Category: Business

Mar 18: Intellect Design Arena Ltd, a global leader in AI-First, enterprise-grade financial technology, architected from first principles and powered by Design Thinking to deliver measurable business impact at scale, today announced a strategic partnership with Fintel PLC (AIM: FNTL), a listed and leading provider of fintech and support services to the UK retail financial services sector, via the formation of a 50:50 joint venture in the United Kingdom.

The joint venture will deploy and commercialise Intellect’s globally proven enterprise grade Agentic AI platform into the UK Wealth Management market via Fintel’s extensive client portfolio. It aims to be the UK market leader in this sector of Financial Services.

A structural break from legacy advisory technology

For decades, advisory firms have operated on fragmented stacks of CRM tools, compliance engines, planning software, workflow systems, and reporting platforms assembled from multiple vendors. While digitisation improved efficiency, it did not eliminate structural complexity.

The joint venture represents a deliberate architectural break from this legacy model.

Rather than layering automation on top of disconnected systems, the platform is designed as an AI-first operating foundation where intelligence is embedded into the execution fabric of the firm. Digital Experts orchestrate workflows in real time – supervising compliance, surfacing risk signals, automating operational tasks, and guiding adviser activity.

This reframes advisory infrastructure from software tooling into intelligent operating architecture.

The architecture: an AI operating layer for advisory firms

Built on Intellect’s modular eMACH.ai open finance framework, the platform functions as an intelligent orchestration layer spanning the entire advisory lifecycle – from prospecting and onboarding to suitability, ongoing advice, supervision, and engagement. The base architecture developed by Intellect is modular and composable, allowing rapid integration with core banking, custodians, market infrastructure and third-party ecosystems.

Core architectural capabilities include:

• AI-native Digital Experts embedded across advisory workflows
• Real-time compliance supervision integrated into execution layers
• Intelligent client lifecycle orchestration
• Continuous learning models tuned to UK advisory protocols
• Modular microservices enabling rapid deployment of new capabilities
• Cloud-native resilience designed for enterprise-grade scalability

The platform is positioned as an intelligence amplifier, not a replacement for advisers. Digital Experts absorb operational burden, generate contextual insight, and automate high-frequency tasks, allowing human advisers to focus on judgement, relationships, and long-term strategy.

The result is a system where adviser capacity expands without proportional cost growth, compliance becomes proactive rather than reactive, and client experience becomes a built-in property of the architecture.

Adapted for the UK ecosystem, built from Global user requirements for continuous evolution

The joint venture will operate as a dedicated UK entity combining Intellect’s global AI architecture leadership with Fintel’s distribution reach, regulatory insight, and ecosystem intelligence. The platform launches with UK-aligned advisory capabilities and expands continuously as new Digital Experts are introduced.

Over time, the architecture is designed to evolve into a comprehensive AI operating layer supporting the full lifecycle of advisory relationships from client acquisition to long-term supervision and engagement.

The partners believe the initiative marks a turning point in advisory infrastructure. In the AI era, platforms will no longer be static software suites; they will be adaptive ecosystems capable of learning, scaling, and evolving alongside the firms they serve.

Speaking on the partnership, Matt Timmins, CEO of Fintel PLC, said,

“The financial advice sector is operating under increasing structural pressure from regulatory complexity, fragmented technology stacks, rising costs, and rapidly evolving client expectations, and incremental upgrades are no longer sufficient to address these challenges. Our partnership with Intellect brings AI-first engineering architecture directly into the heart of the UK advisory ecosystem, allowing us to move beyond point solutions toward a fundamental redesign of how firms operate. Combining Fintel’s market intelligence and ecosystem reach with Intellect’s global technology leadership allows us to establish a new foundation for advisory technology in the UK, one that is resilient, adaptive, and built for long-term evolution.”

Commenting about the Joint Venture, Banesh Prabhu, CEO of IntellectAI,

“This joint venture is about delivering an AI-first operating architecture for financial advice rather than adding another layer of software to an already complex technology stack. Legacy advisory platforms were designed primarily to record activity and manage workflows, whereas we are designing infrastructure that thinks, supervises, and guides execution in real time. When intelligence is embedded into the operating fabric of a firm, adviser capacity expands without proportional cost growth, compliance becomes proactive rather than reactive, and client outcomes improve as a system property rather than through manual effort. The UK is one of the most sophisticated advisory markets globally, and it demands technology that is native to its regulatory, operational, and product realities. By combining Intellect’s eMACH.ai architecture with Fintel’s deep market reach, we are creating a platform that amplifies human advisers rather than replacing them, enabling firms to scale trust, resilience, and productivity in the Agentic AI era.”

 

Credit: Sylvia Lee

 

LOS ANGELES, CA — March 18:

Mumbai, Mar 18: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading English business news channel, hosted the 21st edition of the India Business Leader Awards (IBLA), one of the country’s most prestigious platforms recognising leadership across sectors. The evening brought together some of India’s most influential voices from government, business, sports and public policy to celebrate individuals and institutions whose contributions continue to shape India’s economic progress and growing global stature.

 The ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry; Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC),former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, currently Head Coach of the India Men’s Cricket Team; and Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav. The event also saw the presence of Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, alongside leading entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry stalwarts, including Kumar Mangalam Birla Chairperson, Aditya Birla Group, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and Tech Mahindra Limited and Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Persistent Systems.

Over the past two decades, the India Business Leader Awards have evolved into a benchmark for recognizing individuals whose leadership, innovation and resilience have helped propel India’s growth story. 21st edition of the India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) continued this legacy by honoring pioneers redefining excellence across sectors including technology, manufacturing, finance, entrepreneurship and social impact.

Speaking at the ceremony, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said: Platforms like CNBC-TV18 and initiatives such as the India Business Leader Awards play a crucial role in recognizing excellence across sectors including technology, manufacturing, finance, entrepreneurship and social impact.

He also highlighted India’s efforts to diversify its energy sourcing in recent years by expanding imports of crude oil, LPG and LNG through multiple international partners.

“Our requirements of LPG, LNG and crude oil are being met through diversified imports. India has significantly expanded sourcing from countries including the United States, Russia and Canada, ensuring that shipping routes and supplies remain secure,” he said.

Goyal added that diversification of energy sources has been a consistent policy priority of the government and has accelerated in recent years.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Persistent Systems, recognizing his pioneering contribution to India’s technology and IT services sector over more than three decades.

Reflecting on the journey of building a technology-driven enterprise, Dr. Deshpande said:

“This recognition reflects a journey of more than 35 years built on teamwork and perseverance. Businesses like ours are never built by one individual; they are shaped by dedicated colleagues who share a long-term vision and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of technology. I have been fortunate to work with an incredible team that has contributed immensely to our growth.”

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Group, honored as Entrepreneur of the Decade, said,

“Platforms like the CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards reinforce that enduring success is rooted in values that stand the test of time. Aditya Birla’s journey has always been anchored in principles that transcend generations’ legacy, trusteeship, integrity, and a deep commitment to giving back to society. These values continue to guide every decision we make. Even amid global geopolitical uncertainties, India remains a resilient economy, supported by strong domestic fundamentals and an enduring spirit of enterprise.”

Among the winners, the Entertainment Leader of the Year award went to acclaimed Actor and Director Rishab Shetty, recognizing his contribution to Indian cinema through powerful regional storytelling and distinctive filmmaking. Sharing his thoughts on storytelling and cinema, Rishab Shetty said: “We started with a vision of ₹14 crore, and today that journey has grown into a ₹1000 crore story. From the very beginning, our focus has been on telling strong regional stories that truly connect with audiences. I am deeply grateful to viewers and the film industry for their continued support. At present, I am focusing on Jai Hanuman, my upcoming mythological film as an actor.”

Jay Shah Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution to Sports. Speaking about Indian cricket’s success in recent years, he said:

“Congratulations to the entire team. Between 2019 and 2026, Indian cricket has had an incredible run, winning the T20 title twice, including back-to-back victories, which reflects the team’s consistency and strength. I have followed cricket since 1998, and today, when we say India, it almost feels synonymous with winning. The ICC World Cup triumph was a turning point that gave the team immense confidence. At the BCCI, we had planned a roadmap through 2028, and today, confidence in Indian cricket is strong enough to look even further ahead to 2036 and beyond.”

Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav was honoured as Sports Leader of the Year, recognising his remarkable contribution to Indian cricket and his fearless, innovative approach to the modern game.

Speaking about India’s recent ICC T20 World Cup victory, he said:

 “Inside the dressing room, it is always a democratic environment where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and perspectives. There are always different plans and opinions, but ultimately, the goal is the same. Listening to everyone is important, even though sometimes not everyone will be happy with the final decision. But that is part of team sport. Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are definitely on the horizon, especially since cricket will be part of the Games for the first time. It will be very special. We will take some time to relax now, but soon we will begin preparing again with the dream of achieving something extraordinary and winning an Olympic gold for India.”

With a legacy spanning 21 years, the India Business Leader Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence, recognising leaders who are not only shaping businesses but also contributing meaningfully to India’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.

Winner List 

NAME	WINNERS
Most Promising Company of the Year	Torrent Power
Outstanding Company of the Year	Mahindra & Mahindra
Outstanding Business Leader of the Year	Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder & Chairman, Bharti Enterprises
Young Turk Startup of the Year	Zepto
Hall of Fame	Piyush Pandey
Hall of Fame	T.T. Jagannathan, Chairman Emeritus, T.T.K. Prestige
In Memoriam	Sunjay Kapur
In Memoriam	Anupam ‘Tino’ Puri, McKinsey & Company’s Senior Partner Emeritus
Outstanding Contribution to Climate Consciousness	Smart Joules
Outstanding Contribution to Brand India	Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman, Motherson Group
Breakout Brand of the Year	Rare Rabbit
Entertainment Leader of the Year	Rishab Shetty, Actor & Director
Special & Para-Sports Leader of the Year	Simran Sharma, Paralympic Athlete
Lifetime Achievement	Dr Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Persistent Systems
Outstanding Contribution to Public Service	Team DRDO
Entrepreneur of the Decade	Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Group
Outstanding Contribution to Sports	Jay Shah, Chairman, International Cricket Council
Excellence in Sports	Gautam Gambhir, Head Coach, India Cricket Team (Senior Men)
Sports Leader of the Year	Suryakumar Yadav, Captain, Indian Cricket Team (T20)
Honored With ‘Excellence In Sports’	Gautam Gambhir, Head Coach of the India Men’s Cricket Team

 

Odisha Clears ₹4,510 Crore Industrial Push to Drive Jobs, Regional Development, and Sectoral Growth

Pic Credit: Pexel

In a significant move to accelerate industrialization and create large-scale employment, the Odisha government has approved a diverse portfolio of investment projects across the state. The proposals, cleared at the latest meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority, represent a combined investment of ₹4,510 crore and are expected to generate over 10,000 jobs in 11 districts.

At the forefront of this industrial expansion is Century Plyboards (India) Ltd, which plans to establish a major plywood manufacturing facility in Koraput district. With an investment of ₹870.82 crore, the project is poised to strengthen the wood-based manufacturing ecosystem while also creating employment opportunities in one of the state’s relatively underdeveloped regions.

Complementing this, Pidilite Industries will set up a tile adhesive manufacturing unit in Balasore. Known for its leadership in construction chemicals and adhesives, the company’s investment is expected to support the growing infrastructure and housing demand in eastern India.

In the services and technology domain, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is set to establish a technology center in Khordha with an investment of ₹60 crore. This project highlights Odisha’s emerging position as a destination for knowledge-based industries and is likely to generate high-skilled employment opportunities.

The approved projects reflect a deliberate strategy by the state government to ensure balanced regional development. Districts such as Koraput, Kalahandi, and Balangir—traditionally considered economically lagging—have received focused attention in this round of approvals. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to distribute industrial growth more evenly across the state.

Beyond these headline investments, the approvals span a wide range of sectors. In textiles, new ventures in weaving and technical fabrics are expected to boost manufacturing capabilities. The pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector will see fresh investments aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and production capacity.

The metals and mining sector continues to attract strong interest, with multiple projects in steel and aluminum processing lined up in districts like Cuttack, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar. Meanwhile, green energy initiatives and chemical manufacturing projects, including a sulphuric acid plant and ethanol production unit, signal a push toward both industrial sustainability and value-added production.

Infrastructure development also forms a key part of the investment landscape. A logistics park in Sambalpur will enhance supply chain efficiency, while several new hospitality projects—including star-category hotels in Koraput, Bolangir, Bhubaneswar, and Puri—are expected to boost tourism and related services.

Overall, the latest round of approvals underscores Odisha’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination. With a mix of manufacturing, services, and infrastructure projects, the state is positioning itself for long-term economic resilience. By combining large-scale investments with a focus on regional inclusivity and employment generation, Odisha is taking a decisive step toward becoming a more balanced and industrially robust economy.

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 18 March – The Middle East conflict is reinforcing energy security as a central pillar of power planning in Japan and South Korea, with coal generation providing a significant near-term buffer. During the current shoulder season, coal fleets could offset up to 70% of gas-fired generation in Japan and more than 100% in South Korea of the same season last year, according to new analysis from Wood Mackenzie. 

While both markets remain relatively insulated from immediate fuel supply disruption, the crisis is accelerating structural shifts toward nuclear expansion, slower coal retirements and the localisation of clean energy supply chains.  

 

Limited short-term exposure to LNG disruption 

Unlike many Asia-Pacific markets, Japan and South Korea face manageable near-term risk from potential LNG supply disruption through the Qatar–UAE corridor. According to Wood Mackenzie, Japan’s direct exposure to the disruption is around 6%, compared with approximately 15% for South Korea. 

“Diversified procurement and long-term contracts provide Japan and South Korea with multiple layers of protection, delaying the impact of fuel price volatility on power end users,” said Xiaonan Feng, principal analyst, Asia Pacific power and renewables research at Wood Mackenzie. “However, the broader policy implications of the crisis are likely to be long-lasting.” 

In Japan, fuel cost pass-through is delayed by around three to six months due to bilateral pricing mechanisms. In South Korea, the cost-based power pool and retail tariff caps help limit short-term volatility, although this places additional financial strain on Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). 

Coal provides critical system flexibility 

During the current shoulder season, coal fleets could offset up to 70% of Japan’s and more than 100% of South Korea’s gas-fired generation based on 2025 levels, if utilisation rates increase significantly. This flexibility, however, is seasonal and would decline during peak summer months when coal plants are already operating at higher capacity. 

“Coal continues to play an important role as a strategic reserve for both countries, particularly during periods of fuel market stress,” Feng said. 

Japan’s position is further supported by the restart of five nuclear reactors since 2022, adding 4.6 GW of baseload capacity that is insulated from fossil fuel price volatility. 

Nuclear policy momentum strengthens  

In Japan, the transition from post-Fukushima nuclear minimisation to expansion is now firmly established, making nuclear power an essential for long-term energy security. This policy shift is expected to provide stable electricity to meet rising demand, particularly from data centres, and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. Similarly, in South Korea, nuclear power continues to gain policy and public support. The government has identified nuclear as critical to meeting future electricity demand, with the potential for additional capacity beyond current plans. Decisions on lifetime extensions for approximately 7.8 GW of reactors due to reach design limits by 2030 will be key to the country’s energy mix, according to Wood Mackenzie. 

Renewables strategy shifts toward localisation 

At the same time, both markets are increasingly prioritising domestic supply chains within their energy transition strategies. Japan is reassessing its reliance on imported solar panels while focusing on next-generation technologies such as perovskite cells and expanding offshore wind capacity. South Korea has already moved to favour domestically manufactured equipment in recent offshore wind and battery storage auctions, signalling a shift toward localisation over lowest-cost deployment. 

Outlook is dependent on the duration of the disruption 

The extent of market impact will depend on the duration of the conflict, Wood Mackenzie noted. If disruptions persist into peak summer demand, the effectiveness of coal as a buffer will diminish, increasing exposure to tighter supply conditions. 

A stronger US dollar could also amplify cost pressures by increasing fuel import costs in local currency terms. 

“The immediate risks are manageable, but the long-term direction is clear,” Feng concluded. “Energy security considerations will continue to accelerate nuclear expansion, delay coal retirements and drive greater emphasis on domestic energy supply chains in both markets.” 

Bengaluru, Mar 17: Perfios.ai, India’s leading B2B SaaS TechFin company, today announced the appointment of Nitin Chugh as its MD & Group CEO.

This strategic appointment marks a significant step in Perfios’ evolution as it strengthens its focus on innovation, platform depth, and deeper integration within financial institutions, while continuing to expand their global footprint. Nitin will lead the Perfios Group, comprising Perfios, Clari5, CreditNirvana, and IHX, working closely with the leadership team to drive the company’s long-term vision and growth. The core Perfios business will continue to be led by Sabyasachi Goswami, ensuring strong execution and continuity as the group scales.

 The group brings together complementary capabilities across the financial services lifecycle, with Perfios, which powers intelligent decisioning at scale and speed; Clari5, which enables real-time fraud detection and risk management for banks; CreditNirvana, which drives digital collections and debt resolution; and IHX, which transforms claims across the health insurance ecosystem.

Nitin is a seasoned BFSI leader with nearly three decades of experience across India’s financial services sector. Most recently, as Deputy Managing Director and Head of Digital Banking & Transformation at State Bank of India, he led large-scale digital transformation initiatives, accelerated customer acquisition, and played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s digital strategy. He previously served as Managing Director & CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank and as Group Head, Digital Banking at HDFC Bank, bringing deep expertise in building high-impact businesses and leading transformation at scale.

Commenting on the announcement, Nitin Chugh, Group MD & CEO, Perfios said,

 “I am excited to lead Perfios at a time when technology is fundamentally reshaping financial services, insurance and healthcare. Perfios has built a strong foundation as an Operating System for BFSI, powering critical decisioning for institutions that shape economies. What excites me is the momentum we are building around AI, with rapidly evolving capabilities across credit decisioning, fraud prevention, risk management, healthcare claims automation, collections, and debt resolution, opening up new possibilities for intelligence and efficiency at scale. I believe this has the potential to play a pivotal role in expanding access to formal finance for underserved segments while improving the speed and quality of financial decisions. I see significant opportunities to deepen our impact across customers and markets, and I look forward to working with the team to accelerate innovation, strengthen our platform capabilities, and deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners.”

Welcoming the appointment, V.R. Govindarajan, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Perfios, added,

“Nitin brings a rare combination of deep industry expertise and proven leadership in driving transformation at scale. His understanding of the evolving financial ecosystem and his ability to build and lead high-impact platforms make him the right leader for Perfios at this stage of our journey. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to the next phase of growth under his leadership.”

This appointment further strengthens Perfios’ leadership structure as the company scales its global footprint, advances its technology platforms, and continues to build category leadership in financial services technology.

 

Contributes to community medical services through research on new services that help streamline pharmacists’ operations. By leveraging DX/BPO expertise, works on developing next-generation talent Tokyo, Japan, Mar18:transcosmos announced its partnership with the Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences (Location: Tokyo, Japan; President: Yoshihiro Mimaki; TUPLS). The partnership—Partnership Agreement on Promoting Pharmacist Operational Transformation to Address the 2040 Problem—is aimed at promoting the transformation of pharmacists’ operations to address the so-called 2040 Problem, a significant worker shortfall expected in Japan by 2040. From left: Yoshihiro Mimaki, President of TUPLS, and Satoshi Takayama, Corporate Executive Officer, transcosmos [Key points] ●An educational institution and a private-sector company will engage in a cross-industry collaboration and leverage their respective experience and expertise built over the years to resolve challenges in community medical services, including labor and resource shortages, and conduct research on new services that help streamline pharmacists’ operations. ●Discuss measures to enhance operations in communities facing pharmacist shortages and develop pharmaceutical education programs by leveraging expertise in digital transformation (DX) and business process outsourcing (BPO). ●Through education and research that combine professional pharmaceutical knowledge with DX/BPO expertise, contribute to developing next-generation talent who can support an ever-changing medical environment. [Overview] Through this initiative, the two parties will collaborate beyond their respective fields as an educational institution and a private-sector company to contribute to community medical services by utilizing the experience and expertise each party has built over the years. Addressing the 2040 Problem has become an urgent challenge for Japan, as the country is expected to face both increased medical demand and a shortage of medical professionals leading up to 2040, the year when second-generation baby boomers will turn 65 or older. Communities that are expected to face a severe shortage of pharmacists, in particular, must streamline operations while maintaining the quality of medical services with limited human resources. Under this partnership agreement, transcosmos and TUPLS will work closely together and utilize their respective strengths and resources to resolve challenges in community medical services arising from the 2040 Problem, such as workforce and resource shortages, and conduct research on new services that support the streamlining of pharmacists’ operations. More specifically, the two parties will discuss measures to enhance operations in communities facing pharmacist shortages and will work on developing pharmaceutical education programs leveraging expertise in digital transformation (DX) and business process outsourcing (BPO). Through education and research that combine professional pharmaceutical knowledge with DX/BPO expertise, the two parties will also contribute to developing next-generation talent who can support an ever-changing medical environment. As the development of the so-called Community-based Integrated Care System progresses in recent years, pharmacists are expected to actively engage in community medical services and take on wider roles. At the same time, they are expected to adopt new approaches that increase work efficiency through digital technologies and optimize operational processes. transcosmos and TUPLS will promote effective collaboration and drive advanced initiatives to help build a sustainable community-based medical service system toward 2040. [Comments from project representatives] Yoshihiro Mimaki, President, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences “We are excited to have the opportunity to utilize transcosmos’s DX and BPO expertise for student education and research to address challenges that future pharmacists and medical professionals will face, such as operational efficiency and worker shortages. Through this new industry-academia collaboration, we will contribute to resolving challenges in community medical services by promoting education and research that combine pharmaceutical expertise with the latest digital technologies and by developing talent who can support an ever-changing medical environment.” Satoshi Takayama, Corporate Executive Officer, transcosmos inc. “We are delighted with this partnership agreement with the Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, which aims to transform pharmacists’ operations to address the 2040 Problem. We are sincerely grateful for this opportunity to apply our DX and BPO expertise that we have built over the years to the field of pharmacist operational transformation and contribute to resolving challenges in community medical services. We expect that our efforts in research and education through this partnership will help develop next-generation talent who will lead the medical field of the future.” transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

India, home to nearly 1.4 billion people, holds a pivotal role in the global transition towards a greener future, said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, while addressing the 10th Sustainable Business Futures Summit 2026.

The minister said that India stands at a decisive stage in the global shift towards a green economy, and its development trajectory will significantly influence the success of worldwide sustainability efforts.

“With a large share of the world’s population, India’s progress will play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the global green transition,” he said, adding that the country now has both an opportunity and responsibility to emerge as a leading driver of sustainable development powered by clean energy and green technologies.

Green Infrastructure as Growth Engine

Highlighting the country’s future growth strategy, Singh said green infrastructure will be a central pillar of India’s economic expansion in the coming decades. According to him, the global economy is increasingly moving towards recycling, regeneration and environmentally sustainable technologies, and India is aligning its development pathway with these priorities.

He noted that India’s economic journey over the past decade has been marked by a strong expansion of its innovation ecosystem. The country now hosts over two lakh startups, placing it among the world’s leading startup ecosystems.

Notably, nearly half of these startups are emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, indicating a significant shift in entrepreneurial activity beyond traditional metropolitan hubs.

Clean Energy for Emerging Technologies

The minister also emphasised the need for a robust clean energy ecosystem to support emerging sectors such as data centres and artificial intelligence, which require reliable and continuous energy supply.

In this context, Singh highlighted the significance of the SHANTI Act, describing it as a major reform that opens India’s nuclear energy sector to wider participation, including private players, and enables the expansion of clean and dependable power generation.

Integrated Approach to Green Transition

India’s approach to sustainability, Singh said, is based on an integrated strategy that combines technological innovation, economic growth and environmental protection.

This includes:

• Development of next-generation energy systems

• Advanced energy storage technologies

• Flexible and digitally enabled power grids capable of integrating multiple energy sources such as solar, wind, nuclear and hydrogen

• Climate modelling and risk analytics

• Sustainable construction technologies

Net Zero and Sustainable Lifestyles

Referring to policy direction from Narendra Modi, Singh reiterated that India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He also highlighted the importance of the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, which promotes sustainable consumption and environmentally responsible lifestyles.

According to the minister, this reflects India’s broader vision of inclusive and responsible growth aligned with global environmental priorities.

Circular Economy and Collaborative Action

Singh also underscored the growing importance of circular economy practices, noting that innovative waste-to-wealth initiatives are helping redefine the concept of waste by converting it into economic and environmental value.

Looking ahead, he said future infrastructure development must prioritise climate resilience, sustainable urban systems, clean mobility solutions and water security, supported by collaboration between government, industry and research institutions.

“The era of working in silos is over,” Singh said, stressing that collective action and partnerships will be critical for achieving long-term sustainability and building a green future.