Category: Business

Earth Day is no longer just a symbolic reminder. It has become a moment to look at how businesses are responding to the climate challenge in practical ways. In India, a growing number of startups are building solutions that go beyond intent and focus on implementation, whether that means restoring farmland, rethinking waste, decentralising energy, or connecting agriculture with carbon markets. These companies are building sustainability into the way their businesses operate.

Here are five startups in India translating climate action into on-ground impact:

Hosachiguru

Hosachiguru is reimagining how individuals and companies engage with agriculture and land. Through managed farmland and regenerative farming practices, the company is helping restore soil health, encourage biodiversity, and make farming more viable. This becomes even more relevant in the context of rapid urbanisation. Recent studies in Bengaluru suggest there is roughly one tree for every six people, pointing to the growing pressure on urban green cover. At its core, Hosachiguru brings together sustainable agriculture and lifestyle farming, turning degraded or underutilised land into thriving ecosystems. 

Phool

Phool.co is addressing one of India’s most overlooked waste streams: floral waste from temples. The startup upcycles discarded flowers into eco-friendly products such as incense sticks, biodegradable packaging, and Fleather, a plant-based leather alternative. Its model helps reduce river pollution and creates livelihoods for women in waste collection communities.

Saahas Zero Waste

Saahas Zero Waste works with institutions, corporates, and communities to build end-to-end waste management systems. From segregation to recycling and composting, the company focuses on diverting waste from landfills and bringing it back into the circular economy.

Varaha

Varaha is focused on large-scale carbon removal through regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration. The startup works with farmers to adopt climate-positive practices that improve soil health while also generating carbon credits. Its approach connects rural livelihoods with global climate action markets.

Husk Power Systems

Husk Power Systems provides decentralised renewable energy solutions through biomass and solar hybrid mini-grids. By powering rural communities that are off-grid or underserved, Husk is helping bridge the energy access gap while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Across these startups, sustainability is embedded into everyday systems, from farms and homes to waste streams and energy access. As India’s climate challenges become more complex, these models reflect a larger shift where sustainability is becoming central to the way businesses are being built and scaled.

 

Apr 22 (BNP): India’s real estate sector has achieved a historic milestone, recording approximately $5.1 billion in investment inflows during the first quarter (January–March), marking its strongest quarterly performance to date.

The growth was primarily driven by robust participation from domestic investors and the expanding role of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are increasingly channeling capital into income-generating commercial assets.

Investment activity remained concentrated in key urban centres, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, with strong interest in office spaces, mixed-use developments, and core real estate assets.

The sector continues to demonstrate resilience amid global economic uncertainties, supported by strong domestic demand, institutional confidence, and evolving investment structures.

Experts highlight that the rising dominance of domestic capital reflects a structural transformation in India’s real estate market, moving toward a more stable, transparent, and institutionally driven investment ecosystem.

With REITs gaining further traction and investor appetite remaining strong, India’s real estate sector is expected to maintain steady growth momentum in the coming quarters.

Mumbai / Shillong, April 22: Marking a significant step in building a strong and self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem, PRIME Meghalaya hosted ‘PRIME IGNITE 2026’. Held at the Durbar Hall, Lok Bhavan, Shillong, the convergence brought together the State’s entrepreneurs and officials to showcase creativity and launch critical infrastructure aimed at empowering Meghalaya’s enterprise community.

A key highlight of the event was official launch of the ‘PRIME Annual Booklet’ and recognition of contributors and the editorial team. The publication captures a year of progress, partnerships, and impact across the PRIME ecosystem.

It also recognised the role of youth leaders in driving the State’s economic growth. Cheques and certificates were presented to the winners of the ‘PRIME Student Ambassador Contest’, reinforcing the importance of nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit at the grassroots level. The top prize was awarded to the team of College of Community Science while students from Jaintia Eastern College secured the 1st and 2nd runner up positions.

Addressing the assemblage, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Planning, Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development, stated that the State is resolutely focused on transforming the entrepreneurial landscape. She remarked,

“We don’t look at innovation as a chance thing, but we look at the word ‘ignite,’ which means ideas come from citizens, government merely supports, and government will put in all effort to ensure that your innovativeness is supported from the start of the innovation to the market levels.”

Illustrating the scale of this mission, she highlighted the initiation of 2,847 entrepreneurs in CM ELEVATE, the funding of over 885 entities, and the registration of 1,350 PRIME startups. Furthermore, she noted the active engagement with Business Facilitation Services to directly empower 459 young entrepreneurs, ensuring they receive the essential market linkages, mentorship, and financial backing required to scale their innovations from localized ideas to globally competitive businesses.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri D D Shira, MCS, Director, Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship, stated that innovation and creativity play an important role in addressing global challenges. He highlighted the transformative impact of PRIME since its inception, under the vision of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister. He noted that the system has successfully helped thousands of local entrepreneurs and enterprises by offering mentorship, financial support and market linkages. He concluded by reaffirming the State’s commitment towards strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event also saw the official launch the official launch of three key digital initiatives. The PRIME Digital Service Providers Platform (PRIME DSPP) to centralise and enhance service delivery, the Ekanbha Website to empower artisans with disabilities through sustainable e-commerce and the ONG YI delivery App, Upper Shillong’s first online home delivery service. These platforms will facilitate end-to-end support to entrepreneurs and bridge the gap between them and essential services.

Demonstrating a universal approach towards enterprise promotion and incubation, the event featured dedicated showcases from local innovators. Presentations spanned different sectors, including creative products by student teams SECZOOLOGY and Smart Tourist Spot Crowd Management; healthcare manufacturing solutions by Joy Dey’s Corale Health and Hygiene; and advanced GIS, IT, and IoT service innovations by Banaibor Kharmynthon’s Mechatron Pvt Ltd.

As Meghalaya continues to champion its local innovators, PRIME IGNITE 2026 stands as a powerful statement to the State’s commitment to economic development and empowerment.

Stamford, Conn., April 22: Gartner, Inc. announced that worldwide IT spending is projected to reach $6.31 trillion in 2026, marking a 13.5% increase from 2025, according to its latest market forecast.

The report highlights a significant acceleration in investments driven by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in infrastructure and high-performance computing systems.

“This latest forecast underscores the accelerating momentum in AI infrastructure and advanced memory,” said John-David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “As AI workloads scale, data center investment is ramping rapidly, creating strong growth opportunities for AI-optimized processors, accelerators, and enabling technologies.”

AI Infrastructure Drives Market Expansion

Among all segments, data center systems are expected to witness the highest growth, projected to surge 55.8% in 2026, reaching nearly $788 billion. This growth is fueled by rising demand for hyperscale cloud infrastructure and AI workloads.

Meanwhile, IT services are forecast to remain the largest spending category, exceeding $1.87 trillion, driven by increasing adoption of cloud services, infrastructure implementation, and managed services.

Other key projections include:

• Software spending expected to grow 15.1%, supported by rapid expansion in AI and GenAI applications
• Devices spending projected to reach $856 billion, with growth moderated by rising memory costs
• Communications services anticipated to grow steadily at 4.8%

AI and GenAI Reshaping IT Priorities

The report notes that AI-led demand is creating a multi-speed IT market, where segments such as data centers and AI-driven software are significantly outperforming traditional IT categories.

Hyperscale cloud demand is accelerating investments in servers and data centers, while Generative AI (GenAI) is driving strong growth in software, particularly in model development and enterprise AI solutions.

“Robust demand combined with supply constraints has led to record price increases in high-bandwidth memory,” Lovelock added. “This makes AI infrastructure one of the most attractive segments for investment in the IT ecosystem.”

Market Outlook and Methodology

Gartner’s forecast reflects stronger-than-anticipated growth compared to previous projections, driven by sustained momentum in AI infrastructure, software, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).

The analysis is based on extensive research covering sales data from over a thousand vendors across IT hardware, software, services, and telecommunications sectors.

As organisations continue to prioritise digital transformation, AI is emerging as a central driver of enterprise strategy, reshaping how businesses allocate technology investments and scale operations globally.

Gartner’s insights continue to guide C-level executives and technology leaders in navigating evolving market dynamics and capitalising on emerging opportunities in the AI-driven economy.

Apr 22 (BNP): Solidus has commissioned the largest captive open access solar power plant in Punjab, marking a significant step forward in the state’s renewable energy landscape.

The project is designed to provide dedicated clean power for captive consumption, reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions. By utilising the open access model, the plant enables efficient and cost-effective energy supply directly to consumers, improving energy security for industrial users.

The commissioning of this large-scale solar facility reflects the growing momentum toward renewable energy adoption among businesses, driven by sustainability goals, regulatory support, and the need for long-term energy cost stability.

With this development, Solidus strengthens its presence in the clean energy sector while contributing to Punjab’s expanding solar capacity and India’s broader transition toward sustainable power generation.

The project is expected to encourage further investments in captive renewable energy solutions, highlighting solar power as a viable and scalable alternative for industrial energy needs.

Apr 22 (BNP): NavPrakriti, an eastern India-based lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to invest over ₹1 billion (approximately $10.7 million) to establish a greenfield critical minerals refining facility in Odisha. The project marks a significant expansion of the company’s presence in India’s growing battery recycling and clean energy ecosystem.

 The proposed facility will focus on recovering key critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for essential minerals while addressing the rising challenge of battery waste management.

The company has stated that the facility is expected to become operational by the financial year 2029. Once operational, it will enhance large-scale recycling capacity and contribute to the development of a circular economy in the battery materials sector.

NavPrakriti’s expansion into Odisha reflects the increasing importance of sustainable resource recovery in India’s energy transition. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and support regional industrial growth while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

With this investment, NavPrakriti aims to play a key role in advancing India’s critical minerals strategy and supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.

New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Indian equity markets began the day on a subdued note, with benchmark indices opening lower despite positive global developments following the extension of a US-led ceasefire. Investor sentiment remained cautious, reflecting deeper economic concerns rather than immediate geopolitical relief.

 A key factor weighing on the markets is the persistence of elevated crude oil prices, which continue to hover near the $90 mark. For an import-dependent economy like India, higher oil prices pose risks to inflation, corporate profitability, and overall economic stability.

Additionally, pressure on the Indian Rupee has added to market unease, as a weaker currency increases the cost of imports and contributes to broader financial strain. Investors are also seen engaging in profit booking, while global uncertainties continue to influence capital flows.

Market movements today highlight a cautious undertone, where optimism from easing geopolitical tensions is tempered by structural economic challenges.

Beyond the indices, the impact is felt at the ground level. Rising fuel costs and currency fluctuations can translate into higher living expenses, affecting households and small businesses alike. The current environment underscores the importance of stability in energy prices and macroeconomic conditions for sustained market confidence.

Vadodara, April 22: Quest Global, one of the world’s largest independent pure-play engineering services company announced the growing impact of its dedicated engineering center in Vadodara for Integrated Asset Performance Engineering in Oil & Gas, reinforcing Gujarat’s role as a key hub for global energy engineering talent.

Operational since January 2026, the Vadodara center delivers advanced engineering solutions for global energy customers, focused on asset integrity, reliability, and performance optimization across complex energy infrastructure worldwide. The center plays a critical role in helping customers improve operational efficiency, enhance asset availability, and reduce lifecycle maintenance costs.

Located in one of India’s most prominent refining and petrochemical hubs, the Vadodara center leverages Gujarat’s deep industry heritage and strong engineering ecosystem. The region’s long-standing association with oil & gas, refining, and petrochemicals enables Quest Global to build domain‑specialized teams that work on technically complex, safety critical, and globally distributed energy programs.

As part of Quest Global’s global delivery network, the Vadodara center brings together local engineering talent and global program ownership, providing engineers with opportunities to work on international assets, large-scale industrial systems, and next-generation energy challenges.

From Vadodara, Quest Global engineering teams deliver solutions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream energy value chain, including:

• Asset integrity management for offshore and onshore energy infrastructure
• Reliability engineering and predictive maintenance programs
• Lifecycle optimization of refinery and petrochemical assets
• Performance improvement solutions for complex industrial systems

These capabilities support global energy assets, covering offshore production, onshore operations, and refining and petrochemical facilities.

Looking ahead, the Vadodara Centre of Excellence is expected to play a growing role in enabling customers to navigate evolving industry priorities around reliability, sustainability, digitalization, and operational resilience. The center also represents a long-term investment in Gujarat’s engineering talent, offering professionals opportunities to upskill & build deep domain expertise, work on global programs, and shape the future of energy engineering.

Quest Global is actively expanding its energy engineering teams in Vadodara and invites professionals with experience in oil & gas, refining, reliability, asset integrity, and industrial engineering to explore career opportunities. 

 

Apr 22 (BNP): India’s economic outlook continues to draw attention as experts highlight the dual themes of currency movement and the potential of untapped domestic wealth.

Market expert Nilesh Shah recently observed that the gradual depreciation of the Indian Rupee is a natural trend in a growing economy. He indicated that levels such as ₹100 per US dollar may be possible over time, emphasizing that such movement should be viewed in the context of broader economic fundamentals rather than immediate concern. A competitive rupee can, in fact, support exports and strengthen India’s position in global markets.

At the same time, attention has been drawn to the significant volume of gold held across Indian households—estimated at nearly $700 billion—which largely remains idle. Experts suggest that with the right policies and public trust, this gold can be monetized to support infrastructure development, economic expansion, and financial stability.

The discussion underscores the need for a balanced approach—managing external economic factors while effectively utilizing internal resources. Strengthening financial awareness, encouraging participation in monetization schemes, and building trust will be key to translating these opportunities into tangible growth.

India stands at a pivotal point where thoughtful economic strategies can help convert existing strengths into long-term, inclusive development.

New research reveals 6.1m UK workers with line management responsibility are not prepared for conversations about mental health with those they have a duty of care for.

The analysis, completed by health and safety training provider RRC International, found that one in four employees have management accountability, but 71% of them have no mental health training to support the people they look after.

This research into the disconnect between line managers and mental health training comes as data shows that mental ill health is the leading cause of long-term absence and the second most common cause of short-term absence in the workplace.

The study analysed data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) exploring health and wellbeing at work, as well as the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) data on the state of UK management and leadership. It revealed that 8.58m people have management responsibilities, yet only 29% of them are trained to support with employee mental health. This means 6.09m UK managers are currently operating with no idea on the best ways to navigate mental health conversations as they arise.

Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, says: “Mental ill health remains one of the leading causes of any type of absence from the workplace. So, it is surprising that significantly less than one third of people in a management role have the necessary training and skills required to support those who are suffering with their mental health.

“The scale of the issue is clear to see. Line managers have a duty to understand best practice in order to truly help those they have responsibility for to feel safe and supported. Without it, this can lead to enhanced stress, anxiety and a lack of belonging, and for the business poor retention rates, performance and culture.

“For many, disclosing problems can be difficult, but with the right training, line managers can help support and guide their colleagues through the process, making things easier in challenging times.”

Find out more about RRC International and how to correctly manage stress at work.