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News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
BJP's Nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga' Drive Ahead Of Independence Day: What Is Planned
Last Updated: A circular issued by BJP national general secretary Arun Singh outlined the activities planned between August 10 and 15 across all states and districts In the run-up to the 79th Independence Day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced an extensive patriotic campaign titled 'Har Ghar Tiranga–Tiranga Yatra", aimed at reinforcing national unity and celebrating India's recent counter-terror success under Operation Sindoor. A circular issued by BJP national general secretary Arun Singh outlined the activities planned between August 10 and 15 across all states and districts. Highlighting the campaign's significance, the circular draws from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in Parliament, where he declared the ongoing monsoon session as 'India's victory celebration", commemorating the decisive offensive under Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister underscored the operation as a symbol of the valour of India's armed forces and the nation's resolve to dismantle terrorism at its roots. Between August 13 and 15, party workers are instructed to ensure the Indian flag is hoisted at every home and establishment. Notably, the circular emphasises that wherever possible, hoisting should be done by children, instilling a sense of pride and connection among the younger generation. On the evening of August 15, the flag must be respectfully lowered as per protocol. A major cleanliness drive will be undertaken from August 12 to 14 at memorials, war monuments, and freedom struggle sites, followed by floral tributes. Special attention will be paid to honouring war veterans, martyrs, and families of police personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Senior leaders and workers in border states have been directed to visit border posts with prior permission to honour soldiers stationed there. On August 14, the party will observe Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas (Partition Horrors Remembrance Day) with silent marches, exhibitions, hall meetings, and outreach to families affected by the 1947 partition. The circular mandates the formation of state-level committees and completion of preparatory meetings at all levels by August 8. A dedicated team under BJP national general secretary Sunil Bansal will coordinate the programme nationwide, with senior leaders including K Surendran, VD Sharma, and Sadanand Shet Tanavade leading the effort. To ensure transparency and documentation, party workers are required to upload event details and images on the NaMo App and Saral Portal. The campaign, BJP leaders say, is not just about national pride but also a collective reaffirmation of India's sovereignty, unity, and unbreakable spirit. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 06:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Standard
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Business Optimism Index for Q3 2025 declines, but sub-indices indicate resilience in the domestic economy
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 23: Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader in business decisioning data and analytics, released the Business Optimism Index (BOI) for Q3 2025, which declined to 117--marking a 2.3% decline over the previous quarter. The modest decline was driven by a fall in optimism in the large and the medium sized firms, while small firms showed resilience. The moderation in sentiment stems largely from global economic uncertainty, prompting businesses to take a measured approach. However, the domestic outlook remains strong, supported by improving macroeconomic conditions. A marginal decline in selling volume q-o-q suggests businesses are skeptic about evolving demand conditions. The decline may reflect a dip in optimism around export orders, which had risen sharply in the previous quarter due to frontloading ahead of anticipated tariff announcements. In contrast, sentiment around domestic orders remained strong. The decline in optimism regarding selling prices likely reflects the subdued inflationary pressures in the economy. Overall, the survey indicates that firms are navigating the current landscape with measured confidence, balancing global risks with robust domestic opportunities. The Dun & Bradstreet Business Optimism Index, which has been tracking the changing business sentiment of India Inc. since 2002, continues to serve as a reliable leading indicator of India's economic growth, maintaining a strong correlation of approximately 80% with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, "While the Q3 2025 decline in the Dun & Bradstreet Business Optimism Index reflects a degree of caution among larger firms, the underlying resilience of the domestic economy stands out. Strong consumption fundamentals, rising investment activity, and targeted policy are lending support to business confidence, particularly among small businesses. The uptick in optimism around the domestic macroeconomic environment, despite global headwinds, signals trust in India's domestic growth momentum. As trade policy uncertainty clouds global demand, businesses are looking inward, with over half prioritizing the domestic market for future growth. Going forward, the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to open new avenues for market access, improving trade through supply chain diversification. These developments are likely to boost business sentiment by enhancing export opportunities and driving innovation. Together, stronger external competitiveness and domestic market strength can sustain optimism and help Indian businesses navigate global volatility with greater confidence." Key findings from the Q3 2025 survey * The optimism for sales volume decreased by 1 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The food, beverages, metals, and transportation sectors are the most optimistic, while construction and information & communication sectors show lower optimism. * The optimism for domestic orders rose by 3 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The electricals, electronics, mining, textiles and leather sectors remain the most optimistic, while financial and insurance activities and automotive sectors report the lowest optimism. * The optimism for export orders fell by 1 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. Electronics, metals, textile and leather sectors lead optimism, while financial and insurance activities and automotive sectors remain least optimistic. * The optimism for selling prices fell by 11 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The metals, hospitality, and food and beverages sectors show the highest optimism, while electronics and automotive sectors report lower confidence. * The optimism for net profit fell by 4 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The financial and insurance, construction, and hospitality sectors are the most optimistic, while electronics, automotive, and capital goods sectors show lower optimism. * The optimism for the global macroeconomic environment fell by 5 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The chemicals sector, along with utilities and professional and administrative services, remain most optimistic, while automotive and hospitality sectors show lower confidence. * The optimism for employment fell by 15 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The hospitality, food & beverages, and textiles sectors exhibit high optimism, while automotive, transportation, and capital goods sectors show lower optimism. * The optimism for the domestic macroeconomic environment increased by 8 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The information & communication, financial services, wholesale & retail trade, and transportation sectors show the highest confidence, while hospitality and capital goods sectors are least optimistic. * The optimism for input costs fell by 1 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. The metals, food and beverages sectors show higher optimism, while information & communication and financial services sectors report lower optimism. * The optimism for inventory levels saw an increase of 10 percentage points in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter Q2 2025. Mining and automotive sectors are the most optimistic, while metals and food and beverages sectors report the lowest optimism. Notes to Editors The Dun & Bradstreet Business Optimism Index (BOI) is a quarterly survey-based index designed to measure the pulse of the Indian business community and has served as a reliable indicator of the economy. Dun & Bradstreet surveys respondents (senior management) pan India across the Manufacturing and Services sectors, covering businesses of varying scale (large, medium and small) to calculate the BOI. Respondents are asked about their expectations (in terms of increase, decrease, or no change) regarding their company's performance (Ten BOI Parameters) in the ensuing quarter over the same quarter in the previous year. About Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India's vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity. India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses. Visit for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Filth everywhere, drain covers gone: Road swims in sludge for nearly 2 weeks
Ghaziabad: Swimming in filth for nearly two weeks, Kala Patthar Road's condition went from bad to worse on Wednesday with fresh much being dumped along roadsides after drains were cleaned. The corporation's ill-timed drain cleaning, despite the IMD forecasting early arrival of monsoon well in advance, has turned the borders of almost the entire length of the road, which is the central artery of Indirapuram and one of its main links with NH9, into a sludge swamp. Uprooted drain covers and broken slabs lie along the roadside. Water from the rain has pooled alongside it, leaving people with no place to walk, and shopkeepers marooned without customers. With showers spreading the sludge all over the road and inside adjoining Makanpur village, this has turned into a public health hygiene hazard. One side of Aditya mall is also lined with muck. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida "Even the pigeon feeding point is cleaner and more hygienic than the rest of the road now," said Arun Singh, who runs a juice kiosk. Pointing towards a heap of sludge, open drains, and twisted iron rods, he added, "Till 15 days ago, I used to earn Rs 5,000 a day selling juice to fitness enthusiasts working out in gyms nearby. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exploring agentic AI: Mastercard's role in transforming digital commerce Insider Learn More Undo Now, they just cover their noses and walk hastily away. My daily earnings have dropped to just Rs 500, thanks to the nagar nigam. " Virendra Singh works as a guard at a jewellery shop on Kala Patthar Road, said his employer had asked him to request the corporation to remove the sludge from the road when a JCB machine was seen working on the drains a few days ago. "But after repeated requests, they didn't oblige. As you can see, half-dried sludge is lying just at the entrance of the shop. It is affecting business." VK Bhatnagar, a visitor at Gaur Gravity Mall, said the entire Kala Patthar stretch "has become a virtual death trap" "The encroachment and jams during peak hours is frustrating. They have made this place a living hell, and unfortunately, nobody listens," he said. On Wednesday evening, GMC officials said work to clean up the entire Kala Patthar stretch had been taken up on a war footing. Zonal sanitary officer Ompal Singh said, "Despite route restrictions due to the ongoing kanwar yatra, we deployed three JCBs and six dumper trucks to clear the entire Kala Patthar Road of sludge and accumulated waste. The work commenced in the afternoon and will go on all night."
Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
MSMEs make strong sustainability gains, but governance still not on the radar: SIDBI - D & B SPeX
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 1: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, along with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has released the Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), for January-March 2025 period. The SPeX, (also known as the 'Green Pulse Indicator') evaluates perception of sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across three dimensions: willingness, awareness, and implementation. The SPeX rose by 14.7% quarter-on-quarter to reach 69 in Q1 2025, marking its highest level in the past 10 quarters. All three dimensions--Awareness (+20%), Willingness (+17%), and Implementation (+2%) increased from Q4 2024, each reaching their highest levels in the last 10 quarters. Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, "MSMEs have made remarkable strides in their sustainability journey, with awareness, willingness and implementation reaching record highs in Q1 2025 since we started tracking in Q4 2022. From reducing emissions and energy use, to adopting sustainable packaging, these achievements underscore a growing commitment to environmental responsibility. However, our survey shows that compliance with social and governance standards has consistently remained a low priority for MSMEs through 2024 and into Q1 2025, with limited adoption of formal governance frameworks. As MSMEs express the intent to expand their governance efforts, this presents a timely opportunity to strengthen these initiatives. Measures such as simplified certification processes and improved access to technical expertise will be essential to support this shift. Strengthening these enablers is critical to unlocking the next phase of sustainable growth--resilient, future-ready, and aligned with global standards." Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, Green Climate Finance Vertical, SIDBI, stated, "Over past 10 quarters, SPeX has endeavored to capture the pulse of MSMEs' orientation and preparedness to go for sustainable investments. This helps in looking within and aligning green processes, products, and design to meet the expectations of the value chain. SIDBI - D & B Sustainability Perception Index Survey (which we term as 'Green Pulse') for the Quarter January - March 2025, has indicated significant enhancement in the SPeX score (from 60 in the QE December 2024 to 69 for the QE March 2025). This rise from 46 (1st edition) to the score of 69 now indicates that enterprises are becoming responsive and are aiming to adopt clean, green, environmentally friendly technologies while also becoming conscious of Environment & Social (E & S) factors. Continuous capacity building and embedded instruments are key to enabling MSMEs' transition to green practices. SIDBI has mainstreamed Climate Financing and is actively providing long-term financial solutions that enable MSMEs to adopt greener technologies. Each green loan passes through the filters of E & S, Green transitional framework, and green tech stack such that energy saving and/or GHG emissions reductions are tracked." Highlights of the SPeX Report: * In Q1 2025, the awareness dimension saw the most significant improvement across all areas--rising 24% from the previous quarter to reach 68, the highest level in the past ten quarters. This reflects the growing understanding of sustainability amongst MSMEs and its relevance to business, as evidenced by several encouraging trends: * MSMEs are increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of sustainability, particularly in terms of profitability and cost reduction. Awareness that profitability can be achieved through sustainability initiatives surged from 43% in 2023 to 80% in 2024, and further to 89% in Q1 2025. Similarly, the share of MSMEs associating sustainability with cost savings rose from 44% in 2023 to 85% in Q1 2025--demonstrating a sharp shift in mindset from compliance to business advantage. * In Q1 2025 awareness of green financing remained relatively high at 53% well above the 37% recorded in mid-2024. Encouragingly, the share of MSMEs accessing green finance rose to 26% in Q1 2025--up from just 7% in Q4 2024. * At the same time, more MSMEs are tapping into government and institutional support, with adoption rising to 59% in Q1 2025, up from 36% in Q4 and 39% in Q3 of 2024. * MSMEs entered 2025 with renewed determination to embrace sustainability, as reflected in the 'willingness' dimension rising to a 10-quarter high of 69 in Q1 2025--up sharply from 59 in Q4 2024. This reflects growing momentum in embedding sustainable practices across operations. * At the heart of this commitment lies a steadfast focus on Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling initiatives, especially across waste, emissions, water, and energy. This area has topped MSMEs' agenda since 2023, with 82% identifying it as a priority in Q1 2025--up from 76% in 2024 and 51% in 2023. * Driving this transition is a simple business case: cost reduction continues to be the most influential factor in adopting sustainability measures. After topping the list in 2023 (81%) and dipping slightly in 2024 (63%), it surged again in Q1 2025, with 78% of MSMEs citing it as a primary motivator. * Yet, alongside this economic imperative, external forces such as regulations and incentives have gained significant traction. Regulatory influence has grown rapidly, with 80% of MSMEs citing it as a key factor in Q1 2025--up from 53% in 2023 and 59% in 2024. In parallel, the importance of incentives rose notably, becoming the third most influential factor at 63%, compared to just 40% in 2023. * Encouragingly, intent to build in-house expertise is also on the rise. By Q1 2025, 59% of MSMEs aimed to enhance their capabilities in implementing sustainable environmental practices, up from just 29% at the end of 2023. Similarly, 56% expressed intent to strengthen their supply chain sustainability expertise--an increase of 17% over Q4 2024---reflecting rising concerns about global trade disruptions. * In Q1 2025, the sustainability journey of MSMEs marked a significant milestone, with the implementation dimension reaching a ten-quarter high of 59--signalling strong momentum in translating sustainability commitments into action. * This progress is backed by a trend over the past two years, during which MSMEs have steadily reported reductions in the consumption or generation of water, waste, emissions, heat/energy, and raw materials. Many have also adopted more sustainable packaging solutions. * This positive trajectory continued into Q1 2025, where 68% of MSMEs reported lower emissions, 62% achieved reductions in heat and energy use--the highest level since Q1 2023--and 44% adopted sustainable packaging practices, a record since Q3 2024. These figures highlight growing adoption and deepening integration of environmental practices. * However, this progress has not come without challenges. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the cost of implementation and limited access to capital have remained persistent obstacles, and they continue to constrain MSMEs' ability to scale sustainability efforts in 2025. * More recently, new barriers have begun to surface. Technical know-how has become an increasingly pressing issue, with the proportion of MSMEs citing it as a challenge rising sharply from 46% in 2023 to 70% in Q1 2025. At the same time, concerns around environmental labelling and certification have doubled--from 31% to 60%--likely reflecting the mounting pressure on exporters to comply with rapidly evolving international standards. Methodology The SPeX value ranges from 0 to 100, an increase in the index value indicates MSME's enhanced perception towards sustainability. The overall SPeX value reflects changes across these three dimensions, providing insights into MSMEs understanding, willingness to adopt, and implementation of sustainability measures. An increase in SPeX indicates improvement in MSME's perception towards sustainability adoption. A decrease could indicate challenges or a decline in perception. About Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India's vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity. India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses. Visit for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases. About SIDBI: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in its role as the Principal Development Finance Institution for MSME sector has played a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working toward Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 as part of Direct Finance business using support of multilaterals like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. SIDBI has taken steps to promote Energy Efficiency and Cleaner production in the MSME sector and propose to accelerate its efforts for MSME sector for their survival, growth, and competitiveness in long run during prevailing climate related challenges. Looking to importance of ESG aspects and the need for a simplified, Customised ESG risk rating framework, SIDBI has already started integration of ESG framework into its operations. Subsequent to setting up of Green Climate Finance Vertical for prioritised focus, a Board level Committee has been constituted for guidance, oversight, and monitoring on ESG, Green Strategy of the bank, including relevant SDGs etc. To lead with the example, SIDBI has set a target to become Carbon Neutral by 2024 and Net Neutral organization in subsequent years. Through Green Financing products and other developmental activities, SIDBI enables the manufacturers and service providers in MSME sector to adopt green energy efficient technologies helping in lesser waste leading to positive impact on environment and sustainability.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
MSMEs show strong sustainability gains but lag in governance: SPeX
Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, along with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has released the Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), for January-March 2025 period. The SPeX, (also known as the 'Green Pulse Indicator') evaluates perception of sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across three dimensions: willingness, awareness, and implementation. The SPeX rose by 14.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter to reach 69 in Q1 2025, marking its highest level in the past 10 quarters. All three dimensionsAwareness (+20 per cent), Willingness (+17 per cent), and Implementation (+2 per cent) increased from Q4 2024, each reaching their highest levels in the last 10 quarters. Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, "MSMEs have made remarkable strides in their sustainability journey, with awareness, willingness and implementation reaching record highs in Q1 2025 since we started tracking in Q4 2022. From reducing emissions and energy use, to adopting sustainable packaging, these achievements underscore a growing commitment to environmental responsibility. However, our survey shows that compliance with social and governance standards has consistently remained a low priority for MSMEs through 2024 and into Q1 2025, with limited adoption of formal governance frameworks. As MSMEs express the intent to expand their governance efforts, this presents a timely opportunity to strengthen these initiatives. Measures such as simplified certification processes and improved access to technical expertise will be essential to support this shift. Strengthening these enablers is critical to unlocking the next phase of sustainable growthresilient, future-ready, and aligned with global standards." Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, Green Climate Finance Vertical, SIDBI, stated, "Over past 10 quarters, SPeX has endeavored to capture the pulse of MSMEs' orientation and preparedness to go for sustainable investments. This helps in looking within and aligning green processes, products, and design to meet the expectations of the value chain. SIDBI - D&B Sustainability Perception Index Survey (which we term as 'Green Pulse') for the Quarter January March 2025, has indicated significant enhancement in the SPeX score (from 60 in the QE December 2024 to 69 for the QE March 2025). This rise from 46 (1st edition) to the score of 69 now indicates that enterprises are becoming responsive and are aiming to adopt clean, green, environmentally friendly technologies while also becoming conscious of Environment & Social (E&S) factors. Continuous capacity building and embedded instruments are key to enabling MSMEs' transition to green practices. SIDBI has mainstreamed Climate Financing and is actively providing long-term financial solutions that enable MSMEs to adopt greener technologies. Each green loan passes through the filters of E&S, Green transitional framework, and green tech stack such that energy saving and/or GHG emissions reductions are tracked." Highlights of the SPeX Report: In Q1 2025, the awareness dimension saw the most significant improvement across all areasrising 24 per cent from the previous quarter to reach 68, the highest level in the past ten quarters. This reflects the growing understanding of sustainability amongst MSMEs and its relevance to business, as evidenced by several encouraging trends: MSMEs are increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of sustainability, particularly in terms of profitability and cost reduction. Awareness that profitability can be achieved through sustainability initiatives surged from 43 per cent in 2023 to 80 per cent in 2024, and further to 89 per cent in Q1 2025. Similarly, the share of MSMEs associating sustainability with cost savings rose from 44 per cent in 2023 to 85 per cent in Q1 2025demonstrating a sharp shift in mindset from compliance to business advantage. In Q1 2025 awareness of green financing remained relatively high at 53 per cent well above the 37 per cent recorded in mid-2024. Encouragingly, the share of MSMEs accessing green finance rose to 26 per cent in Q1 2025up from just 7 per cent in Q4 2024. At the same time, more MSMEs are tapping into government and institutional support, with adoption rising to 59 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 36 per cent in Q4 and 39 per cent in Q3 of 2024. MSMEs entered 2025 with renewed determination to embrace sustainability, as reflected in the 'willingness' dimension rising to a 10-quarter high of 69 in Q1 2025up sharply from 59 in Q4 2024. This reflects growing momentum in embedding sustainable practices across operations. At the heart of this commitment lies a steadfast focus on Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling initiatives, especially across waste, emissions, water, and energy. This area has topped MSMEs' agenda since 2023, with 82 per cent identifying it as a priority in Q1 2025up from 76 per cent in 2024 and 51 per cent in 2023. Driving this transition is a simple business case: cost reduction continues to be the most influential factor in adopting sustainability measures. After topping the list in 2023 (81 per cent) and dipping slightly in 2024 (63 per cent), it surged again in Q1 2025, with 78 per cent of MSMEs citing it as a primary motivator. Yet, alongside this economic imperative, external forces such as regulations and incentives have gained significant traction. Regulatory influence has grown rapidly, with 80 per cent of MSMEs citing it as a key factor in Q1 2025up from 53 per cent in 2023 and 59 per cent in 2024. In parallel, the importance of incentives rose notably, becoming the third most influential factor at 63 per cent, compared to just 40 per cent in 2023. Encouragingly, intent to build in-house expertise is also on the rise. By Q1 2025, 59 per cent of MSMEs aimed to enhance their capabilities in implementing sustainable environmental practices, up from just 29 per cent at the end of 2023. Similarly, 56 per cent expressed intent to strengthen their supply chain sustainability expertisean increase of 17 per cent over Q4 2024-reflecting rising concerns about global trade disruptions. In Q1 2025, the sustainability journey of MSMEs marked a significant milestone, with the implementation dimension reaching a ten-quarter high of 59signalling strong momentum in translating sustainability commitments into action. This progress is backed by a trend over the past two years, during which MSMEs have steadily reported reductions in the consumption or generation of water, waste, emissions, heat/energy, and raw materials. Many have also adopted more sustainable packaging solutions. This positive trajectory continued into Q1 2025, where 68 per cent of MSMEs reported lower emissions, 62 per cent achieved reductions in heat and energy usethe highest level since Q1 2023and 44 per cent adopted sustainable packaging practices, a record since Q3 2024. These figures highlight growing adoption and deepening integration of environmental practices. However, this progress has not come without challenges. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the cost of implementation and limited access to capital have remained persistent obstacles, and they continue to constrain MSMEs' ability to scale sustainability efforts in 2025. More recently, new barriers have begun to surface. Technical know-how has become an increasingly pressing issue, with the proportion of MSMEs citing it as a challenge rising sharply from 46 per cent in 2023 to 70 per cent in Q1 2025. At the same time, concerns around environmental labelling and certification have doubledfrom 31 per cent to 60 per centlikely reflecting the mounting pressure on exporters to comply with rapidly evolving international standards. Methodology The SPeX value ranges from 0 to 100, an increase in the index value indicates MSME's enhanced perception towards sustainability. The overall SPeX value reflects changes across these three dimensions, providing insights into MSMEs understanding, willingness to adopt, and implementation of sustainability measures. An increase in SPeX indicates improvement in MSME's perception towards sustainability adoption. A decrease could indicate challenges or a decline in perception. About Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India's vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity. India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses. Visit for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases. About SIDBI: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in its role as the Principal Development Finance Institution for MSME sector has played a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working toward Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 as part of Direct Finance business using support of multilaterals like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. SIDBI has taken steps to promote Energy Efficiency and Cleaner production in the MSME sector and propose to accelerate its efforts for MSME sector for their survival, growth, and competitiveness in long run during prevailing climate related challenges. Looking to importance of ESG aspects and the need for a simplified, Customised ESG risk rating framework, SIDBI has already started integration of ESG framework into its operations. Subsequent to setting up of Green Climate Finance Vertical for prioritised focus, a Board level Committee has been constituted for guidance, oversight, and monitoring on ESG, Green Strategy of the bank, including relevant SDGs etc. To lead with the example, SIDBI has set a target to become Carbon Neutral by 2024 and Net Neutral organization in subsequent years. Through Green Financing products and other developmental activities, SIDBI enables the manufacturers and service providers in MSME sector to adopt green energy efficient technologies helping in lesser waste leading to positive impact on environment and sustainability.
