22, Apr 2025
CII and CAMS Unveil Report on B30 Locations at 18th Mutual Fund Summit
- Significant Growth in B30 AuM: B30 locations now contribute 18% of the industry’s total Assets under Management (AuM).
- Equity Asset Expansion: Equity assets in B30 cities have shown robust momentum, registering 46% growth, sustaining their share at 26.4%, in line with T30 markets.
- Investor Base Surge: B30 locations command a 58% share of the retail investor base, growing at a pace faster than T30 regions.
- SIP Revolution: B30 cities have outpaced T30 locations in new SIP registrations, recording a CAGR of 64% and increasing their SIP contribution share from 49% in FY’23 to 58% in FY’25.
- Gross Inflows Boom: FY’25 has seen B30 cities recording more than double the gross inflows into equity schemes compared to FY’23.
- Digital and Advisory Evolution: While Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) remain central to B30 growth, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are making meaningful strides, powered by increasing digital adoption.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rishi Kumar Bagla, Chairman, CII Western Region said, “The report is a testament to the success of regulatory foresight and collaborative industry efforts. It’s encouraging to witness Bharat investing confidently, backed by access, awareness, and advisory.”Mr Anuj Kumar, Managing Director, CAMS, added, “This comprehensive report on the B30 locations provides invaluable insights into the untapped potential of these markets. The B30 universe with a collective equity AuM share in excess of 26% sums up the potential of the market. While B30 locations continue to grow on the back of MFDs, digital adoption has led to RIAs making noticeable inroads into these markets. These insights will empower key stakeholders to effectively tap into the B30 markets, driving future growth and expanding financial access to a wider audience and make informed decisions.”
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- By Team
22, Apr 2025
MIT WPU Unveils Hydrogen and Biodiesel Innovations Ahead of Earth Day
Mumbai/Pune: MIT World Peace University (MITWPU) has made significant advancements in sustainable energy research, with two pioneering projects: a novel process for generating green hydrogen directly from sugarcane juice and an innovative batch reactor system for biodiesel production using agro waste based heterogeneous catalysts. These developments underscore MITWPU’s commitment to India’s green energy transition and sustainable future. 
The university has developed a unique process to generate hydrogen from sugarcane juice using microorganisms, which also converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid, making it more sustainable. This research supports Government’s Green Hydrogen Mission and offers sugar industries an opportunity to produce hydrogen, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A patent has already been submitted for this technology. This project proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy (MNRE) for funding. The centre of excellence on green hydrogen has also been submitted to MNRE, Government of India.
Dr Bharat Kale, Emeritus Professor & Director of Material Science [COE]s said “The university’s bioprocess operates at room temperature using sugarcane juice, sea water, and wastewater, contributing to global efforts to reduce hydrogen costs to $1/kg. Unlike conventional water-splitting methods, this process generates valuable byproducts, ensuring zero discharge and making it a viable solution for India’s energy transition. We are seeking industry partners for lab-scale development and eventual technology transfer.”
The work on hydrogen storage is also in progress using Metallo-organic framework (MOF). The MOFs for hydrogen storage and CO2 captures has been focused intensely.
The university aims to support industries in scaling up the technology, which could be commercially viable within a year. The project is led by researchers Dr. Sagar Kanekar, Dr. Bharat Kale, Dr. Anand Kulkarni, Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr. Santosh Patil, Dr. Dev Thapa, Dr. Biswas and Dr. Ratnadip Joshi.
In addition, MITWPU has developed an operational efficient batch reactor system for sustainable biodiesel production using an agro-waste-based heterogeneous catalyst. This catalyst and system have been patented which has offered an environmentally friendly solution by eliminating waste generation and utilizing agricultural residues into affordable and efficient catalyst. The porous structure of the catalyst increases surface area, improving efficiency and give thermal stability during production.
Dr Kale added: “Biodiesel produced through this system serves as an economical alternative to fossil fuels. The patent covers both the catalyst and process design, ensuring efficiency in production. While industry partnerships are still in discussion, commercialization is expected within six months of technology transfer. Large-scale biodiesel production will rely on industry adoption, supported by government policies. The process contributes to India’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, where biomass burning is a concern.”
These projects are spearheaded by Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr. Santosh Patil, and Dr. Bharat Kale. Both innovations highlight the sustainable energy solutions, offering viable alternatives to fossil fuels while supporting India’s green energy transition. The university continues to seek industry collaborations to accelerate the commercialization of these technologies.
21, Apr 2025
JSW MG Motor India Rolls Out ‘Midnight Carnival’ for Hector with a Chance to Go to London
21st April, 2025: To redefine car-buying experience with convenience, JSW MG Motor India has unveiled an exhilarating new campaign for its flagship SUV, the much-loved MG Hector — ‘Midnight Carnival’. This exclusive campaign invites customers to visit showrooms open until midnight every weekend for a limited time. As part of this offer period, 20 lucky MG Hector buyers will win a dream trip to London.
During the offer program, JSW MG Motor India is also bringing a host of value-driven offers designed to enhance the excitement of car-buying. New Hector buyers can avail an extended warranty of 2 years / 1 lakh km, in addition to the standard 3-year warranty, along with 2 extra years of Roadside Assistance, ensuring up to 5 years of worry-free ownership. The campaign also offers 50% RTO cost benefits and access to MG Accessories for currently registered Hector vehicles. Such initiatives are reaffirming MG Motor India’s commitment to its growing community of SUV enthusiasts.
Commenting on the campaign, Rakesh Sen, Head of Sales, JSW MG Motor India said, “The MG Hector has always been the model of choice for SUV lovers in India, and our Midnight Carnival is a unique celebration of that legacy. By combining irresistible offers with memorable experiences, we’re creating opportunities for both our current and future customers to be part of something truly special.”
Launched in 2019 as India’s first Internet SUV, the MG Hector continues to raise the bar with a compelling combination of tech, safety, and style. It boasts best-in-class features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, an immersive 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD infotainment system, 70+ connected car features, and an advanced ADAS suite, offering a truly intelligent and distinctive driving experience.
21, Apr 2025
Essensai067 Opens Its Doors to a City-First Space for Joy, Culture, and Community
21st April 2025, Bengaluru – Essensai067, a culture and community-first destination, officially opened its doors in Whitefield on April 20, drawing thousands on its debut day. More than just a retail space, Essensai067 brings together food, fashion, art, music, and green living to offer Bangalore a new way to gather, slow down, and connect. Built in the heart of Kannamangala, it isn’t a mall. It’s a feeling — one rooted in joy, belonging, and everyday celebration.
Spread over 5.16 acres, 50% of which was open and green space, Essensai067 became a welcome respite from an urban life that tends to rush. Guests entered through a water-inspired cave entrance and stepped into a space full of life. There was a pet-friendly plaza, a next-generation adventure and pet park, peaceful wellness zones, and a natural amphitheatre that came alive on launch night.
The brand name “Essensai” was a blend of “Essence” and “Sai”, paying homage to divine energy. The number “067” was steeped in local significance, derived from the pincode of the area in its earliest days. It rooted this visionary initiative in the heart of Whitefield and paid tribute to the people who inhabit and flourish there. It wasn’t so much about creating something new; it was about celebrating what was already there, taking it up, and making it remarkable.
With more than 1.5 lakh sq. ft. of leasable space and almost 20 brands going live in the first phase, Essensai067 had already started creating ripples. International behemoths such as IKEA co-existed with hyper-local gems such as Puppawcino and Barnhouse, creating a stunningly diverse retail and dining experience. Seventy percent of the space was already leased, evidence of the faith that brands had in this game-changing format.
But the real power of Essensai067 went far beyond profit. Its true impact lay in influence and intention. The initiative would create 750 direct employment opportunities and over 3,000 indirect jobs. And as Whitefield continued to develop as Asia’s startup hub, Essensai067 was not just positioning itself as a cultural hub but an economic driver as well. With close to 9,650 daily visitors anticipated, Essensai067 was not just a destination, it was becoming a part of Whitefield’s everyday beat.
On April 20, Essensai067 came alive under the stars with an unforgettable launch event. The legendary Usha Uthup took the stage at the amphitheatre, infusing the space with the same spirit it was built on — joy, unity, and rhythm. The performance was preceded by an intimate dinner at Barnhouse, the in-house culinary treasure, where invitees, business partners, and community leaders assembled to celebrate a new dawn. This followed on the heels of a heavenly debut performance by flute legend Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, who had previously visited the space earlier this year, establishing the stage for what lay ahead.
And that was just the start. With more than 300 handpicked events scheduled annually — ranging from pop-up bazaars and art exhibitions to wellness fairs and pop-up concerts — Essensai067 was going to be a thumping cultural hub of Bangalore. A living, evolving canvas for the best of what our communities have to offer.
“Essensai067 was never going to be just another development,” explained Haresh M Mirpuri, Essensai067 founder. “It’s a place that reflects the soul of Whitefield and gives back to the people who call it home and live here. Today, we didn’t just launch a new venue. We launched a space for joy, connection, and belonging.”
Architecturally, Essensai067 stood out as a benchmark in thoughtful design. Essensai067 was very likely the greenest shopping place ever constructed in India. Climate-sensitive building design, over 750kW of power through solar energy generation, net zero water discharge and 100% water reuse had it serving as a case study in environmental-intelligent growth. Recycled soil blocks from onsite excavation cut back on the carbon footprint, and more than 100 of the 120 existing trees onsite were tenderly relocated.
The true essence of Essensai067 lies in its people — the dreamers, creators, and community it was built for. It is a home for small businesses and local artists, offering flexible spaces, rotating pop-ups, and public art that give creators something rare; a real stage, with a real audience, in a space that values their voice.
Essensai067 is more than a destination. It is a statement — that cities deserve spaces that inspire, include, and reflect who we are.
Opening to the public on 27th April 2025, a new chapter begins for Bengaluru.
21, Apr 2025
This Summer, Bengaluru Prefers Local – Goa, Ooty, and Offbeat Gems Shine
Bengaluru, April 21, 2025: Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, announced a significant uptick in summer travel during its Nation on Vacation (NoVac) campaign, with Bengaluru emerging as the heartbeat of domestic travel.
Key Highlights from Bengaluru:
- 12% of total domestic bookings came from Bengaluru – the highest share in India.
- Goa topped the list of preferred domestic destinations, with Ooty, Lonavala, and Manali close behind.
- Offbeat international gems like Georgia and Azerbaijan saw surprising traction among Bengaluru travellers.
Speaking on the campaign’s success, Tavleen Bhatia, Chief Marketing Officer, Cleartrip, said, “Since its inception, Nation on Vacation (NoVac) has grown into one of the country’s biggest and most eagerly awaited summer travel sales – so much so that it feels like summer truly begins with NoVac’s arrival. We’re thrilled by the resounding response this year and are glad we could deliver great value, helping more Indians take that long-awaited summer break. At Cleartrip, our mission has always been to make travel planning and booking easy, smart, and joyful.”
21, Apr 2025
Interarch Secures India’s Largest-Ever Single PEB Order
Mumbai, 21st April 2025 – Interarch Building Solutions Limited, pioneers of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) has secured the largest-ever single PEB order in the Indian PEB industry, valued at over 300 crore. The plant is being set up for a major tyre manufacturing company based in Gujarat.
The upcoming tyre facility is poised to be one of the most large-scale and technologically advanced in the country. Interarch has been entrusted with the end-to-end execution of the facility; covering design, manufacturing, and on-site installation of the pre-engineered structures.
The upcoming tyre manufacturing facility will have an area of approx. 3,00,000 m2 i.e.3 million Sq. Ft. under one roof. The proposed plant is slated to be completed within FY 25-26. The plant is designed to optimize operational efficiency while meeting the latest sustainability standards. This large-scale project highlights the growing demand for high-quality steel buildings and underscores our commitment to supporting global mobility, industrial development, and infrastructure expansion.
Arvind Nanda, Managing Director, Interarch Building Solutions Limited, said, “We are proud to have secured the largest-ever single PEB order, in public domain, in the Indian PEB industry – a significant milestone that reflects the trust our clients have in Interarch’s engineering excellence, manufacturing and execution capabilities. This project, for one of India’s most advanced tyre manufacturing facility, will involve end-to-end delivery of critical steel infrastructure – from design to on-site installation. It’s a strong endorsement of our four-decade legacy and our commitment to delivering large-scale, complex industrial solutions with precision, speed, and sustainability at the core.
At Interarch, we have always believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation in steel construction. This project reinforces our leadership in the PEB segment and marks another step forward in supporting India’s manufacturing and infrastructure ambitions. As we begin work on this prestigious assignment, our focus remains on delivering world-class quality, on-time execution, and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s industrial growth story”.
With this milestone, Interarch continues to push the boundaries of steel construction, offering faster, more efficient, and sustainable building solutions that meet the dynamic needs of India’s industrial growth story.
21, Apr 2025
Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025: A Soulful Celebration of Culture and Compassion by Bengal Club – Shivaji Park
Mumbai, April 21, 2025 — Bengal Club – Shivaji Park, one of Mumbai’s most cherished cultural institutions with a legacy spanning over a century, successfully hosted the Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025 — a two-day celebration of Bengali art, music, and tradition — on April 19th and 20th at Rang Sharda Auditorium, Bandra West. The event was a grand confluence of cultural richness and social responsibility, bringing together an illustrious lineup of artists and an enthusiastic audience under one roof. Notably, ₹3 lakh was donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from the proceeds of the festival, further underlining the Club’s commitment to giving back to society.
The event witnessed several highlights beyond the stage. Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s Minister of IT, graced the first day of the festival and lauded Bengal Club for its remarkable cultural and social efforts.
Well-known Bollywood composer Pritam Chakraborty, who headlined Sunday’s star-studded lineup, performed in support of the cause. Reflecting on his participation, Pritam shared, “. I am deeply moved by the compassion and generosity shown by the audience. It’s a reminder that art can heal, uplift, and make a real difference, and I am grateful to have contributed in my way.”
Over the course of two unforgettable days, the stage was set ablaze with captivating performances from Bengal’s finest — including the renowned elocutionist Bratati Bandyopadhyay, veteran theatre actor Debshankar Haldar, and celebrated vocalists Shirin Soraiya, Joy Sarkar, and Lopamudra Mitra. The excitement reached new heights as Anandan Sivamani, Pritam Chakraborty, and an impressive lineup of vocalists, including Nikhita Gandhi, Shalmali Kholgade, Arunita Kanjilal, Shashwat Singh, Nakash Aziz, Abhijeet Sawant, and Tapas Maiti, delivered electrifying performances that had the audience cheering and on their feet.
The festival wasn’t just a celebration of culture — it was a celebration of compassion. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting cancer patients and other critical social initiatives, reinforcing Bengal Club’s commitment to meaningful change.
Mr. Joy Chakraborty, Member of Bengal Club – Shivaji Park, shared, “Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025 was not only a tribute to our rich artistic heritage but also an opportunity for Mumbai to come together for a greater cause. It was a celebration of culture, compassion, and community, and we are deeply humbled by the overwhelming response and support from all those who participated. This event has shown us the immense power of art to unite people and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful to everyone who contributed, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”
The Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025 once again highlighted the role of cultural platforms in fostering unity, empathy, and positive impact, making it a truly memorable experience for all involved.
11, Apr 2025
Consumer-Focused Shift: Univision Foods Rolls Out ‘Tauffa’ and ‘Nut n Berry’ in B2C Push
Gurugram, April 11, 2025 – Univision Foods, a fast-growing name in the FMCG sector focusing on dry fruits segment, is making a significant expansion from B2B to the B2C market with the launch of its own brands, Tauffa and Nut n Berry. Known for its commitment to high-quality, accessible nutrition, Univision has built a strong presence in the industry with a focus on stringent quality standards, unique packaging and consumer trust. The company is now set to revolutionize the direct-to-consumer space with sharp pricing strategies and superior product quality, ensuring premium dry fruits is available to every household.
Univision launched Tauffa as a pilot project in January this year, which surpassed hopes, yielding over ₹10 million in sales in only three months. Tauffa has been able to satisfy a broad customer range with 15 SKUs, offering reasonable top-quality solutions for daily domestic requirements. The product range has cashews, almonds, raisins, pistachio, walnut, anjeer, munakka, dates, trail mix and seeds mix.
Tauffa comes with a3-layer zipper pouch packaging, with proper vacuum and nitrogen flushing to ensure the freshness of the products, which aesthetically gives a premium feel. The brand is available through quick commerce platforms such as Swiggy-instamart, Blinkit and market placed platforms – Amazon and Flipkart. Tauffa is also available in modern trade and general trade markets in Eastern U.P, Delhi/NCR and Guwahati.
Conversely, as a luxury brand distributed mostly through fast commerce sites and high-end retail stores, Nut n Berry will appeal to urban customer base. Initially debuting with 5 SKUs, Nut n Berry seeks to redefine the high-end dry fruit market.
On venturing into the B2C market, Chaudhary Dev Pratap Singh, Founder of Univision Foods says, “Having established ourselves in the B2B space, we are now venturing into the B2C market with Tauffa and Nut n Berry. Our goal is to reach consumers across the country with premium-quality products that stand out in the industry.”
11, Apr 2025
From Freezer to Fridge in Minutes: Whirlpool Redefines Speed with Convertible Innovation
New Delhi, 11 April 2025 – Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation and a pioneer in home appliances, is pleased to announce a significant technology upgrade & the best innovation in refrigeration technology – India’s fastest convertible refrigerator. Whirlpool’s IntelliFresh Pro range of top mount (frost-free) refrigerators offer a smarter way to store extra food; it converts its freezer to a fridge in just over 10 minutes!
Today’s consumers seek smart, time-saving solutions, and in the world of refrigerators, convertibility has become the latest must-have feature. But in real-world use, speed is what truly matters. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, preparing for a festive celebration, or accommodating last-minute guests, waiting for hours for a freezer-to-fridge* conversion is no longer an option. Inspired by this consumer insight, Whirlpool has enhanced the Intellifresh Pro Range of top-mount frost-free refrigerators so that the freezer converts into a fridge in just over 10 min —providing extra storage space, instantly!
India’s fastest convertible refrigerator range from Whirlpool is designed to deliver holistic food preservation, with 2X longer Vitamin retention and Microblock technology that prevents up to 99% bacterial growth—helping keep food fresher and safer for longer.
Powered by Whirlpool’s proprietary 6th Sense Technology, the convertible range is engineered to provide unparalleled adaptability. With 10 unique and relevant cooling modes, consumers can customize their refrigerator settings to suit their lifestyle – from storing fresh groceries to hosting a party or preserving seasonal delicacies.
Unmatched Features for Modern Homes:
- India’s Fastest Conversion: Converts from freezer to fridge* in just 10 minutes
- 10-in-1 Convertible Modes: Personalized cooling solutions for every need
- 6th Sense Technology: Unique 6th Sense technology intuitively senses and manages the temperature, humidity & air
- circulation to give you perfect comfort at pressing a single button.
- Premium Aesthetics: Seamless interiors and elegant exteriors for a stylish kitchen
- Best-in-Class Convenience: Spacious design, toughened glass shelves, and smart storage solutions
Commenting on the technology upgrade to the Intellifresh Pro Top Mount refrigerators – India’s fastest convertible range, Mr. Nakul Tewari, Vice President-Marketing, Whirlpool of India said, “We are excited to enhance the IntelliFresh Pro range of convertible top mount (Frost-Free) Refrigerators to deliver instant conversion from freezer to fridge, now in just over 10 min! India’s fastest convertible refrigerator now delivers even greater convenience and versatility. This upgrade reflects Whirlpool’s ongoing commitment to innovation and providing consumer-centric solutions”
11, Apr 2025
Hack-O-Mania 25: A Groundbreaking 30-Hour Hackathon at NMIMS Chandigarh
Chandigarh, 8th April 2025 — The much-anticipated Hack-O-Mania 25, a dynamic 30-hour inter-university hackathon, successfully concluded on April 5, 2025, at the School ofTechnology Management and Engineering, NMIMS Chandigarh. The event brought together bright minds from top universities across India and provided a platform for undergraduate students to demonstrate their skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Full Stack Development.
Focused on addressing real-world challenges through technology, Hack-O-Mania 25 featured four compelling problem statements:
1. Predictive Maintenance Systems for Smart Cities
2. AI-Powered Legal Document Analysis with Fraud Detection
3. AI-Based Traffic Optimization and Navigation
4. Personalized AI-Driven Learning and Assessment Systems
The event attracted participants from prestigious institutions such as Thapar University, UIET Panjab University, Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chitkara University, Amity University, and Chandigarh University. The students worked relentlessly to develop innovative technological solutions, showcasing their problem-solving prowess and technical acumen.
The distinguished panel of judges included Dr. Kundan Munjal, Chief Operating Officer of Zenmonk Tech Ltd., Mohali, alongside Mr. Harindar Singh and Mr. Harsh from Infosys.Projects were assessed on five core criteria: Innovation (25%), Technical Implementation (30%), Feasibility and Scalability (20%), Presentation and Communication (15%), and User Interface/User Experience Design (10%). The coveted first-place title was awarded to Team Hustlers Hive, with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a trophy, and certificates. The first and second runner-up teams were awarded a combined ₹13,000 and certificates for their exceptional contributions. Every participant received e-certificates in recognition of their efforts.
dditionally, winners and runners-up were given internship opportunities, exclusive branded merchandise, and other exciting prizes, with Verka serving as the official Community Partner for the event.
The success of Hack-O-Mania 25 underscores NMIMS Chandigarh commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the field of technology. The hackathon served as a powerful platform for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, creating a lasting impact on the participating students and setting a high benchmark for future student-led tech events.
