Category: Business

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore and aims to install small hydro power projects with a combined capacity of around 1,500 MW.

The initiative focuses on promoting small hydro projects with capacities between 1 MW and 25 MW across the country. It is expected to significantly benefit hilly regions and North Eastern states, where there is high potential for such projects.

Under the scheme, enhanced financial support will be provided to projects in North Eastern states and districts along international borders. These areas will receive central assistance of up to ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30 percent of the project cost, whichever is lower, subject to a maximum of ₹30 crore per project. In other states, assistance will be up to ₹2.4 crore per MW or 20 percent of the project cost, capped at ₹20 crore per project.

 

Out of the total allocation, ₹2,532 crore has been earmarked for project development. The scheme is expected to attract investments of around ₹15,000 crore in the sector, boosting clean energy capacity and driving development in remote and rural regions. It will also support domestic manufacturing, with 100 percent of plant and machinery expected to be sourced within the country, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Additionally, ₹30 crore has been allocated to support state and central agencies in preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for approximately 200 future projects. This is aimed at creating a strong pipeline for continued growth in the small hydro sector.

The scheme is projected to generate about 51 lakh person-days of employment during the construction phase, along with long-term jobs in operation and maintenance. Since these projects are decentralized, they require minimal transmission infrastructure, reducing energy losses.

Officials said the initiative will help revive the small hydro power sector and accelerate the use of untapped potential. SHP projects are considered environmentally sustainable as they involve limited land use, minimal deforestation, and low displacement of communities. With a typical lifespan of 40 to over 60 years, these projects are also expected to contribute to long-term socio-economic development in remote areas.

Nottingham, UK,  March 19 – IsomAb Ltd, a UK-based biotechnology company, today announced the appointment of Dr Philip Brainin as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors. IsomAb is developing transformative isoform‑specific antibody therapeutics for atherosclerotic disease. Dr Brainin is tasked with taking lead candidate ISM-001 for chronic stable angina (CSA) into clinical development. ISM-001’s strong preclinical data showing complete restoration of blood flow in severe ischemic disease models supports the company’s stated goal of delivering a disease-modifying treatment for CSA, a condition affecting 9 million patients in the US alone.

Dr Philip Brainin is physician-scientist with extensive training in clinical cardiology, and brings a unique combination of cardiovascular medicine, clinical research, and venture investing experience across EU and US biotechnology companies. He has invested in multiple early-stage therapeutics companies, advised Boards of Directors including for AnaCardio and NephroDI, and has shaped corporate and business development strategies for portfolio companies to enable financing, partnerships, and exits. 

“With my background in cardiology, I see every day how limited our options are for patients with ischaemic disease,” explains Dr Brainin. “What excites me about IsomAb is that ISM-001 is not just another VEGF therapy. The pioneering mechanistic and pharmacological data generated by the team shows that IsomAb’s unique approach targeting VEGF-A₁₆₅b removes the brakes on angiogenesis that are applied in ischemic disease, allowing blood vessels to grow, remodel and create durable new arteries. Once proof of concept is demonstrated in the clinic, I envisage a clear pathway for regulatory, manufacturing and commercial success.”

Dr Anker Lundemose has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of IsomAb, replacing Paul Edwards, who remains as a non-executive Director on the Board. A physician-scientist and seasoned biotech leader at companies such as OSI Pharmaceuticals, Prosidion and Mission Therapeutics, Dr Lundemose has a strong track record in creating successful investor exits through multiple M&As and IPOs.

“With strong preclinical results, a clear translational plan through clinical proof of concept, and Philip’s appointment as CEO, I believe IsomAb offers a major Series A investment opportunity and look forward to working with him to accelerate ISM‑001’s development into a much-needed breakthrough therapy for cardiovascular disease,” adds Dr Lundemose.

SYDNEY, March 19 – Epson has received the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 for one series of projectors and one series of printers, all of which are sold both domestically and internationally.

Each year since 1954, iF International Forum Design GmbH, headquartered in Germany, organises the iF DESIGN AWARD, now recognised internationally as one of the most prestigious design competitions.

A jury selects the best and most innovative industrial product designs. This award honours only products that meet a wide range of strict criteria, including practicality, craftsmanship, innovation, environmental consideration, functionality, usability, safety, aesthetics and universal design.

This year, a jury made up of 129 experts selected the best designs from among nearly 10,000 entries from 68 countries and regions.

Award-Winning Designs
Home Projectors: EF-73 (in A/NZ), EF-72, EF-71, EF-52, EF-51

 

Epson EF-73 smart projector

This smart projector is powered by Google TV™¹ OS. Its proprietary Triple Core Engine, combining 3LCD technology with a three-color light source, delivers bright, vivid images with exceptional colour accuracy. Paired with immersive audio from Sound by Bose² speakers, it offers a truly premium viewing experience.

Featuring an angle-adjustable stand inspired by a modern table lamp and real-time automatic image correction, the projector can be set up effortlessly — no complex adjustments required.

An integrated ambient light³ further enhances the atmosphere, enriching any space. Designed to elevate everyday viewing into a special moment, it provides a refined and immersive entertainment experience.

Inkjet Printers

EcoTank ET-4950, ET-3950 and ET-2950 series

 

Independent post-show research following AIME 2026 has projected a record-breaking $425 million (AUD) in business transactions between exhibitors and buyers over the next 12 months, reinforcing AIME’s role as Asia Pacific’s leading business events trade show.

Designed to prioritise quality connections and meaningful business outcomes, AIME carefully matches vetted global buyers with targeted exhibitors through a combination of human expertise and advanced AI-powered scheduling. The result is a focused environment where high-value meetings take place and real business opportunities are created.

Testament to this curation, attendee satisfaction for AIME 2026 was extremely high, with the exhibitor Net Promoter Score reaching 32.6, well above the industry benchmark of 9.6, while the visitor Net Promoter Score of 59.4 significantly exceeds the benchmark score of 30.6.

 

Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce said the results reflected the strength of AIME’s targeted and curated approach to meetings.

“AIME is uniquely built around the quality of the connections we create,” he said.

“Our event is carefully curated to ensure the right people are meeting each other, which leads to stronger conversations, better partnerships and real commercial outcomes.

“The projected $425 million in business shows the value of those meetings and the role AIME plays in supporting destinations, venues and suppliers across the Asia Pacific region.”

Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson said:

“AIME continues to shine as the premier business events trade show in our region and MCB is incredibly proud to own such an impactful event. The ongoing success of AIME reflects the strength of our local business events industry as well as the capacity for Melbourne to host large-scale trade shows that draw exhibitors and buyers from around the world and generate record-breaking amounts of business. 

“We look forward to the continued growth and success of the show as we continue to innovate and provide further opportunities for strong partnerships and excellent outcomes.”

AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the results reflected strong engagement from buyers, exhibitors and partners across the global business events sector.

“AIME continues to grow in both scale and impact, with more of the global industry coming together each year to meet, connect, learn and do business,” she said.

“The strong satisfaction scores from exhibitors and visitors show the quality of the meetings taking place and the importance of AIME as a platform for building new partnerships and future events.”

Delivered by Talk2 Media & Events, AIME 2026 was the largest show yet delivered by Calder and her team.

AIME 2026 also set records for its size, number of hosted buyers, exhibitors and attendees, reflecting strong global demand for in-person meetings and industry connection.

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9–11 February 2026, the event welcomed more than 1,500 vetted buyers, over 765 exhibitors from 36 countries and territories, and more than 5,000 attendees from the global business events industry.

Across the two-day trade show, more than 25,000 pre-scheduled meetings took place between buyers and exhibitors.

Asia Pacific’s largest and longest-running business events exhibition and learning platform, AIME connects a global community of business events professionals with industry suppliers through a seamless blend of human expertise and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

AIME is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and delivered by Talk2 Media & Events and is the first tradeshow on the annual international business events calendar. 

AIME 2027 will be held 15–17 February 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with AIME 2028 scheduled for 14–16 February 2028.

Bengaluru, Mar 18: TechnoSport announced the rollout of a refreshed identity, marking a new milestone in its journey as the company accelerates expansion across retail, digital and marketplace channels. At the centre of the brand refresh is the evolution of the Technosport wordmark, having been redesigned with a bold, forward-leaning italic typeface that captures the brand’s spirit of speed, energy and movement.

 The refresh comes at a pivotal moment in TechnoSport’s growth journey, as the brand scales both its market presence and overall business momentum across consumer segments. Backed by vertically integrated manufacturing and a distribution network spanning over 7,000 retailers, the company has built a strong value-performance proposition over 18 years in the Indian market. Today, TechnoSport is in a phase of accelerated expansion, driven by rising demand for accessible performance wear, growing at a CAGR of ~40%, and is on track to sell over 25 million apparel units in FY26, cementing its position as one of the largest activewear players by volume.

Against this backdrop, the identity evolution serves as a natural extension of the brand’s scale and ambition. It reflects TechnoSport’s transition into a sharper, more contemporary performance-wear brand designed for wider relevance and stronger recall across retail, digital, and product touchpoints. The updated typography and visual system enhance clarity and visibility, ensuring consistency and impact as the brand expands across formats, from retail storefronts and exclusive brand outlets to digital and marketplace environments.

Importantly, this evolution does not signal a shift away from the brand’s core. Instead, it reinforces TechnoSport’s positioning as a modern performance brand for the everyday Indian consumer, one that supports a range of active use cases across daily wear, gym, fitness, and sports. Rooted in performance, accessibility, functionality, and versatility, the refreshed identity is a visual expression of a brand that is scaling with purpose while staying true to its value-performance promise.

Speaking on the occasion, Puspen Maity, CEO, TechnoSport, said,

“This brand identity refresh marks an important step in TechnoSport’s next phase of growth. Over the years, we have built strong scale and consumer trust by making high-quality performance wear accessible to a wide base of Indian consumers. As more consumers embrace movement as part of everyday life, whether through daily wear, fitness routines or active sports, it is important that our brand expression reflects the energy, confidence and ambition of the business. The refreshed identity signals our intent to strengthen TechnoSport’s presence across channels and continue building one of India’s leading performance wear brands.”

Adding to this, Patralika Agrawal, Head of Marketing, TechnoSport, said,

“With this refreshed identity, we wanted to retain the strong recognition that TechnoSport has built over the years while introducing a sharper and more contemporary visual language that reflects movement, energy and confidence. The evolved logo and wordmark are designed to enhance visibility and recall across key consumer touchpoints, from stores and product branding to digital and marketplace platforms. More importantly, this refresh helps express TechnoSport more clearly as a modern performance wear brand built for everyday versatility across daily use, gym and fitness routines, and active sports.”

As the brand strengthens its omnichannel presence, the refreshed identity is expected to support more consistent visibility across retail formats, product branding and communication platforms. The rollout will be implemented in phases across stores, distributor networks and digital interfaces, enabling a more uniform brand experience while reinforcing Technosport’s positioning around comfort, functional innovation and everyday versatility.

New Delhi, March 18: India is steadily moving toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, driven by strong growth, rising investments, and a large domestic market. However, experts believe that expanding the country’s manufacturing sector will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and achieving long-term economic strength.

India’s economy has shown consistent growth in recent years, supported by increasing consumer demand, digital expansion, and infrastructure development. While the services sector continues to play a dominant role, the next phase of growth is expected to depend more on industrial development and production capacity.

Why Manufacturing Matters

A stronger manufacturing base can significantly boost the economy by creating jobs, increasing exports, and reducing dependence on imports. It also supports other sectors such as logistics, trade, and services, creating a multiplier effect across the economy.

At present, manufacturing contributes a smaller share to India’s overall economy compared to leading industrial nations. Expanding this sector will help India move up the global economic ladder and compete more effectively on the world stage.

Growth Drivers and Opportunities

India has several advantages that can support manufacturing growth:

• A large and young workforce

• Expanding infrastructure and industrial corridors

• Rising demand for goods both domestically and globally

• Increasing focus on technology and innovation

Key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, renewable energy, and semiconductors are expected to play a major role in this transformation.

Government Efforts and Policy Support

The government has introduced various measures to encourage manufacturing, including incentives for production, improvements in ease of doing business, and investments in infrastructure. These steps are aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment and building a stronger industrial ecosystem.

Efforts to improve logistics, reduce costs, and simplify regulations are also helping businesses expand more easily.

The Road Ahead

As India continues to grow, the focus is gradually shifting toward building a more balanced economy that combines strong consumption with robust industrial output. Scaling up manufacturing will be essential to creating jobs, boosting exports, and maintaining high growth rates.

With continued policy support and investment, India is well positioned to strengthen its manufacturing sector and achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s largest economies.

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.