Category Archives: Business

MEI Sector Set for Strong Salary Growth in FY27, Says Report

New Delhi, July 28: Salaries in the MEI (Manufacturing, Engineering and Infrastructure) sector are expected to grow by 9.4 per cent in FY27, reflecting positive business sentiment and continued demand for skilled professionals, according to a report.

The projected salary growth highlights the sector’s steady expansion, driven by increased investments, infrastructure development, and rising demand for specialised talent.

Industry experts said companies are focusing on attracting and retaining skilled employees as competition for experienced professionals continues to increase across key segments.

The report noted that the growth in compensation is expected to be supported by improving business activity, technological advancement, and the need for workforce capabilities in emerging areas.

The positive salary outlook indicates growing opportunities for professionals in the MEI sector and reflects the broader momentum in India’s industrial and infrastructure landscape.

Zain Omantel International (ZOI) and Tata Communications Partner on a Next-Generation Roaming Platform

Muscat, Oman, July 28 – Zain Omantel International (ZOI), a global hyperscale networking provider, and Tata Communications, the leading global communications technology player, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a next-generation inter-operator roaming platform. The collaboration will explore how blockchain technologies can be used to modernise the roaming lifecycle, from partner management and commercial agreements to reconciliation, settlement and dispute resolution.  

Through this collaboration, ZOI and Tata Communications will assess a secure platform that uses data driven and machine-led capabilities to automate and simplify roaming operations, while blockchain provides a trusted, transparent and tamper-resistant record of commercial activity between operators. 

Sohail Qadir, CEO at ZOI said, “International roaming services including voice calls, messaging and data remain critical to how people and businesses stay connected across borders. Our collaboration with Tata Communications is focused on streamlining international roaming through smarter infrastructure and simplified operating models. It is an opportunity to explore how intelligent automation and blockchain can enhance the roaming lifecycle and end-user experience.”

ZOI’s international roaming footprint covers nearly 700 networks worldwide, extending over 200 countries. It carries more than 10 billion international voice minutes a year. Tata Communications has over 600 mobile network operator (MNO) partners, connecting four out of five mobile subscribers globally.  

“Mobile operators are looking to improve efficiency, accelerate settlement cycles and deliver a better roaming experience for customers,” said Vivek Manglik, Executive Vice President – Interaction Fabric at Tata Communications. “The industry has an opportunity to rethink how roaming relationships are managed, using technologies such as intelligent automation and blockchain to reduce complexity and increase transparency. Together with ZOI, we are exploring a platform that will help operators streamline operations, strengthen partner collaboration and unlock greater value from their roaming ecosystems.”

The collaboration reflects ZOI’s wider strategy to simplify international telecoms through trusted partnerships, intelligent infrastructure and customer-focused innovation. It also reinforces Tata Communications’ role in helping service providers modernise global mobility services and deliver better experiences for their customers. 

Economist Enterprise research, supported by HCLTech, confirms confidence in AI is high for the Telecom, Media, Semiconductor and Technology (TMT) industry, but business impact is still limited

New York And Noida, India, July 28: HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced the release of a new research report conducted by Economist Enterprise, the business-to-business arm of The Economist Group providing media solutions and intelligence services to organizations. Supported by HCLTech, the report examines how AI is reshaping competitive boundaries across the telecommunications, media and technology (TMT) industries and the widening gap between executive optimism and measurable business impact. 

Based on insights from more than 200 C-suite executives across telecom, media, technology and semiconductor organizations in the U.S. and Europe, the research reveals that AI is accelerating convergence across the TMT ecosystem, forcing companies to rethink traditional industry boundaries as competitors, partners, adjacent verticals converge to create new sources of growth, differentiation and value. 

The research also highlights an AI value paradox: while 91% of organizations believe their AI investments are delivering results, only one-third can measure the business value created, raising a critical question: how can organizations unlock AI’s full potential if they cannot consistently quantify the value it generates? 

The report further highlights an execution gap as organizations move from AI experimentation to scaled adoption. While talent upskilling ranks as the top future AI investment priority, only 20% of organizations currently have a strategy for AI upskilling or hiring within their AI initiatives. Additionally, despite rapid AI deployment, only 17% report that governance is actively shaping how their AI systems operate. 

“Our research makes clear that industry leaders recognize how AI can unlock new revenue models, strengthen customer relationships and bring them closer to their end customers,” said Charlotte Bullard Davies, Principal, Research Methods & Innovation at Economist Enterprise. “Organizations that successfully combine strategic focus, ecosystem collaboration and disciplined governance will be best positioned for future business growth.” 

“The boundaries that once separated TMT are rapidly dissolving as AI becomes embedded across every layer of the value chain,” said Anil Ganjoo, Chief Growth Officer, and Global Head of Telecom, Media and Technology at HCLTech. “The next era of growth and competitive advantage will belong to organizations that move beyond AI experimentation and adoption toward industrialization, leveraging AI investments to deliver measurable business impact, create differentiated experiences and unlock new sources of growth.”

Why Diagnostics Developers Are Looking Beyond Traditional Electrode Materials — iGii to Exhibit at ADLM 2026

Every industrial revolution has been enabled by a breakthrough in materials. New materials create new possibilities, allowing industries to build products that were previously impractical, uneconomic or simply impossible. Yet today, manufacturers across sectors are constrained by the limitations of existing materials, while many promising alternatives have struggled to move beyond the laboratory.

iGii, the advanced materials company, will exhibit at ADLM 2026 (28–30 July) at Booth #2381, where it will demonstrate how its proprietary carbon nanomaterial, Gii, is giving diagnostics developers a new route past these constraints, combining high performance with the manufacturing scalability needed for industrial adoption.

At ADLM, iGii’s booth will showcase:

• Gii, the underlying carbon nanomaterial enabling next-generation point-of-care diagnostics
• Gii-Sens Research electrodes, supporting assay development from feasibility through to scalable manufacture
• Gii microheater technology for molecular diagnostics and other applications requiring rapid, precise thermal control
• Examples of how Gii is already being integrated into customer products across diagnostics

iGii is particularly keen to talk to developers and manufacturers working across:

• Point-of-care diagnostics
• Molecular diagnostics
• Immunoassays
• Electrochemical biosensing
• Veterinary diagnostics
• Environmental monitoring

Dr Joanne Holmes and Dr James Youell, both Sales Directors at iGii, will be on-site throughout the exhibition and available for meetings and media discussions.

Heavy AI Spending Concerns Spark Dollar 1.2 Trillion Meltdown in US Tech Sector

New York, July 28: US technology stocks witnessed a sharp decline as investor concerns over rising artificial intelligence (AI) spending triggered a major market selloff, wiping out nearly $1.2 trillion in market value and raising questions over the pace of returns from massive AI investments.

The decline was led by major technology and semiconductor companies, as investors reassessed the sustainability of the sector’s AI-driven rally. Concerns have intensified over the billions of dollars being committed towards AI infrastructure, including advanced processors, data centres, and cloud computing capabilities.

Market analysts said the selloff reflects growing caution among investors who are seeking clearer evidence that heavy AI investments will translate into stronger earnings and long-term profitability. While artificial intelligence remains a key growth opportunity, concerns over rising costs and delayed monetisation have prompted a reassessment of technology valuations.

The weakness in technology shares weighed on broader US markets, with the Nasdaq Composite coming under pressure, while the S&P 500 remained largely unchanged and the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted modest gains as investors rotated towards other sectors.

The impact of the tech downturn extended beyond Wall Street, with global semiconductor stocks facing renewed pressure and Asian markets opening lower amid concerns over the outlook for technology companies.

Analysts said upcoming earnings reports and corporate commentary will be closely watched for indications on AI investment strategies, spending discipline, and the expected timeline for generating returns from these large-scale projects.

Despite the recent volatility, market experts said AI remains a significant long-term technology trend. However, investors are increasingly focusing on profitability, efficiency, and measurable business outcomes as companies continue to expand their AI capabilities.

Sensex, Nifty Hold Steady at Open; IT Stocks Lead Early Gains

Mumbai, July 28: Indian benchmark indices opened on a subdued note on Tuesday, tracking weak cues from Asian markets and a global selloff in semiconductor stocks that kept investor sentiment cautious. While the Sensex and Nifty traded marginally lower in early trade, strength in IT stocks helped cushion the downside.

The Nifty IT index rose 2 per cent to emerge as the top sectoral gainer, supported by advances in realty, healthcare, and pharmaceutical stocks. Meanwhile, oil & gas and PSU banking stocks remained under pressure, weighing on the broader market.

Investor sentiment was dented by a sharp decline in global semiconductor shares following the blockbuster debut of China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), which intensified concerns over rising competition in the global memory chip industry.

Despite the cautious opening, analysts said the market’s near-term outlook remains constructive after the Nifty rebounded more than 400 points from its recent low of 23,606. They identified 23,606 as a key technical support level, while a sustained move above 24,200 would be needed to reinforce bullish momentum.

Across Asia, most major markets traded lower, reflecting continued global risk aversion. Overnight, Wall Street ended on a mixed note as weakness in semiconductor stocks weighed on technology shares. Meanwhile, international crude oil prices declined, offering some relief on the inflation front and providing a supportive backdrop for import-dependent economies such as India.

Air India And Ministry Of Tourism Enter MOU To Jointly Promote India As A Global Tourism Destination

Chandigarh, 28 July: Air India, India‘s leading global airline, and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote India as a premier global tourism destination and strengthening India’s position as a key aviation and transit hub. 

The MoU establishes a framework for coordinated initiatives across tourism marketing, destination storytelling, trade engagement, transit tourism, and visitor experience enhancement.

By leveraging Air India‘s expanding global network and the MoT’s flagship Incredible India initiative, the collaboration aims to boost inbound tourism, strengthen India‘s global visibility, and encourage more international travellers to discover the country’s diverse cultural, heritage, natural, and experiential offerings. 

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “As the airline that proudly carries India in its name, Air India has a unique responsibility to showcase the country to the world and serve as an ambassador for the “new India” that is confident, vibrant, warm, and welcoming. As Air India expands its global network that already spans five continents and welcomes more visitors to India, this partnership with the Ministry of Tourism will help us to meaningfully put the spotlight on a nation that truly is uniquely remarkable.” 

P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, said: “This MoU reflects months of close collaboration between Air India and the Ministry of Tourism and a shared belief that aviation and tourism can be powerful partners in advancing India‘s global profile. The framework creates a meaningful platform that combines the Government’s nation-branding strengths with Air India‘s growing global footprint. We are excited to work with the Ministry of Tourism to create new pathways for international travellers to discover the richness, diversity, and dynamism of India.”

 With Air India serving 40 international destinations across five continents and welcoming millions of visitors to India each year, the airline’s new world-class aircraft, digital platforms, inflight experiences, and global commercial presence will become powerful channels for taking the Incredible India story to travellers around the world. 

Air India‘s network today spans North America, UK & Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia – regions that together are home to nearly 95% of the world’s population. Beyond the destinations it serves directly, Air India‘s 25 codeshare partnerships and more than 120 interline partnerships with leading airlines around the world today connect India to over 1,000 destinations worldwide. This vast global footprint, combined with Air India‘s uniquely Indian identity, makes the airline a natural partner for showcasing India‘s heritage, culture, landscapes, and tourism experiences to audiences worldwide. 

Driving inbound tourism and trade engagement

Under the agreement, Air India and the Ministry of Tourism will collaborate on co-branded global marketing campaigns and tourism promotion across digital, social media, inflight branding, and other consumer-facing platforms. The partnership will also explore opportunities to extend Incredible India branding across Air India‘s touchpoints.

Recognising the critical role of aviation in tourism growth, the two organisations will jointly engage with tour operators, travel trade partners, and industry stakeholders across key international markets.

The collaboration will include participation in tourism exhibitions, roadshows, familiarisation trips, and other market development activities designed to boost interest in India among international travellers.

Air India and the Ministry will also work with State Tourism Boards and other stakeholders to highlight destinations across the country and support tourism-led initiatives. 

Strengthening India‘s position as a global transit hub and developing new offerings for travellers

As Air India continues to build its hubs at Delhi and Mumbai as into major international gateways, the MoU provides for collaboration on initiatives aimed at encouraging transit and stopover tourism in India, including the development of stopover programmes.

Additionally, both organisations will explore opportunities to align with Air India‘s Maharaja Club loyalty programme and develop customer incentives linked to tourism experiences across India.

The Ministry of Tourism will also facilitate engagement with relevant stakeholders to explore special offers and benefits for Air India customers, including access to cultural attractions, heritage sites, museums, and other visitor experiences.

Godrej Enterprises Group Strengthens Advanced Tooling Capabilities to Support India’s Evolving Automotive Manufacturing Landscape

Crafts Council of Telangana launches ‘Threads of Hope Bazaar’ to revive livelihoods of Artisans affected by Fire

Hyderabad, July 27: Reinforcing its longstanding commitment to artisan welfare and the preservation of India’s rich craft traditions, the Crafts Council of Telangana (CCT) is organising Threads of Hope Bazaar, a special solidarity initiative dedicated to supporting artisans, craft communities, and small creative enterprises affected by the devastating fire that swept through Dastkar Nature Bazaar, New Delhi, earlier this year. The blaze destroyed stalls, inventories, and years of painstaking work, leaving numerous artisans facing severe livelihood challenges.

Conceived as a platform of resilience, compassion, and collective support, Threads of Hope Bazaar seeks to help affected artisans reconnect with customers, rebuild visibility, restore livelihoods, and regain economic stability through direct market access and sales opportunities.

The two-day bazaar will be held at CCT Spaces, MLA Colony, Off Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, on July 31 and August 1, 2026, and will remain open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days.

The bazaar will bring together 26 artisan groups and creative enterprises directly impacted by the fire, representing a diverse spectrum of India’s craft heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore an extraordinary collection of handcrafted products, including silk carpets, rugs, runners and cushion covers; Ajrakh and Bagru block prints; Banarasi handloom sarees, dupattas and stoles; Chikankari garments and home textiles; Pashmina shawls and embroidered apparel; bamboo and cane handicrafts; papier-mâché creations; tribal jewellery and textiles; Kantha and Lambani embroidery; sustainable hemp clothing; handcrafted home décor; upcycled bags and lifestyle accessories; as well as a wide range of traditional handloom and artisan-made collections.

Participating artisans and enterprises hail from several craft-rich regions of India, including Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and other states, reflecting both the diversity and resilience of the country’s handmade sector. The event will showcase sustainable and eco-conscious collections, women-led and artisan-driven enterprises, and traditional crafts reimagined for contemporary lifestyles.

More than a marketplace, Threads of Hope Bazaar is a celebration of human resilience and the enduring spirit of India’s artisan communities. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact directly with artisans, understand the stories behind their crafts, and contribute meaningfully to their recovery and rehabilitation. Every purchase made at the bazaar will help support artisans striving to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after an unforeseen tragedy.

By bringing together craft lovers, conscious consumers, designers, collectors, and supporters of handmade traditions, the Crafts Council of Telangana hopes to transform a moment of loss into an opportunity for renewal, ensuring that the skills, traditions, and livelihoods of these artisan communities continue to thrive for generations to come.

—

Gujarat’s New Policy Aims to Transform State into India’s Shipbuilding Powerhouse

Gujarat, July 27: Gujarat is taking major steps to strengthen its position in India’s shipbuilding sector with a new policy aimed at attracting investment, expanding maritime infrastructure, and promoting growth in the industry.

The policy is expected to provide fresh momentum to shipbuilding, ship repair, and related marine activities by encouraging private participation, technological advancement, and capacity expansion.

With its strategic coastline, major ports, and strong industrial base, Gujarat is well-positioned to become a key centre for shipbuilding in the country. The initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities and support the development of industries linked to the maritime sector.

Officials said the policy will help boost India’s vision of becoming self-reliant in ship manufacturing and strengthen the country’s presence in the global maritime industry.

The move marks a significant push towards making Gujarat a preferred destination for domestic and international maritime investments.