Category: Business

New Delhi, Mar 17th: THOMSON, the iconic  French consumer electronics and home appliances brand, announces the launch of its 3 new models of washing machines in India. The latest portfolio expansion includes one fully automatic top load washing machine and two semi-automatic top load washing machines, aimed at addressing the laundry requirements of Indian households across different family sizes and usage preferences.

the newly launched washing machines are now available on Flipkart, with attractive consumer offers expected during the upcoming Flipkart Summer Sale scheduled from March 18 to March 23.

The newly introduced models include the THOMSON TTL7500SN fully automatic top load washing machine with a 7.5 kg capacity, along with THOMSON TSA8500SPN (8.5 kg) and THOMSON TSA1400D (14 kg) semi-automatic top load washing machines. All models are equipped with a BEE 5-Star energy rating, supporting energy-efficient operation and lower electricity consumption.

Commenting on the launch, Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO, SPPL and Exclusive Brand Licensee of THOMSON in India, said,“The expansion of our washing machine portfolio reflects our focus on offering practical, energy-efficient and reliable home appliances for Indian consumers. With the introduction of these new models, we are strengthening our presence in the home appliances segment while addressing varied capacity requirements, usage habits and value expectations across households”

Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine

The THOMSON TTL7500SN features a 7.5 kg wash and spin capacity and is equipped with Fuzzy Logic technology to automatically optimize wash parameters based on load size. The washing machine includes a stainless steel tub, a magic filter and  auto balancing system. It offers multiple wash programs, including Standard, Soft, Wash and Air Dry, along with soak and air-dry functions.

Semi-Automatic Top-Load Washing Machines

The THOMSON TSA8500SPN comes with an 8.5 kg wash capacity and 4.5 kg spin capacity. Key features include a dual waterfall wash system, magic lint filter, collar scrubber, detergent box and 3D roller pulsator. The model is also equipped with caster wheels and rubber pads for ease of movement and stability.

The THOMSON TSA1400D semi-automatic washing machine offers a 14 kg capacity, making it suitable for large households and joint families with higher laundry requirements. The high-capacity design enables users to wash large loads in a single cycle, including heavy garments, bed linens and curtains, helping reduce the number of wash cycles and overall water usage.

The washing machine is equipped with a 35-minute wash timer with soak function, allowing better loosening of dirt and stains before the wash cycle begins. Its quad flow pulsator creates powerful multi-directional water movement, ensuring deeper detergent penetration and effective removal of tough stains, even on bulky loads. Additional features include a dual waterfall system for uniform water distribution, a faster air-drying spin tub, buzzer alert, and magic lint filter, making the TSA1400D a practical solution for high-volume, everyday laundry needs.

Key Features at a Glance

• BEE 5-Star Energy Rating: Designed to support energy-efficient operation across all models.
• Multiple Capacity Options: Ranging from 7 kg to 14 kg to suit different household requirements.
• Efficient Wash Performance: Enabled through Fuzzy Logic, waterfall wash systems and specialised pulsators.
• User-Oriented Design: Includes features such as child lock, collar scrubber, caster wheels and buzzer alerts.
• Durable Construction: Stainless steel tubs and robust components for long-term usage.

The Indian home appliances market continues to witness steady demand, driven by rising household penetration, replacement cycles and growing preference for energy-efficient and high-capacity appliances. Consumer sentiment remains focused on value, durability and practical features that address everyday usage conditions.

THOMSON has been consistently expanding its home appliances portfolio year on year, aligning product development with Indian consumer needs across metros and non-metro markets. By focusing on capacity-led offerings, energy efficiency and feature relevance, the brand aims to bridge existing gaps in the market while strengthening its footprint in the washing machine category.

Bengaluru, Mar 17th: The Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), hosted INCEPTRIX Hackathon 2.0, a national-level innovation and technology hackathon that brought together student innovators from across India to design and develop practical, technology-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges.

Organised by the Tech Council, FET, the event was conducted as a 24–hour offline coding and innovation marathon, emphasising creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical excellence. Over 600 teams from 28 states registered for the competition, each comprising a minimum of four members, including at least one female participant, to promote diversity and inclusivity.

The competition began with an online presentation round, where teams submitted detailed proposals outlining their problem statements, proposed solutions, technology stacks, feasibility, and team roles. Following a rigorous evaluation, 100 teams were shortlisted for the final round held on campus, where participants engaged in continuous coding, designing, testing, and refining their prototypes. Eminent mentors and judges from top corporate and IT companies provided ongoing guidance and assessed each project for technical depth, innovation, scalability, and presentation quality.

The judging panel awarded the top prizes based on innovation, technical excellence, feasibility, and overall presentation:

1. Winner: Team Envision, Sri Sai Ram Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu – INR 1,00,000
2. 1st Runner-up: Team Error404, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kanakapura, Karnataka – INR 50,000
3. 2nd Runner-up: Team Windows12Devs, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Karnataka – INR 25,000

The hackathon concluded on 28th February with final evaluations, result announcements, and closing remarks. Participants benefited from structured mentorship, collaboration, and networking opportunities with peers from different states, alongside access to dedicated workspaces, refreshments, and support throughout the event.

The initiative reinforced the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, practical problem-solving, interdisciplinary teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking among students. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, INCEPTRIX Hackathon 2.0 highlighted the growing culture of technological creativity and collaborative learning within academic institutions nationwide.

New Delhi, March 17: India’s retail digital payment transactions have witnessed rapid growth over the past four financial years, driven by coordinated efforts of the government, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the government informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance, said the total volume of retail digital payments rose from 7,176.90 crore transactions in FY 2021–22 to 22,167.90 crore transactions in FY 2024–25.

During the same period, the value of transactions increased from ₹457.44 lakh crore in FY 2021–22 to ₹849.12 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting sustained expansion in India’s digital payments ecosystem.

According to the data shared in Parliament, digital payments recorded 58.42 percent growth in volume and 28.41 percent growth in value in FY 2022–23, followed by 44.39 percent and 22.47 percent growth respectively in FY 2023–24. In FY 2024–25, transactions continued to rise with 35.04 percent growth in volume and 18.04 percent growth in value.

Among various digital payment modes, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounted for 81 percent of total retail digital payments in FY 2024–25, making it the largest real-time retail payment system in the world.

The growth of digital payments has been supported by factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, Aadhaar-enabled authentication, e-KYC, expanded financial inclusion, and wider merchant acceptance infrastructure across urban and rural areas. India’s digital public infrastructure has also enabled interoperability and simplified onboarding processes for users.

Government initiatives such as the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Digital Payments and the Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) have further supported the expansion of digital payment systems.

The Finance Minister noted that the rise in digital payments has also brought challenges including cybersecurity risks, digital literacy gaps, network issues and user awareness, though no specific concerns related to Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been reported.

To combat digital financial fraud, the government, RBI and NPCI have implemented several safeguards, including device binding between mobile numbers and devices, two-factor authentication through PIN, daily transaction limits and restrictions on certain use cases. NPCI has also introduced an AI and machine learning-based fraud monitoring system to detect suspicious transactions.

Citizens can report cybercrime incidents, including financial fraud, through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and the National Cybercrime Helpline number 1930, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications has introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and the “Chakshu” facility, enabling people to report suspicious communications received through calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.

To improve digital payment infrastructure in rural and remote areas, the PIDF initiative has supported the deployment of about 5.80 crore digital touchpoints and nearly 56.86 crore QR codes across the country.

For users in low-connectivity regions and feature phone users, NPCI has introduced UPI 123PAY, which allows payments through interactive voice response (IVR) and sound-based proximity payments, and Hello UPI, which enables conversational digital payments.

The government has also focused on improving financial literacy. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 2,421 Centres for Financial Literacy (CFLs) have been established across India, each covering three blocks. In addition, Financial Literacy Week, observed annually since 2016, continues to promote awareness about safe and responsible use of digital financial services.

New Delhi, March 17: The Department of Posts has launched ‘24 Speed Post’, a next-day guaranteed delivery service designed for urgent and time-sensitive consignments. The service was formally launched on March 17, 2026, at the Rangbhawan Auditorium in Akashwani Bhawan.

The launch ceremony was attended by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Communications, and Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, along with senior officials of the postal department.

The 24 Speed Post service introduces next-day guaranteed delivery (D+1) for consignments sent through the premium postal network. In the first phase, the service will be available in six major metropolitan cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

In addition to the new offering, the department will also provide 24 and 48 Speed Post services, ensuring assured D+1 and D+2 delivery timelines. These services will be supported through dedicated processing windows and priority air transmission, enabling faster handling and transportation of consignments.

The upgraded Speed Post services will include several customer-centric features such as OTP-based secure delivery, end-to-end tracking with SMS alerts, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) facility for business customers, free pickup for bulk bookings, API integration, and centralized billing.

The department has also introduced a money-back guarantee in case of delivery delays, reinforcing the reliability of its premium express delivery services.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening India Post’s express logistics capabilities and enhancing service standards for businesses and individual customers requiring fast and secure delivery solutions.

New Delhi, March 17: India’s annual wholesale price inflation rose to 2.13 percent in February 2026, according to provisional data based on the All India Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The increase was primarily driven by higher prices in manufactured products, basic metals, non-food articles, food articles, and textiles.

The WPI index for all commodities stood at 158.2 in February 2026, compared to 157.8 in January 2026 and 157.2 in December 2025. The inflation rate rose from 1.81 percent in January 2026 and 0.96 percent in December 2025, indicating a steady upward trend in wholesale prices.

Among the major components, Primary Articles recorded an inflation rate of 3.27 percent in February 2026, while Manufactured Products saw inflation at 2.92 percent. In contrast, Fuel and Power continued to record negative inflation at –3.78 percent during the month.

The Food Index, which includes food articles and food products, registered 1.85 percent inflation year-on-year in February 2026, compared to 1.41 percent in January 2026.

On a month-on-month basis, the WPI increased by 0.25 percent in February 2026 compared with January 2026.

The Primary Articles index declined by 0.52 percent to 192.9 in February 2026, mainly due to lower prices of food articles (–1.33 percent) and minerals (–1.21 percent). However, prices of crude petroleum and natural gas (4.17 percent) and non-food articles (0.83 percent) registered an increase during the month.

The Fuel and Power index rose by 1.17 percent, reaching 147.6 in February 2026, mainly driven by a 2.05 percent rise in mineral oil prices, while electricity prices declined by 0.27 percent.

Meanwhile, the Manufactured Products index increased by 0.47 percent to 148.2 in February 2026. Out of the 22 two-digit manufacturing groups, 16 groups recorded price increases, while five groups saw declines. Key sectors showing price increases included other manufacturing, food products, textiles, electrical equipment, and chemicals.

However, price declines were observed in sectors such as basic metals, computer and electronic products, fabricated metal products, wood products, and leather-related products during February compared with January 2026.

The WPI Food Index declined slightly from 194.2 in January 2026 to 192.9 in February 2026, though the year-on-year inflation rate rose to 1.85 percent.

The final WPI for December 2025 stood at 157.2 with an inflation rate of 0.96 percent. The provisional WPI for February 2026 was compiled with a weighted response rate of 83.9 percent, while the final December figures were based on a 93.1 percent response rate.

The next WPI data release for March 2026 is scheduled for April 14, 2026.

New Delhi, March 17: India’s cumulative exports of merchandise and services during April–February 2025–26 are estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, compared to US$ 747.58 billion during the same period in 2024–25, registering a growth of 5.79 percent, according to the latest trade data.

The cumulative value of merchandise exports during April–February 2025–26 stood at US$ 402.93 billion, up from US$ 395.66 billion recorded during April–February 2024–25, reflecting a positive growth of 1.84 percent.

Meanwhile, non-petroleum exports during the same period reached US$ 354.12 billion, marking an increase of 5.03 percent compared to US$ 337.17 billion in April–February 2024–25.

The export performance in February 2026 was driven by several key sectors, including engineering goods, electronic goods, organic and inorganic chemicals, gems and jewellery, and meat, dairy and poultry products.

Exports of engineering goods rose by 12.90 percent, increasing from US$ 9.17 billion in February 2025 to US$ 10.36 billion in February 2026. Similarly, electronic goods exports recorded a 10.37 percent growth, rising from US$ 3.79 billion to US$ 4.18 billion during the same period.

Exports of organic and inorganic chemicals grew by 6.85 percent, increasing from US$ 2.23 billion in February 2025 to US$ 2.38 billion in February 2026. Gems and jewellery exports also witnessed growth of 4.08 percent, rising from US$ 2.53 billion to US$ 2.64 billion.

A notable surge was recorded in the meat, dairy and poultry products sector, where exports increased by 22.66 percent, climbing from US$ 0.45 billion in February 2025 to US$ 0.55 billion in February 2026.

Overall, India’s total exports (merchandise and services combined) for February 2026 are estimated at US$ 76.13 billion, registering a growth of 11.05 percent compared to February 2025.

During the same month, total imports (merchandise and services combined) were estimated at US$ 80.09 billion, reflecting a 21.64 percent increase compared to February 2025.

The continued growth in key export sectors highlights the resilience of India’s external trade amid evolving global economic conditions.

As temperatures climb, upgrading your cooling setup becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Whether you’re planning to install a new AC, pick up an air cooler, or finally replace that ageing fan, choosing the right option can make your summer far more comfortable.

Before you head to the store, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Start with Your Room Size

Not every room needs the same kind of cooling. A small bedroom or study may do well with a compact AC or tower cooler, while larger bedrooms and living rooms usually require higher-capacity air conditioners.

Coolers work best in well-ventilated spaces. ACs are better suited for closed rooms where you want consistent cooling. Matching the appliance capacity with the room size helps ensure better performance and avoids unnecessary energy consumption.

2. Prioritise Energy Efficiency

Cooling appliances run for hours in peak summer, so efficiency matters. Choosing energy-efficient options can help keep power bills under control.

Air conditioners with higher star ratings and inverter technology are designed to regulate cooling based on room temperature, reducing unnecessary power consumption. Similarly, BLDC ceiling fans use significantly less electricity than conventional fans while providing steady airflow.

3. Compare Brands and Features

When buying appliances that will be used daily, reliability and service support are important considerations. Established brands often provide stronger service networks and longer warranties.

Many home improvement retailers bring together several well-known brands across cooling categories; from AC brands like Lloyd, Godrej, Voltas and Daikin to cooler brands like Symphony, Bajaj, Havells and fan brands such as Orient Electric, Crompton, V-Guard and Atomberg. Having multiple options available in one place makes it easier to compare features and pricing before making the buy.

4. Look at Overall Value, Not Just the price

The lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Installation support, stock availability and warranty terms are just as important.

Retailers that specialise in home improvement often offer a wider selection of cooling appliances with different warranty and installation options along with related categories like electricals, lighting and hardware. This can make the buying process simpler and can sometimes unlock additional savings or billing benefits

5. Keep an Eye on Seasonal Offers

Summer is also when retailers roll out special promotions on cooling appliances, making it a good time to upgrade older units or add cooling to more rooms. For example, India’s Largest chain of Home Building store IBO are currently listing air conditioners from ₹24,999 from brands such as Lloyd, Godrej, Voltas and Daikin; coolers from ₹4,999 from Symphony, Bajaj and Havells; and ceiling fans from ₹1,099 from brands including Orient Electric, Crompton, V-Guard and Atomberg, along with energy-efficient BLDC models. Select bank cashback offers and assured gift benefits on total billing are also available during the sale period.

Showcasing its global breadth, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is delighted to confirm Manchester based Depledge Strategic Wealth Management, Jersey and Guernsey based Titan Wealth (CI) and Dubai based Abacus Financial Consultants LLC have all achieved CISI Chartered Firm™ status.

CISI Chartered Firm™ status is awarded when a financial services firm demonstrates commitment to the highest levels of professionalism. Firms must meet rigorous criteria to achieve the prestigious accreditation, including having a professional development programme that aligns with the CISI’s continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.

Chartered status plays a powerful role in fostering high standards of professionalism and trust. Helping firms and professionals adapt and firms grow in financial services is vital, particularly as opportunities in the sector increasingly become trans-national.

Andrew Day CFP™ Chartered FCSI, founder of Depledge Strategic Wealth Management (left) said: “Achieving CISI Chartered Firm™ status is a significant part of our journey to build a firm that is synonymous with high level financial planning advice and service. This is the accumulation of many years of hard work and the result of all the team at Depledge believing in our ethos to strive to be the best and to do so with our clients at the very centre of our endeavours. Four of our team have qualified at the CFP™ level and two others are working on the qualification which exceeds the minimum qualification level to be a CISI Chartered Firm™. This is important to us as we all feel that obtaining CISI qualifications has made us better financial planners which benefits our existing and new clients.”

Mark Bousfield Chartered FCSI, Managing Director, Titan Wealth (CI) (left) said: “Becoming a CISI Chartered Firm™ marks an important achievement for Titan Wealth in the Channel Islands and reflects the sustained effort our team has made over many years to uphold the highest professional standards.

“This recognition demonstrates our commitment to acting in the best interests of our clients and reinforces our dedication to delivering expert advice, integrity, and exceptional client service. It provides clients with the reassurance that they are supported by a firm committed to excellence throughout their financial journey.”

Con Lillis Chartered MCSI, Chief Executive Officer (right) of Abacus Financial Consultants, said: “Being recognised as a CISI Chartered Firm™ by the CISI is a proud moment for our entire team. It reflects the culture we have built at Abacus – one centred on professionalism, transparency, and putting clients first. Our advisers are committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry, and this recognition demonstrates the strength of that commitment.

“As we continue to grow, maintaining these standards will remain central to our strategy, ensuring our clients benefit from trusted expertise and forward-thinking financial guidance.”

Tracy Vegro OBE, CISI chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Depledge Strategic Wealth Management, Titan Wealth and Abacus Financial Consultants to our select group of organisations holding CISI Chartered Firm™ status. We are delighted to welcome each of them to our global CISI community.”

Bengaluru, Mar 16th:  Elior India, a subsidiary of the EUR 6.05 billion France-based Elior Group and one of the world’s leading providers of institutional food services, has partnered with the Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-driven organisation that redistributes surplus food to underserved communities, to launch a food redistribution initiative focused on responsible surplus management.

The program enables safe, eligible surplus food from Elior’s kitchens and sites to be redistributed through RHA’s volunteer network, aligning with Elior India’s commitment to sustainability and responsible food management.

The initiative was launched as a pilot from Elior’s GK1 kitchen in Bengaluru on 13 March in the presence of Boris Derichebourg, Chairman and CEO of Elior Group, who is currently visiting India, and Ashwani Vohra, Managing Director, Elior India, along with the Elior India leadership team. The flag-off ceremony included brief remarks from Elior India leadership and representatives from the Robin Hood Army, followed by the first redistribution pickup by the RHA team to mark the start of the initiative.

The program will initially operate from Elior’s Bengaluru kitchens, with potential expansion to other cities where Elior India operates based on operational learnings.

Commenting on the initiative, Ashwani Vohra, Managing Director, Elior India, said: “At Elior, responsible food management is an integral part of how we operate our kitchens. Our partnership with the Robin Hood Army enables us to ensure that safe surplus food is redistributed where it can make a meaningful difference, while reinforcing responsible and sustainable kitchen practices across our operations. We value the work the Robin Hood Army is doing to bring surplus food to communities that need it.”

Through this initiative, Elior India is strengthening its approach to responsible surplus management by ensuring that safe, excess food from its kitchens is redistributed in a structured and meaningful way.

Mohali, India, Mar 16th:  Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED), a global leader in energy-efficient industrial technologies, has received a significant repeat order from Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Ltd. (DBSIL) to modernise its Jawaharpur sugar unit in Uttar Pradesh. Designed for a crushing capacity of 9,000 TCD, the project aims to reduce steam consumption to approximately 30.9% on cane, drastically lowering operating costs, cutting carbon emissions, and enhancing thermal efficiency in sugar manufacturing.

This latest order underscores a long-standing partnership. SED has previously modernised Dalmia Bharat’s Ramgarh unit (reducing steam usage from 48% to 33%) and Nigohi unit (from 38% to 30%). By extending these industrial-scale breakthroughs to Jawaharpur, the two companies are setting a new benchmark for profitability and sustainability in India’s sugar sector amid rising fuel costs.

Vivek Verma, Managing Director, Spray Engineering Devices Limited said “Repeat orders are the ultimate proof of performance in our industry, and we are delighted to deepen our association with the Dalmia Bharat Group. At Jawaharpur, we are not just installing equipment, we are engineering a more sustainable future. With advanced heat-recovery and evaporation systems, we expect to deliver significant fuel savings annually, demonstrating that large-scale sugar manufacturing can be both efficient and environmentally responsible.”

Pankaj Rastogi, Business Head-Sugar Division, (DBSIL) added “Energy efficiency has become central to competitiveness in the sugar industry. By partnering with SED, we have consistently achieved reductions in steam consumption across our units. This latest upgrade at Jawaharpur is another step toward sustainable, cost-effective operations. Beyond the immediate reduction in energy waste, the modernisation will strengthen our regional presence, support the local economy, and generate direct and indirect livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh.”

Under the new order, SED will deliver complete design, supply, and automation of critical systems, including proprietary Spray Continuous Pans, high-efficiency juice heaters, and integrated falling film evaporators. The configuration will enable the plant to operate at approximately 375 TCH cane crushing rate, with flexibility for syrup diversion to distillery and refined sugar production.

Industry observers note that repeat orders in the sugar sector are typically driven by proven savings in steam consumption and process stability, especially as energy costs remain one of the largest components of sugar manufacturing.

SED has also supplied MVR-based boiler-free evaporation systems for distillery operations at Jawaharpur, enabling low-energy operation and water recovery. With installations across multiple countries in sugar, ethanol, water, and process industries, the company continues to expand its footprint with proprietary evaporation and heat-recovery technologies.