Free Uber Shuttle Rides for Mumbai Indians’ Fans Today

April 8, 2025 – Mumbai: Mumbai Indians made a winning return to Wankhede, with the MI Paltan showing up in full force. As fans gear up for the second home game on April 7, Uber Shuttle — the official mobility partner — is making match day travel even easier.

After an overwhelming response to the first game, Uber has expanded its free, air-conditioned Shuttle service for Mumbai Indians’ fans. Fans across Mumbai can now ride in comfort — and cheer louder — with seat-reserved Shuttles to and from Wankhede stadium.

On every home match day, fans can skip traffic, parking woes, and last-minute ride searches and ride in style with Uber Shuttle. Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said, “The response from MI Paltan has been phenomenal. With expanded routes, Uber Shuttle is making it easier than ever for the fans to get to Wankhede — comfortably, reliably, and for free.”

To further encourage fans to leave their private vehicles behind, Uber has also rolled out exclusive, limited number match-day promo codes for discounted ‘Uber Premier’ rides to and from the stadium. While booking the ride with Wankhede as the end or start point, fans can use the promo code ‘MIPALTAN’ and get a discount of 18% up to INR 100 per ride.

Just like the stadium dons the team’s blue and gold on every match day, the Uber app will support the Mumbai Indians team too – the vehicle icons will go blue and have the team logo alongside, as a celebration of the most successful team franchise and its loyal legion of fans.

Uber Shuttle is running operations in Delhi and Kolkata and is currently being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial districts.

How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede:

  • Open the Uber app and choose Wankhede as your pick-up or drop-off location
  • Tap the Shuttle icon
  • Choose your preferred route & time slot, and tap ‘Confirm’ Uber Shuttle
  • Reserve your seat in advance – no standing, always air-conditioned, always on time

Note: Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to book early and ride like champions.

Startup MahaRathi Challenge Honoured India’s Innovators

New Delhi, April 8: Startup MahaRathi Challenge 2025 was launched to recognize and support India’s most promising DPIIT-recognized startups solving real-world problems through innovation. Organized under the broader Startup Mahakumbh platform, the challenge created a structured national initiative to identify high-potential founders across ten high-impact sectors and empower them with capital, exposure, and investor access.

The challenge attracted over 2,000+ applications from all over the country. A rigorous multi-phase evaluation process, including data sufficiency screening, expert shortlisting, and virtual jury pitches, led to the final recognition of over 240 startups. Sectoral jury rounds were hosted by investment and institutional partners who brought domain depth and market insight to the process.

The challenge includes 11 problem statements spanning critical domains such as satellite imagery, maritime domain awareness, cryptography, cybersecurity, signal analysis, and large language model applications on sensitive data. With a total outlay of over INR 20 crores, the initiative offers structured prize money, grant support across three stages, and robust non-monetary incentives such as technical mentorship, business support, cloud computing access, and opportunities for post-challenge procurement.

Grant support was awarded to top startups in each track to accelerate their journey. In every sector, startups have been awarded grants of ten lakh, five lakh and one lakh. The program was not limited to financial recognition. To deepen the opportunity, all recognized startups were invited to participate in curated Speed Dating sessions with investors. More than 500+ one-on-one investor meetings were facilitated over two days, with participation from over 250+ venture capital firms, angel networks, and family offices. These interactions were structured to match startups and investors based on sector alignment and funding interest.

Nearly 40% of the total applications came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. 80+ startups recognized were led by women founders or co-founders. Ten startups from India’s emerging states, including Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Jammu & Kashmir, were identified for recognition. These numbers underline how India’s innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding beyond urban hubs and into the grassroots.

Top Startup Stories Across Sectors

  1. ONIBER Software is redefining cybersecurity and forensic intelligence with AI-powered solutions used by law enforcement agencies. Their advanced platform detects deepfakes, extracts intelligence from unstructured data, and improves response time for national security stakeholders. Their deployment across multiple states marks India’s leadership in AI-led digital forensics.
  2. Aegion Aerospace is building high-performance materials designed for extreme conditions. Their work supports space, nuclear, and defense innovations with advanced composites that are lighter, stronger, and thermally resilient, making them globally competitive in strategic materials.
  3. Raana Semiconductors is supplying mission-critical photonics and laser crystal components to national research centers including BARC and DRDO. Their in-house R&D in laser rods and sapphire substrates has placed them at the forefront of India’s ambitions in self-reliant semiconductors.
  4. Orange Koi specializes in high-precision component manufacturing using metal injection molding and additive technologies. Their products are being deployed in defense, aerospace, and automotive sectors where reliability and scale are equally critical.
  5. Akashalabdhi Aerospace and Defence is leading indigenous innovation in UAVs and tactical systems. They are developing critical technologies in missile guidance and aerial surveillance, enabling India’s push for sovereign capabilities in aerospace and defense.
  6. ODL Network is building the foundational infrastructure for logistics providers through a unified, digital protocol. Their technology helps integrate India’s fragmented micro-transport ecosystem with enterprise-grade tools, transforming how logistics works across the country.
  7. NAYAN India has developed a globally patented AI-powered traffic vision system for real-time road and safety monitoring. Already deployed in public infrastructure projects, their platform collects and processes visual data to support decision-making in urban safety.
  8. Quintinno Labs from Assam is solving range anxiety in electric vehicles with a portable, trunk-fitted energy backup unit. The system doubles up as an eco-friendly alternative to diesel generators and is receiving traction from institutional and enterprise buyers.
  9. TestAIng is helping large enterprises comply with responsible AI regulations through its AiEnsured platform. By testing algorithms for fairness, transparency, and robustness, the platform supports trust in AI in sectors such as banking, insurance, and healthcare.
  10. Saboori Smart Energies is creating solar-powered EV charging stations backed by IoT and remote diagnostics. Their network is live across 150+ locations and helps reduce India’s dependency on fossil fuels by offering cleaner last-mile charging infrastructure.

Women-led Innovation with Scalable Impact: Women entrepreneurs from across the country brought bold ideas to life, addressing deep-rooted challenges in finance, health, and technology with smart, scalable solutions.

  1. Lxme is India’s first financial platform dedicated to empowering women with investment tools and financial literacy. With curated mutual fund portfolios, personal loans, savings challenges, and digital gold options, the platform is making wealth creation more inclusive and accessible.
  2. MeraBills, led by Piya Bahadur, is helping rural and micro women entrepreneurs manage their businesses digitally. The app functions offline, supports multiple languages, and offers integrated tools for bookkeeping, credit access, and inventory management. It is unlocking new possibilities for first-time women entrepreneurs across the country.
  3. Collearn, founded by Srishty Jain, is a sports education platform that has trained and placed aspiring professionals in sports analytics, event management, and commentary. The startup is building a skilled sports workforce for India’s Olympic ambitions while increasing gender diversity in the sector.
  4. Misya Beauty Tech is revolutionizing home-based skincare with AI-powered dermatology tools. With more than 13,000 clients served and a growing network of certified therapists, the platform is making high-quality skincare accessible while generating employment across 18 cities.
  5. Flixbox Solutions, co-founded by Ankita Saikia, is helping small creators and institutions launch video streaming platforms through a plug-and-play SaaS product. Their solution supports end-to-end customization, hosting, analytics, and monetization for India’s growing creator economy

Startups from India’s Emerging States

Startups from regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, and Sikkim proved that great innovation is not bound by geography.

  1. Nibiaa Devices from Manipur has built an IoT and satellite-integrated platform that powers asset tracking and secure communication for use in defense, transportation, and remote industrial operations. Their high-tech hardware and software stack solves real-time coordination challenges in low-connectivity zones.
  2. GR8 Sports India, based in Jammu & Kashmir, produces high-performance cricket bats made from premium Kashmiri willow. Their ICC-approved equipment has been used in international matches and exported to over a dozen countries, putting Indian sports craftsmanship on the global stage.
  3. Ngurie Organic from Nagaland is transforming soil health through eco-friendly bio-enhancers. Their products reduce water use and eliminate chemical fertilizer dependency for floriculture farmers, while promoting sustainable agriculture across Northeast India.
  4. Dream Hives from Assam is building India’s first regional mead brand by fermenting indigenous honey and GI-tagged lemons. They work directly with local beekeepers and farmers, creating a value chain that combines craft beverages with rural livelihoods.
  5. Topview Infolabs from Sikkim operates the OurGuest platform, which aggregates over 600 homestays and 40+ guided travel experiences across the Northeast. Their technology supports tourism development while empowering local communities through sustainable hospitality.

With the conclusion of its first edition, the Challenge has laid the foundation for a scalable model to identify and support high-potential startups from across the country.

Puja Shree: Reviving Vedic Wisdom for Harmony

New Delhi, India – APRIL 2025 – Faith is the soul of civilization, passed down through sacred mantras and rituals. In a world rushing forward, traditions risk fading. Puja Shree stands as a guardian of the past, a bridge to the future, and a guiding light for the present—reviving Sanatan Dharma with Duty, Devotion, and Discipline.

More than a brand, Puja Shree is a movement. It calls for a return to authenticity, devotion with purity, and a reconnection with timeless wisdom. With meticulously crafted puja samagri, divine yantras, and ritual essentials, Puja Shree empowers spiritual seekers worldwide.

“Spirituality is not just about rituals; it is about intention, precision, and authenticity. At Puja Shree, we are committed to reviving the sacred wisdom of our ancestors, ensuring that every offering—whether at home or in a temple—embodies true devotion. In a fast-moving world, we remind people to pause, connect, and embrace faith in its purest form.”
– Rajiv Tiwari, CEO & Founder, Puja Shree

DUTY. DEVOTION. DISCIPLINE. THE PILLARS OF PUJA SHREE.

Duty (कर्तव्य): The Sacred Responsibility
A lamp must always be lit in the temple of tradition. Ensuring that every product aligns with the highest Vedic standards is a duty, but so is educating future generations and preserving the spiritual richness of our culture.

Devotion (भक्ति): The Essence of Spiritual Fulfillment
Bhakti (devotion) is not just in performing rituals but in feeling their power. Whether through a whispered mantra, an offering of incense, or disciplined anushthan (spiritual observances), Puja Shree fosters spiritual fulfillment in its purest form.

Discipline (अनुशासन): The Path to Purity
Without discipline, there is no purity. Even the most learned can falter, as seen in the story of Ravana—who, despite his mastery of scriptures, succumbed to his own indiscipline. At Puja Shree, every product and practice upholds this fundamental truth: authenticity and reverence lead to spiritual elevation.

“We are witnessing a spiritual renaissance where people are yearning for deeper meaning and profound faith connections. Puja Shree is more than a puja product brand—it is a movement to reinstate devotion’s lost essence, guiding individuals toward purity and ensuring future generations inherit the wisdom of our traditions.”
– Shashank Arya, Co-founder, Puja Shree

WHERE TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Puja Shree harmonizes faith and convenience. By integrating ancient Vedic wisdom with modern accessibility, it makes sacred, Shastra-compliant offerings available to seekers worldwide—because devotion should never be compromised.

“The world of devotion and e-commerce are converging in remarkable ways. At Puja Shree, we leverage technology to make authentic, Shastra-compliant puja offerings accessible globally. Faith should never be compromised by convenience—we bring the two together seamlessly.”
– Ravi Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, Puja Shree

ICICI Bank Inaugurates a Branch in Motihari News

Motihari: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Chandmari road in Motihari. This branch, the Bank’s second in Motihari and seventh in East Champaran district, is equipped with an ATM.

The branch was inaugurated by Shri. Saurabh Suman Yadav (I.A.S), Municipal Commissioner, East Champaran.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like home loan, personal loan, business loan, auto loan, tractor loan, gold loan, agricultural loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e statements and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has more than 150 branches and over 320 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Bihar.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking and mobile banking.

De Beers Group Ensures India’s Leading TV Anchors Dazzle

As cricket fever sweeps the nation, India’s leading women cricket anchors are taking centre-stage from the pitch to the spotlight —accessorized with the brilliance of natural diamonds. From the pitch to the studio, these presenters are bringing a touch of glamour to the game, enhancing the energy and elegance of the cricketing experience.

De Beers Group has partnered with JioHotstar and Star Sports for the ongoing Tata IPL, seamlessly blending the energy of cricket with the timeless allure of natural diamonds. Eleven celebrated anchors from across feeds will showcase exquisite natural diamond jewellery while presenting the matches, adding a touch of brilliance to the game and creating a sparkling connection between sport and elegance.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, these anchors will also celebrate the cricketing highlights through a segment called ‘Real Diamonds of the week’ — a fitting tribute to cricketing stars who, much like diamonds, symbolize brilliance, resilience and timeless legacy.

Adding to the dazzling spectacle, the anchors will be seen wearing exquisite diamond jewellery, including statement neckpieces, cocktail rings, layered bangles, bracelets and classy earrings—each design chosen to enhance their on-screen presence acd attire.

Shweta Harit, SVP, De Beers Group, said, “Cricket and natural diamonds both embody authenticity, excellence and a lasting legacy. Just as the game unites fans across regions and generations, natural diamonds symbolize connections that stand the test of time. This collaboration brings the brilliance of the sport and the timeless allure of diamonds together, making every moment on screen even more memorable.”

Ishan Chatterjee, Chief Business Officer – Sports Revenue, SMB & Creator, JioStar, said, “With record-breaking viewership marking the opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025, cricket continues to unite audiences like never before. This collaboration between De Beers Group and India’s leading women anchors adds brilliance to the game, blending its precision and passion with the timeless elegance of natural diamonds. Just as cricketing icons leave an indelible mark on the field, these presenters shape the narrative with confidence and style, making every moment even more unforgettable.”

With this powerful association between natural diamonds and India’s most-loved sport. The screen is set to dazzle audiences, reinforcing diamonds as the ultimate symbol of excellence, victory, and timeless beauty—both on and off the field.

ZELIO E-Mobility to Expand Dealerships by 2025

Haryana, 8th April 2025: ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., a leading force in India’s electric mobility sector, is accelerating its growth in the electric three-wheeler market with an ambitious expansion of its dealership network. Currently, ZELIO operates 28 dealerships across seven states, and the company plans to increase this number to 100 by the end of May 2025, marking a substantial expansion in its commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.

ZELIO’s existing dealership presence covers key states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. As part of the expansion, the company will not only deepen its presence in these states but also extend its reach to new regions, including Uttarakhand, Delhi, Assam, and West Bengal. This strategic expansion is aimed at providing enhanced access to sustainable mobility options for consumers across India, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Through this expansion, ZELIO also expects to create between 400-500 new jobs, further contributing to the local economies and reinforcing its position as a prominent player in India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., said, “E-rickshaws represent a crucial segment in India’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem, offering essential last-mile connectivity in congested cities and rural areas alike. Our initial success in this segment has demonstrated the enormous potential for growth, which is why we are aggressively expanding our dealership network. With this expansion, we aim to make affordable, environmentally friendly transportation more accessible to the masses while continuing to drive job creation and innovation in the EV space. The demand for sustainable mobility solutions is growing, and ZELIO is committed to leading the way by delivering top-quality, reliable e-rickshaws to meet the needs of today’s commuters.”

The primary focus of this expansion will be on ZELIO’s flagship three-wheeler models, the Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS, which made their debut in December 2024. Both models were first showcased at the EV India Expo 2024 in New Delhi, receiving widespread acclaim for their performance and design. The Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS are built for durability, with the former constructed using Mild Steel (MS) and the latter made from Stainless Steel (SS). Both models, Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS, feature a top speed of 30 km/h and offer an impressive range of 100 km on a single charge, powered by a 1200W motor. To cater to diverse needs, both models offer two battery choices: a 48/60V 140Ah Lead-Acid battery and LFP options of 51V 105Ah or 153Ah, ensuring efficiency and long-lasting performance. The 8-hour charging time ensures that these e-rickshaws are not only efficient but also practical for daily use.

With the dealership expansion, ZELIO anticipates notable growth in its three-wheeler sales, projecting 400 additional units sold by the end of May 2025. The increased availability of ZELIO’s e-rickshaws will further strengthen the company’s foothold in the market, allowing it to tap into the growing demand for electric last-mile solutions.

Anytime Fitness Unveils India’s Inspiring Transformation Stories this World Health Day

New Delhi: Anytime Fitness is not just a gym – it is a revolution that has transformed hundreds of lives across the country. The survivors of accidents, cancer patients, obesity, heart patients, and many other health issues – Anytime Fitness has delivered more than a physical transformation – it has been an oasis of hope, willpower, and recommence.

This World Health Day, Anytime Fitness is celebrating by honouring real heroes whose inspiring stories were nurtured by the unwavering support of Anytime Fitness — individuals such as Viren Pratap Singh, Tamanna Punjabi, Aanchal Sehgal, and Kim.

In 2016, Viren’s life was irreversibly altered. Viren fell into a 45-day coma, on the support of the ventilator for 5 days. He couldn’t move, talk, or even identify the world he belonged to. For his family, it was a nightmare fight for his life —But the moment he stepped into Anytime Fitness, everything changed. With the aid of experts, and an encouraging set of people, Viren rebuilt his body and mind.

“I came broken, but I left transformed. I was Viren 2.0,” says Viren.

 

Tamanna Punjabi, a survivor of cancer, viewed fitness as her key to recovery. With the motivation of the gym and encouragement from her family, she defeated physical and emotional traumas. She inspires others today to look beyond and draw strength from weakness.

Aanchal Sehgal, a professional banker, discovered sport later in life. With a vision in her mind and Anytime Fitness by her side, she turned amateur athlete — proving it’s never too late to learn something new.

And then there’s Kim — an entrepreneur and powerlifter who embodies what it means to fight back. Punned by failure and self-doubt, Kim discovered her purpose in life through strength training.

“It’s never too late to take a stand and follow your dreams,” They says.

“At Anytime Fitness, we’ve had the privilege of being along for some of the most motivational rides — from Viren Pratap Singh, who fought death and came back stronger than ever after a near-fatal accident; to Tamanna Punjabi, who fought cancer and won; to Aanchal Sehgal, who became a sports Icon after rebirth as a banker; and Kim, a powerlifter and entrepreneur who broke boundaries through sheer will and determination. Each one of them is a testament to why we do what we do. Their resolve, grit, and refusal to give up are reflective of our community’s spirit. Anytime Fitness is not just a gym — it’s a support group, a sanctuary, and a launchpad for people willing to make a difference. We are privileged to be along with them on their motivational rides.” States, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India

Whether weights or spirits need to be lifted, Anytime Fitness is where revolution truly begins. Because here, fitness is never about; it’s about transforming actual people into their absolute best, one life, one story, and one rep at a time.

Mumbai Students Win Robotics Championship in Chicago, Advance to World Finals

In an exceptional achievement, Mumbai-based high school robotics team Sigma 9692 has won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at the FIRST Robotics Midwestern Regional Championship held in Chicago, USA. With this remarkable victory, Team Sigma has qualified to represent India at the FIRST World Championship in Houston from April 16–19, 2025.

Remarkably, this is only Team Sigma’s second year participating, a feat rarely accomplished by veteran teams globally. The team comprises 27 dedicated students, including 25 from 13 different schools in Mumbai, and two students working remotely from Indore and Delhi.

This year’s robotics challenge, “Reefscape,” tasked students with designing robots to place coral pieces at heights reaching 7 feet. Team Sigma’s robot, affectionately named “Spongebot,” excelled by ranking first in coral placement at the highest level and third in autonomous coding consistency. The robot features an innovative four-wheel swerve drive system, achieving speeds of 7 meters/second, and boasts an elevator mechanism that reaches 8 feet in just 0.5 seconds.

Beyond competition, Team Sigma has made a significant social impact, introducing robotics and coding to over 3,000 underserved students across Mumbai in two years. The team successfully raised ₹20 lakh from Indian corporates, setting up robotics labs in 10 underserved schools. Their outreach gained recognition from Maharashtra’s Skill Development Ministry, leading them to conduct a webinar on coding for 50,000 ITI students state-wide. Impressed by their initiative, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister personally congratulated the team.

Their impactful efforts have attracted sponsorship from Adipro, a Hong Kong-based chemical MNC. Team Sigma is mentored by RFL Academy and their talented coaches – Mr. Virendra, Mr. Atul and Mr. Sunil, led by RFL’s cofounder and CEO, Ashwin Shah, who recently received the esteemed Woodie Flowers Finalist Award in the US for outstanding mentorship in robotics education.

“We’re immensely proud of this achievement. It shows Indian students can lead globally in robotics,” said Ashwin Shah. Team vice-captain Arav Arzare added, “Winning this award motivates us further to spread robotics education to every corner of India.”

Team Sigma now prepares to compete against top international teams at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, representing India on a global stage and inspiring the next generation of young innovators.

Drones Revolutionize Farming Salam Kisan Boosts Yields and Cuts Costs

Agriculture is the backbone of India, yet traditional spraying methods waste up to 40% of pesticides due to runoff and evaporation. In contrast, drones ensure targeted application, significantly reducing pesticide wastage, cutting costs, and minimizing environmental impact. Farmers across different regions are now experiencing a revolutionary shift with Salam Kisan’s drone spraying technology—a solution that is transforming crop protection and farm productivity. Salam Kisan has already covered over 80,000 acres across Maharashtra, empowering 300,000+ farmers to transition to precision agriculture.

Faster, More Efficient, and Cost-Effective Crop Protection

For Swapnil Bhalkar, a soybean farmer, drone spraying has been a game-changer. “The drone spraying service was excellent. Soybean yields increased by 20% while pesticide use dropped by 30%, leading to better growth, flowering, and fruiting. A task that previously required three to five laborers an entire day was completed in just one hour. This method not only ensures higher yields but also reduces input costs. I highly recommend it to fellow farmers.”

Similarly, farmers from Bordharan Bori village have witnessed firsthand how this technology

reduces pesticide consumption and labor dependency. After using Salam Kisan’s drone service, they observed healthier plant growth and improved crop resilience. “The process was 100% successful, saving both time and resources. This will be especially beneficial for crops like sugarcane, paddy, and maize, where traditional spraying is challenging due to their height and density.”

Traditional Spraying vs. Drone Spraying: A Comparative Insight

When it comes to efficiency, drone spraying far outperforms traditional methods. Covering 10 acres manually takes nearly 8 hours, whereas drones complete the same task in just 2 hours, significantly saving time. Traditional spraying methods require 100 liters of pesticides, but drone technology reduces this to 70 liters, leading to a 30% savings in chemical use. Labor costs also see a drastic reduction, with manual spraying costing around ₹5,000, while drone spraying lowers it to just ₹1,500. With greater precision, optimal droplet size, and improved plant absorption, drones are not only cost-effective but also more sustainable, helping farmers maximize productivity while reducing wastage.

Drone Spraying: A Scalable Solution for Large Farms

Nine-acre pigeon pea farmer says, drone spraying has been a highly efficient and cost-saving solution. “We completed the entire spraying process in just an hour. This method optimizes pesticide use, provides superior coverage, and significantly reduces costs. Given its advantages, more farmers should adopt drone technology for improved efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

Precision and Uniform Application

Farmers like Dhruval Chandrabadan from Dhule and Shubham Rameshwar Rao Tiwari from Wardha district shares similar success stories. Drone spraying on their pigeon pea fields ensured uniform and precise pesticide application, leading to healthier crops and increased yields. “The quality of spraying was excellent, covering every inch of my field with precision,” says Dhruval. Shubham adds, “The spraying was not just effective but also well-executed. The drone ensured a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve with manual methods.”

Beyond efficiency, drones ensure uniform droplet size and optimal coverage, reducing chemical wastage and improving absorption by plants. This precision enhances plant health while minimizing environmental impact.

The Future of Farming is Here

From cutting labor costs to ensuring precise spraying and increasing yields, Salam Kisan’s Drone technology is enabling farmers to embrace modern solutions for age-old challenges. As more farmers adopt this innovative approach, the future of Indian agriculture is set to become more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.

Next-Gen Learning The Breakthrough EdTech Trends Defining 2025

EdTech is a relatively young industry that has existed only for 26 years. However, it has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the recent past. The first boost in the size of the educational technologies market was after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For almost two years, companies have been unlocking the potential of digital learning tools. Enhanced accessibility, teacher empowerment, and flexible learning gave a powerful push to the development of the EdTech industry.

Statistically speaking, the global education technology market size was valued at USD 142.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach 348.41 billion in 2030. The main reason for this lies in emerging edtech trends that revolutionize traditional teaching methods. Better knowledge delivery, more accurate analytics, and advanced learning functions are becoming the new game-changing elements that will move education forward in 2024. Meet the 6 latest innovations that will help you adhere to these key features in educational app development and stay relevant on the market.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Education
The huge breakthrough for global AI in the education market was in 2021 when its value reached $5.4 billion. The market size is still gaining momentum and may reach $34.5 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 36.14%. AI technology remains the main innovation in developing educational apps thanks to its capabilities of error-free checking, round-the-clock student support, generation of quality educational content, and advanced time management.

Amira Learning, Sizzle AI, and Workera AI are some of the most prominent examples of products with AI and machine learning in education. Companies that follow this trend to provide 1:1 support, personalized learning, and automated administrative tasks, revolutionizing the way people learn and study. Yet, there’s also a downside. Implementing AI in educational applications can bring challenges, such as teacher training and the digital divide.

Gamification & Game-Based Learning
The concept of adding game mechanics to achieve certain work or life goals has been around for a long time but has found its place in the EdTech sphere only in recent years. The trend of gamification apps for education continues to transform numerous approaches to learning new material in the current digital age. All thanks to the main idea of gamification — to turn boring and monotonous tasks into fun and exciting ones.

For instance, implementing elements such as points, rewards, badges, and leaderboards in educational apps can enhance students’ intrinsic motivation to learn more. Apps with gamification strategies can also provide long-term engagement, stimulating curiosity in achieving new goals. On the other hand, adding cooperative gameplay features can help increase social interaction among students. Furthermore, teachers can use gamified learning apps to help students overcome obstacles and encourage critical thinking, experimentation, and exploration. At the same time, many companies often offer adaptive gamification mechanics for personalized learning, which is also bringing studying to the next level.

Collaboration Tools & Remote Learning
In the modern education technology industry, many tutors have shifted their focus toward virtual classrooms, learning management systems, and other collaborative platforms as a must-have option for remote learning. Apps that offer features such as real-time collaboration on documents, online meetings, messaging, and virtual whiteboards are becoming especially popular. Thanks to their features, every student can have seamless collaboration during the educational process regardless of geographical barriers.

However, the list of problems that can be solved with collaborative tools doesn’t end there. While remote learning offers flexibility and accessibility, students also need proper communication and gradual adaptation to new teaching methodologies. Therefore, it is crucial for educators to find applications that will help them implement new strategies and best practices for distance education. Applications with options for clear communication channels, setting collaborative goals, group discussions of projects, and feedback will remain trendy in 2024 and the years to come.

Data Analytics for Educational Insights
Data analytics features that provide details about student performance, engagement levels, and learning preferences have become more advanced in EdTech apps. Khan Academy, Edmodo, and Socrative are some of the best technology tools for teachers. They follow this powerful trend to help educators make only informed decisions as the main key driver of educational improvements.

However, the impact of data-driven decision-making is still underestimated. From enhancing engagement and recognizing at-risk students to implementing evidence-based practices and personalized learning methodologies, data collection can optimize the overall educational process. For this reason, users will see a growing number of Learning Management Systems, Student Information Systems, and other specialized data analytics applications that can help educators track, assess, and control the progress of their students.

Virtual & Augmented Reality Integration
VR and AR technologies have a huge potential to become must-have features in education apps. According to statistics, education expenditures on AR and VR was $1.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $32.94 billion in 2026. That’s primarily because they can both stimulate students’ engagement and facilitate immersive learning experiences. Using VR gear and a smartphone, learners can easily engage with virtual environments or scenarios in real-time at any place. Augmented and Virtual reality education effectively eliminates distracting triggers while studying and improves long-term memory of learned materials.

One of the best cases of using VR technologies can be educational simulations in medicine, where students can practice various medical procedures. Virtual Reality can not only help them safely test knowledge but also enhance communication and decision-making skills. As for AR technology in education, it can be useful in areas like geography or history to gain a deeper understanding of the studied topics. Additionally, Augmented Reality in schools can help students translate books and documents, as well as view personalized and interactive maps and artifacts.

Personalized Learning Platforms
Building AI-powered adaptive learning platforms is only gaining popularity, but in the near future of EdTech, this trend will become a true mainstream solution. The personalized learning approach ensures that the learning process is created based on students’ needs and preferences. For example, some ed tech tools for the classroom may already take into account students’ level of preparation, educational goals, learning speed, preferences in educational forms, and other attributes.

All this allows teachers to build non-linear teaching methods and syllabi, and at the same time, optimize the learning journey for each student. Some of the most effective learning tools with personalized learning technology are EdApp, Adaptemy, and Knewton. Each of them aims to provide accurate learning analytics and help educators decide which sessions, content, and materials are most effective for their students. Furthermore, the handy features of these platforms allow teachers to create lessons in just a few clicks as well as receive useful recommendations to improve their approach to teaching.

Conclusion
Considering that technologies are becoming more compact, cheaper, and better every year, companies are noticing that not only the tools are changing but also user habits. Today, ed tech tools for teachers and students require fresh solutions to provoke the next huge market size boost. They must engage and encourage students with interactive content. At the same time, apps have to implement more advanced technologies to help teachers make data-driven decisions and create convenient conditions for personalized learning.

However, there is a big “but”. Implementing cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, or adaptive learning can be a technically challenging task. Therefore, companies that do not have deep knowledge of software development may require additional help. On the other hand, following the above-mentioned trends remains one of the best ways to find a place among prospering pioneers shaping the future of education.