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The Indian government has taken a significant step toward strengthening the country’s shipbuilding ecosystem by granting in-principle approval to 288 shipbuilding contracts worth ₹19,748 crore, covering the construction of 456 vessels across multiple categories.

According to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the approvals were granted under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP), a key initiative designed to encourage domestic shipbuilding and enhance the competitiveness of Indian shipyards.

Financial Support to Shipyards

The government has already disbursed ₹620.57 crore in financial assistance to 23 shipyards that have completed the construction and delivery of 204 vessels under the scheme. The policy provides financial incentives to domestic shipbuilders to offset cost disadvantages and promote large-scale vessel construction within the country.

The vessels covered under the approved contracts span a wide range of maritime applications. These include tugs, general cargo vessels, bulk carriers, oil tankers, crane pontoons, heavy deck cargo vessels, Ro-Ro passenger vessels, crew boats, passenger ferries, landing crafts, and self-elevating platforms. Such diversity reflects the growing demand for both commercial and specialised maritime vessels in India’s coastal and inland shipping sectors.

New Push Through Shipbuilding Development Scheme

To further strengthen the industry, the government approved the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SBDS) in September 2025. The scheme aims to improve financing access for shipyards and expand their production capacity.

Under the initiative, the government will offer credit risk coverage to Indian shipyards and provide viability gap funding to support the expansion of existing or brownfield shipbuilding facilities. Operational guidelines for the scheme have recently been issued, enabling shipyards to begin applying for support.

Shipbuilding Sector Holds Strong Job Potential

An independent assessment of India’s shipbuilding industry conducted in 2024 highlighted the sector’s strong employment potential. According to the report, shipbuilding has an employment multiplier of 6.4, meaning that every job created in the sector can generate more than six additional jobs across related industries such as steel, engineering, logistics, and maritime services.

This indicates that expanding shipbuilding capacity could significantly contribute to both direct and indirect job creation, particularly in coastal regions where shipyards are located.

Challenges Hindering Growth

Despite its potential, the study also pointed out several structural challenges affecting the growth of the industry. These include limited domestic demand for ships, high financing costs, technological gaps, and capacity constraints within shipyards.

To address these issues and strengthen India’s position in the global shipbuilding market, the government has introduced several policy initiatives. These include the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy, the Maritime Development Fund (MDF), and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme.

₹44,700 Crore Push for Maritime Infrastructure

In a major boost to the maritime sector, the government has also notified operational guidelines for two key shipbuilding initiatives with a combined outlay of ₹44,700 crore. These programmes aim to expand India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity, modernise shipyards, and improve the industry’s global competitiveness.

Under the financial assistance framework, which has a total allocation of ₹24,736 crore, shipbuilders will receive government support ranging from 15% to 25% of the vessel cost, depending on the type and category of ship being constructed.

Long-Term Vision for Indian Shipbuilding

The government expects these initiatives to transform India’s shipbuilding ecosystem over the coming decade by attracting investment, modernising infrastructure, and increasing domestic production capacity.

Strengthening shipbuilding capabilities is also seen as essential for India’s broader maritime ambitions, including expanding coastal shipping, improving port connectivity, and supporting the country’s growing role in global trade.

By encouraging domestic ship construction and supporting shipyards financially, policymakers hope to position India as a more competitive player in the international shipbuilding industry while generating employment and boosting economic activity across the maritime sector.

Bengaluru, Mar 14: Mana Projects, a Bengaluru-based real estate developer known for its thoughtfully designed residential communities, has announced Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador alongside the unveiling of its refreshed brand identity. The association marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey as it sharpens its focus on design-led living, sustainable communities and the aspirations of modern urban homebuyers.

 The renewed brand identity reflects Mana Projects’ evolving philosophy of creating residential environments where space, design, nature, imagination and engineering come together to deliver meaningful living experiences. Anchored in the belief of building with nature rather than over it, the company continues to develop communities that integrate thoughtful architecture, ecological sensitivity and contemporary lifestyle needs.

Speaking on the milestone, D. Kishore Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Mana Projects, said:

“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community. Today’s homebuyers seek more than just an apartment; they look for thoughtfully designed spaces, meaningful community living and a deeper connection with nature. At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long-term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly.”

Commenting on the association, Ranbir Kapoor said:

“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging. What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”

The collaboration will be unveiled through a large-scale integrated campaign spanning digital, outdoor and experiential platforms, marking one of the most significant brand initiatives by Mana Projects in recent years. The refreshed identity reinforces the developer’s commitment to creating homes that inspire modern living while respecting ecological balance through innovative design, energy-efficient engineering and nature-integrated planning.

Over the past two decades, Mana Projects has built a strong portfolio of residential developments across Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road. As the city expands and a new generation of homeowners seeks well-planned communities, the developer has focused on creating amenity-rich neighbourhoods that combine functionality, sustainability and quality of life.

Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to strengthen its presence across Bengaluru by developing future-ready residential communities designed for evolving lifestyles—including hybrid work culture and multigenerational living—while integrating green environments and innovative engineering to enhance everyday living.

Pune, Mar 13: The Life Transformation Centre (LTC), a unique initiative in higher education, was inaugurated at Boribel in Daund taluka of Pune district. Established in memory of Urmila V. Karad, the revered mother of Dr. Rahul V. Karad – Initiator & Vision, Life Transformation Centre (LTC); who conceptualised the centre. The centre aims to nurture the holistic development of students by reconnecting them with nature, society, and their inner selves through experiential and value-based learning.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several distinguished leaders from government, spirituality, defence, and sports. Among the prominent dignitaries present were spiritual leader Swami Ramdev and Shri Ronjan Sodhi, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee and international trap shooter. The event was chaired by UNESCO Chair Holder Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad – Founder & Chief Patron, MAEER’s MIT, Pune; President, MIT World Peace University; and Creator of the World Peace Dome.

Video messages were shared by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dattatray Vithoba Bharne, Minister of Agriculture of Maharashtra; Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Pune; and Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, attended the event virtually.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Today’s youth face intense competition, academic pressure, and the distractions of the digital world, often drifting away from the deeper meaning of life. The Life Transformation Centre offers a powerful answer by reconnecting young people with nature, agriculture, discipline, and spirituality. As the son of a farmer, I deeply resonate with the vision of ‘Connecting the Soul to the Soil.’ When young people experience the value of soil, food, and hard work, they develop respect for farmers, nature, and society. This initiative reflects the spirit of experiential learning envisioned in India’s National Education Policy and will help nurture responsible, confident, and nation-building youth for a stronger India.”

Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of the Life Transformation Centre at Boribel, Pune. The land of Maharashtra has long been a source of inspiration for saints, social reformers, and nation builders. From the spiritual legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Maharaj to the transformative vision of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, this land has upheld the tradition of linking knowledge with service, ethics, and the welfare of society. The Life Transformation Centre, built on the pillars of Agriculture and Nature, Physical Fitness and Sports, Team Building and Leadership, Patriotism and Nation Building, and Spirituality and Peace, will help students develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and compassion.”

Swami Ramdev said, “Today, I feel immense joy to be part of the inauguration of the Life Transformation Centre. Institutions like MIT World Peace University are doing a remarkable job by nurturing not just academic excellence but also character, values, and national responsibility among young people. Educating lakhs of students and guiding them from personal development to nation-building is a great service to society. I come from a humble farming background and understand how powerful education and self-discipline can be in transforming lives. Every young person carries immense potential, but it must be guided by a larger purpose beyond personal success. We should not limit our dreams to jobs or salaries; rather, we should aspire to contribute to society and the nation. Through initiatives like the Life Transformation Centre, students will learn the importance of nature, self-discipline, health, and leadership. I congratulate Dr. Vishwanath Karad, Dr. Rahul Karad, and the entire MIT family for creating such a transformative platform for youth.”

Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Dr. Rahul Karad said, “This initiative has been envisioned as a unique platform where students can reconnect with nature, rural life, and the deeper values of Indian civilization through experiential learning. The centre is built on five pillars—agriculture and nature, spirituality and peace, sports and physical fitness, team building and leadership, and patriotism and nation building. Through this initiative, we aim to shape responsible, self-aware, and socially conscious youth. I believe this centre will serve as a transformative laboratory for education, inspiring students to contribute meaningfully to society and to the vision of a harmonious and sustainable world.”

The programmes at the Life Transformation Centre are structured around five key pillars—Agriculture and Nature, Physical Fitness and Sports, Team Building and Leadership, Patriotism and Nation Building, and Spirituality and Peace. Through these pillars, the centre aims to nurture students’ physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being while instilling a strong sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.

A distinctive aspect of the centre is its emphasis on simplicity and mindful living. In an age dominated by mobile phones, social media, and rising stress levels, the centre promotes the principle of minimalism, encouraging participants to adopt simpler lifestyles, reduce distractions, and focus on meaningful aspects of life.

By integrating nature-based learning, leadership development, and value-driven education, the Life Transformation Centre seeks to create a new paradigm in higher education. The initiative aims to empower young individuals to become responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully towards building a stronger India and a more harmonious world.

Mumbai, Mar 13: Marking the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, the traditional Maharashtrian New Year, Infiniti Mall, Malad invites visitors to celebrate the festive spirit with a vibrant Dhol Tasha Pathak performance. Known for its powerful percussion, synchronized rhythms, and electrifying energy, the performance promises to bring alive the cultural essence and festive fervour associated with the occasion.

A significant symbol of Maharashtrian celebrations, Dhol Tasha Pathak performances are known to create an atmosphere of unity, enthusiasm, and cultural pride. Visitors at Infiniti Mall will witness a lively showcase of skilled performers playing the traditional dhol and tasha drums in perfect rhythm, filling the space with celebratory beats that echo the joy and optimism of the new year.

The performance aims to recreate the spirit of festive processions that are an integral part of Gudi Padwa celebrations across Maharashtra. With the powerful beats, vibrant traditional attire, and synchronized choreography of the performers, the event will offer shoppers and families an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the state’s rich heritage.

Through such festive initiatives, Infiniti Mall continues to create engaging experiences that go beyond shopping, bringing communities together through culture, celebration, and entertainment. The Gudi Padwa celebration offers visitors a chance to pause, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and welcome the new year with positivity and enthusiasm.

Event Highlights

Date: 19th March, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM onwards

Venue: Infiniti Mall, Malad

Visitors are invited to be part of this vibrant celebration, experience the powerful rhythms of Dhol Tasha, and welcome the Maharashtrian New Year with festive energy at Infiniti Mall, Malad.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global availability of the Galaxy S26 series and the Galaxy Buds4 series. As Samsung’s third generation of AI phones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 deliver the most intuitive and proactive Galaxy AI experiences yet, helping users accomplish more with fewer steps. Following Galaxy Unpacked, the newly launched Galaxy S26 series has generated exceptional early demand, with initial pre-order figures surpassing previous records and marking a double-digit increase. The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra has quickly become the standout model, selected by more than 70% of pre-order customers worldwide.

 Galaxy S26 Ultra: Where Innovation Leads

Galaxy S26 Ultra brings together Samsung’s most advanced innovation in a single device – powerful performance, an industry-leading camera system, enhanced intuitive Galaxy AI and the world’s first mobile phone with a built-in Privacy Display.

Privacy Display, which has drawn widespread praise since its unveiling, isa breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone at a pixel level. Designed for everyday situations, hardware and software are working as one to protect privacy without compromising everyday viewing experiences.

Built for all-day performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers the most powerful performance on a Galaxy S series yet, powered by a customized mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy  with significant gains across the CPU, GPU and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.s

Galaxy S26 Ultra also features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief surfaces timely reminders for important events. A choice of agents also help users to complete tasks easier with a single button press or voice prompt.

Galaxy S26 Ultra builds on Samsung’s industry-leading camera system, seamlessly integrating capture, editing and sharing into one intuitive workflow. Nightography video, keeps footage vibrant even in low light, and Super Steady, which comes with a new horizontal lock option for greater stability, even during dynamic movement. Editing is just as easy and straight forward. With the upgraded Photo Assist, users can refine images and express their creativity by simply describing what they want in their own words, while Creative Studio empowers users to easily turn their ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalized wallpapers.

Galaxy Buds4 series: Superior Hi-Fi Sound with Computationally Designed Fit

Users can enhance the capabilities of the Galaxy S26 with the new Galaxy Buds4 series which integrated Samsung’s most advanced audio and wearability innovations together in one seamless experience. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 deliver superior hi-fi audio and everyday wearability to achieve the best listening experience across the Galaxy Buds series to date.

The Galaxy Buds4 series establishes a new iconic blade design with an engraved pinch control and ultra-sleek ergonomic fit, achieved by analyzing hundreds of millions of global ear data points and running over 10,000 simulations to optimize for all-day wearability and comfort.

Powerful hardware and software innovations on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro such as a wider woofer and an enhanced Adaptive Equalizer and Active Noise Cancellation produce rich full-spectrum sound true to the original recording. With the integration of several AI agents and intuitive hands-free controls, the Galaxy Buds4 series becomes a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone.

 

Over the decades, Chembur has been home to several iconic landmarks that once defined the suburb’s cultural, recreational and industrial identity. Today, many of these locations are gradually transforming into some of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential addresses, giving rise to a new chapter of premium housing in the micro-market. 

Chembur’s evolution mirrors the larger urban transformation seen across Mumbai where historic and industrial landmarks are being reimagined as lifestyle-driven residential destinations. Locations that were once associated with studios, factories and institutional spaces are now emerging as signature addresses, attracting leading developers and premium residential projects. 

 

One of the most prominent examples is the historic R. K. Studio, which for decades stood as a symbol of Indian cinema. The redevelopment of the studio land has drawn significant attention to the locality, highlighting how legacy land parcels can be repurposed to create modern residential spaces that blend heritage with contemporary living. The iconic Dukes Factory, once synonymous with Chembur’s industrial character, represents the broader shift in land use across the area. As older industrial units gradually made way for redevelopment, several such locations began attracting residential development, unlocking new possibilities for premium housing. 

Similarly, the presence of the prestigious Bombay Presidency Golf Club has played a key role in elevating Chembur’s residential appeal. Homes overlooking or located near the golf course have increasingly become aspirational addresses, offering residents rare green views and a tranquil lifestyle within Mumbai’s dense urban fabric. 

Commenting on the emergence of such landmark-driven residential pockets, Mr. Vijay Choraria, Managing Director, Crest Ventures Limited said “Globally, iconic landmarks often become anchors for premium residential development. In Chembur, locations around the Bombay Presidency Golf Club have evolved into distinctive residential enclaves because they offer a rare lifestyle proposition such as expansive permanent green views, exclusivity and proximity to key parts of the city. Over time, these locations naturally develop into signature addresses that homebuyers strongly associate with prestige and quality living.” 

Leading developers have recognized the potential of these landmark-driven locations and are increasingly investing in the micro-market. City’s Developers such as Godrej Properties, The Wadhwa Group, Rustomjee, House Of Hiranandani and Chandak Group have introduced premium residential developments that are reshaping Chembur’s skyline and elevating its reputation as an upscale residential destination. 

Redevelopment is further accelerating this shift. Many ageing buildings and industrial plots are being transformed into modern residential towers offering upgraded amenities and improved urban planning. 

A spokesperson from Chandak Group said, “Redevelopment has been a major catalyst in Chembur’s transformation. Several older structures and underutilized land parcels are now being reimagined as contemporary residential developments. This process is helping create luxury homes with modern amenities and better open spaces, turning previously industrial or legacy locations into premium residential addresses.”

 Improved connectivity has also strengthened the suburb’s attractiveness. Infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Monorail, along with easy access to the Eastern Freeway and major arterial roads, have enhanced Chembur’s connectivity with South Mumbai, BKC and Navi Mumbai, making it a convenient residential choice for professionals and business owners. 

As iconic locations continue to be redeveloped and reimagined, Chembur is steadily transitioning into a neighbourhood defined not just by its history, but by its new identity as a cluster of signature residential addresses. The suburb’s transformation demonstrates how legacy landmarks can become the foundation for modern, premium urban living.