AAPI

DELHI, October 2026

Index of this Newsletter

INDIA

INDIA & THE WORLD

21. BRICS at 20: How big it is, and why it matters to India and the world
22. &T expects more modular infra business after Australian project success
23. Indian founders create $560 bn in overseas unicorn value: Report
24. Underwater solar panels generate power at 10-metre depth
25. Nobel Peace Prize 2026 awarded to Indian-origin Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay

* * *

DELHI, October 2026

NEWSLETTER, October 2026

INDIA

– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.

1. Meet the small-town women building big businesses across India

India Today, September 3 2026, Roshni Chakrabarty

Entrepreneurship stories in India often focus on big cities, venture capital and technology startups.

But far from the spotlight of startup hubs, many women from small towns and modest backgrounds are quietly building businesses that create jobs, solve local problems and support their communities.

Their journeys are not about overnight success. Instead, they are stories of persistence, learning, and courage—starting small, overcoming financial challenges, and slowly building something sustainable.

Three such entrepreneurs show how determination and the right support systems can transform dreams into thriving businesses.

TURNING A SMALL ONLINE STORE INTO A GROWING BUSINESS

In Chennai, Thamarai Selvi's business journey began during the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Inspired by videos she watched online, she started selling decorative products such as clay lamps, ice-cream sticks and banana leaf items through online marketplaces.

The business began with a modest investment of just Rs 8,000.

Selvi and her husband sourced products from local shops and wholesalers, gradually building an inventory of hundreds of items. In the first month, their revenue was just Rs 1,500.

But they followed strict financial discipline—reinvesting every rupee back into the business.

They expanded their reach through platforms like Amazon and IndiaMart while promoting their brand through Instagram and Facebook.

Growth did not come without setbacks.

At one point, nearly 30 per cent of orders were returned, often because of damaged items. The couple carefully studied return patterns and improved quality checks to reduce losses.

Over time, their persistence paid off.

Today, their business, Heena Home Decors, processes around 100 orders a day, has built a large inventory, and employs several staff members.

With mentorship and a bank loan secured in 2024, Selvi closed the previous financial year with a turnover of Rs 56 lakh and expects further growth.

BUILDING A MANUFACTURING BUSINESS FROM SCRATCH

For Bharati from Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, entrepreneurship once seemed like a distant dream.

Coming from a financially struggling family, she worked hard to complete a degree in computer science.

Her husband, Sivakumar, spent years working at a manufacturing company, and together they dreamed of starting a business of their own.

But financial constraints repeatedly forced them to put the idea off.

With guidance and training through entrepreneurship programmes, Bharati eventually secured a bank loan that allowed her to establish Sri Ganapathy Industries in 2023.

The company manufactures metal components used in heavy vehicles and industrial equipment.

Bharati manages finances carefully, tracking expenses and revenue in real time while using digital tools to streamline operations.

The results have been encouraging.

Within a short period, the business has grown steadily, receiving regular orders from clients and employing several workers.

What once felt like an impossible dream is now a growing enterprise contributing to the local economy.

A PHYSIOTHERAPIST WHO BUILT A MANUFACTURING UNIT

In Wardha, Maharashtra, Dr Tanvi Pande took a different path to entrepreneurship.

Trained as a physiotherapist, she spent years visiting patients' homes for therapy sessions.

During this time, she noticed something important: many patients struggled to access high-quality orthopaedic rehabilitation products.

Few local manufacturers produced specialized aids.

Seeing the gap, she decided to start her own manufacturing unit.

The journey was not easy. Navigating bank paperwork and securing financial support proved difficult at first.

But with mentoring and training support, she eventually secured funding and launched Shri Sai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Aids.

Today, her unit manufactures products such as specialized footwear for medical conditions, splints and prosthetic aids.

The venture is now the only manufacturer of such rehabilitation aids in Wardha, making customized medical products accessible locally.

Her business has also created jobs for several people in the community while supporting patients recovering from injuries and surgeries.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF STARTUP STORY

The journeys of these women highlight a different face of entrepreneurship in India.

Their businesses may not make headlines like venture-funded startups, but they create something equally valuable—stable livelihoods, local innovation, and community impact.

From selling handcrafted decor products online to manufacturing industrial components and medical aids, these entrepreneurs are proving that success does not depend on geography.

Sometimes, it simply begins with a small idea, a willingness to learn and the courage to start.

This Women's Day, their stories remind us that India's entrepreneurial energy is not limited to its metros.

It thrives in small towns, workshops, homes, and local factories—led by women quietly building the future.

2. India’s battery storage additions jump 83-fold to 8.2 GWh in H1 2026

Financial Express, 26 Sep. 2026, Saurav Anand

India’s battery energy storage system (BESS) installations surged over 83-fold to 8.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the first half of 2026 from just 98.4 megawatt-hours (MWh) a year earlier, with more than 88% of the country’s entire operational battery storage capacity commissioned in just six months.

The sharp acceleration pushed cumulative installed capacity to 9.3 GWh at June-end.

The surge marks a significant shift in India’s battery storage deployment. The country added 8,200 MWh during January-June, against less than 100 MWh in the corresponding period last year, according to Mercom India Research’s ‘Q2 and 1H 2026 Energy Storage Landscape’ report. This indicates that the overwhelming majority of India’s existing operational battery capacity was installed in the first half of the current calendar year.

Project tendering also gathered pace, with 28 GW of battery storage capacity tendered during the first six months, an increase of 86% year-on-year. The sharp rise in tendering indicates a substantial expansion in projects being offered for development beyond the capacity already commissioned.

However, the 28-GW tendering figure represents power capacity, while the 9.3-GWh operational figure represents energy storage capacity. The two are not directly comparable.

Standalone battery storage systems dominated operational capacity, accounting for 83% of the cumulative installations at June-end. The remaining capacity comprised battery systems integrated with renewable energy projects, including solar-plus-storage, solar-wind-storage and floating solar installations with battery storage.

The dominance of standalone projects highlights their substantial contribution to India’s battery storage expansion, even as renewable-linked storage systems form part of the installed portfolio.

Rajasthan emerged as the largest battery storage market, accounting for 36% of the country’s cumulative installed capacity. The state accounted for more than a third of the operational market at the end of the first half.

3. Tech that boosts farmers' income is real innovation: Haryana CM

Asianet News Central, 24 Sep. 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said that technology that reduces a farmer’s input costs, lowers the need for manual labour and increases returns from crops is the real innovation for farmers. The true success of any technology should be reflected in the farmer’s account book. He said that technology is useful for farmers only when it is affordable, easy to use and can also be repaired locally in or around villages.

The Chief Minister was addressing the closing session of the fifth ‘Innovative Farmers’ Meet’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, on Wednesday. On the occasion, he inaugurated and visited an exhibition of agricultural machinery and interacted with progressive farmers. He said the distinctive feature of the Innovative Farmers Meet was that discussions were not confined to big cities or conference halls, but were being taken directly to farmers.

Addressing Agricultural Challenges

According to a release, the Chief Minister said that agriculture today faces serious challenges such as weather uncertainties, increasing water scarcity and deteriorating soil health. Therefore, there is a need to move towards farming practices that can withstand changing conditions while increasing farmers’ income.

ANI - Video

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini participates in CII innovative farmers mela

He said paddy and wheat cultivation is particularly significant in the region. Measures such as direct seeding of rice, crop-specific micro-irrigation and land levelling can prove useful. He urged farmers to test their soil and use fertilisers according to their land's requirements. He also emphasised maintaining soil fertility through crop diversification, organic matter and scientific advice.

Making Technology Accessible

The Chief Minister said that small farmers cannot afford to purchase every expensive machine individually. Therefore, farmer groups, cooperative societies, and centres that rent machinery play an important role. The benefits of one machine should reach multiple farms.

He said village youth should be trained to operate and repair farm machinery and provide agriculture-related services. This would help reduce farmers’ costs while also creating new employment opportunities in villages.

Focus on Crop Diversification and Industry Support

Saini also called for greater focus on crop diversification. He said that wherever conditions are suitable, farmers should explore cultivating pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and other appropriate crops. He urged industries to support farmers by providing training on quality and food safety standards and helping them connect with better markets.

Government Initiatives and Farmer Welfare

The Chief Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, farmers’ welfare is a government priority. The government is committed to increasing farmers’ income, expanding irrigation facilities, promoting natural farming, encouraging crop diversification and integrating agriculture with technology.

He said that around 2 lakh farmers have registered 3 lakh acres of land on the portal launched to promote natural farming. Of these, verification of 23,930 farmers for adopting natural farming on 44,000 acres has been completed. During 2025-26, farmers adopted natural farming on 20,727 acres in the state.

The Chief Minister said that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, farmers receive a 75 per cent subsidy to install solar pumps, and 1.95 lakh solar pumps have been installed so far.

He said the government has provided an incentive of Rs 1,200 per acre for proper management and baling of paddy stubble. So far, Rs 907 crore has been provided as subsidy to 10 lakh farmers. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

4. Turning agriculture into an engine of prosperity

Hindustan Times, Sep. 17. 2026 Ajay Khanna

Recently, I visited a friend's farm where he has spent years developing an organic and natural farming enterprise. Through sustainable practices, careful breeding, and chemical-free inputs, he produces high-quality farm products that meet global standards. His produce is pure, traceable, and responsibly grown. Yet, despite this commitment, he struggles to scale. The reason is limited access to reliable markets. He lacks strong links to organized retail, export channels, and professional branding platforms. Organic farming costs more than conventional production, but he cannot consistently secure premium prices. His experience reflects a broader challenge in Indian agriculture. While farmers show dedication and produce quality, the systems that connect them to value and consumers remain weak.

Every major trade agreement that India negotiates carries a significant agricultural dimension, reflecting how closely farming is linked to economic strategy, food security, and political stability. Industry estimates suggest the global agri-food market—covering farming, food processing, logistics, retail, and exports—is worth over $8 trillion. Despite being one of the world's largest producers of agricultural commodities, India accounts for only about 2.5-3% of global agricultural trade. This gap highlights the scale of untapped opportunity.

India needs a fresh approach that connects farmers to markets, rewards quality, and builds globally competitive value chains. At the same time, efficiency must improve by moving more people into higher-value activities such as processing, supply chains, logistics, packaging, branding, and agri-services. In effect, India must build a modern agri-business ecosystem. Agriculture must be repositioned as a modern, market-driven, innovation-led enterprise.

By market size, India's agriculture sector is often estimated at around $600 billion. With the right policies, investments, and market integration, there is no reason this cannot double to $1.2 trillion in the coming years—and expand further thereafter. This growth will come from higher productivity, greater value addition, stronger exports, services, and innovation across the agri-business ecosystem. Here are 10 ideas that emerged from a recent PAFI roundtable.

First, put farmers at the Centre of value creation. Farmers must be partners in processing, branding, and marketing—not merely suppliers of raw produce. Strong farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives are essential for scale, bargaining power, and access to capital.

Second, improve coordination between the Centre and states. India should consider a high-level institutional mechanism to harmonize agricultural policies, reduce fragmentation, and promote best practices.

Third, build trust through transparent policymaking. All stakeholders—farmers, entrepreneurs, government, and industry—must see each other as partners. Reforms should be consultative, predictable, and clearly communicated so they are not viewed with suspicion.

Fourth, strengthen market access and global integration. India must safeguard farmers domestically while positioning its produce internationally through better trade facilitation, export platforms, and certifications.

Fifth, move decisively up the value chain. India's value addition in agriculture is barely around 10%. Exporting raw produce while importing processed goods is a missed opportunity. We must promote branded, packaged, and premium products.

Sixth, build world-class post-harvest infrastructure. Cold chains, storage facilities, logistics hubs, and modern mandis are essential to reduce wastage and stabilize prices.

Seventh, leverage technology at scale. Digital marketplaces, AI-based advisory tools, precision farming, and blockchain-enabled traceability can help farmers meet global standards consistently.

Eighth, make agriculture aspirational and future-ready. Modern farming integrates data, finance, logistics, branding, and sustainability. Present it as a high-potential professional career.

Ninth, attract startups and long-term investment. With stable regulation, reliable infrastructure, and predictable policies, agri-business can become a key investment destination.

Tenth, encourage honest and open conversations beyond politics. India needs more open discussions on agriculture—beyond ideology and electoral considerations—guided by evidence and long-term national interest.

We must shift from politics to economics, from survival to competitiveness. Policy must be guided by data, market signals, and long-term productivity—not short-term populism. "Grow Global Farming" is not a slogan. It is a strategy for prosperity. This journey must begin now—with farmers at its core. If India succeeds, agriculture will become an engine of prosperity.

Ajay Khanna is cofounder of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI). The views expressed are personal

5. Women in Indian agriculture: From participation to systemic leadership

The Economic Times, September 14 2026

Agriculture and Women's Role. Agriculture is not merely an economic activity; it underpins human civilisation. The story of agriculture is incomplete without recognizing women's role in sustaining farming systems across generations. Across societies, women have long contributed to food production, processing, and stewardship—roles formal economic narratives often under-recognise. Historical scholarship and anthropological evidence suggest that women were among the earliest managers of household food systems, gathering wild foods, identifying edible plants, and preserving seeds. These early practices contributed to crop domestication and the evolution of farming systems that supported stable food supplies and community nutrition.

In India, this relationship is reflected in rural livelihoods and cultural memory. The imagery of Annapurna—the provider of nourishment—symbolizes the deep connection between women and food systems. From ensuring household food security to managing livestock and conserving agro-biodiversity, women have historically safeguarded traditional food crops, kitchen gardens, and indigenous livestock practices that support dietary diversity and community resilience. Their knowledge of food preparation, storage, and seasonal nutrition has been central to maintaining intergenerational food traditions.

Today, policy and development discourse increasingly recognizes the significance of this role. As agri-food systems confront climate change, nutritional security, and rural transformation, strengthening women's access to knowledge, technology, institutions, and markets has become vital for building resilient and inclusive agricultural systems. Recognizing women's historical contributions provides a foundation for designing policies and innovation systems that build on this legacy of knowledge and stewardship, enabling women to shape the future of agriculture.

Historical Continuity of Women in Agriculture: Women's role in agriculture has deep historical roots. Anthropological evidence highlights their knowledge of plant gathering, seed selection, and cultivation practices as central to early crop domestication and the emergence of settled agriculture. In many early societies, women's understanding of local ecosystems, seasonal cycles, and plant diversity contributed significantly to sustainable farming systems and community nutrition.

Ancient Indian literature also reflects women's engagement in agrarian life. During the Vedic period, people symbolically linked agricultural fertility and food production with feminine power. The Sanskrit term duhitr, often translated as "daughter," literally means "one who milks cows," highlighting young women's role in dairy work. Cultural traditions, including agricultural festivals, recognized women's contributions to both production and the celebration of abundance, linking agricultural work with community life.

Classical texts such as Kautilya's Arthashastra acknowledge women as cultivators, agricultural labourers, and tenants who managed food stocks, seed reserves, and livestock products.

These historical references underline women's enduring role in linking agricultural production with nutrition security, biodiversity conservation, and the transmission of food-related knowledge.

Women and the transformation of rural economies: In recent decades, Indian agriculture has changed significantly, bringing women's role into sharper focus. Male labour migration from rural areas, the predominance of smallholder farming, and the growing importance of livestock and allied activities have contributed to what is often described as the feminisation of agriculture, with women assuming greater responsibility for farm management and household-level decision-making, continuing the tradition of Shram Shakti.

Women's collective participation in rural institutions has also expanded significantly. The Self-Help Group (SHG) movement, linking more than 100 million women across India, is one of the world's largest grassroots women's networks. These groups have improved access to credit, diversified livelihoods, and strengthened women's participation in local economic activities. Such collective efforts resonate with the long-standing Indian ethos of sahakarya (cooperation) and community stewardship in rural life.

Women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives are emerging as important platforms for strengthening market participation and value addition. Across sectors such as dairy, food processing, and small-scale agri-enterprises, women entrepreneurs are increasingly contributing to rural economic growth. These initiatives echo the traditional recognition of women as custodians of dhanya (grain and abundance) within household and community economies.

Recent initiatives such as Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, and women-led water user associations further illustrate the expanding scope of women's engagement in technological innovation, resource management, and community leadership within agriculture. They represent a contemporary expression of Nari Shakti shaping the future of rural development and agricultural transformation.

Together, these developments point to an important shift: women are increasingly shaping the evolving structure of rural economies and agri-food systems. In this evolving landscape, women farmers continue the legacy of the traditional Annadata, sustaining both livelihoods and nutrition security for society.

Institutional response: the role of ICAR. As the apex body of India's agricultural research and education system, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has progressively integrated gender perspectives into research, education, and extension programmes. Through its network of research institutes, agricultural universities, and extension centres, ICAR plays a central role in shaping the country's agricultural innovation system and ensuring that scientific advances reach farmers, including women farmers. This effort aligns with the broader vision of strengthening women as knowledge partners within India's agri-innovation ecosystem.

Establishment of the ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (CIWA) in 1996 marked a milestone in understanding gender roles in agriculture and developing strategies to strengthen women's participation in agricultural development. Research within the ICAR system has identified technological and institutional innovations that boost women's productivity, reduce drudgery, and recognise women's long-standing experiential knowledge in farming and food systems—knowledge often passed down across generations in rural communities.

Progress is also visible in the development of women-friendly agricultural tools and technologies, including improved farm implements and mechanization options designed to ease labour-intensive operations such as transplanting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. These innovations help transform traditional shrama (labour) into more efficient, dignified work for women farmers.

The ICAR system further supports a vast research, education and extension network through 113 research institutions, 80 agricultural universities and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country. Through training programmes, demonstrations, field-level capacity building, value chain development, entrepreneurship, and more, this institutional landscape increasingly engages women farmers and women-led community resource persons. In several states, women extension workers such as Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis, promoted under Government of India and state livelihood initiatives, are trained through KVKs to disseminate improved agricultural and livestock practices within rural communities. These grassroots knowledge networks reflect the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, where shared knowledge strengthens farming communities' collective resilience.

Equally notable is the growing presence of women within the agricultural knowledge system. Female participation in agricultural education has risen sharply over the past decade. In 2023–24, women made up about 46 per cent of undergraduate students, nearly 49.5 per cent at the postgraduate level, and over 53 per cent of PhD scholars in agricultural universities—up from less than one-fourth of enrolment in the mid-2000s. This growing participation signals the emergence of a new generation of women scholars and innovators in agriculture.

A similar trend is visible in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), where the share of women scientists rose from about 7.9 per cent in 2006–07 to over 41 per cent in 2023–24. This growing presence reflects women's expanding role not only as farmers and entrepreneurs but also as scientists and leaders within agricultural innovation systems. In many ways, it reflects Shakti's unfolding within India's scientific and agricultural institutions.

To further mainstream women's role in the agri-food system, ICAR launched the Gender Strategy for National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension System (ICAR Gender Strategy DKMA October 7- Revised-CIWA-1.pdf) in 2025. The Government of India has also launched several programs and schemes to support women in the agri-food system at scale. These initiatives reinforce the national commitment to empowering women as central actors in sustainable and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Towards a Gender-Responsive Agricultural Innovation System: Looking ahead, strengthening women's leadership in agriculture will require a fundamental shift in the design of agricultural innovation systems. Technologies must reduce drudgery while improving productivity; extension systems must reach women farmers directly through digital and community-based platforms; and farmer institutions and value chains must enable women to participate as entrepreneurs and leaders.

At the same time, agricultural education and research systems must nurture a new generation of women scientists, innovators, and professionals. Women farmers also play a critical role in conserving agro-biodiversity, sustaining local and underutilized food systems, and advancing regenerative and conservation-oriented farming practices that are increasingly important in the context of climate change reflecting the long-standing cultural ethos of harmony between prakriti (nature) and agricultural livelihoods.

Advancing this transformation requires a clear strategic focus—strengthening women's leadership in agricultural institutions, expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises across agri-value chains, and embedding gender perspectives across research, extension and policy systems. ICAR and other organisations play a key role in enabling this shift by generating knowledge, building capacity, and supporting innovation systems that strengthen women's agency across agri-food systems. Such a transition will be central to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems in the decades ahead. In this journey, empowering women farmers remains integral to sustaining the spirit of Annadata and ensuring long-term food and nutrition security for society.

The write is Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India

- Agriculture, Fishing and Rural Development

6. Farmer noticed one unusual rice plant, selected its seeds for years and developed a paddy variety yielding 8,000 kg per hectare

The Economic Times, Trending Desk, September 10 2026

Indrasan Singh, a farmer from Inderpuri village in Udham Singh Nagar district, developed a paddy variety after noticing an unusual plant growing among a crop of Ratna rice. What began as a single plant eventually became a farmer-bred variety that was cultivated beyond his own fields and later received support for further development.

Singh had been active in India's freedom movement in 1942 and spent 18 months in the Gonda and Gorakhpur jails. After Independence, the Government of India allotted him about 15 acres of land in Inderpuri, where he settled and began cultivating it.

The area was initially difficult to farm because it was covered by forest and affected by mosquitoes and algae. Singh gradually made it cultivable.

From freedom fighter to farmer-innovator

Singh was a prominent member of his community and was elected village Sarpanch eight times. Although his formal education ended after Class 5, he later joined the Uttar Pradesh Seeds and Tarai Development Corporation Limited.

In 1972, he received a Tamra Patra from then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in recognition of his contribution to the freedom movement.

During the 11th Shodh Yatra, held from May 26 to June 4, 2003, members of the Honey Bee Network visited Singh at his home and honoured him for his work. The group then decided to recommend his contribution for national recognition by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF).

Singh also recalled meeting Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle in Meerut jail, although in his later years he said his memory had weakened and he could no longer remember all past events.

One unusual Ratna plant led to the new paddy variety

The development of the variety began when Singh obtained a few seeds of the Ratna variety from Pantnagar University around eight years before the account was documented.

After planting them, he noticed that one plant looked different from the others in its shape and structure. He marked the plant and harvested its seeds separately.

The plant produced eight spikes, and Singh kept the seeds safely stored for the following season.

He planted those seeds again the next year and paid particular attention to the resulting plants. Singh continued this selection process for four years.

Eventually, he planted seedlings grown from the selected seeds on half an acre of land. The harvest surprised him, with the crop yielding 32 quintals per acre.

'Indrasan' paddy was reported to have high yield

The farmer-bred paddy variety was named "Indrasan". According to the account, it yielded about 8,000 kg per hectare, which was described as high compared with conventional paddy varieties.

The variety was also reported to have higher crop efficiency and grain recovery than other varieties, and the starch produced was described as superior in quality.

One distinguishing feature was its red-coloured roots.

The crop matured in about 120 days and grew to a height of around 80 to 100 cm, with spikelets of equal length. The variety was also reported to have higher disease resistance than traditional varieties.

Neighbouring farmers helped spread the seeds.

Singh's neighbours helped expand cultivation by planting the seeds on their own farms. Farmers who received the seeds later reported higher yields and better-quality grain than commercially cultivated paddy varieties.

Singh subsequently distributed seeds to farmers in other districts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The variety eventually appeared on the standard seed price list, while Singh converted his farm into a seed farm with assistance from Pantnagar University.

Dr Harvera helped move the variety towards wider use

Dr Harvera was among those who supported Singh's efforts to advance the variety towards commercialization.

Singh also received support from his family, particularly when he had to set aside about one acre of cultivable land to develop the variety.

Wider recognition followed after Kisan Bharti, a magazine associated with Pantnagar Agricultural University, published an article about his innovation in the mid-1970s. The publication helped raise awareness of Singh's work and reportedly led to hundreds of letters from northern Indian states.

Farmer innovation draws national attention.

Singh's story was later identified during the Honey Bee Network's Shodh Yatra as an example of a farmer developing and spreading a crop variety through his own selection and experimentation.

The decision to recommend him for national recognition reflected the extent to which the variety had moved beyond his own farm. According to the account, it had spread across thousands of hectares of the Indo-Gangetic plains, making it one of the early farmer-developed varieties to achieve such diffusion.

7.1. From barren land to ₹1 crore thriving avocado business — how Bhopal youth explored market, farming after UK education

Livemint, September 6 2026

Avocado, the superfood with immense health benefits, caught the attention of UK-educated marketing graduate Harshit Godha. This popular fruit became a turning point when he noticed higher market demand than supply and decided to solve the problem. From importing seeds to running ₹1 crore business, let's trace the journey of the Director and CEO of Galil Avo India.

What sparked curiosity was the label "Sourced from Israel", this was a life-changing moment that motivated him to explore avocado farming techniques and directly reach out to Israeli farmers. At the time, Harshit was 22 and interning in London. To disrupt the market, he spent a month in Israel learning about the industry, The Better India reported.

Determined to do something big after gaining hands-on experience, he completed his studies and returned to India. To produce the superfood locally, he invested ₹50 lakh in the venture in 2019. He transformed 5 acres of barren land in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, into a thriving avocado orchard using a hydroponic system.

Despite bureaucratic hurdles, delays, and multiple roadblocks, Harshit paid no heed and, after a three-year wait, imported his first 1,800 saplings. Alongside this, he wrote blogs and an e-book, shared his journey on social media, started a YouTube channel to guide aspiring avocado farmers, answered farmers' questions, and built a community around avocado farming.

He established the Indo-Israel Avocado Nursery business in Bhopal in 2021 which has now houses over 20,000 plants. Although farmers in Gujarat, Assam and Sikkim also grow this fruit, his nursery-grown plants deliver better results thanks to advanced technology, ensuring high-quality, disease-resistant avocado plants.

Israel versus India avocado farming methods

In an interview with the BBC, he said his venture, now valued at ₹1 crore, has supplied around 18,000 avocado plants to farmers across India, all of which are international varieties like Hass and Pinkerton.

Traditionally, farmers in India planted avocado trees among other crops for shade. "Israel grows avocados on approximately 13,000 hectares - a small country with almost no rainfall for eight months of the year. This is precisely why Israeli avocado technology is the most advanced in the world," BBC quoted Godha as saying.

Describing the challenges that come with running a commercial orchard, he said, "When you put in a professional orchard, you have to know the techniques of pruning. A tree can grow up to 25 feet within six to seven years, and harvesting at 25 feet is next to impossible." According to Godha, Israel follows farming methods that differ greatly from the traditional way of cultivating avocados in India.

Besides "aggressive" pruning for a convenient height, several factors must be considered when planting avocados. Pointing to a botanical detail that can make or break a profitable, high-yielding orchard, he added, "An avocado tree cannot easily pollinate itself. To get fruit two different varieties of avocado trees have to be planted right next to each other. One variety needs to be open as a female at the same time the other variety is releasing pollen as a male."

7.2. PM Modi's avocado pitch: How a Kadapa farmer turned crop crisis into a boon

NDTV, September 4 2026, Ashish Pandey

Some 450 km from Hyderabad, a farmer has tried something unique, as mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a recent Instagram reel.

During his Mann Ki Baat address, the PM highlighted the rising popularity of avocados in India, with farmers turning the emerging crop into a source of higher income.

In the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, broadcast on August 30, Modi highlighted the journey of Karpa Varadaraj, a farmer from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, who adopted avocado cultivation after learning about the crop through YouTube and exposure to another farm.

We reached Pulivendula in Kadapa, known for its dry climate and limited cropping options, and met 30-year-old Varadaraj, who has produced nearly four tonnes of avocados and now supplies the fruit to local shops.

Before 2022, Varadaraj and his family, which includes his elderly mother, wife Pramila, two daughters, and a son, grew tomatoes and bananas as their trusted crops, but that year he faced not only crop issues but also lower market prices.

That pushed Varadaraj to try a new crop. He used YouTube to learn about avocados and travelled to Karnataka for scientific advice.

Varadaraj says, "My family initially wasn't convinced by my idea of growing avocados. They told to continue with regular crop plantation. But I went ahead and planted avocado saplings on my farmland four years ago. Since March this year, my orchard has finally borne fruit and also money, which has brought back happiness in my family."

Varadaraj is using direct marketing and has transformed earnings from the farmer's holdings.

But for him, the best has come from far off Delhi with the

Prime Minister reference, and he cannot thank him enough.

He says, "The PM's mention has brought him much happiness and more attention and now he has all the limelight among family friends and villagers."

PM Modi has noted that avocados are increasingly appearing on dining tables and gaining traction in health and premium markets.

He linked the trend to opportunities for farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops and connect directly with consumers.

The Prime Minister's message was clear: as Indian consumers develop new tastes, innovative farmers can turn emerging demand into better livelihoods and create opportunities in rural India.

8. Canacona women-led beekeeping initiative aims for 12,000kg annual honey yield

Mirror Now, September 16 2026

A major new initiative in Canacona is set to transform local livelihoods by empowering 300 women through a structured beekeeping project. The Kushavati Beekeeping Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) has been established to support women in remote villages, including Gaondongrim, Cotigao, Poinguinim, Shristhal, Agonda, and Loliem, by providing the resources and training necessary to produce honey on a commercial scale.

The ambitious project aims to reach an annual production target of 12,000 kilograms of honey. By equipping each participant with five bee boxes, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable secondary income stream that integrates seamlessly with the women's existing agricultural and household responsibilities.

Empowering Local Women Through Sustainable Agriculture

According to Savita Tawadkar, chairperson of the Kushavati Beekeeping FPO, the primary goal is to build a comprehensive livelihood system that extends beyond simple production. The organization is designed to support participants at every stage, from initial scientific training and colony management to the final stages of honey processing, branding, and market access.

The initiative specifically targets women who currently lack a regular income and are already involved in forest-based activities, horticulture, or wage labour. Because beekeeping requires minimal land and can be managed near homes or existing farms, it offers a flexible way for these women to increase their earnings without abandoning their current daily routines. Tawadkar noted that with effective management, a single bee box could generate approximately Rs 8,000 in annual income, though actual returns will fluctuate based on factors such as colony strength, seasonal flowering, and harvesting practices.

Training and Market Support

To support the project's long-term success, the FPO provides extensive technical support. This includes training in hygienic honey handling, colony maintenance, and the technical aspects of harvesting. By pooling their resources, the women can benefit from collective processing and packaging, which helps maintain quality standards and establish a stronger market presence.

The organization serves as a vital link between the producers and potential buyers, handling the complexities of branding and distribution. By professionalizing honey production, the Kushavati Beekeeping FPO hopes to provide a stable, reliable economic foundation for hundreds of families across Canacona. The initiative represents a significant step toward regional self-sufficiency, leveraging the area's natural environment to foster economic growth for its participants.

9. Haryana Offers Up to Rs. 1.4 Lakh per Acre Subsidy for New Fruit Orchards

RuralVoice, 29 Sep. 2026

Haryana has rolled out a horticulture subsidy scheme offering farmers up to Rs 1.4 lakh per acre for new fruit orchards, along with financial assistance for vegetable, spice, flower, and aromatic plant cultivation. The scheme aims to expand horticulture and boost farm incomes, with subsidies transferred directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts.

The Haryana government has introduced a subsidy scheme to promote horticulture and increase farmers’ incomes by encouraging the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and aromatic plants.

Under the scheme, farmers will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs. 24,500 to Rs. 1.4 lakh per acre for establishing new fruit orchards, while subsidies have also been prescribed for vegetable, spice, flower and aromatic plant cultivation.

According to a spokesperson for the Haryana Horticulture Department, farmers can avail the scheme for up to five acres for new fruit orchards and spice cultivation. For vegetable cultivation, the maximum eligible area is five acres for farmers in the general category and one acre for Scheduled Caste farmers. The limit for flower and aromatic plant cultivation is five acres.

Subsidy for Fruits, Vegetables and Spices

The subsidy for establishing new fruit orchards ranges from Rs. 24,500 to Rs. 1.4 lakh per acre, depending on the crop and applicable component of the scheme.

For vegetable cultivation, general-category farmers will receive Rs. 15,000 per acre, while Scheduled Caste farmers will be eligible for Rs. 25,500 per acre.

However, the vegetable subsidy will be available only when farmers adopt integrated cultivation models involving practices such as mulching, low tunnels, drip irrigation or bamboo staking.

For spice cultivation, the subsidy ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 per acre.

Farmers growing flowers will be eligible for assistance of Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 40,000 per acre, while aromatic plant cultivation will receive a subsidy of Rs. 8,000 per acre.

Direct Transfer to Farmers’ Bank Accounts

The government said it will transfer the subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiary farmers to ensure transparency in implementation.

To avail themselves of the scheme, farmers must be registered on the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal as well as Hortnet.

Applicants will also need to provide personal details, Family ID, and complete bank account information, including account number, bank and branch details, and IFSC code. Scheduled Caste applicants must also submit a valid caste certificate, where applicable.

Farmers Can Contact Horticulture Department

The Horticulture Department has urged farmers interested in horticultural cultivation to make use of the scheme. Farmers can contact their district horticulture officers for detailed information on eligibility, crop-specific assistance, and application procedures.

They can also contact the department through the toll-free number 1800-180-2021.

Further information is available through the Haryana Horticulture Department’s website, hortharyana.gov.in, or by email at horticulture@hry.nic.in.

10. India's Lower Kharif Crop to Drive First Global Rice Production Decline in Over a Decade: IGC

Rural Voice, 19Sep. 2026

India's lower kharif rice crop is a key factor behind the IGC's forecast of the first global rice production decline in more than a decade in 2026-27. The Council has also revised estimates for wheat, barley, maize, and sorghum. Global soybean output remains at a record, while grain markets have strengthened.

India's expected lower kharif rice production is a key factor behind the International Grains Council's (IGC) forecast that global rice output will decline for the first time in more than a decade in 2026-27. World rice production is projected to fall by 5 million tonnes from the August estimate after peaking in 2025-26.

The IGC has also lowered its forecast for global rice consumption by 3 million tonnes for 2026-27. However, higher carry-in reserves are expected to broadly offset the impact of lower production and consumption on global ending stocks, leaving the stock outlook largely unchanged from August. India is also expected to see a modest contraction in rice stocks.

Global rice consumption is nevertheless projected to grow 1% year-on-year, supported by rising demand in key Asian and African markets. International trade is expected to remain firm, with 2027 rice trade maintained at 61.7 million tonnes. The IGC also sees global rice trade expanding 3% to a new high, driven largely by demand from sub-Saharan Africa.

The rice outlook comes against a broader tightening in global grain markets. The IGC has raised its 2026-27 production forecasts for wheat and barley, more than offsetting reductions in maize and sorghum. As a result, total world grains production is now estimated at 2,420 million tonnes, up 4 million tonnes from the previous month, though still below the record of the previous season.

Global grain consumption is forecast at 2,444 million tonnes, unchanged from the previous estimate. Tighter supplies and higher prices are expected to constrain demand. Global closing stocks are projected at 608 million tonnes, while grain trade is forecast at 451 million tonnes, down 16 million tonnes from the previous year.

Wheat markets face supply and trade disruptions, particularly because of severe interruptions to Black Sea exports. The IGC expects global wheat flows to remain unusually slow. The maize outlook has also weakened, with the maize sub-Index rising 5% over the four weeks to the latest report amid a tighter US supply outlook and continued disruption to Ukrainian exports.

Soybeans present a different picture. Global 2026-27 soybean production is still projected to reach a record, despite a marginal month-on-month downward revision linked to South American producers. Output is expected to rise 3%, while global utilization is also forecast to reach a new peak. World soybean trade is projected at nearly 191 million tonnes, up 2% and marking a fifth consecutive annual increase.

The broader market has turned firmer, with the IGC Grains and Oilseeds Index rising 6% to a three-year high and gaining 20% year-on-year. Its wheat, maize, rice and soybean sub-indices increased 6%, 5%, 3% and 7%, respectively, reflecting supply concerns, weather risks, shipping disruptions and stronger energy prices.

- Industry and Manufacture

11. Andhra to move industrial incentives online; push green energy, emerging tech, says CM Naidu

Moneycontrol News, 9 Oct. 2026

Andhra Pradesh is undertaking large-scale development across infrastructure, green energy, logistics and emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, drones and quantum computing to create jobs and wealth, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on October 8.

Speaking at the CII 31st partnership summit, Naidu said his government would move towards online and real-time delivery of industrial incentives and abolish "unnecessary procedures" to make it easier for companies to do business.

“We want to do real business. We are going to inaugurate an escrow account; no industrialist has to come to us. All our incentives will be online, and real-time transfers will go to your account. All unnecessary procedures we are abolishing,” Naidu said.

Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party is part of the ruling NDA at the Centre, made an investment pitch and highlighted his government's work.

“We are investing Rs 1 lakh crore for a horticulture hub and we are going to produce more than 25 products there. We are going for natural farming. We are linking Krishna-Godavari. Finally, Andhra Pradesh will become a gateway to Southeast Asia, Indo-Pacific. That is our goal,” he said, adding that the state is also working on logistics development.

Naidu said Andhra is looking to launch two-three satellites a month from its Space City near Tirupati within the next two years. “Drone city is being developed in Kurnool. It will focus on design, manufacturing and training. There will be a huge revolution with drone technology,” he said.

The state is targeting 160 GW of green energy and has installed 110 GW so far. “We are going to add another 50 GW in the course of time,” he said. Naidu also said the state is targeting quantum computers and plans to export them from Amravati within two years.

12. Jaquar, the Unlisted Manufacturing Giant

Business Today, September 2 2026, Chetan Bhutani

For a company that generates over Rs 8,500 crore in annual revenue, commands nearly 60% of India's bath fittings market, and operates across more than 55 countries, Jaquar Group is an unusual giant.

It has built a business of significant scale without the visibility that typically follows companies of its size—no stock market listing, no private equity backing, and little of the public attention that surrounds India's better-known consumer brands.

The 65-year-old company has quietly built one of India's largest manufacturing ecosystems for bath and lighting products, driven by a belief that factories, not outsourcing, create lasting competitive advantage. Privately held and family-run, Jaquar has chosen to fund its expansion largely through internal accruals, staying away from public markets while continuing to invest in production capabilities.

The philosphy manufacturing-first philosophy is now entering its biggest test.

Jaquar plans to invest Rs 800-1,000 crore over the next two years, expand its manufacturing footprint from 3.3 lakh square metre to 5.3 lakh square metre, add three new manufacturing facilities in Bhiwadi and Gujarat, and take its group turnover from Rs 7,548 crore in FY25 to Rs 8,703 crore in FY26. And its longer-term ambition is even more aggressive: targeting Rs 12,000 crore in revenue within the next two years.

At a time when several consumer-facing companies are moving towards asset-light business models, Jaquar continues to argue that manufacturing itself is its moat.

"We are a manufacturing company. We are not an outsourcing company," says Rajesh Mehra, Director and Promoter, Jaquar Group. "If we can't manufacture, we can't deliver."

Betting on Capacity

Most successful consumer brands eventually outsource manufacturing while focusing on branding, distribution, and customer acquisition. Jaquar has deliberately taken the opposite route.

Today, the company manufactures more than 52.9 million bath fittings, 4.8 million sanitaryware products, 28.4 million lighting products and 3.6 million complete bathroom solutions every year across eight manufacturing plants: seven in India and one in South Korea.

Three more manufacturing facilities are now under construction, taking the total network to eleven plants. For Mehra, capacity creation is not merely an expansion exercise. It is a prerequisite for growth.

"As a company, we have always put in the required amount of investments. It's not a question of money or budget. It's a question of meeting the requirement of the market," he says.

The company believes India is entering a multi-year demand cycle driven by residential housing, commercial construction, hospitality and public infrastructure.

"The hospitality sector is very buoyant. Thousands of projects are coming up," Mehra says.

He also points to airports, railway station redevelopment, institutional projects and government infrastructure spending as long-term demand drivers. "The government is still the biggest spender in India. The infrastructure transformation happening across the country is creating immense opportunities," Mehra says.

That confidence finds support outside the company as well. In its latest rating rationale, India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) observed that continuous capacity expansions in the sanitaryware and lighting segments are supporting Jaquar's growth. It sustained strong brand recognition in the faucet segment.

Premiumization Story

Manufacturing capacity alone, however, does not explain Jaquar's confidence. The company believes India is undergoing a structural shift in consumption.

From luxury housing to premium automobiles, consumers are spending more on products that improve lifestyle rather than simply meeting functional needs.

"Houses today have become more expensive than Mercedes and BMW cars," says Mehra. "Customers are no longer looking only at minimum price. Their entire thinking about living style and lifestyle has changed."

According to him, nearly 30-40% of new construction now falls within premium or entry-luxury categories. Jaquar has quietly positioned itself across this spectrum.

With its range of offerings, Artize caters to luxury consumers, Jaquar serves the premium segment, and Essco targets value-conscious buyers. This three-brand strategy lets the group compete across income categories without diluting each brand's identity.

The premiumization trend is particularly significant because it shifts competition away from pricing towards quality, design, technology and customer experience.

For manufacturers with integrated production capabilities, that can translate into stronger margins and customer loyalty.

If bathrooms built Jaquar, lighting could define its next chapter. The category currently contributes around 8-10% of group revenue, or roughly Rs 700 crore, and management expects it to generate Rs 1,600- Rs 1,700 crore over the next three years. The expansion is backed by a new lighting manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, which will substantially increase production capacity. Mehra believes the new capacity could position Jaquar among the world's largest lighting manufacturers.

The Export Puzzle

Despite its size, Jaquar's international business remains relatively modest.

The company is present across Europe, Africa, West Asia, and Asia-Pacific, but global markets currently contribute only around 5% of overall business. Management wants to double that contribution to 10% over the next two to three years.

According to Mehra, the biggest early-stage challenge was perception. "When we entered international markets, there was some reservation towards Indian products and Indian brands. That has changed significantly."

Years of investments in customer relationships, service capabilities, and project references are now beginning to pay dividends.

Independent assessments point in the same direction.

India Ratings & Research noted that while exports contribute around 5% of total revenue, management has made conscious, focused efforts to drive growth in overseas markets.

That perhaps represents Jaquar's biggest opportunity. After establishing dominance at home, the next challenge is converting manufacturing scale into global scale.

Equally striking is what Jaquar has chosen not to do.

Despite its size, profitability, and expansion ambitions, Jaquar remains privately held.

13. The big winners from India's coffee craze may not sell coffee at all

The Economic Times, September 18. 2026, Riya Gupta

In recent months, Third Wave Coffee raised $43 million to accelerate geographical expansion while Amrut Distilleries launched India's first-ever coffee-cask finished single malt whisky. Together, the developments point to a broader trend: India's coffee boom is creating opportunities far beyond cafés, roasters and coffee chains.

From beauty and homeware to whisky, luxury hotels and experiential retail, companies are finding ways to tap into coffee's cultural and commercial appeal without necessarily selling a conventional cup.

The opportunity lies in what coffee has come to represent. As café culture expands across cities and younger consumers embrace coffee as part of their lifestyle, businesses are monetizing the aroma, ritual, aesthetics and premium associations surrounding it.

A whisky maker is using coffee-treated casks to create a limited-edition single malt. Beauty brands are using coffee in skincare and fragrances. Home and lifestyle companies are selling products that help consumers recreate café-like experiences at home. Hotels are taking coffee beyond breakfast, into cocktails, desserts and premium experiences.

The big Gen Z market taking over how India spends, saves and strategizes

Why coffee?

For personal-care brand mCaffeine, coffee's appeal goes beyond its familiarity as an everyday beverage.

"It is a combination of all four, but the starting point is efficacy," Tarun Sharma, cofounder and chief executive of mCaffeine, told ET Online, referring to caffeine's functional benefits, coffee as an ingredient, its aroma and sensorial appeal, and its broader lifestyle association.

"Coffee today represents energy, productivity, self-expression, and contemporary urban living," Sharma said.

For mCaffeine, that makes coffee a bridge between performance, sensorial experience and lifestyle. The company has expanded into tea, chocolate and other ingredients, but coffee remains an important part of its brand identity and business.

The same shift is playing out in fragrances and body care.

Trent-owned Westside's beauty business Studiowest has launched coffee-inspired products based on the idea that modern consumers increasingly view personal care as an emotional pick-me-up. Coffee brings "warmth, comforting nostalgia, and energizing ritual", according to Umashan Naidoo, chief creative officer and beauty at Tata Group-owned Trent.

Gourmand and café-inspired fragrances are seeing strong trial and repeat adoption, particularly among Gen Z consumers, she told ET Online, referring to coffee, vanilla, warm cocoa and spices, which are also moving beyond seasonal novelty products to become more permanent features of India's beauty market.

As café culture expands across metros and smaller cities, coffee and food-inspired sensory beauty could become a larger driver of the personal-care and fragrance market, Naidoo added.

For beauty retailer Tira, coffee is not necessarily about the ingredient inside a product. Instead, it is becoming part of the retail experience.

The Tira flagship at Jio World Plaza houses the Tira Café, allowing consumers to combine a coffee experience with beauty discovery. The retailer has also brought coffee and beauty together through pop-ups and collaborations.

Coffee is moving beyond being an ingredient or beverage to becoming a lifestyle and premiumization cue, particularly for younger, experience-led consumers. The opportunity is about creating experiences and communities around beauty rather than simply selling products.

What's in a word? For India's FMCG brands, it's increasingly everything

Selling the coffee ritual

The coffee boom is also spilling into consumers' homes.

As Indians become more exposed to speciality coffee and different brewing styles, the products surrounding the drink are becoming increasingly popular. Consumers are paying attention not only to what they drink, but also to how they prepare and serve it.

At the home decor and lifestyle brand Nestasia, mugs, ceramic cups, glassware and serving accessories are becoming an extension of consumers' personalities and home aesthetics.

"Coffee tableware is no longer just about utility. It is increasingly about making an everyday ritual feel more personal and special," Aditi Murarka Agrawal, cofounder of Nestasia, told ET Online.

The growth of café and specialty coffee culture has created demand for more specialized drinkware at home. Some consumers are moving beyond owning one everyday mug and choosing different products depending on whether they are drinking an espresso, cappuccino or iced coffee.

For younger consumers in particular, the coffee corner or breakfast table is becoming an extension of their personal style, Agrawal said.

Nestasia said the brand is seeing strong interest in mugs, ceramic coffee cups, glassware, and sets, as well as growing demand for espresso and cappuccino cups as consumers become more familiar with different coffee styles.

For Nestasia, coffee may only be the entry point. The company is also exploring products around matcha and other emerging beverage rituals.

The snack twist to India's three meals a day has a ₹1 lakh crore hidden opportunity

From the cup to the cocktail

Coffee's growing cultural relevance is also encouraging experimentation in categories where it was once largely absent.

Amrut Distilleries recently launched CaféX, a limited-edition single malt finished in casks treated with dried coffee beans and coffee fruit.

The idea wasn't driven by a specific demand for a coffee-finished whisky, Rakshit N Jagdale, Managing Director at Amrut Distilleries, said, but by the growing popularity of artisanal and speciality coffee, which presented an opportunity to explore the intersection of coffee and whisky.

The company has seen interest from both premium whisky consumers willing to experiment with different cask finishes and coffee enthusiasts curious about how the cask treatment affects the whisky's flavour profile.

At Taj Palace, New Delhi, the luxury hotel is increasingly using coffee across the property rather than confining it to the traditional service.

The hotel has incorporated coffee into cocktails and desserts, while its newly renovated rooms now feature coffee machines. It is also preparing to introduce a premium Gold Coffee experience at its Tea Lounge.

"Coffee has become a much more familiar and understood ingredient today," Rajeev Sharma, food and beverage manager at Taj Palace, told ET Online. "Guests know their coffees better, they have preferences around roasts and styles, and they are also far more open to experiencing coffee beyond the morning cup."

At its Loya restaurant, coffee features in a cocktail on the VRIKSH menu, while tiramisu remains a popular offering at its Capital Kitchen. The hotel sees coffee becoming an all-day ingredient, moving from breakfast to meetings and conversations before returning in cocktails or desserts at the dinner table.

Coffee boom, without the bean-price risk

The coffee craze, however, comes with a complication for companies that use the commodity directly: rising and volatile bean prices.

For mCaffeine, rising coffee prices have made sourcing and supply-chain efficiency important. The personal care brand highlighted that Indian coffee prices have risen significantly, with the Coffee Board of India reporting an average domestic auction price of Arabica Plantation 'A' rising by around 39% in 2024-25 compared with the previous year.

However, CEO and cofounder Sharma said every movement in raw material prices does not necessarily have to translate into a change in the consumer proposition, with companies seeking to balance product quality, consumer value and sustainable business economics.

Studiowest, too, noted that global agricultural commodity shifts can affect raw materials. But Naidoo said Westside's supply chain and local formulation networks allow the company to manage input fluctuations without passing them on to consumers.

For others, the exposure is considerably lower.

Nestasia and Amrut, for instance, have no direct exposure to coffee-bean prices.

While café chains and roasters must contend with the economics of beans, milk, rents and store expansion, adjacent businesses can capture demand generated by coffee culture through products and experiences that sit around the beverage.

As Third Wave plans to use the fresh capital to expand in existing markets, enter new cities and build out newer categories, it aims to raise its café count to 320 from the current 240 by the end of this financial year.

"Our focus remains on scaling the business sustainably, with strong unit economics, healthy store payback economics and operational discipline," chief executive Rajat Luthra said, further stating that the company's longer-term plan is to add around 100 cafés every year.

The biggest winners from India's coffee craze, then, may not necessarily be the brands pouring the coffee. They could also be the ones selling consumers everything that comes with it — the fragrance, the mug, the ritual, the aesthetic and the experience.

14. India could become a global leader in lab-grown diamonds: IGI Global CEO

CNBC-TV18, 22 Sep. 2026, Manisha Gupta

India could become the single biggest force in lab-grown diamonds, with government estimates putting future growth at up to 50 times current levels, according to Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO of the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Printer said the entire lab-grown diamond process - growing, cutting, polishing and certifying - now happens within India, unlike natural diamonds, which are largely imported and only processed domestically.

Printer's comments follow remarks from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who said India cuts and polishes nine out of ten natural diamonds worldwide, but has the opportunity to control the full value chain for lab-grown stones, from machinery to finished jewellery.

To keep pace with rising volumes, IGI has begun using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in its grading process. "We have developed AI models to help us... to do a larger volume of diamonds," Printer said, describing it as a combination of human expertise and technology built to handle the sharp rise in lab-grown output.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth, but are chemically identical to natural diamonds. Printer said India's advantage lies in owning every stage of that process. "It's made in a laboratory. It's grown in a laboratory. It's cut in the factory. It's polished in the factory, and it is certified at the factory itself," he said, contrasting this with natural diamonds, which India typically imports from mining countries such as South Africa before adding value through cutting and polishing.

Press Trust of India

(With GFX) Gujarat Surat emerges as a global hub for lab-grown diamonds

IGI, a third-party certification body, was among the first labs globally to certify lab-grown diamonds.

Printer said that early move has helped build consumer trust as demand has grown, particularly among younger buyers.

Gen Z and Millennial consumers now make up roughly 50-55% of IGI's overall customer base, he said, and are far more informed about what they are buying than previous generations. "Both are diamonds," Printer said, adding that IGI's role is to clearly state a stone's origin, whether mined or artificial, and let buyers decide.

That informed demand is already reshaping spending patterns. "Last year, if you see, 54% of all bridals, lab-growns, in the US," Printer said. He noted that overall jewellery spending has not fallen. Instead, buyers are using the same budget to purchase larger, cleaner lab-grown diamonds rather than smaller natural stones with visible inclusions.

Printer also pointed to a structural difference between the two markets. Natural diamonds remain limited in supply and carry higher value per stone, while lab-grown diamonds are a volume-driven business enabled by manufacturing capacity rather than geological scarcity. He said IGI has built out grading infrastructure specifically to manage this rising volume as production scales further.

For the full interview, watch the accompanying video

Catch all the latest updates from the stock market here

15. India's traditional textile communities preserving centuries-old craft

Newspoint, September 14 2026, Sachin Sharma

India's textile history is far older and more diverse than the famous names that appear on shopping labels. Across villages and small towns, generations of weavers, dyers, embroiderers, and artisans continue to practise techniques developed long before industrial textile production. Some work on handlooms that require remarkable coordination, while others use natural dyes, resist printing or intricate embroidery passed down through families. These crafts are not simply decorative traditions. They are connected to local geography, communities, festivals and livelihoods. Yet many face an uncertain future as cheaper machine-made fabrics, changing consumer habits and declining numbers of young artisans put pressure on traditional skills. The communities preserving them are therefore protecting an important part of India's cultural and economic history.

The Weavers of Chanderi

In Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi is closely associated with its delicate handwoven textiles.

Chanderi weaving has developed over centuries, with artisans traditionally producing lightweight fabrics from silk-cotton blends. The fabric's fine texture and characteristic transparency have made it particularly valued for saris and other garments.

The craft depends heavily on skilled handloom work. Patterns and motifs require careful thread control, making the process much slower than industrial textile production.

For weaving communities, Chanderi is not simply a fabric name. It represents a local craft ecosystem involving weavers, designers, dyers and traders.

Kutch and the Art of Ajrakh

Gujarat's Kutch region has a remarkable textile heritage, particularly its traditional block-printing practices.

Ajrakh printing uses carved wooden blocks and carefully prepared dyes to create complex geometric and floral patterns. The process can involve repeated washing, dyeing, printing and drying.

Natural dyes and traditional preparation methods have historically played an important role in the craft.

What makes Ajrakh especially fascinating is the precision required. A design must align across multiple stages, and even small errors can affect the final pattern.

Today, artisans continue to adapt traditional designs for contemporary clothing and home textiles.

The Pochampally Ikat Tradition

Telangana's Pochampally is internationally associated with Ikat weaving.

Unlike ordinary printed fabric, Ikat involves resist-dyeing threads before weaving. Artisans carefully tie and dye the threads so the final pattern emerges as they weave.

This requires considerable planning. The artisan must understand how the coloured threads will align once they become part of the finished textile.

The technique creates the distinctive blurred or feathered appearance associated with Ikat.

Pochampally demonstrates how mathematical precision and artistic judgement can coexist within traditional craft.

Assam's Muga Silk Weavers

Assam's textile heritage includes the distinctive Muga silk, produced by the silkworm Antheraea assamensis

The golden sheen of Muga silk is one of its defining characteristics. It has a strong cultural association with Assam and is used for traditional garments and ceremonial clothing.

Silk production involves multiple stages, from raising silkworms to reeling and weaving the fibre.

For communities involved in the craft, maintaining the knowledge is essential because each stage requires specialized skills.

Muga also illustrates the close connection between textiles and local biodiversity.

The Embroiderers of Kutch

Kutch is home to numerous embroidery traditions associated with different communities.

Intricate stitching, mirrors, geometric patterns, and vivid designs decorate garments and household textiles. Historically, embroidery was often connected to clothing, identity and important life events.

Women played a particularly important role in preserving many of these traditions within households.

The designs can sometimes provide clues about community identity, migration and cultural influences.

What appears to be decorative stitching can therefore carry social information passed between generations.

Why Handloom Skills Are Difficult to Replace

Traditional textile production involves knowledge that a simple machine setting cannot easily capture.

Artisans understand thread tension, humidity, dye behaviour, yarn quality and the subtle differences between materials.

A master weaver may also learn through years of practice how to correct mistakes as they happen.

This is why the disappearance of an artisan community can mean losing knowledge that cannot simply be recreated from photographs or written instructions.

The Economic Challenge Facing Traditional Artisans

Preserving textile traditions is not only a cultural question. It is also an economic one.

Handloom production generally takes longer than factory manufacturing, while artisans often face competition from inexpensive machine-made textiles.

Young people may therefore choose other careers rather than entering traditional crafts.

Government schemes, cooperatives, craft organizations and direct-to-consumer platforms can help artisans access better markets. Consumers also play a role by recognizing the value of genuine handmade products.

Why Traditional Textiles Matter Today

The revival of interest in handloom and sustainable fashion has created new opportunities for traditional textile communities.

Handwoven fabrics often involve slower production and can carry strong regional identities. Designers are increasingly collaborating with artisans to combine traditional techniques with contemporary clothing.

But preservation does not mean freezing a craft in the past.

A textile tradition can remain alive precisely because artisans find new uses for it while retaining its essential techniques.

- Services (Education, Healthcare, IT, R&D, Tourism, etc.)

16. Billion-dollar boom: Jefferies identifies six sectors driving 'India's new industrial revolution'

The Times of India, September 11. 2026, Smriti Jain

Global investment bank Jefferies, in its latest report 'India's New Industrial Revolution', has highlighted sectors poised for growth, driven by India's large domestic market, greater private-sector participation, and continued government policy support.

Jefferies has identified several policy measures it believes are helping these newer sectors expand and driving India's next phase of industrial growth. These include allowing greater private-sector participation in space, providing tax holidays for data centres, offering incentives for semiconductors, electronics, and solar, promoting localization, and increasing government purchases of GPUs.

India's next phase of industrial growth: Which sectors will drive it?

Jefferies has identified semiconductors, space, electronics, solar, aerospace and data centres as the top 6 themes. Let's take a look:

Electronics: According to Jefferies, India's electronics industry is gradually shifting beyond basic assembly. There is now greater emphasis on domestic value addition and component manufacturing. Domestic value addition in mobile components is expected to increase from below 20% to around 50% over the next 6 years.

"Electronics exports have grown sharply, while schemes such as ECMS (components scheme) and MPMS (Mobile 2.0) aim to deepen backward integration and reduce import dependence. We forecast ECMS to cover ~50% of Mobile component value (BoM) over the next 6-Y vs <20% now. PCB (both HDI + Multi-layer) is a focus area for Components, with $5bn TAM, 85-90% imports," says Jefferies.

Space: Jefferies says that India is one of the few countries with spacefaring capabilities that are competitive globally. The country's space economy is expected to expand nearly fivefold to $40–45 billion by 2030. Private companies, including Skyroot, Pixxel, and Agnikul, are also progressing toward commercial execution.

"The government opened the sector for private participation in 2020, and is targeting ~5x expansion of the space economy over 2023-30 to $40-45bn. Startups are advancing from early innovation to commercial execution with companies such as Skyroot (orbital launch in July), Pixxel (high-res observation satellites), Agnikul (3D-printed rocket engine) & Digantara (surveillance satellites)," the report said.

Semiconductors: India's semiconductor ambitions are now moving beyond policy announcements towards actual execution. Investment of around $20 billion is underway, with a chip fabrication plant under construction and several OSAT projects beginning production. Another incentive package of around $13 billion is expected to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem further.

"While supply chain depth, talent, and global competition remain challenges, we believe India is building the foundations of a credible semiconductor ecosystem," Jefferies says.

Aerospace: India is increasingly positioned to benefit from the mismatch between global aerospace demand and supply, helped by cost-competitive manufacturing and engineering talent.

Boeing and Airbus currently source $1.4–1.6 billion annually from India, while Indian companies are also supplying global OEMs and Tier-1 companies.

"Indian companies such as Aezad, BHFC, DYTC, RW, MOTHERSON & SANSERA have become suppliers to global OEMs and tier-1s, and are expanding in the segment," it notes.

Data Centres: India's data centre capacity has increased fivefold over the past five years to around 2 GW. Jefferies expects this to rise to about 10 GW over the next five years, translating into a $45 billion investment opportunity spanning power, cooling, construction, and network infrastructure.

Solar: India has become the world's second-largest solar PV manufacturer. Around 35 GW of cell manufacturing capacity is currently operational, while another approximately 100 GW is under construction. Jefferies expects around 90% of the solar value chain to be localized by 2030.

17. India was about to lose turmeric to the US: How Dr Raghunath Mashelkar fought a patent war to bring it home

TOI Trending Desk, 9 Oct. 2026

Indians love gold but more than the precious metal, what we truly survive on and definitely could not live without is the yellow gold: turmeric. Healing wounds, making skincare, cooking food and even doing religious rituals, turmeric is the star of the subcontinent's world.

But did you know there was a time when India was about to lose the right to this healthy keg to the US? If the American attempt had succeeded, India would be paying royalties to US corporations every time turmeric was used on a wound or in the kitchen.

But then emerged a silent warrior who fought a brave, legendary patent war and brought the country's prized possession back home. This was Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, then Director General of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

The year was 1993, and Raghunath Mashelkar was the Director of the National Chemical Laboratory. He and his family were enjoying an evening on their terrace in Pune when a bird suddenly fell in front of them. Seeing that one of its wings was broken, his mother quickly ran, brought turmeric powder, made a paste, and applied it to the bird. While the poor bird died within a few hours and the family hosted its burial in their garden, the incident remained etched in his memory forever.

Two years later, Mashelkar moved to Delhi in 1995 as Director General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). Later, in 1997, he read a Time of India report by N Suresh revealing that the US Patent Office had granted a patent on the wound-healing properties of turmeric.

In his report, he wrote that the patent surprised him because patents are granted on the conditions of novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness. He decided to challenge the patent because turmeric's use was well known in India.

CSIR submitted evidence to the USPTO, including texts from ancient Sanskrit literature, showing that Indians had long known turmeric's wound-healing properties. After fourteen months, the USPTO accepted the evidence and revoked the patent.

“This was the first time that the Third World had fought for its legitimate rights to its traditional knowledge and had actually won,” wrote the expert.

The greater war

Turmeric wasn’t the only Indian product being wrongly patented worldwide. When CSIR dug deeper, it found that about 2,000 patents were granted annually worldwide that were linked to traditional knowledge systems.

Thus, Mashelkar headed to the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva in 1999 as chair of the Standing Committee on Information Technology (SCIT). He informed 170-plus member countries about the issues of misappropriation of traditional knowledge.

He later travelled to Washington to show the USPTO the number of incorrect patents granted on the basis of incorrect novelty, presenting Sanskrit verses in which the products and their uses had already been mentioned. However, the agency used an electronic database to scan for prior art, and the old texts were not mentioned in its databases.

Thus, in consultation with VK Gupta, they formed the idea of creating a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library.

CSIR and the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy (now Department of AYUSH) worked to create the TKDL. The team comprised scientists, Sanskrit scholars, Ayurveda experts, IT experts, intellectual property experts and others.

At the same time, WIPO was reevaluating its International Patent Classification (IPC) system, which national patent offices worldwide use to classify the subject matter in patent documents. The new IPC system integrated a new ‘Traditional Knowledge Resource Classification’.

Now, over a quarter of a million Indian formulations are protected by TKDL and available in five international languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish. Thus, any international patent office could now utilise TKDL for patent research. India now has a powerful mechanism that prevents the grant of an incorrect patent within a few weeks at zero cost.

Over the years, patents on rice, ashwagandha, pista, and many other Indian products have been defeated using the knowledge in TKDL’s database. Today, before an officer grants a patent, they run a TKDL scan, and if they find the herb or method in the library, they reject the patent instantly. All because Dr Raghunath Mashelkar proved that knowledge received from the ‘laboratories in life’ is as valid as knowledge gained from research experiments in the laboratories of science.

18. India's Ayush sector may grow from $36.9 billion to $318 billion by 2047: Study

India Today News Desk, 27 Sep. 2028

India's Ayush services sector has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing service segments, with its economic contribution estimated at USD 36.92 billion in 2024-25 and projected to grow to USD 216-318 billion by 2047, according to a study by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).

The study said the sector has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 16.91 per cent since 2022-23, directly supported 1.76 million livelihoods, and generated an estimated USD 1.77 billion in Medical Value Travel revenue in 2024-25. The report was released during the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations in Nagpur on September 23.

Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said the findings underlined the sector's growing economic potential.

"The findings of this landmark study affirm that Ayush is not merely a cultural inheritance but a dynamic and high-growth engine of India's economy. The Ayush sector is poised to play an increasingly important role in healthcare, wellness, employment and global economic engagement, while contributing to our vision of a healthy and self-reliant India," he said.

Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the study created an evidence base for future policy and investment.

"For the first time, the economic contribution of the Ayush services sector has been measured through a nationally scaled, establishment-level survey covering all major Ayush systems. The report provides a robust evidence base to guide future investment, policy planning and reforms," he said.

RIS Director General Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma said the study was based on a survey of 15,914 establishments across all six Ayush systems.

"This study marks an important step in building an evidence-based understanding of India's Ayush services economy. Based on a nationally scaled survey of 15,914 establishments across all six Ayush systems, the findings show that an economy of USD 36.92 billion, growing at close to 17 per cent annually and supporting 1.76 million livelihoods, is no longer a peripheral sector but a dynamic, knowledge-based service economy," he said.

According to the study, clinics and day-care centres accounted for more than 71 per cent of the sector's total revenue. Standalone clinics generated an estimated USD 16.21 billion, while day-care centres contributed USD 10.13 billion. Ayurveda was the largest individual system, accounting for USD 17.73 billion, or nearly 48 per cent of the sector's total revenue.

The Ayush-based wellness segment, including yoga centres, spas and resorts, recorded a CAGR of 21.29 per cent. Yoga centres alone saw about 75 per cent growth in revenue over two years, the study said.

The sector directly supported 1.76 million livelihoods, with more than one million jobs concentrated in local and standalone clinics. Women accounted for 43 per cent of the overall workforce, and their participation was more than 50 per cent in several organised segments.

The study also highlighted the sector's growing role in Medical Value Travel. International patients accounted for about 5 per cent of patient volumes but contributed an estimated 15-25 per cent of hospital-segment revenues. Ayush therapeutic programmes, including Panchakarma and residential yoga, were linked to longer patient stays, with the average length of stay ranging from five to 11 days.

It said establishments with a dedicated functional website had 3.6 times higher odds of attracting international patients, while recognised quality accreditation such as NABH or ISO was linked to doubling those odds.

The report said the Ayush services economy could expand to USD 216-318 billion by 2047, subject to improvements in infrastructure, quality systems, skills, digital capabilities and international market access.

It identified four broad areas for strengthening the sector: the Ayush knowledge value chain, enterprise and institutional capabilities, global competitiveness and Medical Value Travel, and innovation through digital technologies and artificial intelligence. It also stressed wider quality accreditation, digital health records, workforce skilling, international readiness and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

19. Jio plans 1,600-satellite network to take connectivity to 6 lakh villages

The New Indian Express, 9 Oct. 2026, Rakesh Kumar

Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom service provider, has unveiled plans for a satellite connectivity network that could take its services beyond conventional mobile towers and fibre networks. The company showcased the initiative at the ongoing India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi under the banner of ‘Sovereign Satellite Connectivity’.

Jio has proposed a constellation of around 1,600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and 23 ground stations across India as part of its plan to extend connectivity to areas where laying fibre or deploying mobile towers is difficult.

The proposed network is aimed at providing coverage across land and maritime areas, including more than 6,00,000 villages, remote islands and border outposts.

The satellite plan comes at a time when Elon Musk-led Starlink is also seeking to expand satellite-based internet services in India. A day before Jio’s showcase, Musk accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking Starlink’s entry into India. The government, however, said it has a fair and non-discriminatory authorisation framework for all telecommunication services, including satellite communication services.

Why is Jio looking at satellites?

India has rapidly expanded mobile and fibre connectivity, but some areas remain difficult to serve because of terrain, distance, and the cost of building terrestrial infrastructure.

Satellite networks can provide connectivity over areas where conventional networks are difficult to deploy. Jio plans to combine satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial network rather than operate the two as separate systems.

The company has identified potential applications across remote sites, enterprises, aviation, maritime operations, government, defence and disaster response. Direct-to-device calling for rural areas is also part of the proposed plan.

What will the 1,600 satellites do?

The proposed LEO constellation would work with 23 ground stations planned across India. These stations would connect the satellite network with infrastructure on the ground and help integrate satellite connectivity with Jio’s terrestrial network.

Jio has also said it wants to keep the entire satellite connectivity value chain within India, covering design, engineering, integration and testing, launch, deployment and operations.

The plan is being showcased at IMC 2026 under the theme ‘Scale Without Boundaries’. The 10th edition of the event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

For now, the 1,600 satellites and 23 ground stations remain part of Jio’s proposed plan. If implemented, the combination of satellite and terrestrial networks could help Jio extend connectivity to areas where conventional mobile towers and fibre networks face geographical or infrastructure limitations.

20. How India’s smaller hospitals are becoming the next big digital health market

The Economic Times, 24 Sep. 2026

India’s digital healthcare push is moving beyond large hospital chains, with smaller and mid-sized healthcare facilities increasingly looking at technology to manage patient records, appointments, billing and other routine operations. The shift comes as the government expands the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), creating a wider ecosystem for digital health identities, facilities and interoperable records.

India's digital health infrastructure has expanded rapidly. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 86.96 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs) had been created as of March 22, 2026. The government has described ABDM as an effort to connect healthcare systems and support health information exchange through interoperable digital infrastructure.

For smaller hospitals, however, digitalisation is not simply about replacing paper files with electronic ones. The bigger opportunity lies in connecting different parts of hospital operations on a single digital platform.

Why smaller hospitals are becoming an important market

Large hospital groups have generally had greater access to technology teams, specialised software and resources for implementing digital systems. Smaller hospitals often operate on tighter budgets, with fewer people handling multiple administrative functions.

The challenge is particularly visible when patients move between doctors or healthcare facilities. A patient's medical history may include prescriptions, laboratory reports, scans, previous diagnoses and treatment details. When those records remain in physical files, retrieving them can take time and patients may have to carry documents from one consultation to another.

The government's own digital health programme recognises the importance of electronic health records and hospital management systems. Its digital-health infrastructure includes computerised registration and electronic medical records, while standards have been developed to support interoperability between healthcare applications.

Dr RKS Dhakad, Dean and Professor at Gajra Raja Medical College and an orthopaedic specialist, said managing paper-based patient records can be difficult for hospitals and requires resources.

He said a digital system can bring functions such as patient registration, appointments, medical records and billing onto a common platform, making it easier for hospitals to organise information and access it when required.

For doctors, the practical value of digital records lies in having relevant information available when treating a patient. A previous prescription or test report can provide useful context, particularly when a patient has consulted multiple healthcare providers.

The ABDM framework supports this connected ecosystem through consent-based sharing of health information across participating systems. The Health Facility Registry, for instance, provides unique identification for medical establishments within the ABDM ecosystem.

The opportunity for hospital technology companies

The growing requirement for digital hospital infrastructure is creating space for technology companies that target smaller healthcare providers.

“The digital platform provides patients with a digital ID that can be linked with the ABDM ecosystem. The objective is to maintain medical histories digitally and make relevant information available to authorised healthcare professionals when required. For instance, our platform Qorlia allows hospitals to manage information such as disease history, treatment details and test reports alongside registration, appointments and billing,” Ashutosh Saxena, Director and Tech Lead at Opportunity Global Infotech, said.

The broader market opportunity is not necessarily limited to electronic medical records. Hospitals need technology across the patient journey, from registration and consultation to diagnostics, billing and record management.

From standalone software to connected healthcare

India's digital-health transition is also changing the nature of hospital software. Earlier, digitisation could mean installing a computerised billing system or maintaining electronic patient files. The next phase is about making different systems communicate with one another.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has highlighted Hospital Management Information Systems as part of the country's digital health infrastructure. Such systems can support computerised registration, electronic medical records and workflow management in healthcare facilities.

That interoperability becomes important when patients use more than one healthcare provider. A digital record has limited value if it remains trapped inside one hospital's software. The ABDM approach is intended to address this problem by creating common digital infrastructure and standards through which participating healthcare systems can connect.

Why adoption will not be automatic

Smaller hospitals face challenges in seizing this opportunity. Digital systems require upfront investment, staff training and changes to established workflows. Hospitals also need reliable internet connectivity, appropriate hardware, and processes to maintain accurate records.

Data protection is another important consideration. Medical records contain highly sensitive information, so digital adoption must be accompanied by appropriate access controls, consent mechanisms, and security practices.

For smaller hospitals, therefore, the decision is not simply whether to buy software. It is about determining which parts of their operations to digitise, how staff will use the system, and whether the technology can connect with the wider healthcare ecosystem.

A larger healthcare technology market is emerging.

The growth of ABDM, ABHA, and other digital-health infrastructure is creating the foundation for a broader healthcare technology market.

The government has already established standards and systems intended to support electronic health records, hospital management and interoperability. Private technology companies are now building products around healthcare providers' operational needs.

For smaller hospitals, this could make digital tools increasingly accessible without requiring the kind of technology infrastructure traditionally associated with large hospital chains.

The shift also changes the patient experience. Instead of carrying folders of prescriptions and diagnostic reports from one appointment to another, patients could increasingly interact with healthcare systems where relevant information is stored and exchanged digitally with consent.

India's digital-health opportunity, therefore, is not only about creating more digital records. It is about connecting the records, people and processes that make up healthcare delivery. For smaller hospitals, that could turn digitalisation from an administrative upgrade into a core part of how they operate.

INDIA and the World

21. BRICS at 20: How big it is, and why it matters to India and the world

NDTV, September 11. 2026, Samrat Sharma

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, marking the fourth time it has hosted the gathering. This year's theme, Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, comes at a time of escalating military tensions, trade disputes and shifting geopolitical alliances.

As countries redraw their strategic partnerships in an increasingly fragmented world, the grouping that US President Donald Trump once dismissed as a "little group" is emerging as a more influential force in global affairs.

BRICS vs G7

BRICS began as a four-nation grouping in 2006, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India and China. At the time, the bloc accounted for 20.4 per cent of the global economy, less than half the G7's share. Over the years, however, the inclusion of new members and the rapid growth of emerging economies steadily expanded BRICS' economic footprint.

BRICS overtook the G7 in terms of global GDP share in 2020, according to the IMF's World Economic Outlook (April 2026). By 2026, the bloc is estimated to account for 41 per cent of global GDP, compared with 28 per cent for the G7. The gap is expected to widen further in the coming years.

Who Leads BRICS?

Although BRICS now has 11 member countries, its economic strength is heavily concentrated in China and India, which together account for nearly 70 per cent of the bloc's GDP. China alone contributes 48.5 per cent, followed by India at 20.7 per cent.

Russia accounts for 8.2 per cent of the bloc's economy, while Indonesia contributes six per cent, Brazil 5.7 per cent and Saudi Arabia 3.2 per cent. The remaining members account for comparatively smaller shares.

Role Of BRICS In India's International Trade

BRICS has become increasingly important to India's external trade. In 2025-26, the bloc accounted for 22 per cent of India's exports and 41 per cent of its imports, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

China remains India's largest trading partner and a key source of imports, while Russia's importance has risen sharply as India has increased purchases of discounted crude oil. Together, BRICS countries now occupy a central position in India's trade basket.

India's Key Trade Partners Within BRICS

A handful of countries dominate trade within the bloc. China, the UAE and Russia accounted for 64 per cent of India's exports to BRICS countries and 78 per cent of its imports from the grouping.

China alone contributed 41 per cent of India's imports from BRICS members, underlining its dominance in the bloc's trade architecture. On the export side, the UAE accounted for 39 per cent of India's exports to BRICS countries, driven largely by shipments of pearls, precious stones and jewellery.

Indians In BRICS Countries

BRICS also matters to India beyond trade and economics. The grouping is home to a significant share of the Indian expats. Of the 3.73 crore overseas Indians worldwide, nearly 89.8 lakh live in BRICS countries.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia together host more than 70 lakh Indians, making them the largest destinations for the Indian expats within the bloc. South Africa ranks third, with an Indian-origin population of around 18 lakh.

Two decades after its formation, BRICS has evolved from a loose coalition of emerging economies into a bloc that commands a larger share of global output than the G7. For India, its significance extends beyond economics. The grouping is central to the country's trade, energy security, expat links and broader diplomatic outreach. As the global balance of power gradually shifts towards the Global South, BRICS is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the emerging world order, giving India a larger platform to advance its strategic and economic interests.

22. L&T expects more modular infra business after Australian project success

Live Mint, 19 Sep. 2026, Nehal Chaliawala

Larsen & Toubro Ltd, India's largest engineering and infrastructure firm, expects more business to flow in for modular projects after successfully delivering Australia's largest urea factory in Tamil Nadu's Kattupalli.

Modular infrastructure projects represent a $100-150 billion market opportunity, Subramanian Sarma, deputy managing director and president at L&T, said on Friday.

Presently, the segment is dominated by companies in China and South Korea. However, with South Korea's high costs and global buyers looking to diversify beyond China, India could have an opportunity to get a larger share of this market, Sarma added.

While L&T has delivered a few modular projects in the past to countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and the Netherlands, the Australian project was much larger and will help the company establish itself as a credible player in the market, Sarma said.

The company shipped a 2.3 million-tonnes-per-annum urea manufacturing plant to Perdaman Chemicals & Fertilisers in Karratha, Western Australia. The 64,000-tonne unit was shipped in 110 large modular pieces over 23 voyages.

Project Ceres

Called Project Ceres, the unit is a project of national importance to Australia aimed at insulating its agricultural industry from global supply chain shocks for fertilizers. L&T was a subcontractor in the project brought on board to supply the prefabricated unit. Italy's Saipem and Australia's Clough managed the project as a joint venture.

Modular construction involves prefabricating large components of a manufacturing unit at a yard and then shipping and installing them at the final location. This method helps build in locations with extreme weather conditions or with high labour costs.

L&T has three modular manufacturing yards at Kattupalli, Hazira in Gujarat, and Sohar in Oman.

"Delivering modular fabrication of this scale, with an excellent safety record, for Australia demonstrates the depth of India's industrial ecosystem and its ability to meet demanding international standards," S.N. Subrahmanyan, chairman and managing director, L&T, said in a press statement.

"The landmark achievement strengthens L&T's position as a trusted global partner and reinforces India's potential to become a leading hub for complex modular solutions."

Sarma said modularisation was a game-changer in delivering large and complex energy projects. "By shifting substantial construction, integration, testing and pre-commissioning activities from the project site to a controlled fabrication environment, it enables parallel execution, strengthens safety and quality oversight, improves predictability and reduces complexity at the site."

Project Ceres demonstrates how engineering, procurement, fabrication and international logistics can be integrated into a single delivery model to execute world-scale projects with greater certainty, he added.

L&T shares ended 0.78% higher at ₹3,860 on BSE on Friday compared to a 0.03% dip in the Sensex.

23. Indian founders create $560 bn in overseas unicorn value: Report

The Times of India, 22 Sep. 2026, Supriya Roy

Bengaluru: Indian founders have co-founded more than twice as many billion-dollar companies abroad as they have in India, according to new data.

The findings are part of the Indian Diaspora Index, compiled by technology investor Prosus and startup data platform Dealroom. The study identified 205 current and former unicorns overseas, compared with 101 in India.

Together, the overseas companies are valued at about $1.1 trillion. However, the report attributes $560 billion of this value to founders who grew up in India. The comparable figure for the 101 companies built in India is $349 billion.

The report uses a methodology to avoid attributing a company’s entire value to an Indian founder when there are multiple co-founders. It divides a company’s value equally among its founders and counts only the share attributed to founders who grew up in India.

For instance, Perplexity is valued at $20 billion and has four founders. As one of them, Aravind Srinivas, grew up in India, the study attributes $5 billion of the company’s value to the Indian diaspora.

This calculation does not indicate how much of a company a founder actually owns. Nor does it represent the founder’s personal wealth or the amount of capital flowing back to India.

Of the 205 overseas companies, 70 were built entirely by founders who grew up in India. These companies account for $243 billion and include Zscaler, Rubrik, Nutanix, Icertis and Skild.

The remaining 135 companies have mixed founding teams. The portions attributed to their India-raised founders add up to $317 billion. These companies include Palo Alto Networks, Bloom Energy, Astera Labs, Rippling and Perplexity.

The US is home to 187 of the 205 overseas companies. Another 18 companies in the dataset were initially founded in India and subsequently moved overseas. These include Icertis, Postman, Freshworks, BrowserStack and Chargebee.

Within India, Flipkart leads the report’s valuation list at $36 billion, followed by Zomato at about $29.5 billion, Lenskart at $16.3 billion and Groww at $16.2 billion.

The data also highlights the expansion of India’s domestic startup ecosystem. The value attributed to India-built companies rose from $1.5 billion in 2010 to $349 billion in 2026, a 226-fold increase. The corresponding figure for overseas companies rose 64 times, from $8.7 billion to $560 billion.

Despite the growth in both ecosystems, the gap has widened in recent years. The difference between the two groups increased from about $51 billion in 2022 to $211 billion in 2026.

“What has changed in this period is that founders no longer have to leave to build at scale. The market, the capital and the operating talent are now here,” said Saurav Jain, principal investor at Prosus India.

24. Underwater solar panels generate power at 10-metre depth

Msn, 27 Sep. 2026

Breakthrough sea trial: Chinese researchers generated 324 mWh in two hours from perovskite solar cells submerged 10 metres underwater.

Why it matters: The technology could power marine sensors, robots, and communication systems far from shore without frequent battery changes.

Long-term potential: Tests predict over 5 years of continuous operation at depth, with next trials planned for even deeper waters.

Underwater solar breakthrough achieved in South China Sea

A research team from Yunnan University has demonstrated the first practical operation of submerged perovskite solar cells at a depth of 10 metres, off the Weizhou Islands. In real-world sea trials, large-area modules generated 324 milliwatt-hours in two hours—enough to charge lithium-ion batteries and power LEDs. This output far exceeded researchers’ expectations and marks a milestone for marine renewable energy applications.

This work presents the first functional validation of submerged solar cells operating at water depths of up to about 10 meters, greatly broadening their application scope.

How perovskite cells capture light beneath the waves

The team engineered wide-bandgap perovskite cells tuned to absorb blue-green light, the wavelengths that penetrate seawater at depth. Modified with polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride, the cells showed high efficiency—about 34.71%—and stability, resisting degradation after extensive simulated underwater testing. The design overcomes the rapid attenuation of red and ultraviolet light underwater, enabling energy harvesting well beyond the shallow depths conventional silicon panels can manage.

Why this could transform marine energy supply

Underwater solar could provide a continuous, maintenance-light power source for ocean sensors, cameras, communication systems, and autonomous robots operating far from shore. Current systems rely on batteries that require retrieval and replacement, limiting deployment duration. The ability to generate power on-site at depth could enhance marine research, aquaculture monitoring, and subsea exploration, aligning with broader trends in renewable energy expansion into challenging environments.

Next steps and remaining challenges

Researchers plan to test the technology at greater depths of 20–30 metres to define operational limits. Key challenges include improving encapsulation for long-term seawater exposure and addressing environmental safety concerns over lead in perovskite cells. The projected 5.5-year operational lifespan is based on laboratory simulations; real-world durability and ecological impacts will require extended monitoring before large-scale deployment.

25. Nobel Peace Prize 2026 awarded to Indian-origin Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay

Moneycontrol World Desk, 9 Oct. 2026

The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation and exclusion.

A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time.

Pillay held states and national leaders accountable and brought hope to victims of violence and conflict, and demonstrated a firm moral ⁠compass in her long career, the committee said.

Navi Pillay was chair of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory that concluded last year that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel dismissed the ‌report ⁠as "scandalous", according to Reuters.

The Nobel Peace Prize, worth 12 million Swedish crowns, or about $1.2 million, is due to be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will.

View on Watch

News18

Navanetham Navi Pillai awarded 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for promoting international law | News18

Navi Pillai also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of

Current Time 0:55

***

AAPI

Pages

Thursday, 15 October 2026

Newsletter, October 2026

– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.

– AGRICULTURE, FISHING & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

– INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURE

– SERVICES (IT, R&D, Tourism, Healthcare, etc.)

NEWSLETTER, October 2026

– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.

- Agriculture, Fishing and Rural Development

- Industry and Manufacture

- Services (Education, Healthcare, IT, R&D, Tourism, etc.)

INDIA and the World