Category: Business

Mumbai,  April  3 : India’s trade directions, including merchandise exports and imports, remain steady despite steep tariff challenges and escalating geopolitical conflicts in the last financial year 2025-26 (April-February), states the industry body ASSOCHAM in a press statement released here today.

The last financial year, 2025-26, was an extremely challenging year for India’s trade trajectory, and we have demonstrated our resilience in a significant way, said Mr Nirmal Kumar Minda, President, ASSOCHAM.

India’s top ten trade partners showed no significant change in their composition compared to 2024-25. 

Our top export destination, the USA, surprisingly remained in the same position and share from April to February 2026 compared to FY 2025-26, while the UAE, China, the Netherlands, and the UK maintained their places in the top five.

Furthermore, the trade trend indicates an increase in exports to the USA in April-February 2026 ($79.3 billion) compared to the same period last year, which was $76.3 billion.

Apart from Hong Kong at tenth position (replacing Australia), there are no other changes in India’s top export destinations for April-February 2026 compared to the previous year.

India’s Trade Resilience so far

Source: ASSOCHAM Global Research

China remained India’s top source country for imports, surpassing last year’s figures during the 11-month period of fiscal 2025-26. Additionally, the top ten source countries remained the same, except that Hong Kong and Japan replaced Indonesia and Korea.

This supply chain trajectory reflects India’s strong resilience, supported by the government’s trade facilitation measures and our traders’ efforts to mitigate the worst impacts and turn adversities into opportunities, said the industry body ASSOCHAM.

We are confident that India’s export resilience will grow stronger with the support of recent policy actions and reforms, such as the RoDTEP scheme extension until 30th September 2026, approval of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) Scheme for plug-and-play industrial parks, and the extension of the Export Obligation (EO) period for specific Advance Authorisations and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Authorisations until 31 August 2026, among others.

We believe that India’s total merchandise exports will be between USD 440 billion and USD 450 billion for 2025-26, compared with USD 437 billion in 2024-25.

Going forward, we expect our exports to grow this financial year strongly, supported by the resilience we built last year and our strategic diversification into key alternative markets.

DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will mark the company’s entry into the scenic hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya representing a prestigious addition into the Northeastern state of India.

Shillong, Apr 3: Atmosphere Core and Shri Rocky Dhar join hands to launch a boutique hotel – DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong in Meghalaya.

Atmosphere Core, a leading name in global hospitality, is pleased to announce its strategic collaboration with Shri Rocky Dhar to launch an upper up-scale boutique hotel in the picturesque northeastern hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya. Slated to open in 2027, DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will be ideally located in the Meghalaya’s capital city, only an hour from Shillong Airport and right beside the prestigious 18-hole Golf Link Arena.

Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core stated, “As part of our dynamic expansion across India, a key focus is our approach towards developing premium experiences in hill station destinations particularly in the beautiful northeastern region. This upcoming boutique property at Shillong, Meghalaya is being thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of travellers—from leisure seekers and corporate guests to curated events and social get-togethers”.

Operating under the distinguished Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, the property will feature 75 keys of upper up-scale accommodation, including deluxe rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Panoramic views of the Golf Course, mountain valleys, surrounding greenery and stunning city views will create a serene and immersive ambience.

DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong promises an exceptional culinary journey. Guests will enjoy a vibrant all-day dining venue with outdoor seating, a themed sports pub, and a specialty roof top Resto bar celebrating local and multi-cuisine flavours, while serving best of the spirits and wine from across the globe. The wellness offerings will be anchored by the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur spa, offering tranquil therapy rooms with experienced therapists—the perfect setting for rejuvenation and peace. Additional facilities will include a main swimming pool with an outdoor deck overlooking the golf course, a golf simulation pavilion, a kids’ play area, and an indoor games room.

At an elevation of 1,496 metres, Shillong seamlessly blends colonial charm with natural splendour. Ward’s Lake offers serene boating amid gardens, while Elephant Falls’ cascading tiers and Shillong Peak’s panoramic views thrill visitors. Umiam Lake sparkles for watersports, and the Don Bosco Museum unveils Khasi tribal heritage through artifacts and exhibits. As India’s “Rock Capital,” Shillong vibrates with live music at cafes and festivals like the Shillong Autumn Festival, featuring folk dances and local cuisine. Formerly Assam’s capital until 1972, it beckons eco-tourists to caves, waterfalls, and reserves year-round. Shillong’s harmonious mix of history, adventure, and melody invites discovery of Meghalaya’s soul.

Speaking on this latest venture destination, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, added, “The Northeastern state’s hill stations have always been central to our vision of creating iconic luxury experiences. Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As plans to enter this extraordinary destination unfold, I am confident that this collaboration will redefine hospitality in the region”.

Shri Rocky Dhar, owner of DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere, concluded, “Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a transcendent world-class hotel in Shillong. With our vision and focused approach, we are committed to manifesting inspiring, bespoke hotels and resorts that embody the pinnacle of sophistication. This illustrious partnership will not only elevate Shillong’s hospitality landscape but will also set an unrivalled benchmark for elegance and impeccable service in this breathtaking and scenic Northeastern state of India.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 3, 2026) – Master’s Transportation™, a leading provider of commercial buses and vans, has been ranked No. 66 in the sixth annual Inc. Regionals: Midwest list – the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Midwest. The region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Inc. Regionals ranking measures revenue and employee growth over a two-year period, making it one of the most credible benchmarks of sustained business performance in the country. Master’s Transportation earned its placement based on significant growth across its 12 locations nationwide, where the company employs 250 team members and serves customers across multiple commercial vehicle segments.

“Being named to the Inc. Regionals: Midwest list is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of every single person on our team,” said John Goodbrake, CEO, Master’s Transportation. “This recognition validates what we have been building for years, a company with the infrastructure, the talent, and the drive to grow without losing sight of what matters most, which is moving our customers and our people forward.”

Master’s Transportation’s growth is fueled by a business model that spans commercial shuttle buses and vans, school buses, multi-functional school activity buses, motor coaches, and used commercial buses. The company also operates seven service departments and a centralized parts department, giving it the capacity to serve customers nationwide. Its continued investment in people, facilities, and fleet has positioned it as one of the most comprehensive commercial vehicle providers in the Midwest.

“Landing on this list is significant because it reflects the trust our customers place in us and the commitment our team brings every single day,” said Rita Luukkonen, General Counsel at Master’s Transportation. “It is a reminder that when you invest in people and stay committed to your mission, the results speak for themselves.”

The 2026 Inc. Regionals recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for Master’s Transportation, which has earned multiple regional and national honors in recent years. The company continues to invest in its workforce and infrastructure, with plans to triple its team as it expands its footprint. As one of the few commercial vehicle companies operating at this scale in the Midwest, Master’s Transportation remains committed to creating opportunities for its employees and delivering reliable transportation solutions.

“The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn’t just persevere – they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

Between 2022 and 2024, the 144 private companies listed for this year’s Inc. Regionals: Midwest had a median growth rate of 69 percent; by 2024, they’d also added 8,171 jobs and $5.2 billion to the region’s economy. Complete results of the Inc. Regionals: Midwest, including company profiles and an interactive database sortable by industry and metro area, visit: https://www.inc.com/regionals/midwest.

UAE, 2 April 2026 – Metal Park has successfully received its first break-bulk cargo of metals at Fujairah Port, marking a further extension of its operational footprint and reinforcing the continuity of metal flows across the UAE.

This development builds on Metal Park’s existing logistics capabilities, which have consistently enabled the import, storage, distribution, and export of metals across multiple entry points in the country. The Fujairah operation adds further flexibility to an already established system, supporting stable cargo movement and supply chain continuity.

Operations remain uninterrupted.

Supply chains remain active.

Metal Park continues to manage metal flows through an integrated approach that connects port handling, inland logistics, storage infrastructure, and distribution within a single operational framework. This allows materials to move efficiently from vessel discharge through to end-market delivery.

A key component of this system is Metal Park’s Storage Hub, operating as an independent fulfilment centre dedicated to metals. The facility supports flexible storage based on metric tonne (MT) or cubic metre (CBM) per day, allowing users to manage inventory without reliance on fixed space or long-term commitments.

The platform also incorporates structured documentation and inventory management processes, including standardised handling of goods receipt, issuance, delivery documentation, and reporting, ensuring traceability and operational clarity across the supply chain.

In parallel, Metal Park has activated access to trade finance facilities of up to USD 50 million, supporting metal and steel producers, traders, processors, and fabricators in maintaining operational continuity and managing working capital requirements.

The combined logistics, storage, and financial framework allows industry participants to sustain operations, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain steady material flow across the UAE and the wider region.

Metal Park remains fully operational, with all services continuing on schedule.

New Delhi, April 2 :  Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML), India’s leading electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, continued its strong market leadership in FY’26. MLMML reinforced its position as India’s No.1 electric commercial vehicle manufacturer for the fourth consecutive financial year. This milestone is a testament to the trust of numerous drivers and fleet owners who have chosen their entrepreneurship journey with MLMML. The Company also crossed the milestone of 1 Lakh EV sales in a single financial year. Cumulatively, MLMML has sold more than 3.4 Lakh EVs till date.

 MLMML commands a strong presence in the L5 category, with a market share of 39.7%. The Company has achieved several notable milestones in FY’26, including:

·Crossed 1 Lakh EV sales in FY’26, becoming the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to achieve this milestone.

·Completed 6 Billion+ e-kilometre cumulatively, reducing ~240 kilo MT of carbon emissions and supporting India’s sustainability goals.

In FY’26, MLMML expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the all-new Mahindra UDO. The UDO has been developed keeping customer insights in mind. It boasts segment-first features like Reverse Throttle, an aerodynamic design and a 200 kilometre real-world driving range. MLMML’s continued focus on innovation, reliability, and sustainability positions it at the forefront of India’s last-mile electric mobility transformation.

MADISON, Wis. and DEVENS, Mass., Apr 02:  Realta Fusion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) today announced a long-term strategic partnership for the design and manufacturing of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets that Realta will use to accelerate the commercialization of its compact, scalable, modular – CoSMo fusion™ – energy systems.

Realta Fusion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems logos

CFS will develop magnets for Realta’s demonstration prototypes as well as its commercial fusion power plants under the agreement, which has the potential to reach a multi-billion dollar value. The partnership also includes novel talent-sharing of CFS expertise to support the design, manufacturing, deployment, and operation of HTS magnets for magnetic mirror fusion systems.

“Commercializing magnetic mirror fusion systems requires integrating multiple cutting-edge technologies. By working with the world’s leading HTS magnet manufacturer, we are significantly de-risking one of the most critical of these technologies,” said Realta Fusion CEO Kieran Furlong. “Knowing that we can get the magnets we need, when we need them, from the best developed supply chain, is a huge leap forward for Realta.”

This partnership formalizes a long relationship between the Realta and CFS teams that dates back to 2020, when the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) funded the University of Wisconsin-Madison to build the Wisconsin HTS Axisymmetric Mirror (WHAM) experiment. Realta spun out of the WHAM initiative in 2022, and CFS provided WHAM with the HTS magnets used to confine its first plasma at a world-record breaking magnetic field strength of 17 tesla in 2024.

“As the world leader in HTS magnet technology development and manufacturing, we are pleased to share our expertise with Realta, and give our growing industry another promising technological opportunity to bring fusion energy to the grid,” said Bob Mumgaard, CEO and Co-founder of CFS. “This partnership allows Realta to tap into the world-class supply chain we built to support our advanced manufacturing capabilities, and that will help it to bring commercial fusion energy to the grid faster.” 

Hyderabad, Apr 02: Marking World Health Day, QNET, one of Asia’s leading e-commerce-enabled direct selling companies, is reinforcing the importance of healthy daily habits through its latest digital-first campaign in India, #HealthyLivingEveryDay, amplified via its health and wellness brand, Nutriplus. Centred on the theme of nutrition, the campaign encourages individuals to embrace simple, consistent choices that contribute to long-term well-being.

Rooted in the belief that good health begins with everyday consumption choices, the campaign shifts focus from short-term health trends to sustainable daily practices. Through engaging and relatable content, QNET highlights how small, intentional changes in diet and routine can create meaningful impact on overall health.

The campaign brings together QNET’s Nutriplus range, thoughtfully integrated into narratives around everyday wellness. Nutriplus Qafé is positioned as a healthy green coffee addition to modern routines, while Nutriplus Monofloral Honey (Ramtil & Tulsi variants) serves as a natural, healthy substitute for sweeteners. Complementing this, Nutriplus Celesteal Herbal Teas (Apple Cinnamon & Rose flavours), rich in antioxidants, help create a calm and soothing effect on the body.

With a clean, calming, and informative visual approach, the campaign showcases practical wellness tips, daily routines, and nutrition-led habits that resonate with today’s health-conscious audience – including busy professionals, style-conscious youth, and senior citizens. From morning rituals to mindful consumption choices, the content aims to simplify wellness.

Commenting on the initiative, Nischal C, Head of Corporate Communications, QNET India Region, said, “World Health Day reinforces the importance of everyday choices in shaping long-term health. With this campaign, we aim to inspire simple, sustainable habits while strengthening our role as a trusted wellness partner through Nutriplus.”

Noida, Mar 02: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited a global leader in AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced a strategic partnership with Razorpay, India’s omnichannel payments platform for businesses, as a Platinum Partner for RG Pay, RateGain’s unified technology infrastructure for the global travel and hospitality ecosystem.

Through this partnership, RG Pay will bring Razorpay’s payment gateway and processing capabilities into its ecosystem to improve payment outcomes at the final step of booking. Travel brands will be able to offer locally preferred payment options such as UPI, cards, net banking, and EMI, enabling smoother transactions aligned with how travelers pay in different markets. This will help reduce friction during checkout and improve booking completion rates.

As travel companies expand across regions with diverse payment behaviors, delivering a consistent and reliable checkout experience becomes critical. This partnership supports travel brands in adapting to these variations while maintaining performance and reliability at scale.

RG Pay brings together adaptive checkout experiences, affordability options, virtual card (VCC) enablement, and cross-border settlement capabilities to help travel and hospitality companies strengthen conversion outcomes and manage payments more effectively across global markets.

Commenting on the partnership, Rahul Kothari, COO, Razorpay, said, “Travel and hospitality is at an inflection point, where digital adoption is accelerating rapidly, and traveler expectations are being shaped in real time. As more bookings move online and across borders, payments are no longer just a backend function; they are central to the overall customer experience. At Razorpay, we believe payments are a key driver of conversion, trust, and global scale. Our partnership with RateGain brings together deep ecosystem intelligence and payment innovation to help travel and hospitality businesses deliver seamless, locally relevant checkout experiences wherever their customers are.”

“RG Pay is built to address how payments influence conversion in travel,” said Parijat Tiwari, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Distribution, RateGain. “With Razorpay as a Platinum Partner, we are strengthening our ability to support high-quality payment experiences that improve booking completion and reduce transaction friction for travel and hospitality companies worldwide.”

Together, RateGain and Razorpay enabling travel and hospitality brands to deliver more consistent and dependable payment experiences as they scale across markets with varying payment preferences.

India’s venture capital (VC) ecosystem demonstrated strong growth in 2025, with total investments reaching an estimated $16 billion—up nearly 20% compared to 2024, according to the India Venture Capital Report 2026 by Bain & Company in collaboration with the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA).

Deal activity also witnessed a significant boost, rising approximately 18% year-on-year, with over 1,300 transactions completed across different stages of funding. This reflects sustained investor confidence in India’s startup ecosystem and its diverse sectors.

The fintech sector emerged as a major driver of growth, with investment value rebounding more than 2.2 times compared to the previous year. While payments continued to attract the largest share of VC funding, investors increasingly diversified into other fintech sub-sectors offering predictable monetization models, signaling a shift toward sustainable and scalable business opportunities.

Experts believe this surge in venture capital funding highlights India’s growing prominence as a global startup hub, supported by a robust ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, and government initiatives. As more sectors mature and investor strategies evolve, India’s VC landscape is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.

New Delhi, Apr 2: India’s automobile industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, with strong sales momentum driven by booming SUV demand and rising exports. The combination of domestic enthusiasm for larger, versatile vehicles and growing global orders is propelling the sector to new heights.

Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting toward SUVs, which offer comfort, performance, and practicality for modern lifestyles. This trend has led automakers to prioritize production in the SUV segment, resulting in consistent month-on-month sales growth. At the same time, Indian vehicles are gaining recognition in international markets, with exports contributing significantly to the industry’s expansion.

Industry experts note that favorable government policies, increased consumer confidence, and strategic investment in production facilities have amplified this growth. Manufacturers are scaling up capacities, innovating with new models, and meeting the dual demand of domestic buyers and global clients.

The growth in exports not only strengthens India’s position as a global automotive hub but also creates opportunities for job creation, skill development, and technological innovation. Analysts predict that the continued rise in SUV popularity and international demand will sustain momentum throughout 2026, making it a landmark year for the Indian auto sector.

As the industry adapts to evolving consumer trends and explores new markets, it stands poised for long-term growth, signaling a bright road ahead for manufacturers, buyers, and the economy alike.