CREDAI to Host 6th New India Summit in Nashik on 7th-8th March
24th February 2025, New Delhi: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) is set to host the 6th edition of the CREDAI New India Summit in Nashik, Maharashtra, on March 7-8, 2025. Themed “Viksit Bharat: Unlocking Potential of Emerging Cities,” the summit will bring together key stakeholders to discuss and explore strategies for accelerating growth in India’s rapidly developing Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities.
The summit will serve as a platform to address critical challenges faced by developers in emerging cities and facilitate discussions on innovative solutions to unlock their full potential. With participation expected from over 400 developers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders, this event aims to drive forward-looking strategies for sustainable urban development. This year’s summit will feature an esteemed lineup of eminent speakers, including renowned policymakers and industry leaders, among others.
At the summit, CREDAI will reinforce its commitment to the growth and transformation of India’s real estate sector by unveiling key industry initiatives and policy recommendations. The event will also highlight the significance of emerging cities in India’s economic trajectory and their role in fulfilling the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
“India’s Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities are emerging as the backbone of the country’s urban transformation. With increasing infrastructure investments, improved connectivity, and rising real estate demand, these cities are poised to become the next hubs of economic growth and urban innovation. The CREDAI New India Summit is a testament to our commitment to unlocking the potential of these emerging cities by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and policy interventions that will shape their growth trajectory. As we collectively work towards a New India, this summit will play a pivotal role in addressing industry challenges, exploring innovative solutions, and driving sustainable urban development” said Mr. Boman Irani, President, CREDAI.
The CREDAI New India Summit continues to be a marquee event in the real estate sector, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among developers, policymakers, and industry leaders. As India moves towards a more dynamic and inclusive growth trajectory, this summit will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban development
The Shopping Trends That Defined Kirana Commerce on udaan in CY24
National, February 24, 2025: udaan, India’s largest e-business-to-business (eB2B) platform, today announced the shopping trends that defined eB2B in Calendar Year 2024 (CY24) on the platform, offering key insights into how the shopping patterns of Indian retailers have transformed over the past year. With key achievements in business performance, rapid growth in private label adoption, and exceptional engagement across FMCG and other key categories, the trend highlights udaan’s transformational impact on the kirana ecosystem.
The Shopping Trends That Defined Kirana Commerce on udaan:
udaan shipped over 2.45 Billion units in the FMCG business alone, with the tonnage of all food products delivered (FMCG, Staples and Fresh) exceeding 7 lakh Metric tonnes. The platform recorded ~ 65% increase in overall business, driven by a ~70% growth in the daily buyers, marking 2024 as the year with the highest-ever daily buyers on the platform. Additionally, repeat rate reached an all-time high, rising 1,000 bps above last year, reaffirming strong customer stickiness and trust. This milestone highlights the value udaan delivers to a diverse and expanding network of kirana partners, empowering them to grow and succeed in a dynamic retail market.
Further, udaan processed 85.85 million lines of orders, highlighting its growing role as a trusted partner for retailers. This growth reflects not only increasing daily reliance but also udaan’s ability to seamlessly manage diverse inventory needs. Backed by a robust network and operational excellence, udaan remains committed to delivering value to kirana partners across Bharat.
Vaibhav Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, udaan, said, “This has been a defining year for us with strong sustainable growth highlighting the success of the eB2B cluster playbook that udaan has developed to empower small retailers across India. With 85%+ growth in FMCG and 250% growth in staples private labels business, we are not just enabling kirana commerce but actively leading its transformation. The rapid adoption by kiranas also highlight udaan’s acceptance as the most trusted eB2B partner for small businesses. As we look forward to 2025, our focus remains on customer-centric innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable value creation —strengthening the backbone of Bharat’s kirana ecosystem and driving the future of retail distribution.”
Essentials category (FMCG, Staples and Fresh)
The FMCG business achieved a 85%+ Year-on-Year (YoY) growth in its revenue run rate. The growth was driven by an increase of 50% in the number of products ordered by retailers, demonstrating udaan’s strong distribution capabilities to meet the diverse and evolving needs of buyers. Additionally, the FMCG business witnessed 60% increase in buyers, highlighting the growing trust and dependence of retailers on udaan for their everyday business essentials requirements.
udaan’s private label brands continued to accelerate and recorded 250% Y-o-Y growth in its revenue run rate. This remarkable performance reflects the increasing demand for udaan’s high-quality, value-driven products that have become a preferred choice among kirana retailers. The success of private labels not only signifies deep customer trust but also aligns seamlessly with udaan’s strategy to enhance profitability by offering superior margins through exclusive, high-performing products.
The udaan platform witnessed a strong surge in demand, with Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata continuing to drive growth among Metros. At the same time, non-metro cities like Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Indore saw rapid adoption, highlighting the deepening penetration of eB2B commerce.
Additionally, Pune, Mysore, and Mumbai emerged as high-growth markets, reinforcing the growing acceptance of eB2B trade among small businesses and strengthening udaan’s position as the preferred partner for retailers across Bharat
udaan’s Sustainability Initiative: Expanding EV Adoption in Last-Mile Delivery
As part of udaan’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, in CY24 udaan introduced and deployed Electric Vehicles (EVs) for last-mile deliveries in Bengaluru. This initiative marked a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly logistics in the eB2B sector.
Overall Business Performance: Key Highlights
In CY24, udaan achieved consistent growth highlighting the strength of its strategic approach and implementation of the new design playbook in the marketplace. The company is on track to achieving profitability, with an impressive 65% ARR growth and over 70% increase in daily transacting buyers, driving deeper market penetration and increasing wallet share among retailers. Additionally, gross margins improved by 200 basis points and contribution margins by 320 basis points, alongside a 20% increase in buyer wallet share and monthly repeat ratio of over 90%. Most notably, during the period the company achieved a 30% reduction in absolute EBITDA burn, underscoring consistent focus on driving sustainable growth through efficiency enhancement and superior execution in the marketplace.
Mehtab Niazi Indian Classical Music Now in Stadiums at Ideas of India 2025
Mumbai, 24 February 2025: At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Mehtab Ali Niazi, Mahesh Raghavan, and Nirali Kartik discussed the healing power of music during their session titled ‘Healing Power of Music, Touching the Divine Within’. The artists engaged in a captivating session that emphasised how music transcends boundaries, providing comfort and connection to the soul.
Mahesh Raghavan, Music composer spoke of his introduction to music, saying, “I grew up learning Carnatic music and the keyboard. I started when I was three and was always drawn to music. I bought an iPad just to play games, but soon realized its potential for music. Traditionally, Indian classical music had no use for synthesizers, but with an iPad, I could shift between notes seamlessly. It opened up a whole new way to explore music”.
Mehtab Niazi, Sitarist and vocalist from the Bhendi Bazar Gharana remarked,” As I grew older, I realized that music was the only thing I was truly good at, even though I tried sports and academics. Indian classical music has now moved to larger auditoriums and stadiums. With advancements in technology, we can capture even the subtlest resonances of instruments, preserving the richness of sound like never before.”
Nirali Kartik, Classical vocalist said, “My mother, a music lover, encouraged me to learn music, and thankfully, our dreams aligned. Today, many Gujaratis are taking up music and we are witnessing a cultural shift.”
On using technology for classical music, she said,” Technology is a broad term when it comes to music. If I record something in my voice, AI can replace it with someone else’s voice entirely. While some may see this as concerning, I view AI as a powerful tool for musicians.”
Mahesh Raghavan, Music composer further added,” Technology has significantly improved the clarity of recordings. I consider myself a fully digital musician, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what we want our audience to hear. I use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI, after all, learns from us.”
The session concluded with a soulful performance by Mahesh Raghavan, Nirali Kartik, and Mehtab Niazi, leaving the audience mesmerized with their unique blend of tradition and technology in music.
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions for a better, more sustainable world for all.
Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat Marks Golden Jubilee & Shivaji Maharaj’s Anniversary
Bengaluru, February 24, 2025 : Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat (KKMP) successfully organized its Golden Jubilee along with the 398th birth anniversary celebration of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj on February 23 at the KKMP Kalyana Mantapa, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. The event, which commenced at 10:00 AM, witnessed enthusiastic participation from dignitaries, community leaders, and beneficiaries.
The auspicious occasion was graced by Shri Shri Shri Manjunath Bharathi Swamiji of Gavipuram Gosai Math , honored the event by offering floral tributes to the portrait of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj. The program was presided over by KKMP State President, S Suresh Rao Sathe who extended his gratitude to all attendees for making the event a grand success.
One of the key highlights of the celebration was the distribution of scholarships and financial aid to over 3,000 beneficiaries, including students, senior citizens, disabled individuals, and widows. Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane distributed scholarships to students, financial assistance to elderly and differently-abled individuals. Additionally, KKMP State Governing Council Chairman S.R. Sindhia, KKMP State General Secretary T.R. Sunil Chavan, KKMP State Treasurer T.R. Venkata Rao Chavan, and KKMP Women’s Chairman Smt. Krishna Kumari distributed pensions to widows.
A special lecture on the legacy and leadership of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj was delivered by renowned scholar and speaker Guruprasad Bhat from Udupi, who captivated the audience with his insights into Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions and enduring influence.
The event was attended by Central Executive Committee members, Governing Council members, and district committee representatives, making it a memorable and impactful celebration that reinforced the community’s commitment to social welfare and historical reverence.
TeamLease EdTech HY1 2025 74% Rise in Freshers Hiring IT Sector Rebounds
India, 24th February 2025: TeamLease EdTech, India’s leading learning and employability solutions provider, has released its comprehensive Career Outlook Report HY1 (January – June 2025), shedding light on India’s emerging professional landscape for new graduates. The findings reveal 74% of freshers’ hiring intent in HY1 2025, suggesting unwavering business confidence for the upcoming months.
Several industries showcase strong recruitment momentum for the first half of 2025 compared to HY2 2024. The report reveals many increased hiring intent. E-commerce & Technology Startups registered increased from 61% to 70% (+9%), Manufacturing from 52% to 66% (+14%), and Engineering & Infrastructure touched 62%, up from 59% (+3%). Furthermore, the IT sector has experienced a remarkable recovery, with entry-level hiring intentions surging to 59% compared to 45% in HY2 2024. The healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector has also shown positive momentum, increasing from 47% to 52% (+5%). Even traditionally smaller sectors like Power & Energy and Marketing & Advertising have displayed modest growth, with increases of 4% and 2% respectively, reaching 22% and 11%. The geographical spread of opportunities continues to favor Bangalore (78%), Mumbai (65%), Delhi NCR (61%), and Chennai (57%) as primary employment destinations for recent graduates.
Deep-tech roles seem to be emerging career paths, including roles such as Clinical Bioinformatics Associate, Robotics System Engineer, Sustainability Analyst, Prompt Engineer, AI & Machine Learning Engineer, Cloud Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst. Companies are particularly seeking candidates skilled in Robotic Process Automation, Performance Marketing, Network Security, and Financial Risk Analysis to address contemporary business needs. Beyond technical expertise, employers value computational thinking, interpersonal skills, analytic reasoning, and adaptability as crucial soft skills for entry-level positions.
The workplace transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation continues to shape employment opportunities. These technological advances are influencing recruitment patterns, encouraging newcomers to develop expertise in AI-related fields. In terms of workplace technology preferences, companies heavily rely on productivity and collaboration tools (83%), project management and task tracking software (73%), and data visualization tools (64%). Meanwhile, fresh graduates are focusing their development on data visualization and data analysis (92%), coding assistance tools (66%), and prompt engineering (57%), reflecting market demands.
A significant development highlighted in this report is the growing prominence of apprenticeship programs. Organizations are increasingly embracing degree apprenticeships as a strategic talent development approach. This trend is particularly strong in Manufacturing (30%), Engineering and infrastructure (23%), and Information Technology (12%), as businesses seek to develop skilled professionals through hands-on industry experience.
Commenting on the findings, Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, remarked, “74% hiring intent throws a spotlight on the soaring demand in freshers’ hiring. The key is to develop skills in AI-driven domains, adaptability, and digital competencies to secure meaningful roles in India’s dynamic job market. Freshers need to smartly analyse the skills in demand and add them to their portfolio to bridge the gap and drive their ambitions to fruition.”
Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business & COO of TeamLease EdTech, observed, “Today, tech is just not limited to ergonomic tasks, routine jobs but it is effectively changing the current work model. The employers are recognizing its potential and thus valuing job readiness through practical skills. In fact, 85% of the hiring intent is dependent on it. The same sentiment can be seen in the job market with deep tech skills and roles making it to the top.”
This report, based on a survey of 649 employers across India, offers key insights into hiring trends for freshers and Degree Apprentices, along with emerging skill demands. Get the full report.
IIIT-Bangalore’s Infin8 2025 Concludes with Success
Bangalore, February 24, 2025: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) hosted its much-anticipated annual inter-college cultural fest, Infin8 from February 7-9, 2025, bringing together over 200 participants from 20+ colleges in a vibrant celebration of talent and creativity. This year’s edition, themed “Odyssey Osaka”, a fusion of the traditional Japanese culture and modernized ideas, turned the campus into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Spanning three electrifying days, Infin8 2025 featured an array of performances, competitions, and engaging activities. More than 700 students from 21 colleges participated in 26 diverse events, ranging from singing, dance, photography, acting, quizzes, ramp shows, poetry, and video games. With a total prize pool of INR 2.5 lakh, the festival offered a highly competitive yet exhilarating platform for young artists and performers.
One of the major highlights of the event was the mesmerizing performance by renowned mentalist Karan Singh, who left audiences spellbound with his mind-bending illusions. The festival also featured a soulful musical opening act by Akshay and Ashwin Mandoth, setting the perfect mood for Day 2. The lineup of events included enthralling band performances, rib-tickling stand-up comedy, and a grand finale featuring the high-energy rock band Oxygen On The Rocks. The festival concluded on an electrifying note with an unforgettable DJ night, where attendees danced to pulsating beats, celebrating the grand success of Infin8 2025.
Prof. Manisha Kulkarni, Dean, Student Affairs said, “IIIT-Bangalore takes pride in providing a platform where students can express themselves beyond academics. Infin8 is a testament to the boundless creativity and enthusiasm of young minds. We are proud to host such a dynamic event and look forward to an even grander celebration next year.”
Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore said: “IIIT-Bangalore is not just a center of academic excellence but also a space where students can explore their creative and leadership potential. Infin8 is completely student driven and its grand success is a testament to the organizational capabilities, leadership, and teamwork of our students.
With its diverse lineup of events and enthusiastic participation, Infin8 continues to be a beacon of artistic brilliance and cultural unity among students. IIIT-Bangalore looks forward to yet another edition of this exhilarating festival next year, promising more talent, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.
Wipro earthian Awards 2024 Felicitate Excellence in Sustainability Education
BENGALURU, India – Feb 24, 2025: Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today held the 14th edition of Wipro earthian Awards for the year 2024 at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. The awards are a conclusion of an annual program designed to foster integrated sustainability education and recognize Indian schools and colleges that actively promote sustainable action and thinking.
The Wipro earthian program is one of India’s largest sustainability education programs for schools and colleges. The 2024 edition of this program received over 1,500 project submissions, of which 23 winning and 43 shortlisted entries were selected by an independent jury. The teams from the winning schools demonstrated a deep understanding of biodiversity, waste and water, through a combination of activity-based learning programs and written essays.
Over 100 schools were recognized for their exceptional effort by Wipro earthian’s regional non-governmental organization (NGO) partners. This year, the Wipro Sustainability Educators Network (SEN) and 22 sustainability educators from Wipro’s NGO partners engaged with local communities and students in activities such as winter & summer schools, nature camps, library sessions, and the Goa Bird Atlas. The SEN facilitates grassroots-level engagement with student communities, fostering local and contextual learning and insights on sustainability-related issues.
Anurag Behar, Chief Executive Officer, Azim Premji Foundation, and Narayan P.S., Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives, Wipro Limited, and Managing Trustee, Wipro Foundation, felicitated the winning teams with certificates and cash prizes. The teams also engaged with Wipro’s sustainability partners through collaborative programs that provided insights into sustainability issues.
Narayan P.S., Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives, Wipro Limited, and Managing Trustee, Wipro Foundation, said, “The annual Wipro earthian awards is the culmination of the 14th edition of Wipro’s long-running program that seeks to ignite interest and foster learning in young minds on humanity’s unique relationship with nature. Bringing students and teachers together from schools spread across the country, the Wipro earthian program is designed to generate action-based learning that celebrates the underlying connectedness of the individual with the larger fabric of community and nature. We continue to be inspired by the spirit of resilience and optimism we see in our young citizens as they get ready to face the multiple challenges of sustainable development the world faces.”
Wipro earthian extensively supported colleges through the ‘ideas to Impact’ (i2I) challenge, in collaboration with IIT Madras. In August 2024, five college teams were recognized for their innovative projects in the themes of Energy, Building Material, and Water. i2I received participation from schools and colleges spread across 27 states with more than 2,000 registrations. The challenge aimed to validate eco-innovative ideas and support their transformation into viable prototypes that contribute to a carbon-neutral future.
Since 2011, Wipro earthian has engaged with over 50,000 schools, 4,000 colleges, 2,00,000 students, and 40,000 teachers. This year, participation remained high with more than 1,500 submissions from schools and over 700 from colleges. Support from Wipro’s education partners, including CEE, CPREEC, Wild Ecologues, IIT Madras, IIM Bangalore, state governments, and educators in the SEN, has expanded the program’s reach.
Chromalogue Colours & Conversations Inaugurated at The Stainless Gallery
24th February 2025: The Stainless Gallery hosted ‘Chromalogue – Colours & Conversations’, a fascinating group exhibition that explores the intricate relationship between colour, communication, and culture. The show was inaugurated on Friday, February 21st, 2025, with esteemed guests Yuriko Lochan and Prof. Rajeev Lochan lighting the ceremonial lamp. With over 100 works by 15 talented artists on display, the exhibition will remain open for public viewing from 11 AM to 7 PM, February 22nd–25th, 2025.
Chromalogue is a presentation of a diverse group of artists whose works delve into how colour influences communication, emotions, and cultural narratives. The exhibition showcased pieces that highlight the profound impact of colour in shaping human experiences and how it communicates beyond words.
The exhibition brings together a rich fusion of artistic expressions, showcasing a diverse array of mediums and styles. The oil paintings in the collection, including Aarti Uppal Singla’s Lotus Pond 1 on acid-free paper and Kumar Neelesh Vats’ Echoes of Dawn on canvas, evoke depth and emotion through their rich textures. Acrylic works add vibrancy and contrast, with Himani Pasricha’s Portal of Peace on stretched canvas, Madhav Bhardwaj’s Silence Speaks in Colour, Nikita Gambhir’s Smell the Coffee, Shravani Dang’s Monsoon, Sujata Khanna’s Blossoms in Perspective – 1, and Sakshi Bajaj’s Seeds of Growth on linen canvas, each offering a unique interplay of hues and themes.
Mixed-media techniques further enrich the showcase, from Priya Bery’s Poppies: The Intoxicators on Waterford paper to Winnie Singh’s Meditative Reveries 9 on acid-free paper, blending materials and textures to create immersive experiences. The collection also highlights diverse surfaces, such as Babita Varma’s Aswan, a striking clay work on wood, and Kripal Mathur’s Spring Dance, intricately crafted with hand-dyed goat’s wool.
Graphic precision meets delicate intricacy in Pragati Gupta’s Paws-1, a pen drawing on 300gsm watercolour paper. Limited edition prints of digital art take center stage with Khushroo Kalyanwala’s florals The Blues That Bring Cheers, printed on 350 GSM Museum Etching Hahnemühle Paper and Sushil Bhasin’s Trance Dance 1 which enthrals with its rhythmic energy.
Together, these works form a dynamic and engaging dialogue, celebrating artistic diversity and the boundless potential of creative expression.
Curated by Aarti Uppal Singla, an accomplished visual artist and founder of The Art Exchange Project, the exhibition brings together these varied artistic voices into a cohesive dialogue. Aarti, who has over 25 years of experience in the art world, explained, “Through Chromalogue, we aim to highlight the unique ability of colour to convey emotions, provoke thought, and ignite conversations. Each piece in this exhibition speaks to the unspoken language of colour, drawing from both universal and deeply personal connections that transcend boundaries and spark new dialogues.”
Yuriko Lochan, an artist and cultural ambassador, shared her thoughts on the importance of colour in art: “As an artist with roots in both Japan and India, I believe that colour acts as a bridge between cultures. It invites conversation, reflects our shared history, and shapes the way we see the world and ourselves. Chromalogue beautifully captures the transformative power of colour in art, as it speaks to the universal human experience.”
Prof. Rajeev Lochan, former Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, emphasized the significance of the exhibition: “Colour, in its myriad forms, serves as a powerful medium of expression. In this exhibition, we see how art transcends language and communicates deeply felt emotions, memories, and cultural nuances. Chromalogue is an exceptional platform for understanding the vibrancy of colour and its role in shaping our emotional and intellectual engagement with the world.”
Chromalogue is a celebration of the enduring power of colour as a dynamic language in contemporary art. This exhibition invites all art lovers, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts to engage with the conversations that colour inspires, making it an unmissable event in New Delhi’s art calendar.
Haryana Centre of Excellence Closer to Opening with New Signing
New Delhi, February 24th, 2025: Plans to build a new Centre of Excellence that will help Indian farmers get more of their produce to market took a step forward with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Perishability, short marketable life, and the need to acquire advanced skills and best-in-class equipment – including cold-chain facilities – mean farmers face difficulty in both ensuring the safety and quality of marketable produce, as well as reducing quantity losses in the supply chain.
Backed by State of Haryana Government funding, the Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management & Cold-Chain (CoE-SPMCC) will create a comprehensive national framework focused on sustainable Post-Harvest Management (PHM) practices.
Haryana Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Nayab Singh Saini presided the brief MoU signing ceremony and Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Shri Shyam Singh Rana was present during the event. University of Birmingham Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Robin Mason joined Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Haryana, Department of Agriculture, in Chandigarh, to sign an MoU ahead of the build phase of CoE-SPMCC.
Funded by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), University of Birmingham experts are leading a consortium of UK and international universities providing technical assistance to help develop the Centre. The consortium includes Heriot-Watt University, Cranfield University and London South Bank University.
Professor Robin Mason commented: “The University of Birmingham is proud to lead this international partnership helping to establish a facility that not only benefits Indian farmers, but also creates opportunities across the education, research and business communities.
“Our consortium unites a wealth of expertise from various partners, each contributing a unique set of skills and knowledge and forming a robust, interdisciplinary team poised to address the challenges ahead. We commend the Haryana State Government, Defra and UNEP for having the vision to invest in this ground-breaking research and development facility.”
Food loss is significant to the State and directly impacts farmers, as horticultural produce serves as their primary source of income – every year some 156 million USD (Rs. 13 billion) income is lost to both farmers and the state.
Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini commented: “Haryana is the food bowl of India and now fast diversifying into fresh fruits and vegetables which necessitates management of cold chain to reduce post-harvest losses in this sector.”
Haryana Agriculture Minister, Shri Shyam Singh Rana said: “We are elated with the kind of support we are getting from the University of Birmingham and its consortium.”
Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, IAS, said: “Haryana is in forefront of demonstrating horticulture technologies and established 12 Centres so far and this new Centre shall fill much needed gap in cold chain in horticultural commodities not only in Haryana but India as well.”
The Centre will develop a comprehensive national framework focused on sustainable cold-chain and PHM practices, guidelines, and protocols – aiming to curb horticultural produce wastage and assess present and future needs for a sustainable cold-chain by:
- Delivering innovative research and cold-chain design, including energy transition;
- Developing successful business models;
- Incubating tech start-ups and supporting the development of cold chain;
- Demonstrating the best available technology; and
- Raising awareness of sustainable PHM among different stakeholders including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Consortium leader Toby Peters, Professor of Cold Economy at the University of Birmingham, commented: “Sustainable cold chains are critical infrastructure, vital for a well-functioning society and economy. They underpin access to safe and nutritious food and health, as well as the ability to drive economic growth, and deliver socioeconomic development.”
Head of Department, Dr. Arjun Singh Saini, commented that we are targeting 15 horticultural commodities to develop protocols and to built complete cold chain models with comprehensive hands on training on technologies in collaboration with academic and industry stakeholders.
“The Centre will be a key link connecting the agricultural, academic and business communities in Haryana and beyond. It will help to accelerate and deliver practical solutions to the ‘wicked’ challenges facing farmers across India.”
The State Government has earmarked around 15 acres of land adjoining the Directorate of Horticulture, Haryana in Sector-21, Panchkula, to build CoE-SPMCC, which will include a training centre, technology demonstration area, testing centre, and technology incubation centre.
The consortium has led the Centre’s design and establishment, with the University of Birmingham leading on resilient systems of system approaches to energy and cooling, energy transitions & energy storage, and understanding the social impacts.
Heriot-Watt University specialised in virtual modelling, digital twin development, and roadmap creation. Cranfield University focussed on food cold-chain training, delivery programmes, and PHM.
The University of Birmingham and Wageningen University’s, Netherlands, expertise in business models contributed valuable insights. Belgium’s Vrije University provided climate modelling expertise, whilst London South Bank University added support on refrigeration and cold chain.
The project aligns with work in Africa which led to the opening of the Africa Centre for Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) last year. The University of Birmingham plays a leading role in ACES – developed with the Governments of UK and Rwanda, UN Environment Programme and University of Rwanda.
Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan Reappointed Kazakhstan Consul General
Hyderabad, February 24th, 2025: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan has extended the tenure of Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan as the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, for an additional five years, until January 2030.
This esteemed appointment recognizes Dr. Khan’s outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and India. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural exchange, fostering greater collaboration and economic growth between the two nations.
Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan extended his sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and His Excellency Mr. Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India, for their continued trust and support.