments for capacity expansion. It will also deliberate on future-defining themes, including green steel ecosystems, digitally enabled steel plants and mines, efficient utilization of low-grade ores through beneficiation and pelletisation, advanced steels for clean energy and mobility, and the transition towards a circular steel economy.
The Union Minister encouraged Ambassadors and country representatives to facilitate participation from their respective countries, especially industry leaders, technology providers, and investors. He also invited partner nations to participate in Country Roundtables and to associate as Partner Countries at Bharat Steel 2026, stating that such engagement would further strengthen bilateral cooperation and long-term collaboration in the steel sector.
Concluding the interactive session, H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that with strong international participation, Bharat Steel 2026 will emerge as a landmark global event for the steel industry. He said the Ministry looks forward to welcoming international delegations to New Delhi in April 2026 for what is envisioned to be a defining platform shaping the future of global steel cooperation.
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- By Neel Achary
20, Dec 2025
Shardeum Partners with Humanode to Bring Human-Centric Digital Identity to Web3
Dec 20: Shardeum has announced a partnership with Humanode to introduce biometric-based digital identity into its ecosystem, addressing one of Web3’s most persistent challenges: distinguishing real people from bots and fake accounts.
Blockchains are highly effective at verifying wallets, but they struggle to identify the humans behind them. This gap has left dApps exposed, leading to bot-driven airdrop farming, low-quality participation in campaigns, and governance systems vulnerable to manipulation. By integrating Humanode’s Biomapper, Shardeum enables applications to verify unique, real humans without compromising user privacy.

The integration allows developers to build human-aware smart contracts and dApps on Shardeum unlocking fairer airdrops, higher-quality quests, bot-resistant incentives, and more trustworthy community participation. Biometric verification is handled off-chain, with only privacy-preserving cryptographic proofs shared on-chain, ensuring that no raw biometric data is ever exposed.
Nischal Shetty, CoFounder, Shardeum said, “For Web3 to mature, it needs to recognize people, not just wallets. When humans and bots are treated the same, incentives get gamed, communities lose trust, and participation becomes superficial. By working with Humanode, we’re giving developers on Shardeum the ability to design applications around real human participation where fairness, intent, and meaningful engagement matter more than automation or scale.”
Humanode’s Biomapper is currently integrated at the application level on Shardeum, enabling builders to start experimenting with human-verified experiences today. Native SHM support is planned in a future update, further streamlining how identity and value flow across the ecosystem.
Together, Shardeum and Humanode are laying the groundwork for a more human-centric Web3 one where applications are designed around real people, not automated wallets, and where fairness, trust, and meaningful participation can scale alongside decentralization. This partnership marks a step toward ecosystems where incentives reward intent, governance reflects genuine voices, and on-chain activity represents real human engagement.
Developers and ecosystem teams can begin exploring human-verified use cases on Shardeum today by integrating Biomapper into their applications.
19, Dec 2025
Hyperliquid Eyes Consolidation in 2025, Targets USD 40 Plus in 2026 Amid Strategic Token Burn
By: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com MENA
When examining Hyperliquid at this sensitive stage of the cryptocurrency market cycle, I believe the current picture reflects a classic divergence between short-term pressures and underlying fundamentals that remain capable of reshaping the medium- and long-term trajectory. The recent pullback that pushed HYPE below the $25 level after a series of losses approaching 25% over five days cannot be separated from the broader macroeconomic context.
The decline coincided with global liquidity tightening and the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates, a move that led to a repricing of risk across all high-volatility asset classes, most notably cryptocurrencies. From my perspective, this decline does not reflect a structural weakness in the project as much as it reflects a temporary phase of risk aversion.
When analyzing on-chain data, I find that the drop in HYPE’s social dominance to around 0.298% represents a psychological rather than a structural signal. Historically, declining media and community attention in decentralized infrastructure projects often precedes smart accumulation phases, especially when accompanied by a decline in open interest, as seen in its drop to $150.16 million, the lowest level since October. In my assessment, this behavior indicates the exit of short-term speculators rather than strategic investors, which helps ease selling pressure and paves the way for price stabilization ahead of any subsequent bullish wave.
In the near term and throughout 2025, I expect Hyperliquid to remain within a volatile trading range, with a gradual tendency to stabilize above the $20 level, provided no new macroeconomic shocks emerge. The decision by the Hyperliquid Foundation to propose a vote to burn more than 37 million HYPE tokens—equivalent to 3.71% of total supply—strikes me as a smart move that reflects maturity in managing the project’s monetary policy. In my view, this step is not merely aimed at supporting the price, but at anchoring long-term confidence in the team’s commitment to supply discipline, a factor that is often priced in later rather than immediately.
What supports my balanced outlook for 2025 is the clear shift in the derivatives market, where open interest has risen to $1.53 billion alongside an increase in the weighted funding rate, signaling a gradual return of bullish positions. I see this behavior as reflecting investors’ willingness to take on risk at lower price levels, while simultaneously warning of unhealthy excess if funding rates remain elevated. Accordingly, I expect 2025 to be a year of repricing and base-building rather than one marked by all-time highs.
When turning to price expectations for 2026, I lean more toward cautious optimism. If Hyperliquid continues to expand as a specialized perpetual futures platform while improving liquidity efficiency and user experience, I believe the market will reassess HYPE as a structural asset rather than merely a speculative token. Any project that combines real usage growth with a deflationary supply mechanism has a genuine opportunity to achieve sustainable price appreciation. Based on this scenario, I see a return to price levels above $40 in 2026 as feasible, provided global monetary conditions stabilize and institutional capital flows back into the digital asset sector.
The key drivers influencing 2026, from my perspective, will revolve around three main factors. The first is the evolution of global cryptocurrency regulation, as any regulatory clarity would favor technically well-structured decentralized platforms such as Hyperliquid. The second is the project’s ability to sustain high trading volumes without relying on artificial incentives, which reflects product quality rather than the generosity of rewards. The third factor is managing community expectations, as rebuilding trust after downturns requires transparent communication and operational stability.
In conclusion, I see Hyperliquid today in a genuine testing phase that does not threaten its survival as much as it filters and refines its investor base. Current declines, in my view, represent an opportunity for repositioning rather than a reason for indiscriminate exit. The year 2025 is likely to be one of consolidation and confidence rebuilding, while 2026 holds the potential for a transition into a more mature growth phase if macro conditions align and internal project support remains strong. Ultimately, I believe markets reward projects that endure periods of doubt before reaping the rewards of conviction.
19, Dec 2025
Flipkart Acquires Majority Stake in Minivet AI to Boost GenAI-Driven E-commerce
Bengaluru, Dec 19:- Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today announced that it has executed definitive agreements to acquire a majority stake in Minivet AI, an AI/ML solutions provider founded in 2024. The acquisition marks a strategic move to strengthen Flipkart’s core Generative AI capabilities, as e-commerce rapidly evolves toward visual, conversational, and AI-led discovery.
The investment is expected to accelerate the transition toward a more intuitive, interactive, and immersive shopping experience across Flipkart’s platforms, reinforcing its commitment to technology-led innovation.
Minivet AI specialises in generative video for e-commerce, enabling the transformation of static product catalogues into rich, engaging video content at scale. Built on advanced model orchestration and deep performance optimisation, the platform delivers high-quality output at a fraction of traditional production costs. Beyond video, Minivet AI also offers a broader suite of e-commerce-focused AI solutions, positioning it as a full-stack GenAI partner for online retail platforms.
Commenting on the acquisition, Aditya Rachakonda, Founder, Minivet AI, said:
“This partnership with Flipkart is a pivotal moment for Minivet AI. It enables us to rapidly deploy our proprietary GenAI solutions from catalogue videofication to conversational search at scale on India’s leading e-commerce platform, making shopping more intuitive and immersive for millions of customers.”
The acquisition further strengthens Flipkart’s long-term technology portfolio and reinforces its focus on staying at the forefront of digital commerce innovation.
Ravi Iyer, Senior Vice President Corporate, Flipkart, added:
“Acquiring Minivet AI is a strategic investment that enhances Flipkart’s core GenAI capabilities through the integration of specialised talent and advanced proprietary technology. Solutions such as catalogue videofication and semantic search are critical as the industry moves toward visual-first and video-first commerce, ultimately driving higher customer engagement, conversions, and long-term innovation across the Flipkart platform and, over time, the wider Flipkart Group ecosystem.”
The transaction is subject to the completion of customary closing conditions.
19, Dec 2025
OOMCO Celebrates Graduation of Third Cohort of “Experience Hub Training Program
Muscat , Dec 19: Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMC) celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its “Experience Hub” training program, following the successful completion of a full year of professional training and development that ran from January to December 2025.
The “Experience Hub” program aims to support recent graduates and equip them with the practical skills and professional experience needed to launch their careers. The program contributes to enhancing participants’ readiness for the job market and reflects OOMC’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility, investing in the development of national talent, and building a qualified workforce aligned with market needs and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Commenting on the occasion, Khamis bin Nasser Al-Shaibi, Director General of Shared Services at OOMC, said:
“We are proud to graduate the fourth cohort of young Omanis who successfully completed the Khibra program. Over the course of the year, they have gained practical skills and experience that will support their professional journey, enhance their employability, and enable them to contribute effectively to the growth of the energy sector and national development.”
The Khibra program spans a full year, providing participants with hands-on training and professional exposure across various functional areas, including Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Engineering as well as Retail, Food, and Services. The program combines practical training with academic knowledge to equip participants with the essential skills required in a professional work environment.
The initiative is part of OOMC’s broader strategy to support the local community and create sustainable value by implementing educational and developmental initiatives that foster social and economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman.
19, Dec 2025
Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes
Bangalore , Dec 19 : Gopal Vittal has led Bharti Airtel as Managing Director C CEO for the last thirteen years. As part of a structured succession process, Gopal, in addition to being the Managing Director, was appointed Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd in October 2024. Shashwat Sharma was appointed CEO designate of the Company.

In line with the planned succession, Gopal Vittal will move into the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel on the 1st of January 2026 overseeing Bharti Airtel and all its subsidiaries.
In his new role, besides oversight of the companies, Gopal will also be responsible for driving group synergies in the areas of digital and technology, network strategy, procurement and talent. He will also focus on Group strategy and future proofing the organization for the next evolution of its development.
Following a well-structured and successful transition process, Gopal will be succeeded by Shashwat Sharma as MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel India on the 1st of January 2026. In his role as CEO designate, Shashwat has over the past twelve months, spent considerable time working alongside Gopal across the business in preparation for the role. Shashwat will report to Gopal.
Additionally, Soumen Ray, currently the Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India, will be appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer reporting to Gopal. Soumen has been on his current role for about 4 years and has been instrumental in guiding Bharti Airtel financial performance.
Akhil Garg, currently Financial Controller, Bharti Airtel will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India. Akhil has been with Airtel for nearly 12 years and has held multiple roles leading several business projects including the Hexacom IPO. In his new role, Akhil will report to Shashwat and Soumen.
Rohit Puri, currently Joint Company Secretary C Compliance Officer, will be appointed as Company Secretary C Compliance Officer for Bharti Airtel. Pankaj Tewari, who is the Group Company Secretary, will continue to provide leadership and oversight at a group level.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel said:
‘I am extremely pleased with the succession and transition of leadership at Airtel and there could not have been a better time, where change and continuity will go hand in hand. I have no doubt both Gopal and Shashwat will continue to build on the momentum and I wish them much success in their roles.
As an organization we pride ourselves with our highly energised and professional management team, which combined with our entrepreneurial flair, brings to hundreds of millions of customers, the best technology and services across the geographies we operate. I look forward to working alongside Gopal and the team to continue this pursuit as we drive towards our ambition of building the best global Telcom company’
18, Dec 2025
Sundaram Finance showcases commitment to infrastructure growth at Excon 2025
Dec 18:Sundaram Finance marked its strong presence at Excon 2025, South Asia’s largest construction equipment exhibition, held from December 9 to 13, 2025, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the theme “Empowering Those Who Build India.” The stall was inaugurated by Mr. Deepak Shetty, Managing Director of JCB, symbolising the industry’s collective commitment to driving India’s infrastructure growth.

Excon 2025, a five-day event that drew an impressive footfall of over 65,000 visitors, reaffirmed Sundaram Finance’s strong presence as a trusted partner in the nation’s infrastructure journey.
Speaking at the event, Mr Kulkarni M J, National Head – Material Handling and Construction Equipment, Sundaram Finance, said:“Excon 2025 reflects the dynamism of India’s infrastructure sector. At Sundaram Finance, we are proud to empower those who build the nation through innovative financial solutions.”
Adding a visionary perspective, Mr Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director – Sundaram Finance, stated:
“Our founding 71 years ago is in nation-building and our mission today is to support the dreams, ambitions and vision of our nation builders. We envision an India where infrastructure drives inclusive growth with speed and flexibility, and Sundaram Finance will continue to support India’s transformation with trust, technology, and unwavering commitment”
At Excon 2025, Sundaram Finance showcased its comprehensive range of financial products and solutions tailored to enable growth for contractors, builders, and equipment owners across the country.
18, Dec 2025
Indore to Host YEF Bharat Summit 2025 on December 20; CM Dr. Mohan Yadav to Inaugurate
Dec 18: Madhya Pradesh Chapter of Young Entrepreneurs Forum Bharat is hosting YEF Bharat Summit 2025 to be held on 20th December 2025, a flagship gathering dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship guided by a strong “Nation First” philosophy. The day long event will be inaugurated by Hon Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and will be graced by Hon Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia (Union Minister of Communications), along with Raj Shamani, a popular Indian podcaster, Spiritual Speaker Amogh Lila Das, Mr. Vikas Khemani, Founder & CIO, Carnelian Asset Management and other eminent leaders, eminent personalities, and changemakers. The event will be held at Brilliant Convention Center, in Indore.

The YEF Bharat Summit 2025 is expected to witness the participation of over 1,000 young entrepreneurs from across the country. Rooted in the spirit of ‘Nation First’, YEF aims to create a collaborative platform where entrepreneurs can come together to exchange ideas, share resources, and unlock opportunities that drive both business growth and national progress. The summit will focus on building a community of like-minded, values-driven entrepreneurs while promoting ethical, responsible, and nation-centric business practices which will accelerate India’s economic growth.
Speaking on the occasion, a Milan Patel from Young Entrepreneurs Forum shared, “The YEF Bharat Summit 2025 is not just an event, but a call to action for young entrepreneurs across the country to come together with a ‘Nation First’ mindset. We believe that when entrepreneurship is guided by values, discipline, and a sense of national responsibility, it becomes a powerful force for unity, employment generation, and the overall progress of India.”
Founded by entrepreneurs from Madhya Pradesh, YEF Bharat is a collective platform of disciplined, organized, and responsible entrepreneurs inspired by the spirit of national service. More than a business forum, YEF Bharat represents a growing movement of young Indians who believe that entrepreneurship must contribute to national unity, community development, and the progress of the country.
Through mentorship, dialogue, and shared learning, YEF Bharat seeks to inspire young entrepreneurs to view success not merely through profits, but through their contribution to society and the nation. The summit will also serve as a platform for guidance and inspiration for emerging entrepreneurs committed to building a self-reliant and inclusive India.
18, Dec 2025
Nissan Teases 7-Seater B-MPV GRAVITE, Eyes 2026 India Comeback
Gurugram, Dec 18: Nissan’s all-new game-changing seven-seater B-MPV will be called GRAVITE and will be launched in early 2026. It is the first product to be rolled out under the brand’s refreshed and strategically curated line-up for India.

Purpose-built for modern Indian families, the GRAVITE delivers exceptional versatility and modularity, redefining convenience for value-conscious households while accelerating the expansion of Nissan’s revitalized product portfolio.
Announced in July 2024 as the second model in Nissan Motor India’s ambitious product offensive, the GRAVITE underscores the company’s forward momentum. The product roadmap includes the launch of the GRAVITE in early 2026; followed by the Tekton in mid-2026 and a 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027 reaffirming Nissan’s deep and ongoing commitment to diversifying, strengthening, and revitalising its offering for Indian customers.
A Name that Reflects Nissan’s Ambition
The name “GRAVITE” draws inspiration from the word gravity, signifying balance, inherent stability, and powerful attraction. This choice reflects Nissan’s core vision of designing vehicles that perfectly anchor families in comfort, superior versatility, and seamless connectivity. Inspired by 1.4 billion Indians and the 19,000 vernaculars and rituals that form the foundation of the nation, the GRAVITE is the perfect companion for the aspirational and versatile Indian.
Interior: Pioneering Modularity and Comfort
The GRAVITE transforms family journeys with exceptional cabin roominess and pioneering, class-leading storage innovations. Every aspect has been meticulously crafted for versatility and intuitive use from ultra-modular seating that effortlessly adapts to changing passenger and cargo needs, to smart space utilization that makes both daily commutes and extended family road trips equally seamless.
Set for its grand debut in early 2026, the All-New GRAVITE will be manufactured locally in Chennai. This production milestone reinforces Nissan Motor India’s unwavering commitment to deliver vehicles specifically tailored to the evolving demands of Indian customers. As the second critical model in Nissan’s rejuvenated lineup, the GRAVITE represents a decisive step in the brand’s product renaissance in India
Design and Inspiration
The All-New GRAVITE establishes a bold and distinct identity aligned with Nissan’s global design language. Its signature C-shaped front grille a defining element of Nissan’s DNA ensures instant recognition and a bold on-road presence. The GRAVITE’s sleek horizontal proportions and confident, muscular stance combine modern elegance with practical and everyday usability.
The GRAVITE is the only vehicle in its segment to feature distinctive hood branding along with unique rear-door badging a bold design choice that powerfully amplifies its exclusive identity. The rear fascia continues to echo Nissan’s signature C-shaped interlock theme, ensuring the MPV’s unmistakable presence on every road.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), commented:
“India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEO’s performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-up shaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customers reflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the GRAVITE demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.”
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated:
“The All-New GRAVITE is a testament to Nissan Motor India’s renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the GRAVITE marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.”
To support this growth, Nissan is fast-tracking the expansion of its nationwide dealership network, ensuring greater accessibility and enhanced customer experience across the country.
Building on this momentum, the Nissan Magnite continues to strengthen the brand’s global footprint as one of its most successful ‘Made in India’ models. Now exported to 65 markets across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the Magnite’s strong acceptance underscores India’s pivotal role as a manufacturing and export hub for Nissan.
Further strengthening its future-ready product roadmap in India, Nissan revealed the Tekton in October 2025 its upcoming premium SUV. With its commanding design and modern technologies, the Tekton sets the tone for the brand’s next phase of growth, complementing today’s introduction of the new GRAVITE and signalling a robust, multi-segment offensive tailored for the Indian market.

