Category: Business

New Delhi, March 18: The Government of India has supported the establishment of a state-of-the-art fisheries training centre in Himachal Pradesh to strengthen aquaculture capacity and improve skill development in the fisheries sector.

The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying approved a proposal from the Government of Himachal Pradesh during 2022–23 for the establishment of a State-of-the-Art Fisheries Training Centre at Gagret. The project was sanctioned at a total cost of ₹5.17 crore, with the project cost restricted to ₹5 crore for interest subvention under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), one of the designated nodal loaning entities under FIDF, sanctioned ₹5 crore to the Himachal Pradesh government for the project and has already disbursed the full sanctioned amount to facilitate its implementation.

The fisheries department is implementing several schemes nationwide aimed at holistic development of the fisheries sector across all states and union territories, including Himachal Pradesh. Key initiatives include the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), being implemented from 2020–21 to 2025–26, the FIDF scheme covering the period 2018–19 to 2025–26, and the central sector sub-scheme of PMMSY, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), which runs from 2023–24 to 2026–27.

These programmes aim to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity by strengthening infrastructure, promoting technological adoption, improving post-harvest management systems, and modernising fisheries value chains. The schemes also focus on improving fishers’ livelihoods and enhancing welfare measures across the sector.

The government has also extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish farmers since 2018–19, enabling them to meet working capital requirements and improve access to institutional credit for fisheries-related activities.

Data provided by the Himachal Pradesh government shows steady growth in fish production in key districts such as Kangra and Chamba over the past three years. Fish production in Kangra increased from 4,871.09 tonnes in 2022–23 to 5,480.62 tonnes in 2024–25, while Chamba recorded growth from 1,075.36 tonnes to 1,379.48 tonnes during the same period.

Overall fish production in Himachal Pradesh has also risen significantly in recent years. According to official figures, the state’s fish output increased from 13,745 tonnes in 2019–20 to 16,250 tonnes in 2025–26, reflecting steady expansion in aquaculture and fisheries activities.

Within this growth, Kangra district contributed around 2,850 tonnes of fish production, while Chamba district accounted for about 1,920 tonnes, highlighting the expanding aquaculture base in these regions.

The government believes that improved infrastructure, enhanced training facilities, and better access to institutional credit will further strengthen the fisheries ecosystem and support sustainable growth in fish production across the hill state.

This information was provided by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

New Delhi, March 18: The Government of India has implemented a series of policy measures aimed at expanding institutional credit to the agriculture sector, with particular emphasis on underserved segments such as small and marginal farmers and allied activities including dairy, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

The initiatives are designed to improve access to affordable credit, strengthen rural financial institutions, and enhance agricultural productivity through increased financial inclusion in rural areas.

According to information shared in the Rajya Sabha by Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, the government sets annual Ground Level Credit (GLC) targets for agriculture and allied sectors, which banks are required to meet during each financial year.

These credit targets are allocated region-wise and agency-wise across institutions such as Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and rural cooperative banks. Since the financial year 2021–22, the government has also introduced dedicated credit targets for allied agricultural activities to ensure focused financial support for sectors like dairy farming, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

The credit expansion strategy is also supported by regulatory norms under Priority Sector Lending (PSL) issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Under these guidelines, commercial banks—including Regional Rural Banks, Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks and primary urban cooperative banks—must allocate at least 18% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or credit equivalent of off-balance sheet exposures to agriculture.

Within this mandate, a sub-target of 10% has been earmarked specifically for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), who account for a significant majority of India’s agricultural community. The PSL framework also includes incentive mechanisms to encourage higher credit flow to districts with lower lending levels while discouraging excessive concentration of credit in already well-served districts.

A key instrument supporting farmers’ access to credit is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which provides timely and affordable credit to farmers for purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, as well as meeting working capital needs. Since 2019, the scheme has also been expanded to cover working capital requirements related to animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries.

To further reduce borrowing costs for farmers, the government operates the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), under which farmers can access short-term crop loans at a concessional interest rate of 7% through Kisan Credit Cards. Farmers who repay their loans on time are eligible for an additional 3% incentive, effectively reducing the interest rate to 4%.

In another move to improve credit access, the collateral-free loan limit for short-term agricultural loans has been raised from ₹1.60 lakh to ₹2 lakh per borrower, effective January 1, 2025. The increase is expected to particularly benefit small and marginal farmers, who constitute over 86% of India’s farming community, by enabling easier access to formal credit without the need for collateral.

The government has also been strengthening rural infrastructure and financial ecosystems through institutional support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Funds allocated under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) are used to support infrastructure projects in rural areas, which in turn enhance credit absorption capacity in agriculture and allied sectors.

As part of the Union Budget 2025–26, the government also announced the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY). One of the key objectives of the scheme is to improve the availability of both long-term and short-term agricultural credit in districts where credit disbursement to the sector remains low.

Efforts are also underway to strengthen rural financial institutions such as cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks through technology upgrades and institutional reforms to improve their operational efficiency and outreach.

NABARD continues to play a central role in boosting credit flow to the agriculture sector. Under the RBI’s Lead Bank Scheme, NABARD prepares Potential Linked Credit Plans (PLPs) for each district every year to estimate the credit potential under priority sectors. These district-level plans are aggregated at the state level and used as the basis for setting annual credit targets for agriculture.

To support banks in meeting these targets, NABARD provides refinance assistance for both short-term and long-term agricultural lending. Short-term refinance is extended to institutions such as State Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and Small Finance Banks for crop loans and other agricultural lending activities.

Long-term refinance support is also provided to rural financial institutions, scheduled commercial banks, small finance banks, and non-banking financial companies to strengthen lending for agriculture and allied sectors.

In addition, NABARD offers concessional refinance under various specialised schemes supporting sectors such as micro food processing, animal husbandry infrastructure development, solar rooftop installations, aspirational districts, and initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

The government believes these coordinated policy interventions will strengthen the rural credit ecosystem, improve farmers’ access to affordable finance, and support sustainable agricultural growth across the country.

New Delhi, March 18: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has strengthened its regulatory oversight of digital lending platforms as part of broader efforts by the government and financial regulators to curb the proliferation of illegal mobile loan applications and enhance consumer protection in India’s fast-growing digital lending ecosystem.

The central bank had earlier constituted a working group to examine issues related to digital lending, including loans offered through online platforms and mobile applications. Based on the recommendations of the panel, RBI introduced comprehensive regulatory guidelines aimed at strengthening the framework governing digital lending activities and safeguarding borrowers.

Under the framework, all regulated entities (REs), including banks and non-banking financial companies, are required to comply with the digital lending guidelines issued by the RBI. Compliance with these rules is periodically assessed during supervisory evaluations, and any deviations identified are required to be rectified. In cases of serious non-compliance, the RBI may initiate supervisory or enforcement actions.

In parallel, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been empowered to block fraudulent digital loan applications under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, following due procedures outlined in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.

Authorities have intensified coordinated efforts across ministries and agencies to prevent citizens from being exploited by unauthorised lending platforms, many of which operate through offshore entities or disguise themselves as legitimate financial service providers.

One of the key steps taken by the RBI includes the launch of a directory of Digital Lending Apps (DLAs) on its official website from July 1, 2025. The directory lists apps deployed by RBI-regulated entities and is intended to help customers verify whether a digital lending application is legitimately linked to a regulated financial institution.

The regulator has also been actively engaging with major internet intermediaries and messaging platforms to monitor the activities of unauthorised loan apps. Technology-driven vetting mechanisms and real-time enforcement systems have been introduced to detect and prevent the advertisement and circulation of fraudulent loan apps, particularly those originating from overseas operators.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has also been analysing digital lending applications to identify cybercrime patterns. To facilitate public reporting of such incidents, the government has launched the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and a dedicated cybercrime helpline number 1930.

Meanwhile, banks have been supporting public grievance mechanisms through platforms such as the SACHET portal, which enables citizens to lodge complaints against entities involved in illegal deposit-taking or unauthorised financial activities. State-level coordination committees among financial regulators further assist in monitoring and addressing such cases.

The RBI and banks have also intensified public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risks associated with fraudulent lending apps. These campaigns include SMS alerts, radio outreach programmes, and digital banking awareness initiatives such as the e-BAAT training programme, which focuses on cyber fraud prevention and risk mitigation.

However, enforcement against illegal mobile applications ultimately falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. Under India’s constitutional framework, “Police” and “Public Order” are state subjects, making state law enforcement agencies primarily responsible for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of such crimes.

The central government continues to support states and union territories through advisories and financial assistance for capacity building of law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime and financial fraud.

This information was shared by Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 17.

New Delhi, March 17: India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has outlined a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening farmers’ incomes and risk protection, including crop diversification, record procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), reforms in crop insurance, and stricter monitoring of agricultural schemes.

Responding to questions from Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, Chouhan said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging farmers to move away from tobacco cultivation and adopt alternative crops that offer sustainable and profitable returns.

According to the minister, the government has identified a range of crops suited to regions traditionally dependent on tobacco cultivation. These include hybrid maize, chilli, sweet potato, cotton, potato, chia, feed beans, cowpea, ragi, red gram, sugarcane, soybean, sorghum and groundnut. The objective is to ensure farmers maintain stable cash incomes while shifting to more sustainable cropping patterns.

 

Focus on Integrated Farming

Chouhan noted that the majority of Indian farmers operate on small landholdings, making reliance on a single crop particularly risky. To address this challenge, the government has been promoting integrated farming models that combine multiple agricultural and allied activities.

Under these models, farmers can diversify into cereals such as wheat and paddy alongside vegetables, fruits, livestock, fisheries, beekeeping, goat rearing and agroforestry. Such diversification, he said, helps generate more stable and year-round income streams for farm households.

Strengthening MSP Procurement

The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure remunerative prices for farmers through enhanced MSP procurement. MSP levels for major crops, including wheat, paddy, pulses and oilseeds, have been increased, while procurement operations during the current season have reached record levels.

Special arrangements have been introduced for pulses such as tur, masoor and urad, enabling registered farmers to sell any quantity of produce to the government at MSP. The measure is intended to provide stronger income security for pulse growers and encourage higher domestic production.

Faster Compensation Under Crop Insurance

Chouhan also detailed reforms introduced in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the government’s flagship crop insurance scheme.

Previously, farmers often experienced long delays in receiving compensation for crop losses. Under the revised provisions, insurance companies are required to compensate farmers even if crop damage affects a single individual farmer. Furthermore, once yield data is available, if the claim amount is not credited to the farmer’s account within 21 days, insurance companies and state governments must pay the amount along with 12 per cent interest.

Stronger Monitoring and Transparency

The minister said the government has also established stricter oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency in scheme implementation. Complaints received through digital platforms, including the Krishi Rakshak Portal, are being reviewed carefully and action is taken wherever irregularities are detected.

He added that in several states, particularly Rajasthan, large sums under crop insurance schemes have been transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in recent years.

Chouhan emphasised that these policy initiatives collectively aim to build a more resilient agricultural ecosystem in which farmers benefit from improved incomes, better risk protection and greater transparency in government support mechanisms.

New Delhi, March 17: The Union Cabinet has approved a centrally sponsored scheme titled Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aimed at increasing domestic production of pulses and achieving self-sufficiency in the sector. The mission will be implemented over a six-year period from 2025–26 to 2030–31 with a total financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore.

The mission focuses on strengthening the pulses value chain by expanding cultivation, promoting improved seed distribution, and developing post-harvest infrastructure across the country.

Processing Units to Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure

Under the post-harvest infrastructure component of the mission, the government has approved the establishment of 1,000 processing units (dal mills) during the mission period. In the first phase, a target of 528 processing units has been allocated to various states and Union Territories.

Among the states, Uttar Pradesh has received the highest allocation with 56 units, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 55, Bihar with 37, Maharashtra with 34, and Karnataka and Rajasthan with 30 units each. Other states such as Gujarat, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh have also been allotted processing units to strengthen local processing capacity.

Free Seed Kits to Expand Pulses Cultivation

To expand pulses cultivation, particularly in rice fallow areas and other diversifiable agricultural regions, the mission provides support through the distribution of free seed kits to farmers.

Under the programme, a total of 87.5 lakh seed kits are targeted for distribution over the six-year period based on the Annual Action Plans submitted by states and Union Territories. For the Rabi season of 2025–26, around 10.36 lakh seed kits have been allocated to states.

The tentative targets for seed kit distribution in the coming years include:

• 2026–27: 15 lakh kits

• 2027–28: 16.25 lakh kits

• 2028–29: 17.50 lakh kits

• 2029–30: 13.75 lakh kits

• 2030–31: 12.5 lakh kits

Focus Districts Identified for Pulses Clusters

To accelerate the mission’s implementation, 489 districts across the country have been identified as focused districts for developing pulses clusters. The list of districts may be modified in the future based on local requirements and evolving agricultural conditions.

Area Under Pulses to Expand by 35 Lakh Hectares

As part of the mission’s long-term strategy, the area under pulses cultivation is projected to increase by 35 lakh hectares by 2030–31. This includes 24.5 lakh hectares in traditional pulses-growing regions and 10.5 lakh hectares in non-traditional areas where pulses cultivation will be promoted.

The mission is expected to significantly enhance domestic pulses production, reduce dependence on imports, and improve farmers’ incomes through improved productivity and better post-harvest infrastructure.

New Delhi, March 17: A total of 2,12,283 entities have been recognised as startups under the Government of India’s flagship Startup India initiative as of January 31, 2026, reflecting the rapid expansion of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past decade.

Launched on January 16, 2016, the initiative aims to build a strong ecosystem that nurtures innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and encourages investment across sectors in the country.

According to data shared in Parliament, 1,02,054 recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner, indicating the growing participation of women in India’s startup ecosystem.

 

However, the government also noted that some startups have ceased operations. Data maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) shows that 6,789 recognised startups have been categorised as closed (dissolved or struck-off). Among these, 2,950 startups had at least one woman director or partner.

The recognised startups are registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which oversees the Startup India initiative and maintains the recognition database.

Key Government Support Schemes

To support startups at different stages of their growth cycle, the government is implementing several flagship schemes under Startup India.

One of the major initiatives is the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), which aims to catalyse venture capital investment in Indian startups. The scheme is operationalised by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that subsequently invest in startups.

As of January 31, 2026, AIFs supported under the scheme have invested around ₹25,859 crore in startups, including ₹2,995 crore in women-led startups since 2020.

Another major initiative is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which provides financial assistance to early-stage startups through incubators. Implemented from April 1, 2021, the scheme has approved around ₹592 crore in funding to selected startups, of which ₹294 crore has been allocated to women-led startups.

The government has also introduced the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to facilitate debt financing for startups through eligible financial institutions. Operational since April 1, 2023, the scheme has guaranteed loans worth around ₹925 crore to startup borrowers, including ₹39 crore to women-led startups.

Startups Supported and Closure Data

Under the Fund of Funds for Startups, 1,382 startups have been selected for support, of which 17 are currently categorised as closed. Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, 3,311 startups have been supported, with 26 reported as closed. Meanwhile, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups has supported 281 startups, with one startup recorded as closed.

State-wise data also shows significant participation of women entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem across major states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

The information was shared by Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

Chandigarh, 17 March 2026 – Locks and Architectural Solutions, a business unit of the Godrej Enterprises Group, successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC) Cricket Championship 2026. Designed as a platform to foster deeper relationships within the Architects and Interior Designers (AID) community, the tournament once again brought together leading design firms from across the city for a spirited celebration of cricket, collaboration and camaraderie.

Held on 14th & 15th March 2026, the championship saw enthusiastic participation from prominent architecture and design firms, who came together beyond the boardroom to engage through India’s most loved sport. Over the course of several closely contested matches, teams showcased exceptional sportsmanship and competitive spirit, reinforcing the sense of community within the AID ecosystem.

 

The tournament concluded with an exciting final that saw SPA11 (Shashi Prabhu and Associates) secure the GVCC Cricket Championship 2026 title after a closely fought match against SSA Strikers (Sandeep Shikre Architects).

Following the success of the event, a spokesperson from Locks and Architectural Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group, shared, “The GVCC Cricket Championship has evolved into a meaningful platform that brings together the architect and interior designer community beyond the professional engagements. At Godrej Enterprises Group, we believe that enduring industry partnerships are built through successful projects, shared experiences, and meaningful interactions. Through the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club, we strive to create platforms that foster deeper engagement and collaboration within the AID ecosystem. This year’s championship witnessed participation from over 230 architects and interior designers / 16 teams / 14 firms, reflecting the growing strength of this community and the shared spirit that continues to drive the industry forward.”

Throughout the championship, the participating teams demonstrated their cricketing prowess and the collaborative spirit that defines the AID community. The event witnessed strong engagement from industry members, further strengthening the platform’s role in bringing together professionals who contribute to shaping India’s architectural and design landscape.

The GVCC Cricket Championship is a key initiative under the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC), a platform created to nurture stronger engagement with the AID community. In addition to sporting engagements, the platform also hosts the GeeVees Awards, an annual recognition programme celebrating excellence and innovation in architecture and design.

By bringing the industry together through shared experiences, initiatives such as the GVCC Cricket Championship reinforce Godrej’s commitment to building lasting relationships with its value co-creators while fostering a collaborative and connected ecosystem. Building on the success of previous editions, the GVCC Cricket Championship 2026 further strengthened its position as a distinctive industry engagement platform, bringing together design leaders in an environment that celebrates teamwork, sportsmanship and community spirit.

Chandigarh, Mar 17:  Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of French carmaker – Renault Group, today announced the launch of the all-new Renault Duster, with turbo petrol prices starting at INR 10.49 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and dispatches now underway nationwide. Built on the advanced Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), the new Renault Duster has been developed with a clear focus on structural robustness, efficiency and future-readiness. Its true SUV proportions, best in segment approach and departure angles and high ground clearance reinforce off-road credibility while supporting everyday usability.

The new Renault Duster combines strong performance with best ride and handling, engineered and tested specifically for Indian driving conditions. The Turbo TCe 160 delivers 163 PS and 280 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed wet-clutch DCT calibrated for Indian conditions or a 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicle dynamics have been validated by IDIADA across ride, handling, steering and braking performance, with the chassis tuned for stability, comfort and confidence across varied Indian road surfaces.

Inside, the driver-focused cockpit features improved ergonomics, strong outward visibility and enhanced seating comfort, alongside Google Automotive Services integrated into the OpenR Link multimedia system for seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play.

The new Duster is offered in five trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic. Key highlights include full LED lighting, OpenR Link multimedia with Google built-in, panoramic sunroof and electric powered tailgate, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 17 ADAS features, and a 360-degree camera

Strong early demand has been led by the Turbo TCe 160, which accounts for over 90% of petrol bookings across markets.

Customers can access a special introductory price of INR 10.29 Lakh until March 31, 2026 through the R-Pass pre-booking programme. Renault is also introducing flexible subscription options alongside a 7-year Renault Forever warranty for customers adhering to scheduled maintenance at authorised Renault service centres.

According to Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Renault India, “The new Renault Duster reflects exactly what Indian customers expect today: strong performance, real-world durability and everyday usability. With 163 PS from the Turbo TCe 160 and the advanced RGMP platform, it delivers genuine gains in ride, handling and robustness. Backed by flexible ownership options including subscription and a 7-year warranty, the SUV is engineered for how India actually drives.”

The E-Tech Strong Hybrid combines a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, enabling up to 80% EV driving in city conditions while balancing efficiency with performance. In major metro markets, nearly 40% of customers opted for the hybrid during pre-bookings, and Renault confirmed that planned hybrid capacity for 2026 is already fully allocated, with bookings set to reopen ahead of deliveries around Diwali.

VARIANTS: KEY FEATURES

1.AUTHENTIC, is the essential car with all necessary features

·Eco LED headlamps

·LED tail lamps

·Signature grill with DUSTER emblem

·skid plates

·LED turn indicators on ORVM

·Reinforced wheel arches & door side protection

·7” TFT driver display

·All power windows with auto up/down

·Central console with sliding armrest

·Auto headlamp

·One touch LED room lights

·Rear AC vents

·Remote keyless entry

·35 safety features as standard including 6 Airbags, TPMS, HSA, ESP

2.EVOLUTION. mid-range offer, a perfect balance between look, equipment, comfort and safety.

·LED horizontal rear light bar

·43.18cm (17-inch) ocean alloy wheels

·longitudinal roof bars with 50kg load capacity

·shark-fin antenna

·rear wiper, washer & defogger

·10.1” openR link multimedia

·steering mounted audio & phone controls

·wireless smartphone replication

·turn by turn navigation and music information on driver display

·cruise control & speed limiter

·electrical adjustable door mirrors

·2 front & 2 rear Type C USB sockets

·Rear view camera

·Electric parking brake (DCT only)

·Paddle shifters (DCT only)

3.TECHNO: a high range car combining comfort and connected equipment.

·Full LED headlamps

·LED fog lamps

·LED puddle lamps

·Skid plates

·electric panoramic sunroof

·electric powered tailgate

·connected car services with MYR app

·Renault hands-free access card with push button start

·Welcome & goodbye sequence

·Approach unlock & walkaway closing

·Wireless smartphone charging

·Autofold ORVM

·Bezel less auto-dimming rearview mirror

·Automatic dual-zone air conditioning

·High center console with e-shifter (DCT only)

·Center console with cooling storage (DCT only)

4.TECHNO+: a bridge between the comfort of techno & the fully loaded iconic

·45.72cm (18-inch) “outback” diamond cut alloy wheels

·Acoustic windshield

·hill descent control

·blind spot warning

·front & side park assist

·10.25” TFT driver display

5.ICONIC: a fully loaded car for most demanding customers who want no compromise and want to have the full experience on board.

·10.1” openR link multimedia system with google built-in

oGoogle Play

oGoogle Assistant

oGoogle Maps

·Map replication in driver display

·Electric front seats with 6-way adjust & manual lumbar adjust

·Ventilated front seats

·mountain jade leatherette seat upholstery with Renault logo pattern

·mountain jade leatherette wrap, carbon finish and Duster emblem with iconic yellow stitch on upper dashboard

·360⁰ around view 3D camera

·17 ADAS features

·rain sensing wipers

·multisense driving modes with 48 colour ambient lighting customization (comfort, eco, perso)

·PM2.5 filter with Clean Air AQI display & ionizer

·Arkamys auditorium sound system with 6 speakers

An iconic launch edition trim will also be available with exclusive design elements celebrating the Duster spirit of outdoors and adventure.

·Himalayan-inspired side embellisher

·iconic yellow door decal

·iconic yellow accents on front grille, roof bars & tailgate

·45.72cm (18”) “Adventure” black alloy wheels

Hyderabad, Mar 17th: Indian mining powerhouses – NMDC Limited and GMDC Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaborations in Rare Earth Elements and associated minerals on Monday.

Guidance for this strength-based partnership is to develop an integrated and sustainable critical mineral supply chain for India. This partnership paves the way for exploration of rare earth deposits in the country, along with the expansion of R&D capabilities and carbon conscious initiatives in this sub-sector.

The two companies signed the Understanding in the presence of Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC and Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director, GMDC accompanied by Senior Officers from both sides at the NMDC Headquarters in Hyderabad. Effective from March 16, 2026 for a period of two years, the MOU recommends the formation of a Steering Committee and Working Group to evaluate and enrich the proposed collaboration.

This tie-up is expected to bolster the development of rare earth mining and downstream operations nationwide.

Speaking on this move, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “India’s interest in Rare Earth Elements is now a strategic national priority. These minerals sit at the heart of energy security, defence capability, and the push for a truly self-reliant Bharat. Mining companies have been called upon to rise to the occasion. NMDC with GMDC is determined to build a resilient critical mineral supply chain for the country as soon as possible.”

NMDC and GMDC, with their respective momentum in critical mineral mission and rare earth corridor, are also looking at the possibilities of a Joint Venture, Special Purpose Vehicle and strategic business collaborations going forward.

Mumbai, India, Mar 17th: Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis has unveiled its latest campaign for the ‘Thrive’ range of pet food, #ThriveSharedJourney, in collaboration with actress Huma Qureshi. The campaign introduces a powerful shift in perspective, positioning pet wellbeing not as a routine responsibility, but as a shared journey of growth between pets and their parents. 

Today’s pet parents are increasingly intentional about their own lives. They track milestones, upgrade their lifestyles and make conscious choices for long-term growth. However, when it comes to their pets, growth can unintentionally become routine, and progress can be reduced to maintenance. The campaign challenges this behavioural gap and reframes thriving as an active, mindful decision and a result of a truly shared journey. 

At the heart of the narrative lies a simple yet compelling idea: thriving doesn’t happen by proximity. Thriving happens when growth is shared. A shared journey is not about doing everything together – it is about moving forward together. 

The campaign brings actor and pet parent Huma Qureshi on board as the face of Thrive, not as a celebrity endorsement, but as a lived voice for a belief the brand stands for: thriving is never a solo journey. It is always shared.

Speaking on the launch, Kunal Khanna, CEO of Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis, said, “With Thrive, we wanted to move the conversation beyond just product features. Pet parents today love their pets deeply, but there is still a gap when it comes to everyday nutrition awareness. #ThriveSharedJourney is our way of building a more responsible culture of feeding, where thriving becomes a shared commitment between the pet and the parent. Huma brings authenticity to this thought because she genuinely lives it.”

Speaking about the campaign, Devika Khanna, Business Head of Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis, said, “The daily pet food category in India has largely been driven by habit and availability. Thrive has been created to bridge that gap with clean, thoughtfully developed recipes that support digestion and overall wellbeing. Partnering with Huma allows us to tell this story in a way that feels real and relatable. She represents a generation of pet parents who want to do better, not just feel better.”

#ThriveSharedJourney is not positioned as a one-time launch moment, but as an ongoing narrative platform for the brand. Through digital films, creator collaborations and community-led conversations, the campaign will spotlight everyday stories of pet parents who actively participate in their pets’ growth journeys.

The intent is to create a long-term shift in how Indian pet parents view food not as a routine purchase, but as a daily responsibility that directly shapes their pet’s quality of life.

By placing responsibility at the centre of pet love, Bark Out Loud aims to build a new benchmark for everyday nutrition in the Indian market.