PUNE: Informa Markets in India, a leading B2B exhibition organiser, convened an exclusive roundtable of industry leaders in Pune, setting the stage for the 12th edition of World of Concrete (WoC) India 2026. The landmark exhibition and conference, dedicated to advancing concrete technology, materials, and innovation, will take place from 3^rd to 5^th June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Mumbai.

As India’s only dedicated concrete-focused exhibition, WoC India uniquely brings together the entire value chain from raw materials and precast technologies to construction equipment, chemicals, and digital solutions, offering a highly specialised B2B platform distinct from broader construction expos.

The 2026 edition is expected to feature over 350+ brands and attract more than 18,000 industry professionals. With strong domestic and international participation, including dedicated European and Chinese Start-Up and Precast pavilions, the show continues to strengthen its global footprint.

The Pune roundtable witnessed participation from key regional stakeholders and industry experts, including senior leadership from Informa Markets in India. The discussion yielded critical insights into Western India’s infrastructure growth, emerging material innovations, and the growing urgency of sustainable construction practices.

The roundtable discussion featured leading voices from the construction, concrete, architecture, industrial flooring, construction chemicals and market intelligence sectors, including Mr. Manoj Deshmukh, State Secretary, Builders Association of India (BAI), Pune Centre; Prof. AR. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects Engineers & Surveyors Association (AESA) EC / EC, Mr. Ajay Singam, President, Industrial Flooring Association (IFA) & Managing Director, Avcon Technics; Mr. Suyog Keluskar, Senior Director, IGS, 1Lattice; Mr. Jaswanth Sobhana, Director-Target Market & Product Management, Sika India; Mr. Appasaheb D. Bhosle, General Manager-Engg. Div., B. G. Shirke Construction Technology, and Mr. Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director, Informa Marketsin India. Together, they deliberated on the evolving needs of India’s construction sector, with a focus on technology adoption, mechanisation, sustainable building practices, skilled manpower, durability of infrastructure and the role of industry platforms in enabling practical, future-ready solutions.

Highlighting the need for stronger industry-government collaboration to address key challenges around cost, skilling, and technology adoption, Manoj Deshmukh, State Secretary, Builders Association of India (BAI), Pune Centre, said, “India’s construction industry is at the receiving end of multiple challenges, from technology adoption and rising costs to labour-related changes, skill gaps, and payment delays. While we have evolved from contractors to constructors, the sector continues to depend heavily on human-intensive execution, making skilling, statutory recognition of engineers, and stronger industry-government dialogue critical. Despite these challenges, Indian constructors have consistently delivered complex projects with local manpower, meeting timelines and cost expectations. Platforms like World of Concrete India are important as they bring the industry together to discuss practical solutions, encourage technology adoption, and address key issues such as optimal use of resources, including water in construction.”

Emphasising the role of advanced construction chemicals, rehabilitation solutions, and digital tools in improving the durability of India’s infrastructure, Jaswanth Sobhana, Director – Target Market & Product Management, Sika India, said, “Ageing buildings and infrastructure assets in India need new-age repair and rehabilitation materials that go beyond conventional solutions. Sika is already associated with strengthening projects for important structures in Delhi, as well as bridge assessment and repair initiatives for agencies such as NHAI and Indian Railways, helping extend asset life and reduce the need for demolition and reconstruction. Durability is now becoming a key design criterion, and if structures can be built for a life of 100 years or more, it is far more sustainable than rebuilding every 20–30 years. India’s construction chemical industry is around ₹25,000 crore, but remains fragmented and largely unorganised. As a global leader, Sika continues to focus on innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation, including AI-enabled tools for concrete mix design, sand grading, and curing guidance. Platforms like World of Concrete India help bring these technologies closer to industry stakeholders and support better quality, performance-based construction practices.”

Commenting on the strong construction momentum in India, particularly across western India and emerging tier 2 and tier 3 cities, Suyog Keluskar, Senior Director, 1Lattice, said, “India’s construction sector is witnessing strong growth, with cement production expected to be around 490 million tonnes in FY26, registering year-on-year growth of nearly 8–9%. The government’s record capital expenditure allocation of ₹12.2 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026–27 is further driving development across highways, railways, logistics, and regional infrastructure. Initiatives such as PMAY Urban 2.0, which aims to create 1 crore new homes, and the development of city economic regions are shifting growth beyond tier 1 cities. Western India, especially Mumbai and Pune, continues to be a key growth region, with Pune also seeing significant momentum in high-rise and urban construction. With 55–70% blended cement usage, India is also moving towards more sustainable construction practices. As tier 2 and tier 3 cities become the next growth epicentres, concrete, construction chemicals, and new-age technologies will play a critical role in building durable, sustainable, and climate-resilient infrastructure.”

Speaking on the need for mechanisation, workforce upskilling and better labour infrastructure in India’s construction sector, Ajay Singham, President, Industrial Flooring Association (IFA) & Managing Director, Avcon Technics, said, “India’s construction industry must move closer to the way manufacturing industries operate, with better planning, mechanised processes, trained operators and improved quality of life for workers. In industrial flooring, mechanisation has already reduced team sizes from 20-30 people to around 10, while increasing productivity from nearly 150 sq. m. to 1,500 sq. m. with the same team; globally, the benchmark is around 5,000 sq. m. With labour availability expected to become a bigger challenge, the future will be driven by mechanisation, precast solutions, materials, processes, equipment, and know-how. Sectors such as data centres, currently at 1.5 to 1.6 GW with 277 facilities and expected to reach 6.5 GW by 2030, will require over 2.5 million sq. m. of flooring every year, making efficient timelines and technology adoption critical. World of Concrete India brings the right industry focus to concrete, resource efficiency, and sustainability, especially as construction moves towards higher volumes, tighter timelines, and greater dependence on technology.”

Elaborating on the need for mechanisation, modular construction, and stronger technology adoption in India’s construction sector, Mr. Appasaheb D. Bhosle, General Manager-Engg. Div., B. G. Shirke Construction Technology, said, “India’s construction sector is facing key challenges around skilled manpower, pollution, and construction waste, making a strategic shift towards mechanisation and modular construction essential. While mechanisation is necessary, it also requires trained operators and stronger industry-institute integration to meet site requirements. Technologies such as precast modular systems can reduce on-site construction, manpower deployment, and pollution, especially in dense redevelopment areas, while construction waste recycling must improve from the current 15% in India towards higher global benchmarks of 70% to 99%. With nearly 40 centres of the Indian Concrete Institute across India, platforms such as World of Concrete are important to spread awareness on technology, innovation, safety, economy, IoT, AI-driven machinery, and modern construction practices.”

Reflecting on the need for stronger awareness, policy direction, and accountability in sustainable construction, Prof. AA. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, AESA EC / EC, said, “Concrete is no longer just about contracting or material use; it now involves technology, machinery, innovation, education, and practical application. As an association representing architects, engineers, builders, and contractors for the past 55 years, we believe awareness is critical for better material adoption. The challenge is not only cost or contractor training, but also the need for clearer mandates, stronger policies, greater awareness, and localised solutions. Sustainability is often overused as a term, and there is a need to combine traditional wisdom with new-age materials, stronger specifications, and greater accountability. World of Concrete India can help build awareness, encourage moral responsibility, and support the setting of much-needed norms for the construction industry.”

Commenting on the region’s growth potential, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, stated, “India’s construction sector is scaling at an accelerated pace, with the real estate market projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. Cities like Pune are emerging as key growth engines, supported by transformative infrastructure such as the Metro and Ring Road, along with a rapidly expanding industrial base. As new corridors open up and smart city initiatives gain momentum, the demand for resilient, high-performance, and sustainable construction materials is becoming increasingly critical. World of Concrete India 2026 aims to act as a medium for this shift by enabling knowledge exchange and accelerating the adoption of advanced solutions such as geopolymer concrete. By bringing together industry expertise, innovation, and global perspectives, the platform will help drive cost-efficiency, technical advancement, and long-term, responsible growth across India’s construction ecosystem.”

Speaking at the Industry and media roundtable in Pune, Rajneesh Khattar, Sr. Group Director, Informa Markets in India, added, “With India taking significant strides towards building inclusive and sustainable infrastructure, this is a defining moment for the construction sector. World of Concrete India Expo 2026 goes beyond being just an exhibition; it is a platform where industry leadership, innovation, and actionable insights come together to shape the future of construction. Through focused industry discussions and knowledge-driven insights emerging from the platform, the show will enable stakeholders to better navigate challenges, adopt advanced technologies, and drive more efficient and sustainable construction practices. By bringing together global expertise and real-world application, we aim to accelerate the industry’s transition towards a more resilient and future-ready ecosystem.”

Construction Growth Momentum and Pune’s Strategic Role

India’s construction sector continues to expand at a strong pace, driven by increased capital expenditure, policy-led infrastructure development, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Large-scale initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline and continued public investment in roads, railways, and urban infrastructure are accelerating demand for advanced construction materials and technologies.

Within this landscape, Pune has emerged as a high-growth market, supported by industrial expansion and infrastructure-led development. Key projects such as the Pune Metro and Ring Road are unlocking new corridors, enhancing connectivity, and driving real estate and construction activity across the region.

At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift towards sustainable and technology-driven construction practices, including prefabrication, modular construction, and green building certifications such as GRIHA and IGBC. Materials like geopolymer concrete are gaining traction as the sector works towards reducing environmental impact and improving long-term resilience.

However, the sector also faces ongoing challenges, including raw material price volatility, rising energy and logistics costs, regulatory complexities, and sustainability-related cost pressures—making innovation and efficiency critical for sustained growth.

Event Highlights and Industry Participation

WoC India 2026 will serve as a high-value business and knowledge platform, enabling direct engagement between contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, and government stakeholders.

The event is supported by leading industry bodies, including the Builders Association of India, Drymortar Association, Readymix Concrete Manufacturers Association, India Concrete Institute, and the Precast Manufacturers Association of India. Prominent participating brands include Ultratech, Sika India, Jindal Panther Cement, Godrej Construction, JSW Cement, Natural Cemeco, Mapei, Chryso India, Fosroc, Nerolac, and Asian Paints, among others.

Blending knowledge with business outcomes, the exhibition will feature product showcases, live demonstrations, B2B and B2G meetings, and multiple knowledge forums. Key highlights include the CEO Conclave, Open Tech Forum, and Innovation Theatre, a dedicated Investor Zone and Startup Pavilion (both new additions), and Country Pavilions. The event will also host 12 conference sessions featuring over 100 global speakers. A major knowledge highlight this year will be an industry white paper by knowledge partner 1Lattice, focusing on emerging trends, innovations in construction materials, and the future of concrete in India.

Covering segments such as concrete and cement, precast technologies, construction equipment, construction chemicals, industrial flooring, safety solutions, AI-driven construction technologies, and digital management software, the event offers a comprehensive view of the evolving construction ecosystem.

The post Pune Industry Leaders Showcase Innovations in Sustainability Ahead of World of Concrete India 2026 appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: India’s No. 1 tractor export brand, Sonalika Tractors, has marked a strong and strategic beginning to its FY’27 journey with best-ever April overall sales of 16,223 tractors and stands tall among the highest market share gainers in the industry. This is driven by its staggering overall growth of 35.6%, and it has also beaten the industry performance of 27% growth (est). The company has continued to bank upon its farmer-first philosophy of delivering ‘Jeetne ka Dum’ in its landmark 30^th year, supported by advanced agri-innovations for greater farmer efficiency and income potential.

With record foodgrain production and increasing mechanisation after GST rate reductions, the next phase of India’s agri-growth story will be defined by a technology-led product portfolio and relentless execution speed. At a time when rural sentiment is being shaped by weather volatility and rising performance expectations, Sonalika continues to stand tall as a dependable partner to 19+ lakh farmers and ensures its high-quality tractors perform seamlessly across applications. Backed by the world’s largest integrated tractor manufacturing plant and advanced R&D capabilities, the brand continues to lead the transformation of Indian agriculture with powerful and future-ready solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited, said, “In our landmark 30th year, our highest-ever April performance of 16,223 overall tractor sales signals a strong shift towards technology-driven farming as we step into a new FY’27 journey with even greater commitment to deliver ‘Jeetne ka Dum’ to farmers. We have also clocked our robust growth of 35.6% to beat industry performance and stand tall among leading market share gainers in the industry.

The momentum we are building for FY’27 remains anchored in building sharper innovations and deepening farmer connect in India’s agri transformation. The future of farming is set to be bolder than ever, and we are ready with sharper focus, futuristic products such as Gold Series, and an unshakable commitment to strengthen Indian farmers’ aspirations.”

The post Sonalika Achieves Record April Sales of 16,223 Tractors appeared first on NRI News.

The high-profile event, which took place on Thursday, 7^th May 2026, at Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, came as part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming IsDB Group Annual Meetings and Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026), scheduled to take place from 16 to 19 June 2026, under the high patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, the Forum showcased IsDB Group services, activities, and initiatives across its 57 member countries, with particular emphasis on Azerbaijan. It highlighted the Group’s ongoing support for private sector development and its efforts to stimulate promising investment and trade opportunities in the Azerbaijani market.

The event also served as a unique opportunity, inviting the audience to participate actively in IsDB Group Annual Meetings and the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026). The program included panel discussions and specialized workshops on ways to enhance economic partnerships and the role of IsDB Group’s institutions in supporting the needs of member countries. The spectra of services, solutions, and financial tools were also presented, including lines and modes of Islamic financing, trade finance, and trade development solutions, corporate private sector financing, as well as risk mitigation solutions, plus investment insurance and export credit insurance services.

Keynote speakers, in their speeches, underlined strong commitment to deepening engagement with the private sector and fostering meaningful partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth in light of the upcoming IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, all to showcase integrated solutions especially in Islamic finance, trade, investment, and risk mitigation while working closely and collectively with private sector partners to unlock new opportunities, support innovation, and empower businesses contributing to inclusive and resilient development across IsDB Group member countries.

The post IsDB Group’s Successful Private Sector Roadshow in Baku appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: A grand inauguration ceremony of the “Vishwa Mangal Marathi Foundation” was held in an enthusiastic atmosphere on 1st May 2026 at the Fruitwale Dharamshala Auditorium in Alandi. The event witnessed a large turnout of entrepreneurs and distinguished citizens from various parts of Maharashtra, as well as from India and abroad. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Hon’ble MLA Shri Subhash Bapu Deshmukh (Solapur), renowned speaker and senior orator Shri Vivekji Ghalasasi, along with several eminent dignitaries from across the state. Specifically attending from overseas as chief guests were globally reputed entrepreneur Shri Sanjay Vayal (Eshved Biotech Pvt. Ltd.), Dr. Uday Bhosale (Scientist, London), and Shri Appasaheb Kondhare (Gold Businessman, Dubai).

The programme began with a grand Maha Pooja at the Samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj in Alandi. The temple committee felicitated the dignitaries present. Thereafter, in the presence of Warkaris, a traditional Dindi procession was taken out from the Mauli temple to the auditorium. Following this, the main event commenced at the auditorium. The dignitaries performed the ceremonial lamp lighting, and the logo and website of the “Vishwa Mangal Marathi Foundation” were officially unveiled. This moment created a wave of excitement and enthusiasm among the attendees.

In his inaugural address, Hon’ble MLA Shri Subhash Bapu Deshmukh explained the inspiration behind establishing the foundation. He stated that the “Vishwa Mangal Marathi Foundation” will work towards providing a global platform for the Marathi language, Marathi culture, Marathi schools, and Marathi businesses. Elaborating on the concepts of “Local to Global” and “Global to Local,” he urged everyone to actively participate in the foundation’s initiatives. While delivering his blessings and शुभ संदेश, Shri Vivekji Ghalasasi referred to Hon’ble MLA Subhash Bapu Deshmukh as a “goal-driven leader” and praised his inspiring 28-year journey from “Lokmangal to Vishwamangal.” He appealed to the people to strengthen Maharashtra by preserving the Marathi language, values, family traditions, and the culture of supporting one another.

An entrepreneurship panel discussion was subsequently organized, featuring dignitaries and entrepreneurs who had travelled from abroad. The session focused on the various opportunities available globally for emerging entrepreneurs in Maharashtra and guided business growth and expansion strategies.

During the ceremony, cyclists from Pandharpur’s Cycles Club, who undertook a special cycling journey from Pandharpur to Alandi carrying the social message of the “Vishwa Mangal Marathi Foundation,” were warmly welcomed and felicitated. Their initiative received appreciation from all sections of society. A special highlight of the event was the socially impactful Bharud performance titled “Burgund,” presented by young Bharud artist Krushnai Ulekar. The performance effectively showcased the foundation’s work approach and its social initiatives in an engaging manner.

Additionally, entrepreneurs who responded to the foundation’s appeal by adopting Zilla Parishad schools from various villages across Maharashtra were felicitated at the hands of the dignitaries. The first local committee of the “Vishwa Mangal Marathi Foundation” was also formally established in Alandi, and its committee members were honoured on the occasion. The programme concluded in a devotional atmosphere with the singing of “Pasaydan.” The attendees expressed confidence that the “Vishwa Mangal Marathi Foundation” will play a significant role in promoting the Marathi language, culture, and social development on a larger scale.

The post A Global Platform for Advancing Marathi Schools and Businesses appeared first on NRI News.

The report captures insights from 115 government leaders, executives, and technology decision‑makers from around the world, offering a focused view of how public sector organisations are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), data, cybersecurity, and digital foundations while grappling with challenges around scale, skills, and governance.

As governments accelerate toward a more digital, data‑driven future, the research highlights a clear shift from tactical projects to enterprise‑wide transformation. While AI and cybersecurity remain high on the agenda, leaders are placing renewed emphasis on strengthening core digital foundations, including cloud platforms, enterprise systems, data management capabilities, workforce skills, and ecosystem partnerships, to build resilience and improve service delivery in an increasingly complex environment.

The findings underscore that ambition continues to outpace execution. Many public sector organisations are still constrained by fragmented data environments, organisational silos, legacy technology debt, and talent shortages, limiting their ability to scale pilots and convert innovation into sustained, measurable impact. In response, leading governments are sharpening their technology strategies, adopting citizen‑centric design principles, and forming trusted, outcome‑focused partnerships to accelerate execution, strengthen delivery confidence, and unlock long‑term public value and trust.

Nilachal Mishra – Partner and Head, Government and Public Services, KPMG in India, said, “India’s public sector stands at a critical juncture as it moves from digital implementation to intelligent, outcome-led transformation. While AI, data, and cloud provide the technological impetus, lasting impact will depend on three foundations: robust digital infrastructure, seamless institutional integration, and trusted cross-sector partnerships. By embedding citizen-centric design, responsible AI, and resilient operating models into the core of government, India can accelerate execution, enhance public trust, and deliver long-term value at scale“.

Key findings from the Global Tech Report 2026 – Government and Public Sector include:

• 89 per cent describe themselves as technology innovators or fast followers, signaling strong transformation intent
• 86 per cent believe managing AI agents will become an important workforce skill within the next five years, reinforcing the urgency of talent and capability transformation
• 64 per cent plan to increase investment in cybersecurity over the coming year, reflecting heightened risk and threat awareness
• 59 per cent expect to increase budgets for data and analytics, many by more than 10 per cent, to improve insight‑driven decision‑making
• 55 per cent say they are getting 40 per cent or more of their financial value from foundational and core tech
• 48 per cent of government respondents say they will be deploying AI use cases into production at scale within the next 12 months
• 43 per cent admit they are hitting roadblocks in scaling digital and AI initiatives across the enterprise
• 40 per cent anticipate spending more than 40 per cent of their technology budgets on maintaining legacy environments, highlighting the drag of technical debt

Taken together, the insights point to a government and public sector at a critical inflection point. Those organisations that invest in strong digital foundations, responsible and scalable AI, cyber resilience, and workforce capability—while maintaining a human‑centric, outcomes‑driven approach—will be best positioned to deliver trusted, resilient, and citizen‑focused services in the Intelligence Age.

The post Highlights from the KPMG Global Tech Report 2026 appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Godrej Industries Group today announced a new purpose and brand identity, marking a defining moment in the Group’s evolution as it aligns its identity, strategy, and ambition for its next phase of growth. Rooted in the strength of a 129-year legacy and the energy of a Group just two years old in its new form, the new purpose and identity reaffirm both where the Group comes from and where it is going, bringing sharper strategic coherence across its diverse portfolio spanning consumer products, real estate, financial services, agriculture, and chemicals. The announcement was made at a media gathering at Godrej One, the Group’s headquarters in Mumbai.

At the heart of the refresh is a new Group purpose: “Crafting tomorrow since 1897.” It captures both the Group’s heritage and its ambition to build businesses that combine innovation with responsibility to create enduring value. This purpose was inspired by the Godrej Group’s Founder, Ardeshir Godrej, whose life embodied the power of always holding innovation and values together. The Group reiterated three core values—Inspire Trust, Create Delight, and Be Bold—that will continue to guide leadership and decision-making across the organization.

Pirojsha Godrej, Chairperson Designate, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Crafting tomorrow since 1897 reflects the belief that values and results must go hand in hand. As we scale, this philosophy will continue to guide how we build businesses that are both successful and responsible.”

The Group has demonstrated a strong growth track record, compounding both sales and net profits at over 20% CAGR over the past five years. It has outlined clear ambitions for the next phase of growth, including >15% annual sales growth and >20% EPS growth as a Group. It also expects each business to deliver >18% return on equity at steady state. The Group intends to expand from three (Consumer Products, Properties, and Agrovet) to five publicly listed platforms. These actions are expected to result in a combined market capitalization of ₹5,00,000 crore over the next five years.

The Group’s growth strategy is anchored in its long-standing belief that strong financial performance must go hand in hand with positive outcomes for society and the environment. In 2025, Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Properties were both ranked number one globally in their respective categories on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices. Building on this foundation, the Group has outlined ambitions including net-zero operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2035 and a planet-positive supply chain by 2047. The Group also aims to achieve 40% representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities across the Group over the next five years, a goal which has already been achieved by Godrej Properties and the Group’s corporate center. Additionally, in 2025, the Godrej Foundation, which owns 15% of the Godrej Industries Group, created a cash corpus that will enable it to increase its annual philanthropic spend by 5X over previous levels.

Alongside its new purpose, the Group unveiled a new brand identity crafted by DISCO, the Group’s in-house design team. The brand identity is designed to create a more unified and future-facing corporate brand system, introducing a new visual language, bespoke typography (GI Sans), a proprietary sonic identity, and a signature fragrance—creating a cohesive, multi-sensory expression across digital, physical, and experiential touchpoints. 

Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries, said, “This refreshed brand identity reflects both who we are and where we are going. It reinforces the strength of the Godrej brand while creating a more contemporary and unified expression of our ambitions for tomorrow. It enables each of our businesses to connect more powerfully to a shared purpose while remaining true to their distinct roles.”

The post Godrej Industries Unveils New Purpose and Brand Identity with Ambitious ₹5,00,000 Crore Vision for 2031 appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today said it has deployed more than 3,400 new 5G sites across Maharashtra & Goa over the last 12 months, delivering faster speeds, wider coverage, and a significantly improved network experience for customers.

The company’s network expansion across 36 districts now brings dependable, high‑speed coverage to 22 million+ customers in bustling cities, fast‑growing towns, and even remote rural villages. Thus, customers in emerging and underserved districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, and Sindhudurg are seeing the benefits of the site additions, which effectively bridge connectivity gaps, foster digital inclusion, and enable reliable access.

With more than 9 new sites going live every day, customers across the districts of Maharashtra and Goa can now count on smoother streaming, faster downloads, uninterrupted online work and learning, and more reliable digital payments—no matter where they live or travel. This enhanced 5G footprint has enabled seamless access to high-speed services that power the everyday digital needs of citizens, students, micro-businesses, tourists, and government institutions, among others. 

“Data demand across Maharashtra and Goa continues to grow rapidly, and our focus is to stay ahead by consistently strengthening our network. With the addition of 3,400+ new 5G sites, we are delivering faster speeds, wider coverage, and a more reliable experience for over 22 million customers. Our continued investments, especially in underserved districts, reflect Airtel’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps and powering the region’s digital growth with a future-ready network,” said Rabi Shankar Mishra, CEO – Maharashtra & Goa, Bharti Airtel.

Additionally, to empower customers with uninterrupted digital access across Maharashtra & Goa, Airtel now offers a fully unlimited data plan in its ₹399 recharge pack for smartphone users – designed for seamless streaming, studying, working, and staying connected, without worrying about data limits. Backed by sustained investments in network density across rural, semi-urban villages, highways, border areas, and key economic and cultural corridors, Airtel ensures robust, future-ready connectivity even in high mobility and high usage zones.

The post Airtel Expands 5G Network in Maharashtra and Goa appeared first on NRI News.

This milestone highlights a closely integrated development-to-submission model: Orbicular led the product development and technical program for this complex peptide, while OneSource supported the program as the CDMO partner, providing end-to-end manufacturing capabilities for the U.S. market filing. The collaboration is designed to ensure a reliable commercial supply from OneSource’s US-FDA-approved flagship site in Bangalore.

Neeraj Sharma, CEO & MD, OneSource Specialty Pharma Limited, speaking on the development, said: “We are pleased to announce that our partner Orbicular, along with its front-end partner (the ANDA holder), has received tentative approval for a generic version of Ozempic® (Semaglutide Injection). This milestone reflects Orbicular’s scientific expertise and OneSource’s COMO capabilities, supported by our US-FDA approved manufacturing site.”

OneSource continues to strengthen its position as a global CDMO partner for drug-device combinations, complex injectables, and specialty pharmaceutical products through strategic collaborations such as the one with Orbicular, where OneSource serves as the CDMO partner supporting manufacturing and commercial supply readiness.

The post Orbicular’s Partner Achieves Tentative U.S. ANDA Approval for Generic Ozempic® appeared first on NRI News.

This initiative acts as a catalyst for the IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ mission, evolving life insurance from a “push-product” into a grassroots necessity. By expanding its agency footprint into India’s emerging economic corridors, Axis Max Life aims to serve as a critical last-mile enabler, bridging the protection gap and driving financial inclusion.

Sumit Madan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Axis Max Life, said, “Our commitment is to ensure financial protection reaches every corner of India, starting with a tangible presence where customers are underserved. The addition of 50 offices reflects our focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets to respond directly to the protection needs of emerging India. By nurturing local advisory talent, we are creating a ‘Bharose Ka Address’ that empowers communities and enables us to meaningfully contribute to IRDAI’s vision of Insurance for All by 2047.”

Beyond insurance coverage, the ‘Bharose Ka Address’ offices will unlock significant employment opportunities for the local communities. A structured recruitment and empowerment program supports each branch, equipping new advisors with the digital tools and training necessary to deliver relevant financial advice. This hyperlocal approach ensures that financial advice is culturally resonant and seamlessly integrated into the unique financial journeys of households across the country.

While this rollout is a key FY26 milestone, ‘Bharose Ka Address’ represents a long-term commitment to India’s protection ecosystem. This expansion provides the foundational infrastructure to support a future-ready agency network capable of delivering consistent, high-quality protection solutions.

The post Axis Max Life Launches 50 New Agency Offices in Tier 2 and 3 Markets appeared first on NRI News.

BENGALURU: In the presence of His Excellency Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Scania Commercial Vehicles India today inaugurated its new corporate office in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in strengthening its footprint in the country. Reinforcing its long-term commitment to India, Scania also confirmed that its Regional Product Centre (RPC) in Narasapura remains fully operational with end-to-end capabilities, supporting customers with tailored solutions across key segments.

Building on the strong momentum following the recent launch of Scania Super in India, the company also announced the introduction of a white-label financing program in partnership with Axis Bank. This initiative is aimed at providing customers with accessible and competitive financing solutions for purchasing Scania trucks in India. Together, these developments reflect Scania’s continued focus on expanding its presence, strengthening its ecosystem, and building a more locally anchored and responsive business to meet evolving customer needs.

As the commercial vehicle sector places increasing emphasis on uptime, efficiency, and business resilience, Scania is strengthening both its market presence and the support ecosystem around its customers. The new Bengaluru office plays a key role in this effort by enabling stronger collaboration, faster decision-making, and closer engagement with customers, dealer partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. It also serves as a hub for attracting and nurturing a strong talent pool, bringing together skilled professionals who will drive innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth for Scania in India.

Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, said: “It is a pleasure to witness this important milestone for Scania in India. The inauguration of the new Bengaluru office reflects not only Scania’s continued commitment to the market but also a strong vote of confidence in India’s growth and long-term potential.

Sweden and India share a deep and expanding partnership, built on collaboration across trade, innovation, and sustainability. This occasion is a strong example of how our countries are working together to drive meaningful progress.

Scania’s focus on future-ready mobility solutions and sustainable development aligns closely with our shared ambition to enable innovation-led industrial growth. I am confident that initiatives like this will further strengthen collaboration between our businesses, institutions, and people, deepening ties between Sweden and India in the years ahead.”

Silvio Munhoz, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd., said: “India is a strategically important market for Scania, and our focus is on building a business that is closer to customers, faster in response, and stronger in execution. The new Bengaluru office not only enhances our ability to collaborate more closely with customers and partners but also strengthens our access to a highly skilled talent pool, enabling us to build a future-ready organization. We are honoured to have His Excellency, the Ambassador of Sweden to India, inaugurate this important milestone. At the same time, our Regional Product Centre in Narasapura remains fully operational with end-to-end capabilities, continuing to support customers with tailored solutions. Through our partnership with Axis Bank, we will be able to offer structured financing solutions that make it easier for customers to invest in high-performance Scania trucks and expand their operations.”

Martin Stahlberg, Senior Vice President Asia and Oceania at Scania CV AB, said: “From a global perspective, India represents a key market for Scania’s long-term growth and capability development. The inauguration of our Bengaluru office reflects our commitment to strengthening our local presence while enhancing how we support customers and partners in the region. We are honored by the presence of His Excellency, the Ambassador of Sweden to India, which highlights the strong and evolving partnership between Sweden and India. This milestone reinforces our focus on building sustainable capabilities and delivering long-term value in markets that are central to Scania’s global growth journey.”

Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said: “As the commercial vehicle market evolves towards higher efficiency and sustainability, financing plays a critical role in enabling operators to invest with confidence. Through Scania Financing, powered by Axis Bank, we are combining strong product capability with structured financing expertise to support long-term fleet growth. This partnership reinforces our focus on building solutions-led ecosystems that create durable value for customers.”

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the office reflects Scania’s intent to operate with greater proximity to the market while reinforcing its long-term commitment to India. It will serve as a hub for key functions, supporting closer coordination across teams and enabling greater agility and responsiveness in a market that continues to be central to Scania’s regional ambitions.

The new office was inaugurated in the presence of senior Scania leadership, key customers, dealer partners, senior members from Business Sweden, and finance partners. Designed in line with the Scania Way and Swedish open work culture, the office features collaborative layouts, functional design, and sustainability-focused elements such as energy-efficient lighting, climate control systems, and the use of sustainable and recyclable materials where feasible.

The post Scania Expands Its Customer Ecosystem in India with New Corporate Office in Bengaluru appeared first on NRI News.