TechPulse

Godrej Champions Indian Handlooms with Handloom-Friendly Washing Machines


The Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has taken a significant step toward reviving India’s rich handloom heritage with its ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative. The move combines advanced AI-powered front-load washing machine technology with a cultural mission — to make handloom care effortless and encourage Indians to wear their traditional fabrics more frequently and proudly.

India’s textile landscape is deeply diverse, with each state boasting its own distinctive handloom traditions — from Kasavu of Kerala and Mysore Silk of Karnataka to Pochampally Ikat of Telangana, Paithani of Maharashtra, Chikankari of Lucknow, Bandhani of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Muga Silk of Assam. Despite their cultural and historical significance, many handloom fabrics are perceived as high maintenance, often requiring hand washing or dry cleaning. This perception has limited their everyday use and purchase.

To address this concern, Godrej has tested its advanced front-load washing machines on 25 different handloom fabrics, including Banarasi Silk, Patola Silk, Pochampally Ikat and Jamdani. The machines’ gentle wash program has been validated for up to 25 washes, ensuring minimal wear and tear. Beyond visual inspection, the fabrics were also examined under a microscope at 40x magnification to assess structural integrity and acceptable levels of fabric stress.

Kamal Nandi, Business Head – Appliances Division, stated that preserving India’s handloom traditions requires collective effort and that technology designed specifically for Indian needs can play a pivotal role. Swati Rathi, Head – Marketing, Appliances Business, emphasised that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to technology that is truly made for India, enabling consumers to care for handloom fabrics conveniently at home.

The Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, has been a leading player in India’s home appliance sector since 1958, when it became the first Indian company to manufacture refrigerators. Over the decades, the portfolio has expanded to include washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, thermo-electric cooling solutions, air coolers, deep freezers, medical refrigerators, dishwashers and insulin coolers — all guided by its philosophy of ‘Things Made Thoughtfully’.

Environmental protection remains central to the company’s operations, with both manufacturing units earning Platinum Plus GreenCo certification for eco-friendly practices. With over 950 service centres and more than 4,000 SmartCare service experts across India, the brand continues to combine innovation, sustainability and consumer-focused design while reinforcing the revival of India’s timeless handloom traditions.

Business

AM/NS India Targets Growing Appliance & Industrial Demand with New Steel Brands


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has announced the expansion of its value-added steel portfolio with the launch of two premium branded offerings — AM/NS Vibrance and AM/NS Optima — designed to meet the evolving, design-led requirements of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across appliance and industrial manufacturing sectors.


The move comes amid rising demand for steel solutions that deliver superior surface precision, consistent quality, tight tolerances, and reliable performance at scale. By introducing globally benchmarked products manufactured domestically, AM/NS India aims to reduce reliance on imports while supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Speaking on the development, Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice President – Sales & Marketing at AM/NS India, highlighted that material choice directly impacts productivity, cost efficiency, and long-term performance for OEMs. He noted that the introduction of Vibrance and Optima strengthens the company’s position as a solution provider aligned with its brand promise, “Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures.”

AM/NS Vibrance – Premium Colour-Coated Steel

AM/NS Vibrance is engineered as a high-end colour-coated steel solution tailored for appliance manufacturers. As home appliances increasingly become visible design elements, manufacturers require materials that offer consistent colour, controlled gloss, refined finishes, and durability.

Built using advanced coating technology over precision-engineered substrates, Vibrance ensures dependable performance from fabrication to end use. It is particularly suited for applications such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, and water dispensers — combining aesthetics with structural strength.

AM/NS Optima – True Zero-Spangle Galvanised Steel

AM/NS Optima is positioned among India’s most premium True Zero-Spangle Galvanised Steel offerings. It provides enhanced surface uniformity compared to conventional galvanised steel, enabling manufacturers to achieve cleaner, more consistent finishes.

Manufactured on precision-engineered substrates with tightly controlled thickness and surface quality, Optima offers predictable bending, visual harmony, and consistent production performance. It is well-suited for applications including AC outdoor units, panels, and cleanroom installations.

Growing Market Opportunity

India’s consumer durables market is projected to become the world’s fourth largest by FY27, with rapid premiumisation driving demand for flawless finishes and design-forward products. Annual coated steel demand in India currently stands at 11.1 million tonnes and is expected to grow at an 8–10% CAGR in the coming years. Within the appliance segment, coated steel consumption is expanding at approximately 10% annually, supported by urbanisation, rising aspirations, and policy initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Demand from industrial applications is also projected to grow at an 8–12% CAGR through 2030, driven by self-reliance initiatives and the expansion of automotive, electronics, and engineering sectors.

With the launch of Vibrance and Optima, AM/NS India reinforces the strategic role of high-quality value-added steel in powering India’s manufacturing growth while enabling OEMs to build differentiated, globally competitive products.

National

India Secures Highest Votes to Re-Enter IMO Council for 2026–27 Biennium


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

India has secured a significant diplomatic and maritime achievement with its re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 biennium, earning the highest number of votes in Category B. This resounding victory reflects the global community’s trust in India’s leadership and ongoing commitment to the maritime domain.

The result highlights India’s expanding influence in shaping global maritime policies and its dedication to fostering safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime operations. Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India’s maritime sector has witnessed rapid growth, global engagement, and a renewed focus on sustainability and innovation.

The highest vote tally stands as a testament to India’s active role in global shipping and its contributions to strengthening international maritime cooperation. India’s vision of enhancing ocean governance, supporting seafarers, advancing maritime safety standards, and promoting green shipping has resonated strongly on the global stage.

As a member of the IMO Council, India reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of maritime transport, promoting collaboration among nations, and working towards cleaner and safer seas.

This accomplishment reinforces India’s determination to lead responsibly and effectively as the world navigates emerging challenges and opportunities in maritime affairs.

TechPulse

India Goes Self-Reliant in Digital Connectivity: BSNL Powers Indigenous Internet Backbone


India has officially ceased importing internet bandwidth from Bangladesh, marking a landmark achievement in its journey towards digital self-reliance. Until recently, bandwidth from Bangladesh helped support internet services in India’s Northeastern states. Now, that role is being fully taken over by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), through its 100% indigenous Swadeshi 4G network infrastructure.

This strategic shift is part of the government’s larger vision under the 4G Saturation Project, which aims to bring high-speed internet access to every village and remote area in India. BSNL has already begun strengthening digital connectivity across the Northeast, ensuring critical infrastructure is powered by domestic capabilities. This not only bolsters national security and technological independence but also reduces reliance on foreign telecom resources.

Nationwide, BSNL is making massive strides. It plans to upgrade over 92,500 indigenously developed 4G towers to 5G within the next six to eight months. With these upgrades, BSNL is positioned to compete alongside private telecom giants, but with a unique focus on public service, rural access, and national interest.

What makes this transition even more significant is BSNL’s remarkable financial turnaround. From years of losses, the state-run telecom provider is now back in profit and rapidly expanding its services. Its 4G rollout has already begun at scale and is being recognized as a technological milestone for India.

The halt of internet bandwidth imports and BSNL’s indigenous push signal a broader shift in India’s digital story — one where connectivity is built, managed, and scaled within the country. With domestic infrastructure powering everything from mobile data to rural broadband, India is building a future where digital access is sovereign, secure, and self-made.

Business

Thales Strengthens India Presence with Appointment of Ankur Kanaglekar as Vice President


New Delhi, September 10, 2025 — Thales, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and digital security, has announced the appointment of Ankur Kanaglekar as Vice President for India. The appointment, effective 10 September 2025, signals a significant step in the company’s commitment to expanding its operations and deepening engagement with the Indian market.

With this leadership change, Thales aims to accelerate its strategy of building robust local partnerships, fostering innovation, and aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

“This appointment underscores Thales’ long-term commitment to India. We are focused on leveraging global expertise while fostering indigenous capabilities that contribute to India’s defense and aerospace ecosystem,” the company stated.

Kanaglekar’s leadership will be instrumental in driving Thales’ India operations forward, strengthening collaboration with government, industry, and academia, while promoting research and innovation tailored for Indian needs.

Thales has a longstanding presence in India, with initiatives across defense, aerospace, digital identity, and cybersecurity. The company continues to support ‘Make in India’ through joint ventures, technology transfers, and skill development programs.

With Ankur Kanaglekar at the helm, Thales is poised to further expand its footprint and reinforce its role as a trusted partner in India’s journey toward self-reliance and technological advancement.