Kisani Urjaa Targets INR 15 Million Revenue in Agritech by 2025-26

All India, March 19th, 2025: Gruner Renewable Energy, India’s fastest growing renewable energy company, announced its entry into Agritech space with the launch of Kisani Urjaa Pvt. Ltd. (KUPL). Gruner has invested USD 1 Million, in this new venture to revolutionize Indian agriculture through digital innovation and sustainable practices. Committed to enhancing farmer livelihoods, Kisani Urjaa integrates cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions to optimize productivity, streamline agricultural waste management, and provide seamless access to essential farming services.

With India generating approximately 620 million metric tons of agricultural waste annually, only 25-30% is effectively utilized for fodder and energy production. The improper disposal of agricultural residue, particularly stubble burning, remains a major contributor to air pollution and environmental degradation. KUPL aims to address these challenges by introducing efficient agricultural waste management solutions, empowering farmers and promoting sustainability.

Utkarsh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Gruner Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative and said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 underscores agriculture as a pivotal engine of economic development, with an allocation of approx Rs. 1,37,000 crores to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, representing 2.7% of the Union Budget. Initiatives such as the ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ aim to uplift farmers across 100 low agricultural productivity districts. Kisani Urjaa aligns with these national efforts by focusing on boosting agricultural productivity, empowering rural communities, and promoting sustainability.”

He further stated, “The launch of Kisani Urjaa marks a significant step toward transforming Indian agriculture through sustainable and technology-driven solutions. At KUPL, we are committed to providing farmers with efficient agricultural waste management services, helping them clear their fields on time, reduce costs, and adopt eco-friendly practices. We are targeting a revenue of Rs. 100 crores in the financial year 2025-26 which will help us to empower farmers of the country. By integrating digital innovation with grassroots agricultural needs, we aim to create a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for India’s farming communities.”

KUPL specializes in sustainable collection and management of paddy straw and other agricultural residues, offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional waste disposal methods. Their key initiatives include:

  •  Field Clearance for Next Crop Cycles: Assisting farmers in preparing their fields promptly for subsequent planting, thereby saving time and reducing labor costs.
  •  Environmental Conservation: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices to minimize environmental impact and promote ecological balance.

To further streamline feedstock collection, KUPL has introduced the Kisani Mobile App, a digital platform that seamlessly connects farmers with the company’s services. The app allows farmers to easily register and list their available feedstock, ensuring quick and hassle-free scheduling for residue collection. By providing a convenient and efficient solution, it helps farmers monetize agricultural waste, reduce environmental impact, and enhance their income opportunities. Through this technology-driven approach, KUPL is transforming farm waste into a valuable resource, fostering a more sustainable and profitable future for India’s agricultural sector.

BITS Pilani Overhauls Curriculum, Launches Interdisciplinary Programs

National, 19th March 2025: BITS Pilani, a premier institution known for its excellence in science and technology education, is launching new programs under its overhauled curriculum to expand learning opportunities. Prioritizing interdisciplinary education and practical industry application, the institution has overhauled its curriculum so that students of different academic streams, such as science and commerce, can now study cutting-edge areas of education. Notably, PCB students can now access environmental sciences and engineering courses, broadening their academic and career prospects. One of the most important new additions to the curriculum is the M.Sc. in Semiconductor and Nanoscience, addressing the growing demand for expertise in semiconductor technology, nanofabrication, and future electronic materials. Combining Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology, the program offers a solid theoretical background and hands-on experience. With India’s Semiconductor Mission and the National Quantum Mission driving industrial growth, this course prepares students for careers in semiconductor businesses, research institutions, and high-tech startups.

Yet another addition of importance is the B.E. in Environmental and Sustainability Engineering, a multi-disciplinary course open to both PCM and PCB students. Covering important areas such as renewable energy, pollution management, infrastructure development, and climate change mitigation, the course includes hands-on training in GIS, remote sensing, and environmental data analysis, preparing graduates for roles in environmental policy, green energy, and corporate sustainability.

Commenting on the launch, Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “The world of science and technology is changing very fast, and so must the education system. These programs underscore our efforts to equip learners with competencies for ever-changing sectors. With the infusion of interdisciplinary approach and strong industry relationships, we are making sure that the graduates are able to take charge of the semiconductor industry as well as in environmental conservation leadership.”

BITS Pilani also takes a significant step towards global academic excellence with the launch of its 2+2 International Collaborative Programme, enabling students to earn two degrees—one from BITS and another from prestigious international universities such as RMIT University Melbourne -Australia, SUNY Buffalo (University of Buffalo-USA), Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames-USA, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY- USA.

By broadening the eligibility criteria and by providing industry-relevant education, BITS Pilani makes it possible for prospective students and their parents to invest in future-oriented career options with confidence. The institution remains involved in molding the next generation of scientists, engineers, and industry giants by providing courses aligned with national and international technological developments.

Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks Opens 68th Showroom in Tumkur, Karnataka

Tumkur, March 19, 2025: Sai Silks Kalamandir Ltd (SSKL), one of India’s leading ethnic wear retailers, has launched its 68th showroom under the Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks format in Tumkur, Karnataka. The grand inauguration was graced by Sri Sri Siddalinga Mahaswamigalu on March 19.

Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks is renowned for its premium-quality silk sarees at the lowest prices in the market. With its own exclusive looms and in-house designs, the brand ensures direct sourcing and cost efficiency, offering unmatched value to customers. Its extensive collection features Kancheepuram Silk Sarees, Banarasi, Patola, Kota, Paithani, Organza, Kuppadam, Ikkat, Bandhani, and many more – catering to weddings, festive occasions, and everyday elegance.

Speaking on the occasion, Durgarao Chalavadi, Director, Sai Silks Kalamandir Ltd, said, “We are excited to bring the legacy of Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks to Tumkur with our 68th showroom. Our commitment is to provide customers with the best Price, premium Quality, and widest Range (PQR) of ethnic sarees at the most competitive prices. With a strong presence in Karnataka, we aim to redefine the saree shopping experience by offering the best of traditional and contemporary weaves at unbeatable prices.”

To strengthen its foothold in Karnataka, SSKL is also investing in a state-of-the-art warehousing facility to support its growing retail network. The brand continues to expand aggressively in South India, which accounts for 50% of saree sales in India, reinforcing its position as a market leader in ethnic wear.

Fast Data Connect Welcomes Partnership with Connect Publics for Groundbreaking Launch

Delhi, 19 March 2025 – Fast Data Connect (FDC), a leading US-based consulting and IT services firm, has announced an exclusive partnership with Connect Publics, a rising PR and Branding agency, to launch various US-based startups in India. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap for emerging businesses looking to enter and thrive in the Indian market with a strong marketing and public relations foundation.

FDC, known for its expertise in digital transformation and strategic business consulting is now a partner with Connect Publics for a deep understanding of the Indian market, media relations, and brand positioning strategies. Together, they will provide end-to-end solutions for US startups, including market entry strategy, brand positioning, public relations, and digital marketing.

“With India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem, there is a massive opportunity for US companies to expand. Our partnership with Connect Publics ensures that these startups enter India with the right marketing, PR, and outreach strategies, making their transition smooth and impactful,” said Mike Agar, CEO – Fast Data Connect.

Aviyukta Adlakha, Founder & Brand Strategist – Connect Publics, added, “This collaboration marks a milestone for Connect Publics as we join hands with FDC to help US startups establish a strong foothold in India. With our expertise in storytelling, branding, and audience engagement, we will ensure that these companies not only launch successfully but also build a long-lasting presence.”

The partnership is set to roll out multiple startup launches across various industries, including technology, healthcare, fintech, and consumer brands, in the coming months. The initiative will provide startups with marketing strategies, influencer collaborations, media outreach, and PR to accelerate their growth in India.

Keysight Introduces AI Network Visibility to Enhance Cybersecurity

March 19, 2025

INDIA – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) announces the expansion of its Keysight Vision Network Packet Brokers (NPBs), with the introduction of AI Insight Brokers. These enhanced NPBs are designed to improve the performance of AI-driven cybersecurity operations such as threat detection, incident response, and forensics. The AI Insight Broker is purpose built to support and leverage the capabilities of AI software, including Keysight’s newly developed AI Stack.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations need to look for new ways to accelerate threat detection. Enterprise IT and security operations (SecOps) teams can leverage AI and machine learning (ML) to address this issue, improving the ability to monitor and troubleshoot performance issues, avoid cyber threats, and maintain operational scale and compliance.

Keysight’s enhanced NPBs are designed to support this with the ability to run AI security and performance monitoring software along with improved memory and storage. In addition, Keysight’s AI stack can also be integrated, offering anomaly detection, dynamic application signature identification and predictive quality and threat analysis. By applying AI earlier in the performance and security monitoring process, the new solution offers customers enhanced protection, and the ability to troubleshoot any performance issues earlier to avoiding cyber threats and enhance detection.

Key benefits of the enhanced Network Packet Broker include:

  • Accelerated analytics: With real-time enrichment of network and cloud data, customers can achieve insights through hyper-scale data lakes while optimizing data volume in tool processing
  • Cost Savings: Reduction of cloud service expenses by leveraging AI-driven data analysis and volume reduction, leading to lower computing requirements
  • Easy Scalability: Configure the AI Insight Broker with on-demand activation of the Keysight AI Stack and include any combination of alliance partner apps for desired visibility and monitoring capabilities

Recep Ozdag, Vice President and General Manager, Network Visibility Solutions at Keysight said, “Industry-leading security vendors are continuing to rely on AI to accelerate threat detection and response. Our AI Insight Brokers go beyond traditional packet brokers to work hand in hand with this, by processing data at the network edge. This reduces the load on security tools and dramatically speeds analysis. With the ability to now run AI software, we can offer customers an enhanced product that will continue to meet evolving security needs.”

Resources

  • Product page: Keysight Vision Series Network Packet Brokers
  • Product page: Keysight’s AI Stack Software Suite
  • Whitepaper: AI Stack

Sourav Ganguly Welcomes Fans with Laughs in Netflix’s ‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter’ Promo

19th March, 2025; Mumbai, India: Netflix India pulled a marketing masterstroke by roping in former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly (Dada), in an unexpected avatar, to promote its latest original series, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. As part of the strategy to build pan India appeal to this iconic franchise, this witty and entertaining promotional ad film has been created in partnership with Trailer Park Group, Netflix’s creative agency for the series.

Trailer Park Group meticulously crafted the humorous narrative, leveraging Ganguly’s larger-than-life persona and well-known cricketing history to engage viewers. Ensuring every moment resonates with audiences, the film captures a perfect blend of nostalgia, humour, and storytelling.

The film opens with Ganguly unexpectedly barging onto the set of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter and volunteering for the role of a fierce police officer. Embracing the challenge, Ganguly is tasked with channelling raw aggression for an intense scene. Struggling at first, the former skipper finds his groove by recalling the heated moments from his cricketing past, especially his clash with Chappell. His convincing performance leaves the crew cheering, while fans are treated to a light-hearted twist on a classic rivalry. In a delightful moment, Ganguly even jokes about using his signature cricket shots — the cover drive, cut, and pull — to handle criminals with his police baton, all while admitting his unwavering preference for the off-side.

Speaking on this collaboration Ankit Bhatia, Executive Director and Co-founder, White Turtle Studios – A Trailer Park Group Company, said, “Taking the central marketing strategy of the series and giving a flip with Dada’s dynamic presence brought authenticity and excitement to the campaign, making it a memorable storytelling moment. It gave us an opportunity to blend nostalgia with humour, capturing the essence of entertainment in a way that resonates with viewers.”

Tamagna Ghosh, Managing Director – Asia-Pacific (APAC), Trailer Park Group, said, “As a trusted global partner, working with Netflix India on building the creative strategy for this series has been really exciting. At Trailer Park Group, we are committed to pushing creative boundaries and helping brands build deeper connections with audiences. This collaboration exemplifies our belief in the power of storytelling to create cultural moments that leave a lasting impact.”

Known for delivering standout campaigns across OTT, cinema, gaming, music, and sports, Trailer Park Group has collaborated with platforms like Prime Video, Warner Bros., Universal, Peacock, etc. to deliver memorable pieces of entertainment marketing.

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, helmed by Neeraj Pandey, promises to deliver gripping drama and intense performances. The series features a stellar cast including Jeet Madnani, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, and Chitrangda Singh. The crime thriller, a sequel to Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), premieres on 20th March, 2025 on the streaming platform.

AASOKA by MBD Group Partners with 4,000 Schools in FY 2025

New Delhi, 19th March 2025 – AASOKA, the cutting-edge blended learning platform by MBD Group, has achieved a significant milestone by partnering with over 4,000 schools in FY 2025. Strengthening its presence in both India and global markets, AASOKA’s reach extends to schools across the country, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as well as international institutions in the Middle East, South Africa, and four other regions. This expansion underscores AASOKA’s commitment to making quality education accessible through technology-driven solutions, benefiting K-12 students worldwide.

AASOKA has already benefitted over 9.5 lakh students and 70,000 teachers in more than 438 cities across the country, driving a new era of technology-enabled education. With an emphasis on customized learning, AASOKA equips schools with multidisciplinary content, play-based methodologies, and innovative programs like AASOKA WizKids, which introduces early learners to foundational literacy, numeracy, and computational thinking through interactive storybooks, flashcards, and a screenless, button-based coding robot. For older students, the AI STEAM Lab offers hands-on experience in coding and robotics with advanced kits. Beyond digital content, AASOKA empowers educators with comprehensive training programs to enhance teaching methods and ensure impactful learning outcomes.

Catering primarily to private and international schools, AASOKA’s offerings align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), reinforcing its vision of fostering interactive, engaging, and holistic education. Looking ahead, the platform is set for even greater expansion, with an ambitious goal of partnering with 20,000 schools in the next 2–3 years, further solidifying its presence in both India and international markets.

Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, MD, AASOKA, shared insights on this milestone, stating, “Our collaboration with 4,000 schools reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming education through innovation. By blending technology with research-backed teaching methodologies, we are enabling educators to create engaging learning experiences while ensuring students are prepared for the future. AASOKA has witnessed an impressive 13x growth, a testament to the growing demand for dynamic and accessible learning solutions. This achievement is not just about numbers, it’s about impact, accessibility, and the collective effort to redefine learning in a digital age.”

With MBD Group’s six-decade legacy in education and AASOKA’s forward-thinking approach, this expansion marks another step toward building a more inclusive, technology-enabled education ecosystem that caters to diverse learning needs worldwide.

Day 2 of Bhartendu Natya Utsav 2025 Charms with Socially Relevant Performances

New Delhi, March 19, 2025 – Following a stellar opening with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a gripping historical drama that captivated audiences with its portrayal of courage and leadership, Bhartendu Natya Utsav 2025, organized by Sahitya Kala Parishad in association with the Government of NCT of Delhi, continued its theatrical brilliance on the second day with two compelling performances.

The afternoon session featured ‘Kanyadaan,’ a powerful social drama penned by renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar. Directed by Amool Sagar and performed by Black Pearl Arts, the play explores the complexities of caste, idealism, and the harsh realities of social change in India. The narrative revolves around Nath Devalikar, a progressive politician, who encourages his daughter Jyoti to marry Arun Athavale, a Dalit poet, envisioning it as a step toward social transformation. However, the idealistic vision clashes with reality as Jyoti faces domestic challenges, prompting audiences to reflect on the intricacies of societal structures.

In the evening, ‘Rani Nagfani Ki Kahani,’ a satirical masterpiece by Harishankar Parsai, took the stage under the direction of Surendra Sharma, performed by Rang Saptak. This play offered a witty and insightful critique of contemporary socio-political issues, using allegorical characters to mirror facets of modern life. The narrative, rich with humor and sharp commentary, engaged the audience, prompting both laughter and contemplation.

On the third day, the festival will feature Darjeeling Venom at 3:30 PM, a gripping play by Divyanshu Kumar and Kshitij Theater Group, promising an intense and riveting experience. The grand finale at 7:00 PM will present Saiyyan Bhaye Kotwal, a classic comedy directed by Basab Bhattacharya, ensuring a delightful conclusion with humor and lively performances.

The Bhartendu Natya Utsav 2025 continues to be a testament to the rich blend of Indian theatre, offering a platform for diverse stories that resonate with audiences across generations.

Bhartendu Natya Utsav 2025: Plays based on social issues enthralled audiences on the second day

Antarctica Equipment Secures Strategic Partnership with Valmar for Valmix 20 Launch in India

New Delhi, 19th March 2025– Antarctica Equipment, a leading name in temperature-controlled food display solutions, in collaboration with Valmar, has introduced the Valmix 20 to the Indian market. This state-of-the-art professional multifunction emulsifier is designed to enhance efficiency in gelato, ice cream, pastry, and gastronomy applications. The showcasing at AAHAR 2025 received an overwhelmingly positive response from industry professionals.

Valmix 20: Revolutionizing Ice Cream & Pastry Production

The Valmix 20 is an advanced countertop emulsifier that blends, mixes, and finely disperses ingredients to create smooth, consistent, and high-quality textures. Whether working with gelato, ice cream, sorbet, toppings, sauces, or high-viscosity preparations, this innovative machine ensures superior stability, texture, and efficiency in every batch.

Equipped with a beater featuring vertical excursion, horizontal swing, and 360° rotation, the Valmix 20 offers unparalleled precision in the production process. With its variable mixing speeds, intuitive control panel, and a timer with automatic shut-off, it simplifies operations, allowing professionals to optimize workflow and reduce downtime.

Key Features of Valmix 20:

  1. Advanced Emulsification: It finely disperses dry ingredients, flavoring pastes, fresh/frozen fruits, nuts, and stabilizers, ensuring smooth textures and consistent results.
  2. Effortless Operation: A Simple control panel, servo-assisted vertical excursion system, and ergonomic handles make operation seamless and efficient.
  3. Versatility: Its suitability for gelato, ice cream, pastry creams, fruit purées, and sauces makes it a one-stop solution for dessert professionals.
  4. Efficiency & Speed: Reduces processing downtime while increasing batch consistency and minimizing ingredient waste.
  5. Sustainability & Savings: Energy-efficient inverter-controlled motor lowers power consumption and extends the lifespan of components.

A Game-Changer for Indian Ice Cream & Bakery Professionals

With the growing demand in India for high-quality, handcrafted desserts, the Valmix 20 provides chefs, gelato makers, and pâtissiers with a compact yet powerful solution. Its ability to perfectly homogenize gelato pastes, emulsify fruit, and blend ingredients effortlessly makes it a must-have for professionals looking to enhance both efficiency and product quality.

A Successful Showcase at AAHAR 2025

The Valmix 20 was showcased at AAHAR 2025, India’s premier food and hospitality exhibition. Visitors had the opportunity to witness the machine in action, experiencing firsthand the unmatched texture, flavor, and consistency it delivers. The live demonstrations showcased how Valmix 20 simplifies complex processes, making it an ideal choice for gelato manufacturers, pastry chefs, and food service professionals.

Antarctica Equipment & Valmar: A Commitment to Innovation

Speaking about the launch, Gaurav Mittal, CEO of Antarctica Equipment, said:

“We are thrilled to introduce the Valmix 20 to the Indian market in partnership with Valmar. This emulsifier is a game-changer for the industry, providing unmatched precision, consistency, and efficiency. At Antarctica Equipment, we are committed to bringing world-class solutions to our customers, and the Valmix 20 aligns perfectly with our vision of innovation and excellence.”

With the Valmix 20, chefs in the gelato, ice cream, and pastry industries now have access to a cutting-edge emulsifier that simplifies production while ensuring exceptional quality. Its compact footprint, durability, and advanced emulsification capabilities make it a valuable addition to any commercial kitchen or gelato lab.

Confiex Data Room Secures Strategic Partnership with DocullyVDR for MEITY-Approved Virtual Data Room

India,19th March 2025: Confiex Data Room, a 100% Indian company with over a decade of expertise in secure data management, has announced a strategic partnership with DocullyVDR, a UAE-based leader in Virtual Data Room (VDR) solutions. This collaboration enables Confiex Data Room to offer an enterprise-grade, MEITY-approved data hosting solution within India, ensuring complete data sovereignty and compliance for high-stakes M&A, Disinvestments, NCLT & IPO transactions.

Confiex Data Room has successfully facilitated a secure due diligence platform for hundreds of strategic deals across the country. Leading dealmakers, Investment Banks, startups, SMEs, Corporations, law firms, and government undertakings trust Confiex Data Room for its enterprise-class security, advanced activity tracking, and ability to build a comprehensive audit trail for every stakeholder involved in a deal.

“In an era where data security and compliance are paramount, our partnership with DocullyVDR ensures that Indian enterprises and government institutions can conduct strategic deals with the highest levels of security and transparency. By leveraging MEITY-approved infrastructure, we guarantee that all sensitive data remains within India, providing businesses with full control over their information,” said Mr. Harvinder Singh, Founder & CEO at Confiex Data Room.

This partnership strategically positions Confiex Data Room to be fully compliant with the forthcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework, ensuring that the data of Indian companies and government undertakings is stored and managed within the country’s regulatory framework.

With this strengthened infrastructure, Confiex Data Room aims to expand its services to new sectors and support the increasing demand for compliance-driven, secure data collaboration. As India moves toward stricter data governance and privacy regulations, Confiex Data Room remains committed to innovation, security, and supporting the country’s digital transformation.