Category Archives: Business

India’s MSME Sector Contributes Over 31% to GDP, Generates 38.9 Crore Jobs

New Delhi, June 26: India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector continues to play a key role in the country’s economic growth, with its contribution to the national GDP crossing 31% and employment rising to 38.9 crore, according to recent official estimates.

The sector remains one of the largest employment generators in the country, supporting livelihoods across manufacturing, services, and trade segments. Officials noted that MSMEs are also a crucial driver of exports and industrial output.

The growth has been supported by various government initiatives aimed at improving access to credit, promoting digital adoption, and enhancing ease of doing business for small enterprises.

Experts said the steady expansion of the MSME sector reflects its resilience and its central role in strengthening India’s self-reliant economic framework. The sector continues to support inclusive growth by generating employment opportunities across urban and rural areas.

The latest figures underline the MSME sector’s importance as a backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to GDP while also absorbing a large share of the workforce.

India Hosts First-Ever Mango Promotion Event in Iceland to Boost Exports

June 26: India has organised its first-ever mango promotion events in Iceland as part of efforts to expand the global reach of Indian agricultural exports and promote premium fruit varieties in new international markets.

The initiative aimed to showcase India’s diverse range of mango varieties to importers, distributors, and consumers in Iceland, highlighting the fruit’s quality, flavour profile, and export potential.

Officials said the event is part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s agri-export footprint in non-traditional markets and create new trade opportunities for Indian farmers and exporters. The promotion also focused on building awareness about India’s horticultural strengths and improving market access for premium produce.

Participants at the event were introduced to several popular Indian mango varieties, along with discussions on export logistics, quality standards, and potential trade partnerships.

The initiative reflects India’s growing efforts to diversify its export destinations and enhance the global visibility of its agricultural products, particularly in high-value international markets.

First Norton Atlas Rolls Out from Hosur Factory, Marking a New Milestone

Chandigarh, June 26: Norton Motorcycles has marked the roll-out of the first Atlas models at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur manufacturing facility in India ahead of the official launch next month.

The occasion was marked by a roll-out ceremony at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur plant on Wednesday 24 June, attended by Dr Sutapa Choudhury, British Deputy High Commissioner for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. Her presence acknowledged the industrial collaboration at the heart of the Atlas: Norton’s brand vision, design leadership and engineering direction anchored in the UK, brought to life through TVS Motor Company’s manufacturing capability and industrial infrastructure in India.

A Global Model for Every Norton Market The Atlas is one of the most significant additions to the Norton range in the modern era, engineered for sale across every Norton market – present and future. Both Atlas and Atlas GT models return the storied marque to the adventure and sport-touring segments respectively  categories that together account for a substantial and growing share of global motorcycle sales.

The Atlas follows the critically acclaimed Manx R as the next in line as part of Norton’s resurgence, which introduced four all-new models at EICMA 2025 across the Manx and Atlas families. Positioned alongside the more road-focused Atlas GT, the Atlas extends Norton’s reach without diluting the character the marque demands: a singular focus on design, dynamics and detail, always placing the rider at the heart of the experience.

Designed at Solihull, Built for the World

The Atlas has been designed and engineered at Norton’s Solihull headquarters. Power comes from a compact 585cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 270-degree firing order, mounted in a lightweight steel trellis chassis and managed by Norton’s most comprehensive electronics suite to date. At the core of that package is a Bosch six-axis IMU driving lean-sensitive rider aids, five configurable rider modes, fully adjustable KYB suspension, cornering cruise control, an 8-inch TFT display and Norton Rider app connectivity. The Atlas uses a 19-inch front wheel, reinforcing its more all-terrain orientation; the Atlas GT adopts 17-inch wheels at both ends for a road-first setup on the same platform.

The decision to manufacture both models at the TVS plant in Hosur reflects the benefit of Norton’s wider operating model under TVS Motor Company ownership. Norton defines the brand, design intent, engineering character and rider experience; TVS Motor provides industrial depth, quality systems, supply-chain resilience and a proven global manufacturing base. With Norton’s Solihull, UK facility at full capacity producing the Manx R superbike, Hosur is the obvious choice for production of Atlas and Atlas GT models.

Mr. K. N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company, said:

“The first Atlas roll-out at Hosur is a proud moment – one that brings together the best of both Norton and TVS Motor Company: British design and engineering capability with Indian manufacturing excellence, and a shared commitment to quality for customers worldwide. Atlas takes Norton into a highly relevant global segment, and it does so as an unmistakable Norton.”

Norton Motorcycles’ CEO, Richard Arnold, said:

 “The Atlas name is emblematic of an era when motorcycling was synonymous with adventure. We are proudly carrying that legacy forward with a line-up of modern, quintessentially British adventure motorcycles. With the first Atlas now rolled out at Hosur, our focus turns to the next steps leading up to customer deliveries over the upcoming few months.”

What Comes Next

The Atlas will be introduced to the India market later in the year. TVS’ new retail experience for premium products  TVS Paddock, is scheduled to be launched in Q2 FY27 through an exclusive premium retail channel, purposefully designed to deliver a bespoke and elevated customer experience, reflecting the brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and premium positioning.

Carrying a Storied Name Forward

The Atlas name carries a clear place in Norton history. Introduced in 1962, the original Atlas was an export-focused machine built around a 745cc air-cooled parallel twin a deliberate step up in displacement and torque from the 650cc Dominator, aimed at the American market’s appetite for performance and long-distance ability. Initially produced only for export, it became known simply as the Mighty Atlas, earning a reputation for versatility and high-speed touring capability that few British rivals could match. The name endured until 1968, when it gave way to the Commando.

The all-new Atlas reconnects that spirit with the expectations of the modern adventure rider  updated in every technical detail, but recognisable in intent.

India’s Grocery Market Set to Reach Dollar 992 Billion by FY30: Report

New Delhi, June 26: India’s grocery market is projected to grow to nearly $992 billion by financial year 2030, according to a recent industry report, reflecting strong growth prospects in the country’s fast-expanding retail sector.

The report highlights that the growth will be driven by rising household consumption, increasing urbanisation, and a shift in consumer preferences towards organised retail and digital grocery platforms.

It notes that the sector continues to be dominated by traditional retail channels, but organised retail and quick-commerce platforms are rapidly gaining market share, supported by improved logistics, digital payments, and wider internet penetration.

Industry experts said that changing lifestyles, growing disposable incomes, and expansion of e-commerce are expected to further accelerate the transformation of India’s grocery market over the next few years.

The report also pointed out that India remains one of the fastest-growing consumer markets globally, with the grocery segment forming a significant share of overall retail consumption.

The projected growth underscores the long-term potential of the sector and the increasing role of technology-driven retail models in shaping consumer buying behaviour.

itel Power 451 Debuts with AI ENC, Type C Charging and 2500 mAh Battery

June 26: itel, one of the leading tech brands known for democratizing technology for Bharat, has recently launched its latest feature phone, the itel Power 451, bringing innovative technology generally found in premium smartphones to the feature phone category. With the introduction of AI Environmental Noise Cancellation (AI–ENC) – only provided by itel in Feature Phones in India – the itel Power 451 ensures clear and uninterrupted conversations by intelligently reducing surrounding noise from crowded markets, busy streets, workplaces and other noisy environments. The itel Power 451 phone is available in super stylish colours of Blue, Green, Purple and Black – now available at retail stores. itel also offers an exciting 1-year Counter Replacement offer for any manufacturing defect in feature phones

Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India, said, “At itel, our focus has always been to bring meaningful innovations that solve real consumer challenges while keeping technology accessible for every Indian. AI ENC technology was introduced in feature phones by itel and we are continuing this further with Power 451. For us, innovation has always has been about what makes the daily lives of consumers better.”

Continuing the brand’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to consumers, the phone comes with a free back cover inside the box that is only offered by itel in the feature phone industry, allowing users to protect their device from day one without any additional expense. Further elevating the experience, the Power 451 features Type–C charging support, bringing the convenience of a universal, modern charging solution that is commonly associated with smartphones. It is also equipped with a powerful 2500 mAh battery that delivers up to 55 days of standby time with Super Battery Mode, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for users who depend on their phones throughout the day. The latest Cyber Media Research (CMR) report on The Rising Role of Durability, Reliability, and Affordability in India’s Device Market has demonstrated strong all-round performance of itel – securing impressive scores of 0.65 in feature phones and 0.86 in smartphones – highest in the segment. Additionally, 85% of consumers feel they get great value for money, 81% associate itel with strength and durability, 79% appreciate its design, and 74% consider it a trustworthy and reliable brand.

The Power 451 is a well-rounded device, built for sustained outdoor use. Equipped with a big 2.4-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless FM radio with recording, 60 call logs, and 32GB of expandable storage, Built around the evolving needs of feature phone users, itel POWER 451 combines meaningful innovation, everyday convenience and exceptional value. By combining advanced call clarity, reliable battery life, modern charging convenience and thoughtful additions like a complimentary protective back cover, the device strengthens itel’s vision of making innovative technology accessible to millions of consumers across India.

Crude Oil Extends Losses, Set for Weekly Drop

June 26: Crude oil prices fell by up to 2% in early trading on Friday, extending losses through the week amid concerns over supply-demand imbalances and shifting global market sentiment.

Benchmark crude contracts continued to remain under pressure as investors weighed expectations of steady production levels against uncertain demand outlooks in key consuming regions. The decline has put oil prices on track for their sharpest weekly losses in recent weeks.

Market analysts said the downward trend reflects cautious trading sentiment, with participants closely tracking global economic indicators, inventory data, and production signals from major oil-producing nations.

Despite short-term volatility, energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and policy decisions that could influence future supply dynamics.

Traders are expected to monitor upcoming economic data and industry reports for further direction in global crude price movements.

India, UK Explore New Avenues to Strengthen Economic and Trade Partnership: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, June 26: India and the United Kingdom are exploring new opportunities to further deepen their economic and trade partnership, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.

Goyal said both countries are actively engaged in discussions aimed at expanding bilateral trade, enhancing investment flows, and identifying new areas of cooperation to strengthen the overall economic relationship.

He noted that the India–UK partnership continues to offer significant growth potential across key sectors, including technology, manufacturing, services, and innovation. According to him, ongoing engagements reflect a shared commitment to building a stronger, more balanced, and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

The minister added that closer economic cooperation between the two countries will help create new opportunities for businesses and contribute to long-term economic growth on both sides.

India and the UK have been regularly engaging through high-level dialogues to further deepen their strategic and economic ties.

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India Pvt. Ltd. and United Way Bengaluru Restore 25-Acre Kithaganur Lake, Benefiting over 24,000 Residents

June 26: Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), has supported the rejuvenation of Kithaganur Lake, a 25-acre water body in East Bengaluru, under UWBe’s flagship Wake the Lake campaign. The rejuvenated lake was formally handed over to the gram panchayat on June 5, World Environment Day, reinforcing the shared vision of restoring Bengaluru’s vital water ecosystems.

The intervention has resulted in a 22% increase in the lake’s water-holding capacity, benefiting over 24,000 residents in the surrounding communities. The rejuvenated lake now supports approximately 65 species of flora and fauna and is expected to contribute nearly 9 tonnes of carbon sequestration annually.

Over the years, Kithaganur Lake has suffered from silt accumulation, sewage inflow, encroachments, and blocked feeder channels, reducing its water-holding capacity and affecting the surrounding ecosystem. The rejuvenation has involved scientific de-silting, fencing, clearing water channels, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement to ensure long-term conservation.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Smt. Manjula Arvind Limbavali, MLA, Mahadevpura Constituency, appreciated the collaborative efforts that brought Kithaganur Lake back to life and emphasized that lake rejuvenation is only the first step in a longer journey of environmental stewardship. She noted that the Solid Waste Management team must now play an active role in supporting the next phase of the lake’s development. She further urged the community, local authorities, and all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for protecting the lake, ensuring that it does not fall back into previous state. “A rejuvenated lake can remain healthy only when every citizen becomes its guardian. It is our shared responsibility to preserve this asset for future generations,” she said.

“The rejuvenation of Kithaganur Lake is a powerful example of how collaborative action can drive meaningful impact. Through our partnership with United Way Bengaluru, and a close collaboration with Shishu Mandir, Panchayath, we are proud to contribute to sustainable urban development and help create lasting benefits for both communities and the environment”, said, Mr. Radhakrishna Kodakkal – Managing Director and CEO, Daimler Truck Innovation Center India

“Lakes are among Bengaluru’s most valuable natural assets. Through the ‘Wake the Lake’ campaign, we are not only rejuvenating water bodies but also fostering community ownership and creating sustainable environmental impact. By bringing together committed partners such as Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, local communities, and government stakeholders, we are creating healthier ecosystems and a more water-secure Bengaluru, said Sriram Ananthanarayan, Director, United Way Bengaluru.

With the restoration of Kithaganuru Lake, Daimler Truck Innovation Center India strengthens its commitment to environmental conservation – Prakruthi Mitra, sustainable urban development, and creating lasting positive impact for communities through ecological restoration.

TDP MP Vijay Chinthakayala’s Oath Echoes Mangalagiri Weavers Legacy

New Delhi/Visakhapatnam, June 26: On a historic day for Andhra Pradesh in the nation’s capital, newly elected Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Vijay Chinthakayala Ayyannapatrudu took oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on June 25. He was joined by fellow TDP MPs Sana Satish Babu and Bhashyam Rama Krishna, alongside Jana Sena Party’s Lingamaneni Ramesh, marking a significant sweep for NDA in Rajya Sabha.

Elected under the leadership of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP Minister Nara Lokesh, MP Vijay marked the occasion by wearing a traditional Mangalagiri cotton shawl, bringing national attention to one of Andhra Pradesh’s most cherished handloom traditions.

The shawl carries a significance far beyond ceremonial attire. Every thread of that shawl traces its origins to Mangalagiri, the historic temple town in Guntur district and the Assembly constituency represented by Andhra Pradesh IT, Electronics and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh. Mangalagiri cotton carries over 500 years of recorded history.

During the Qutub Shahi period in 1593, heavy taxes on handloom products forced many weavers to leave the region, dealing a severe blow to the industry. Yet the craft endured. It adapted, recovered and continued to be passed down through generations. Today, Mangalagiri cotton enjoys Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognised for its distinctive weave and craftsmanship. Yet behind this celebrated legacy lies a painful reality.

In the early 1990s, Mangalagiri was home to nearly 20,000 weavers. Today, only about 6,000 active handloom weavers remain. Rising costs, shrinking margins and competition from machine-made imitations have steadily reduced the community that once made Mangalagiri one of India’s most vibrant weaving centres.

That is why Vijay Chinthakayala Ayyannapatrudu’s choice resonated far beyond symbolism. The gesture reflects the vision of TDP Minister Nara Lokesh who has been unambiguous about his commitment to this community. “Weavers are not workers. They are craftsmen. It is a God-given skill,” Nara Lokesh once remarked, announcing a Rs. 250 crore market intervention fund for international branding of Mangalagiri cotton back in 2019. “It will be my responsibility to attend the grievances of each and every weaver,” he pledged.

When Vijay Chinthakayala Ayyannapatrudu took oath in the Rajya Sabha, the shawl on his shoulders carried the hopes of thousands of weaving families, the pride of a centuries-old tradition and the promise that the voice of Mangalagiri’s artisans would be heard in the highest forums of the nation.

OS Studios Appoints Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India Expansion

June 26; Bengaluru, India: OS Studios, the global fan experience agency born from gaming culture, today announced the appointment of gaming, esports and live events veteran Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India. Arya will spearhead the agency’s expansion across newly established hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

OS Studios, a Project Worldwide agency, recently entered the Indian market to deploy its signature ‘Fan Z’ playbook, bridging the experience gap for brands looking to integrate into South Asia’s rapidly evolving gaming, esports and live events ecosystem. The expansion leverages the established infrastructure and production capabilities of sister agency George P. Johnson (GPJ) India.

“The future of gaming will be shaped by the communities that care about it most, and few markets embody that more than India,” said John Higgins, CEO of OS Studios. “To build something meaningful, you have to be part of the culture, not looking in from the outside. Ishaan understands that better than anyone. He’s exactly the kind of leader we want building the future of OS Studios in India.”

OS Studios brings unparalleled global expertise, having delivered iconic experiential and broadcast campaigns like Call of Duty: Next, League of Legends Fanfest at Worlds, Major League Rugby, Ultimate Sevens, Red Bull Basement World Final, Red Bull Homeground 2025, TikTokLiveFest EU 2025, Riot Games’ Arcane Season 2 Launch Campaign, NBA 2K League, to name a few.

In his new role, Arya will oversee all operations, drive strategic brand partnerships, and scale the agency’s local capabilities in the region.

“Brands are investing heavily in Indian gaming, but true fan experience is too often an afterthought,” said Rasheed Sait, Chief Growth Officer for India and South Asia at Project Worldwide. “Alongside GPJ India’s experiential footprint, OS Studios will set a new standard for fan engagement in the region.”

Arya brings over a decade of industry expertise to the role. He previously co-founded esports powerhouse The Esports Club and most recently served as Vice President of Partnerships at Nodwin Gaming, where he led Comic Con India.

“A massive gap remains between brand intent and authentic community engagement in India,” said Arya. “I’m thrilled to leverage Project Worldwide and GPJ India’s operational strength to build culture-defining experiences for brands and fans alike.”

His appointment signals OS Studios’ commitment to embedding hyper-local expertise into its global framework.

Under Arya’s leadership, OS Studios India will offer full-service capabilities, including:

Brand Strategy & Activation: Authentic integration blueprints for non-endemic brands.

Live Event Operations: Large-scale experiential gaming and community activations.

End-to-End Broadcast Production: World-class live streaming and event production.

Creator Management: Cultivating and scaling local gaming influencer campaigns.

Community Building: Developing and nurturing engaged fan communities around brands and IPs.