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New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme aimed at promoting small hydro power projects across the country, with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s renewable energy capacity while supporting sustainable and decentralized power generation.

The scheme focuses on the development, modernization, and revival of small hydro projects, which are typically defined as plants with a capacity of up to 25 MW. These projects are considered environmentally friendly and play a crucial role in providing reliable electricity, especially in remote and hilly regions.

According to official sources, the programme will support both new and existing projects. It includes provisions for upgrading old plants to improve efficiency, as well as incentives to encourage fresh investments in the sector. By addressing issues such as ageing infrastructure and financial viability, the scheme aims to unlock the untapped potential of small hydro energy in India.

Small hydro projects are particularly significant for states with abundant water resources, including those in the Himalayan and northeastern regions. These projects not only contribute to clean energy generation but also help in local employment and regional development.

The government’s decision comes at a time when India is accelerating its push toward renewable energy to meet its climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By promoting small hydro alongside solar and wind energy, the country is adopting a more diversified approach to clean power generation.

Industry experts believe that the scheme could revive investor interest in the sector, which has faced challenges in recent years due to high initial costs and regulatory hurdles. With financial support and policy backing, small hydro projects are expected to play a more prominent role in India’s renewable energy mix.

The initiative also aligns with the broader objective of ensuring energy access in underserved areas while maintaining environmental sustainability. As implementation begins, the scheme is likely to contribute to both green energy expansion and rural development, reinforcing India’s long-term energy strategy.

Mar 18: POCO launched the POCO X8 Pro Series, which includes the POCO X8 Pro Max, POCO X8 Pro, and the special edition POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition. Marking the evolution of POCO’s X lineup, the new devices combine flagship performance, long-lasting endurance, refined design, and immersive experiences, redefining the limits of next-generation performance smartphones.

“The POCO X8 Pro Series represents our commitment to delivering uncompromising performance for our POCO fans” said Sandeep Singh Arora, Chief Business Officer, Xiaomi India. “From next-generation chipsets to industry-leading battery capacity and immersive gaming features, the series is built to handle everything power users demand today. With the addition of the POCO X8 Pro Series, we are taking the X Series to an entirely new level of performance, battery and endurance.”

Flagship Performance Built for Real-World Speed

At the heart of the POCO X8 Pro Series is next-generation flagship performance designed to power everything from demanding games to heavy multitasking.

The POCO X8 Pro Max debuts in India as the first smartphone powered by the Dimensity 9500s flagship chipset, delivering an AnTuTu score of over 3 Million. Built on a 3nm architecture, the chipset features a 1+3+4 all big-core CPU design with clock speeds reaching 3.73GHz, enabling faster processing with improved power efficiency. Paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the device ensures smooth responsiveness whether users are switching between apps, editing content, or streaming media.

The POCO X8 Pro is also the first smartphone in India powered by the Dimensity 8500-Ultra Mobile Platform, along with enhanced GPU capabilities for smoother graphics and improved efficiency.

Both devices also enable up to 120FPS gameplay across 20+ popular mobile titles, including BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Asphalt Legends, and Real Racing 3, ensuring smoother and more responsive gameplay for competitive mobile gamers.

Together, the devices deliver flagship-level speed designed to keep up with the way users work, play, and create on their smartphones.

Performance That Stays Smooth Under Pressure

For performance enthusiasts, the POCO X8 Pro Series introduces a range of optimizations designed to maintain stability even during the most demanding sessions.

Both devices support hardware-level ray tracing, enabling more realistic lighting and reflections in supported games. POCO’s WildBoost Optimization further enhances gaming by intelligently predicting frame-level workloads to maintain stable frame rates and reduce power consumption.

Features such as Smart Frame Rate, 1.5K Super Resolution, and Game HDR improve visual detail and responsiveness, while ultra-responsive touch controls help ensure smoother gameplay during fast-paced gaming scenarios.

To sustain peak performance over extended gaming sessions, the series integrates advanced cooling systems. The POCO X8 Pro Max features the 3D IceLoop Cooling System with a 5,800mm² cooling area, while the POCO X8 Pro incorporates a 5,300mm² dual-layer IceLoop system, helping manage temperatures and maintain consistent performance during intensive use.

Massive Battery Endurance for All-Day Use

Battery endurance plays a central role in the everyday experience of the POCO X8 Pro Series.

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 9000mAh battery, the largest ever in a POCO smartphone, capable of delivering up to three days of battery life on a single charge. Designed for long-term durability, the battery retains more than 80 percent of its capacity even after 1,600 charge cycles, ensuring reliable performance over years of use.

The POCO X8 Pro features a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, offering extended endurance within a slimmer design.

Both devices support 100W HyperCharge, allowing users to quickly recharge and get back to their day. The series also supports 27W reverse wired charging, enabling the phone to act as a power source for other compatible devices when needed.

Immersive Visuals and Rich Audio

The POCO X8 Pro Series is designed to deliver an immersive viewing and entertainment experience.

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch display, while the POCO X8 Pro comes with a 6.59-inch panel, both capable of reaching up to 3,500 nits peak brightness for improved visibility even in bright outdoor environments.

Built on flagship M10 display panels incorporating new red luminous materials, the displays offer improved brightness efficiency while reducing power consumption. Support for 3840Hz PWM dimming and triple TÜV Rheinland eye-care certifications ensures comfortable viewing during extended use.

Complementing the visual experience, the POCO X8 Pro Max features dual symmetrical speakers with Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive sound for gaming, movies, and music. The device also supports up to 400 percent volume boost, ensuring clearer audio in louder environments.

Premium Design That Balances Style and Durability

The POCO X8 Pro Series brings together premium design with durability built for everyday use.

Both devices feature a metal frame, delivering a refined in-hand feel while maintaining durability. The devices incorporate racetrack-inspired camera modules paired with Dynamic RGB lighting, creating 7 different lighting effects that respond to notifications, charging status, gaming activity, music playback, and camera use.

Durability remains a key focus across the lineup. Both models feature a comprehensive IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance ratings. The POCO X8 Pro Max has also achieved SGS 5-Star Premium Performance Certification, verifying resistance to drops, bending, and crushing.

Enhanced Imaging for Everyday Creativity

The POCO X8 Pro Series combines powerful camera hardware with AI-driven enhancements to make it easier to capture everyday moments with clarity.

Both models feature a 50MP main camera and a 20MP front camera. The POCO X8 Pro Max uses the Light Fusion 600 sensor, while the POCO X8 Pro features the Sony IMX882 sensor, delivering sharp and vivid photos across a range of lighting conditions.

Advanced shooting features such as UltraSnap and Dynamic Shots make it easier to capture fast-moving subjects, while seamless conversion between video and live photos provides greater creative flexibility. The AI Creativity Assistant further enhances editing capabilities by simplifying photo refinement and image enhancement.

A Smarter, More Connected Experience

Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 3, the POCO X8 Pro Series delivers a smarter and more connected smartphone experience.

Xiaomi HyperConnect enables seamless interaction across compatible devices, while Xiaomi HyperIsland provides live activity updates for supported apps. The devices also support Google Gemini and Circle to Search, allowing users to quickly access information and smart assistance.

For the first time in the POCO X Pro lineup, Xiaomi Offline Communication enables voice calls even without a network connection in certain environments. The POCO X8 Pro Max also supports eSIM functionality, making connectivity and international travel more convenient.

POCO x Marvel: Iron Man Edition

Expanding its collaboration with Marvel, POCO also introduces the POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition.

Inspired by one of Iron Man’s iconic black-and-gold armors, the device features a striking black finish accented with golden elements, with the flash module designed to resemble an Arc Reactor at its center.

The experience extends beyond hardware with a custom Iron Man-themed interface, delivering a cinematic sci-fi aesthetic from the moment the device powers on.

This Eid, Koskii invites you to celebrate with Zurii, an exclusive festive collection that elevates the occasion with refreshed colours, comfortable silhouettes and the perfect amount of sparkle and joy.

Designed for the woman who wants her Eid look to be equal parts graceful and unforgettable, Zurii brings together summer-ready hues, luxe fabrics, and intricate karigari in silhouettes meant to make her shine at get-togethers and daawats.

A Vibrant Colour Palette

Inspired by the brightness of the summer season, Zurii plays with colours in a way that instantly lifts the mood. The collection spotlights pastels in their prettiest avatars…think powder pinks, fresh greens, breezy blues, and buttery yellows, along with rich dark hues that match the energy of the season.

These shades are more than just a passing trend, they’re timeless in the way they flatter Indian skin tones and photograph beautifully in the day or night. Whether you’re stepping out for family visits or hosting at home, Zurii’s colours keep you looking festive without feeling heavy.

Drapes That Breathe, Shine That Stays 

What makes Zurii truly stand out is its thoughtful mix of fabrics, chosen to deliver both richness and wearability. The collection plays with fabrics that hold their shape, fall beautifully, and photograph like a dream.

Raw silk lends structured grandeur, perfect for moments when you want that classic, regal presence. Chanderi adds a delicate sheen with a light, airy feel, ideal for intimate gatherings. Tissue brings a soft glow that catches the light with every move, giving you that subtle shimmer-when-you-walk magic. For those who love flow and ease, crepe and georgette offer effortless styles, letting you stay comfortable through long celebrations while still looking impeccably dressed.

Artistry in the Details

And then comes the heart of Zurii, the craftsmanship. Each piece is elevated with heritage-inspired karigari, finished with modern finesse.

Expect intricate threadwork that feels delicate yet detailed, shimmering cutdana for a refined sparkle, and classic zariwork that adds depth and tradition. Sequins are used with a tasteful touch, creating celebration-ready shine without overpowering the look. To add definition and dimension, cording outlines motifs beautifully, giving the outfits an elevated, couture-like finish.

Koskii, For Every Special Moment

Zurii is made for every Eid occasion on your calendar, the big family daawat, the chai-and-sheer-khurma rounds, and that evening when you step out, and everyone asks, “Where is your outfit from?” Whether you lean into soft pastels or want brighter shades that match the season’s energy, this collection gives you a festive wardrobe that feels fresh, modern, and unmistakably you.

This Eid, step into colour, craft, and celebration with Zurii by Koskii, where summer pastels meet festive sparkle, and every outfit feels like a moment.The collection is available in an inclusive range of sizes, thoughtfully designed to celebrate every silhouette with elegance and ease. Crafted for comfort without compromising on festive glamour, each piece reflects Koskii’s signature attention to detail, refined craftsmanship, and contemporary sensibility.

Zurii by Koskii can be experienced at Koskii stores across India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurgaon, and Delhi, offering customers an immersive in-store experience to discover the collection up close.       

 The collection is also available online at Koskii.com, making it easy to explore and shop the festive edit from anywhere in the country.

Mumbai, March 18, 2026: Powerica Limited an integrated power solutions provider, has announced its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), which will open for subscription on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and close on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Investors can bid for a minimum of 37 equity shares and in multiples thereafter.

Issue Structure

The offering comprises:

• Fresh issue: Up to ₹700 crore

• Offer-for-sale: Up to ₹400 crore by promoters – Naresh Oberoi Family Trust and Kabir and Kimaya Family Private Trust

The IPO is being conducted through the book-building process, with:

• Up to 50% allocated to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs)

• At least 15% to Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs)

• At least 35% to Retail Individual Investors (RIIs)

Business Overview

Powerica Limited is a leading provider of integrated power solutions, specializing in diesel generator (DG) sets for both primary and standby applications. The company has maintained a long-standing relationship of over four decades with Cummins India Limited.

Established in 1984, the company expanded its portfolio in 1996 to include medium-speed large generators (MSLG) through collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Today, the company offers a comprehensive range of generator sets from 7.5 kVA to 10,000 kVA, catering to diverse industrial requirements.

Renewable Energy Expansion

Building on its experience in the generator segment, the company entered the wind power sector in 2008 as an independent power producer (IPP). It has since developed capabilities in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), as well as operation and maintenance (O&M) services.

As of the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP):

• Operates 12 wind power projects in Gujarat with a total installed capacity of 330.85 MW

• Developing an additional 52.70 MW project, which will increase total capacity to 383.55 MW

Manufacturing & Network

The company operates three manufacturing facilities located in:

• Bengaluru, Karnataka

• Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

• Khopoli, Maharashtra

Its extensive sales and service network includes:

• 19 sales and marketing offices

• 43 authorized dealers (in collaboration with Cummins)

• 123 sales and marketing personnel

Financial Performance

For the six months ended September 30, 2025:

• Revenue: ₹1,447.44 crore

• Net Profit: ₹134.55 crore

For FY25:

• Revenue: ₹2,653.27 crore (compared to ₹2,378.26 crore in FY23)

• Net Profit: ₹175.83 crore (compared to ₹106.45 crore in FY23)

Lead Managers

The book-running lead managers to the issue are:

• ICICI Securities Limited

• IIFL Capital Services Limited

• Nuvama Wealth Management Limited

New Delhi, Mar 18: TECNO, the innovative smartphone brand, has unveiled its new long-term brand platform, #TECNOGotYourBack, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the real ‘backbones’ of India—those who power progress behind the scenes.

 Marking the first proof point of this purpose-driven initiative, TECNO has announced a strategic partnership with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2026 season. In a distinctive branding move, TECNO’s logo will feature on the back of CSK players’ helmets, symbolizing the brand’s philosophy of standing behind champions.

In an industry typically focused on front-facing visibility, TECNO’s campaign shifts the narrative to what stands quietly behind success—resilience, support systems, and everyday enablers.

A Purpose Beyond Sponsorship

This collaboration goes beyond conventional sponsorship. It reflects TECNO’s mission to empower “town dreamers”—individuals who rise from humble beginnings to achieve greatness. The association with CSK, a team known for its inspiring journey and grassroots heroes, aligns seamlessly with this vision.

From players who have risen through the ranks to become national icons, TECNO’s message resonates strongly:
“We back dreamers like you, and we’ve got your back.”

Leadership Speak

Commenting on the initiative, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said:

“Most brands want to be the trophy in your hand. We want to be the spine that helps you stand tall enough to reach for it. #TECNOGotYourBack isn’t just a campaign; it’s our commitment to being the ‘Backbone of Bharat.’ By placing our logo on the back of the CSK helmet, we are making a statement—we are right there, backing the champions who inspire this country.”

Sharing similar sentiments, KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, CSK, added:

“At Chennai Super Kings, we believe success is built on trust, resilience, and the strength of those who stand behind you. This partnership with TECNO reflects that shared philosophy. We are delighted to welcome TECNO to the Super Kings family.”

Reimagining Brand Storytelling

The “Helmet Strategy” brings to life a simple yet powerful human truth—every champion has an unseen support system. By utilizing the back-of-the-helmet branding space, TECNO transforms a conventional placement into a meaningful narrative about loyalty and reliability.

As the 2026 season progresses, the #TECNOGotYourBack platform will extend beyond cricket to celebrate the unsung heroes of India—entrepreneurs, dreamers, and everyday changemakers driving the nation forward.

India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s power landscape. As demand for electricity rises, data centres expand, and decarbonisation commitments strengthen, renewable energy is emerging as the cornerstone of India’s sustainable future.

Pic Credit: Pexel

At the forefront of this transition is solar energy, which forms the backbone of India’s 272 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. This financial year alone, approximately 35 GW of renewable capacity has been added, marking a record pace of expansion. These gains reflect strategic planning in solar deployment, manufacturing priorities, and grid integration.

Solar Power: Driving India’s Energy Transformation

Solar energy has moved from the periphery to the center of India’s energy agenda. “The scale at which solar is growing reflects a structural shift in how we think about power generation,” says an industry expert. The surge includes utility-scale solar farms, rooftop installations, and hybrid energy projects, all contributing to a cleaner grid and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Strengthening the Grid

Integrating this rapid capacity growth presents challenges. The intermittent nature of solar requires advanced grid management, energy storage solutions, and smart transmission systems to ensure stable supply. Operators are increasingly deploying forecasting tools and storage technologies to maintain reliability as more renewable power comes online.

Data Centres and Renewable Demand

The expansion of India’s data centre industry is another major driver. As cloud computing, AI, and digital services proliferate, these centres are becoming significant energy consumers. Many are now sourcing electricity directly from renewable projects or through green energy certificates, aligning business growth with sustainability commitments.

The Road to 500 GW

India has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, and the current trajectory shows strong momentum. Solar energy is expected to remain the dominant contributor, complemented by wind, bio-energy, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. Achieving these targets will not only advance India’s climate commitments but also stimulate employment, industrial development, and energy security.

Economic Opportunities in Renewables

Beyond environmental benefits, the renewable sector is a growing economic engine. Investments in panel manufacturing, storage solutions, and project development are creating high-skill jobs and boosting regional economies. Analysts note, “Renewable energy is becoming as much an economic opportunity as an environmental necessity.”

Looking Ahead

India’s green energy journey is a story of ambition, innovation, and resilience. With solar leading the way, the country is charting a path toward a sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant energy future. By 2030, India aims to not only meet its renewable targets but also emerge as a global leader in clean energy deployment.

India’s sugar industry is on a sweet high this year. According to the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), sugar production in the ongoing 2025-26 marketing year (October–September) has already reached 26.21 million tonne, a 10.5% increase compared with the same period last year. Remarkably, this already exceeds the total net production of 26.12 million tonne recorded during the entire 2024-25 marketing year.

Pic Credit: Pexel

This growth underscores the resilience of India’s sugar mills and the increasing efficiency of sugarcane farming across the country. Analysts point to favorable weather conditions, improved crop yields, and strategic operations by mills as key drivers of this impressive output.

Sugar Mills in Motion

As of March 15, 157 sugar mills were actively crushing sugarcane, while 379 mills remained closed, following seasonal patterns and regional availability of raw materials. This selective operation allows mills to manage production efficiently and balance supply with market demand.

Last year, production during this same period was 23.72 million tonne, highlighting a strong year-on-year growth of over 2.5 million tonne. “This is a testament to better agronomy practices, mechanization in cane harvesting, and timely processing at the mills,” said an industry insider.

Approaching the Season’s Finale

The sugar crushing season is now entering its penultimate phase, with mills striving to maximize output before the harvest concludes. With production already surpassing last year’s full-year figure, the industry faces a strategic challenge: maintaining profitability in the face of rising input costs and price pressures.

One key demand from the sector is the early upward revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). An MSP adjustment would not only secure fair returns for mills but also protect the interests of millions of sugarcane farmers who rely on timely payments for their livelihoods.

Regional Powerhouses

India’s sugar production continues to be dominated by traditional cane-growing states. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu remain the pillars of output, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way. Maharashtra, which struggled last year due to drought conditions, has bounced back, contributing to the national surge in production.

If current trends hold, experts project India’s sugar production could reach 34–35 million tonne by the end of the 2025-26 season, marking one of the largest harvests in recent years.

Market Dynamics and Global Context

The robust output comes at a time when domestic sugar demand remains steady, and export opportunities are emerging. India, already one of the world’s largest sugar producers, is exploring global markets to balance domestic surplus and stabilize prices.

Government policies, particularly regarding MSP, export subsidies, and ethanol blending mandates, will play a crucial role in sustaining the sector’s growth. A well-calibrated policy framework could make India’s sugar industry more competitive internationally, while ensuring the long-term viability of mills and farmer incomes.

Sweet Prospects Ahead

India’s sugar sector is not just about production—it’s about livelihoods, rural economy, and energy. With bio-energy generation increasingly integrated into sugar mills’ operations, the industry is contributing to sustainable growth beyond the sweetness of sugar itself.

As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes are on MSP decisions and market demand. For now, the numbers speak for themselves: India’s sugar production is surging, the mills are humming, and the nation is poised for a season of record-breaking sweetness.