Jeff Webb, Who Built a Competitive Cheerleading Empire, Dies at 76
GLOBAL NEWS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 5:29AM IST
Through Varsity Spirit, the company he established in 1974, he turned cheerleading into a multibillion-dollar juggernaut and exerted control over almost every aspect of it.
Continue reading at The New York Times
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Argentine LPG supplies jump over 2-fold in just 3 months
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:56AM IST
Argentina is boosting LPG shipments to India. This comes as India faces shortages due to the West Asia conflict. Argentina sent 50,000 tonnes in early 2026, more than double the previous year. The South American nation is set to grow its share in India's LPG market. This is part of expanding bilateral trade and cooperation.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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If you want to have good governance, you cannot be in a yes-sir mode: Sashidhar Jagdishan
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:51AM IST
We will convene multiple board meetings over the next month to get the views of all directors on decisions taken over time. We will re-examine them, evaluate the action points and see where we need to improve. This issue was not of our making; it was thrust upon us. We will take stock of past matters and address all issues-existing or new-without hiding anything, says Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD & CEO, HDFC Bank.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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CII seeks faster fuel shift, gas allocation transparency
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:42AM IST
Industry body CII is urging the government to speed up fuel switching and enhance gas allocation transparency. This aims to protect businesses from potential disruptions due to rising tensions in West Asia. Recommendations include shifting households to piped gas and prioritizing industrial PNG supplies. CII also seeks better visibility on gas availability and pricing.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Whey protein goes sachet-size to boost mass adoption in India
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:31AM IST
Whey protein now comes in handy sachets and convenient single scoop packs, making it easier for anyone to incorporate into their daily routine. This strategic shift by marketers targets a broader audience, promoting affordable options for a protein-rich lifestyle.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Whey protein sachets boost mass market reach
INDIA NEWS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:31AM IST
Mumbai: Once sold in bulky tubs mostly to bodybuilders, whey protein is now showing up in sachets and single scoop packs as marketers emulate the playbook of everyday fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to drive penetration, affordability and on-the-go consumption amid rising demand."Everyone is becoming more aware of how short on protein they are," said Tarun Arora, chief executive officer of Zydus Wellness. This is pushing protein from a discretionary purchase toward a lifestyle staple.However, high costs, driven by expensive raw materials and supply chains, have historically kept the category out of reach for many, with kilogram packs often priced above 2,000. Hence the small packs, which are cheaper to try and easier to carry. 129738045 "Sachets should be a growth mechanism, not a margin lever. It is about lowering friction, not lowering price," Arora said.Companies such as Truebasics, MuscleBlaze, Wellbeing Nutrition and Optimum Nutrition now offer sachet bundles priced between 699 and 999, compared with 3,499-4,429 for 1-kg tubs.While sachets lower upfront costs, the per-gram price of protein can be up to 40% higher than bulk formats. Yet there's good demand, particularly from first-time users."These smaller packs help with multiple factors-taste, trial, travel-friendliness," said Renu Bisht, cofounder of Datum Intelligence. "Multiple use cases from a smaller point of view."Within households, families are increasingly experimenting with different types of protein, making smaller packs a more flexible, lower-commitment option. For brands, sachets are less about margins and more about market creation.Newer formats such as protein bars, chips and ready-to-drink beverages are also gaining traction. However, higher packaging and distribution costs often offset the premium pricing per gram, although companies are willing to absorb this to acquire new users in an underpenetrated category."Primarily, brands use sachets for penetration, new customer acquisition and then building a habit," Bisht said. "While most revenues still come from larger packs, small formats play a crucial role in scaling."The shift is being driven by quick-commerce platforms, where smaller SKUs perform better due to convenience and lower ticket sizes, while also allowing faster product testing and iteration.Meanwhile, legacy food players are making protein part of everyday consumption instead of supplements. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, owner of the Amul brand, has been expanding into protein-rich dairy beverages, snacks and powders."Protein has to be a part of your daily consumption, not used as a supplement," said Jayen Mehta, managing director of GCMMF.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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360 ONE to finance AIMS founder's stake buyback
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:20AM IST
The asset management firm is expected to lend about 600 crore to facilitate the repurchase of shares from British International Investment (BII) and OrbiMed, which hold the stakes in AIMS' parent entity, Blue Sapphire Healthcare. The deal with 360 ONE is likely to be signed within the next few weeks, the people said.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Embassy REIT targets 13 mn sq ft acquisitions to scale income
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:20AM IST
Embassy Office Parks REIT is planning significant expansion. The company is evaluating a large pipeline of new properties. This move aims to grow its portfolio and boost long-term income. The REIT is also developing new projects and investing in hotels. It is actively managing its debt to improve financial stability and pursue growth opportunities.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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GLP-1 rush: Pharma, food firms eye tie-ups for weight-loss boom
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:16AM IST
Affordable weight-loss jabs are here. Drugmakers and food companies are partnering. They will offer special nutrition products. These are for people using semaglutide. The goal is to support fat loss and muscle health. This new market is set for massive expansion. Companies are investing in research and development. This will create new product categories.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Every sport in the world is a function of star power, says Vinit Karnik
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:13AM IST
Cricket's dominance in India is built on deep structural strengths-from grassroots systems to governance-while other sports struggle to scale beyond visibility
Continue reading at Business Standard
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Apples low-price play lifts India market share
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:12AM IST
Apple is strategically reducing prices in India to capture more users. New affordable products like the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e are being introduced. This move aims to attract new customers to the Apple ecosystem. Competitors are struggling with rising costs. Apple's strategy focuses on long-term ecosystem growth and services over immediate hardware profits.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Ethanol industry ready to supply more than 20 pc blending, can cut crude import bill: AIDA
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:12AM IST
India's ethanol industry is ready to supply more than 20 percent ethanol blends with petrol. This move aims to cut crude oil imports amid rising global prices. The All India Distillers' Association has proposed increasing the blending mandate. They also suggest flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol-based cook stoves. This initiative supports clean energy goals and reduces economic vulnerability.
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Indias drug regulator flags 90 unapproved FDCs, directs states to take action
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:08AM IST
India's drug regulator has initiated a nationwide crackdown on unapproved fixed-dose combination drugs. At least 90 such medicines have been identified. States are directed to take immediate action against manufacturers, marketers, and distributors. This move follows lab testing data analysis. The Drugs Controller General of India emphasizes zero tolerance to protect public health and safety.
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Indo-Russian consortium bags Indian Railways' 1,100 cr track upkeep contract
INDIA BUSINESS | Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 12:06AM IST
An Indo-Russian team has secured a significant 1,100 crore contract from Indian Railways. They will supply and maintain advanced track maintenance equipment. These systems will use AI and machine learning to detect internal rail cracks. This technology will be deployed across 18 railway zones. The aim is to prevent accidents and improve track longevity.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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