The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to provide long-term equity capital to small and medium enterprises, with a focus on manufacturing. The fund will support capacity expansion, technology adoption, exports and business growth, including for companies in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
The focus on strengthening manufacturing comes as companies also tap public markets to fund expansion. FirstCry-backed Swara Baby Products has received SEBI approval for its Rs 1,000 crore IPO, comprising a Rs 500 crore fresh issue and a Rs 500 crore offer for sale. The company plans to use the fresh capital for a new manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, debt repayment and acquisitions.
Beyond manufacturing, India’s growing technology ecosystem is also strengthening its position in AI. India ranks among the top 10 emerging markets for AI readiness, with private AI investment more than tripling to $4.1 billion in 2025. However, the World Bank has pointed to gaps in skills, infrastructure and policy that could affect wider adoption.
The rising demand for AI is also contributing to growth in India’s digital infrastructure. According to CBRE, the country’s data centre sector has attracted around $173 billion in cumulative investment commitments since 2021, including $38 billion in the first half of 2026. Operational capacity is expected to reach 2 GW by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Flipkart’s 13th Big Billion Days sale will begin on October 9, with AI-powered shopping tools, expanded seller participation and a larger delivery network. Early access begins October 8 for Plus, BLACK, and Flipkart credit card members.
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