Kerala Seminar Highlights AI’s Potential to Boost Competitiveness of Small Industries

At a recent seminar on digital technologies and AI adoption hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry Kerala chapter, business leaders and tech innovators gathered in Kochi to highlight how artificial intelligence (AI) could become a transformative force for the state’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The discussion formedContinue Reading

Dugar Finance raises  million in Pre-Series A round led by HegdInvst

Chennai-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) Dugar Finance has raised $5 million (₹45 crore) in a Pre-Series A funding round led by HegdInvst, a Category II AIF focused on growth equity investments. The capital will support the company to scale its secured MSME lending franchise alongside its established vehicle finance business, and to deepen its presence across tier 2-6 underservedContinue Reading

Sensex Jumps Over 1,200 Points as Crude Slide and Geopolitical Hopes Fuel Buying

On March 25, 2026, Indian stock markets staged a notable comeback as benchmark indices rebounded strongly following persistent volatility earlier in the month. Fresh optimism around a possible easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East helped lighten risk-off sentiment among investors, while a significant drop in global crude oilContinue Reading

MSMEs Seen as Key Yet Overlooked in India’s Defence Manufacturing Push

India’s push to become a global defence manufacturing powerhouse may be overlooking its most agile and innovative contributors — small businesses. While large corporations and public sector units dominate the spotlight, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain underutilised despite their potential to transform the sector. A recent analysis highlightsContinue Reading

MSMEs as India’s Strategic Defence Backbone, Not Just Support Players

India’s defence ambitions are no longer driven solely by large public sector units—micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are emerging as the real backbone of the country’s push toward military self-reliance. Once seen as peripheral suppliers, MSMEs are now deeply embedded in defence manufacturing and innovation. Thousands of these enterprisesContinue Reading

Women-Led MSMEs: India’s Most Undervalued Growth Engine

India’s growth story may increasingly depend on an often under-recognised force—women-led MSMEs that are quietly reshaping the country’s economic landscape. With over 2.2 crore women-led MSMEs already operating across the country, these enterprises are not just contributing to output but are actively generating employment, particularly for other women. Between FY21Continue Reading