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<channel>
    <title>Startup Story 18 &amp; News Magazine &amp; : News</title>
    <link>https://startupstory18.com/rss/category/news</link>
    <description>Startup Story 18 &amp; News Magazine &amp; : News</description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator></dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2024&amp;25 Stratup Story 18 &amp; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>
    <item>
        <title>SRM University&amp;AP Ranks No.1 as &amp;quot;The New&amp;Age Emerging University&amp;quot; by IIRF 2025</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/srm-university-ap-ranks-no1-as-the-new-age-emerging-university-by-iirf-2025</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/srm-university-ap-ranks-no1-as-the-new-age-emerging-university-by-iirf-2025</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Adding another prestigious accolade to its growing list of achievements, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, secured the top position in &quot;The New-Age Emerging University&quot; segment by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025 under the Private University category.


	 


	The IIRF evaluated leading educational institutions across the country based on comprehensive metrics, including Teaching-Learning Resources and Pedagogy, Research, Industry Income and Integration, Placement Strategies and Support, Future Orientation, External Perception and International Outlook. These parameters offer a balanced and holistic assessment, providing students, parents, and educators with an objective framework to evaluate institutional quality and performance.
	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	SRM University-AP, Amaravati
	 


	SRM University-AP achieved top scores across these critical benchmarks, and claimed the top spot, reaffirming its position as a university committed to academic excellence, impactful faculty research, and transformative student outcomes.


	 


	Dr P Sathyanarayana, Pro Chancellor, SRM University-AP, added, &quot;The journey of SRM-AP has always been about pushing boundaries, whether in pedagogy, research, or student empowerment. Securing this top rank further validates our vision of creating a future-ready, student-centric learning ecosystem. We will continue to embrace innovation and strive for even greater heights.&quot;


	 


	Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, expressed his delight, stating, &quot;This recognition by IIRF is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our faculty, students, and staff. At SRM-AP, we are not just building a University, we are nurturing future leaders who are ready to thrive in a dynamic world. Our focus on cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and a global outlook continues to set us apart as a new-age university.&quot;


	 


	The universitys holistic approach, marked by multi-disciplinary learning, international partnerships, and robust industry linkages, is paving the way for its students to become global achievers.
   ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:41:00 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>SRM, University-AP, Ranks, No.1, The, New-Age, Emerging, University, IIRF, 2025</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>HCBS Developments Receives &amp;apos;Most Trusted Real Estate Brand of the Year&amp;apos; at ET Now Realty Conclave &amp;amp; Awards&amp;2025</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/hcbs-developments-receives-most-trusted-real-estate-brand-of-the-year-at-et-now-realty-conclave-awards-2025</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/hcbs-developments-receives-most-trusted-real-estate-brand-of-the-year-at-et-now-realty-conclave-awards-2025</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	HCBS Developments, Gurugram&#039;s real estate developers, has been awarded the prestigious title of &#039;Most Trusted Real Estate Brand of the Year&#039; at the ET Now Realty Conclave &amp; Awards-2025. The event, held under the theme &#039;Shaping Tomorrow&#039;s Real Estate Landscape&#039;, brought together the biggest names in the industry to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and leadership in Indian real estate.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Vikas Gaur, Col. S.S. Kadyan and Parveen Hooda receives the &#039;Most Trusted Real Estate Brand of the Year&#039; for HCBS Developments


	 


	The award reflects HCBS Developments&#039; commitment to quality, timely delivery, and customer-centric practices that have earned them the trust of thousands of homebuyers, particularly in the luxury housing segments. The group continues to set benchmarks in real estate development with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and sustainable community living.


	 


	Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Saurabh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, expressed, &quot;Being named the &#039;Most Trusted Real Estate Brand of the Year&#039; is not just an honour, but a responsibility - one we have upheld in every delivery so far. This reflects our core philosophy of delivering not just homes, but the promises that come with them. We are delighted to receive this award and are motivated to remain committed to our ethos. We thank our customers, partners, and teams who are integral to this journey.&quot;


	 


	Col. S.S. Kadyan, Director, HCBS Developments, who received the awards on behalf of the organisation, added, &quot;Receiving this award is a huge encouragement for us. Our upcoming project on the Dwarka Expressway is an endeavour we&#039;re committed to nurturing with utmost care and responsibility, and we&#039;re determined to deliver something truly exceptional. This corridor offers immense potential, and we&#039;re excited to bring premium, well-planned developments to this location. Trust is the foundation of everything we do, and as India urbanises rapidly, we remain focused on responsible growth and housing solutions that reflect the country&#039;s evolving aspirations.&quot;


	 


	The ET Now Realty Conclave &amp; Awards-2025 serves as a premier platform for recognizing excellence in the real estate sector. By bringing together developers, policymakers, and thought leaders, it fosters collaboration and encourages forward-thinking strategies to shape the future of Indian real estate.


	 


	Website- www.hcbs.co.in.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_685baf140025e.jpg" length="99147" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:40:56 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>HCBS, Developments, Receives, Most, Trusted, Real, Estate, Brand, the, Year, Now, Realty, Conclave, Awards-2025</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Ekya School JP Nagar Makes it to the Top 10 Most Innovative Schools in T4 Education World&amp;apos;s Best School Prizes 2025</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/ekya-school-jp-nagar-makes-it-to-the-top-10-most-innovative-schools-in-t4-education-worlds-best-school-prizes-2025</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/ekya-school-jp-nagar-makes-it-to-the-top-10-most-innovative-schools-in-t4-education-worlds-best-school-prizes-2025</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Ekya School JP Nagar has made it to the Top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the World by the T4 Education World&#039;s Best School Prizes 2025, a prestigious global platform that honours schools driving exceptional impact in education. The recognition was announced today, 18th June, by T4 Education.
	 


	This recognition places Ekya Schools on the international stage for its pioneering integration of Design Thinking into K-12 education. By adopting this structured, problem-solving methodology, students have addressed real-world issues such as waste management, public health, and social inclusion.
	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Recognised globally: Ekya JP Nagar is among T4 Education&#039;s Top 10 Worlds Best Schools 2025 in the Innovation category for its design thinking and impact-driven curriculum
	 


	&quot;We are truly honoured to receive this global recognition,&quot; said Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. &quot;Our mission has always been to empower learners with the mindset and skills to innovate and create meaningful impact.&quot;
	 


	Launched in 2011, Ekya&#039;s unique curriculum goes beyond conventional learning by blending academic rigour with real-world relevance. Through design challenges, interdisciplinary learning, and student-led initiatives, the school has built a culture of innovation that is both scalable and sustainable.
	 


	This recognition underscores Ekya&#039;s commitment to nurturing the thinkers, leaders, and changemakers of tomorrow.
   ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:40:52 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Ekya, School, Nagar, Makes, the, Top, Most, Innovative, Schools, Education, Worlds, Best, School, Prizes, 2025</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>AND Academy Recognized as an &amp;apos;Exceptional Vocational &amp;amp; Skill Development Platform&amp;apos; at the Economic Times Education Excellence Awards</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/and-academy-recognized-as-an-exceptional-vocational-skill-development-platform-at-the-economic-times-education-excellence-awards</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/and-academy-recognized-as-an-exceptional-vocational-skill-development-platform-at-the-economic-times-education-excellence-awards</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Growing online design upskilling school, AND Academy, launched by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) in New Delhi, has been recognized as an &#039;Exceptional Vocational &amp; Skill Development Platform&#039; at the Economic Times Education Excellence Awards on 19 June. The platform was bestowed with the Bronze award at the highly prestigious event, held alongside the ETEducation Annual Education Summit, at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	COO &amp; Academic Head receiving the Award on behalf of AND Academy


	 


	The Award stands testimony to the strong dedication that AND Academy has shown to revolutionizing education and making highly sought-after design skills accessible and affordable for a wider set of learners across the country. Emerging as one of the winners at the ETEducation Awards further solidifies the platform&#039;s intent to continue offering learners the convenience of online education as well as the effectiveness of offline learning.


	 


	Dr. Jitin Chadha, Founder &amp; CEO of AND Academy, has expressed his pride in the achievement, saying, &quot;We are immensely grateful to ET for this recognition and see it as a just reward for a journey that started over 3 years ago. Weve left no stone unturned to truly democratise upskilling in design, transforming the career trajectories of over 1000 learners already. As the design industry grows, we see ourselves playing an instrumental role in narrowing the demand-supply gap for highly skilled design talent and intend to reach over 5,000 learners. By blending time-honoured teaching methodologies with cutting-edge technology and adequate human support, we intend to keep empowering learners who have a passion and knack for design but cannot access it due to any sort of barrier whatsoever. This award has only motivated us further to achieve our goal.&quot;


	 


	Aside from coming from a strong design pedigree, a key distinguishing characteristic of courses at AND Academy is the importance the institute places on bridging the growing employment gap in the country by equipping learners with essential technical skills. Career readiness in graduates is ensured through personalized career advice sessions on CV-building, interview guidance, and networking opportunities, which help learners seize key placement opportunities. The project-based pedagogy ensures that graduates have a market-ready portfolio, effectively showcasing their design expertise to recruiters. Additionally, the institute offers software training sessions alongside a broader design-oriented curriculum, ensuring that learners are well-equipped with industry standards upon completing the course.


	 


	The classes are conducted by faculty members who are industry experts and focus on engaging learners deeply through experiential and active learning. Robust assessments, external reviews, and guided portfolio-building round off a wholesome learning experience, which is one of AND Academy&#039;s hallmarks and something that is quite rare among upskilling courses. The result is that so far, across nine batches and a thousand-plus learners, the platform has maintained an internal student feedback score of 90% (3.6 out of 4.0) and a Google Review rating of 4.6 stars (out of 5.0).


	 


	The school&#039;s commitment to high-quality education and student success is evident in its innovative course structures and supportive learning environment, making it a premier choice for aspiring designers looking to enhance their skills and career prospects. At the moment, AND Academy offers courses in Graphic Design, UI UX Design, Interior Design, and Motion Graphics in various formats. Learners can choose from Certificate, Diploma, PG Diploma (Part-time), and PG Diploma (Full-time) programs, depending on their career aspirations. The stackability of these courses allows for seamless progression to advanced classes for those who wish to continue their learning journey. The duration of each course varies by discipline, typically ranging from 16 weeks to a year.
   ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:40:49 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>AND, Academy, Recognized, Exceptional, Vocational, Skill, Development, Platform, the, Economic, Times, Education, Excellence, Awards</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>HT Labs Shines at WAN&amp;IFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards 2025</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/ht-labs-shines-at-wan-ifra-south-asian-digital-media-awards-2025</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/ht-labs-shines-at-wan-ifra-south-asian-digital-media-awards-2025</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	HT Labs, the digital innovation hub under the HT group, has made a resounding impact at the WAN-IFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards 2025. Its flagship platforms-OTTplay and Slurrp.com -took home five prestigious honors across key categories, celebrating excellence in digital journalism, innovation, and audience engagement.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	HT Labs wins 5 awards at WAN IFRA


	
	The WAN-IFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards, one of the most esteemed recognitions in the region, celebrate the best in digital innovation across news publishing. The awards are judged by a panel of distinguished international industry experts, recognizing organizations that push the boundaries of digital media through groundbreaking strategies, technology, and content delivery.


	
	Award Wins:


	
		
			Best News Website (Silver) - Slurrp
	
	
		
			Best Use of AI in Revenue Strategy (Bronze) - OTTplay Premium
	
	
		
			Best Newsletter (Gold) - Slurrp
	
	
		
			Best Newsletter (Silver) - OTTplay 
	
	
		
			Best Native Advertising Campaign (Bronze) - Slurrp
	



	 


	These wins underscore the HT Labs team&#039;s focus on creating intelligent, user-first content experiences through innovation, AI integration, and strong editorial vision.


	
	Mr. Avinash Mudaliar, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of HT Labs, expressed his gratitude, &quot;We are deeply honored to be acknowledged by WAN-IFRA in multiple categories this year. These awards are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and innovation that our teams bring to the table each day. At HT Labs, we are always striving to push boundaries and deliver personalized, tech-driven experiences that resonate with users across categories-from entertainment to food and finance. This recognition reinforces our commitment to leading the digital content space with intelligence and impact.&quot;


	
	OTTplay
	OTTplay is India&#039;s pioneering OTT aggregator that uses AI-based recommendations to revolutionize content discovery and consumption. With the introduction of OTTplay Premium, the platform now offers a curated selection of content from 30+ premier OTT platforms which are personalized based on each user&#039;s unique preferences.


	
	Slurrp
	Slurrp is an all-in-one recipe aggregator designed to make cooking and meal planning easier for everyone. With a nationwide community of 7+ lakh home chefs and foodies, it helps you discover calorie-counted recipes that match their diet choices, and taste preferences, catering to all cooking skill levels-from beginners to experts. Offering a wide range of recipes across cuisines and meal types, Slurrp ensures variety and flexibility in meal preparation. Further, the site also offers a variety of food industry insights, including trends, special features and more.
   ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:40:47 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Labs, Shines, WAN-IFRA, South, Asian, Digital, Media, Awards, 2025</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Primus Introduces Marzi &amp; A New Era of Well&amp;Being for India&amp;apos;s 55+ Citizens</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/primus-introduces-marzi-a-new-era-of-well-being-for-indias-55-citizens</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/primus-introduces-marzi-a-new-era-of-well-being-for-indias-55-citizens</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	
		
			Lifestyle-first, tech-enabled: Marzi redefines the ageing experience through six tightly integrated verticals that expand health span and independence.
	
	
		
			Purpose at the core: Every service nudges India&#039;s 55-plus population toward movement, connection and lifelong curiosity.
			 
	



	Primus Group -supported by General Catalyst and Nikhil Kamath- today unveiled Marzi, a full-stack lifestyle platform that re-imagines how India&#039;s 55-plus citizens live, learn, travel and connect. By weaving together innovation, personalisation and purpose, Marzi delivers end-to-end solutions that help elders thrive with joy, vitality and community.
	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	 Adarsh Narahari, Founder &amp; Managing Director, Primus and Marzi
	 


	Building on more than a decade of operating award-winning senior-living communities, Primus is now distilling the proven habits of the world&#039;s &quot;blue zones&quot; into Marzi-bringing longevity-boosting nutrition, movement, purpose and social engagement right into the comfort of every user&#039;s home.
	 


	Six Pillars of Marzi


	
		
			Travel - Bespoke domestic and international itineraries, elder-friendly logistics and hosted retreats.
	
	
		
			Community - Neighbourhood clubs, social events and curated workshops that build deep friendships.
	
	
		
			Digital Tech-Led Concierge - Always-on, voice-first support that sparks conversation, offers reminders and connects users instantly with Marzi&#039;s service desk.
	
	
		
			Safe Homes - One-stop home-upgrade service for fall-prevention layouts, adaptive fixtures and smart sensors.
	
	
		
			Learning - Masterclasses and micro-courses to keep minds curious and skills sharp.
	
	
		
			Health &amp; Wellness - Preventive-care programmes, physiotherapy, personalised fitness and nutrition coaching.
			 
	



	&quot;Marzi flips the script from ageing to thriving. Whether it&#039;s door-to-door concierge support, tech- enabled digital assistance or group journeys to soul-soothing destinations, Marzi equips India&#039;s 55-plus with the tools to live independently-with joy, meaning and renewed purpose. We&#039;re not just launching a platform; we&#039;re starting a movement that celebrates life after 55,&quot; said Adarsh Narahari, Founder &amp; Managing Director, Primus and Marzi.
	 


	While meeting India&#039;s demographic moment according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (lASI), the elder cohort in the country is projected to reach 193 million by 2031, and those aged 55-plus will account for nearly 30 percent of the population by 2036. Marzi positions Primus at the forefront of this seismic shift-focusing not just on where elders live, but how they live.


	 


	About Primus
	Primus designs and operates senior-living and multigenerational communities across six Indian metros. Built on passionate people, compassionate care, robust processes and intuitive technology, Primus champions active ageing and longer healthspans through its projects nationwide.
	 


	Website: primuslife.in | Marzi: marzi.life.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_685baacacaa11.jpg" length="60078" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:22:39 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Primus, Introduces, Marzi, New, Era, Well-Being, for, Indias, 55, Citizens</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Trident Group Marks Environment Week 2025 with Large&amp;Scale Community Action and Green Initiatives</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/trident-group-marks-environment-week-2025-with-large-scale-community-action-and-green-initiatives</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/trident-group-marks-environment-week-2025-with-large-scale-community-action-and-green-initiatives</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Trident Group, a leading Indian business conglomerate and global textile manufacturer marked Environment Week 2025 with a series of meaningful initiatives rooted in the global theme - &quot;Ending Plastic Pollution.&quot; The week-long observance served as a reaffirmation of Trident&#039;s enduring commitment to environmental conservation, community engagement, and responsible growth.
	
	At the heart of the celebrations was the Nirmal Narmada Abhiyaan a large-scale community-driven clean-up drive at Berkheri Ghat, Budhni. Over 300 members of the Trident family, including employees and volunteers, came together to rejuvenate the sacred banks of the Narmada River. In a powerful display of unity and purpose, the team successfully removed over 15 tons of plastic waste, reflecting the Group&#039;s dedication to restoring ecological balance and promoting conscious living.
	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Shri Rajinder Gupta, Chairman Emeritus, leads Environment Week plantation drive with Trident Group employees, promoting sustainability and green values
	 


	Taking a step forward in its mission to nurture nature, Trident also launched a tree plantation drive led by Shri Rajinder Gupta, Chairman Emeritus Trident Group in the presence of senior leadership and members of the organization. The initiative forms part of Trident&#039;s larger vision to plant 20,000 trees, contributing to increased green cover, enhanced biodiversity, and a sustainable tomorrow.


	 


	In keeping with its ethos of building better communities, Trident also distributed cotton fabric bags across the local area, encouraging households to adopt sustainable practices and reduce dependence on single-use plastics. This small yet significant gesture exemplifies the Group&#039;s belief in initiating change at the grassroots level.


	 


	Understanding the importance of nurturing environmental consciousness among future generations, Trident organized a series of engaging activities for school children around the theme &quot;Ending Plastic Pollution.&quot; These interactions aimed to educate, inspire, and empower young minds to take responsibility for the planet they will inherit.


	 


	These diverse efforts during Environment Week reflect not just Trident&#039;s environmental commitments, but also its core philosophy of integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations. From producing wheat-straw-based paper to embracing circularity in textiles, transitioning to clean energy, and striving for zero-waste operations, Trident continues to lead the way in redefining responsible manufacturing.
	 


	As Environment Week 2025 concludes, Trident stands proud of the collective spirit demonstrated by its people and partners. The Group remains steadfast in its belief that small actions, when multiplied by many, can create lasting impact-laying the foundation for a cleaner, greener future for all.


	 


	About Trident


	Trident Limited is the flagship company of Trident Group, an Indian business conglomerate and global player. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident Limited is a vertically integrated textile (Yarn, Bath &amp; Bed Linen) and Paper (Wheat Straw-based) manufacturer. Tridents towels, yarns, bedsheets, and paper businesses have earned global recognition and are delighting millions of customers across India and the world. Trident is one of the largest players in home textiles in India.
	 


	Supplying national, captive, and retailer-owned brands; the organization is highly decorated with awards from its customers, vendors, and various government entities in recognition of advancing the highest standards in product quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The company operates in three major business segments: Textiles, Paper, and Chemicals, with its manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_685baac7929d9.jpg" length="104504" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:22:35 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Trident, Group, Marks, Environment, Week, 2025, with, Large-Scale, Community, Action, and, Green, Initiatives</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Reclaiming Water, Restoring Hope for Kolar: The Art of Living &amp;amp; Ashirvad</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/reclaiming-water-restoring-hope-for-kolar-the-art-of-living-ashirvad</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/reclaiming-water-restoring-hope-for-kolar-the-art-of-living-ashirvad</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	In the drought-worn landscape of Kolar, Karnataka, a quiet revolution has taken root. Not with slogans or grand announcements; but with stone, soil, science and spirit.


	 


	&quot;The root cause of poverty in villages is the lack of water. Solve the water problem, and prosperity returns,&quot; - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.


	 


	Inspired by world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project (April 2024 to March 2025) by The Art of Living Social Projects and Ashirwad by Aliaxis is the story of how a corporate vision, a humanitarian mission, and community participation converged to address one of India&#039;s most critical environmental challenges: groundwater depletion.


	 


	Led by The Art of Living Social Projects, in partnership with Ashirwad by Aliaxis, this year-long initiative set out with a simple but transformative objective - to recharge the earth beneath Kolar&#039;s feet and reignite hope in its people.


	 


	Kolar&#039;s Crisis: A Deepening Dryness


	Once famed for its gold mines, Kolar today faces a far rarer commodity - water. Since the 1960s, unsustainable groundwater extraction has left vast parts of the district parched. Borewells now plunge 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep in search of moisture. Agriculture falters, women walk miles for water, and youth migrate as traditional water systems collapse.


	 


	According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and NITI Aayog&#039;s Water Index, Kolar is among India&#039;s most &#039;overexploited&#039; groundwater zones. This is more than an ecological problem. It&#039;s a human crisis, disrupting livelihoods, health, and rural dignity.


	 


	Primary Goals: Turning Vision Into Action


	The partnership responded with a scientific and human centered solution - a replicable IWRM model rooted in participatory design, data-driven planning, and grassroots empowerment.
	 


	
		Scientific Site Identification
		 Using geological and aquifer mapping (aligned with CGWB standards), potential recharge zones were meticulously selected through multi-parametric analysis.
		 
	
		Recharge Structure Construction
		 Following the successful JalTara model, each intervention site paired a Boulder Check (to slow runoff) with a strategically placed Recharge Well (to percolate water into aquifers).
		 



	
		
			
				
		
	



	This boulder check dam increases soul moisture &amp; minimizes erosion


	 


	
		Water Literacy &amp; Community Capacity Building
		Training deepened public understanding of water cycles, aquifer behaviour, and the importance of recharge. Youth and elders alike engaged, many for the first time, in local hydrology.
		 
	
		Ownership &amp; Decentralisation
		 Elected Representatives (ERs) and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) were involved throughout - from planning to post-construction monitoring.
		 
	
		Monitoring &amp; Documentation
		 Impact dashboards, infiltration tests, and site photographs ensured transparency, while GIS-based maps empowered Gram Panchayats to oversee their own resources.
		 
	
		Scalable Sustainability
		 With Kolar as a pilot site, this model is poised for replication across drought-prone districts in Karnataka and beyond.



	 


	Project Highlights (April 2024 - March 2025):


	
		
			135 pairs of Boulder Checks (BCs) and Recharge Wells (RCWs) constructed across 26 villages, reaching 10,000+ residents
	
	
		
			Comprehensive geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys for optimal site selection
	
	
		
			Water Literacy Training Programmes conducted in every Gram Panchayat
	
	
		
			MoU-based execution with strong Gram Panchayat involvement and formal handovers
	



	 


	This was not just civil work, it was community work.


	 


	Beyond Numbers: A Human Story


	While metrics quantify impact, the spirit of the project lives in the people it touched.


	 


	Farmers Reclaim Confidence


	In Arabikothanur and Harati, villagers saw something they hadn&#039;t in years - water staying in the soil after a rain. &quot;We had accepted drought as normal. Now we see water in our land - and that is not just water, it is hope.&quot; Farmer, Arabikothanur GP


	 


	Youth and Awareness


	Water Literacy sessions awakened curiosity among students. &quot;This is the first time I&#039;ve understood where water goes after it rains.&quot; Student Volunteer, Harati GP


	 


	Panchayat Ownership


	Local leaders felt seen and empowered.&quot;This is the first time a CSR project came and stayed with us till the end - not just for inauguration.&quot; Elected Representative, Shapur GP


	 


	Women in Water Leadership


	For many women, restored wells meant reclaimed time and energy. &quot;If the well near my house works again, it saves my legs, my time, and my life.&quot; Woman Farmer, Bethani Village


	 


	Seva Meets Science: A New Development Paradigm


	This proj ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_685baac3b0296.jpg" length="178595" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:22:33 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Reclaiming, Water, Restoring, Hope, for, Kolar:, The, Art, Living, Ashirvad</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>The Art of Living Propels a Powerful Shift Toward Sustainable Agriculture</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/the-art-of-living-propels-a-powerful-shift-toward-sustainable-agriculture</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/the-art-of-living-propels-a-powerful-shift-toward-sustainable-agriculture</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	In a transformative effort to reshape Indias agricultural landscape, a strong collaboration between The Art of Living Social Projects, Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), key Indian ministries, and NABARD is propelling a nationwide shift toward sustainable farming practices. This project focuses on advancing agroecological techniques in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, with a particular emphasis on elevating women in agriculture - a cause deeply aligned with The Art of Living Social Projects&#039; commitment to agricultural sustainability and women&#039;s leadership in rural development.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	A traditional start paves the way for an immersive journey


	 


	Encouraging Women Leaders in Agriculture


	A key element of the Agroecological Transformation Processes in India (SuATI) project is the training of women leaders in agriculture. Over 4,000 Krishi Sakhis (women farmers) have already been enabled with knowledge in natural farming, transforming not just their farming practices, but their roles as change agents in their communities. These women are fostering eco-friendly practices, inspiring local progress, and becoming pillars of positive change in rural India.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Intensive training in natural farming to revitalise rural economies


	 


	Expanding Reach: Training Cluster Coordinators


	To further amplify this impact, 140 Cluster Coordinators will receive specialised training to expand the adoption of agroecological practices through Women&#039;s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The Art of Living Social Projects&#039; holistic approach enhances this initiative by incorporating Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique known for its benefits in stress management and emotional resilience. This unique combination of practical farming knowledge and emotional well-being ensures that the Krishi Sakhis are not only skilled in sustainable agriculture but also geared to lead, mentor, and inspire others in their communities.


	 


	Intensive Training for Cluster Coordinators


	The first batch of 40 Cluster Coordinators recently completed an intensive training session at The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru. The organisation, renowned for its sustainability and climate action initiatives, provided these coordinators with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to promote natural farming in rural areas. Equipped with essential skills and inspired to lead change, these supervisors are now ready to promote climate-resilient farming practices across the region. Collaborating closely with an empowering network of Krishi Sakhis, they are set to ignite a self-sustaining agricultural revolution contributing to rural resurgence.


	 


	Reshaping Rural Development through Women


	The SuATI project demonstrates the transformative power of women-led, localised initiatives in driving meaningful change in rural India. By uplifting women farmers, the project not only advances agroecology but also strengthens rural resilience and enhances food security. Through the collaboration of The Art of Living Social Projects, GIZ, and Karnataka-SRLM, a future is being paved where women will play a pivotal role in transforming India&#039;s agricultural landscape, reshaping the very fabric of rural development. Armed with knowledge and leadership skills, Krishi Sakhis will transform agriculture from the ground up - creating a ripple effect that will resonate throughout their communities for generations to come.


	 


	About The Art of Living Social Projects


	The Art of Living, inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing peace, well-being, and humanitarian service.


	 


	By promoting eco-friendly farming practices and providing essential training to rural communities, The Art of Living is addressing challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. The organisation places a special emphasis on women&#039;s leadership, offering them the skills and resources to drive change, creating a ripple effect that contributes to the social and economic upliftment of entire communities.


	 


	In addition,The Art of Living is actively involved in other critical areas, including water conservation, afforestation, renewable energy, waste management, and rural development. Through these combined efforts, The Art of Living is creating a more sustainable, resilient, and harmonious future for all.


	 


	Follow: www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp/


	Post: x.com/artofliving_sp


	Message: www.linkedin.com/showcase/artofliving-sp


	 
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843dd1a828cb.jpg" length="80884" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:02:55 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>The, Art, Living, Propels, Powerful, Shift, Toward, Sustainable, Agriculture</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Exceptional &amp;quot;Women&amp;quot; Shaping the Future of Agriculture Honoured at RevolutioNari Awards 2024 by PepsiCo India</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/exceptional-women-shaping-the-future-of-agriculture-honoured-at-revolutionari-awards-2024-by-pepsico-india</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/exceptional-women-shaping-the-future-of-agriculture-honoured-at-revolutionari-awards-2024-by-pepsico-india</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	
		
			RevolutioNari Awards, a first-of-its-kind platform championing women&#039;s empowerment in the agriculture sector, launched by PepsiCo India
	
	
		
			Aligned to PepsiCo India&#039;s Partnership of Progress philosophy, the inaugural awards embody the company&#039;s belief in sustainable collaboration with farmers and local communities to advance agricultural innovation, gender equality, and economic empowerment
	
	
		
			Women in agriculture from across the country recognized at the platform, in the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab
	



	 


	PepsiCo India reinforced its commitment to advancing women empowerment in the agricultural sector, by launching a first of its kind platform, the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024 here in New Delhi. Based on PepsiCo India&#039;s philosophy of Partnership in Progress, that reflects its commitment to foster inclusive growth through collaboration with government, partner organizations and communities, the event recognized and celebrated the exceptional contributions of women in agriculture. The event marked the launch of PepsiCo India&#039;s RevolutioNari Anthem, underlining its commitment towards its ongoing flagship program RevolutioNari empowering women.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Honorable dignitaries and PepsiCo India leaders with the RevolutioNari Awards Winners


	 


	Ten women farmers from across India, were recognized for setting inspirational examples of women who are leading and inspiring many others towards more meaningful contribution to the sector. They were selected after a thorough evaluation of nominations submitted from across the country. An external jury comprising of sector experts headed by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, reviewed the submissions under five categories:


	
		
			Breaking Gender Stereotypes &amp; Implementing Best Farming Practices: Tapasi Pal from West Bengal awarded Gold and Sanju Yogi from Rajasthan awarded Silver
	
	
		
			Economic Empowerment through SHGs: Ganapathi SHG from Telangana awarded Gold and Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. from Uttar Pradesh awarded Silver
	
	
		
			Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Shivani Kisku from Jharkhand awarded Gold and Manguben Jaga from Gujarat awarded Silver
	
	
		
			Protection and Promotion of Native Indigenous Food Systems: Monika Mohite from Maharashtra awarded Gold and Sujata Paramanik from West Bengal awarded Silver
	
	
		
			Youth Innovators in Agriculture: Surbhi Kumari from Bihar awarded Gold and Anima Aind from Jharkhand awarded Silver
	



	 


	Present for the awards ceremony and presenting awards to the winners were: Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab. The Hon&#039;ble dignitaries shared inspiring addresses underscoring the imperative to recognize and elevate women&#039;s growing contributions and leadership in agriculture.


	 


	Hon&#039;ble Chief Guest, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, shared in his address, &quot;With changing times, our farmers have embraced sustainable agricultural practices, and women have emerged as strong pillars of this system, playing an indispensable role in driving progress. Hence, agricultural development is unimaginable without their invaluable contribution. I congratulate PepsiCo India for empowering and recognizing them as key leaders in the industry.&quot;


	 


	Speaking at the event, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab, shared, &quot;I am incredibly proud to see women&#039;s representation in this room surpassing that of men. Organizations like PepsiCo India are instrumental in helping farmers explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and beyond. Women&#039;s participation in this sector is essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.&quot;


	 


	Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India and South Asia, shared, &quot;At PepsiCo India, we are committed to an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead change. Through our RevolutioNari initiative, which aims to empower 1 million women across India by 2026, we are driving tangible, positive societal impact. As an agri company working closely with farmers for over three decades now; we are committed to enhancing women representation in the sector through this initiative and take immense pride in bringing these remarkable stories to life through the RevolutioNari Awards; our heartiest congratulations to al ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843dd16e5069.jpg" length="100642" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:02:51 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Exceptional, Women, Shaping, the, Future, Agriculture, Honoured, RevolutioNari, Awards, 2024, PepsiCo, India</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Best Agrolife Ltd. Secures International Patent for its Synergistic Insecticidal Formulation</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/best-agrolife-ltd-secures-international-patent-for-its-synergistic-insecticidal-formulation</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/best-agrolife-ltd-secures-international-patent-for-its-synergistic-insecticidal-formulation</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Best Agrolife Ltd., one of India&#039;s leading agrochemical manufacturers, has been granted an international patent for its novel ternary insecticidal combination that effectively controls the entire sucking pest complex, including whitefly, jassids, aphids, and thrips with a single application. The granted patent covers the composition of Pyriproxyfen, Diafenthiuron, and Dinotefuran in a unique suspension concentrate formulation and has been granted by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) covering the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Centrafrique, Comores, Congo, Cote dlvoire, Gabon, Guinee, Guinee Bissau, Guinee Equatoriale, Mali, Mauritanie, Niger, Senegal, Tchad, Togo.
	 


	The patent grant exemplifies Best Agrolife Ltd.s dedication to globally delivering advanced, farmer-centric solutions, lowering costs and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
	 


	Internationally, sucking pests are one of the most serious threats to agricultural crop productivity, causing significant quantitative and qualitative losses. Losses due to sucking pests are estimated to harm 18-20 percent of annual crop productivity. As much of these losses happens in the fields just before harvest, the impact can be devastating in developing countries such as the nations in the African continent.
	 


	The diverse modes of action of this formulation includes active ingredients that work through different mechanisms. &quot;Pyriproxyfen&quot; disrupts insect growth and reproduction, while &quot;Diafenthiuron&quot; targets the nervous system of pests, and &quot;Dinotefuran&quot; acts systemically to penetrate the plant and control pests internally. This diverse action stalls development of resistance.
	 


	This novel formulation is being successfully sold in India under the brand name of &quot;Ronfen&quot; and has garnered praise from farmers throughout India as a cost effective and efficient combination. Year on year, the sale of &quot;Ronfen&quot; has been steadily increasing with wider adoption. The combined sale of &quot;Ronfen&quot; since introduction has exceeded Rs. 400 crores with farmers using &quot;Ronfen&quot; to treat acreage of more than 2.4 million acres.
	 


	Best Agrolife Limited, has been actively pursuing and expanding its intellectual property portfolio of 100+ national filings and 20+ international filings in OAPI, ARIPO, EU, USA, Thailand, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, Philippines, Cambodia, Yemen, Bangladesh and Bhutan. These strategic international filings reflect the company&#039;s commitment developing a global presence with quality IP protected portfolio. The companies&#039; patents cover major agricultural regions like US, LATAM, APAC, Far East and Africa. &quot;These patents are not just about protecting our intellectual property; they&#039;re about driving meaningful change in agriculture,&quot; added Mr. Vimal Kumar Alawadhi, MD of Best Agrolife.
	 


	Best Agrolife Ltd. reaffirms its position as a leader in agricultural innovation, continuing to empower farmers across the globe by enhancing productivity, safeguarding crop quality, and increasing profitability.
	 


	About Best Agrolife Ltd.


	Best Agrolife Ltd. is a leading agrochemical company in India, dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions to farmers. With a strong focus on research and development, the company offers a diverse portfolio of patented products targeting all the key crops. Best Agrolife Ltd. is committed to addressing the evolving challenges of agriculture through tailored solutions that enhance productivity and profitability for farmers, contributing to the growth of Indian agriculture.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843dd13173a6.jpg" length="8828" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:02:48 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Best, Agrolife, Ltd., Secures, International, Patent, for, its, Synergistic, Insecticidal, Formulation</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>India&amp;apos;s Black Pepper Market Faces Supply Challenges Amid Climate Change and Unorganised Trade</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/indias-black-pepper-market-faces-supply-challenges-amid-climate-change-and-unorganised-trade</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/indias-black-pepper-market-faces-supply-challenges-amid-climate-change-and-unorganised-trade</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Indias black pepper industry is poised for a turbulent 2025, as declining production and supply constraints push prices to new highs, creating a challenging landscape for farmers and traders alike.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Indian Black Pepper Crisis


	 


	Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, and India constitute over 80% of global black pepper production and 95% of global trade. In 2024, India accounted for 11% of global black pepper production, with Karnataka contributing 60%, Kerala 30%, and the remaining 10% coming from Tamil Nadu and other regions.
	
	The global pepper market remained volatile throughout 2024, with prices surging from INR 328 per kg in January to highs of INR 614 per kg in June before settling at INR 512 per kg by December. According to industry experts - the price might cross INR 1000 this year.


	 


	Black pepper production in India has witnessed a significant drop due to erratic weather patterns. Unseasonal rainfall in 2024, coupled with the broader effects of climate change, has adversely impacted crop yields, leading to a sharp decline in overall production volumes. India is producing 46,000 MT of pepper in 2025, a significant reduction from 55,000 MT in 2024.


	 


	The tightening supply situation is not unique to India. Other major pepper-producing nations, including Vietnam and Sri Lanka, have also reported lower yields, exacerbating the global supply crunch. Vietnams pepper production fell from 192,000 MT in 2023 to 183,000 MT in 2024 and further to 178,000 MT in 2025. Brazils pepper production declined from 102,000 MT in 2023 to 70,000 MT in 2024 but saw an increase to 85,000 MT in 2025. Additionally, Sri Lankas production of pepper has significantly declined from 20,000 MT in 2024 to 14,000 MT in 2025. With domestic production down, India may have to export black pepper to Sri Lanka this year to meet its demand.
	
	This international shortfall is expected to keep prices elevated in key markets worldwide, further intensifying competition for quality Indian black pepper.


	 


	Despite high demand, Indian farmers-particularly those in Karnataka-are struggling due to the largely unorganised nature of the domestic market. Unlike Kerala, which has established trading networks and institutional buyers, Karnataka lacks major direct procurement channels. As a result, many farmers are forced to send their produce to Kerala, where intermediaries capture a significant share of the profits, leaving cultivators with lower margins.


	 


	Industry stakeholders have called for structural reforms to strengthen direct trade channels and ensure fair pricing for farmers. Establishing organised procurement systems in Karnataka and other key pepper-growing regions could help farmers access better prices and reduce dependency on middlemen.


	 


	As India navigates these challenges, exporters and traders are closely monitoring market trends. While the high price environment could be beneficial for trade, sustaining production amid climate uncertainties and market inefficiencies remains a pressing concern for the long-term stability of Indias black pepper industry.


	 


	Here is the researched article - nxg.world/blog/black-pepper-crisis.


	 


	About NXG World


	NXG World is a multi disciplinary global consulting firm built on data driven processes, technology and people with diverse expertise.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843dd105bec4.jpg" length="104586" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:02:44 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Indias, Black, Pepper, Market, Faces, Supply, Challenges, Amid, Climate, Change, and, Unorganised, Trade</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>FMC Joins Save the Earth Conclave 2025: Championing Bamboo&amp;Led Sustainability and Climate&amp;Resilient Growth</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/fmc-joins-save-the-earth-conclave-2025-championing-bamboo-led-sustainability-and-climate-resilient-growth</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/fmc-joins-save-the-earth-conclave-2025-championing-bamboo-led-sustainability-and-climate-resilient-growth</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	As the world grapples with the escalating consequences of climate change, deforestation, and rising carbon emissions, the urgency for sustainable solutions has never been greater. The Save the Earth Conclave 2025 is a clarion call to action-a global gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and changemakers committed to forging a new path for environmental sustainability. This year, the conclave places a special spotlight on bamboo, positioning it as a transformative force in climate resilience, renewable energy, and green economic development. Recognized for its fast growth, carbon sequestration capabilities, and wide-ranging industrial applications, bamboo stands at the forefront of nature-based solutions in this decade of action.


	 


	Organized by the Phoenix Foundation Sanstha, in collaboration with the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA), Bharti Institute of Public Policy (ISB Hyderabad) and African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), the conclave aims to serve as a catalyst for real-world impact by bridging policy, innovation, and grassroots action.


	 


	FMC&#039;s participation in the Save the Earth Conclave 2025 reinforces its deep-rooted commitment to promoting inclusive, climate-resilient growth among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Sharing FMC&#039;s vision, Executive Director Dr. Mukesh Gulati remarked, &quot;Bamboo represents a rare intersection of environmental regeneration and livelihood security. Through this conclave, we hope to mobilize knowledge, investment, and collaborative action to integrate bamboo into MSME-led green value chains.&quot;


	 


	Adding a powerful voice to the bamboo movement, Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman of the Phoenix Foundation and a long-time champion of sustainable agriculture, stated, &quot;We are already witnessing an extreme rise in temperature. We need to act now to save the Earth.&quot; Known as a &quot;bamboo warrior,&quot; Patel has long advocated for the cooperative sector to play a crucial role in bamboo promotion, and called for coordinated efforts between the Union Cooperation, Agriculture, and Rural Development Ministries to scale bamboo cultivation as a climate mitigation strategy.


	 


	Key highlights of the conclave include the presentation of the India Sustainability Awards 2025, which will honour 15 pioneers who have led transformative change in climate action and green innovation, and panel discussions. The event will be graced by Hon&#039;ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah as Chief Guest, with Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Transport, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, serving as Guests of Honour. Among the distinguished honourees are Shri Devendra Fernandes, Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM, Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM, Maharashtra, Padma Bhushan awardee Kamlesh Patel, Shri Gurdeep Singh, Chairman, NTPC Ltd, Shri Amrendra Prakash, Chairman, SAIL, visionaries whose contributions have shaped India&#039;s sustainability landscape. Key speakers include Shri Suresh Prabhu, Chairman, ICFA, Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman, Executive Committee, Chief Ministers Task Force for Environment and Sustainable Development, Dr. Anjal Prakash, Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB Hyderabad.


	 


	With a strong emphasis on driving cross-sector collaborations, the conclave brings together global experts, ministers, industrial pioneers, financial institutions, and grassroots voices to co-create actionable and scalable sustainability strategies. The event will also explore how bamboo can revolutionize industries, reduce environmental footprints, and create inclusive green jobs, making it a cornerstone of the global sustainability agenda.


	The Save the Earth Conclave 2025 is more than just an event-it is a movement for change. As the world stands at a critical crossroads, this platform invites industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and development actors to engage in transformative dialogue, forge impactful partnerships, and drive collective climate action. As the theme rightly asserts, &quot;The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.&quot; This is the time to act. This is the time to lead.
	 


	About FMC


	Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), a leading non-governmental, not-for-profit public charitable trust, established in India in 2005. FMC has made remarkable strides in fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental progress through our innovative cluster development approach. Our work spans more than 300 MSME clusters, supporting over 100,000 artisanal and industrial units, ranging from household operations to medium-sized production entities. As an empanelled Nodal Agency with the Ministries of MSMEs and Rural Development, FMC extends support to prominent schemes like SFURTI, and is also providing technical, research, and evaluati ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843dd0cceb18.jpg" length="8828" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:02:42 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>FMC, Joins, Save, the, Earth, Conclave, 2025:, Championing, Bamboo-Led, Sustainability, and, Climate-Resilient, Growth</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Study Under PM Poshan Scheme Highlights Potential of UHT Milk in Boosting Nutrition in School Children</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/study-under-pm-poshan-scheme-highlights-potential-of-uht-milk-in-boosting-nutrition-in-school-children</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/study-under-pm-poshan-scheme-highlights-potential-of-uht-milk-in-boosting-nutrition-in-school-children</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	A new study conducted under the PM Poshan (formerly Mid-Day Meal) scheme has revealed overwhelming acceptance of UHT (Ultra High Temperature) milk among schoolchildren reinforcing the potential of packaged milk in India&#039;s school nutrition programs. The study surveyed 4,484 children (ages 3-13) and 57 key stakeholders, including parents, school administrators, and program coordinators across Chandigarh.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Verka study: UHT milk widely accepted by Chandigarh schoolkids


	 


	&quot;Ensuring access to safe and nutritious milk in schools can be a game-changer for childhood development,&quot; said a Verka spokesperson. &quot;This study confirms the strong acceptance of UHT milk among students and makes a compelling case for expanding school milk programs across India. By scaling up distribution and integrating milk&#039;s nutritional benefits, we can address key public health challenges like malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Stakeholder collaboration remains crucial to ensuring the success of such initiatives.&quot;


	 


	Key Findings:


	
		
			80% of students rated the cardamom-flavored UHT milk from Verka as highly satisfactory.
	
	
		
			69% of children recognized multiple health benefits of milk, with 22% associating it primarily with strong bones.
	
	
		
			44% of students consumed milk more than four times a week, while 38% had it two to four times weekly.
	
	
		
			82% of children responsibly disposed of empty milk packets in designated bins, reinforcing positive environmental habits.
	



	The study-conducted by Verka in collaboration with Punjab University, the Department of Education (Chandigarh), Tetra Pak, and NGO Yuvsatta-underscores the effectiveness of aseptic UHT milk packaging. This packaging technology ensures food safety and extends shelf life without refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for large-scale school meal programs.


	 


	The study calls for an increase in milk distribution days, enhanced awareness campaigns on milk&#039;s nutritional benefits, and the addition of complementary nutritious foods to improve overall dietary diversity. Regular monitoring and continuous stakeholder engagement are also recommended to strengthen program implementation.


	 


	School Milk Program by Verka


	Milk Fed Punjabs Verka brand recently piloted a school milk program to support the PM Poshan scheme in schools. Through this initiative, students in Chandigarh received nutritious milk in Tetra Pak cartons. After consumption, these used cartons were collected by a local NGO and collection agencies and recycled into various useful items such as notebooks, planters, school desks and more. To encourage milk consumption among school kids, Verka made milk available in cardamom (elaichi) flavor to begin with, making it more appealing to children.


	 


	In addition to providing much needed nutrition to children, this school milk initiative served as an educational opportunity for children, teaching them the importance of responsible consumption and planet-friendly practices like recycling.


	 


	Global Context: A Growing Case for School Milk Programs


	The International Dairy Federation (IDF) advocates for school milk programs as a solution to nutritional deficiencies and food education-helping millions of children worldwide understand the impact of food on health, society, and the environment. Countries like USA and China have successfully integrated milk into their school meal programs, significantly improving childhood nutrition and academic performance.


	 


	India now has an opportunity to scale its school feeding programs by fostering partnerships between government bodies, dairy cooperatives like Verka, and technology providers such as Tetra Pak. With the right ecosystem, the country can create a sustainable and impactful model for school nutrition, ensuring better health outcomes for future generations.


	 


	To access the full report, please visit the Verka website
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843db9c6deb6.jpg" length="115340" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:56:33 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Study, Under, Poshan, Scheme, Highlights, Potential, UHT, Milk, Boosting, Nutrition, School, Children</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>From Cartons to Community Parks: Mumbai Launches Citywide Recycling Relay on World Environment Day</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/from-cartons-to-community-parks-mumbai-launches-citywide-recycling-relay-on-world-environment-day</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/from-cartons-to-community-parks-mumbai-launches-citywide-recycling-relay-on-world-environment-day</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	To mark World Environment Day, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Rotary Club of Bombay Mid City, and Tetra Pak India have joined forces to launch a citywide sustainability campaign-the Carton Recycling Relay-designed to turn used beverage cartons into durable benches for Mumbai&#039;s public parks.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Benches made entirely from recycled cartons donated by Tetra Pak to Patwardhan Park, Bandra


	 


	In its first phase, the initiative aims to collect 2.5 lakh used cartons from across the city, which will be recycled into 25 garden benches to be installed in selected public parks. This collaborative effort brings to life the principles of recycling, circular economy, and community participation, with citizens at the heart of the transformation.


	
	&quot;This is a brilliant example of how partnerships can bring sustainability into public spaces, and how the public can actively participate in this transformation,&quot; said Jeetendra V. Pardeshi, Superintendent of the Gardens and Tree Office, BMC. &quot;We&#039;re not just recycling-we&#039;re creating something useful and lasting for the community. This initiative represents the kind of smart, sustainable thinking our city needs.&quot;


	
	To kick off the campaign, a set of benches made entirely from recycled cartons were donated to Patwardhan Park, Bandra, a popular green space in Mumbai. The event was attended by Mr. Dinesh Pallewad, Assistant Commissioner, Ms. Swapna Mhatre, Ex Corporator, Mr. Dnyandev Mundhe, Dy. Supdt. of Gardens Zone 3, Mr. Kamlesh Kholiya, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak South Asia; Ajay Mishra, Rotary President; and Ms Monisha Narke, Founder, RUR Greenlife.


	
	&quot;At Tetra Pak, we believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility,&quot; added Kamlesh Kholiya, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak South Asia. &quot;The Carton Recycling Relay turns citizens into changemakers. By transforming used cartons into public assets, we&#039;re fostering circularity and strengthening community engagement.&quot;


	
	A life-size, carton-shaped collection bin will now travel across prominent locations in the city, encouraging schools, housing societies, businesses, and individuals to deposit their used beverage cartons. More than 50 drop-off points are already available across Reliance Retail and Shakari Bhandar stores across Mumbai up to make participation easy and accessible for all.


	
	Over the next few weeks, the relay will travel across key Mumbai locations, mobilizing schools, RWAs, and workplaces. As the city works toward the 2.5 lakh carton target, 22 more benches will be created and donated-transforming waste into symbols of community action and environmental stewardship.


	
	&quot;Sustainability is one of the 7 pillars of Rotary thrust area and always work around related to protection of environment. We are working with MCGM and corporate to set up street furniture made from recycled waste for awareness since long time. We are happy to see that Tetra Pak came forward to support the cause and create awareness. We are glad to work as bridges between benefactor and donor,&quot; added Ajay Mishra, President, Rotary.


	
	The initiative is being implemented on-ground by RUR Greenlife, a long-standing Tetra Pak partner known for its work in waste management and citizen-led recycling. Media outreach is being supported by Free Press Journal.


	
	This campaign is part of a program called &#039;Go Green with Tetra Pak&#039; launched in 2010 by Tetra Pak, in collaboration with Reliance Retail and RUR Greenlife. The program encourages Mumbaikars to drop off their used beverage cartons at over 60 Reliance Smart and Sahakari Bhandar outlets, and over 100 other drop-off points across Mumbai. These cartons are then recycled into useful items like desks &amp; garden benches and donated back to the society. Tetra Pak cartons are paper-based, recyclable, and increasingly being recycled through a robust ecosystem nurtured by Tetra Pak over the last 20 years, working closely with various stakeholders such as urban local governments, NGOs, brand owners, academia, and consumers.


	
	A complete list of carton deposit points is available here.


	
	About Tetra Pak
	Tetra Pak is a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, ensuring safe and nutritious food reaches millions in over 160 countries. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company continually innovates to protect food, people, and the planet through impactful community programs and advanced recycling initiatives.


	
	With over 24,000 employees worldwide, Tetra Pak remains dedicated to making food safe and available, everywhere, while upholding its promise to protect what&#039;s good: food, people, and the planet.


	
	More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.


	 
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843db98e8632.jpg" length="103337" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:56:29 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>From, Cartons, Community, Parks:, Mumbai, Launches, Citywide, Recycling, Relay, World, Environment, Day</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Astral Foundation Plants 10,000 Trees on the World Environment Day</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/astral-foundation-plants-10000-trees-on-the-world-environment-day</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/astral-foundation-plants-10000-trees-on-the-world-environment-day</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	On the occasion of World Environment Day, Astral Foundation, the CSR arm of Astral Limited, marked a significant step toward environmental and social responsibility by initiating the plantation of 10,000 trees in Keliya Vasna, a village adopted by the Foundation.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Tree plantation by Astral Foundation with local villagers of Keliya Vasna, Ahmedabad on World Environment Day


	 


	This green initiative is part of a larger, long-term commitment inspired by Padma Shri awardee Shyam Sunder Paliwal, known for his revolutionary concept of honoring the birth of a girl child with tree plantations. Taking this inspiration forward, Ms. Jagruti Engineer, Director of Astral Foundation, announced a heartfelt pledge to plant 111 trees for every girl child born in Keliya Vasna.


	 


	&quot;A tree is a symbol of life, and what better way to celebrate the birth of a girl than by nurturing new life in nature,&quot; said Ms. Jagruti Engineer. &quot;This initiative not only promotes gender positivity but also strengthens our commitment to sustainability,&quot; She added.


	 


	The plantation drive began today with active participation from the villagers, who have also taken up the responsibility of nurturing these saplings into fully grown trees. The goal is to eventually plant 1,00,000 trees, creating a lasting green legacy and encouraging community involvement in environmental preservation.


	 


	Astral Foundation continues to work across diverse areas such as health, education, water conservation, and environmental sustainability, aiming to create meaningful change in the lives of people and the planet.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843db94e2792.jpg" length="129882" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:56:26 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Astral, Foundation, Plants, 10, 000, Trees, the, World, Environment, Day</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>World Rugby and Stepathlon Launch Road to Twickenham</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/world-rugby-and-stepathlon-launch-road-to-twickenham</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/world-rugby-and-stepathlon-launch-road-to-twickenham</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	In an exciting first-of-its-kind collaboration, World Rugby and Stepathlon are proud to launch Road to Twickenham powered by Stepathlon - a global fan engagement and wellness initiative designed to uniquely have supporters participate in the biggest ever Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Road to Twickenham is an inclusive and accessible initiative by World Rugby and Stepathlon aimed at engaging with global fans for the Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025


	
	This dynamic Virtual Challenge, hosted exclusively on the Rugby World Cup App, kicked off from 100 days to go until the first match of the Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025, when hosts England take on USA at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland on Friday 22nd August.


	
	With Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025 already set to be the biggest celebration of women&#039;s rugby ever, Road to Twickenham is a great way for all fans to be involved - building the excitement and anticipation of the tournament, and helping fans learn more about the players, teams and venues.


	
	Road to Twickenham invites fans to engage in physical activity, contests and quizzes to win points, move up the leaderboard, compete against other global fans for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including tickets, merchandise and matchday experiences. It will build a global, active, community all looking to engage with Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025.


	
	Stepathlon is committed to supporting the growth of women&#039;s sport and Road to Twickenham will celebrate the Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup and elevate awareness of the women&#039;s game by encouraging fans all around the world to get active, participate, and support their favourite teams. Road to Twickenham is for anyone, anywhere, anytime.


	
	Road to Twickenham has also partnered with World Rugby&#039;s Global Charity Partner - ChildFund Rugby (www.childfundrugby.org) who are harnessing the power of rugby to drive positive social change, supporting children and young people in vulnerable communities.


	
	Road to Twickenham will be conducted in two phases


	
	Phase 1: Road to Twickenham - 100 Days to Go Prep Sprint (Live until 21st August)
	The first challenge, during the lead-up to the Tournament, will encourage participants to embark on a virtual journey through the eight host locations, uncovering iconic landmarks and earning points by completing a series of fun, wellness-based and rugby-inspired tasks. These activities are designed to inspire, educate, and energize fans. Along the way, participants can win exclusive match tickets and other rewards. It sets the stage for the main challenge, building momentum and anticipation as fans gear up for the Tournament.


	
	Phase 2: Road to Twickenham (22nd August - 27th September)
	During the Tournament, the virtual course shifts focus to the official Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025 stadia, with participants progressing through match-day inspired challenges tied to real-time tournament moments. As fans climb the leaderboard, they unlock the chance to win tickets, merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Road to Twickenham culminates in a grand finale, with top participants heading to Twickenham to see the Final on Saturday 27th of September live, with exclusive hospitality as part of an unforgettable occasion.


	
	&quot;We&#039;re thrilled to launch Road to Twickenham in partnership with Stepathlon,&quot; said Sarah Massey, Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director. &quot;This initiative offers a fantastic way for fans around the world to get active, engage with women&#039;s rugby, and discover more about the players, teams, and venues. With the 2025 tournament set to be the biggest yet, we&#039;re excited to provide this unique opportunity for fans to be part of history-wherever they are.&quot;


	
	Ravi Krishnan, CEO &amp; Founder of Stepathlon, shared, &quot;As a passionate advocate for the growth and progression of women&#039;s sport, I believe we are at a pivotal moment to drive real, lasting impact. Partnering with World Rugby for the Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup 2025 allows us to harness that momentum - to help bring more fans into stadiums, amplify the energy of the game, and build a global movement. The Road to Twickenham, powered by Stepathlon isn&#039;t just a wellness initiative - it&#039;s a Call to Action. It&#039;s about building communities, inspiring participation, and accelerating the visibility and impact of women&#039;s sport on and off the field.&quot;


	
	Megan Knight, ChildFund Rugby Co-Director, said, &quot;We are excited to extend our reach with Road to Twickenham - inspiring more children, families, and communities to move, play, and learn. This partnership allows us to share the values of rugby in new ways, and we look forward to seeing the fun and benefits unfold for everyone involved.&quot;


	
	How to Join the Road to Twickenham
	Download the Rugby World Cup App and sign up today www.rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en/app.
	Road to Twickenham is inclusive and accessible - no matter your a ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843db91f2e84.jpg" length="87220" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:56:23 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>World, Rugby, and, Stepathlon, Launch, Road, Twickenham</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>PepsiCo India and The Social Lab Scale Sustainable Waste Solutions Across Four Cities with &amp;apos;Tidy Trails&amp;apos;</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/pepsico-india-and-the-social-lab-scale-sustainable-waste-solutions-across-four-cities-with-tidy-trails</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/pepsico-india-and-the-social-lab-scale-sustainable-waste-solutions-across-four-cities-with-tidy-trails</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	
		
			Tidy Trails, a community-driven initiative, focuses on responsible plastic waste management through collection, segregation, and recycling
	
	
		
			Tidy Trails launched in New Delhi and Pune and extended in Agra and Guwahati
	



	 


	PepsiCo India, in collaboration with The Social Lab (TSL), has announced the expansion of its flagship plastic circularity initiative, Tidy Trails-a community-driven program focused on responsible plastic waste management through collection, segregation, and recycling to drive long-term environmental impact.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	PepsiCo India&#039;s Special Mobile Van to collect post-consumer plastic waste from local establishments


	
	The initiative has now been launched in New Delhi&#039;s Chandni Chowk and Pune&#039;s FC College Road, with further expansion in Agra and Guwahati, building on the success of earlier editions in these cities. This strategic rollout reinforces PepsiCo India&#039;s commitment to fostering cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.


	
	Guided by its Partnership of Progress philosophy, Tidy Trails brings together local administrations, market associations, shopkeepers, and consumers to drive meaningful behaviour change around plastic waste segregation and recycling-creating a collaborative model for circularity at the community level.


	
	As part of the initiative, a special mobile van will be deployed to collect post-consumer plastic waste from local establishments. The effort aims to encourage citizens to maintain cleaner surroundings and foster a culture of tidiness-setting positive examples and inspiring other communities to adopt responsible waste practices.


	
	At the heart of the Tidy Trails initiative is a powerful idea: transforming plastic waste into purpose. Collected plastic is repurposed into functional items such as benches and chairs, which are installed in public spaces like parks, community centres, and marketplaces. These installations not only enhance the utility and aesthetics of these areas but also serve as daily reminders of the value of sustainable living.


	
	Through on-ground campaigns, informative signage, and interactive community engagement, Tidy Trails is driving visible and lasting behavioral change-ensuring that plastic waste is not discarded, but reimagined into something meaningful for the community.


	
	Speaking on the expansion, Ms. Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, &quot;The launch of Tidy Trails in Delhi and Pune, along with its expansion in Agra and Guwahati, underscores our commitment to scaling sustainable, community-led solutions for post-consumer plastic waste management. Guided by our Partnership of Progress philosophy, we believe meaningful change is only possible through collective action. The success of Tidy Trails in Agra and Guwahati-driven by strong community engagement and support from local administrations-has laid a solid foundation for this next phase. We&#039;re proud to collaborate with partners like The Social Lab and local municipalities to deliver real, on-ground impact.&quot;


	
	Mr. Sahil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Lab (TSL), said, &quot;We are proud to partner with PepsiCo India for this noble initiative. At TSL, we are committed to protecting the environment and supporting circular economy efforts through programs like Tidy Trails. Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges today, but when reused and recycled, it can offer valuable solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to bring together communities, businesses, and policymakers to encourage the responsible use, recycling, and reuse of plastic.&quot;


	
	Since its inception, the Tidy Trails initiative has collected over 68,000 kg of plastic waste, driven by active participation from local shopkeepers and communities. The program currently facilitates the daily collection of approximately 274 kg in Agra and 386 kg in Guwahati-demonstrating consistent, grassroots-level impact.


	
	With a reach of over 1.9 lakh people, the initiative continues to drive behavioral change around responsible plastic waste management through sustained community engagement and awareness efforts.


	
	As Tidy Trails expands its footprint, it stands as a compelling example of how collective action-across local communities, municipal bodies, and socially responsible businesses-can accelerate the transition toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.


	
	About PepsiCo India
	PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay&#039;s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo&#039;s product portfolio includes a wide range o ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843db8fc4f1a.jpg" length="121538" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:56:20 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>PepsiCo, India, and, The, Social, Lab, Scale, Sustainable, Waste, Solutions, Across, Four, Cities, with, Tidy, Trails</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Nisschal Zaveri Brings Ghazal Back to Life with a Stirring Performance at Andaaz</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/nisschal-zaveri-brings-ghazal-back-to-life-with-a-stirring-performance-at-andaaz</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/nisschal-zaveri-brings-ghazal-back-to-life-with-a-stirring-performance-at-andaaz</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	The Aiwan-E-Ghalib Auditorium turned into a lyrical haven on Saturday evening as Nisschal Zaveri took the stage for Andaaz, an evening that paid homage to the soul of Urdu poetry through music that felt both personal and lasting.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Ghazal singer, producer and composer Nisschal Zaveri


	 


	The concert opened with Zaveri&#039;s original composition &quot;Kabhi Kaha Na Kisi Se&quot; in Raag Miyan Malhar. Through a mix of classics and new compositions, he brought a fresh voice to the works of poets like Ghalib and Faiz.


	 


	A standout moment was the qawwali &quot;Kar Qubool&quot;, composed by Zaveri and performed for the first time. Its energy had the audience on their feet. The performance closed with a heartfelt version of Ghalib&#039;s &quot;Hazaron Khwahishein Aisi.&quot;


	 


	Speaking after the concert, Zaveri said, &quot;Ghazals hold a kind of stillness that lets you reflect. I wanted the music to feel real, without chasing applause. It was about creating a space where people could connect with the words in their own way, at their own pace. That&#039;s what I hope they felt.&quot;


	 


	The evening was anchored by Dastangoi artist Syed Sahil Agha. Among the guests was Shazia Ilmi, National Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).


	 


	Zaveri was supported by Shamshir Ali on tabla, Arshad Khan on esraj, Rohan Kadam on keyboard, Abshar Ahmed on guitar, Eshwar Dayal on percussion, and Shashank Saha for sound engineering.


	 


	Andaaz brought music and poetry together in a way that stayed with the audience long after the concert ended. For many, it was a return to a genre that continues to resonate across generations, carried forward with Zaveri&#039;s distinctive touch.


	 


	Instagram Link: www.instagram.com/nisschalzaveri/hl=en
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d9ec410da.jpg" length="64226" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:49:20 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Nisschal, Zaveri, Brings, Ghazal, Back, Life, with, Stirring, Performance, Andaaz</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Dr. MGR Educational and Research University&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;Sketch Up Unparalleled&amp;apos;, a National Cultural Extravaganza on Art &amp;amp; Architecture was a Monumental Success</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/dr-mgr-educational-and-research-universitys-sketch-up-unparalleled-a-national-cultural-extravaganza-on-art-architecture-was-a-monumental-success</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/dr-mgr-educational-and-research-universitys-sketch-up-unparalleled-a-national-cultural-extravaganza-on-art-architecture-was-a-monumental-success</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	&#039;Sketch Up Unparalleled&#039;, a National Cultural Extravaganza on Art &amp; Architecture was organized by the Faculty of Architecture, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, as part of their intercollege cultural festival recently. The mega-event brought together 600+ participants from 45+ esteemed colleges across India, featuring a dynamic mix of technical workshops, non-technical, creative activities, including cultural competitions, and pro shows, all centered around the vibrant theme of art and architecture. To fuel the competitive spirit, lucrative cash prizes, trophies, and certificates were awarded to the winners across all categories.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Dr. MGR Educational and Research University&#039;s &#039;Sketch Up Unparalleled&#039;, a National Cultural Extravaganza on Art &amp; Architecture


	
	Hip Hop Thamizha Dr. Aadhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to stardom with the participants.


	
	Reflecting on the Cultural Extravaganza&#039;s success, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University Honorable President. Er. A.C.S. Arun Kumar said, &quot;The Faculty of Architecture, not only succeeded in hosting a nationwide architectural spectacle but also set a new standard for intercollege fests. The National Cultural Extravaganza brought together leading minds from the Indian architectural community to explore the future of architecture. The scholars and practitioners delivered engaging presentations and shared insights on various aspects of architecture, offering valuable perspectives on current trends, challenges and innovations in the field. The overwhelming response, the quality of competitions, and the seamless execution proved that &quot;Sketch Up Unparalleled&quot; was more than just an event-it was a celebration of innovation, culture, and architectural excellence.&quot;


	
	Faculty of Architecture, the team behind the Cultural Extravaganza, made invaluable contributions to the event, playing an important role in shaping the Cultural Extravaganza&#039;s agenda and ensuring its success as a platform for meaningful discourse on architecture.


	
	The highlight of the event was the star-studded evening featuring:


	
		
			Bigg Boss fame Mr. Raanav and Ms. Soundharya Nanjundan, who engaged in an inspiring interactive session with students, sharing valuable insights about perseverance and chasing ones dreams in the entertainment industry.
	
	
		
			Actress Ar. Kaavya Arivumani, who graced the cultural performances with her presence.
	
	
		
			Hip-hop Tamizha Dr. Aadhi, whose electrifying performance had the entire audience on their feet, also delivered a motivational talk about his journey from humble beginnings to stardom. He emphasized how education and determination can transform lives. He mentioned that college life is a beautiful journey filled with learning, laughter, and friendship, and encouraged everyone to embrace every moment and enjoy the ride - a message that deeply resonated with the student audience.
	



	
	For more details, please visit: www.drmgrarch.ac.in.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d9e878fd2.jpg" length="164991" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:49:18 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Dr., MGR, Educational, and, Research, Universitys, Sketch, Unparalleled, National, Cultural, Extravaganza, Art, Architecture, was, Monumental, Success</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Exclusive Media Screening of A Song for ERESHA Unveils a Poetic Fusion of Bharatanatyam and Cinema</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/exclusive-media-screening-of-a-song-for-eresha-unveils-a-poetic-fusion-of-bharatanatyam-and-cinema</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/exclusive-media-screening-of-a-song-for-eresha-unveils-a-poetic-fusion-of-bharatanatyam-and-cinema</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Art Centrix Space, Vasant Kunj, played host to an intimate and evocative screening of A Song for ERESHA, the latest cinematic creation from acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent Savitha Sastry and award-winning director AK Srikanth. The special preview, held on the evening of May 21, brought together a discerning audience including members of the media, cultural influencers, and film and performing arts fraternity.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Bharatanatyam Exponent Savitha Sastry in The Song For Eresha


	 


	Slated for a theatrical and OTT release across the United States, UK and Canada in August 2025 and later in India, A Song for ERESHA is a landmark production that seamlessly blends classical Indian dance with deeply resonant storytelling. The film follows the complex emotional journey of Eresha, the revered head of a prestigious arts institute, whose unexpected romantic entanglement leads to a dramatic unraveling of the institution she built and of her own inner world.


	 


	Crafted in the cinematic style reminiscent of masters like Satyajit Ray and Balu Mahendra, the film has been described as &quot;poetry in motion.&quot; It stars Savitha Sastry in the titular role, and features a predominantly female cast, including over a hundred classical dancers from across India. The film also marks the debut of Bengali actress Mayurakshi Sen, with compelling performances by Mekha Rajan and Arshya Lakshman in key roles.


	 


	Adding to the immersive experiences are evocative soundtracks composed by Abhay Nayampally, a Grammy nominee and protg of the legendary Mandolin U. Srinivas. The musical score builds on Nayampally&#039;s collaborative work with global artists like Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra.


	 


	Directed and written by AK Srikanth- who received accolades for Slow Rivers (Florence Film Awards 2023) and Colors: White (New York International Film Awards 2021) - A Song for ERESHA is a cinematic tribute to the expressive power of Indian classical arts, both on stage and on screen.


	 


	Commenting on the essence of the film, Director AK Srikanth said, &quot;A Song for Eresha isn&#039;t about art or artists- it&#039;s an intense exploration of what it means to be human. It captures the full spectrum of emotion: the joy of triumph, the sting of regret, and the delicate balance between light and darkness, logic and emotion. I envisioned it as visual poetry, brought to life by an extraordinary cast and crew, with the goal of bringing powerful storytelling back to the heart of cinema.&quot;


	 


	Reflecting on her role, Savitha Sastry shared, &quot;Portraying Eresha was one of the most exhilarating challenges of my career. The character&#039;s journey through love, passion, and vulnerability pushed me to explore emotional depths I&#039;ve rarely touched on screen.&quot;


	 


	The preview screening was a resounding success, sparking engaging conversations among attendees about the film&#039;s emotional depth, artistic execution, and cultural relevance. A Song for ERESHA not only reaffirms Savitha Sastry and AK Srikanth&#039;s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Bharatanatyam but also marks a bold step in reimagining traditional Indian art forms for a global audience. As the film prepares for its international release, it promises to leave an indelible mark on both the classical arts and indie cinema landscapes.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d9e61d9d5.jpg" length="86342" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:49:15 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Exclusive, Media, Screening, Song, for, ERESHA, Unveils, Poetic, Fusion, Bharatanatyam, and, Cinema</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Real Leather. Stay Different. Chooses Taipei to Host landmark 2025 International Final</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/real-leather-stay-different-chooses-taipei-to-host-landmark-2025-international-final</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/real-leather-stay-different-chooses-taipei-to-host-landmark-2025-international-final</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	The Leather &amp; Hide Council of America (LHCA) has selected Taipei, Taiwan, as the host city for the landmark fifth annual Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) International Student Design Competition final, scheduled for October 27-28, 2025.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Meet the Judges 2025


	
	Following celebrated events in London and Milan, the competition now sets its sights on Taipei, underscoring Asias rising prominence as a global hub for innovation and fashion design.


	
	The prestigious final will be hosted at AMBI SPACE ONE, Taiwan&#039;s first intelligent, immersive venue, situated within Taipei&#039;s iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper - which is also the world&#039;s tallest green building. This exceptional location highlights the intersection of technology, creativity, and sustainability at the heart of RLSD&#039;s mission.


	
	Category winners in Apparel, Footwear, Accessories and People&#039;s Choice, alongside the RLSD Taiwan 2025 overall winner, will travel on an all-expenses-paid trip to Taipei. Finalists will present their sustainable leather creations to a distinguished panel of industry experts, including Christopher Koerber (Managing Director, Hugo Boss), Mike Adler (international celebrity stylist), Kora Hsieh (Editor-in-Chief, Harper&#039;s BAZAAR Taiwan), Adrien Roberts (International fashion education consultant) and acclaimed fashion influencer Yu Lee.


	
	Christopher Koerber, Managing Director at Hugo Boss and a longstanding supporter of RLSD, commented, &quot;Supporting the RLSD competition continues to be deeply rewarding. Bringing the 2025 final to Taipei is especially exciting as it provides an extraordinary platform for nurturing young talent and encouraging designers to embrace sustainable natural materials like leather. This initiative is critical, promoting innovation and environmentally responsible practices that are essential for the future of fashion.&quot;


	
	Kerry Brozyna, President of the Leather &amp; Hide Council of America, stated, &quot;In just five short years, RLSD has evolved into a globally recognised initiative, successfully advocating for leather as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. Hosting the international final in Taipei marks a new chapter, highlighting our ongoing commitment to industry leadership, innovation and the importance of empowering the next generation of designers. This is just the beginning of our vision - a world where sustainable natural materials are the first choice for designers everywhere.&quot;


	
	Finalists will also benefit from extensive media exposure and the opportunity to feature their designs in the prestigious RLSD Capsule Collection, showcased globally at prominent fashion and sustainability events throughout the year.


	
	The competition remains open to current fashion students and graduates from 2023 or 2024. Designs must contain at least 50% cattle hide leather and fall into one of three categories: Apparel, Footwear, or Accessories.


	
	Entries close at 11:59 pm (BST), 30 June 2025. Full details and entry submissions: rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com.


	
	About Real Leather. Stay Different.
	Real Leather. Stay Different. is a global campaign that has reached some 750 million people and hundreds of thousands of students. It makes the case for leather (and other natural materials) and for making the best use of society&#039;s waste, particularly the hides that are the by-products of the dairy and meat industries, before looking to the petrochemical industries for manmade materials. Flexible and durable, leather is the natural alternative to fast fashion.


	
	About Arts Thread
	Arts Thread is the worlds leading digital platform for emerging artists &amp; designers and a launchpad for the next generation of creative talent. Arts Thread has built relationships with over 950 creative institutions connecting to over 400,000 students in approximately 130 countries, partnering with leading brands, organisations, events, media to help launch the next generation of creative talent globally. For further information please visit www.artsthread.com.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d9e2ef87e.jpg" length="83669" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:49:12 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Real, Leather., Stay, Different., Chooses, Taipei, Host, landmark, 2025, International, Final</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Could Your Design Land You an All&amp;Expenses&amp;Paid Trip to Taipei</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/could-your-design-land-you-an-all-expenses-paid-trip-to-taipei</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/could-your-design-land-you-an-all-expenses-paid-trip-to-taipei</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	
		
			Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition 2025 Heads East
	
	
		
			Entry deadline: 30 June 2025
	



	 


	Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD), the global campaign driving sustainable innovation in fashion, has just announced something huge: For the first time ever, the RLSD International Student Design Competition final is hitting Taipei - Asia&#039;s buzzing epicentre of fashion, culture and cutting-edge creativity.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Meet the Judges RLSD 2025


	 


	Following fantastic events in the fashion capitals of London and Milan, RLSD has now set its sights eastward and will be landing in the heart of Taipei at the renowned AMBI SPACE ONE, Taiwan&#039;s first intelligent, fully immersive venue located in the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper.


	 


	And you could be there too. Imagine this: Four exceptional finalists - category winners from Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, the People&#039;s Choice, plus the newly crowned RLSD Taiwan overall winner - will experience an all-expenses-paid trip to Taiwan. Youll present your designs live, to our influential judging panel that includes Kora Hsieh (Editor-in-Chief, Harper&#039;s BAZAAR Taiwan), Yu Lee (Taiwanese fashion influencer), Christopher Koerber (Managing Director, Hugo Boss), Adrien Roberts (International fashion education consultant) and Mike Adler (International celebrity stylist).


	 


	The final and awards night will unfold over two unforgettable days (27-28 October 2025). Finalists will also get to explore Taipei&#039;s Eastern District (Xinyi District), the heartbeat of street style and boundary-pushing individuality. This vibrant neighbourhood reflects the RLSD spirit - merging traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship with futuristic, catwalk-ready innovation that sets Taipei apart.


	 


	Mike Adler, Celebrity Stylist and RLSD judge, says, &quot;Bringing RLSD to Taipei is incredibly exciting! This is a chance for young designers to shine in one of Asias most vibrant fashion cities - well known for their unique street style of nonconformist, avant-guard looks. If you&#039;re passionate about designing a sustainable future and ready to seize a life-changing opportunity, enter now. Taipei awaits you!&quot;


	 


	Yu Lee, Taiwanese fashion influencer, added, &quot;It&#039;s exciting to see the RLSD international finals held in Taiwan for the first time. Year after year, local designers have brought thoughtful, boundary-pushing work to the competition. This is their moment to be seen on home ground, and it&#039;s a powerful sign of the creative energy growing in this part of the world.&quot;


	 


	Each finalist&#039;s winning design will feature in the prestigious RLSD Capsule Collection, touring globally at major events. Finalists will also benefit from extensive publicity linked to the competition.


	 


	Enter today: The RLSD competition is open to current fashion students and graduates from 2023 or 2024. Designs must feature at least 50% cattle hide leather in Apparel, Footwear or Accessories categories.


	 


	Don&#039;t miss your chance! Entries close at 11:59 pm (BST), 30 June 2025. Enter now at: rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com/competition-event/international-2025


	 


	Notes to editor


	 


	About Real Leather. Stay Different.


	Real Leather. Stay Different. is a global campaign that has reached some 750 million people and hundreds of thousands of students. It makes the case for leather (and other natural materials) and for making the best use of society&#039;s waste, particularly the hides that are the by-products of the dairy and meat industries, before looking to the petrochemical industries for manmade materials. Flexible and durable, leather is the natural alternative to fast fashion.


	 


	About Arts Thread


	Arts Thread is the worlds leading digital platform for emerging artists &amp; designers and a launchpad for the next generation of creative talent. Arts Thread has built relationships with over 950 creative institutions connecting to over 400,000 students in approximately 130 countries, partnering with leading brands, organisations, events, media to help launch the next generation of creative talent globally. 


	 


	For further information please visit www.artsthread.com.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d9e01e79a.jpg" length="66638" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:49:09 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Could, Your, Design, Land, You, All-Expenses-Paid, Trip, Taipei</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>PayU Appoints Digital Payments Veteran Shailesh Paul as the New CEO of Wibmo</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/payu-appoints-digital-payments-veteran-shailesh-paul-as-the-new-ceo-of-wibmo</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/payu-appoints-digital-payments-veteran-shailesh-paul-as-the-new-ceo-of-wibmo</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	PayU, one of India&#039;s leading digital financial services providers, has strengthened its senior leadership team by appointing Shailesh Paul as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wibmo, PayUs paytech division and a leader in payments security and digital financial services. Shailesh is a seasoned leader who brings in over two decades of extensive experience in payments, consumer banking, and fintech across Asia Pacific, India and the Middle East. His deep industry expertise and visionary leadership will further solidify Wibmo&#039;s position as a leader in digital payments, driving innovation and enhancing secure solutions for banks and customers.


	 


	
		
			
				
					
			
		
	



	PayU appoints Digital Payments Veteran Shailesh Paul as the new CEO of Wibmo


	
	As the CEO of Wibmo, Shailesh will lead the company&#039;s strategic vision and execution, driving sustainable growth and innovation. He will be instrumental in forging strategic alliances worldwide, advancing Wibmo&#039;s leadership in authentication, digital identity, and fraud prevention. Under his leadership, Wibmo will scale its secure transaction platforms and risk-based decision-making solutions, aligning with evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes.


	
	Commenting on the appointment, Anirban Mukherjee, CEO of PayU said, &quot;Shailesh&#039;s appointment marks a strategic step forward as we continue to deepen PayU&#039;s commitment to innovation and leadership in digital payments. With his deep expertise and global perspective, I am confident he will unlock new growth opportunities for Wibmo, elevate its market presence as a trusted technology innovator, and reinforce our vision of building a world-class Paytech platform for banks and financial institutions. We are delighted to welcome Shailesh to the PayU leadership team and are excited to have him lead this next phase of Wibmo&#039;s journey.&quot;


	
	Shailesh Paul, CEO, Wibmo, said, &quot;Wibmo plays a pivotal role in advancing PayU&#039;s vision of building a secure, scalable, and full-stack financial services ecosystem. Leading banks in India and in global markets trust our cutting-edge Paytech solutions, leveraging our technological leadership to serve their customers better. I&#039;m excited to join the talented Wibmo team and the broader PayU leadership team as we push beyond conventional boundaries and create lasting value through trust, innovation, and excellence.&quot;


	
	Prior to joining Wibmo, Shailesh spent over 18 years at Visa, most recently serving as Global Head of SMB Acceptance and previously as Head of Merchant Acquiring for India &amp; South Asia. Shailesh has held various leadership roles in partnerships, product development and business development with prior experience at Standard Chartered and Mastercard. Shailesh is an alumnus of the Wharton School of Business Advanced Management Program, Xavier Institute of Management and Delhi University.


	
	About PayU
	PayU, one of Indias leading digital financial services providers with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital payment requirements of the Indian market. PayU India companies aim to create a full-stack digital financial services platform to serve all (tapped and untapped) financial needs of customers through technology solutions.


	
	PayU provide payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 5 lakhs+ businesses, including India&#039;s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 150+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It&#039;s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.


	
	About Wibmo
	Wibmo, owned by PayU, operates with entities in India, the US, and Indonesia. It is a global full-stack PayTech company and an industry leader in payment security and digital payments in emerging markets. As India&#039;s largest authentication service provider and one of the leading digital payment markets globally, Wibmo also offers fraud and risk management solutions, digital financial services, prepaid solutions, and a variety of merchant-acquiring services. To learn more, visit: www.wibmo.co.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d803f2384.jpg" length="63662" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:41:13 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>PayU, Appoints, Digital, Payments, Veteran, Shailesh, Paul, the, New, CEO, Wibmo</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>ThinkinkPicturez Ltd Appoints Mr. Chetan Chauhan as CEO to Spearhead Major Expansion in Indian Entertainment Sector, with more Focused on Regional Content</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/thinkinkpicturez-ltd-appoints-mr-chetan-chauhan-as-ceo-to-spearhead-major-expansion-in-indian-entertainment-sector-with-more-focused-on-regional-content</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/thinkinkpicturez-ltd-appoints-mr-chetan-chauhan-as-ceo-to-spearhead-major-expansion-in-indian-entertainment-sector-with-more-focused-on-regional-content</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	ThinkinkPicturez Ltd., a dynamic and fast-growing name in India&#039;s entertainment landscape, is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Chetan Chauhan as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic leadership move comes as the company embarks on a major expansion into regional cinema and high-value content creation across India.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	CEO - Chetan Chauhan


	 


	Mr. Chauhan brings with him nearly 29 years of distinguished experience in the media and entertainment industry. He has held senior leadership roles at some of India&#039;s most respected organizations including The Times of India Group (BCCL), Mid-Day, Reliance, and Pantaloons, with a strong emphasis on the media and retail sectors.


	 


	An influential figure in the Gujarati film industry, Mr. Chauhan has served as a publicist for more than 70 regional film projects. Notably, he was associated with Pan Nalin&#039;s &quot;Last Film Show&quot;, India&#039;s official entry to the Oscars. He is also a visiting faculty member at various mass media colleges and universities in Gujarat, where he teaches Public Relations and Media Studies.


	 


	Widely recognized as an influential figure in the Gujarati film industry, Mr. Chauhan&#039;s extensive experience and industry network are expected to unlock new alliances and business opportunities for ThinkinkPicturez. His appointment marks a pivotal moment as the company gears up for large-scale growth and innovation in content production.


	 


	Under Mr. Chauhan&#039;s leadership, ThinkinkPicturez is making strategic inroads into regional cinema, with plans to produce content in Gujarati, Marathi, and other Indian languages. The company is currently developing a robust slate of projects valued at over ₹500 crore, positioning itself as a key player in Indias evolving entertainment sector.


	 


	In addition to creating high-quality content, ThinkinkPicturez is committed to nurturing creative talent by providing a platform to emerging artists across India. The company&#039;s initiatives aim to foster inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.


	 


	Further reinforcing its commitment to regional development, ThinkinkPicturez is set to engage with the Gujarat Government to seek support in driving employment and economic growth through entertainment projects in the state.


	 


	Mr. Chauhan commented, &quot;The entertainment industry in India is growing at an unprecedented pace, as evident from the recent WAVE event in Mumbai. India is poised to become a global hub for entertainment production and ideation. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, the country is also emerging as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is set to revolutionize storytelling in unimaginable ways.


	 


	At Thinkink Picturez, we are aligning ourselves with this transformation, focusing on regional content and small-town narratives. There are countless untold stories waiting to be shared with the world in the most authentic and relatable ways. We are committed to nurturing fresh talent and promoting regional narratives, with a special emphasis on children&#039;s cinema-an area that has long been overlooked. Our strategic vision includes significant investment in this segment. Meanwhile there are around 6 Hindi feature film pending projects which were announced; company management is working towards the feasibility of each project to be activated soon.


	 


	I am honored to take on this role at such a crucial time. ThinkinkPicturez has a bold vision for the future of Indian cinema, especially in regional markets. I look forward to working with our talented teams and partners to create powerful, meaningful content that connects with audiences across the country.&quot;


	 


	With a visionary new CEO and a pipeline of impactful projects, ThinkinkPicturez Ltd is poised to redefine the future of entertainment in India.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d801a0ad5.jpg" length="70693" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:41:10 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>ThinkinkPicturez, Ltd, Appoints, Mr., Chetan, Chauhan, CEO, Spearhead, Major, Expansion, Indian, Entertainment, Sector, with, more, Focused, Regional, Content</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Aurigo Appoints Technology Veteran Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/aurigo-appoints-technology-veteran-dr-sunil-kumar-vuppala-as-vice-president-of-ai-labs</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/aurigo-appoints-technology-veteran-dr-sunil-kumar-vuppala-as-vice-president-of-ai-labs</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and facility owners, announced the appointment of Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs. Based in Bengaluru, Dr. Vuppala will lead the company&#039;s global artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and research and development initiatives.
	 


	&quot;Dr. Sunil Vuppala joining as Head of Aurigo AI Labs is a significant milestone in our ambition to embed AI at the heart of every product we build,&quot; said Manish Sharma, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Aurigo Software. &quot;Sunil pairs world-class expertise in AI/ML, agentic architectures, and data science with a proven ability to turn research into responsible and trustworthy enterprise-scale solutions. Under his leadership, we will accelerate our AI-first SaaS roadmap that delivers unprecedented value to our customers.&quot;
	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	Aurigo Appoints Technology Veteran Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs
	 


	Dr. Vuppala has over 20 years of experience spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, analytics, Internet of Things, and automation. He has built four AI-first platforms and executed 100+ AI use cases, working with over 30 clients globally. With 40+ patents to his name, including six granted in the U.S., Dr. Vuppala has authored more than 35 technical papers and delivered over 100 guest lectures in academic and industry forums.
	 


	In his new role, Dr. Vuppala will lead the development and expansion of Aurigo&#039;s AI Labs and oversee the continued evolution of its core AI solution, Aurigo Lumina. His responsibilities include integrating trustworthy, secure, and scalable AI into the company&#039;s flagship platform, Masterworks, and driving AI adoption in capital planning and construction management across infrastructure and facility owners globally.
	 


	&quot;Aurigo is building the future of enterprise AIaaS, and it&#039;s an honor to be leading a team that&#039;s passionate about solving real-world problems,&quot; said Dr. Vuppala when asked about his appointment. &quot;The company&#039;s inherent culture of innovation and customer focus creates the perfect environment to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in the infrastructure domain.&quot;
	 


	Before joining Aurigo, Dr. Vuppala served as Director of Data Science at Ericsson&#039;s Global AI Accelerator (GAIA), where he led cross-functional teams to develop production-grade AI models across telecom, security, and visual intelligence domains. He also held senior positions at Philips Research, Infosys R&amp;D, and Oracle, contributing significantly to research and enterprise applications in sectors including healthcare, telecom, energy, and education.
	 


	Dr. Vuppala holds advanced degrees from IIT Roorkee (M.Tech), IIIT Bangalore (Ph.D.), IIM Ahmedabad (SMP), and NLSIU Bengaluru (MBL). A passionate educator and industry volunteer, he teaches at institutions such as IIIT-B and Great Learning and serves as chair of the IEEE Computer Society Bangalore Chapter.
	 


	About Aurigo Software
	Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $450 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo&#039;s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government, with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India.
	
	Learn more at www.aurigo.com.
   ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d7feaedcc.jpg" length="53328" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:41:08 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Aurigo, Appoints, Technology, Veteran, Dr., Sunil, Kumar, Vuppala, Vice, President, Labs</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Hitachi India Appoints N Venu as its Managing Director</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/hitachi-india-appoints-n-venu-as-its-managing-director</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/hitachi-india-appoints-n-venu-as-its-managing-director</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	Hitachi India Pvt. Ltd. (Hitachi India) as part of its growth strategy to further accelerate the business in India has announced the appointment of Mr. N Venu as the Managing Director of Hitachi India, in addition to his current role as Managing Director &amp; CEO, Hitachi Energy India Limited and Region Head of South Asia at Hitachi Energy. The new appointment will be effective from 02 June 2025. This follows the elevation of Hitachis first Indian Managing Director Dr. Bharat Kaushal, Corporate officer, Hitachi, Ltd. to Executive Chairman, Hitachi India with effect from 1st April 2025.


	 


	
		
			
				
		
	



	N Venu, Managing Director of Hitachi India


	 


	As the Managing Director of Hitachi India, N Venu will focus on expanding Hitachis legacy in India in line with Hitachi Groups new management plan - Inspire 2027. By strengthening the cohesion around 28 Hitachi group companies in India, Venu will strive to create value for customers as Hitachi transforms into a digital-centric company and expand the Lumada business while creating synergetic opportunities for the organization, especially by integrating IT, OT (Operational Technology) proficiency to further strengthen Hitachis over nine decades of flourishing partnership with the nation.


	 


	Hitachi is witnessing major expansion in India, covering varied businesses, including Rail, Digital, Connective Industries, Energy, Financial inclusion, e-Education and Healthcare. The journey goes beyond fortifying its collaboration with India to realize the long-term mission of making Hitachi India the global hub for providing solutions that echo the unified vision of building an ecosystem that supports steering business from India for India and India for the world. Hitachi India aspires to monetize the worlds largest Connected Community and create a new business model by establishing a Delivery-layer framework through Strategic Partnerships enabling its businesses in India, thereby ensuring a high-margin, high-revenue business model.


	 


	Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Kojin Nakakita, Vice President and Executive Officer, Head of Regional Strategies [APAC/India], in charge of Regional Strategies [APAC]/ Chairman of Hitachi Asia Ltd., said, &quot;I am honored to welcome N Venu. His appointment reiterates our commitment to India and showcases the companys truly diverse culture and larger collaboration among Hitachi group companies. I am confident that his experience and deep understanding of the Indian market will be instrumental in further accelerating Hitachis business in India.&quot;


	 


	Echoing similar thoughts Dr. Bharat Kaushal, Executive Chairman, Hitachi India, said, &quot;The appointment of N Venu will reemphasize our vision and mission of making India as one of the most lucrative business hubs within Hitachis cosmic ecosystem. N Venu has been instrumental in driving and steering business at Hitachi Energy, which has witnessed expansive growth under his leadership. Hitachi Energy is one of Indias largest contributors in architecting a framework that goes beyond offering unparalleled energy solutions and has been supporting India in illuminating and realizing the dreams of billions. I firmly believe that his cosmic wisdom and business acumen will further strengthen the India operations, especially driving multiple stakeholders towards creating value to imprint an indelible social impact. As Hitachi transforms and evolves as one of the leading conglomerates to offer its distinguished Digital solutions, together we will drive digital centricity and digitalization adding invaluable acceleration to Social Innovation by combining advanced IT, OT (Operational Technology).&quot;


	 


	Commenting on his new role, N Venu said, &quot;It is an honor to be bestowed with this responsibility at such a critical juncture in Hitachis legacy. India is a key market for Hitachi Energy globally and, through One Hitachi, is set to be a cornerstone of the companys future worldwide growth.&quot;


	 


	N Venu has nearly four decades of work experience and has led Hitachi Energy in India since its formation in 2019. He was also the Chairman of the Karnataka chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) during 2024-25. Venu has a degree in Electrical Engineering from NIT Warangal and has also been accredited by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and the International Institute of Management Development, Switzerland.


	 


	Hitachis partnership with India dates back to 1930s with the importing of table fans and later on, went on to supply steam engines followed by Turbines for the Bhakra Nangal Dam. Since then, Hitachi has been mounting its footprints in India and solidifying its position with the presence of around 28 group companies (as of March 2023), and Hitachi in India has a workforce of 39,322 employees (as of the end of Q1 of FY2024) fuelling the transformation of Ind ]]></description>
        <enclosure url="http://startupstory18.com/uploads/images/202506/image_870x580_6843d7fc06caa.jpg" length="50073" type="image/jpeg"/>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:41:05 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Hitachi, India, Appoints, Venu, its, Managing, Director</media:keywords>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Wealth&amp;tech Platform InvestorAi Announces Senior Leadership Appointments to Drive Growth</title>
        <link>https://startupstory18.com/wealth-tech-platform-investorai-announces-senior-leadership-appointments-to-drive-growth</link>
        <guid>https://startupstory18.com/wealth-tech-platform-investorai-announces-senior-leadership-appointments-to-drive-growth</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[ 
	
		
			InvestorAi bolsters Leadership Team with Key Appointments of Nazim Sait, Sunil Semwal and Archana Ravichandra as the CFO, VP Labs and Head of Investment Products respectively
	
	
		
			InvestorAi is an AI-recommended equity investments platform working with top 20 broking firms in India impacting close to 20,000 retail investors
	
	
		
			The Company has also launched a range of new products including Intra-day and MTF baskets along with YouTrade as a delivery platform for its offerings integrated with Vani, its conversational agent to help retail investors to demystify investments terms, filter &amp; crunch data to identify best investment opportunities
	
	
		
			InvestorAi has raised Rs 80 crore from well-reputed markets expert Ashish Kacholia
			 
	



	AI-powered equity recommendation platform, InvestorAi today announced key senior management appointments of Nazim Sait Arif as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sunil Kumar Semwal as VP Labs and Archana Ravichandra as Head Investment Product. These critical additions to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) accentuate InvestorAis commitment to accelerating its ambitious 5x organic revenue growth plans this year and cementing its position as a frontrunner in AI driven investment solutions.
	 


	Nazim Sait, appointed as Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for Finance, Legal, Compliance, HR, and Admin functions. Sunil Semwal joins as Vice President Labs will manage the production release, tuning, and retraining of all AI models, directly impacting InvestorAis core product offerings. Archana Ravichandra is the Head of Investment Products and she is responsible for the performance of the AI model portfolios and baskets. She will also work closely with CRO and engage with key stakeholders to boost revenue.
	 


	Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Bruce Keith, CEO &amp; Co founder, InvestorAi, says, &quot;As InvestorAi continues its significant growth trajectory, we recognize the paramount importance of high-quality leadership that can effectively balance growth velocity with robust processes, stringent controls, and efficient delivery. Nazim, Archana and Sunil are incredible additions to our team at InvestorAi as they are exceptional leaders and operators. Their roll up your sleeves attitude and impressive track records align perfectly with our company culture and strategic vision.&quot;
	 


	He further added, our immediate plans call for organic revenue growth of 5x, however we have a number of other opportunities available which will require additional senior talent, principally around investment management. We are observing a fantastic trend where some of the diaspora are returning to India, seeing fabulous opportunities to advance their careers, like Sunil and Archana. These strategic leadership appointments mark a pivotal moment for InvestorAi as it continues to innovate and expand its footprint in the AI-driven financial services sector.
	 


	Nazim Sait Appointed as Chief Financial Officer is a qualified CPA and an alumnus of IIM(A), bringing nearly two decades of experience to InvestorAi. His distinguished career includes successfully scaling a financial data provider startup from 20 to over 1,000 employees. Nazim excels in building high-performing finance teams, implementing efficient systems and processes, and demonstrating deep expertise in fundraising, acquisitions and exits. &quot;I am privileged to be associated with InvestorAi. With over 20 years of experience, I have led complex acquisitions ranging from business valuation and due diligence to post-merger integration. At InvestorAi, I aspire to further strengthen my expertise and become a leading thought leader in AI-driven finance. I believe that harnessing agentic AI to drive efficiency-while upholding robust safety and accuracy framework will be pivotal to shaping InvestorAis strategic direction,&quot; said Mr. Nizam Sait, CFO, InvestorAi.
	 


	InvestorAi has hired Sunil and Archana, who have relocated back to India from Singapore and Poland respectively. Sunil brings over 24 years of international experience spanning technology and capital markets, including significant stints in the US and Singapore. He possesses a rare and highly complementary skill set, holding both a Masters in Computer Science and being a fully qualified CFA. Archana Ravichandra brings over 10 years of global experience in managing risk across multi-asset portfolios and driving regulatory compliance initiatives. Throughout her career, she has worked with leading investment banks in both India and Poland, where she successfully worked in various capacities leading high-performing teams to achieve organizational goals.
	 


	About InvestorAi
	InvestorAi is a SEBI authorised firm that is focused on using AI and other advanced technology to revolutionise broking, wealth, and asset management by delivering strong investment solutions that are convenient and accessible. Its approach combines deep d ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:41:01 +0530</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Newsvoir Press Release</dc:creator>
        <media:keywords>Wealth-tech, Platform, InvestorAi, Announces, Senior, Leadership, Appointments, Drive, Growth</media:keywords>
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