New Delhi, 25th February 2025: Venture Catalysts, India’s leading early-stage investment firm, recently participated in a $1.1 million pre-seed funding round for Dodo Payments, the first global Merchant-of-Record platform for India and emerging markets. The investment round, co-led by Antler and 9Unicorns, also saw participation from notable angel investors including Nitin Gupta (Uni Cards and PayU,) Maninder Gulati (former Oyo CSO/Lightspeed), Nishant Verman (former Flipkart CorpDev head), Raymond Russell (former Chief of Staff at Boom Supersonic), Preethi Kasireddy (former Partner, a16z) and others.

Founded in 2023 by Rishabh Goel and Ayush Agarwal, Dodo Payments is revolutionizing cross-border transactions for digital-first businesses. The platform addresses critical challenges in international payments, such as low success rates, lack of access to alternate payment methods, complex documentation processes, and poor vernacular support. As the first Merchant-of-Record platform for India and emerging markets, Dodo Payments enables businesses to accept payments from over 150 countries with success rates of over 90%.

Expressing enthusiasm about the investment, Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder and President of Venture Catalysts, said, “At Venture Catalysts, we are committed to identifying and supporting innovative businesses that have the potential to transform industries. Our investment in Dodo Payments is closely aligned with this vision : the company’s groundbreaking approach to cross-border payments. Their solution not only addresses a critical need in the market, but also has the potential to significantly impact how businesses in emerging markets engage in global commerce. We are excited to be part of their journey and look forward to supporting their growth and expansion.”

The funding will be strategically utilized for product development, expanding local processing in 30+ new markets, and enhancing compliance and security measures. Dodo Payments plans to support 100+ currencies and 300+ local payment methods across key global markets in the coming year. The company has already made significant strides, working with 1000+ merchants from more than 30 countries, and aims to onboard over 10,000 merchants globally by the end of 2025.

Dodo Payments stands out in the fintech landscape with its innovative use of AI and machine learning for fraud detection, chargeback resolution, and merchant underwriting. The platform currently supports 25+ local payment methods, including Apple Pay, Klarna, Affirm, CashApp, UPI and all major card networks.

Rishabh Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Dodo Payments, commented on the significance of the funding, saying, “We are immensely grateful to all our investors for the trust they have placed in us. With the backing and expertise of investors like Venture Catalysts, we are well-positioned to accelerate our mission of powering seamless global transactions for digital businesses of allsizes. This investment will enable us to expand our reach and continue innovating in the cross-border payment space, thereby helping businesses from emerging markets to compete on a global scale.”

Ayush Agarwal, Co-founder and CPTO of Dodo Payments, added, “The complexities of international payments are constantly evolving. With this funding, we are poised to advance our platform’s architecture,

incorporating modules that address the nuanced challenges of cross-border transactions. Our focus remains on delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly experience for our merchants, empowering them to expand their reach without the typical constraints associated with global payments.”

Rajesh Mane, Partner, 100unicorns commented, “At 100Unicorns, we recognize Dodo Payments’ unique positioning as the first Merchant of Record platform bridging emerging markets with global commerce. Their AI-driven approach to solving cross-border payment complexities, from dynamic currency conversion to regulatory navigation, perfectly complements our vision of backing category-defining fintech infrastructure. We are particularly impressed by their superb transaction success rate and rapid merchant adoption, which shows a strong product-market fit in underserved regions.”

As the world’s first Merchant of Record platform to offer UPI to global merchants, Dodo Payments is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating international transactions for businesses from emerging markets. The company’s long-term vision is to power frictionless global transactions for digital businesses of all sizes, capitalizing on the increasing trend of cross-border transactions driven by AI-first startups.

As Dodo Payments continues to grow and expand its offerings, it is poised to become a key player in reshaping the landscape of international digital payments, particularly for businesses in emerging markets. Venture Catalysts’ investment in Dodo Payments is an extension of its continued support to transformative ventures across all sectors. The firm remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting high-potential startups in global markets.

IIT Roorkee, 25.02.2025 – Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) IIT Roorkee successfully conducted a Training-cum-Workshop on the Multi-Millet Dehusking Machine, aimed at promoting efficient millet processing techniques. The event was attended by several NGOs such as Parvatiya Jan Siksha Evam Vikash Sangthan NGO, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal Youth and Rural Development Centre NGO, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, Bhilangna Valley Producer Co. Ltd (FPO), Uttarakhand, Balaji Sewa Sansthan NGO, Dehradun farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

The workshop focused on demonstrating the working principles, operational procedures, and maintenance aspects of the innovative Multi-Millet Dehusking Machine, developed to enhance the efficiency of dehusking various millet grains such as finger millet (ragi), foxtail millet (kagni), barnyard millet (samwa) and kodo millet. The machine is designed to reduce grain breakage and improve processing quality, making it a valuable asset for small-scale millet processors and rural entrepreneurs.

Prof. Sunil Kumar Singal, Principal Investigator, RuTAG IIT Roorkee, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of millet processing in ensuring food security and nutrition. He emphasized the importance of promoting millet-based technologies to support sustainable agricultural practices. Prof. Sonal K. Thengane discussed the benefits of RuTAG-developed technologies, which help solve major challenges in rural farming. He highlighted innovations like the solar-powered Bageshwari Wool Charkha, mechanized roller for felt-making, air-cooled vegetable vending cart, pico-hydro power-based cold storage, and small-scale wool processing unit. These tools improve productivity, reduce labour, and enhance quality. Prof. Thengane also emphasized how these technologies benefit farmers and artisans, boosting food security and empowering rural communities.

Participants appreciated the interactive nature of the workshop, expressing enthusiasm about implementing the technology in their respective fields. A special session was dedicated to addressing queries and challenges faced by millet growers and processors, fostering a collaborative approach toward technological advancements in the sector.

Talking about the event, Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “I am extremely proud of the initiative taken by RuTAG IIT Roorkee. The Training-cum-Workshop on the Multi-Millet Dehusking Machine is a significant step in our commitment to advancing rural technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. By improving millet processing techniques, we are not only enhancing food security and nutritional outcomes but also empowering rural entrepreneurs and farmers. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone involved in this event, and I look forward to the positive impact these innovations will have on our communities.”

The event concluded with the remarks by Prof. S K Prajapati, Head HRED, expressing gratitude to all attendees and stakeholders for their support and active participation. The success of this workshop underscores RuTAG IIT Roorkee’s commitment to promoting rural technologies that enhance livelihood opportunities and agricultural sustainability.

Conrad Pune invites you to indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience as Chef Osama Jalali, a celebrated name in Indian gastronomy, brings the rich and robust flavours of the North-West Frontier to Coriander Kitchen. From 21st Feb to 2nd March 2025, guests can savour a specially curated menu that integrates heirloom recipes and timeless delicacies into the restaurant’s buffet spread. This exclusive event promises a delightful exploration of traditional culinary artistry, celebrating the richness and depth of North-Western Indian cuisine.

Chef Osama Jalali, a renowned food writer, researcher, and culinary consultant, is known for his dedication to reviving and preserving India’s diverse regional cuisines. His expertise shines through in signature creations like “The Mughal Plate,” which highlights his mastery of Mughlai and Nawabi flavours. With a deep-rooted passion for Indian gastronomy, he continues to champion the country’s culinary heritage globally. With an illustrious career spanning collaborations with top luxury hotels worldwide and appearances as a culinary expert on leading food shows, Chef Osama Jalali is synonymous with authenticity and culinary artistry.

At Conrad Pune’s food festival, guests can expect an extraordinary gastronomic experience that honours India’s culinary history, presenting dishes steeped in culture and heritage, meticulously crafted to reflect timeless flavours. The team has curated a special menu of old Delhi festival home-style cooked food. This exclusive event offers Pune’s diners a chance to witness the culinary mastery of Chef Osama Jalali’s recipes from the Dastarkhwan of Mughal emperors in an opulent setting. Coriander Kitchen, with its elegant ambiance and exceptional hospitality, serves as the ideal venue for this celebration of Indian culinary traditions, making every dining experience truly unforgettable.

Join us at Coriander Kitchen to experience this exclusive showcase of the North-West Frontier’s culinary treasures.

Event Details:
Dates: 21st Feb to 2nd March 2025
Venue: Coriander Kitchen, Conrad Pune

India’s largest integrated energy company, NTPC Limited along with its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) has signed multiple MoUs with the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh during the Global Investors Summit, being held at Bhopal on 24th-25th February 2025. It includes renewable projects based on Solar, Wind, Pump Hydro and other carbon neutral energy sources in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

The first MoU was signed between NGEL and Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited (MPPGCL) for setting up Renewable Energy projects up to 20 GW or more in the state, at an approximate investment of Rs. 1,20,000 Crore. This has paved the way for formation of a Joint Venture Company (JVC), which will help in mitigating the Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO) of Madhya Pradesh Generating Company as well as Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) of Madhya Pradesh DISCOMs.

The second MOU was signed between NTPC Ltd. & Govt. of MP for other sustainable non-fossil fuel power plants at an estimated investment of Rs. 80,000 Crores. Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL), has signed this MOU on behalf of the state Govt.

An agreement was also signed between Govt. of MP & NTPC, pertaining to an intent to invest approximately Rs 4,000 Crores in setting up 800 MW of Pumped Hydro Storage Project in the state.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of the Dr Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of MP and Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC Ltd. along with other senior officials of Govt of MP & NTPC Ltd and will play a significant role in promoting sustainable energy solutions while strengthening GOI’s efforts towards energy transition and Net Zero targets.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of over 77 GW, with an additional capacity of 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

BEA was founded in 2011 as a not-for-profit, voluntarily-run organization by youth to work for Bihar with more than 25 thousand members. In a very challenging environment in Bihar, BEA is working for an efficient ecosystem for entrepreneurs. In past Eleven years, it has conducted over 2 lac Direct Interactions with Youth through 100+ Start Up Yatras (a chain of workshops at grass- root level run like a Campaign from 2013) highlighting Innovation & Incubation and then brings the selected one to its Incubation cum Business Support Centre Enterprising Zone.

Enterprising Zone is recognized or funded by Govt of Bihar, NITI Aayog, Startup India, Foreign Govt. and empanelled by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of India and Ministry of MSME, Govt of India. Many times, our work has been appreciated by NITI Aayog.

We are a Business Facilitation Center with strong market research, credit and market linkages for entrepreneurs, and also for NRIs & foreign investors. We have taken the concept of Entrepreneurship to all districts and blocks of the state followed by Incubation support at our globally recognized centre. The US Ambassador and many other Indian Ambassadors from Argentina, Mauritius etc. have visited the BEA office and met the team, where they guided and motivated the team to work at the grass-root level. BEA has been appreciated and also invited by the Govt of China, Govt of Israel, Govt of Turkey, US Dept. of State, and Taiwan to name a few in the past for Entrepreneurship, Trade and Investment. Four International chambers of BEA have been established in the US, UK, Middle East and Mauritius.

For the Government of Bihar, BEA drafted the startup policy in 2015. Apart from 60 summits and 400 workshops in fourteen years, BEA has organized nine annual Bihar Entrepreneurship Summit (BES), which is the biggest event in Eastern India, Global Summits (for bringing investment and branding Bihar), Pravasi Sammelan, Udyog Samwad, IT Startup Meets, FPO Conclave and Banking Summits with the government attended by Hon. Chief Minister, the Governor, Union Ministers, Ambassadors and thousands of global experts. For the Government of Bihar, BEA drafted the Startup Policy in 2015-16. BEA also has an AI Centre of Excellence at its centre established in 2019 to inculcate Emerging technologies in Agriculture, Health, Education and Governance. We have become a Business Facilitation Centre for Startups and also for NRIs and foreign investors.

Sir, as per the dream of our Hon. Prime Minister to double the Farmer’s income, we started Krishi Samwad, one of the largest campaigns for Farmers to help them become Agripreneurs covering all districts of Bihar, UP and Jharkhand.

Bihar Entrepreneurship Summit BES was started in 2014, in 2015 and 2017 was inaugurated by the Chief Minister where he launched the StartUp Expo and StartUp Policy. BES in 2018 was inaugurated by the Governor of Bihar. BES in 2022 was inaugurated by Hon Minister of Industries and Hon Minister of Building Construction and the Chief Guest was Hon Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Guest of Honor was Chairperson, National Commission for Women, Govt of India and Special Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India.

Several Ambassadors, CEOs, Foreign delegates like Global Director-IBM, Director-ILO have joined BES in the past.

12th Bihar Entrepreneurship Summit will be organized on 21st March 2025 at Gyan Bhawan, Patna. The full-day event will have 1000 participants who will be selected from 5000+ registrations, awards from all the districts, sessions on Agritech, Emerging Tech and Tech for development. Entrepreneurs from every block will be recognized in this event.

Startup India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India, Ministry of Micro., Small & Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt of India along with various other stakeholders will also support us in the event.

We are pleased to invite you as our Guest at the upcoming BES 2025 scheduled on 21st March 2025 at Gyan Bhawan, Patna. This partnership will not only help in the branding of your organisation but also the development of Bihar and reaching youth to every district of Bihar as well as the country. It will also help them in becoming enterprising with Startup, Technology, Innovation, Business Development and New Opportunities.

We seek your wishes & support for building entrepreneurial skills, building the ecosystem and providing a Launchpad for new products and services, including for the persons from underprivileged and marginalised sections of Bihar.

 

 

Dr. M P Madhu, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, Aster RV Hospital

Ever wondered how digestion happens in the body? The food we eat transverse through four tubes – the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and finally through the large intestine which is also called the colon. A colonoscopy is a test to diagnose the problems of the large intestine.

When do you need a colonoscopy?

1. If you have altered bowel habits.
2. Loose stools not improving even after four weeks of treatment.
3. If you find blood in stools.
4. Recent onset of constipation.
5. If you have low haemoglobin.
6. If you have recurrent pain in the abdomen.
7. If you notice significant weight loss – and suspect colon cancer.
8. Screening colonoscopy of normal individuals – if a family member has colon cancer.
9. Suspected intestinal diseases like tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease and IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

At what level of haemoglobin is colonoscopy required?

Dr. M P Madhu, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, Aster RV Hospital

Ever wondered how digestion happens in the body? The food we eat transverse through four tubes – the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and finally through the large intestine which is also called the colon. A colonoscopy is a test to diagnose the problems of the large intestine.

When do you need a colonoscopy?

1. If you have altered bowel habits.
2. Loose stools not improving even after four weeks of treatment.
3. If you find blood in stools.
4. Recent onset of constipation.
5. If you have low haemoglobin.
6. If you have recurrent pain in the abdomen.
7. If you notice significant weight loss – and suspect colon cancer.
8. Screening colonoscopy of normal individuals – if a family member has colon cancer.
9. Suspected intestinal diseases like tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease and IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

At what level of haemoglobin is colonoscopy required?

Normally men should have hemoglobin of 13gm and women, 11gm. Any level below that needs to be evaluated. We do see patients just taking iron tablets or iron injections for low haemoglobin and not getting tested. They are found to have colon cancers at a later date. So it is always better to get a colonoscopy done before taking iron tablets.

Generally, people have the perception that it’s a painful procedure. But that’s not the case. With the availability of advanced colonoscopes, improving skills and the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) instead of air during the procedure – it can be performed with minimal discomfort. Conscious sedation also makes the procedure more comfortable. General anaesthesia is usually not required for colonoscopy.

We see the whole of the large intestine and a small portion of the small intestine called the terminal ileum during the procedure. Procedure time varies from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the large intestine. We may see an ulcer, a polyp – small extra growth, a tumour – larger extra growth and a haemorrhoid (piles). Later, we take a biopsy from an ulcer or polyp. Small polyps are also removed during the procedure and sent for examination by a pathologist.

What is a biopsy and why is it done?

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a part of tissue is removed and sent for examination under a microscope. It is done to diagnose infection, inflammation, cancer and type of polyp.

What happens after colonoscopy?

We tell individuals to use restrooms to pass out the gas and stool. If a procedure is done under sedation – an individual is observed in the hospital for two hours. Then one can have normal food.

Follow-ups

The doctor will call you after four-five days if any biopsy is taken and any polyp is removed during the procedure.

Generally, people have the perception that it’s a painful procedure. But that’s not the case. With the availability of advanced colonoscopes, improving skills and the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) instead of air during the procedure – it can be performed with minimal discomfort. Conscious sedation also makes the procedure more comfortable. General anaesthesia is usually not required for colonoscopy.

We see the whole of the large intestine and a small portion of the small intestine called the terminal ileum during the procedure. Procedure time varies from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the large intestine. We may see an ulcer, a polyp – small extra growth, a tumour – larger extra growth and a haemorrhoid (piles). Later, we take a biopsy from an ulcer or polyp. Small polyps are also removed during the procedure and sent for examination by a pathologist.

What is a biopsy and why is it done?

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a part of tissue is removed and sent for examination under a microscope. It is done to diagnose infection, inflammation, cancer and type of polyp.

What happens after colonoscopy?

We tell individuals to use restrooms to pass out the gas and stool. If a procedure is done under sedation – an individual is observed in the hospital for two hours. Then one can have normal food.