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  • India’s FY2027 budget shifts focus from renewable deployment to manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation

    Clean energy spending rises 40% to US$5 billion as government prioritises CCUS, domestic supply chains and strategic manufacturing, but execution risks remain  

    SINGAPORE, Feb 16 – India’s FY2027 Union Budget marks a strategic shift in the country’s energy transition, moving from a primary focus on renewable deployment toward domestic manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation, according to new analysis from Wood Mackenzie.  

    In FY2027, clean energy spending will rise 40% year-on-year to approximately US$5 billion. The budget prioritises carbon capture, battery storage, domestic manufacturing and critical mineral supply chains, signalling a more industrial policy-led approach to the energy transition.  

    “India is repositioning itself as an alternative clean energy manufacturing hub as global trade dynamics shift,” said Rashika Gupta, Vice President, Power & Renewables, Wood Mackenzie. “Recent trade agreements with the European Union and the United States materially improve export competitiveness for India-origin solar modules. However, persistent underutilisation of allocated funds and execution delays could still limit the near-term impact of these commitments.”  

    Carbon capture and industrial decarbonisation take centre stage 

    The India government has allocated US$2.2 billion over five years for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), targeting emissions reductions across power generation, steel, cement, refining and chemicals. The scale of the allocation reflects growing policy focus on hard-to-abate sectors.  

    “To date, CCUS investment in India has been largely driven by public sector companies such as NTPC and ONGC, with limited private-sector investment,” said Gupta. “High project costs remain the primary barrier to scale. As regulatory and implementation frameworks mature, we expect CCUS to move from pilot projects to early commercial deployment, catalysing broader private-sector participation and laying the foundation for a globally competitive carbon management ecosystem.”  

    Manufacturing ambition meets market constraints 

    The FY2027 budget removes import duties on lithium-ion battery cells, solar glass, nuclear equipment and machinery for critical mineral processing, reducing tariffs from 2.5–7.5% to zero. Data centres are designated as critical infrastructure, with foreign investor tax holidays extended to 2047 and a 15% safe-harbour regime for domestic operators.  

    Despite these incentives, implementation gaps persist. India currently has approximately 37 GW of PV cell manufacturing capacity, but utilisation remains below 30%. With local content requirements at the cell level taking effect in June 2026, up to three-quarters of projected demand could face supply constraints without accelerated ramp-up.  

    “The market remains underprepared for implementation of the approved list of PV cell manufacturers,” said Ankita Chauhan, Director, Supply Chain, Power & Renewables, Wood Mackenzie. “Similarly for batteries, while 40 GWh of the 50 GWh Advanced Chemistry Cell target has been awarded, upstream raw material volatility and execution challenges continue to slow manufacturing capacity buildout.”  

    Supply chain security and storage acceleration 

    To strengthen supply chain resilience, the government is backing the National Critical Mineral Mission with approximately US$4 billion. Amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act in September 2025 aim to accelerate domestic exploration, with more than 200 projects underway. India is also diversifying supply partnerships with Argentina, Australia, and Chile.  

    India operates 4.4 GWh of battery cell manufacturing capacity, with an additional 180 GWh in the pipeline. However, import dependence primarily on China remains high. A proposed 20% domestic content requirement for battery components is intended to support localisation, Wood Mackenzie noted.  

    Installed battery storage capacity stood at approximately 0.8 GWh at end-2025, with more than 59 GWh under development. However, funding for the Green Energy Corridor programme, focused on grid strengthening, was reduced 25% year-on-year, potentially constraining transmission readiness as renewable penetration increases.  

    Hydrogen underutilised as nuclear momentum builds 

    Funding for the National Green Hydrogen Mission remains unchanged at US$68 million after approximately 50% of FY2026 allocations went unutilised due to execution delays. Around 3 GW of electrolyser manufacturing capacity has been awarded under production-linked incentive schemes, with production expected to begin in FY2027.  

    In contrast, nuclear policy support strengthened following passage of the SHANTI Act 2025 and removal of customs duties on nuclear equipment through September 2035. The measures support India’s ambition to expand nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, up from roughly 9 GW today, including the deployment of at least five indigenous small modular reactors by 2033.  

    “The FY2027 budget provides continuity and policy clarity, balancing energy transition objectives with energy security and industrial competitiveness,” Gupta added. “However, translating allocations into delivered capacity will require stronger coordination, faster approvals and improved utilisation rates. Execution remains the decisive factor in determining whether India can meet its 2070 net-zero ambition.” 

  • Spiritual Serenity and Ancient Rituals Mark Mahashivratri 2026 at Anand Dham Ashram

    New Delhi, Feb 16: Vedic mantras and spiritual enthusiasm filled the atmosphere at Anand Dham Ashram during the Mahashivratri celebrations held on February 14th and 15th, 2026. The two-day event brought devotees together for spiritual activities in the presence of Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi. The event honored Lord Shiva through traditional rituals, soulful Shiv Katha, and prayers at the twelve Jyotirlingas. These activities, combined with profound spiritual teachings, filled the atmosphere with a sense of peace and grace.

    Reflecting on the significance of the day, Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj said, 

    “Mahashivratri is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred bridge that connects the human soul with the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva. When we pray with a pure heart and steady mind, we experience the stillness and divine strength that resides within all of us.”

    The celebrations began with a unique and massive spiritual undertaking: the preparation of one lakh and twenty-five thousand Parthiv Shivlingas. These sacred forms were hand-crafted by devotees and young Rishis using holy soil brought from the banks of the River Narmada. The atmosphere at the Ashram was filled with quiet dedication as participants prepared these Shivlingas, which were later placed near the Pashupatinath Temple and the ancient Banyan tree within the premises.

    On the main day of Mahashivratri, the air resonated with the sound of continuous Vedic chants during a grand Rudrabhishek ceremony. All 1.25 lakh Shivlingas were ritualistically bathed with sacred offerings such as milk, honey, and water. This ceremony was followed by the “Four Prahar Puja,” a rare overnight worship schedule that began at 6:00 PM and continued until the early hours of the next morning. Many devotees stayed throughout the night, participating in the vigil to experience the mental peace and purification associated with these traditional prayers.

    Speaking on the meditative aspect of the festival, Dr. Archika Didi remarked,

     “The night of Shiva is a journey from the outer world to the inner self. Through meditation and devotion, we invite divine grace into our lives, allowing us to find true bliss and a sense of transformation.”

    The spiritual experience was further enriched by “Shiv Dhyan,” a special midnight meditation session that focused on inner stillness and the yogic traditions of Lord Shiva. Complementing the silence of meditation was “Shiv Tarang,” a cultural evening featuring soulful devotional music and spiritually inspired dance.

    The venue, Anand Dham Ashram, served as a beautiful backdrop for the celebrations. Devotees took the opportunity to visit the 12 Jyotirlinga installations and the 800 kg Shri Yantra at the “Shiv Varadan Tirtha.” The event concluded with a sense of profound peace, leaving participants with memories of a beautifully conducted journey of faith.

  • Himalaya BabyCare Revamps Packaging, Aims to Cut 500 Tons of Plastic by 2031

    Hyderabad, Feb 16: Himalaya BabyCare, one of India’s most trusted baby care brands loved by babies and trusted by parents, has introduced a refreshed packaging design across its entire Gentle Baby Care Range, marking an important step in its ongoing sustainability journey. The new packaging combines improved usability, thoughtful design, and a strong environmental focus, reflecting Himalaya BabyCare’s continued efforts to reduce plastic waste and create meaningful impact.

    In line with its sustainability roadmap, the brand’s redesigned packaging is projected to eliminate the use of 500 tons of plastic over the next five years, cutting consumption by approximately 100 tons annually. The initiative also reflects a growing shift among parents who are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of everyday choices and are seeking products that align with a more responsible future for their children.

    The new packaging launch is supported by a powerful digital film that taps into a shared parental concern the future our children will inherit. Set at a parents’ meet, the film opens with a though-provoking conversation around the growing burden of plastic waste and its long-term impact. What follows is an honest, relatable exchange that reflects a belief many parents hold today, that protecting children goes beyond daily care routines and extends to the choices we make for the world around them.

    Through this narrative, Himalaya BabyCare reinforces how mindful actions like reducing plastic through thoughtful packaging can collectively help build a cleaner, kinder, and sustainable future for the next generation.

    Commenting on the thought behind the change, Mr. N. V. Chakravarthi, Director – BabyCare, Himalaya Wellness Company, said,

    “At Himalaya BabyCare, our responsibility goes beyond creating gentle and safe products for babies today.Every decision we make is guided by our belief that while babies deserve the best of Nature’s nourishment, caring for Nature is essential to ensure a healthier world for our children tomorrow. BabyCare’s packaging transformation reflects our commitment to supporting the future of children by reducing plastic waste and staying true to our promise of gentle care that is good for our babies and good for our planet.”

    The refreshed packs feature a cleaner, modern visual language with enhanced labelling for easy readability. Thoughtfully designed with parents in mind, the new packaging offers better ergonomics, grip, and stability—making everyday use hassle-free without compromising quality or safety.

    To ensure the message reaches parents across India, the digital film has been developed in Hindi, with adaptations across ten additional regional languages, namely Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Gujarati, and Marathi, enabling deeper resonance across diverse communities.

    With this initiative, Himalaya BabyCare reiterates its belief that baby care goes beyond skincare. It is about shaping the world our children will inherit – sustainably and in harmony with Nature.

  • Bill Gates, CM Chandrababu Inspect RTGS Centre, Review Tech in Governance

    Amaravati, Feb 16: The Chief Minister, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday explained in detail to the Gates Foundation Chairman, Mr. Bill Gates, who is on a visit to Amaravati, how faster civic services are being provided and the results being achieved through Real Time Governance.

    Mr. Bill Gates asked how Data Lake, Aware 2.0, WhatsApp Governance, Sanjeevani project and the capital Amaravati projects are functioning. He also inspected the presentations on the display walls in the RTGS during which Mr. Chandrababu briefed Mr. Bill Gates that all the Government wings are interconnected with Data Lake.

    Mr. Bill Gates appreciated the efforts being made to simplify the citizen services through Data Lake and WhatsApp governance. The Chief Minister also informed Mr. Bill Gates that Real Time information is being gathered through Aware 2.0 following which decisions are being taken faster.

    Also, Mr. Bill Gates examined the way the State Government is gathering public opinion on the implementation of various schemes and policies. Mr. Chandrababu told Mr. Gates that the growth of the GSDP is being assessed regularly through Key Performance Indicators.

    When Mr. Bill Gates asked about the steps being taken for the safety and security of the property records, the officials informed him that land records are being preserved with the help of Black Chain Technology and similarly steps are being taken to ensure transparency with policies such as QR Codes for land records.

    While Mr. Gates termed the tax collection system as amazing, Mr. Chandrababu informed him that the tax collection in the country has increased significantly with the GST system. Mr. Bill Gates inquired about the implementation of the Sanjeevani project, which is being run in Chittoor district with the support of the Gates Foundation and also asked how the details of tests like blood pressure and diabetes are being recorded.

    Expressing deep satisfaction over the functioning of the Sanjeevani project at Kuppam commenting that ‘It is nice.” The officials explained that they are providing advice to the patients on their lifestyle and diet based on their digital health records. Mr. Chandrababu said that they are planning to take further steps to improve public health services by using AI which Mr. Bill Gates praised as ‘Great’. Mr. Gates felt that if diagnostic services are made available at a lower cost, it will further help the poor.

    Mr. Bill Gates also inquired about the progress of the ongoing construction works in the people’s capital of Amaravati and felt that 30 per cent green and blue plan is good in Amaravati. When Mr. Chandrababu explained in detail to Mr. Bill Gates the ongoing construction works in the capital, the Gates Foundation chairman responded terming it as ‘Great Work.”

  • Ramadan Mubarak: How Egyptians Welcome the Holy Month?

    At the center of the Arab world, Egypt stands out with a heritage shaped by thousands of years of culture, faith, and tradition. It is a place where history lives through everyday rituals and where the national spirit is renewed with each festive season.

    As Ramadan approaches, cities and towns across the country transform with a blend of spirituality and celebration. From Cairo’s bustling avenues to the small villages lining the Nile, lanterns, lights, and vibrant decorations illuminate streets, shops, and homes. The scents of traditional dishes and beloved Ramadan sweets drift through the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

    At W7Worldwide Strategic Communications Agency, the annual “Ramadan Around the World” series continues, exploring how different countries celebrate the holy month. After featuring Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia, this year’s focus turns to Egypt, home to Al-Azhar, historic Islamic architecture, and a vibrant popular culture that brings Ramadan to life. The series aims to capture Egypt’s distinctive Ramadan spirit, where faith, tradition, and art come together in an atmosphere of joy, serenity, and community.

    A Season of Faith and Festivity

    Ramadan in Egypt carries a unique charm that attracts visitors from across the region and beyond. As the month nears, markets and neighborhoods come alive with preparation. Seasonal fairs display Ramadan essentials, dried fruits, nuts, and spices, while traditional lanterns cast colorful reflections across alleyways, creating a festive and welcoming mood.

    When the crescent moon is sighted, celebrations begin across the country. Classic folk songs such as “Wahawi Ya Wahawi” echo through the streets, children walk with glowing lanterns, and warm greetings like “Ramadan Kareem” (Have a blessed Ramadan) and “Kul ‘Aam Wa Antum Bikhair” (Wishing you well throughout the year) fill homes, television broadcasts, and social platforms.

    One of the most iconic Ramadan moments in Egypt comes at sunset. As the adhan for Maghrib approaches, families wait for the sound of the historic iftar cannon, fired today from Mokattam Hill near the Salah El-Din Citadel. Similar cannons across the governorates mark the same moment, signaling households to gather for iftar.

    Historic Mosques at the Heart of the Month

    Egypt’s historic mosques form the spiritual center of Ramadan nights. Landmark sites such as Al-Azhar, Al-Hussein, and Amr Ibn Al-As welcome thousands of worshippers for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers. Quran recitations, spiritual lessons, and community gatherings fill these sacred spaces, where courtyards remain lively well into the night.

    Cultural performances, heritage events, and Ramadan tents offering traditional dishes bring families and friends together throughout the evenings. As suhur approaches, the mesaharati, known as the dawn caller, walks through neighborhoods tapping his drum and calling residents to wake. The tradition remains one of the most beloved and enduring features of Egyptian Ramadan nights.

    A Culinary Tradition Passed Through Generations

    Ramadan in Egypt is inseparable from its rich culinary heritage. Iftar typically begins with dates and traditional drinks such as Qamar al-Din (dried apricot paste), along with khoshaf, tamarind, hibiscus, and sobya. Households then serve classic dishes including mahshi, molokhia, roasted chicken, hearty tagines (clay-pot stews), and a variety of comforting soups.

    Desserts play a central role in the month’s celebrations. Kunafa, qatayef, and a variety of oriental sweets fill bakeries and dessert shops each evening. These dishes reflect the generosity of Egyptian households and capture the joy that defines gathering around the iftar table.

    Traditions of Community and Compassion

    Egypt’s Ramadan customs carry deep social significance. Families make it a priority to gather for iftar, and mawa’id al-rahman, the public charity tables set up across the country, provide meals to anyone fasting, embodying the nation’s deep-rooted culture of generosity.

    Spiritual practices reinforce this sense of togetherness. Taraweeh prayers bring communities closer, and during the last ten days of the month, many worshippers observe i’tikaf in mosques, dedicating time to reflection and prayer. Charitable activities flourish during this period, from food donations to financial support and other acts of giving.

    Ramadan Nights in Cairo

    Ramadan nights in Egypt are lively and filled with cultural richness. Cairo’s historic streets resonate with spiritual chants and heritage performances. Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili transform into open-air cultural hubs where visitors enjoy music, crafts, and traditional cafés. The aroma of coffee blends with the sounds of religious hymns, creating an atmosphere that reflects Cairo’s timeless Ramadan character.

    In cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, night markets, cultural shows, and Ramadan tents continue until suhur, offering a festive experience that brings together families, friends, and travelers.

    Ramadan in Egypt is a harmony of spirituality and celebration, tradition and renewal. It is a month that Egyptians eagerly anticipate each year, embracing the values of generosity, compassion, and unity that define the holy month.

    A Journey Through Egypt’s Ramadan Stories

    Our “Ramadan in Egypt” series invites readers to explore traditional dishes, cultural customs across cities and villages, and the most enchanting Ramadan nights in Cairo and Alexandria, concluding with the joy of Eid al-Fitr.

    Join us as we explore the stories of Ramadan in Egypt, from illuminated streets to spiritual nights and centuries-old traditions. It is a journey that reflects the country’s unique blend of culture and faith and celebrates the warmth and joy that Egyptians are known for.

    Ramadan Mubarak, may Allah accept your fasting and prayers.

  • Cotiviti India commences operations at its fifth India office located in Uppal

    Company to hire hundreds of new employees across healthcare and technology operations

    HYDERABAD, India, Feb 16 – Cotiviti India Pvt Ltd (Cotiviti India), a subsidiary of U.S.-based Cotiviti, Inc., a leader in data-driven healthcare solutions, is significantly expanding its presence in India with a new office located in Uppal. The new office will represent Cotiviti’s fifth location in India and feature 900 workstations.

    “This state-of-the-art office represents Cotiviti’s continued commitment to expanding in India with employee-centric offices,” said Peter Csapo, chief international and business services officer for Cotiviti. “After expanding several existing offices within the past year, we look forward to extending our presence in the Hyderabad metro area and hiring new team members to fill positions across healthcare, technology, and more.” 

    The new Uppal office complements Cotiviti’s long-standing office in the Hi-Tech area of Hyderabad, which currently employs 2,200 Cotiviti team members. The Uppal office will primarily support continued expansion of healthcare payment integrity operations, medical coding, retail operations, software development, global IT support, and clinical policy content development and deployment. 

    In May 2024, Cotiviti introduced Cotiviti Prosperiti, a broad-based ownership program to ensure that every team member has a stake in the organization’s collective success, creating a work environment where everyone is motivated to contribute their best. All full-time employees are eligible to participate across all Cotiviti India locations.

    In addition to the two Hyderabad offices, Cotiviti India operates in Pune, Mohali, and Coimbatore. Applicants are welcome to learn more about Cotiviti’s culture and benefits and apply for openings at www.cotiviti.com/careers.

  • VYNA Electric 2026 Focuses on Trust and Reliability for Indian Homes

    As our homes evolve into places where we work, learn, and relax, the quality of our electrical fittings has never been more important. Today, VYNA Electric unveiled its 2026 roadmap, focused on a simple promise: providing Indian families with electrical solutions that are safer, longer-lasting, and designed for real-world use.

    Moving away from complicated tech jargons, VYNA Electric is focusing on “Engineered for Life.” By using the 2 decades old expertise of its parent company, SUGS LLOYD Ltd. in power infrastructure, the brand is creating everyday products—like switchgear, lights & modular switches —that are built with the same toughness used in major infrastructure projects, but refined for the modern home.

    Reliability You Can Trust

    We touch our light switches every single day, yet we rarely think about them until they break. VYNA’s 2026 collection of modular switches & lighting products is designed for a premium feel and ultimate safety.

    “We want to create products that people don’t have to replace for decades,” said Sumit Kumar, Business Unit Head and Vice President, VYNA Electric. “Our switches are tested for millions of clicks. When you choose VYNA, you’re choosing the peace of mind that comes with quality parts that are built to last.”

    Lighting That’s Easy on the Eyes

    Lighting is about more than just brightness; it’s about how a room feels and how it affects your health. For 2026, VYNA is introducing Eye-Comfort Technology across its LED range. These products are designed to:

    • Stop the Flicker: High-quality light that reduces eye strain for children studying and adults working from home.
    • Stay Cool: Advanced cooling features that prevent bulbs from overheating, making them last much longer.
    • Keep it Natural: Lighting that maintains its true color over years of use, keeping your home looking beautiful.

    Growing to Serve All of India

    VYNA Electric is committed to being there whenever a customer needs support. After a successful start in North and Central India, the brand is expanding its reach to Western and Eastern regions. This expansion isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building a service network that homeowners can rely on for years to come.

    Supporting the Experts: Our Electricians

    The safety of a home depends on the person installing the wires. VYNA is investing heavily in Electrician Training Programs across the country. By teaching the latest safety standards and installation techniques, VYNA ensures that every home using its products is as safe as it can possibly be.

    Looking Ahead

    By 2026, VYNA Electric will expand its family of products to include energy-saving fans and other home essentials. The philosophy remains the same: If it carries the VYNA name, it is built to be the most reliable part of your home.

  • Signature Global Partners with RMZ for INR 1,283 Cr Gurugram Commercial Project

    New Delhi, Feb 16: Signature Global Ltd. one of India’s leading real estate development companies, today inked an agreement to form a joint venture with RMZ, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial real estate in India, to develop a mixed-use project comprising office buildings, hotels, and retail spaces on the Southern Peripheral Road in Gurugram.

    Under the agreement, Signature Global and RMZ will form a 50:50 joint venture, with RMZ committing an investment of INR 1,283 crore to acquire a 50% equity stake in the project.

    As part of the transaction, the Company, Gurugram Commercity Limited (GCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Signature Global, and Millennia Realtors Private Limited, an RMZ entity, have entered into a Securities Subscription and Purchase Agreement (SSPA). Under the SSPA, RMZ will acquire a 50% equity stake in GCL through a combination of share purchase and share subscription, for an aggregate consideration of up to INR 1,283 crore.

    Located on the Southern Peripheral Road, the project will have a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 3.94 million square feet.

    The proposed mixed-use development marks Signature Global’s first major foray into large-scale commercial real estate development within its existing land portfolio, underscoring a strategically significant milestone in its portfolio diversification.

    The joint venture brings together the strengths of both partners, with Signature Global contributing strong execution and construction capabilities along with deep operational knowledge of the Delhi-NCR market, while RMZ brings its experience in designing, leasing, and managing large commercial and mixed-use developments.

    The total capital value of the development upon completion is expected to be in the range of INR 14,000–16,000 crore, positioning the project among the larger mixed-use developments in the region.

    Commenting on the development, Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said 

    “Today marks an important milestone in Signature Global’s growth journey as we broaden our development portfolio with a large-scale mixed-use project. The Southern Peripheral Road has steadily emerged as a key hub for both residential and commercial development, supported by strong infrastructure and connectivity. This partnership with RMZ brings together complementary strengths and deep domain expertise, enabling us to deliver a high-quality, future-ready development. As our first major commercial development of this scale, the project reflects our commitment to creating long-term value and bringing best-in-class developments to our customers and stakeholders.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Manoj Menda, Corporate Chairman, Supervisory Board, RMZ said,

    “We are pleased to partner with Signature Global on this significant mixed-use commercial development in Gurugram. The Southern Peripheral Road is rapidly emerging as a preferred commercial corridor, supported by strong occupier demand and improving infrastructure. This project aligns well with RMZ’s focus on developing institutional-grade commercial assets with long-term leasing potential. Signature Global’s execution capabilities and deep understanding of the Delhi-NCR market make them an ideal partner. Together, we aim to create a high-quality, future-ready commercial destination that delivers sustained value for occupiers and investors.”

  • Gold & Jewellery Valuation Program Held on February 9–10, 2026

    Kolkata, Feb 16 :With the rapid expansion of the gold loan ecosystem across India, there is a growing demand for professionally trained and certified gold appraisers. Jewellers-cum-valuers, along with bank and NBFC officials engaged in gold loan operations, are increasingly seeking formal training in Gold & Jewellery Appraisal for skill upgradation, standardisation, and regulatory compliance.

    Further, in view of the new guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), proposed to be effective from April 2026, banks and NBFCs are expected to adopt more structured, transparent, and compliant gold loan appraisal and reimbursement mechanisms. This regulatory shift makes professional and technically sound training in gold appraisal even more critical.

    Recognising this emerging need, the Centre for Valuation Studies, GLF Business School, organised a two-day specially designed workshop on Gold & Jewellery Valuation & Appraisal in Kolkata on February 9–10, 2026. The programme was conducted under the aegis of the MSME Technology Development Centre, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in association with the ICMAI Registered Valuers Organisation (ICMAI RVO).

    Expert Faculty & Programme Design

    The workshop was conducted by renowned expert faculty Dr. Pravin R. Joshi from MSME-TDC. The specialised programme provided participants with a strong conceptual foundation, complemented by extensive hands-on practical demonstrations to ensure real-world applicability and industry relevance.

    Key Topics Covered

    The sessions covered:

    • Fundamentals of gold, purity standards, and hallmarking
    • Identification of different types and caratage of gold jewellery and alloys
    • Methods of testing gold purity (visual inspection, touchstone method, and instrument-based testing)
    • Weight calculation, wastage estimation, and scientific valuation techniques
    • Risk factors, fraud detection, and best practices in gold appraisal
    • Regulatory and operational aspects of gold loans in Banks and NBFCs, including RBI compliance requirements

    The programme emphasised practical exposure, enabling participants to develop technical accuracy and confidence in appraisal processes.

    Participant Profile

    The workshop witnessed active participation from:

    • Bank Managers and Loan Officers
    • Valuers and Chartered Appraisers
    • Jewellery Shop Owners
    • Jewellery Manufacturers

    Distinguished Presence

    The programme was graced by the presence of:

    • Prof. Avijit Banerjee, Director, GLF Business School
    • Prof. Lopamudra Bhattacharyya, Founder & CEO, GLF Business School
    • Shri Goutam Maiti, Programme Coordinator, MSME-TDC
    • Dr. S. K. Gupta, Managing Director, ICMAI RVO (who joined online)

    The workshop concluded with positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the technical depth, practical orientation, and regulatory insights offered by the programme. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening professional standards in gold valuation and supporting compliance-driven growth in the gold loan sector.

  • [x]cubeLABS Launches ‘Ello’ Multilingual Voice AI Platform for Indian Enterprises

    Mumbai, Feb 16. Hyderabad-based digital transformation leader [x]cubeLABS today announced the launch of Ello, its proprietary multilingual Voice AI platform for Indian enterprises. The platform with voice AI agents adapts across 12 Indian and 100+ global languages and dialects worldwide. This launch positions the company at the forefront of transformative voice-driven digital engagement and strengthens its AI-led growth trajectory.

    With enterprise customers across the US, Ello introduces a new category of self-evolving conversational voice agents that continuously learn from every interaction, refining their understanding of intent, context, and resolution pathways in real time. Ello’s agents adapt autonomously, compounding in value.

    Founded in 2008 by Sridhar Muppidi, Bharat Lingam, and four other co-founders, [x]cubeLABS has spent over 18 years delivering enterprise solutions powered by emerging technologies such as Generative AI, IoT, Blockchain, and AR/VR, establishing itself as a leader in digital transformation. Ello represents the latest milestone in the company’s broader product and AI innovation strategy, focused on solving high-impact enterprise challenges around customer resolution, retention, and operational efficiency.

    Ello is indigenously built and engineered in India, forming a sovereign Voice AI infrastructure layer designed for enterprise-grade deployment across regulated industries. Purpose-built for regulated and high-scale environments, the platform goes beyond scripted automation and static bots by delivering measurable improvements in resolution accuracy, contextual continuity, and operational efficiency. The platform uniquely covers the entire Voice AI lifecycle end-to-end, from rapid onboarding of enterprise knowledge systems and rigorous evaluation to production deployment with ready-made integrations. Ello enables natural, human-like voice engagement across Banking and Financial Services, Telecom, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Healthcare, and large contact centre ecosystems.

     Given the growth in AI and voice-led multilingual applications for India, Sridhar Muppidi, Co-Founder of [x]cubeLABS & Ello, says,

    “Enterprise AI in regulated industries isn’t just about automation, it’s about reliability, contextual continuity, and measurable outcomes. We have solved some of the hardest problems around long-term memory, context persistence, and production-grade deployment at scale. Many AI systems are built to reduce human call volume. We build systems that actually resolve customer issues end-to-end”

    Headquartered in the IT and tech city of Hyderabad, Ello (www.getello.ai) is building a strong global client base through its enterprise deployments. Having achieved 50% month-on-month growth in bookings over the last 2 quarters, it is now formally launching in India with capabilities built for local realities. The Indian conversational and voice AI market is witnessing increased enterprise demand with a market potential of approximately USD 2 billion over the next 5 years.