FinTram Global – Gold Approved Learning Partner with ACCA, invite finance and accounting aspirants for an exclusive seminar
Delhi, 07th April – FinTram Global – Gold Approved Learning Partner with ACCA, invite finance and accounting aspirants for an exclusive seminar on global career opportunities titled “Transform Your Career with ACCA – Unlock Global Opportunities”. The seminar will delve into career opportunities in finance, auditing, taxation, and risk management, with the Big 4 firms in addition to MNCs, financial institutions, and other consulting firms in India and abroad that actively hire ACCA professionals.
Why Attend?
- Gain expert insights on the ACCA qualification, career prospects, and study strategies.
- Understand how ACCA enhances career opportunities in India and abroad.
- Get direct guidance from industry experts and mentors.
Event Details:
Venue: New Delhi
Date: April 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
World Health Day: Vedanta IOK Commits to Enhancing Public Health Initiatives
Chitradurga: 7th, April 2025: The 77th World Health Day, themed as “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” is being marked on 7th April. The theme emphasises upon maternity related health care & on prioritising women’s longer-term health and well-being.
Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK), has over the years been actively involved in contributing to the holistic well-being of the communities. Overall, as part of it’s Project ‘Aarogya’, Vedanta Sesa Goa has benefitted over 42,000 lives across locations. The Project aims to champion health care & build resilience through is aimed at championing health and resilience and includes initiatives such as the Community Medical Centres (CMCs), Mobile Health Units (MHUs), multispecialty mega health camps, medical instrument distribution, awareness sessions, cleanliness drives, and support to accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM).
As part of its initiatives, Vedanta IOK has been making special efforts to prioritise the health of women community members through health screenings, specialised health camps, diabetes and blood pressure check-ups, awareness camps on cervical cancer, maternity & menstrual health. Additionally, to mark the ‘World Health Day’, Vedanta IOK is conducting a series of health awareness sessions in Chitradurga, which shall engage community members on issues pertaining to management of blood pressure & diabetes, nutrition awareness sessions, and so on.
Emphasizing on Vedanta IOK’s commitment to community wellbeing and enhancing the lives of the people of Chitradurga, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka said, “We, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are proud of the positive impact created, through our medical & health related initiatives. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of ‘Good Health and Wellbeing,’ we have been able to contribute to the good health & well-being of the people of Karnataka in general & Chitradurga in particular. Vedanta IOK is also proud of its volunteerism, as the employees have contributed over 600 units of blood in the past year alone. Vedanta IOK is committed to contributing to the overall health & well-being of the communities we operate in.”
- Sudha, an ASHA Worker hailing from Bheemasamudra village, Chitradurga, & beneficiary of the‘Support to ASHA workers’ initiative said, “The equipment support extended by Vedanta IOK has enhanced our capacity & helps us to examine the primary health status of the patients. This helps us to refer patients to hospitals, based on the patient’s condition & overall improves our ability to serve the people.”
- Nagendrappa, an 78-year-old resident of Hirekandwadi, expressed his gratitude to Vedanta IOK, for the ‘Mobile Health Unit’ initiative.“I am heart patient and thus need to frequently visit the hospital for treatment. Vedanta IOK’s Mobile Health Unit (MHU) service visits our village every Saturday, and this has greatly benefitted me. The MHU offers various services such as sugar, BP check-up, and they provide ointments and medicines for various ailments such as body pain, and this has benefitted many villagers such as me.”
Focusing upon the health of the community members & aimed at providing access to health facilities, Vedanta IOK has been organising regular health camps with medical adsupport being extended for Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, ENT, Dental, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Gynaecologist along with BP & Sugar Test. Manjappa, an 83-year-old person, hailing from Muthugduru, and beneficiary of the health camp said, “I have been suffering from knee pain and body ache, and so I decided to visit the Multi-specialty Mega Health camp, organised by Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Sirigere. The visiting doctors effectively dealt with my knee pain & am glad that Vedanta IOK organised this camp which allowed people from remote areas to access much needed health support.”
This World Health Day, Vedanta IOK reaffirms its commitment to partner communities to foster holistic well-being of the communities. Good health is the key to overall societal progress & the company endeavours to make a tangible difference in the lives of the communities we operate in.
RS 10M ‘Young Entrepreneurs Fund’ Launched to Boost Next-Gen Innovators
New Delhi, 7th April, 2025: The Young Entrepreneurs Fund (YEF), a $10 million initiative, was launched today by Harshavardhan Chauhaan, the veteran marketing strategist behind billion-dollar retail and D2C ventures. Fueled entirely by proceeds from Chauhaan’s incendiary new book, #NCAYB (Nobody Cares About Your Brand), this radical fusion of literary provocation and venture capital targets early-stage founders driving innovation in Deep Tech, Clean Energy, Rural Platforms, and National IP. Chauhaan, whose career spans scaling hypergrowth startups and redefining brand psychology, positions YEF as both a critique of outdated marketing dogma and a capital engine for those rewriting India’s economic future, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, Karmyogi Bharat, and Vishwa Vyapi Bharat.
The fund’s structure defies conventional venture models, mirroring Harshvardhan Chauhaan’s unorthodox approach to consumer influence. Unlike traditional investors fixated on pitch decks and financial projections, YEF allocates $10,000-$250,000 grants to raw, pre-revenue ideas, prioritizing societal impact and scalable solutions over spreadsheets. This ethos stems directly from #NCAYB’s core thesis, that consumer trust, not product-centric frameworks like the 1960s-era 4Ps of Marketing, now dictates market success. Proceeds from every copy of #NCAYB sold directly go to the YEF, creating a self-sustaining loop between thought leadership and founder empowerment.
Commenting on the fund launch, Harshvardhan Chauhaan, said, “The true revolution in business won’t happen in boardrooms where executives cling to century-old theories. It will emerge from garages and Discord servers where founders understand that consumers don’t follow brands, they follow trust architectures. Through the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs Fund, our aim is to go beyond funding business plans by investing in neural networks of influence that rewrite consumer behavior from the subconscious up. When the history of 21st century commerce is written, it won’t mention advertisements or product features; it will document how trust became the only currency that mattered.”
Beyond financial backing, YEF provides grantees with mentorship from global brand strategists, growth marketers, and serial entrepreneurs who understand the evolving dynamics of consumer trust and fractional loyalty. Ashish Soni, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, serial entrepreneur, and industry leader in AI and emerging technologies, has joined YEF a pro bono mentor and board advisor. With over 14 years of experience across innovation, product development, and tech consulting, Ashish will help guide the fund’s direction, ensuring high-impact value creation and strategic excellence.
The fund’s mandate spans four strategic sectors critical to India’s transformation. In Deep Tech, YEF will support startups pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced robotics, technologies poised to redefine global technological frontiers. Clean Energy innovators will receive backing for solutions in renewable energy generation, green infrastructure, and carbon-neutral technologies, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. Rural Platforms form another key focus area for YEF, aiding ventures that democratize access to agritech tools, rural fintech ecosystems, and digital literacy programs to bridge the urban-rural divide – a direct contribution to the Viksit Bharat ideal.
Apart from these, YEF will also help National IP initiatives gain traction by scaling indigenous innovations, from traditional crafts to climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring these ideas achieve global resonance under the Vishwa Vyapi Bharat framework. These verticals align with #NCAYB’s principles of The Trust Algorithm, Fractional Loyalty, and the Influence Flywheel, while anchoring YEF’s role in fostering a Karmyogi Bharat where skill development and entrepreneurial grit converge. By channeling resources into these domains, the fund aims to cultivate a self-reliant economy where trust-based consumer relationships and homegrown innovations drive progress
Paytm Rolls Out MahaKumbh Soundbox with Digital Screen for Payment Updates
Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox technology, has launched the Made-in-India Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox to empower merchant partners with instant payment alerts on a digital screen and real-time transaction tracking. The latest addition to Paytm’s expanding Soundbox range, this 4G-enabled device helps businesses track payments effortlessly, improve transaction visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.
The MahaKumbh Soundbox represents the power of Indian unification—just as the rare pilgrim festival brings millions together, this device seamlessly integrates multiple features into one, enabling effortless transactions for merchants.
Equipped with diverse capabilities, the new Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox comes with a built-in digital screen that provides a clear view of payments, including real-time transaction updates, total collections, and device status. Merchants can now see transactions instantly while also receiving audio alerts, ensuring quick verification even during peak hours when multiple payments are being made. It features Paytm pioneered QR code, allowing customers to scan and pay via all UPI apps and RuPay Credit Card payments through UPI. With a powerful 3-watt speaker, the device delivers clear voice confirmations, enabling merchants to instantly verify payments and reduce errors. Supporting 11 languages, it ensures merchants receive updates in their preferred language. Additionally, its long-lasting 10-day battery and durable, splash-resistant, and temperature-resistant design make it a reliable solution for businesses across retail stores, restaurants, and local markets.
Shri Sanjiv Singh ji, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “Startup Mahakumbh has been a landmark event celebrating India’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and policymakers to drive India’s digital and financial inclusion forward. In this spirit of innovation, Paytm continues to lead the way in transforming digital payments for millions of businesses across the country. The launch of the Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox is another testament to India’s leadership in fintech innovation—empowering merchants with real-time transaction tracking, seamless payment acceptance, and operational efficiency. I commend Vijay Shekhar Sharma and the Paytm team for their relentless commitment to developing cutting-edge, Made-in-India solutions that strengthen our digital economy and support small businesses nationwide.”
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are proud to have made mobile payments accessible to everyone. As pioneers of Soundbox technology, we introduced instant payment confirmations, bringing trust and ease to merchants. With our new Made-in-India Display Soundbox, we are taking it a step further to help our merchant partners track transactions effortlessly and manage their business with confidence.”
This launch follows Paytm’s recent green innovation of India’s First Paytm Solar Soundbox, aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to merchants and businesses. By integrating solar-powered infrastructure, the company continues to drive innovation that enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs for its partners. Additionally, Paytm is enhancing digital transactions with its NFC-enabled payment solutions, allowing merchants to accept tap-and-pay transactions effortlessly. This ensures faster, more secure payments and an improved customer experience.
Paytm innovates based on customer needs, introducing features like UPI statement downloads (PDF & Excel), UPI Trading Blocks for direct stock trade payments without pre-funding, and the ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for instant payments without opening the app. It also enables users to check UPI-linked bank account balances on the Paytm app and supports UPI, UPI Lite for small payments, RuPay Credit Card linking on Paytm UPI, cards, and net banking for seamless transactions. Expanding globally, it now facilitates UPI payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
i-merit Partners with DBUU for Skill Development Programs
07th April 2025: i-merit, the flagship program of Scholars Merit Online Pvt. Ltd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University (DBUU) to introduce a variety of skill development programs under the i-merit banner. These programs, spanning 120 hours, 12 weeks, and 25 weeks, are designed to enhance students’ employability by equipping them with industry-relevant skills through the i-merit Accelerate and Elevate initiatives.
The i-merit Nova courses, an integral part of this collaboration, aim to bridge the skill gap by providing hands-on training, real-world industry exposure, and essential professional skills. DBUU students will gain access to structured learning modules that align with current job market demands, ensuring they are well-prepared for future career opportunities.
Speaking about the partnership, Sumit Shukla, CEO of Scholars Merit, stated,
“Employability is one of the biggest challenges that graduates are facing in India. Our collaboration with DBUU aligns with our vision to empower students with industry-specific skills that make them job-ready. Through the i-merit Nova courses, we are committed to providing structured, hands-on learning that enhances both technical knowledge and workplace competencies.”Dr. R. K. Tripathi, Registrar, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, emphasized,
“At DBUU, we prioritize not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of our students. This partnership with i-merit allows us to further strengthen our commitment to skill-based education. By integrating these programs into our curriculum, we are ensuring that our students receive the practical training needed to excel in the workforce.“
Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, recognized as one of the top educational institutions in North India, is known for its diverse academic programs across 11 constituent schools. Accredited by multiple regulatory bodies, including UGC, PCI, INC, BCI, and CoA, DBUU provides a strong foundation for students across various disciplines such as Engineering, Management, Law, Pharmacy, and Aviation & Airport Management, among others.
This partnership with DBUU is part of i-merit’s broader strategy of partnering with 100 colleges and impacting 50,000 students by December 2025. Notably, it follows recent MoUs signed with Kanpur Institute of Technology (KIT), SRM Institute of Science & Technology, and Sri Sai Group of Institutes, reinforcing i-merit’s commitment to skill development and employment readiness for students nationwide.
IIM Bodh Gaya Celebrates 7th Annual Convocation with 471 Graduates
The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya hosted its 7th Annual Convocation, marking the graduation of 471 students across three academic programs. This year, 310 students from the MBA program, 91 from DBM, and 70 from HHM were conferred degrees. This convocation marked the graduation of students from the flagship MBA program, along with the first batches of the MBA in Digital Business Management (DBM) and MBA in Hospital & Healthcare Management (HHM), underscoring the institute’s growing focus on industry-responsive and future-ready education.
The convocation ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Janmejaya Sinha, Member of the Board of Governors, IIM Bodh Gaya. In his address, Dr. Sinha inspired the audience with his words, “Be an optimist. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.”
Dr. Vinita Singh Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, then presented the Annual Report for 2024–2025, highlighting the institute’s academic excellence, infrastructural advancements, and global partnerships. She also shared the institute’s placement performance, reporting that over 370 students were placed across the three programs out of 441 eligible candidates.
Prof. Sahay also highlighted the status of final placements, emphasizing compensation trends across all programs. The top 25% of the MBA, DBM, and HHM batches secured average CTCs of ₹18 LPA, ₹21 LPA, and ₹15 LPA, respectively. The overall batch average stood at ₹12 LPA for MBA, ₹12 LPA for DBM, and ₹11 LPA for HHM. Key recruiters included Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, ICICI Bank, and Tata Power, covering sectors such as consulting, BFSI, IT, and manufacturing.
As part of the ceremony, medals and degrees were awarded to students from all three programs. The awards were conferred in three categories: Chairman’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, and the IIM Bodh Gaya Gold Medal for Best All-Round Performance.
In the MBA programme, the Chairman’s Gold Medal was awarded to Mr. Mihir Shaw, the Director’s Gold Medal to Mr. Aniket Kumar Gupta, and the Best All-Round Performance Medal to Mr. Goud Shriprasad Arun. In the MBA in Digital Business Management programme, the Chairman’s Gold Medal was awarded to Ms. Ankita, the Director’s Gold Medal to Mr. Udit Aggarwal, and the Best All-Round Performance Medal to Mr. Swapnil Sanjay Narkhede. In the MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management program, the Chairman’s Gold Medal was awarded to Mr. Satyam Kumar, the Director’s Gold Medal to Mr. Abhinaba Manna, and the Best All-Round Performance Medal to Mr. Adarsh.
The ceremony concluded with an address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO of ONGC. He encouraged students to focus on depth and purpose in their careers. “Once you acquire width, it’s all about acquiring depth. Be a net giver instead of a net taker—true leadership comes from giving more than you take,” he said, offering a message of responsibility and growth.
CARE Hospitals Hi-Tech City Upgrades Orthopaedics with Expert Surgeons
On the addition of these esteemed doctors, Dr. Nikhil Mathur, Group Chief of Medical Services, CARE Hospitals, said “The addition of these highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centered care. Their expertise in advanced surgical techniques, combined with our cutting-edge technology, enables us to provide the highest quality orthopaedic services and improve patient outcomes.“Mr. Nilesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tech City added, “We extend a warm welcome to our esteemed orthopaedic surgeons, whose expertise and dedication will further elevate our commitment to exceptional patient care”.
The Good Club Padel League Launches Live Auction in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, 07th April, 2025 – The Good Club, a vibrant community hub renowned for fostering social connection and active lifestyles, has done its first ever live player auction at 6, Vishnu Gdn Rd, behind Rock Garden, Kaimbwala, Kansal, Chandigarh 160001. The GCPL teams for the live auction were Smash Bucklers, Santa Banta Smashers, Ninja Steel Warriors, Raging Racketeers, Sunbrave Strikers & Net Ninjas.
The GCPL is not just a league; it’s a movement. Built on the foundation of camaraderie, healthy competition, and lifestyle elevation, the GCPL is a way of redefining what community sport looks and feels like. It brings together spirited individuals, families, and businesses, all under one common goal: to play hard, connect deeper, and grow together.
Padel, a dynamic and inclusive sport, has captured the hearts of people across all age groups. Its unique doubles format promotes teamwork, communication, and social interaction, making it an ideal activity for bonding with friends, family, and new acquaintances. This inherent camaraderie perfectly aligns with The Good Club’s vision of creating a space where everyone feels welcome and connected.
The Good Club has rapidly become a popular destination, attracting over 200 visitors daily. It offers a diverse range of activities, from fitness and social gatherings to relaxation in its café, ensuring there’s something for everyone. This welcoming atmosphere has solidified its position as a beloved community hangout.
Building on this success, The Good Club has launched the GCPL, a competitive league designed to unite regular club players with top-tier talent from across India. The league aims to provide a platform for players of all skill levels to compete, grow, and contribute to the sport’s burgeoning popularity.
On the occasion, The Good club and the GCPL founders Aashna A Mehra and Pranav Mehra said, “The GCPL is excited to host first-ever live player auction. With the vision to create a space where everyone feels welcomed, The Good Club padel league is an extension of the same. This league provides an incredible opportunity for players of all skill levels to compete, grow, and contribute to the expansion of this dynamic sport.”
The GCPL has witnessed an overwhelming response from Team Buyers, culminating in a Live Auction where the top six bidders secured their teams. This excitement continued with the highly anticipated Live Player Auction, which occurred on the 5th of April. Top Indian Players like Shashank Narde, Famas, Manav k Sreekumar were sold at record prices. Nearly 100 registered players were available for bidding, allowing teams to strategically build their squads for the upcoming matches.
The GCPL represents The Good Club’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through the power of sport. By bringing together players of all levels, the league aims to elevate the profile of padel in India and create a lasting legacy for the sport.
PNB Housing’s Affordable Book Surpasses INR 5,000 Crore Mark
Chandigarh, April 7, 2025: PNB Housing Finance Limited is delighted to announce a significant milestone of INR 5,000 crore Affordable book as on 31st March 2025.
This remarkable achievement is a testimony of our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and families in their journey towards owning a home.
With the performance of Affordable and Emerging Markets Segment, the Retail segment loan book grew by ~18% YoY as on 31st March 2025. The total loan book of the Company crossed INR 75,000 crore as on 31st March 2025.
Commenting on the performance Mr. Girish Kousgi said: With the dedicated efforts of the team towards the common goal of making lives better, we are thrilled to achieve our first stated milestone of Affordable loan book of INR 5,000 crore. This accomplishment reflects our commitment towards enabling financial inclusion by providing accessible housing finance solutions to customers.
The housing sector is poised to continue its growth backed by favourable growth drivers viz improved affordability, rising urbanisation, nuclearization of families and government initiatives like PMAY 2.0 etc. PNB housing with its multiple product offerings through Prime, Emerging Markets and Affordable segment will continue to cater customers across the affordability pyramid and contribute towards the Government mission of “Housing for All”.
Energy and Climate Tech Shine at Startup Mahakumbh Day 2
New Delhi, April 5, 2025 – Day 2 of Startup Mahakumbh brought the spotlight to India’s growing climate innovation space, with a high-energy showcase at the Energy and Climate Tech Pavilion. Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog visited the Pavillion. He reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing a future-ready climate tech ecosystem.
The Pavilion also hosted Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the head of Startup India initiative, who praised the startups for integrating innovation with sustainability. His visit reinforced the strategic importance of energy and climate tech within India’s broader startup policy framework.
The day began with a workshop by Meyyappan Nagappan, Partner at Trilegal, and Rohan Ghalla from Spectrum Impact, offering practical insights into legal, financial, and capital structuring for early-stage ventures. This was followed by a compelling panel on “Climate Tech Adaptation and Resilience,” moderated by Jui Joshi, Director & Senior Partner at Climate Collective. The session featured rich insights from Aavrit Singhal, Chief Product Officer, InRisk Labs; Abhay Singh, Co-founder & CEO, Eeki; Abinash Mohanty, Global Sector Head of Climate Change and Sustainability, IPE Global Limited; Ajay Lavakare, Co-President, Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs India; and Angad Daryani, Founder & CEO, Praan, Inc.
Financing for green innovation remained a key theme. In a fireside chat, Swapna Gupta, Partner at Avaana Capital, noted that “There is ample patient capital available to build sustainable businesses in India. For startups, understanding where they are in their journey is key to unlocking the right kind of support. By aligning with the most suitable sources of capital at each stage, they can accelerate their growth and create meaningful outcomes.” She was joined by Gaurav Kapoor MBE, Head of Investment Capital at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, who echoed the importance of long-term partnerships in catalyzing climate innovation, highlighting the role of sustained public-private collaboration in unlocking scalable solutions and mobilising global capital towards green transitions.
Decarbonising hard to abate industries took centre stage in a session chaired by Dr. Kushant Uppal, Founder & CEO, IndusDC Innovation Pvt. Ltd. The conversation brought together leaders such as Dr. Deepak Yadav, Senior Programme Lead, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW); Dr. Thota Chiranjeevi, Deputy General Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited; Mohit Singhvi, AVP – Corporate Affairs, Chakr Innovation; Quentin Vaquette, Founding Partner, Wavemaker Impact; and Suhas Baxi, Co-founder and CEO, BiofuelCircle. The panel underlined the urgency of collaborative approaches and faster tech deployment in greening India’s industrial sector.
A panel on waste and circularity, titled “Driving Circularity: Overcoming Barriers to a Closed Loop System,” featured voices from across the ecosystem. Varun Hangloo, Head – Scale-Up & New Initiatives, Marico Innovation Foundation, moderated a thought-provoking discussion with Amit Tandon, Founder & CEO, PolyCycl Private Limited; Jitesh Dadlani, Founder & CTO, Ishitva Robotic Systems; Sanjay Khajuria, Former Director – Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé India; Satya Adamala, Vice President, Re Sustainability Limited; Shekar Prabhakar, Co-founder & CEO, Hasiru Dala Innovations; and Som Narayanan, CEO & Co-founder, Carbon Masters. The conversation called attention to India’s need for systemic infrastructure, policy support, and localised innovation in waste management.
The spotlight then shifted to materials innovation in the “Next Gen Materials” panel, moderated by Alankrita Khera, Lead – Director, ACT. Setting the tone for the discussion, she said, “Accelerated industry adoption will enable the scalability of alternative materials, but performance consistency and unit economics are key areas to solve for.” She further stressed the importance of ecosystem collaboration, adding, “If India is to lead the way on materials innovation, we need to create stronger connections between the FMCG industry and innovators to collaboratively solve for shared challenges. What we saw today was just a glimpse of what’s possible when these pieces come together”. The panel featured Biswarup Chakrabarty, VP & Head – Packaging Development, ITC Limited; Neha Jain, Founder & MD, Zerocircle; Prashanth Venkatesh, Marketing & Sustainability, Unilever; Kushal Banerjee, Chief Regional Manager, HPCL; Shruti Kutmutia, Founder, BacAlt BioSciences; and Tanmay Pandya, Founder Director, Brisil Technologies Private Limited.
The day concluded with a robust session on “Decarbonising Road Transport,” moderated by Sharvari Patki, Program Head, Electric Mobility, WRI India. Experts including Akshima Ghate, Managing Director, RMI India; Dr. Jaya Rawat, Dr. Jaya Rawat, Deputy General Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited; Rutooj Deshpande, Founder and CEO, Govidyouth; and Utkarsh Mishra, Global Innovation Portfolio Head, HeroMotoCorp, explored opportunities in EVs, alternative fuels, and integrated transport solutions.
Summing up his experience Mirik Gogri, Principal, Spectrum Impact said, “Day two of Startup Mahakumbh was filled with vibrant and insightful discussions between the audience and expert panelists at the Energy and Climate Tech Pavilion. We were excited to showcase a unique concept – the Climate Wall – designed to help people better understand climate change. It was heartening to see how well it was received, with many appreciating the visual journey through the sources of emissions and the innovative solutions to address them. We believe that such initiatives can spark powerful conversations and inspire collective action for a more sustainable future.”
As the Pavilion wrapped up another power-packed day, it reflected the growing momentum of India’s climate innovation movement—driven by founders, fuelled by capital, and backed by policy. We now look forward to Day 3 with fresh ideas and deeper collaborations on the horizon.