Category Archives: Business

Roinet Strengthens BC Sakhi Network, Empowering Over 24,000 Women Entrepreneurs Across India

Mumbai, June 19: Roinet Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a Corporate Business Correspondent (CBC), is strengthening its BC Sakhi network across India to accelerate women-led entrepreneurship and deepen financial inclusion in underserved communities.

As part of its commitment to building an inclusive financial ecosystem, Roinet today works with over 24,000 women Customer Service Point (CSP) operators across the country, with women managing nearly 22% of its total service outlets. Collectively, these women-led outlets have contributed to a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) exceeding USD 1 billion, underscoring the growing role of women in driving last-mile financial services and rural economic growth.

What began in 2020 with just 105 women banking correspondents has today evolved into a robust network of over 24,000 women CSPs across rural and semi-urban India. Equipped with smartphones, biometric micro-ATMs, and digital banking tools, these BC Sakhis provide essential doorstep banking services including cash withdrawals and deposits, account opening, fund transfers, pension disbursements, government benefit payments, and financial awareness support.

The initiative has emerged as a powerful livelihood-generation platform, with BC Sakhis earning between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 per month, while top-performing agents have the potential to earn up to ₹1 lakh per month. In addition to enabling financial independence, the programme is helping women gain greater confidence, social recognition, and leadership roles within their communities.

Further expanding its footprint, Roinet recently inaugurated new BC Sakhi Centres across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Each centre is expected to serve over 3,000 customers, bringing reliable banking services closer to underserved populations while creating additional employment opportunities for women.

The impact of the initiative is reflected in stories like that of Jayalakshmi Devi, a 35-year-old BC Sakhi from Varanasi. Once doubted because of her educational background, she now serves as a trusted banking facilitator in her community. Similarly, Riya Sharma, a mother of two who had never worked before joining the programme, now earns a steady monthly income and has become financially independent.

Reflecting on the journey, Sameer Mathur, Founder and Managing Director, Roinet Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said: 

“When we started this initiative, many questioned whether women in rural India could successfully deliver banking services. What we saw instead was immense determination and an eagerness to learn, grow, and become financially independent. Today, these women are not just banking correspondents, they are entrepreneurs, trusted advisors, and catalysts for change within their communities. Our BC Sakhi network demonstrates how financial inclusion and women empowerment can go hand in hand, creating sustainable livelihoods while expanding access to formal financial services. We remain committed to scaling this model and enabling more women to participate meaningfully in India’s growth story.”

Through its expanding BC Sakhi network, Roinet continues to bridge the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities, advancing national priorities around Digital India, financial inclusion, women empowerment, and rural entrepreneurship.

India Poised to Play Key Role in Next Phase of Global Energy Transition: WEF

New Delhi, June 19: A World Economic Forum (WEF) assessment has highlighted that only 24 per cent of countries globally have made progress across all major energy transition metrics in 2026, underscoring uneven global advancement in achieving secure, affordable, and sustainable energy systems.

The report notes that while several nations are advancing renewable energy adoption and improving energy security, many continue to face challenges in balancing sustainability, reliability, and affordability in their energy systems.

Against this backdrop, India has been identified as a key player in the next phase of the global energy transition, driven by its large-scale energy demand, expanding infrastructure, and growing investments in clean and renewable energy sources.

Uneven Global Energy Progress

The WEF assessment points to significant disparities in global energy transition progress, with only a minority of countries showing improvements across all core dimensions of energy performance.

Key challenges include policy coordination gaps, financing constraints, and uneven access to advanced clean energy technologies.

India’s Expanding Energy Footprint

India’s growing role in the global energy landscape is attributed to its rapid expansion in renewable capacity, continued policy focus on clean energy development, and efforts to ensure energy security alongside economic growth.

The country is increasingly seen as a critical market influencing global energy demand patterns and future transition pathways.

Outlook

The report concludes that the next phase of the global energy transition will depend on stronger international cooperation, sustained investment flows, and accelerated deployment of clean technologies, with India expected to remain a central driver in this evolving framework.

Gold Imports Fall 39 pc in May After Duty Hike; ETF Outflows Signal Weak Demand: WGC

New Delhi, June 19: India’s gold imports declined sharply by 39 per cent in May following an increase in import duty, according to data cited by the World Gold Council (WGC). The decline reflects weaker domestic demand amid higher prices and policy changes in the bullion market.

The report also noted that gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded their first net outflows in over a year, indicating a shift in investor sentiment and reduced investment demand during the month.

The fall in imports is largely attributed to higher landed costs after the duty hike, which pushed up domestic prices and led to cautious buying from jewellers and consumers.

Gold ETFs, which had seen steady inflows in recent months, witnessed outflows in May, driven by profit booking and price volatility in global and domestic markets.

Despite the monthly decline, the WGC stated that long-term demand for gold remains supported by cultural buying patterns, portfolio diversification needs, and global economic uncertainty. However, near-term demand trends are expected to remain sensitive to policy changes and price movements.

India May Face Inflation Pressure from Fertiliser Supply Risks: CareEdge

New Delhi, June 19, 2026: A potential disruption in fertiliser supply from West Asia could pose upside risks to India’s inflation outlook, even though the country currently maintains adequate buffer stocks, according to a CareEdge report.

The report highlights that fertilisers are a critical input for India’s agriculture sector, and any disturbance in global supply chains or price stability could have a cascading impact on domestic input costs and overall inflation trends.

CareEdge noted that while India’s present stock position and diversified sourcing strategy provide near-term stability, prolonged disruptions in West Asia could increase pressure on fertiliser availability and pricing.

The report further stated that India’s dependence on imported fertiliser components makes global geopolitical developments an important factor in managing domestic inflation risks.

Overall, while the short-term outlook remains stable due to sufficient buffers, the report cautions that sustained external shocks could elevate inflationary pressures if supply disruptions persist.

InfoComm 2026: PPDSredefines digital display design with UltraSlimPhilips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

Half the depth, double the possibilities:At 60 per cent slimmer than comparable models in PPDS’ Philips Signage portfolio, the new, sleek and stylish Philips Signage 7000 Series opens exciting new installation opportunities to partners and customers, packaging 4K UHD visual performance and AI ready processing power with a slender and stylish presentation for almost any setting.

InfoComm, Amsterdam, June 18: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its thinnest and lightest 4K UHD digital signage line to date, with the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim displaylaunching at InfoComm 2026.

Making its official debut on Philips boothC9000in Las Vegas,the dazzling and unmistakable Philips Signage 7000 Series signals the creation of an exciting new line within PPDS’ evolving digital signage portfolio, opening a wealth of exciting installation opportunities for 24/7 environments where proven quality, unparalleled performance, andvisual aesthetics really matter.

Fuelled and finessed using invaluable feedback from global partners and customers around the world – including those with past and current experience of using comparable competitor offerings – the landscape and portrait mountable UHD Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim comes in a choice of size options, including 43”, 50”, 55” and 65”.

Thinner, lighter, smarter

Built for versatility and flexibility,the Philips Signage 7000 Series will be available in warehouses from Q4 2026 to support a diverse range of verticals and environments – with retail, corporate, public venues, hospitality, and food and beverage among target markets.

Designed with a depth of just 30mm for the 65” model and 28.5mm on all others, it is an incredible 60 per cent less deepthan its closest Philips Signage counterpart – the Philips Signage 4050Q. The 43”, 50” and 55” models are 10 per cent lighter than their 4050Q size equivalents, and the 65” model weighs 20% less than its 4050Q comparison.

Impossible to ignore, whether used to showcase the latestfashion styles in a retail store or to display mouthwatering menus in a bar or restaurant, allPhilips Signage 7000 Series models bring500 nits brightness inside an elegant11.5mmeven bezel design.

Bart Wouters, International Product Manager at PPDS, commented:“The Philips Signage 7000 Series delivers brilliance and beauty for almost any environment, enhancing and opening new opportunities for an even wider audience. Essentially, it brings all the features you expect from our premium Philips Professional Displays, together with an allnew, ultra slim design.”

Commenting from the showfloor at InfoComm 2026, Andrea Barbuti, Global Product Management Lead EMEA at PPDS, added: “The new Philips Signage 7000 Series marks a new chapter in our signage display design, delivering visually spectacular performance and presentation across an unparalleled range of use cases. With the allnew slimline design, together with reduced weight, the installation opportunities are limitless.”

Beauty inside and out

Internally – mirroring other Android SoC models from PPDS – the Philips Signage 7000 Series comes with the outof thebox features and functionalitiesthat have become standard hallmarks of Philips Professional Displays, allowing each display to be tailored to meet the unique requirements of every customer.

Running on a professional Android 16SoC and with a TOPS 3.0 Neural Processing Unit ready for AI applications,the Philips Signage 7000 Series brings complete reliability and peace of mind to installations, with trusted connectivity and security built in. All while enabling customers to select and install their preferred native Android apps and software directly onto the display.

Unlocking its full power and intelligence still further, the Philips Signage 7000 Series joins PPDS’ portfolio of displays that are compatible with the Philips Wave remote display management platform, puttingusers in complete control.

Saving on costs, energy, and environmental impact via optimised settings, Philips Wave offers simplified installation and setup, monitoring and controlling displays, upgrading firmware, managing playlists, and setting power schedules. Challenges can be overcome quickly and efficiently with the ability to spot issues in real time or even to identify potential problemsbefore they occur.

Philips Wave users also have access to the Philips ProStore, eliminating any concerns around compatibility with selected partner software and applications used in – but not exclusively for – healthcare, corporate, retail, education, hospitality, and more.

For additional peace of mind, the Philips Signage 7000 Series also features PPDS’ FailOver technology, automatically playing backup content on screen in the unlikely event of a primary media player failure, ensuring screens remain active when it matters.

Connected, secure, sustainable

Ideal for presentation settings, such as in meeting rooms, corporate boardrooms and classrooms, the Philips Signage 7000 Series also comes withintegrated Philips SmartBrowser app, which leverages HTML5 to enable managers to set URLs to play as a media source.

Wireless screen sharing is available with optional Philips ScreenShare, while the Philips Signage 7000 Series also provides a full suite of connections, includingHDMI, USB-C, RS232, LAN, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth, to meet user preferences and promote the reuse of existing cables and equipment.

On the subject of recycling, the Philips Signage 7000 Series adheres to PPDS’ commitment to bringing more sustainable products, using recycled resin for the display’s housing, while significantly reducing plastic used internally, as well as in the packaging.

Andrea Barbuticontinued:“We are not the first manufacturer to launch a slimline digital signage offering, but as a company that prides itself on delivering reliable, versatile, and innovative solutions to market, we wanted to deliver better, rather than to try to win any races in bringing it to market.”

Bart Wouters concluded: “We have bided our time and communicated carefully with customers to ensure we have shaped the Philips Signage 7000 Series around true market needs. We are thrilled with the results and, more importantly, so are our partners and customers, whose insight has played an integral role in its design and development.”

Cement Industry Set for Record Capacity Expansion; Utilisation Seen at 70–71 pc

New Delhi, June 19: India’s cement sector is expected to witness record capacity additions in the coming period, which is likely to keep industry utilisation levels stable in the range of 70–71 per cent, according to a recent industry report.

The report highlights that while cement demand continues to remain strong, supported by sustained infrastructure development, housing growth, and government-led capital expenditure, the simultaneous addition of new production capacities is expected to balance overall utilisation levels.

Analysts noted that demand for cement remains robust, driven by ongoing construction activity across roads, railways, urban infrastructure, and housing projects. However, large-scale capacity expansions by major industry players are likely to prevent a sharp increase in utilisation rates in the near term.

Despite this, the sector’s long-term outlook remains positive, with steady demand visibility supported by India’s infrastructure-led growth trajectory. Continued investments in construction and urban development are expected to sustain consumption momentum.

Experts also believe that stable utilisation levels could help maintain pricing discipline in the market, thereby supporting profitability across key cement manufacturers. Efficient capacity planning and phased expansions are expected to ensure a balanced industry environment.

Overall, the report indicates that India’s cement industry remains well-positioned to support the country’s ongoing economic and infrastructure development while maintaining operational stability.

Bharat Buildcon 2026 Inaugurated to Boost Construction Sector

New Delhi, June 19: The government on Thursday inaugurated Bharat Buildcon 2026, a major industry platform aimed at deepening engagement and collaboration among builders, developers, and key stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure sector.

The initiative seeks to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and technical experts to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and promote best practices in construction and urban development. Officials said the platform will help accelerate knowledge sharing and strengthen coordination within the rapidly growing infrastructure ecosystem.

Bharat Buildcon 2026 is expected to focus on modern construction techniques, sustainable building practices, smart infrastructure solutions, and innovation-driven growth in the real estate and construction sectors. The event will also highlight opportunities for investment and partnership across housing, commercial development, and infrastructure projects.

Government representatives emphasized that the construction sector plays a vital role in driving economic growth, generating employment, and supporting urban transformation. Strengthening industry interaction is expected to improve project efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance overall quality standards.

From an economic perspective, increased collaboration within the construction ecosystem is likely to boost capital formation, stimulate demand across allied industries such as cement, steel, logistics, and engineering, and contribute to broader infrastructure-led growth.

The government reiterated its commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and innovation-friendly environment for the construction sector, aligning with its vision of modern and sustainable urban development.

Strong Growth in Direct Taxes: Up 14.6 pc to INR 5.21 Lakh Crore

New Delhi, June 19: India’s net direct tax collections have registered a robust growth of 14.6 per cent, reaching ₹5.21 lakh crore in the current financial period, signaling sustained economic momentum and improved compliance across taxpayer segments.

The rise in collections has been supported by healthy advance tax inflows, steady corporate tax payments, and continued growth in personal income tax contributions. Officials said the performance reflects broad-based economic activity and strengthening financial discipline across sectors.

The data highlights improving tax buoyancy, driven by higher corporate profitability, stable employment trends, and widening participation in the formal economy. Enhanced digital compliance systems and stronger enforcement measures have also contributed to better reporting and revenue realization.

From a macroeconomic standpoint, the increase in direct tax collections is expected to strengthen the government’s fiscal position, providing greater flexibility to sustain capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and welfare spending without compromising fiscal prudence.

Economists view the growth in tax revenues as a positive indicator of underlying economic resilience, suggesting steady demand conditions and improving income levels. The trend also reinforces investor confidence in India’s medium-term growth outlook.

Authorities are expected to continue focusing on compliance expansion and broadening the tax base to maintain revenue momentum in the coming months.

Gujarat Approves INR 1,567 Crore Industrial Incentives to Boost Manufacturing and Jobs

Gandhinagar, June 19: In a significant push to industrial growth, the Gujarat government has cleared incentive support worth ₹1,567 crore for projects in the chemical, automobile, and textile sectors, aiming to strengthen manufacturing capacity, attract investment, and generate employment across the state.

The approved incentives are expected to speed up project execution and encourage new investments across key industrial clusters. Officials said the move reflects Gujarat’s continued focus on building a strong, diversified manufacturing base and reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading industrial destinations.

The chemical sector is set to benefit from expanded production capabilities and stronger downstream linkages. In the automobile segment, the incentives are expected to support component manufacturing and supply chain integration, while the textile industry—one of Gujarat’s core strengths—will see further modernisation and capacity expansion to improve competitiveness in domestic and global markets.

Beyond sectoral gains, the initiative is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate growth in allied industries such as logistics, engineering, packaging, and infrastructure. It is also likely to improve capital inflows and enhance overall industrial productivity in the state.

From an economic standpoint, the package is expected to have a wider multiplier effect by boosting manufacturing output, increasing exports, and strengthening MSME participation in supply chains. Higher industrial activity is also expected to support income generation and contribute to broader economic momentum in the region.

The state government reiterated its commitment to fostering a competitive and investment-friendly environment while promoting sustainable and inclusive industrial development.

Government Approves Major Pulses & Oilseeds Procurement Drive Across 4 States; Uttar Pradesh Leads Beneficiary List

Pic Credit: Pexel 

New Delhi, June 19, 2026: In a significant boost to India’s agricultural support framework, large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds has been approved across four states, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the biggest beneficiary under the programme.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening minimum price support mechanisms, ensuring assured market access for farmers, and reducing price volatility in key agricultural commodities. By expanding procurement coverage, the government seeks to provide greater income security, particularly for pulses and oilseeds growers who often face fluctuating market prices.

Uttar Pradesh, with its large agricultural base and extensive cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, will receive the highest allocation under the procurement plan. Farmers in the state are expected to benefit significantly through improved price realization and timely procurement support.

Officials said the move will also help stabilize domestic supply chains for essential food items and reduce dependence on imports of edible oils and pulses, thereby improving overall food security.

From an economic perspective, the procurement drive is expected to have a positive multiplier effect. By increasing rural income, the initiative will boost farm liquidity, strengthen rural consumption demand, and support allied sectors such as transportation, warehousing, food processing, and agri-logistics. This, in turn, is likely to contribute to broader economic stability and reinforce growth in the agricultural economy.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair returns to farmers while promoting crop diversification and strengthening India’s self-reliance in key agricultural commodities.

Further details on procurement agencies, timelines, and state-wise allocations are expected to be announced by the concerned authorities shortly.