Shyam Metalics Enters Crash Barrier Manufacturing To Support Road And Rail Safety

• Aims to capture a market share of 8–10% in FY 2025–26

• ₹50 crore facility is planned at Sambalpur to add 60 KTPA

• Another ₹50 crore expansion plan in FY 2026–27 at Giridih to add additional products

 Shyam Metalics, one of India’s leading integrated metal producers, has announced its strategic foray into the crash barrier segment, aiming to capture a market share of 8–10% in FY 2025–26. The company has commenced production at its state-of-the-art Giridih facility, which houses an annual capacity of 24,000 MT and employs over 150 skilled professionals.

With India’s infrastructure investments expected to grow demand for crash barriers by 25% annually, Shyam Metalics is well-positioned to expand its presence. With an investment of Rs. 50 Cr. and production capacity of 60 KTPA, a new Crash Barrier manufacturing facility is planned for Sambalpur to serve the South and West markets.  Additionally in FY 2026–2027, the company plans to expand its product portfolio at Giridih and in Phase 2 with an additional investment of ₹50 crore, diversify production into Transmission Line Towers, Railway Electrification Structures, Solar Panel Structures, Lighting Poles, etc.

In August 2025, the Giridih plant, which was founded in 2014, started producing Crash Barriers. It operates round-the-clock, ensuring quick turnaround times while adhering to global quality and IS standards, including galvanization unit for long-term durability. The current product portfolio includes W Metal Beam Crash Barriers, Thrie Metal Beam Crash Barriers, and W Beam Railway Guard Rails, catering to projects of Indian Railways and National Highways. 

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Shyam Metalics, said, “The launch of our crash barrier unit marks a significant step in strengthening India’s road and railway safety. With a 24,000 MT annual capacity and 150 professionals driving precision and innovation, we are confident of achieving an 8–10% market share in the coming fiscal. This business alone has the potential to add nearly 50% more value to our Giridih operations in the next few years. As India’s infrastructure spending accelerates, we see immense growth potential and remain committed to building a safer, stronger, and more self-reliant nation.”

Currently, the company is catering to projects for Indian Railways and National Highways. Over the next fiscal year. Shyam Metalics intends to investigate exporting to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa in the future, taking advantage of chances for infrastructure expansion worldwide.

SWREL Wins ₹415 Crore Order For 300 MW AC Solar Project In Rajasthan

 Key Highlights

~ Received LOI for a BOS EPC package of 300 MW AC in Rajasthan from a leading Private IPP developer worth ~INR 415 crore.

Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited (SWREL) (BSE Scrip Code: 542760; NSE Symbol: SWSOLAR), a leading renewable EPC is proud to announce that the company has received a LOI from a leading Private IPP for a BOS EPC package for development of a 300 MW AC / 420 MWp DC Solar PV Project along with 220/33 kV Pooling Substation in Rajasthan, India. Total value of the contract is approximately INR 415 crore including O&M and taxes.

Speaking on the order win, Mr. Chandra Kishore Thakur, Global CEO, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Group shared, “We are excited to partner with a leading global renewable developer with huge growth plans in the domestic market and bag our first order from the Private IPP market this fiscal. The order is a testament to our strong execution capabilities, and we continue to build on our gross order inflows1 which has exceeded INR 2,400 crore this year

Eternal’s Zomato And Blinkit Host Second Edition Of EV Bazaar To Accelerate EV Adoption Among Delivery Partners

●      With Shri K.J. George, Honourable Minister of Energy, Government of Karnataka as Chief Guest and Shri Prasidh Krishna, Cricketer, Indian Men’s National Team as Guest of Honor, EV Bazaar 2025 showcased Zomato and Blinkit’s efforts to drive EV adoption among delivery partners

 

Eternal’s Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, and Blinkit, a quick commerce company, organized the second edition of EV Bazaar 2025 at NIMHANS Convention Center, Bengaluru today. Building on the first edition of the EV Bazaar held in New Delhi last year, this year’s Bazaar showcased the benefits of using EVs for deliveries to delivery partners.

 

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri K.J. George, Honourable Minister of Energy, Government of Karnataka as the Chief Guest. Pradish Krishna, Indian Men’s National Cricket Team and an EV enthusiast, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.

 

The EV Bazaar is an initiative to provide practical guidance to help delivery partners learn about and select the right EV vehicle for their needs. Industry players across the EV ecosystem participated, including manufacturers like BGauss, Hero Motocorp, TVS Motors, Bajaj, Bounce Infinity, Ampere, Motobolt Mobility and Quantum and specialized partners such as EMO Energy. Additionally, over 18 EV players offered test drives and interactive demonstrations, allowing delivery partners to experience the vehicles' features firsthand. The event also saw participation from financial service providers like Stride Green and charging infrastructure companies like Kazam and Indofast Energy.

 

Attended by over 1,000 delivery partners onboarded with Zomato and Blinkit, the event recognized and rewarded top EV-based delivery partners, with four winners receiving a free EV bike from EMO Energy, Motovolt Mobility, Quantum Energy and BGauss.

 

Commenting on the event, Shri K.J. George, Honourable Minister of Energy, Government of Karnataka, said, “EVs represent the future of mobility in our country—not only by shielding gig workers from rising fuel costs but also by helping combat air pollution. Karnataka has been at the forefront of EV adoption, with progressive policies and over 5,700 charging stations. I’m proud to see EV Bazaar taking place in Bengaluru. Initiatives like this play a vital role in raising awareness among delivery partners across the state. I commend Zomato and Blinkit for their efforts to educate partners and expand access to EVs, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

 

Speaking on the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Eternal, said, “The second edition of our EV Bazaar is a significant step forward in our mission to achieve greener and cleaner food and quick commerce deliveries. Through this event, we intend to facilitate delivery partners with the knowledge and resources to make a sustainable choice that benefits both their financial wellbeing and the planet. We’re grateful to OEM, EV rental, EV financing and charging infrastructure companies who have come forward to fulfil the growing enthusiasm for EV adoption among delivery partners.

 

Sheetanshu Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer of EMO Energy, Gold Partners for the 2025 edition, remarked, “We are deeply grateful to Zomato and Blinkit for providing this incredible platform to showcase our solutions to delivery partners. At EMO, we remain committed to building India’s largest vehicle-agnostic fast charging ecosystem tailored for last-mile mobility. Initiatives like EV Bazaar bring us one step closer to achieving that vision.”

 

In a comprehensive "EV Survey 2025," Zomato and Blinkit surveyed over 2,300 delivery partners to gauge their interest in electric vehicles. The findings confirm strong momentum, with ~71% of partners willing to switch to an EV. This eagerness is primarily driven by the appeal of lower running costs (~72%) and a desire for environmental benefits (61%). The survey also identified the main hurdles to adoption: concerns over vehicle range (61%) and the availability of charging/swapping stations (51%). This highlights the need for a robust and comprehensive infrastructure that supports both fixed and swappable battery models, given their nearly even split in preference.

 

As of March 2025, Zomato and Blinkit together have over 51,000 EV-based delivery partners. In FY25, EVs on the platforms covered over 150 million clean kilometers delivering food and groceries nationwide. Through 40+ EV collaborations, the ‘Rent an EV’ feature (now also on the Blinkit Partner app) lets delivery partners rent vehicles and access nearby charging and swapping points directly in the apps. Zomato and Blinkit also facilitates EV ownership via financial partnerships and builds awareness through online (in-app) and offline initiatives showcasing EV models and benefits.

 

These efforts align with Zomato's sustainability goals, which span eight themes: waste-free world, climate-conscious deliveries, zero hunger, inclusive growth, diversity, equity and inclusion, health safety and wellbeing for all, customer centricity and governance.

 

About Zomato: 

Launched in 2010, Zomato’s mission is better food for more people. Zomato is a restaurant search & discovery and food ordering and delivery platform.

 

About Blinkit:

Blinkit, formerly known as Grofers, is Eternal’s quick-commerce business. Grofers was rebranded as Blinkit in 2021 with the goal of providing 10-minute delivery e-commerce services across India. In 2022, Blinkit was acquired by Eternal.

Consumers Opt For Trust This Festive Season: InGovern Platforms With Strong Focus On Customer Trust

As urban Indian households gear up for increased online shopping during the festive season, customer trust will be king in defining platform selection amid ongoing regulatory flux, shares InGovern Research Services, a leading corporate governance advisory firm. Drawing on insights from a recent LocalCircles study, InGovern highlights that platforms with strong governance practices are best placed to capture festive demand despite tariff changes, GST revisions, and other policy uncertainties.

 

The LocalCircles study highlighted Amazon India as the most trusted e-commerce platform, with nearly 4 in every 5 consumers rating it as their preferred choice for online shopping, driven primarily by transparent and efficient return and refund policies. This preference comes as the study projects a 115% increase in the number of urban households primarily shopping online during the 2025 festive season.

 

The study shows that 89% of urban Indian households rate trust, spanning product quality, pricing transparency, and ease of returns, as “very important” when deciding where to shop online. A further 79% prioritize reliable return processes for high-value purchases. This reinforces InGovern’s view that seamless, consumer-friendly policies are a critical differentiator, creating higher consumer confidence, especially among first-time online shoppers.

 

"In a landscape of regulatory flux with discussions around tariff changes and GST slab revisions, consumers are gravitating toward platforms that not only offer competitive prices but also inspire confidence through established trust and robust consumer protection," said Shriram Subramanian, Founder and MD, InGovern Research Services. "Our analysis indicates that platforms emphasizing transparent policies and seamless customer experiences are poised to capture a significant share of the estimated ₹2.19 lakh crore festive season spending."

 

InGovern’s governance assessment framework finds that companies investing in transparent policies around return, refund, and product authenticity create measurable competitive advantages that become particularly valuable during economic or regulatory uncertainty. Subramanian added: "These consumer-centric initiatives may involve short-term costs, but they create long-term value and resilience, helping platforms withstand market disruptions."

 

As regulatory discussions continue around e-commerce policies, InGovern notes that platforms like Amazon that have invested in building consumer trust through consistent service quality and customer-friendly policies are likely to benefit most from the projected 18% increase in urban India's festive season spending compared to 2024.

 

"Looking ahead, we anticipate that regulatory changes may create short-term market uncertainties, but platforms that have established governance frameworks prioritizing consumer protection will maintain their leadership positions," concluded Subramanian. "The festive season is likely to widen the gap between platforms that have invested in trust and those that haven't."

Medtronic Introduces Evolut™ FX+ In India — A Move Forward In TAVI Therapy For Aortic Stenosis

Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, launched its new transcatheter aortic valve, Evolut™ FX+, in India. The valve is designed to help improve treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis, especially those who may need future coronary procedures. The Evolut FX+ TAVI system facilitates easier coronary access while maintaining the proven performance of the Evolut™ platform, based on CoreValve™ technology. It was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on June 10, 2025, paving the way for its launch in India. [1]

 

The main innovation of Evolut FX+ is its new frame with bigger windows to reduce frame interference while using guide catheters, especially during complex coronary procedures. The system continues to deliver the key advantages that clinicians have come to expect from previous Evolut valves. The system provides market leading valve performance including durable low gradients, which are important for long-term heart function. This makes it a strong alternative for patients at risk of coronary disease while supporting long-term treatment needs. [2]&[3]

 

The introduction of Evolut FX+ in India marks a significant advancement in transcatheter aortic valve therapy and reinforces Medtronic’s leadership in structural heart innovation. With enhanced coronary access and proven hemodynamic performance, the Evolut FX+ empowers physicians to deliver both immediate procedural success and sustained long-term care.  This milestone underscores Medtronic’s steadfast dedication to broadening access to advanced therapies and driving innovation in cardiovascular care and treatment across India.

 

Commenting on the product launch by Medtronic, Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director Neuroscience & Speciality Therapies, Medtronic said, “The launch of Evolut FX+ in India marks a meaningful step forward in transcatheter valve therapy. With its enhanced coronary access and proven hemodynamic performance, FX+ empowers physicians to deliver confident care—not just during the initial procedure, but throughout the patient’s lifetime. By bringing this innovation to India, we are advancing Medtronic’s mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, while expanding access to future-ready solutions for structural heart disease.”

 

Evolut FX+ keeps the same tissue structure, valve design, and inflow strength as earlier models, ensuring consistency and reliability. For heart teams, FX+ provides a modern solution that simplifies future coronary treatments, increases patient access to TAVR, and maintains familiar clinical practices. With this launch, Medtronic reinforces its commitment to expanding patient access to innovative therapies, helping more patients benefit from advanced treatment options for structural heart disease.[iv]

 

About Medtronic 

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn. 

Fairtrade In India Conference 2025 Puts Producers At The Heart Of Sustainable Global Trade

Conference underscores India’s growing role in sustainable trade, with leaders highlighting:

• EU–India partnership to align on climate-resilient and transparent supply chains.

• Fashion and agriculture surge, with Fairtrade apparel sales doubling and farmers pioneering carbon-negative cotton.

• Regulatory shifts, as EU due diligence and traceability rules create both risks and new market opportunities.

• Decarbonisation in textiles, driven by cluster-level action, regenerative farming, and shared infrastructure.

• Future growth pathway, dependent on government, business, and NGO partnerships to scale sustainable livelihoods.

 

The Fairtrade in India Conference 2025 – Sustainability, Markets & Impact concluded in Bengaluru with a clear message: sustainability must be mainstreamed into global trade, and producers must remain central to shaping the future of supply chains. Over two days, more than 250 stakeholders—including producers, policymakers, brands, and Fairtrade leaders—examined pathways to embed fairness, climate resilience, and transparency into global markets. The event was supported by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme and EC FFPA.

 

Opening the plenary, Franck Viault, Minister Counsellor, EU Delegation to India and Bhutan, underlined the strategic dimension of EU–India cooperation: “The future of trade must be sustainable, inclusive, and fair. Together, we can transform supply chains into engines of resilience, equity, and prosperity—ensuring producers are leaders in shaping sustainable growth.” Lisa Prassack, CEO of Fairtrade International, added that “the true measure of progress is when every farmer can sell 100% of their produce on fair terms. Producers must lead the transition to climate-resilient, fairer global markets.”

 

Industry leaders echoed the call for systemic change. Blaise Desbordes, CEO of Max Havelaar France, highlighted India’s role in building credible, traceable alternatives to exploitative trade, while Claudia Brück, MD, Fairtrade Germany, stressed that “economic success and social responsibility can reinforce one another.” Bindu S, CEO, Fairtrade NAPP, reinforced India’s leadership role: “India’s 100,000 Fairtrade farmers and workers are redefining sustainable trade. Fairtrade is not charity—it is justice, dignity, and partnership, and when producers are decision-makers, markets become future-ready and transformative.”

 

Textiles and apparel featured prominently, with a session on decarbonisation showcasing how industry clusters like Tirupur are driving sustainability. Prarthana Bora, Momentum India, said: “Decarbonisation is urgent—collaboration is the only way to make the transition just and equitable.” Farmers brought the ground-level perspective, with Nandakumar Rajagopalan of Chetna Organic noting that regenerative practices such as biochar and tree belts are “the backbone of climate-proof agriculture.”

The debate on EU sustainability regulations reflected both opportunity and concern. Jorge Conesa of the FairTrade Advocacy Office pointed out that while compliance increases costs, “producers who adapt can build stronger trust and market advantage.” Franck Viault added that regulations should be seen not as barriers but as pathways to future-ready trade.

 

Fashion brands Being Human and Indian Terrain presented their Fairtrade journeys, underscoring that style and sustainability must go hand-in-hand. Vivek Sandhwar, COO, Being Human, observed that “Gen Z and Gen Alpha demand both ethics and transparency in fashion,” while Indian Terrain’s CEO, Charath Narasimhan, said Fairtrade must become “the ‘Intel Inside’ of sustainability—a trusted assurance consumers actively seek.”

 

Sustainable livelihoods remained a cross-cutting theme. Shilajit Roy of United Nilgiris Tea Estates shared how premiums are reinvested in healthcare and education, while Krishnendu Chatterjee of Nature Bio Foods argued that India itself must emerge as a Fairtrade market, linking every product to a tangible impact story. Pravakar Meher, Chairman of Fairtrade NAPP, added: “Fairtrade premiums are vital, but not enough. We need business, government, and NGOs to partner in scaling renewable energy, resilient farming, and quality training.”

 

Day Two spotlighted climate action, with producers showcasing innovations from tea to cotton. Indranil Ghosh of Chamong Group outlined investments in LPG, solar, hydro and biochar across tea estates, while Avinash Karmakar of Pratibha Vasudha Jaivik Krishi Kalyan Samiti showed how regenerative practices and non-GM seeds are turning cotton carbon negative. Amit Singh of Nature Bio Foods described climate-smart practices like laser land levelling and carbon sequestration as “win-win solutions for farmers, markets, and the planet.” From Kerala, Sreekumar of Manarcadu Social Service Society highlighted how communities recovering from the 2018 floods are now pioneering biochar, water conservation, and digital farm mapping.

 

The session on producer voices reinforced that Fairtrade’s legitimacy rests on inclusivity. Raghavendra Shastry, NAPP Board Representative, said producer realities must guide policy. Anjali Mittal of Pratibha-Vasudha Jaivik Krishi Kalyan Samiti highlighted women-led enterprises doubling family incomes through bio-inputs, while youth representative Sikander Singh urged Fairtrade to create pathways for agripreneurship: “With skills and support, young people can see farming not as a burden, but as an opportunity.”

 

As the conference closed, Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India, summed up: “The future of sustainable sourcing depends on aligning consumer demand with producer empowerment. India is well-placed to lead that transformation.”

 

The conference also marked the launch of Mosegi India Pvt. Ltd. and its Fairtrade-powered brand MOSEGI—a slow fashion label blending Indian weaves, Fairtrade cotton, and solar-powered production with an 82% women-led workforce.

 

The two-day dialogue reaffirmed that Fairtrade is not just a certification system but a movement—anchored in justice, partnership, and climate resilience—driving a fairer model of global trade.

DriveX Mobility Forays Into C2C Market With The Launch Of DriveX Direct

~Launches in 20+ cities across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

~Aims to transform fragmented C2C sales with verified listings, smart pricing, fraud protection, and assisted post-sale services

 

In a move that promises to simplify the way people buy and sell used two-wheelers, DriveX Mobility, has announced the launch of DriveX Direct, its new consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platform built to bring trust, ease, and transparency in India’s growing pre-owned two-wheeler market. The platform went live today in 20+ cities in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka and plans to reach other major cities by the end of the year. DriveX Direct offers verified listings, transparent direct pricing with no platform fees, secure and easy negotiation tools, and access to financing through trusted partners, making it the right choice for customers seeking convenience and flexibility. It will also offer further reassurance by way of document facilitation, warranty options, and value-added services that will streamline the whole buying experience.

The timing couldn’t be better. Based on the latest market statistics, C2C transactions represent close to 44% of used two-wheeler sales in India, and direct consumer sales constitute a significant percentage of the ecosystem. Though B2C platforms are growing due to increasing market organization and value-added services, the C2C market continues to remain fragmented and lacks safe, consumer-friendly options. DriveX Direct is filling this gap.

 

For most, purchasing or selling pre-owned two-wheeler can be a game of chance. Unverified ads, price gouging, and the worry of scams are genuine issues on mainstream classifieds and marketplace sites. DriveX Direct addresses this by offering users the autonomy to deal directly — but with the protection of smart verification, smart pricing, and post-sales assistance.

 

Unlike retail platforms that add commissions, DriveX Direct is designed to keep things simple, fair, and consumer-first. The platform helps sellers list their two-wheelers with confidence, using an easy, guided self-inspection flow and AI-based pricing suggestions that reflect real market trends. Sellers also get matched with genuine, high-intent buyers and have the backing of DriveX’s ecosystem services like RTO checks, document verification, fraud prevention, RC transfers, insurance help, warranty options, support on demand and even a technical inspection of the vehicle.

 

In the future, DriveX is set to introduce a secure payment system. This feature will keep the payments from buyers securely until the entire documentation is checked and the vehicle delivery is completed successfully, minimizing the risk of payment fraud and making the transaction safer for both sides.

The platform has already seen positive results in its early pilot in Bangalore, with most buyers able to buy a suitable vehicle within 5 days and sellers able to sell their vehicles within 10 days of listing. As more users join, this time frame is expected to improve.

In the next 6 to 12 months, DriveX aims to build a vibrant, trusted community of buyers and sellers, targeting over 20,000 listings. Alongside this, the company plans to fully scale its value-added services — including finance, document support, insurance, warranty, refurbishment, and post-purchase servicing. 

 

DriveX Direct is powered by in-house technology, including an AI-driven pricing engine, fraud detection tools that flag issues like RC mismatches and duplicate listings, and an assisted user experience that is especially friendly to first-time sellers and buyers. A mobile app is also being considered for future phases.

 

DriveX Direct will also offer multilingual customer support, ensuring that users can access assistance in their preferred languages. The platform itself will gradually roll out multilingual options to make the experience even more inclusive.

 

Speaking about the launch, Padma Shri Narain Karthikeyan, Director, DriveX, said, “DriveX Direct is about giving everyday people more control and confidence when buying or selling their two-wheelers. It’s a space where people can deal directly with each other, but with the peace of mind that DriveX is there to assist them at the right moments with right choice. We’re building a platform that’s simple, safe, and genuinely consumer-first.”

Saran Samiappan, Head – DriveX Direct, added: “The launch of DriveX Direct marks a pivotal step in redefining how consumers experience the pre-owned two-wheeler market. By combining AI-driven tools, trusted verification, and end-to-end assistance, we are addressing long-standing gaps in the C2C space. Our aim is not just to create a platform, but to empower consumers with the right choice, transparency, and a seamless journey from listing to ownership.”

 

With the new platform, DriveX wants to revolutionise India's C2C two-wheeler market by offering right choice, while integrating trust, freedom, and tech to simplify, secure, and democratise purchasing and selling for everyone.

 

As part of its exclusive launch offer, DriveX Direct will provide free listings and promotional visibility for the first 60 days. Early users can also enjoy value-added services like Retail Finance, RC transfers and insurance assistance on priority. It’s important to note that the free listing is a limited-time offer, not a permanent feature.

 

Users can examine and begin using DriveX Direct by visiting the DriveX website. www.drivex.in