Establishment of Common Facility Centers for Artisans and MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh under the Scheme

India's presence among the fastest-growing companies in Asia is constantly strengthening. The latest confirmation of this is provided by the prestigious Forbes Asia 'Best Under A Billion 2026' list. This year, 27 Indian companies secured a spot among the 200 best small and medium-sized public companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

China leads India with 28 such companies. This demonstrates that India's role in the new story of Asian growth continues to strengthen. This achievement comes against a backdrop of global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain uncertainty, and energy market instability.

Despite these difficulties, Indian companies managed to gain global recognition due to strong financial performance, steadily growing revenue, and improved profitability.

This year's list clearly indicates that the story of Asian growth is now closely linked to new technologies. Companies related to artificial intelligence (AI), software, semiconductors, and electronic components account for about 25% of the total selected companies. Furthermore, high results were demonstrated by companies operating in data centers, electric vehicles, renewable energy, industrial technology, and advanced manufacturing. This suggests that the focus of investment and growth is shifting towards future-oriented sectors.

India's placement in second place with 27 companies is not just a ranking. It is a signal that Indian small and medium-cap companies are no longer limiting themselves to the domestic market but are confidently taking their place in global competition. The growth potential of Indian firms in digital transformation, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, specialty chemicals, and high-value industries is evident in these results. Experts believe that the share of Indian companies globally could increase in the coming years.

Among countries, China took first place with 28 companies, while India is in second place with 27. Malaysia also showed impressive results, including 19 companies in the list. According to Forbes, one reason for Malaysia's success is the country's rapidly developing AI infrastructure. Of the 200 companies on the list, 60 companies maintained their position for the second consecutive year, which is regarded as a sign of a sustainable business approach and consistently strong performance.

Forbes Asia analyzed over 19,000 public companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Only firms with an annual turnover between $1 million and $1 billion were considered. Selection criteria included debt level, revenue, and earnings per share (EPS) growth over three years, as well as average return on equity (ROE) over five years. Profitability, financial stability, and long-term performance were also assessed. This evaluation was based on publicly available financial data up to July 10, 2026.

This Forbes Asia list is more than just a ranking. It shows that Indian companies are forging a unique identity on the world stage through quality, innovation, and financial performance. The fact that they trail China by only one company indicates that India is rapidly becoming a powerful engine of growth in the new economic landscape of Asia. If the pace continues in the coming years, it cannot be ruled out that India will take the leading position on this list.

According to data from the National Statistical Committee, major enterprises in Uzbekistan produced 10.1 million tons of cement during the period from January to June 2026.

This figure demonstrates an increase in production compared to the same period in 2025, when the output volume increased by almost 0.2 million tons. Thus, cement production continues to grow for the second consecutive year.

Previously, in January-June 2024, major enterprises produced 7.7 million tons. In the first half of 2025, this volume grew to 9.9 million tons, and in the first half of 2026, it reached 10.1 million tons.

The Vice-President of the Portugal-Cuba Friendship Association, João Terreiro, reported that a group of Portuguese people transported over 150 kilograms of medicines from Portugal to the Calixto Garcia Hospital.

Speaking to Lusa from Havana, João Terreiro detailed that he and six other Portuguese citizens managed this medical support while more than seven thousand containers of humanitarian aid awaited unloading in Cuba.

According to Terreiro, the blockade imposed by the United States prevents shippers from unloading these containers at Cuban ports. He emphasized that although this maritime blockade is not militarized like in the Strait of Hormuz, it is part of a 'war' that has been ongoing for many years.

The association's vice-president mentioned that the blockade against Cuba has persisted for over 66 years, preventing anyone linked to the United States from negotiating with the island.

When questioned about the fear of armed conflict by Cubans, João Terreiro praised the resilience of the inhabitants, stating that for them the war is already underway. He clarified that the war is not limited only to weapons and missiles but also manifests in other forms.

Terreiro, who is a doctor, highlighted that the Health sector is one of the most affected. He pointed out that since the imposition of the oil embargo by Washington, the infant mortality rate in Cuba has doubled compared to the previous year, according to UN data.

He made a comparison with the situation in Gaza, arguing that while bombs are dropped on children there, in Cuba they are suffocated in another way.

The US blockade of the island began after the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and resulted in the complete interruption of oil deliveries from Caracas to Havana. Although Cuba can extract oil domestically, this production covers only 40% of the island's needs, and the power plants themselves do not receive parts for maintenance due to US sanctions.

João Terreiro described that this constant lack of energy subjects the population to a 'psychological war.' He exemplified that people cannot even keep a refrigerator running, causing food to spoil easily, and the heat prevents them from cooling down or sleeping peacefully.

In addition to the US energy blockade, pre-existing economic sanctions and recent sanctions imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump are added, affecting companies in the energy sector and hindering Cuba's acquisition of fuel, even for humanitarian purposes.

United Nations Human Rights experts condemned these sanctions and called on the international community and civil society to 'act quickly to prevent Cuba from becoming a 'silent Gaza'.'

For João Terreiro, the purpose of the United States became evident under the Trump administration: to destroy 'the capital of world communism.' He stated that the goal is to end the socialist dream, which he considers a 'danger to American imperialism.'

The island recorded its sixth general blackout this year on Monday, and the power supply was only restored a day later. Cuba has faced a serious economic crisis for years, characterized by shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, inflation, and frequent power cuts, a situation that the Cuban government attributes mainly to US sanctions. Washington justifies the pressure on Havana by citing the human rights situation and the lack of political reforms on the island.