ET CIO Awards 2025 Secures Spotlight on Digital Architects Transforming Enterprise Tech
Neel Achary business
ET CIO Awards 2025 Secures Spotlight on Digital Architects Transforming Enterprise Tech

Mumbai, 01st March 2025: The Economic Times announces its flagship 2nd edition of the CIO Awards for Enterprise IT Excellence, spotlighting transformative leaders who are architecting India’s digital future. The ceremony witnessed around 24 winners who showcased how enterprise technology leaders leverage AI, cloud computing, and automation to create sustainable competitive advantages. The awards have […]

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The Secret to Timeless Luminous Skin
Bhumika Lenka business
The Secret to Timeless Luminous Skin

1st March 2025: As we age, our skin undergoes numerous changes, including the thinning of the dermis—the second layer of our skin. This natural process is exacerbated by the loss of essential proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. While many individuals turn to skincare products and supplements to combat these signs of aging, recent studies emphasize the powerful impact of aerobic and resistance exercise, particularly weightlifting, on skin health. Weightlifting, in particular, has been shown to significantly increase dermal thickness. This form of resistance training promotes the production of proteins that strengthen connective tissues within the skin. When we lift weights, the mechanical stress stimulates fibroblast activity, enhancing collagen synthesis. This process not only improves skin elasticity but also fortifies its structure, making it more resilient against the effects of aging.

Additionally, weightlifting enhances blood circulation, ensuring that skin cells receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Improved circulation also aids in the removal of toxins from the skin, contributing to a clearer and healthier complexion. Furthermore, the increased muscle mass gained through regular resistance training provides better support for the skin, reducing the appearance of sagging. Dr. Subhro Bhattacharjee, Consultant Aesthetic Dermatologist & Laser Specialist, explains, “During weightlifting, micro-injuries stimulate the body’s repair process, replacing old tissue with new. This regeneration tightens tissues, increases collagen and elastic fibers, improves blood vessels, enhances skin tone, and contributes to a radiant complexion, providing significant anti-aging benefits.”

However, while weightlifting plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful skin, a comprehensive skincare routine remains essential. According to Dr. Debasish Biswas, Senior Aesthetic Physician and Founder of Radiantt Estheticis, “Serums are concentrated formulations designed to address specific skin concerns, making them a vital component of an effective skincare regimen. They penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering active ingredients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and skin regeneration.” Serums also play a key role in minimizing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, evening out skin tone for a brighter, more uniform complexion. Rich in antioxidants, they help protect the skin from free radicals—unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging. This protective barrier reduces the environmental impact on the skin, including damage from pollution and sun exposure. Regular use of serums leads to smoother, more refined skin, enhancing texture and providing a radiant glow.

To address specific skin concerns, different types of serums can be incorporated into a skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid serum is essential for hydration, while a biphasic serum effectively targets pigmentation. Vitamin C serum works to correct uneven skin tone, whereas retinol serum provides powerful anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. For those struggling with dark spots, tranexamic acid serum is highly effective in lightening hyperpigmentation and restoring a balanced complexion.

In conclusion, while skincare products such as serums contribute to maintaining a youthful and healthy complexion, integrating weightlifting into your fitness routine offers remarkable benefits. By promoting dermal thickness, enhancing collagen production, and improving circulation, weightlifting helps keep the skin firm, elastic, and radiant. The next time you hit the gym, remember—those weights are not just sculpting your muscles; they’re also giving your skin a lift.

This comprehensive approach combines the power of resistance training with targeted skincare to achieve a radiant, youthful complexion. We believe this synergy of fitness and skincare could resonate well with your audience and spark meaningful conversations around holistic approaches to skin health.

Goa Government Secures Growth with Entrepreneur Loans at Just 0.50% Interest
Neel Achary business
Goa Government Secures Growth with Entrepreneur Loans at Just 0.50% Interest

Panaji, Goa, 01st March 2025: Goa, traditionally celebrated for its vibrant tourism and beaches, is now embarking on a transformation that extends far beyond its coastal boundaries. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, the state is actively contributing to the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aligned with the objectives set […]

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Securing Growth: Empowering Women to Transform India’s Agriculture
Neel Achary business
Securing Growth: Empowering Women to Transform India’s Agriculture

by Hemant Sikka, President of the Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. & Co-Chair of FICCI’s National Agriculture Committee In India’s rural villages many women are often overlooked when it comes to securing a plausible a good respectable income from their family’s farmlands. This is in spite of being actively involved in farming. However, […]

The post Securing Growth: Empowering Women to Transform India’s Agriculture first appeared on Business News Week.

India’s Q3 FY 2025 GDP Growth at 6.2% Signals Need for Economic Boost
Bhumika Lenka news
India’s Q3 FY 2025 GDP Growth at 6.2% Signals Need for Economic Boost

By: Mr. Vivek Rathi – National Director Research, Knight Frank India.

“India’s Q3 FY 2025 GDP growth of 6.2% signals a moderate recovery in economic momentum since the last announcement but remains a notable slowdown compared to the same period last year. While a 5.6% growth in the agriculture sector has contributed positively, a sharp decline in manufacturing growth from 14% to 3.5% has significantly weighed on overall expansion. Additionally, a moderation in the construction sector to 7% has further dampened year-on-year growth.

With Real GDP projected to grow at 6.5% for FY 2024-25—substantially lower than the exceptional 9.2% recorded in FY 2023-24—there is a need for measures to stimulate private consumption, expand capital investment avenues, and sustain economic momentum.

Among high-frequency indicators within the property sector, we have seen signs of moderation in growth in both credit offtake and sales, suggesting a plateauing at elevated levels. Policy interventions aimed at revitalizing demand across the economic spectrum, particularly in the affordable housing segment, will be crucial in regaining momentum.”

Kia India Recognised As Great Place To Work
Bhumika Lenka business
Kia India Recognised As Great Place To Work

Mumbai, March 1st, 2025 – Kia India, the country’s leading mass-premium carmaker, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the period of February 2025 – February 2026. This certification underscores Kia India’s unwavering commitment to building a trust-based, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired.

With over 92% employee participation from corporate, regional, and plant offices across the country, this achievement highlights Kia India’s employee-friendly policies, which prioritize the all-round professional development of its workforce.

On the occasion, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India, remarked, “Being recognized as a Great Place to Work is a proud milestone for all of us at Kia India. Our dedication to fostering a customer-centric, people-focused, and collaborative ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of everything we do. This certification is a testament to our ongoing journey. We remain committed to listening to our people, learning from their insights, and investing in their growth, making Kia India an even more inspiring place to work. As we continue to redefine mobility, we are steadfast in our mission to cultivate a workplace that nurtures innovation and growth.”

The certification process followed the rigorous Great Place to Work® model, evaluating workplace culture across five key dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Kia India excelled in all these areas, reinforcing its commitment to employee engagement, well-being, and a culture of excellence. Notably, Kia India stands out as one of the few automobile manufacturers in the country to receive this prestigious recognition.

Crisil’s Dharmakirti Joshi Comments on GDP Data
Bhumika Lenka news
Crisil’s Dharmakirti Joshi Comments on GDP Data

By: Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, Crisil Limited on GDP data

March 1st 2025

Growth back to trend

The mild revision of 10 basis points (bps) in the second advanced estimates to 6.5% takes the expected real GDP growth this fiscal closer to the average of 6.6% seen in the decade pre-pandemic. And this is over a sharp upward revision of 100 bps in the previous year’s growth to 9.2%.

We expect the GDP growth at 6.5% next fiscal, supported by normal monsoons, lower food inflation and rate cuts of 75-100 basis points in the current cycle that began earlier this month. However, a lower fiscal impulse is expected to cap growth next year.

The good news is growth is becoming more balanced as private consumption’s share in GDP rose in fiscal 2025.

However, investment’s share has been moderating since fiscal 2024. As anticipated, public and household investments were the faster-growing investment components in fiscal 2024. However, private corporate investment share in total investments fell.

The financial flexibility and low leverage that corporates enjoy is yet to translate into healthy investments. The ongoing tariff wars and fear of dumping from China keeps the corporate sector cautious on investments.

On the other side, gross domestic savings as a proportion of GDP remained stagnant. While household gross financial savings (as % of GDP) rose, their savings in physical assets fell in fiscal 2024.

The complexity of risks from tariff actions – already initiated and likely to be followed by more such measures in the coming months – is evolving and creates a downside bias to our forecasts.

Birla Estates Secures INR 500Cr Booking in Birla Trimaya Phase 3
Bhumika Lenka business
Birla Estates Secures INR 500Cr Booking in Birla Trimaya Phase 3

Bengaluru, March 1st, 2025: Birla Estates Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (formerly Century Textiles and Industries Limited), announces the successful launch of Birla Trimaya Phase III – The Park, the latest addition to its highly sought-after project in North Bengaluru. Within 24 hours of the launch recording an impressive booking value of approximately INR 500 crores with the sale of over 300 units, validating the positive response from luxury homebuyers in the region. With this, the cumulative booking value achieved across all launched phases is approximately INR 1,500 crores with approx. 90% of units launched till date sold out, underlining the strong demand and market confidence in the project.

Spread across an expansive 52 acres of land stretch and strategically located on Shettigere Road, Devanahalli, North Bengaluru, Birla Trimaya compromises of three distinct phases – The Hill, The Park, and The Bay offering an exclusive selection of apartments, row houses and duplex homes with one of a kind gated community. Aligned with company’s ‘LifeDesigned’ philosophy, Birla Trimaya Phase III – The Park introduces a nature-inspired living experience, seamlessly blending urban sophistication with tranquil surroundings. This phase offers 2 BHK, 3 BHK, and 4 BHK options that include exquisite apartments and luxurious duplex residences, all thoughtfully designed to enhance lifestyle offering serene views of central park.

Mr. K. T. Jithendran, MD & CEO of Birla Estates, said: “The overwhelming response to Birla Trimaya across all three phases, with a cumulative booking value exceeding INR 1,500 crores, is a testament to our deep market understanding and commitment to crafting thoughtfully designed homes and curated lifestyles that redefine urban living. Bengaluru continues to be a key focus market for us, and the success of Birla Trimaya strengthens our position as a preferred brand in luxury real estate while underscoring the trust homebuyers have placed in this project.”

Beyond Birla Trimaya, Birla Estates continues to expand its footprint across Bengaluru, with landmark projects in Whitefield, Rajajinagar, Devanahalli, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar project.

PHDCCI India Remains Resilient with 6.2% GDP Growth in Q3 FY 2024-25
Bhumika Lenka news
PHDCCI India Remains Resilient with 6.2% GDP Growth in Q3 FY 2024-25

Despite geopolitical headwinds India’s growth at 6.2% in Q3 FY 2024-25 reflects India’s resilience and the effectiveness of policies, said Mr. Hemant Jain, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today .

The growth is largely driven by the strong performance of agriculture and allied sectors, which saw a growth rate of 5.6% in Q3 FY25. This rebound is expected to boost farmers’ income and further enhance agricultural productivity and rural growth, said Mr. Jain .

The tertiary sector has emerged as a key growth engine, showing an impressive 7.4% growth in Q3 FY25. Services such as trade, hotels, transport, communication, and broadcasting services have witnessed high growth of 6.7%, said Mr. Jain.

This indicates a vibrant services sector that continues to expand, creating new avenues for employment and economic development, said Mr. Jain.

Private final consumption expenditure grew by 6.9% in Q3 FY25; showing steady increase in consumer spending and strength to demand trajectory, said Mr. Jain.

The manufacturing sector grew steady at 3.5%, reflecting the continued strength of India’s manufacturing sector reforms, said Mr. Jain.

The construction sector remains a strong support to India’s economic growth, showing consistent growth of 7% in Q3 FY25, said Mr. Jain.

This sector not only generates significant employment across various skill levels but also acts as a catalyst for infrastructure development, said Mr. Jain

The electricity, gas, water supply, and other utility services grew by 5.1% in Q3 FY 2024-25, indicating strong support for the manufacturing sector through enhanced infrastructure and energy, said Mr. Jain.

The robust performance of India’s gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) at 27.6% of GDP for Q3 FY25 indicates sustained capacity expansion, said Mr. Jain.

Microalgae-Based Products Revolutionize Food, Pharma, and Biofuels
Bhumika Lenka news
Microalgae-Based Products Revolutionize Food, Pharma, and Biofuels

The microbial algae products market is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable, natural, and health-enhancing products. According to projections from Persistence Market Research, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%, with revenue rising from US$ 3,326.5 million in 2023 to approximately US$ 6,013.7 million by 2033. This significant growth highlights the increasing importance of microbial algae products across multiple industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels.

What are Microbial Algae Products?

Microbial algae products are derived from microscopic algae that can be cultivated in controlled environments such as bioreactors or open ponds. These products include bioactive compounds, pigments, proteins, and essential fatty acids that have diverse applications. Unlike traditional agriculture, microbial algae cultivation is highly efficient, requiring fewer resources while providing sustainable solutions for various industries.

Key Factors Driving Market Growth

1. Rising Demand for Plant-Based and Sustainable Products

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in consumer preferences toward plant-based and sustainable products. As the demand for alternative protein sources grows, microbial algae products have emerged as a viable solution due to their high protein content, essential amino acids, and low environmental impact. Companies producing plant-based meat substitutes, protein powders, and dietary supplements are increasingly incorporating algae-based ingredients into their formulations.

2. Health and Nutritional Benefits

Microbial algae are rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Spirulina and chlorella, two of the most popular algae species, are widely used in dietary supplements and functional foods due to their high protein content and potential health benefits, including improved immune function and cardiovascular health. Consumers seeking natural, nutrient-dense products are driving demand for algae-based supplements and superfoods.

Additionally, research has shown that certain algae-derived compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties. These benefits make microbial algae products attractive in the nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals markets, where they are being explored for their potential in treating conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cognitive disorders.

3. Expansion of the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are increasingly utilizing microbial algae products for their bioactive properties. Algae-derived compounds such as astaxanthin, beta-carotene, and phycocyanin are known for their strong antioxidant and anti-aging effects, making them highly desirable ingredients in skincare products. As consumers continue to prioritize natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics, the demand for algae-based formulations is expected to grow.

In the pharmaceutical sector, ongoing research is uncovering new potential applications of microbial algae in drug development. Algae-derived compounds are being studied for their ability to combat infections, reduce inflammation, and even play a role in cancer treatment. This expanding field of research is expected to create new opportunities for the microbial algae products market.

4. Growing Interest in Algae-Based Biofuels

With the increasing urgency to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, algae-based biofuels have emerged as a promising renewable energy source. Algae can produce lipids that can be converted into biodiesel, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels. Unlike crops used for biofuels, algae do not require arable land or large amounts of freshwater, making them a more efficient and sustainable energy source.

Governments and private companies worldwide are investing in algae-based biofuel research and production. As technological advancements improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of algae biofuel production, this sector is expected to contribute significantly to the overall growth of the microbial algae products market.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. High Production Costs

One of the primary challenges facing the microbial algae products market is the high cost of production. Cultivating algae requires specific environmental conditions, controlled facilities, and specialized equipment. While technological advancements are helping to reduce costs, large-scale production remains expensive compared to conventional sources of proteins, antioxidants, and biofuels.

However, ongoing research and innovation are expected to make microbial algae cultivation more cost-effective. Advances in genetic engineering, bioprocessing techniques, and automation are contributing to increased yields and lower production costs, making algae-based products more competitive in the market.

2. Regulatory Hurdles

As microbial algae products are introduced into new industries, regulatory challenges can pose obstacles to market growth. Different regions have varying regulations regarding the approval and labeling of algae-based food, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Companies entering the market must navigate complex approval processes to ensure compliance with food safety and health standards.

Despite these challenges, increasing consumer awareness and scientific validation of the health benefits of microbial algae are helping to drive regulatory acceptance. As more studies confirm the safety and efficacy of algae-based products, regulatory frameworks are expected to evolve, facilitating smoother market entry for new products.

3. Rising Investments and Research in Algae Technology

The microbial algae products market is attracting significant investments from both public and private sectors. Startups and established companies alike are exploring new ways to optimize algae production, improve product quality, and expand the range of applications.

Innovations in algae cultivation techniques, including photobioreactors and closed-loop systems, are improving efficiency and scalability. Research into genetic modification and strain selection is also leading to algae species with enhanced nutritional profiles, faster growth rates, and higher yields of valuable compounds. These technological advancements are expected to open new doors for market expansion.