Bhopal, April 8, 2025: Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU) successfully hosted the international research and innovation conference “Shodh Shikhar Vigyan Parv 2025” under the theme “Viksit Bharat-Naya Bharat.” The event saw the participation of over 1,500 delegates, 100+ speakers, and representatives from 176 institutions worldwide, showcasing more than 300 research papers and 75 innovative projects. Discussions centered around the commercialization of over 25 research products, emphasizing India’s journey toward becoming a global research and innovation hub. The event featured seven distinct tracks for submissions and presentations, covering a broad spectrum of scientific and technological domains.

Inaugural Address and Keynote Sessions

The conference commenced with an inspiring address by Mr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, who emphasized the importance of conducting scientific research in one’s mother tongue. He argued that regional language-based research fosters better understanding and accessibility, aligning with India’s goal of democratizing knowledge.

Chancellor Santosh Choubey outlined RNTU’s commitment to education and research, highlighting its initiatives like the Prime Minister Skill Center, the Atal Incubation Center, and various startup incubation programs. He stressed the need for industry-academia collaboration to drive innovation and skill development.

Dr. Amitabh Mishra, Chief Scientist at Hicks Company, introduced groundbreaking medical technology, including an advanced thermometer designed to enhance precision in healthcare. Meanwhile, Dr. Arvind Ranade discussed India’s Vision 2047, stressing the need for interdisciplinary research and government support to bolster scientific advancements.

Dr. Namrata Pathak from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) underscored the department’s role in nurturing young researchers through grants and mentorship programs. She encouraged scholars to explore emerging areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy.

Prof. Bharat Sharan Singh, Chairman of MP Private University Regulatory Commission, urged researchers to contribute toward India’s technological self-reliance by 2047, drawing parallels with India’s historical scientific achievements. He called for increased policy support for research and development.

Research Presentations, Exhibitions, and Science Journalism

The event featured a dynamic exhibition where research scholars and industry experts presented path-breaking projects. Highlights included an electric vehicle charging station powered by solar energy, an IoT-enabled workforce management system, and sustainable agricultural innovations aimed at improving food security.

A dedicated session on science communication in Hindi brought attention to the need for accessible scientific literature. Dr. Vinita Choubey, Editor of the magazine “Electroniki Aapke Liye,” shared insights on making scientific knowledge more inclusive and widely available across India.

Experts also discussed the evolving landscape of science journalism, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap between research institutions and the general public. They encouraged young journalists to actively participate in making science engaging and understandable for a broader audience.

Valedictory Session and Closing Ceremony

The valedictory session was graced by Prof. Bharat Sharan Singh, Chairman of MP Private University Regulatory Commission, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Dr. Manoj Kumar Pateria, Former Chairman, CSIR-NIScPR, and Dr. Namrata Pathak from DST. Other guests included Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Chancellor of SCOPE Global Skills University; Dr. Aditi Chaturvedi Vats, Pro-Chancellor of RNTU; Dr. RP Dubey, Vice-Chancellor of RNTU; and Dr. Arun Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of CVRU Khandwa.

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions across multiple disciplines, including engineering, life sciences, and environmental sustainability. Eminent researchers and young scholars were honored for their innovative work, reinforcing the significance of research in shaping India’s future.

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination, Shodh Shikhar Vigyan Parv 2025 set a precedent for future conferences, inspiring researchers to contribute meaningfully toward India’s scientific and technological advancement.

Noida, India – 8^th April 2025 – In a world where public relations has long been a luxury reserved for the well-funded and well-connected, Global PR Connect (GPRC) is changing the narrative. As it marks three years of disruptive growth, the digital-first PR agency is leading a quiet revolution—making branding accessible, affordable, and impactful for startups, solopreneurs, and emerging businesses across India.

In just three years, GPRC has achieved an extraordinary 1000% growth in turnover, crossed ₹23 crore in revenue, and built a thriving portfolio of 350+ brands. With 45,000+ media features to its name, the agency is proof that effective PR doesn’t need to break the bank—it just needs the right approach.

Leveling the PR Playing Field

Founded by Animesh Kumar and Saurav Lohani, GPRC was launched with a bold mission: to democratize public relations and make it a powerful growth tool for every brand, not just the big names. “For too long, PR has been an exclusive domain. We wanted to open the doors wide,” says Animesh Kumar, Co-founder of GPRC.

With performance-driven, transparent pricing and a guaranteed visibility model, GPRC ensures that even early-stage startups and solo founders can access top-tier media coverage without the traditional barriers of cost or connections.

“We’re not here to be just another PR agency,” adds Saurav Lohani. “We’re building a movement—one where every ambitious founder, no matter their size or sector, has a fair shot at building a memorable brand.”

Startup-Friendly, Impact-Focused PR

GPRC’s 360-degree approach to PR includes media relations, strategic storytelling, crisis management, influencer marketing, and digital-first brand campaigns. This makes the agency uniquely suited to support lean, agile teams who need maximum impact with minimal resources.

By combining affordable PR packages with AI-powered campaign strategies, GPRC helps businesses get seen, heard, and remembered—without burning through their budgets.

Innovation That Empowers

At the core of GPRC’s success lies its embrace of technology and data. The agency leverages AI-driven media tracking, data analytics, and trend forecasting to deliver PR strategies that are scalable, targeted, and measurable. For small businesses and solopreneurs, this means high-ROI storytelling backed by insights, not guesswork.

With the rapid shift towards digital news consumption, influencer trust, and hyper-personalized branding, GPRC is not only keeping pace with the times—it’s leading the charge.

A Vision to Empower Millions

Looking ahead, GPRC is setting its sights on global expansion while deepening its commitment to India’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. By building affordable, tech-enabled PR solutions, the agency aims to support a new generation of brands, innovators, and creators across Tier-1, Tier-2, and even rural markets.

GPRC is also investing in training the next generation of PR professionals, ensuring that the future of the industry is inclusive, AI-ready, and impact-driven.

Mumbai, India- April 8 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming platform, is making waves with its latest series Loot Kaand, an electrifying new thriller that dives deep into a heist gone wildly off script. Helmed by director Ruchir Arun and produced by the creators of Drishyam, the high-stakes story revolves around siblings Palash and Latika whose calculated plan spirals into unforeseen turmoil. At the core of this chaotic world is Gyanendra Tripathi’s Pinaki, a clever schemer caught between hilarity and havoc. Alongside him, the series boasts a stellar cast, featuring Sahil Mehta, Tanya Maniktala, Saad Bilgrami, Ronjini Chakraborty, Nitin Goel, and Amit Sarkar in pivotal roles.

Gyanendra

Revealing which character, besides Pinaki, he’d love to play in the series, Gyanendra shared, “If I had the chance, I would love to step into the role played by Aakash Sinha. He brings such a wonderful blend of goofiness, innocence, and unwavering loyalty to the character, and when the situation demands it, he shows immense bravery, too. Working with him was an absolute delight. He did a phenomenal job, and I truly enjoyed watching him bring the role to life. If given the opportunity, I’d love to be Binaghi’s friend.”

Sharing his experience working with the cast, he added, “The entire team was incredible. I had seen Tanya and Sahil’s work before, but we hadn’t met in person. However, the moment we started talking, the connection felt effortless. Mutual respect among co-stars is essential, especially when you’re shooting intense scenes together. Since most of my scenes were with Aakash, it was an exciting experience working together. He’s an old friend, someone I know inside out, and since we come from the same institute and have been mentored by the same teachers, we had a natural rhythm. It was a joy to bounce ideas off of each other and bring our characters to life.”

Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is organizing a National-Level Awareness Quiz titled “Know Ambedkar” 2025 from April 7 to April 14, 2025, in online mode. This quiz is being held in observance of Dr. Bheemrao Ambedkar Jayanti and aims to raise awareness about his life, ideas, and the constitutional values he championed.

Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is a self-organized group of young individuals committed to driving social change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Established in 2016 in Village Tyodhi, Baghpat, by Indian Social Worker SR Aman Kumar, UYC engages rural youth in nation-building and participatory development activities. The organization promotes values such as kindness, eco-consciousness, innovation, peace, and quality education through its initiatives on key national and international days.

The “Know Ambedkar” Quiz is a national initiative to educate and inspire individuals by highlighting the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to Indian democracy and social reform. It encourages citizens, especially youth, to understand the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Participants will attempt 10 multiple-choice questions based on Dr. Ambedkar’s life, thoughts, and constitutional work. Only those who answer all questions correctly will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Participation.

Eligibility: Open to all individuals irrespective of age, gender, region, or educational background.

Benefits

1. Certificate of Participation for those who score 100/100
2. Recognition of top scorers through #ResponsibleCitizens Special Photo Collage
3. Opportunity to deepen knowledge about Dr. Ambedkar and Indian constitutional values
4. Digital Volunteer Recognition for individuals with highest number of verified referrals
5. Impact Partner Recognition for top three institutions with the highest number of participants

Instructions

• The quiz consists of 10 questions, each carrying 10 marks
• All questions are multiple-choice with 4 options each
• The quiz is available in both Hindi and English
• Participants must score 100/100 to receive a certificate
• The last date to submit responses is April 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM

How to Participate
Interested individuals can register and participate in the quiz by filling out the official quiz form available at the following link: https://forms.gle/w5YYvYPk11e36AZWA

Mumbai, April 8, 2025- Global luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo proudly announces the appointment of LIM YOONA as its new global brand ambassador. Renowned for her versatility and elegance, YOONA embodies the timeless beauty and sophistication that define Sulwhasoo’s philosophy.

As a celebrated actress with a remarkable presence in both domestic and international markets, LIM YOONA has captivated audiences through her compelling performances in film and television. With her graceful charm and enduring influence, she is set to strengthen Sulwhasoo’s identity as a leading Korean beauty brand and further establish it as a globally coveted name in luxury skincare.

A Perfect Synergy: LIM YOONA & Sulwhasoo’s Vision of Holistic Beauty

Sulwhasoo’s pursuit of “Holistic Beauty” extends beyond the present moment, offering a timeless, refined approach to skincare. LIM YOONA’s career, marked by her continuous artistic evolution and profound on-screen presence, beautifully aligns with Sulwhasoo’s commitment to heritage, innovation, and elegance. Her classy and luminous image harmonizes with the brand’s aesthetic values, allowing her to communicate Sulwhasoo’s essence in a deeply resonant way. As Sulwhasoo’s global ambassador, LIM YOONA will take center stage in worldwide campaigns, bringing the brand’s heritage and vision closer to skincare lovers across the globe.

Debuting in the Global Campaign for First Care Activating Serum

This March, LIM YOONA will make her debut in Sulwhasoo’s highly anticipated global campaign for First Care Activating Serum the brand’s best-selling first-step anti-aging solution. Crafted with the wisdom of Korean herbal medicine, this iconic serum sets the foundation for radiant, youthful skin.

Meet YOONA & Sulwhasoo at online and offline stores worldwide, and experience the artistry of luxury skincare redefined.

Mumbai, 8th April 2025 – Ahikoza, the globally renowned artisanal handbag brand known for its geometric aesthetic and architectural designs, is entering a new era with ‘Brham’ By Brahm, an esteemed LifeStyle platform. Founded and creatively led by Namrata Karad, Ahikoza has made its mark on red carpets worldwide, adorning the arms of style icons such as Camila Cabello, Kate Hudson, and Doja Cat. Indian actors like Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan have also embraced the brand.  The brand has been showcased at prestigious events like The Oscars, The Golden Globes, The Grammys and Festival De Cannes.

Brahm Group has acquired a majority stake in Ahikoza, marking one of the latest deals in the B2C luxury accessories market, with a vision to drive innovation and global expansion. The brand is targeting a 15% year-on-year growth, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving luxury landscape.

The global luxury handbag market, valued at USD 22.8 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to USD 41.1 billion by 2032, driven by a 6.77% CAGR. This surge is fuelled by evolving consumer behaviour, social media influence, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce, shaping new buying patterns. Ahikoza has already garnered a distinguished following across international markets, including the USA and Europe and India. Catering to fashion-forward women with its coveted luxury statement pieces. The association with Brahm Group, will propel the brand to scale up operations, expand its reach, and enhance its offerings in the market. This strategic growth will allow more consumers to experience the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define Ahikoza.

As part of this collaboration, Ahikoza by Brham aims to redefine luxury with a focus on craftsmanship, slow luxury, and innovative design. The brand’s signature handbags are meticulously crafted to transcend seasonal trends, making them a wardrobe essential for the discerning consumer.

“I have always loved accessories, in particular handbags. In the world of luxury. I found a gap in the market. Women were mostly adorning the same established brands. This inspired and began the long journey of building my own label. I believe that like the power brands that inspired me, Ahikoza will offer something unique and of value” said Namrata Karad, Founder, Ahikoza.

Namrata Karad, an NRI entrepreneur, is making a remarkable return to India, bringing global expertise and innovative business acumen to the country. With a keen eye for design and a passion for craftsmanship, she continues to expand Ahikoza’s presence, shaping it into a globally coveted luxury accessories brand.

With this partnership, Brham, a branded LifeStyle ecosystem curating premium experiences across products, services & real estate offerings, welcomes Ahikoza into its fold. Brahm Group places a strong emphasis on sustainability and conscious luxury. Ahikoza aligns with this philosophy by embracing slow luxury, ensuring that each piece is created using the finest raw materials and expert craftsmanship, designed to last.

Ahikoza prioritizes and remains committed to minimizing all forms of waste consumption, primarily by exploring sustainable methods and maintaining an eco-conscious approach at the forefront, rooted in its production methods.

“At Brham, we believe in fostering brands that resonate with contemporary luxury while staying true to craftsmanship and legacy. Ahikoza’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with our vision, and we are excited to bring their exquisite designs to a discerning audience,” said Bhavook Tripathi, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Brahm Well-Being & LifeStyle LLC, USA.

With a growing global presence and a steadfast commitment to quality and artistry, Ahikoza by Brham is poised to make a lasting impact, offering consumers a rare blend of artistic elegance and modern sophistication

Bangalore, 08 April 2025:  Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that it has introduced feature upgrades in the Urban Cruiser Hyryder that redefine safety, comfort, and convenience. The latest enhancements underscores Toyota’s commitment to customer-centric innovation, seamlessly incorporating valuable feedback and evolving market trends to elevate the driving experience.

Widely celebrated and embraced as India’s first Self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder has already crossed the milestone of 1 lakh sales. It continues to win hearts with its innovative technology, exceptional fuel economy, dynamic performance, and premium driving experience.

The key change points of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder include:

Safety:

• Structural enhancements have been introduced across all variants for improved safety.
• 6 Airbags are now standard across all variants, ensuring enhanced passenger safety.
• The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) has been added to automatic transmission across certain variants for added convenience and safety.

Performance:

• The new 6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT) replaces the previous 5-speed manual gearbox in AWD variant.

Comfort and Convenience:

• The 8-way Adjustable Power Driver Seat is now available in higher variants for a personalized driving position.
• A Rear Door Sunshade has been introduced in higher variants for improved passenger comfort.
• The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been introduced in more variants for better real-time tyre pressure monitoring.
• Ambient lighting has been introduced in higher variants to enhance the premium cabin experience.
• Driver and Co-Driver Ventilated Seats have been added to higher variants for improved comfort.
• Type-C USB fast-charging ports (15W) have been introduced for improved device connectivity.
• LED Spot and Reading Lamps are now standard across all variants, enhancing cabin illumination.
• The Air Quality Index Display has been added to select variants, ensuring better air quality monitoring inside the cabin.
• An updated Speedometer with improved readability and clearer information display is now available across all variants.
• Dual-tone exterior colour options have been introduced in select variants to enhance styling choices.

Speaking on the introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “As the SUV segment evolves, we continue to refresh and elevate our lineup to stay ahead of the curve. The latest Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a testament to our commitment for best-in-segment technology, advanced safety, and superior comfort. Crafted for modern SUV buyers, it seamlessly blends Toyota’s legendary quality, sustainability, and driving pleasure.

With these latest upgrades, we are confident that the Hyryder will appeal to an even broader audience, further solidifying its position as one of India’s bestselling SUVs. More than just enhanced performance and efficiency, this refined SUV sets new benchmarks in hybrid technology, safety, and connected mobility, delivering a future-ready driving experience tailored to the dynamic needs of today’s customers.”

Launched in 2021, The Urban Cruiser Hyryder blends Toyota’s global SUV heritage with bold styling, advanced technology, and sustainability. Designed for efficiency and performance, it offers a highly efficient Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric powertrain, along with a 1.5L K-series engine with Neo Drive (ISG), 5-speed Manual, and 6-speed Automatic Transmission with 2WD & 4WD options.

Its sleek exterior features LED Project Headlamps, Twin LED DRLs, a Sporty Skid Plate, Crystal Acrylic Grille, and 17-inch Alloy Wheels, available in seven monotone and four dual-tone colours. Inside, the premium cabin includes a 9-inch infotainment system, wireless charging, ventilated leather seats, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, cruise control, head-up display, and Google & Siri voice assistants. Rear passengers benefit from reclining seats, rear AC vents, USB charging, and a 60:40 split seat.

Toyota enhances ownership with 66 exclusive accessories, a 3-year/100,000 km warranty (extendable to 5 years/220,000 km), and an 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty, ensuring a premium and hassle-free driving experience.

National, April 8, 2025:  WeWork India Management Limited (“WeWork India”), one of India’s leading premium flexible workspace operators, today announced the opening of its latest workspace – WeWork Lightbridge. Located in Powai, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after commercial hubs, the newest addition hosts nearly 2000 desks, spanning across three floors.

As the city of Mumbai continues to grow as a major hub for multinational corporations and GCCs, there is a surge in demand for high-quality workspaces that are exceptional in design and services. While Bengaluru continues to lead in GCC setups with approximately 875+ GCCs in FY2024, it is closely followed by Mumbai with 365+ GCCs (Source: CBRE). WeWork Lightbridge reflects a design ethos inspired by Mumbai’s heritage. It features functional yet design-driven amenities, including conference rooms, wellness spaces, and an expansive lounge for managed operations on one floor, alongside co-working floors. The design movement is greatly inspired by machines and incorporates mechanical elements with sleek line work and bold accent colours. Additionally, there are light boxes with spatial illusion bringing in more light in spaces away from natural sunlight, along with hand painted tile installation inspired from Maharashtra’s hand painted tile craft paired with Lino paintings of seascapes.

Commenting on this expansion, Arnav S. Gusain, Chief of Supply, WeWork India, said, “The launch of WeWork Lightbridge marks a significant milestone for us. As the demand for flexible workspaces continues to rise, we remain committed to providing innovative, design-forward spaces that enable businesses and professionals to thrive. Lightbridge reflects our vision of combining functionality with cutting-edge design, ensuring businesses of all sizes have the resources they need to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment. It exemplifies modern design and sustainable practices, while showcasing the neoclassical movement in Mumbai. Furthermore, our collaboration with one of the leading developers – Hiranandani Group has allowed us to integrate the best of their expertise into the latest addition to our portfolio.”

WeWork Lightbridge is strategically located in the city’s prime business districts, known for its blend of business, residential, and lifestyle offerings. The close proximity to international airport, hotels like JW Marriott, ITC Maratha and Hilton, and hospitals like Hiranandani Hospital, Seven Hills makes it an ideal workspace for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, Lightbridge also offers easy access to metro and road connectivity Gurukripa Cityflo Bus Stop, Saki Naka Metro Station, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport – T2.

Harsh Hiranandani, Director, House of Hiranandani Group added, “We’re delighted to collaborate with WeWork India, and extend our partnership with Hiranandani Lightbridge in Powai, Mumbai. With the continued rise in demand, we are confident this project will facilitate flex working for businesses across industries in the city.”

The new centre will serve as a hub for collaboration, driving success for businesses across industries and providing adaptable solutions for teams of all sizes. WeWork India is currently operational across 8 cities, with over 1 lakh desks. With solutions for all kinds of businesses – solopreneurs to startups to Fortune 500 companies – WeWork India offers the perfect workspace solutions that deliver a premium experience.

Mumbai, 08^th April, 2025 – Sumeet Facilities Ltd, a leader in waste management solutions has successfully concluded a significant deep clean-up drive in collaboration with Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). The intensive week-long project, which covered both Eastern Express Highway (EEH) and Western Express Highway (WEH), significantly enhanced the cleanliness and safety of Mumbai’s major arterial roads by removing enormous amounts of debris, waste and abandoned cars.

The campaign executed from March 17 to 22, saw SFL deployed more than 150 workers alongside with advanced cleaning technology, including 8 electric sweeping machines imported from Europe, 9 litter picking machines, and hook loaders, to ensure an efficient cleaning. High-pressure jetting and misting equipment were used to minimize dust pollution, ensuring efficient road surface cleaning and large-scale debris management. Over 350 kilometres of highway were covered during the campaign, giving Mumbai commuters a more hygienic and obstruction-free journey.

In an impressive effort, the clean-up operation removed over 25 tonnes of debris and 5 tonnes of mixed garbage each day. Additionally, several abandoned and non-functional vehicles were cleared, improving traffic flow and safety for commuters. As part of an extended commitment, SFL will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the highways for the next seven years.

The Deep Clean Drive was meticulously planned by the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Planning Department of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), showcasing a commitment to improving urban sanitation standards in the city.

Amit Salunke, CEO & Director at Sumeet Facilities Ltd. said, “We are thankful to SWM and MCGM for collaborating with us for this deep Clean drive on Eastern and Western Express Highways. This large-scale project reflects our dedication to urban cleanliness and sustainability. The successful execution of the project highlights the strength of our cutting-edge technology and skilled manpower. With the hard work of over 150 dedicated workers, we ensured a visible and impactful transformation of Mumbai’s highways. We look forward to such collaborations in future that contribute to the city’s betterment.”

08^th April, 2025 – The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has released the second edition of its MSME Outlook Survey (MOS) for the quarter January–March 2025. Designed to bridge the critical data gap in the sector, the survey offers valuable insights through two key indices—the MSME Business Conditions Index (M-BCI) and the MSME Business Expectations Index (M-BEI). These indices help policymakers and stakeholders track the evolving business environment and expectations of the MSME sector. This pan-India survey has been undertaken with a well-distributed sample size of about 1200 MSMEs across regions and industries.

The survey findings reflect a broadly optimistic sentiment among MSMEs, underpinned by improved business conditions and forward-looking growth plans. The Composite M-BCI for Q4 FY25 stands at 60.82, marking an improvement from the previous quarter’s 58.30. This increase indicates a sustained healthy business environment across the manufacturing, services, and trading sectors, with sector-specific M-BCIs also showing upward movement. Looking ahead, expectations remain positive with M-BEIs for the next four quarters holding firm above 54. While the overall optimism has slightly moderated compared to the previous round—attributed to ongoing global economic uncertainties and rising tariff barriers—the sector continues to exhibit confidence in future performance.

MSMEs remain buoyant on sales growth, driven by stronger order books, increased production, and higher selling prices. A significant majority anticipates maintaining or improving profitability in Q4 FY25, despite moderate increases in input and salary costs. The outlook for profitability over the next year also remains upbeat, with MSMEs banking on higher production volumes and improved price realizations to support stable or better margins.

Employment generation continues to be a priority, with nearly one-third of the surveyed enterprises in the manufacturing and services sectors reporting increased workforce during the current quarter. Around 40% of manufacturers and 37% of service providers are also optimistic about higher employment in the fourth quarter of FY-26 i.e. one year ahead. However, concerns around the availability of skilled labour persist, with about one-sixth of respondents across sectors flagging this as a challenge.

Capital expenditure intentions present another encouraging trend, with 37% of MSMEs reporting capacity expansion during the current period and a similar proportion planning additional investments in the coming year. This investment confidence is complemented by a growing commitment to sustainability, as around 40% of MSMEs in the manufacturing and services sectors confirmed initiatives such as solar panel installation, adoption of e-vehicles, and other environmentally friendly technologies. A comparable number are also planning to invest further in green and sustainable practices.

On the financing front, access to credit remains widespread, with 80% of respondents reporting availability. However, the adequacy of this credit continues to be a concern, with 40% of manufacturing and 41% of services enterprises stating that the finance available does not fully meet their needs. Optimism around improved credit access in the year ahead is evident, but nearly 20% of MSMEs continue to express concerns. Additionally, the cost of finance remains a pressing issue, with 40% of MSMEs across sectors reporting higher borrowing costs during the survey period and an even higher percentage expecting these elevated costs to persist.

Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI, while releasing the report, stated, “SIDBI has always played a significant role in the robust growth of the Indian MSME sector through both financial and developmental initiatives. The Quarterly Outlook Survey is another initiative to ‘understand MSMEs’ in a better manner. During a time of increased global uncertainties fuelled by unprecedented tariff barriers, MSMEs have shown remarkable resilience and pro-growth sentiments. Their plans for CAPEX, employment and adoption of sustainable and green technologies augur well for our economy. I believe that with necessary support from all the stakeholders, Indian MSMEs will remain steady on their growth track amidst the cloudy external environment.”

The second round of SIDBI’s MSME Outlook Survey reaffirms the sector’s strong fundamentals, forward-looking approach, and unwavering commitment to growth—despite external headwinds. As MSMEs continue to play a central role in job creation, investment, and sustainability, their performance remains vital to India’s broader economic progress.