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  • Odisha MSME Stakeholders Deliberate on Strengthening Enterprise Ecosystem at KIIT-TBI

    Bhubaneswar: Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers came together at the Odisha MSME & Enterprise Stakeholder Connect, held at KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI). The event was jointly organised by BCKIC and the Pernod Ricard Foundation under the Enterprise Odisha initiative to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the state’s MSME ecosystem.

    A key highlight of the programme was the panel discussion on “Understanding the Enterprise Ecosystem in Odisha,” which brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the current landscape of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. The discussion focused on identifying growth opportunities, addressing existing challenges, and developing collaborative strategies to foster innovation and sustainable enterprise development.

    Odisha MSME Stakeholders Deliberate on Strengthening Enterprise Ecosystem at KIIT-TBI

    Panelists shared valuable insights on creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs through stronger institutional partnerships, access to resources, capacity building, and policy support. The session also underscored the importance of nurturing startups and empowering local enterprises to contribute to Odisha’s economic growth.

    The stakeholder connect witnessed active participation from representatives of industry, academia, incubation centres, development organisations, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The gathering reflected a shared commitment to strengthening Odisha’s enterprise ecosystem through collaboration and collective action.

    Participants appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and contribute to discussions aimed at enhancing the state’s entrepreneurial landscape. The event concluded with a renewed focus on fostering innovation, supporting MSMEs, and accelerating inclusive economic development across Odisha.

  • AI Embedded Across Curriculum as Management Education Adapts to Changing Workplace Demands

    New curriculum integrates AI, experiential learning, industry projects, and emerging business practices across Marketing, Finance, Analytics, and HR

    BENGALURU, June 27 — As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries and redefines workplace expectations, management education is undergoing a significant transformation. Reflecting this shift, the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bengaluru, convened its Annual Board of Studies (BoS) meeting, bringing together 19 senior industry professionals and 23 faculty members for a comprehensive redesign of its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) curriculum, embedding AI across all specialisations while strengthening industry integration, experiential learning and real-world business exposure.

    As part of the redesign, ISME has introduced two new courses, AI for Management and Indian Knowledge System. The programme also places greater emphasis on practical learning through increased internship exposure, live projects and industry engagement. Summer internship credits have been increased from 3 to 6, every term will include a field project, and students will continue to participate in the institution’s Industry Trajectory Program, which enables them to work with organisations on real business challenges while pursuing their studies.

    Dr. Nitin Garg, Founder & Director, ISME Bangalore, said, “The revised curriculum has been developed to align management education with the realities of a rapidly evolving business landscape where employers increasingly seek professionals who can combine technological fluency, analytical thinking and human decision-making. Rather than treating AI as a niche specialisation, the new framework integrates AI concepts, tools and applications throughout the learning journey, ensuring students understand how technology influences decision-making across business functions.”

    Dr. Shampa Nandi, Convener of BOS, mentioned, “The Board of Studies for the PGDM programme goes well beyond a once-a-year compliance formality. BOS members contribute meaningfully to the programme’s academic quality by reviewing session plans for content currency, assessing select student assignments and projects, and engaging as mentors and guide for students across functional specialisations.”

    The curriculum has been redesigned to reflect emerging industry trends and employer expectations in all functional domains. The Marketing curriculum now incorporates areas such as quick commerce, direct-to-consumer business models, Omni channel strategy, AI-driven advertising, prompt engineering and attribution models, ensuring students gain exposure to the tools and practices shaping modern marketing. The Finance curriculum moves beyond traditional transaction-focused learning to emphasise financial analysis, business decision-making and AI-enabled financial modelling. Embedded NISM certifications and contemporary case studies will help students connect financial concepts with real business scenarios.

    In Business Analytics, the curriculum adopts a business-first approach that makes analytics more accessible and relevant for management students. New components include AI governance, DPDP compliance, analytics storytelling, Agentic AI and MLOps, enabling students to understand how data and technology can drive business outcomes.

    The Human Resources curriculum has been strengthened with greater emphasis on workplace application and organisational effectiveness. Students will gain exposure to Labour Codes, Human Capital Management platforms, competency modelling, change management and AI-driven talent management practices, reflecting the evolving role of HR in modern organisations.

    The revised curriculum was shaped through extensive consultation with industry leaders and academic experts. Recommendations were finalised by Dean Dr. Rony G Kurien and Dr. Shampa Nandi, Assistant Dean & Principal (PG), Prof. Sanjit Ghosh, Co-Convener and Dr. Rajni Pathak, Program Coordinator. Along with 19 senior industry professionals from organisations including JP Morgan & Chase, Coforge, Grant Thornton, Reliance Retail, Reliance JioMart, Godrej, Biocon, Acer, Aon and IISc, alongside faculty members, to review workforce trends and future skill requirements.

    With this transformation, ISME aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations while ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven business environment.

     

  • Toss Brings 30 Million Users Into the AI Data Economy in Partnership With Poseidon

    Toss users can now contribute real-world data to train AI and get paid for it, in a first-of-its-kind model launching in Korea ahead of global expansion

    SEOUL, June 26, 2026 — Poseidon, the data infrastructure built to source and license real-world data for AI, today announced a partnership with Toss, the mobile financial platform operated by Viva Republica, to let everyday users contribute to AI training and be paid for what they provide. It is Toss’s first move into AI data, and it opens that market to its roughly 30 million users.

    Frontier AI has run out of internet to scrape. The next generation of models depends on real-world data, the kind that captures how people actually speak, move, and react, which does not exist on the open web and has never had a clean way to be sourced, licensed, or paid for. Poseidon is building the infrastructure to change that, and Toss brings the reach to do it at scale.

    Through the partnership, Poseidon’s contributor app, Numo, launches inside the Toss app. Toss users can help build Korean-language training data across voice, image, and video, and receive payment tied directly to what they contribute. Poseidon provides the infrastructure that tracks each contribution and its value, while Toss provides the user base and the financial experience that turns participation into payment. Together they offer a working answer to a question the AI industry has struggled with, which is how to compensate the people whose data makes models better.

    Every contribution made through Numo is registered on DATA, the AI data network that Poseidon refines data for. DATA gives each record a verifiable provenance trail through Trace, its public audit layer, so a buyer can see where a piece of training data came from and a contributor can see that their work was counted and paid. DATA Foundation, which launched this week from the rebrand of Story, is building this layer alongside integration partners including the human data marketplace Kled, and Poseidon is one of the largest sources of refined data flowing into it.

    What Numo collects is first-person data, recorded by real people in real environments, which is among the hardest and most valuable categories to obtain. It is the raw material for physical intelligence, the AI that has to operate in the physical world across robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other applications. Demand from global AI labs for this kind of data is climbing, and Korea is positioned to supply it, with its dense real-life data and Toss’s user base. Poseidon and Toss intend to prove the model in Korea, then expand to global markets.

    Changhoon Seo, Executive Director of New Business at Toss, said: “As the AI industry grows, demand for high-quality data is rising just as fast. Toss plans to build an environment where users can take part in the data economy more easily and naturally, and to expand a structure in which the value they contribute is rewarded transparently.”

    SY Lee, Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of Poseidon, said: “Korea is one of the few markets where the strategic importance of AI data, a mature financial system, and world-class mobile experience all exist at once. Toss is the right partner to turn user-contributed AI data from an early idea into a standard the rest of the world can adopt.” Lee previously founded the web-novel platform Radish and sold it to Kakao Entertainment, co-founded Story, the IP infrastructure that recently rebranded as DATA Foundation, and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum this year.

  • 2026 Pair’d Festival Program Announced Australia’s leading wine festival returns to Margaret River this November

    Friday, 26th June 2026
    Pair’d Margaret River Region has today unveiled its 2026 program – a masterful, multi-sensory celebration of wine, food, music and culture, that will utilise the region’s incredible natural assets as the backdrop for the four-day festival this November (19-22).

    Hot off major global recognition at the prestigious Eventex Awards (the only Australian festival to receive this accolade), today’s program announcement will see Pair’d bring together a once-in-a-lifetime combination of Michelin stars, global music icons, rare museum wines and beachside feasts at Australia’s leading wine-first festival.

    2026 Pair’d Festival Program Announced Australia’s leading wine festival returns to Margaret River this November

    Pair’d Festival Director Hannah Pike said the team were thrilled to present a program that pushes far beyond the traditional food and wine festival format. “The 2026 program is about the art of the blend, from museum pours and fire feasts, to musicians in caves and sunset sessions by the ocean, we’ve curated a collection of experiences that simply couldn’t happen anywhere else in the world.” Ms Pike said. “In between festivals, we spend the year scouring the world to find talent who genuinely love and have a real connection to wine – be it musicians, chefs or artists – to deliver a multi-sensory celebration of place, creativity and connection. The program is wine-led, designed to be inclusive and welcoming to guests of all tastes, interests and price-points. I strongly encourage anyone interested in attending to start exploring the program now, ahead of tickets going on sale next week.” Ms Pike finished. The Grand Tasting returns to Howard Park Wines as the only event of the year where Margaret River’s most prestigious and iconic producers gather on a single lawn. Guests can indulge in a festival menu curated by Matt Moran and Aaron Carr, explore legendary vintages through Museum Masterclasses with Erin Larkin and Nick Ryan in the Howard Park Wine Chapel, and enjoy live music from jazz artist Mark Turner
    and a headline performance by Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures).

    Western Australian-born chef Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore) will return home for the hugely anticipated Burnt Ends & Friends at Wills Domain. Selling out within minutes last year, the next instalment will see Pynt collaborate with American BBQ Pitmaster and Netflix royalty Rodney Scott, Hong Kong chef Matt Abergel, Larissa Goncalves (Si Paradiso) and Ben Cross (Mason Bali) for one of the festival’s signature dining events.

    Scott will also host An Evening with Pitmaster: Rodney Scott alongside good friend Morgan Mcglone (The Goodies Group), an intimate live-fire feast on the festival’s opening night. Festival favourite Pair’d Beach Club will return to Meelup Beach, bringing together two ex-Noma alumni – Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Published on Main and No. 17 in North America’s 50 Best, and Ben Ing, Noma’s former head chef now behind Alberta’s in Busselton.

    Guests will arrive to oysters, sparkling and coastal spritzes before choosing their experience: the Beach Club Restaurant, where a three-course menu is matched with Margaret River wines curated by sommelier Cyndal Petty or the Beach Bar, a more relaxed setting of casual beach bites, wine, music and dancing on the sand. WA seafood chef Scott Bridger of Pearla & Co. will offer a live raw bar throughout the event.

    The Pair’d Beach Club is also your ticket to experience this year’s music headliners, legendary Austrian electronic duo Kruder & Dorfmeister for their only Australian performance in more than a decade. Pioneers of the “Vienna Sound” and passionately involved in the wine industry themselves, they are a natural fit for Pair’d – artists who have shaped both sound and wine culture, performing at sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean.

    Led by proud Wadandi-Pibulman man Zac Webb, Nature’s Table will return under the canopy of Tanah Marah Forest, with Paul Iskov (Fervor) and Bundjalung woman Mindy Wood (World’s 50 Best Restaurants ‘Champions of Change Award) teaming up to present an exclusive four-course lunch that weaves the essence of the blooming Peppermint Tree. Paired with a prestigious wine list curated by Erin Larkin and the soulful melodies of Noongar artist Bumpy, this is a dining experience in complete harmony with the forest around.

    With so many of the events in the program utilising the incredible natural assets of the Margaret River Region, Ngilgi Reverie will transform the ancient chambers of Ngilgi Cave into one of the world’s most unique stages with didgeridoo and soulful acoustic performances, followed by a Cullen Wines-led and bushfood-inspired tasting experience. Meanwhile, Xanadu Wines Under the Stars will celebrate WA’s glittering night sky for a unique evening of food, wine, astronomy and cultural storytelling.

    If it’s Michelin stars you’re chasing, Vasse Felix x Bonheur presented by Lexus is an exclusive event bringing together the artistry of Vasse Felix Estate chef Cam Jones and winemaker Virginia Willcock, with the world-class refinement of Gordon Ramsay protege, Matt Abé, Chef Patron of Bonheur (London), who gained 2 Michelin stars in his new restaurant within months of opening. The event celebrates heritage, innovation and the deep connection between premier wine-making and world-class gastronomy.

    Wayfinder x St. John presented by Lexus will see Wayfinder’s Brendan Pratt join forces with London’s legendary St. John to present a menu that honours the regenerative cycles of the land. Set against the backdrop of the estate, this forward-thinking dining experience is a raw dialogue between the winemaker and the chef, merging St. John’s pioneering nose-to tail philosophy with Wayfinder’s soil-first viticulture.

    In 2026, New Wave Gathering is taking over crowd favourite Chow’s Table for a night of wine, delicious Chinese food, and live music headlined by Australian indie-electronic favourites Boo Seeka. Guests can expect fresh pours from the region’s next-gen labels with big tunes to match.

    Oenophiles are in for a treat at The History Makers hosted by Nick Ryan, with a menu masterfully delivered by Dave Pynt and Leeuwin Estate’s Dan Gedge. Space is strictly limited to 24 seats, with Leeuwin Estate opening its gallery for the ultra-exclusive dinner featuring pinnacle bottles and revered museum releases never before tasted by the public. Ryan said: “I’ve drunk a lot of great Margaret River wines in my time, but never have I seen a collection quite like what’s on offer at this dinner. It really is the best of the best and we’ll be talking about this night for years to come.”

    Western Australian Tourism Minister the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said the WA Government is excited to invite local, national and international guests to experience an event celebrating world-class wine, food, culture, and creativity in a truly unique destination.

    “Now in its third year, Pair’d Margaret River Region is a proudly West Australian homegrown event that has already built a strong presence on the global stage, Minister Whitby said. “The 2026 program showcases internationally recognised chefs, musicians and storytellers through unique experiences that highlight the region’s natural beauty and exceptional wine and culinary offerings.”

    “This event plays a key role in driving visitation to the Margaret River Region, supporting local businesses and delivering strong economic outcomes for the community, while further cementing Western Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination.” 

    Key Notes:

    • Access the full Media Toolkit HERE
    • Festival dates: Thursday 19 November – Sunday 22 November 2026.
    • The full program can be viewed now at pairdmargaretriver.com with tickets on sale at 10am AWST (Perth), Wednesday 1 July.
    • The 2026 program includes more than 40 wine-led events set across beaches, forests, caves and vineyards in the Margaret River Region.
    • Crowd favourite Burnt Ends & Friends will see Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore) return and join forces with American Pitmaster, Netflix royalty Rodney Scott and Hong Kong’s “King of Chicken,” Matt Abergel (Yardbird, Hong Kong), for a smoke fuelled masterclass in global flavour. Scott will also host An Evening with Pitmaster: Rodney Scott with Morgan Mcglone, an intimate live-fire feast on the festival’s opening night.
    • Legendary Austrian DJ duo and now winemakers, Kruder & Dorfmeister (K&D) will return to Australia for the first time in a decade for their only Aus gig at two exclusive sunset sets at Pair’d Beach Club on Meelup Beach.
    • Ben Ing (Alberta’s, Busselton) will team up with Gus Stieffenhoffer-Brandson (Published on Main, Vancouver) celebrate the best of Western Australian seafood across a variety of dining options at Pair’d Beach Club, with wines curated by Cyndal Petty.
    • Wayfinder x St John presented by Lexus will see the esteemed London restaurant that is credited with pioneering nose-to-tail dining collaborate with chef Brendan Pratt on a menu that honours the regenerative cycles of the land.
    • Vasse Felix x Bonheur presented by Lexus brings together Vasse Felix chef Cam Jones and winemaker Virginia Willcock with Gordon Ramsay protege Matt Abé, Chef Patron of Bonheur (London), who gained 2 Michelin stars within months of opening.
    • Returning favourites include Nature’s Table, Ngilgi Reverie, The Grand Tasting, New Wave Gathering, and Pair’d Beach Club.
    • Many events sold out within 20 minutes of going on sale last year, so early movement is strongly encouraged for those wanting to attend the event.
    • Early Access sign-ups and travel packages are available now via Pair’d Margaret River Region.
    • For interstate guests, direct flights available from Sydney and Melbourne straight into Busselton Margaret River Airport.

    Event Owner
    Tourism Western Australia Tourism Western Australia (WA) is the WA Government agency responsible for promoting Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination. Their role is to inspire more people to visit WA from Australia and around the world. Tourism WA does this by marketing the state to the world through innovative campaigns; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, arts, cultural and business events; working with government and the tourism industry to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences for our visitors; and by informing and empowering the WA tourism industry through sharing key insights and global trends, building stakeholder relationships and providing leadership to the sector.

    Event Organisers

    Mellen Events With over 30 years of experience, Mellen Events is Western Australia’s leading concert promoter and event management company. As the exclusive concert operator at Kings Park for more than two decades, they have staged over 140 outdoor concerts for more than one million fans, hosting global artists such as Sting, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Lorde, and Groove Armada. Their portfolio also spans major festivals and bespoke experiences, including Kaleidoscope Festival of Light and Dark Sky Festival. In partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, Mellen combines global talent access with a deep understanding of the WA market to deliver premium events that unite communities and showcase the region on the national and international stage.

    We Are Gather

    2025 winners of ‘Best Small Event Agency in Australia’ at the Australian Event Awards, and 2026 Winners of Event Ex Rising Star Agency and Boutique Agency. We Are Gather is a bold, collaborative curator of premium experiences, designing and delivering large-scale festivals, destination-led events, and brand activations with clarity, creativity, and commercial acumen. Built on deep roots in food, wine, tourism, and culture, we create immersive experiences that not only elevate brands and bring people together but also drive real results for regions, communities, and collaborators. We believe in creating gatherings that ‘leave a legacy’.

    AHOY Management

    AHOY Management specialises in festivals that sell out, build loyal followings, and are beloved in real life. Their standout events include Cabin Fever in Margaret River, Taste Great Southern, and Subi Spritz in Subiaco. With years of local and international experience, AHOY brings bold ideas to life, turning seeds of concepts into thriving celebrations. They work closely with communities, brands, and agencies, delivering big agency expertise with a boutique, boundary-pushing approach.

  • India’s Forex Position Strengthens as Reserves Climb to Dollar 672.5 Billion

    New Delhi, June 26: India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by nearly $1 billion, reaching $672.5 billion, according to the latest data, reflecting continued stability in the country’s external financial position.

    The increase in reserves is seen as a positive signal of economic resilience, supported by steady capital inflows, healthy export performance, and prudent macroeconomic management.

    Economists said the strong reserve position provides a buffer against global financial volatility, currency fluctuations, and external shocks, while also supporting confidence in the Indian rupee.

    Foreign exchange reserves play a crucial role in maintaining financial stability, ensuring adequate import cover, and supporting overall economic growth. India’s current reserve levels remain among the highest globally.

    Officials noted that the steady accumulation of reserves reflects strong underlying fundamentals and sustained investor confidence in the Indian economy.

    The rise is expected to further strengthen India’s ability to manage external risks and support long-term economic stability.

  • India’s Green Economy Surges to Dollar 110 Billion, Grows at 20% CAGR: Report

    New Delhi, June 2026: India’s green economy has reached an estimated $110 billion, expanding at a strong 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), according to a recent report. The data highlights the rapid acceleration of India’s transition toward a more sustainable, low-carbon economic model driven by clean energy expansion, policy support, and increasing private sector participation.

    The report notes that the green economy is becoming a major structural component of India’s overall growth story. Key contributing sectors include renewable energy, electric mobility, sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency solutions, waste management, and climate-focused innovation. Together, these industries are reshaping traditional business models while creating new investment opportunities and employment pathways.

    A significant driver of this growth has been India’s continued push toward clean energy adoption, supported by large-scale deployment of solar and wind power, increasing electrification of transport, and broader adoption of energy-efficient technologies across industries. Government initiatives promoting sustainability and emissions reduction have further strengthened momentum across the sector.

    Industry observers also point to rising investor interest in environmentally sustainable businesses as a key factor behind the expansion. Companies are increasingly integrating environmental considerations into their long-term strategies, aligning with global sustainability expectations and evolving market demand.

    The report emphasizes that India’s green economy is moving beyond early-stage development and is now emerging as a mainstream contributor to economic growth. It is playing an increasingly important role in shaping industrial competitiveness, improving energy security, and supporting long-term economic resilience.

    Experts suggest that continued policy focus, technological innovation, and sustained capital inflows will be critical in maintaining this growth trajectory. The sector is expected to remain a key pillar of India’s economic transformation in the coming years, reinforcing the country’s position as a fast-growing hub for sustainable development.

    Overall, the findings reflect a broader shift in India’s economic landscape, where sustainability is becoming central to growth strategies rather than a parallel initiative.

  • ASPIRE Scheme Boosts Rural Entrepreneurship with 109 Business Incubators Across India

    New Delhi, June 26: The Centre’s ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship) initiative is strengthening rural entrepreneurship by supporting innovation and self-employment through a nationwide network of 109 business incubators.

    The scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), aims to promote entrepreneurship in rural and semi-urban areas by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with access to incubation facilities, skill development, mentoring, and business support.

    Officials said the incubators are helping startups and first-generation entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures, while creating employment opportunities and encouraging local economic development.

    The ASPIRE scheme focuses on fostering innovation in the agriculture and rural sectors by supporting enterprises that generate sustainable livelihoods and strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

    The government said the initiative is playing a key role in promoting inclusive economic growth by nurturing entrepreneurship at the grassroots level and empowering rural youth to become job creators instead of job seekers.

    The scheme continues to expand India’s rural innovation ecosystem, supporting the government’s vision of strengthening the MSME sector and accelerating rural economic development.

  • Odisha Signs MoUs Worth Rs 24,823 Crore; Nearly 29,500 Jobs to Be Created

    Bhubaneswar, June 26 (UDN): In a major boost to Odisha’s industrial landscape, the state on Friday witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for seven mega projects involving investments worth Rs 24,823 crore, with the proposed ventures expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 29,500 people.

    Odisha Signs MoUs Worth Rs 24,823 Crore; Nearly 29,500 Jobs to Be Created

    The agreements were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the third Eastern Regional Council Meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) held in Bhubaneswar.

    The proposed projects span key sectors and are expected to significantly strengthen Odisha’s industrial ecosystem, attract fresh investments and accelerate the state’s economic growth trajectory.

    Addressing industry leaders and investors, Chief Minister Majhi said the new investment commitments reflect growing confidence in Odisha’s industrial potential and reaffirm the state’s vision of emerging as a leading growth engine in eastern India.

    “The next chapter of India’s growth story is being written in Eastern India. Odisha is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Purvodaya’,” the Chief Minister said.

    He highlighted that Odisha’s investor-friendly policies, robust infrastructure, abundant natural resources and skilled workforce have made the state a preferred destination for industries and entrepreneurs.

    Majhi further stated that the newly signed projects would not only strengthen the state’s manufacturing and industrial base but also create large-scale employment opportunities, thereby contributing to inclusive socio-economic development.

    Industry representatives participating in the meeting expressed optimism over Odisha’s growth prospects and appreciated the state’s proactive approach towards industrial development and ease of doing business.

    The signing of the seven MoUs is being viewed as a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to attract large investments and position itself as a key industrial hub in eastern India.

  • DY CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka Inaugurates IITEX 2026

    DY CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka Inaugurates IITEX 2026

     

    Hyderabad, June 26: “Manufacturing in the future will not be driven by machines alone; it will be driven by intelligence. It no longer matters how many machines are installed on the factory floor. What matters is how efficiently they operate, how well they communicate with each other, how much energy they conserve, and how smart they are,” said Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, while inaugurating the 3rd edition of IITEX 2026 – Industrial Innovation & Technology Expo at the Hitex Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, on Friday.

    The three-day expo, organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), showcases Telangana’s industrial strength, innovation, manufacturing excellence, industrial automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, smart factories and other emerging technologies.

    The Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the expo in the presence of R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI; K.K. Maheshwari, Vice President, FTCCI; Srinivas Garimella, FTCCI leadership; C.S.S. Rao, Joint Director, MSME Development & Facilitation Office; K. Rahul Reddy, Director, Any Time Diesel; Vimlesh Gupta, Convenor, IITEX 2026; Bhavani Suresh, Managing Director, Truzon Solar, and other industry leaders.

    Addressing over 250 industrialists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, technology experts and innovators, the Deputy Chief Minister said Telangana has made remarkable strides over the past decade and has earned a reputation for growth, innovation and investor confidence.

    “FTCCI serves as a strong bridge between the Government and industry. IITEX is not merely an exhibition of products; it is a platform for ideas, innovation and collaboration, bringing together all stakeholders of the industrial ecosystem,” he said.

    The Deputy Chief Minister said the Telangana Government considers investors as wealth creators and is committed to creating a business-friendly ecosystem for industries of all sizes.

    “The ease of doing business should not be confined to large industries alone. MSMEs must also benefit. Small entrepreneurs should not have to run from pillar to post to establish and operate their businesses,” he remarked.

    Outlining Telangana’s industrial vision, he said the State’s future rests on five pillars — Innovation, Sustainability, Skills, MSME Strengthening and Partnerships.

    He invited the private sector to partner with the Government through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

    “Our goal is to build a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047. Government alone cannot achieve this. Wherever the private sector sees opportunities, we welcome them to join hands with us. Together we can build a stronger, greener, smarter and globally competitive Telangana,” he said.

    Highlighting Telangana’s focus on sustainable industrial growth, he said electric mobility and renewable energy are key priorities.

    “All electric vehicles enjoy 100% exemption from road tax. Telangana has already crossed 5 GW of installed solar power capacity and aims to reach 34 GW by 2035, making the State a leader in reliable, affordable and green energy,” he added.

    Delivering the welcome address, R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said IITEX 2026 has been designed to connect businesses, technology providers, buyers and policymakers under one roof.

    “Our objective is to facilitate networking, business leads, technology adoption and strategic partnerships. This year’s expo focuses on eight high-growth sectors including electric mobility, solar energy, food processing technologies, innovative packaging, industrial automation and smart manufacturing.”

    He said the expo is showcasing the latest Industrial IoT technologies, including wireless temperature, pressure and vibration monitoring systems that enable real-time shop-floor visibility, predictive maintenance, improved asset reliability and enhanced operational efficiency.

    Vimlesh Gupta, Convenor of IITEX 2026, said over 100 exhibitors are showcasing their products and services and the organisers expect more than 15,000 business visitors during the three-day exhibition.

    C.S.S. Rao, Joint Director, MSME Development & Facilitation Office, said the Ministry of MSME is committed to strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs and highlighted various schemes that financially support MSMEs to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Bhavani Suresh, Managing Director, Truzon Solar, said, “The future of industry lies in clean, reliable and intelligent energy solutions. Solar power is no longer just an environmental choice—it is a smart business decision that improves efficiency, reduces costs and enhances sustainability.”

    Highlighting a growing trend in industrial logistics, K. Rahul Reddy, Director, Any Time Diesel, said diesel delivery startups are transforming the way fuel reaches industries, construction sites, hospitals, telecom towers and commercial establishments.

    “Doorstep diesel delivery through mobile fuel bowsers reduces downtime, saves fuel, manpower and operational costs while ensuring safe, technology-enabled fuel distribution,” he said.

    Rear Admiral R. Sreenivas, VSM (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Bondada Group, said, the next phase of industrial growth will be defined not by individual technologies, but by how effectively industries collaborate, innovate, and adapt.

    Hyderabad today has more than six diesel delivery startups, while nearly 36 companies operate across the country, making this an important and fast-growing segment of India’s industrial services ecosystem.

    Among the notable exhibitors are Any Time Diesel, Truzon Solar, Ampleton, Bondada Group, Hyderabad Security Council and Supasac.

    The exhibition featured a wide range of innovative and sustainable products. Bondada Group showcased lightweight Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks along with other eco-friendly building materials and green construction solutions. Supersac displayed its RollTop Backpack made from recycled PET bottles, besides a versatile 3-in-1 convertible backpack that can be used as a backpack, briefcase or overnight bag. Royal Deluxe exhibited a compact table-top mini cooler that operates without water. Active Green Products demonstrated an innovative window system that continues to circulate fresh outdoor air even when the window is closed, enhancing indoor air quality and ventilation. Keystone Robotix attracted visitors with its Mome Cooking Machine, an intelligent automated system capable of preparing a variety of dishes with minimal human intervention.

    The exhibition will remain open to visitors until Sunday evening.

    – 

  • Centre Charts Roadmap for Green Urea Production, Plans 7.24 Lakh MT Green Ammonia Procurement

    New Delhi, June 26: The Centre has initiated a roadmap for the production of Green Urea as part of its efforts to promote sustainable fertiliser manufacturing and accelerate India’s transition to clean energy.

    As part of the initiative under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government plans to procure 7.24 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of Green Ammonia annually to support the production of environment-friendly fertilisers.

    The Department of Fertilisers has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for setting up Green Urea plants and has begun consultations with public and private sector stakeholders to prepare an implementation strategy.

    Officials said the proposed framework aims to encourage the use of Green Ammonia in place of conventional Grey Ammonia without increasing the cost burden on fertiliser manufacturers. The initiative is expected to create a viable ecosystem for green fertiliser production while promoting investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen.

    The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based inputs, strengthen fertiliser security, and lower carbon emissions from the agriculture sector.

    The Green Urea programme is expected to play a significant role in advancing India’s clean energy goals while supporting sustainable agricultural and industrial development.