
Viksit Bharat target needs 10% GDP growth: CII chief
In an interview, the newly-appointed president of the industry lobby observed that the interim trade pact between India and the US, expected to be finalised shortly, will remove the cloud of "uncertainty", providing access to a bigger market for Indian firms, especially in labour-intensive sectors.
The trade pact between the two nations will also pave the way for technology transfers, more joint ventures and partnerships, the CII president said.
"So, I think first is that the uncertainty which was there, I think that will go away. People will get a clearer direction of what will happen in the future, and I think that has a very positive impact," he said.
India's economy is expected to grow 6.4-6.7 per cent during the current financial year driven by strong domestic demand, even as geopolitical uncertainty poses downside risks, according to CII.
"We have a very good position macro-economically, things are very stable. "Our institutions, whether it's the capital markets, whether it is RBI, whether it is banks, are in good shape, corporate balance sheets are looking stronger," the CII president said about India's prospects.
The Reserve Bank has retained India's GDP growth projection for the current fiscal ending March 2026 at 6.5 per cent, saying the country's economy presents a picture of strength, stability and opportunity in the backdrop of global uncertainty.
The FY26 growth projections are compared with the 6.5 per cent economic growth recorded in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
30 minutes ago
- Indian Express
US reciprocal tariffs: India, others, eye an extended Aug 1 deadline for wrapping up trade deal
As the conclusion of the interim trade deal with India before July 9 remains uncertain, the United States has indicated that it may allow negotiations to continue until an extended deadline of August 1. Indian officials have indicated that while efforts are still underway to wrap up the trade negotiations, which had reached the last leg till the challenges thrown up in the final lap delayed the announcement of a pact, there could now be some more elbow room with respect to the fresh timelines. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with CNN, said: 'We're going to be very busy over the next 72 hours. President Trump is going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don't move things along, then on August 1, you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level.' 'So I think we're going to see a lot of deals very quickly. And we're going to send out probably 100 letters to small countries where we don't have very much trade, and most of those are already at the baseline, 10 per cent,' Bessent said. This is significant for India, as it is unlikely to sign on the dotted line by then, even though desperate efforts are under way to ink a mini trade deal covering goods, excluding contentious items. This comes as Indian negotiators, led by Chief Negotiator and Special Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, returned on Friday after nearly a week of talks with the US. A government official indicated that the likely interim deal will involve only goods, as services and labour issues are not currently part of the negotiations. The US maintains that the August 1 cut-off date is not a new deadline but an outer limit for countries to 'speed things up', and that this strategy has helped bring trading partners such as the European Union on board. When Bessent was asked if there is a playbook for these actions, he said: 'The playbook is to apply maximum pressure. You know, we saw that the EU was very slow in coming to the table. Three weeks ago, on a Friday morning, President Trump threatened 50 per cent tariffs. And within a few hours, five of the European national leaders had called him. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU, was on the phone and the EU is making very good progress. They were off to a slow start.' The threat from the Trump administration is that if the August 1 deadline is not adhered to, those countries go back to the April 2 tariff levels. Most of those are minor trading partners of the US and are likely outside America's 18 important trading relationships that account for 95 per cent of the country's trade deficit. India deal may be soon However, Bessent has indicated that no major trading partner will be slapped with tariffs as high as 70 per cent and that several deals are close. Bessent said: 'We are close to several deals as always. There's a lot of foot-dragging on the other side and, you know, so I would expect to see several big announcements over the next couple of days.' He declined to name specific countries, saying: 'I'm not going to name names because I don't want to let them off the hook.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt last week had said that India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia-Pacific, and the President has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — and he will continue to have that. 'The President said last week [that the US and India are very close to a trade deal], and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you'll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India,' Leavitt said.


Fashion Value Chain
31 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
DS Group's Pulse Candy Becomes A INR 750 Crore Consumer Brand
The Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has announced a significant milestone for one of its popular brands, Pulse. Pulse candy recorded over INR 750 crore at consumer price in the FY 2024-25 translating into 750 crore Pulse candies being sold in one year making it India's largest distributed hard boiled candy. This achievement establishes Pulses strong market leadership in the hard-boiled candy segment for the last 9 years and its sustained appeal to consumers. Mr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group Over the past three fiscal years, Pulse has registered an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% against a CAGR of 9 % in the hard boiled candy segment industry. This consistent growth in revenue highlights the brands strong pull across both urban and rural markets, especially when the broader market dynamics have not been as buoyant. According to market data, Pulse candy currently holds a 19% market share in India's hard-boiled candy segment and has been growing consistently. This significant share, achieved in a highly competitive landscape, reflects the brands strong consumer pull and high repeat purchase rates. In the initial years following its launch, Pulse candy prioritized the establishment of robust distribution thrust, focusing on both expansion and deeper market penetration. Today, the distribution system has evolved significantly, becoming far more robust and efficient. This enhanced system optimizes inventory flow, expands customer touchpoints, and improves market responsiveness. This results in a mature and well-managed supply chain. 'DS Group's vision for Pulse, a leading Indian ethnic confectionery brand in India, is to evolve it into a multi-format, multi-occasion offering. We plan to achieve this by strategically moving into adjacent product categories, exploring innovative new formats, and capitalizing on the rich tapestry of regional flavors. Our consistent focus on brand building, enhanced consumer engagement, and achieving deeper market penetration will help us maintain our leadership position. Were aggressively pursuing both domestic and international markets for expansion. On the domestic front, were leveraging our robust distribution network that has a reach of over 35 lakh outlets across India,' said Mr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group. 'Pulse, with its delightful fusion of fruity and surprisingly tangy flavors, particularly the familiar raw mango with a zesty core, offered an unparalleled sensory experience to the consumer. This distinctly appealed to Indias preference for tangy tastes which was a significant departure from the Western-format candies prevalent at the time. Pulse candy stands as a testament to the evolving Indian consumer who is more value-conscious today and DS Group truly leveraged this understanding by disrupting the market with its pricing strategy. At a time when 86% of the hard boiled candy market was at the 50-paise price point, Pulse boldly launched at INR 1. This wasnt just a higher price; it was a perceived higher value that resonated deeply with our palates and our pockets,' Mr Kumar added. 'Pulse revolutionized the confectionery market by challenging the notion that candies were solely for children. It strategically tapped into an overlooked demographic, the adults, thereby significantly broadening the consumer base for impulse confectionery. Why should kids have all the fun That was the premise. We leveraged our keen understanding of local palates and unmet consumer needs, allowing Pulse to redefine the segment and establish itself as a trendsetting brand with remarkable consumer loyalty. Even our packaging and design for Pulse was clutter breaking,' he said. DS Group revolutionized the Indian confectionery market in 2015 with Pulse. Leveraging its expertise in flavors and fragrances and deep understanding of Indian ethnic tastes, the organization reimagined the hard-boiled candy into a vibrant sensory experience with a surprising tangy core. Pulse was born out of a sharp consumer insight. Mango once captured 50% of the hard-boiled candy market, with raw mango accounting for 26% of this share, making it the dominant flavor profile within that segment. Leveraging the nostalgic element of the raw mango, DS Group transformed it into an innovative product. Pulses success stemmed from its raw mango flavor profile resonating with Indian palates and the signature tangy core delivering a layered sensation. Targeting all age groups, Pulse bridged traditional tastes with the contemporary format – it brought Indianness into a Western format, appealing to everyone. Driven initially by strong word-of-mouth and a loyal base, its differentiated positioning with 'Pran Jaaye Par Pulse Na Jaaye' deeply resonated. Flavour extensions like Guava, Orange, Pineapple, and Litchi, along with format innovations like Shots in the original Kachcha Aam flavour, have helped keep the brand fresh and relevant in Indias impulse confectionery segment. The Pulse brands trajectory from disruptive entrant to industry leader is also an IIM Ahmedabad marketing excellence case study, complementing its sustained benchmark-setting in product innovation and marketing proficiency. The IIMA case study offers a deep dive into the innovative marketing strategies and strategic decisions behind Pulse Candys remarkable success. It comprehensively explores how the DS Group identified a market need, developed a unique product, and overcame challenges to achieve its phenomenal rise to prominence. Pulse candy pioneered Indias hard-boiled sector and its unconventional marketing also gained recognition, notably the Pulse of the Sky campaign, which entered the Limca Book of Records for simultaneously flying 1,150 kites during Uttarayan 2023 making it the only hard boiled candy to enter the Limca Book of Records. Pulse cultivated enduring brand engagement through initiatives like the award-winning Pulse Ka Pandal, Pulse Ganesh Mahotsav and received widespread industry acclaim for various campaigns securing accolades across platforms like the Abbys South Asia and Kyoorius Creative Awards. In fact, Pulse Candy's initial success was significantly driven by strong word-of-mouth, organic posts by celebrities and influencers, several user generated content from a loyal consumer base and social media promotion. Pulse expanded its product line by adding Pulse Golmol – Imli Flavour,' a treat that takes one on a nostalgic journey. Inspired by the familiar tamarind (imli) flavour that has delighted generations again, Pulse Golmol Imli is a tangy soft chew. Made from high quality ingredient, 'Pulse Golmol Imli Goli' is infused with natural tamarind. It offers a distinctive combination of tangy and sweet flavours, delivering an irresistible burst of fun filled tanginess. DS Groups culture of innovation and commitment to quality is evident across all segments of the confectionery business of DS Group. Besides Pulse candy, DS Group has also crafted compelling brand narratives and distinct consumer propositions for its key brands like Pass Pass, Rajnigandha Silver Pearls, Chingles, Oval, Piata, Cherio, Pulse Golmol and LuvIt. In the competitive Indian Ethnic Confectionery segment, DS Group stands out with its diverse offerings. Pass Pass offers a vibrant mix of flavours crafted for those who enjoy layered taste experiences, while Rajnigandha Silver Pearls continues to lead the market with its iconic, single-ingredient purity. With continuous innovation, DS Group has successfully transformed the Indian Ethnic Confectionery category into a branded and organized market, providing consumers with unique options to suit their preferences. For more details please contact – dsgroupprteam@


Fashion Value Chain
31 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
HT Labs and The Doers Company Sign Strategic MoU to Strengthen India-Cyprus-UAE Innovation Corridor
In a landmark move that signals bold ambitions for international expansion and cross-border innovation, HT Labs, the innovation and product arm of HT Media, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Doers Company-organisers of Europe's leading innovation events such as Reflect Festival and the upcoming Doers Summit. HT Labs and The Doers Company Sign Strategic MoU to Strengthen India-Cyprus-UAE Innovation Corridor The MoU was formalised at a high-profile event hosted at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) under the aegis of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), with participation from government dignitaries, investors, and tech leaders spanning India, Cyprus, and the UAE. The collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment of renewed global engagement, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus and a subsequent delegation led by the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy to Dubai. The delegation included top officials such as the Chief Scientist of Cyprus and key investors and business leaders from Europe and the Middle East-underscoring a powerful tri-nation vision to foster startup growth, capital flow, and entrepreneurial exchange across India, Cyprus, and the UAE. The alliance empowers HT Labs to leverage The Doers Company's extensive European innovation ecosystem to accelerate the global journey of OTTplay-India's first AI-powered OTT aggregator and recommendation engine. With Cyprus as a launchpad into Europe and Dubai Silicon Oasis as the testbed for cross-border digital infrastructure, media tech, and smart city initiatives, the MoU sets a dynamic framework for founder-investor collaboration, cross-border pilots, and community-led innovation. The Government of Cyprus, through its Ministry of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, has extended strong support for the initiative, aligned with its vision of positioning Cyprus as a key entry point into Europe for Indian companies. With strategic geographic and political alignment, Cyprus aims to become a regional hub for cross-border investment, innovation, and talent. Commenting on the partnership, Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of Research, Innovation & Technology, Republic of Cyprus, remarked, 'I would like to thank Mr. Avinash for his trust in our ecosystem and look forward to further profiling how Cyprus and other investors can benefit from bidirectional value creation. Such collaborations are the foundational pillars that build the future.' Badr Buhannad, Deputy Director General, Dubai Silicon Oasis, said, 'Dubai Silicon Oasis was envisioned as a smart, future-ready hub for innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship. Hosting the Doers Summit in partnership with The Doers Company aligns perfectly with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 to position the city among the world's leading digital and economic centres. The Summit reinforces our mission to attract forward-looking ventures and connect European and Middle Eastern innovators-accelerating cross-border collaboration in support of the UAE's vision for digital economy growth and global competitiveness.' Avinash Mudaliar, Co-Founder & CEO, HT Labs, added, 'At HT Labs, this isn't just an expansion-it's a strategic leap into the future. Dubai Silicon Oasis offers the ideal launchpad to take India's most disruptive, AI-driven innovations to the world. At the core of our work is TaaS-Technology-as-a-Service-delivering scalable, AI-powered solutions across video, apps, web, and content systems that boost engagement, unlock new revenue, and enable global growth. With our strong focus on intelligent, tech-first solutions, we see immense potential to co-create platforms that resonate globally. What truly elevates this journey is the camaraderie weve built-especially with visionaries like Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of Cyprus. His insights and spirit of collaboration have made him not just a strategic ally, but a trusted friend in our cross-border mission. With OTTplay leading our media-tech push, we're excited to align with DSO's smart city vision and deliver transformative experiences in entertainment and data intelligence. This marks a defining chapter in building globally relevant platforms from India.' Also speaking on the occasion, Dusan Duffek, Co-Founder, The Doers Company & Managing Partner, Zero One Hundred, said 'With a young, tech-savvy population and a booming innovation ecosystem, Indian startups such as OTTplay etc. offer some of the most exciting investment opportunities globally. Similarly, startups from Europe and the Middle East are now building some of the most consequential technologies, which will have an impact not only regionally, but globally. We believe now is the time to build bridges, not borders, and connect this energy with global capital and strategic partners.' Stylianos Lambrou, Co-Founder & CEO at The Doers Company, added 'We see a significant opportunity in India. With our growing presence in Greece, Cyprus, and now Dubai, we're uniquely positioned to bridge the gap, providing Indian startups & companies with access to Europe, and offering European startups and companies a pathway into India. The strong relationship between my country and India gives us a powerful advantage, enabling us to amplify our impact across both regions.' In the long term, the MoU establishes a multi-regional platform for sustained cooperation-facilitating deal flow, talent mobility, and co-development of cutting-edge digital solutions. It marks a new chapter in HT Labs' global journey. The agreement also opens doors for internationalisation, driving investments into Indian startups like OTTplay -a significant milestone in the global journey of Indian innovation. HT Labs is the digital innovation hub and 'startup factory' of HT Media, dedicated to creating cutting-edge digital products using research, deep tech, and AI. They focus on addressing consumer needs gaps by developing personalized, tech-driven experiences across various categories like entertainment, food, and finance. Key products include OTTplay, an AI-powered OTT recommendation engine and aggregator with 30+ OTTs in one app and access to over a million titles (movies, web series etc.) in a single subscription and Slurrp, a recipe aggregator, both recognized for their innovative approaches. About The Doers Company The Doers Company is a globally respected platform for connecting tech, business, and innovation leaders across Europe, MENA, and beyond. Through high-impact events such as Reflect Festival (Cyprus) and the upcoming Doers Summit (Dubai), Doers fosters a powerful cross-pollination of ideas, capital, and collaboration opportunities. The partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis further strengthens their vision of creating an interlinked innovation corridor from the UAE to Europe. Website: About OTTplay OTTplay is India's first AI-powered OTT aggregator, offering personalised content discovery and bundled subscriptions to over 30 leading OTT platforms. With OTTplay Premium, users can enjoy an intelligently curated content experience tailored to their unique viewing preferences.