Category: Business

 Today’s markets analysis on behalf of Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals 

Gold extended its decline on Monday, retreating to its lowest point in several months as rising Treasury yields and a firmer dollar are driving the selloff. Disruptions to critical energy supply routes in the Middle East continued to push oil prices higher, reigniting inflation fears and forcing markets to reprice the trajectory of global monetary policy.

Major central banks held rates steady last week but signalled a readiness to tighten if price pressures persist. Interest rate cuts are no longer expected in the US, while other central banks are seen as likely to hike interest rates in their upcoming meetings, weighing down on non-yielding assets like gold.

The metal could remain exposed to short-term risks, and could see its trajectory driven primarily by developments in the Middle East and their impact on inflation expectations. However, the market could continue to find some support over the long term as tensions remain elevated in Eastern Europe, and central banks continue to accumulate gold, which could help limit losses. At the same time, a return to normal conditions in the oil market could help gold rebound.

India continues to stand out as a strong long-term investment destination with significant potential in the e-commerce sector, according to a senior executive from Amazon.

Highlighting the country’s digital expansion and rapidly evolving consumer base, the Amazon Vice President noted that India’s online retail ecosystem is still in its growth phase, offering substantial opportunities for long-term investors and businesses looking to scale in emerging markets.

The executive emphasized that rising internet penetration, increased smartphone usage, and improved digital payment systems are driving the next wave of e-commerce growth in the country. These factors, combined with a young population and growing middle class, are creating a strong foundation for sustained online retail expansion.

India’s e-commerce sector has witnessed consistent growth over the past few years, supported by expanding logistics networks and increasing adoption of online shopping across urban and semi-urban regions. Industry experts believe that this trend is likely to accelerate further as digital infrastructure continues to improve.

The Amazon VP also pointed out that India’s market dynamics are unique, with a diverse consumer base and rapidly changing shopping behavior. This makes the country one of the most promising markets for innovation in online retail, supply chain efficiency, and digital services.

As global companies continue to diversify their investment strategies, India is increasingly being viewed as a key growth market in Asia. The combination of strong domestic demand and digital transformation is expected to further strengthen its position in the global e-commerce landscape.

With continued investments in technology, logistics, and digital platforms, India is expected to remain a major focus area for global e-commerce players in the coming years.

The Government of India has introduced important changes to the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) to further support manufacturers and exporters. The revised framework is aimed at improving credit access, reducing financial burden, and encouraging investment in machinery and equipment, in line with Budget 2025–26 priorities.

The scheme, launched in January 2025, provides credit guarantee coverage of up to 60% through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC). It supports loans of up to ₹100 crore for eligible MSMEs, primarily for the purchase of plant and machinery. Following feedback from stakeholders, the government has now refined several provisions to make the scheme more practical and inclusive.

One of the key changes includes making the upfront contribution partially refundable, which is expected to improve liquidity for businesses. The scheme has also been expanded to include service sector MSMEs, widening its overall reach. In addition, the minimum requirement for machinery and equipment investment has been reduced from 75% to 60% of the total project cost, making it easier for enterprises to qualify.

The guarantee tenure has also been extended to up to 10 years, offering longer-term support for businesses investing in expansion and modernization. These revisions are intended to reduce compliance pressure and improve the ease of doing business for MSMEs across sectors.

For exporters, the government has introduced targeted incentives under the revised scheme. Eligible export-oriented MSMEs—those with at least 25% export turnover over the past three years—can now access guaranteed loans of up to ₹20 crore. The guarantee coverage for default has been increased to 75%, along with fee relaxations in the initial year of the loan.

The government has emphasized that MSMEs play a vital role in India’s economic structure, contributing around 30% to GDP and over 45% to exports while generating large-scale employment. Strengthening this sector is seen as essential for achieving the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

With these modifications, the scheme is expected to encourage greater investment in technology, enhance export competitiveness, and support sustainable growth of MSMEs across manufacturing and service sectors.

Mar 23: DBS Bank India today announced the launch of its direct tax payment facility, following authorisation from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). With this launch, DBS Bank India becomes the first wholly owned subsidiary in the country authorised to facilitate direct tax payments, complementing its existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection capabilities.

The new facility allows individuals and businesses to conveniently pay Income Tax, Advance Tax, Self-Assessment Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) directly from their bank accounts via DBS digital platforms. Customers can make payments through digibank by DBS for retail users and DBS IDEAL, the bank’s online business banking platform, serving SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large corporates. Payments can also be made in person at select branches.

The integrated digital journey offers real-time confirmation, challan generation via TIN 2.0, and enhanced payment visibility, streamlining compliance and reducing operational errors for recurring or high-volume transactions. The service is available 24/7, ensuring seamless and instant digital payments.

Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head – Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking – Financial Institutions and SMEs, DBS Bank India, said:

“The authorisation for direct tax payments strengthens DBS Bank India’s trusted capabilities in transaction banking and digital cash management. By integrating with the government’s digital tax infrastructure, we reduce friction in the payment process, allowing individuals and businesses to focus on what matters most — living more and banking less.”

The launch builds on DBS Bank India’s digital leadership, recognised by accolades such as Best Digital Bank for SMEs in India (Euromoney 2025) and Best Bank for Corporate Banking in India (Crisil Coalition Greenwich, 2025 & 2026), reinforcing the bank’s commitment to leveraging technology for smarter, intuitive financial solutions.

 

Bengaluru, Mar 23 – The Bear House, a contemporary menswear label renowned for its bear-inspired identity, is proud to announce a conservation-led initiative in recognition of World Bear Day (23rd March). As a brand that has always gone beyond symbolism, The Bear House is taking meaningful action to drive environmental responsibility and demonstrate its purpose-led ethos.

To mark the occasion, The Bear House will contribute a percentage of all sales made on World Bear Day (19th- 23rd March) to the WCB Research Foundation, supporting the organisation’s ongoing wildlife research and bear conservation programmes. The initiative is part of the brand’s Bear Care Initiative, a larger effort to align its growth with tangible ecological impact.

Through this collaboration with the WCB Research Foundation, the funds raised from World Bear Day sales will support scientific research, habitat protection, and community-led initiatives that help ensure the long-term survival of bear populations while encouraging sustainable coexistence between wildlife and local communities.

This initiative exemplifies a growing movement among forward-thinking brands who are evolving from symbolic storytelling to measurable environmental engagement, positioning The Bear House as an industry leader in purpose-driven action.

Speaking on the initiative, Harsh and Tanvi, co-founders of The Bear House, shared,

“The bear has always been central to our identity. World Bear Day is an opportunity for us to extend that symbolism into meaningful action. Through our partnership with WCB Research Foundation, we hope to contribute to real conservation outcomes while encouraging our community to be part of this journey.”

“On the occasion of World Bear Day, we are delighted to collaborate with The Bear House in a partnership that goes beyond awareness into action. By supporting the WCB Research Foundation through a share of their sales, they demonstrate how responsible businesses can actively contribute to the conservation and scientific understanding of bear species.

Collaborations like these are essential for building a collective conservation movement, and we hope this initiative inspires more organizations and individuals to step forward for wildlife.”saysDr Nishith Dharaiya, Founder and Hon. Director of Research and Dr Pratik Desai, Founder and Director of Operations

In an era where consumers demand greater accountability and transparency, The Bear House’s initiative embodies a thoughtful, strategic approach to brand responsibility, fusing cultural relevance with environmental stewardship and setting a high benchmark for the industry.

 

Mumbai, India  Mar 23: Capacit’e Infraprojects Ltd has reinforced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment by supporting the development of a dedicated psychiatric care unit at Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai. This initiative reflects the company’s belief that mental health is inseparable from physical health and deserves equal priority, compassion, and infrastructure.

India faces a growing mental health burden, with over 197 million individuals affected according to the National Mental Health Survey (2016). Recent parliamentary data (December 2025) revealed that 7.3% of adolescents (13–17 years) in surveyed states suffer from mental health conditions. Despite rising awareness, nearly 80–85% of people remain without timely or adequate care due to limited access, lack of resources, and stigma.

Through this CSR initiative, Capacit’e is helping bridge the gap by creating spaces of care, dignity, and compassion. The psychiatric unit at Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital will provide structured, respectful, and specialized care, ensuring patients and families feel supported. Beyond hospital walls, Capacit’e has also introduced compassionate medical leave policies, workplace sensitization programs, and recognition of mental health as part of medical care—fostering a culture of acceptance and support.

 Ms. Sakshi Katyal, Executive Director, Procurement, Capacit’e Infraprojects Ltd, said: “Our commitment to mental health is not limited to one project—it is a long-term vision. We see this initiative as the beginning of a larger movement where healthcare institutions, corporates, and communities come together to create spaces of dignity and compassion. Going forward, Capacit’e will continue to invest in initiatives that normalize mental health support, strengthen infrastructure, and inspire collective responsibility for a healthier, more humane future.”

 Dr. Kersi Chavda, leading psychiatrist, emphasized: “Timely hospital-based psychiatric treatment is vital to bridging India’s care gap. Structured facilities can transform patient outcomes and restore dignity in mental health care.”

This CSR initiative complements national programs such as Tele-MANAS, which has already handled over 1.8 million counseling calls, and the establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence to strengthen mental health expertise. Capacit’e’s efforts align with international best practices and reinforce a rights-based approach to healthcare.

The completion of this psychiatric care facility represents more than a single project—it is a step toward normalizing mental health support across communities. Capacit’e hopes this initiative will inspire other organizations and healthcare institutions to integrate structured mental health services, thereby driving progress toward a healthier, more humane future.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Global supply chains are entering a defining phase in 2026—one shaped not just by efficiency and cost control, but by intelligence, adaptability, and long-term value creation. What was once considered a behind-the-scenes operational function has now become one of the most strategic pillars of modern business.

From manufacturing to retail, healthcare to technology, supply chains are no longer just about moving goods from point A to point B. They are now deeply integrated systems that influence competitiveness, customer experience, sustainability, and even national economic strength.

In this evolving environment, companies are being forced to rethink how supply chains are designed, managed, and measured.

From Resilience to Total Value Thinking

For much of the past decade, supply chain strategy revolved around one central idea: resilience. Businesses focused on surviving disruptions—whether caused by pandemics, geopolitical tensions, or logistics breakdowns.

However, in 2026, a more advanced concept is taking center stage: Total Value creation.

This approach expands supply chain thinking beyond risk management. Instead of simply preventing failure, companies are now optimizing for multiple outcomes at once:

• Stronger customer experience
• Higher operational efficiency
• Sustainable cost structures
• Long-term enterprise growth

In this model, supply chains are no longer passive support systems. They actively contribute to revenue generation, brand trust, and market expansion.

Organizations that adopt this mindset are beginning to treat supply chains as value engines rather than cost centers.

The Rise of Centralized Global Supply Chain Models

Another major shift is the increasing centralization of supply chain operations under Global Business Services (GBS) structures.

Traditionally, supply chains were fragmented across regions, departments, and business units. This often led to inefficiencies, duplication of effort, and limited visibility.

In 2026, companies are reversing this model by consolidating functions such as procurement, logistics, demand planning, and reporting into centralized systems.

This shift is driven by several advantages:

• Improved global visibility of operations
• Standardized decision-making processes
• Better cost control and governance
• Faster coordination across markets
• Easier adoption of automation and AI tools

Centralization also enables organizations to build integrated digital command centers that track supply chains in real time, improving both speed and accuracy in decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence Becomes the Core Infrastructure

Artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental add-on in supply chains—it is becoming core infrastructure.

In 2026, AI is embedded across multiple stages of supply chain operations, including forecasting demand, managing inventory, optimizing logistics routes, and identifying risks before they escalate.

What makes this shift significant is the move toward connected intelligence. Instead of isolated AI tools, companies are building systems where data flows seamlessly across procurement, finance, operations, sustainability, and customer service.

This integration allows supply chains to function more like intelligent ecosystems rather than disconnected processes.

As a result, decisions that once took days can now be made in real time with higher accuracy and lower risk.

Agentic AI Transforms Procurement

One of the most transformative developments is the rise of Agentic AI in procurement and sourcing functions.

Unlike traditional AI systems that provide recommendations, agentic systems can execute tasks independently within predefined rules.

These systems are now capable of:

• Evaluating and ranking suppliers
• Managing tender and RFP processes
• Monitoring supplier risk continuously
• Automating contract lifecycle management
• Triggering renewals and onboarding workflows
• Supporting negotiation strategies based on historical data

This shift significantly reduces manual workload while improving compliance, transparency, and speed.

Procurement is evolving from a human-heavy administrative function into a hybrid system where humans focus on strategy and AI handles execution.

New Metrics for a Complex Supply Chain World

As supply chains become more advanced, traditional performance indicators are no longer sufficient.

Metrics such as cost per unit or on-time delivery still matter, but they are now part of a much broader measurement framework.

In 2026, organizations are increasingly tracking:

1. Real-Time Visibility
How quickly disruptions are detected and resolved using live data.

2. Resilience and Recovery
How fast supply chains recover after shocks and how flexible sourcing networks are.

3. AI Effectiveness
Accuracy of forecasting models and automation success rates.

4. Digital Twin Performance
How closely virtual simulations match real-world outcomes.

5. Human–Machine Collaboration
How effectively employees and AI systems work together.

6. Risk and Cybersecurity
Supplier risk exposure, incident response time, and system security strength.

7. ESG Performance
Carbon emissions across the supply chain, sustainable sourcing rates, and supplier compliance.

These metrics reflect a shift toward measuring supply chains not just by output, but by intelligence, sustainability, and adaptability.

Global Trade Volatility Continues to Shape Strategy

Despite technological progress, global supply chains remain exposed to external pressures.

Geopolitical tensions, tariff changes, and trade restrictions continue to disrupt sourcing strategies and cost structures. Businesses can no longer assume stable global trade conditions.

In response, companies are:

• Diversifying supplier bases across multiple regions
• Moving production closer to key consumer markets
• Increasing buffer inventory in critical categories
• Using scenario-planning tools to model risk outcomes

Digital simulation platforms now play a crucial role in helping businesses understand how policy shifts or disruptions could impact operations in real time.

Agility Becomes the Defining Competitive Advantage

In this new era, the most successful supply chains are not necessarily the largest or cheapest—they are the most agile.

Agility means the ability to:

• Switch suppliers quickly
• Adjust production locations dynamically
• Reroute logistics in real time
• Respond instantly to changes in demand

This flexibility allows companies to absorb shocks without losing efficiency or customer trust.

Agility is no longer optional—it is a core requirement for survival and growth.

Conclusion: The Future of Intelligent Supply Chains

The supply chain of 2026 represents a fundamental shift in how global business operates. It is no longer a linear process but a dynamic, interconnected system driven by data, automation, and strategic value creation.

Companies that embrace AI, centralization, advanced analytics, and flexible sourcing models will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and capture new opportunities.

In the end, the future belongs to supply chains that are not only efficient and resilient—but intelligent, adaptive, and deeply aligned with business strategy and global economic change.

India’s manufacturing sector is stepping into a new era—one that goes beyond incremental growth and focuses on long-term transformation. At the heart of this shift is the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), a policy designed to turn India into a global manufacturing powerhouse.

While headlines often focus on investment figures and production milestones, the deeper impact of the PLI scheme lies in how it is reshaping business confidence, unlocking new opportunities, and strengthening the country’s economic backbone.

What Is the PLI Scheme and Why It Matters

The PLI scheme is a performance-based incentive program that rewards companies for increasing production within India. Simply put, the more a company manufactures, the greater the incentive it receives.

This approach has changed the way businesses think about India—not just as a consumer market, but as a competitive manufacturing destination.

How the PLI Scheme Is Helping Businesses Grow

For businesses, the PLI scheme acts as a powerful growth engine.

By directly linking incentives to output, it encourages companies to expand operations, invest in new facilities, and adopt modern technologies. This has led to:

• Larger manufacturing capacities
• Faster adoption of automation and innovation
• Improved efficiency and product quality

For large enterprises, it reduces the financial risk of scaling up. For MSMEs, it creates opportunities to become suppliers and partners in expanding industrial ecosystems.

The result is a more dynamic and interconnected business environment where growth is both supported and sustained.

Improving Global Competitiveness

Indian manufacturers have long faced challenges competing with established global hubs due to cost pressures and supply chain inefficiencies.

The PLI scheme addresses these gaps by:

• Promoting domestic production of critical components
• Reducing dependency on imports
• Enabling economies of scale

This shift is helping Indian industries become more competitive—not only in pricing but also in quality and reliability. Sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing are already seeing strong global traction.

Empowering MSMEs and Strengthening Supply Chains

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s industrial ecosystem. While they may not always be direct beneficiaries of incentives, they play a crucial role in supporting larger manufacturers.

Through the PLI ecosystem, MSMEs gain:

• Stable demand from large companies
• Access to better technology and processes
• Opportunities to scale and integrate into global supply chains

This creates a ripple effect where growth at the top strengthens the entire industrial base.

Driving Job Creation and Economic Activity

One of the most significant impacts of the PLI scheme is employment generation.

As manufacturing expands, it creates jobs across multiple levels—from factory workers and engineers to logistics and service professionals. These jobs increase household incomes, which in turn boosts consumer spending.

Higher consumption fuels demand across industries, creating a cycle of growth that supports the broader economy.

Boosting FDI and Global Investor Confidence

India is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for global manufacturers looking to diversify supply chains.

With supportive policies and incentives under the PLI scheme, foreign direct investment is on the rise. Investors are not just entering the market—they are building long-term manufacturing capabilities.

This brings added advantages such as:

• Technology transfer
• Improved production standards
• Stronger global integration

Over time, this strengthens India’s position in international trade and manufacturing networks.

Reducing Import Dependence

A major economic benefit of the PLI scheme is its role in import substitution.

By encouraging local manufacturing of products like electronics, solar equipment, and telecom components, India is:

• Reducing its import bill
• Improving trade balance
• Building economic resilience

In an uncertain global environment, this self-reliance is becoming increasingly important.

Aligned with India’s Long-Term Vision

The PLI scheme supports the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat—building a self-reliant yet globally competitive economy.

The long-term objective is to significantly increase the contribution of manufacturing to India’s GDP and create a strong, sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Challenges to Overcome

While the opportunities are immense, businesses must also address key challenges:

• Bridging skill gaps in the workforce
• Strengthening infrastructure and logistics
• Maintaining global quality benchmarks

Sustained success will depend on how effectively these challenges are managed.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for India’s Economy

The PLI scheme is more than just a policy initiative—it represents a shift in India’s economic strategy.

It empowers businesses to scale, encourages innovation, and creates millions of job opportunities. At the same time, it strengthens the economy by attracting investment, boosting exports, and reducing import dependence.

As the scheme continues to evolve, it is laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient India—one that is ready to compete and lead on the global stage.