Page 2 - Business

The Niche Code: Big power emerges when firms dominate niche spaces

In the race to build a big business, why companies must avoid doing everything moderately well

93% of Indian biz surveyed see positive returns on AI investment in 3 years

Nearly 93 per cent of Indian organisations surveyed expect positive returns on their AI investments in less than three years, underlining the rising confidence of businesses in value and potential of Artificial Intelligence, according to SAP Value of AI Report 2025. Driving the AI momentum, businesses across the country are investing an estimated USD 31 million in AI this year - ahead of global average - with focussed spending on software, infrastructure, talent, and consulting, SAP said. "Indian businesses are investing USD 31 million in AI across IT, infrastructure, talent, and consulting, ahead of the USD 26.7 million global average," said the report released by enterprise application software and business AI firm. Unveiled at SAP's flagship event, TechEd 2025, the Value of AI Report 2025, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, surveyed 1,600 senior business leaders across eight countries, including 200 respondents from India, according to a release. The AI adoption study relea

Army Discipline, Corporate Edge: MMT Group CHRO

From the Indian Armed Forces to leading HR at MakeMyTrip, Yuvaraj Srivastava, MMT Group CHRO, shares powerful lessons on leadership, culture, and building high-performing teams in today’s workplace >

Seven states enact laws on lines of Jan Vishwas Act to encourage business

Seven NDA-ruled states are pushing for reforms on the lines of the Jan Vishwas Act, which de-criminalises minor offences by replacing prison terms with fines, to make investment climates more predictable and business-friendly, officials said on Friday. This year, the seven states, including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, passed their own legislations or promulgated ordinances on the lines of the Jan Vishwas Act, making it the largest coordinated deregulation push undertaken at the state level to date, they said. "Together, these reforms represent a structural shift toward trust-based governance, cutting down on criminalisation for routine, technical, or procedural non-compliances," the officials said. They said the combined effect of the states is expected to boost entrepreneurship, reduce litigation, provide regulatory clarity and make state-level investment climates more predictable and business-friendly. Maharashtra has approved the Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025, amending seven .

Centre's district-level playbook to steer business reforms in states

The DPIIT has told states to conduct a training need assessment (TNA) every year for officers and staff involved in investment promotion and facilitation

How this Retail-tech company became Reliance-backed

In this episode of Manager’s Mantra, Co-founder of Fynd, Sreeraman Mohan Girija shares insights on innovation, leadership, and what it takes to scale in the age of AI >

One year of poor returns. Does it matter? | Investment tips | Share market news | BFSI Summit 2025

Investors should temper expectations and stay cautious as global valuations, especially in US technology stocks, remain elevated, said top mutual fund chief investment officers (CIOs)

'Vedanta poised to gain from commodity cycle, deleveraging efforts'

Vedanta's second-quarter results met street expectations on robust operational performance, with analysts viewing the miner as well-positioned to benefit from the commodity rebound while advancing its deleveraging strategy. Brokerages Nuvama, Citi, ICICI Securities and Investec maintained a strong bullish stance on metals and natural resources major Vedanta Ltd. They cited factors such as Vedanta Resources' leverage being at comfortable levels, potential medium-term upside in aluminium on the London Metal Exchange (LME), volume growth, likely lower costs, and the likely completion of the demerger process as reasons for the bullish call. Nuvama said Vedanta's focus on demerger and delivery is on the verge of paying off, supported by tailwinds from commodity prices. The brokerage expects this to contribute to higher third-quarter earnings. "Q3 FY26 EBITDA is likely to jump 20 per cent QoQ led by higher prices, volume, and lower aluminium cost of production," Nuvama said. It increase

Managing new-age risks: The changing role of General Insurers

From cyberattacks and climate change to supply-chain disruptions, as risks evolve in complexity and scale, general insurers are being pushed to rethink their traditional playbook.

BS BFSI Summit: Top experts from the finance world to share their insights

The summit's broad focus is charting the future of the financial services industry at a critical economic juncture

Allcargo Group appoints Punit Misra as President & Chief Business Officer

Allcargo Group on Thursday said it has appointed Punit Misra as President Chairman Office & Chief Business Officer. In this crucial role, Misra will work closely with the Allcargo Group founder and Chairman Shashi Kiran Shetty to strengthen institution-building efforts and driving the long-term sustainability of businesses for the benefit of all stakeholders, the company said. He will report to Shetty and will be based out of Mumbai, it stated. Misra will also collaborate with the broader leadership team of the company and oversee strategic goals, drive value creation, and provide a broader perspective to business decision-making, it stated. "His vast experience in driving growth and shaping strategies across renowned conglomerates adds immense foresight and strategic depth to our leadership team. "His experience will further elevate governance standards and enhance strategic focus, ensuring business continuity with a long-term outlook. Punit will work closely with me and our ...

Learn from IBM's communication stalwart

In this episode Tuhina Pandey, Director APAC Communications & Marketing, India and South Asia, IBM, talks about opportunities and challenges in marketing communications and gives career advices >

Expert lessons from KRAFTON

In this Manager’s Mantra episode Saurabh Shah, Head of People Operations, KRAFTON India, shares his insights about gaming and people management skills, addresses the misconceptions about gaming. > >

How to Fulfil your London Dreams?

Hemin Bharucha, from London & Partners, shares practical insights on global expansion, the India-UK FTA, and the skills you need to thrive in the global business world. >

Govt maps 12,167 HSN codes to ministries to boost ease of doing business

The government has prepared a guidebook mapping 12,167 HSN codes to 31 ministries and departments to promote a data-driven approach for streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing ease of doing business, according to a statement on Sunday. In trade parlance, every product is categorised under an HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) Code. It helps in systematic classification of goods across the globe. Additionally, the development will support more effective trade agreement negotiations that are aligned with national economic priorities and domain strengths. "With the facilitation for identification of the relevant ministry or department for specific HSN Codes, this initiative will streamline regulatory processes and further enhance ease of doing business," the commerce and industry ministry said. The move follows persistent challenges faced during trade negotiations, import substitution efforts and redressal of industry concerns due to the absence of definitive mapping of .

Expert lessons from a marketing pro

In this Manager’s Mantra episode, Ashish Tiwari shares his rich experience in marketing that spans across sectors. His suggestions can help you land into your dream marketing job

LIVE news updates: PM Modi to unveil major health, nutrition initiatives in MP

LIVE updates today: Catch all the latest developments here

DTDC Express expects ecom to contribute about 50% of its total business

Logistics and courier services operator DTDC Express is expecting its e-commerce segment to account for around 50 per cent of its overall business as the company bets big on the rapid commerce amid customers looking for quicker deliveries of their orders. The company which officially launched its rapid commerce vertical Raftaar earlier this month to offer deliveries as fast as 4-6 hours time, also plans to set up 125 dark stores in the next three quarters to cater to the customers' expectations, DTDC Express CEO Abhishek Chakraborty told PTI. "Rapid commerce, as we were describing today, is a sweet spot. We know quick commerce is all about minute deliveries, which is very perfect for impulse buys, urgent things, and groceries. "But, I think overall, there is a whole category of products for which both the brands want a faster, but definitely sustainable, cost-effective solution. And that is what DTDC wants to bring to the table, where brands can access the service without having to

KPMG India Skills Head on Consulting in the Age of AI

Narayanan Ramaswamy, National Leader - Education & Skill Development at KPMG India, shares transition from B-school to corporate tips, the skills global MBAs need, and how to stay ahead in an AI world