3, Dec 2025
Next revolution will be bio-driven; RDI Fund a unique step to power India’s deep-tech future: Dr Jitendra Singh
Dec 03: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the next major global revolution will be bio-driven, and that India is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation on the strength of its deep-tech capabilities, robust startup ecosystem and rising domestic institutional capital.
In an exclusive “FireChat” session organised by the “Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association” (IVCA) in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh described the recently announced ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund as “one of the most unique and forward-looking initiatives taken by the Government” to support high-risk, high-reward research in frontier technologies, and to catalyse a new era of partnership between Government, industry and investors. He said the Fund has been designed with a liberal and long-term mindset, with low-interest, patient capital and risk-sharing features that send a clear signal of the Government’s intent to crowd-in private investment rather than crowd it out.
The Minister highlighted that India is rapidly emerging as a deep-tech and science-led innovation power, backed by strong political will at the highest level. He said that, unlike in the past when India often lagged by a decade or more in adopting new technologies, the country is now among the first to frame dedicated biotechnology policies and to open strategic sectors such as space and atomic energy to private participation. He credited the leadership and vision Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for breaking long-standing taboos and bringing science, technology, and innovation to the centre of the national development agenda.
Elaborating on the structural change underway in India’s innovation landscape, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the last decade was defined by the digital revolution in areas such as IT, fintech, e-commerce and software, but the coming decade will be led by deep-tech India across sectors like space, bio-manufacturing, green hydrogen, quantum technologies, and advanced materials. He noted that these sectors are science-intensive, capital-intensive, and IP-intensive, and therefore demand a very different kind of risk-tolerant, patient capital than traditional manufacturing or infrastructure.
Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that the global success stories of advanced economies have been written through the active participation of the private sector, philanthropic investors, and domestic institutional capital. For many years, he observed, India’s mindset was to look up to the Government for everything, and even in sunrise sectors like space or nuclear, the private sector did not anticipate the scale or speed at which reforms would be undertaken. “Even the private sector was not prepared for the kind of proactive, liberal and decisive approach that this Government has brought in sectors like space, nuclear and biotechnology,” he said, adding that the RDI Fund is also intended to help the private sector overcome legacy hesitation and step into frontier areas with confidence.
Referring to India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, the Minister emphasised that innovation is no longer confined to the big metros. He informed that out of nearly 1.75–2 lakh startups that now place India as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, around 60,000 belong to Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. Calling it a myth that cutting-edge innovation happens only in Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Hyderabad, he said that many of the most determined and aspirational founders are emerging from small towns and government schools, driven by a strong desire to prove themselves and create value.
Sharing his interactions with young innovators in aspirational districts, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the aspiration and awareness levels among students in remote areas are now often higher than those in big cities, thanks to digital connectivity and focused schemes like Vigyan Jyoti. He cited the example of a schoolgirl from an aspirational district who was well-versed with national science schemes and was already demanding that eligibility be expanded to younger classes. “This illustrates how deeply the ecosystem has penetrated, and how the next generation is growing up with a completely different mindset,” he remarked.
The Minister said that, in addition to deep-tech, India has unique strengths in sectors such as the Himalayan ecosystem, the coastal and blue economy, agriculture, aroma and natural products, where thousands of successful startups have been built by founders who are sometimes not even graduates but possess passion, aptitude and an instinct for value creation. He highlighted the Aroma Mission as an example of how science-based interventions can create thousands of rural entrepreneurs, generate export-quality products, and attract international competition.
Dr Jitendra Singh stressed that India today stands at an inflection point, transitioning from being merely a fast-growing major economy to becoming a science-led, innovation-driven global leader. He said that India’s ambition to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires technological strength, economic resilience, and financial self-reliance, for which domestic institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, banks, sovereign-linked entities and family offices will play a critical role. He welcomed the growing participation of domestic Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) and noted that India today hosts nearly 1,700 registered AIFs with commitments of over ₹15 lakh crore, reflecting deepening capital markets and investor confidence.
Describing the RDI Fund as a cornerstone of this new architecture, the Minister said it will support frontier R&D in areas such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy, biotech, advanced materials, defence-tech, and space-tech, and help India “invent in India, not just Make in India”. He underlined that the Fund is designed to strengthen the entire innovation pipeline from discovery to deployment, and to bring together industry, academia, startups, investors, and public institutions in a unified national innovation framework.
Dr Jitendra Singh also highlighted the complementary role of institutions such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), sectoral interfaces like IN-SPACe in space and BIRAC in biotechnology, and industry bodies like IVCA. He said these platforms serve as scientific and financial interfaces to structure collaborations, determine optimal partnership models and match investors to appropriate opportunities, avoiding ad-hoc or random engagement and ensuring that each player fits into the most suitable slot within the ecosystem.
Responding to suggestions from fund managers during an interactive conversation, the Minister acknowledged the importance of crowding-in corporate and philanthropic capital for earlier-stage research, including work at lower Technology Readiness Levels. He noted that international philanthropic investments have already begun flowing into India’s science and innovation ecosystem in significant volumes and said this is creating positive examples for domestic philanthropists and corporates to emulate. He emphasised that the Government envisages a “wholesome combination of collaboration” spanning Government, private sector, corporates, philanthropists, and NGOs rather than limiting the innovation partnership to any single segment.
On questions related to interest rates and operationalisation of the RDI Fund, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Government is approaching the initiative with an open and learning mindset. He indicated that the margins could be calibrated based on the first calls and the response pattern, and emphasised that both Government and investors must be willing to learn from each other’s constraints, strengths, and inputs. “This has to be built in a spirit of very close mutual understanding and trust, not as a contest where one side tries to appear better than the other,” he said.
The Minister said that a major, and often under-appreciated, change is the shift in mindset among Indian youth and professionals. He observed that while earlier generations going abroad often had no clear timeline to return, a growing number of young Indians today are planning their return journeys in advance because they see comparable opportunities at home in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that more than half of Indian residents working in advanced research ecosystems abroad today are of Indian origin who were born, educated, and trained in India, which demonstrates that the domestic ecosystem is now capable of nurturing world-class talent end-to-end.
Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India will increasingly be defined by its capacity to leapfrog traditional development stages, just as it moved directly from landlines to mobile telephony and emerged as a global IT leader. He mentioned the Deep Ocean Mission, the long coastline, the Himalayan range, and India’s biodiversity as strategic assets that will open up new frontiers in deep-sea mining, fisheries, climate technologies and regenerative solutions, creating fresh opportunities for investors and innovators alike.
Reiterating that no reform or revolution in science and technology can happen in isolation, the Minister called upon fund managers, domestic institutional investors and entrepreneurs present at the Forum to view the coming decades as a “once-in-a-generation moment” to shape the global innovation landscape from India. He said that as the world gradually shifts from a purely manufacturing-centric paradigm to one centred on regeneration, recycling, genetics and bio-driven solutions, India must position itself as a solutions provider for the world, powered by its own capital, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
Dr Jitendra Singh assured the investor community that the Government is committed to providing a predictable, enabling, and forward-looking policy environment and invited them to partner with Government institutions to identify the most suitable areas and models of collaboration. “We are now part of the global scenario, and this is the right time for venture capitalists, domestic institutions, and innovators to invest in India’s new frontiers. Together, we must ensure that India does not only participate in the technologies of the future, but leads them,” he said.
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- By Neel Achary
2, Dec 2025
New General Manager at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur
The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur Appoints Mr. Arjun Belliappa as General Manager
Udaipur, Dec 02: The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Arjun Belliappa as its new General Manager. Bringing over 20 years of diverse hospitality experience, Mr. Belliappa has established a distinguished reputation for elevating guest satisfaction, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving business growth.
Mr. Belliappa began his career as a Hotel Operational Management Trainee with JW Marriott, Juhu, before taking on roles at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai. His career further flourished during his seven-year tenure with The Oberoi Group, where he contributed to operations at The Oberoi Mumbai, Trident Nariman Point, and Trident Gurgaon, eventually rising to Assistant Front Office Manager.
His professional journey includes senior leadership roles across prominent hospitality and service organizations such as Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru, Mantri Square Mall, Lemon Tree Premier, Sunbird Trust, and Betta Living Resorts, giving him extensive exposure to luxury hotels, large-scale operations, and mission-driven projects.
Most recently, Mr. Belliappa served as General Manager at Hotel Lakend, Udaipur, where he successfully leveraged his deep market understanding to strengthen service standards and business performance.
Speaking about his new role, Mr. Arjun Belliappa said, “It is an honour to join The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur, a landmark property that captures the splendour of Rajasthan and a bygone era. I look forward to working with the team to create memorable guest experiences that uphold the brand’s legacy of warmth, luxury, and inclusion.”
Welcoming him to the organisation, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, stated, “We are delighted to have Mr. Arjun Belliappa join The LaLiT family. His leadership, expertise, and dedication to excellence will further strengthen our commitment to offering unparalleled guest experiences at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur.”
2, Dec 2025
Devam partners with Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-powered micro devotional content series on historic temples
This collaboration brings unknown temple stories to Indians through AI, starting with Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur
New Delhi, Dec 2: Devam has partnered with leading FMCG brand Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-generated temple micro-series, marking a pioneering moment in brand-led spiritual content creation. The partnership debuts with a Hindi-language series on Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur.
This launch comes as India’s spiritual tech sector experiences unprecedented growth. The devotional products market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2035, while micro-content consumption has surged 300% year-over-year.
“This partnership represents a new era where AI meets ancient wisdom to preserve India’s spiritual heritage. Young Indians are curious and seeking authentic storytelling. Through devam, we want to bring these temple stories to every Indian. This can have a huge impact.” said Nihal Rustgi, Cofounder, Devam.
The series uses advanced AI to create 60-second episodes featuring photorealistic temple visuals, authentic hindi narration, and interactive elements that let viewers virtually participate in temple rituals.
“Madhusudan has been part of Indian households’ spiritual rituals for generations. This partnership allows us to evolve that connection for the digital age. We’re not just advertising – we’re investing in cultural preservation through technology,” said Amit Aggarwal, Director, Madhusudan.
The 10-episode series will premiere on the devam platform, with daily episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Following the Hindi launch, the partnership will expand to Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali in Q1 2026, with more significant temples in the pipeline.
This marks the first time a major FMCG brand has invested in AI-generated devotional micro-content, setting new standards for brand partnerships in spiritual tech and demonstrating AI’s potential in cultural preservation.
2, Dec 2025
JMR Infotech Showcases AI-Powered Banking Platform at CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025
Bogotá / Dubai / Bangalore – Dec 2: JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions, and a service member of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), participated in the CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from October 28 to November 1, 2025. The event brought together banking and financial industry leaders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, innovation, and the future of financial services in the Caribbean.
JMR Infotech was represented by CEO Jayafar Moidu, who engaged with senior representatives from banks and financial institutions across the Caribbean. Discussions focused on how AI-driven Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS) models can help institutions accelerate modernisation, improve compliance, and enhance customer experience.
At the conference, JMR Infotech highlighted its Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS), a complete, API-first, cloud-enabled, and AI-powered technology stack built on Oracle banking product processor to deliver next-generation, immersive, and intelligent banking experiences. The platform integrates automation, predictive analytics, and composable architecture to help banks achieve operational agility, risk resilience, and scalability.
Jayafar Moidu, CEO, JMR Infotech, emphasised that the Caribbean’s banking ecosystem is at a pivotal stage, where innovation and inclusion will define the next decade of growth. He noted that the region’s collaborative spirit and willingness to adopt digital-first strategies position it well for transformation driven by AI and cloud technologies.
“Across the Caribbean, banks are ready to embrace technology that empowers efficiency, compliance, and customer-centricity. Our AI-powered BPaaS model offers a secure and scalable pathway to modernisation, enabling financial institutions to move from manual processes to intelligent, self-optimising operations,” said Jayafar.
JMR Infotech’s presence at the conference reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s financial sector with flexible, future-ready technology solutions. With a regional delivery center in Bogotá and support and delivery centers in St. Kitts and Jamaica, the company continues to strengthen its footprint across the Caribbean and Latin America, combining local presence with global delivery excellence.
1, Dec 2025
Tech Firm announces WFH amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR
New Delhi, Dec 1: Considering severe air pollution and deteriorating AQI levels in Delhi NCR, and following the Government advisory, Noida-based deep-tech firm, BUSINESSNEXT, has announced a work-from-home policy to protect the health and well-being of its employees.
Under this temporary work arrangement, employees have been advised 2 days Work-from-home with immediate effect for its Noida office employees.
The announcement came under the Graded Response Action Plan level 3 or GRAP-3 which is determined by the Commission for Air Quality Management
According to an internal health pulse-check conducted over the past week, nearly one-third of employees have reported cough and throat-related issues for the past few days, while about 25% have complained of skin and eye irritation, including a burning sensation in the eyes. Additionally, within just a week, around 10% of employees applied for sick leave. Gen Z employees formed the majority of leave requests, citing poor residential air quality
“We are witnessing a visible spike in pollution-related health issues,” said Lipika Mohanty, Head of People and Development at BUSINESSNEXT.
“Most of the recent leave applications mention air quality as the root cause. In line with our people-first culture, this flexible work arrangement will ensure employees can take care of their health while staying productive”, She added.
Additionally, several working mothers have requested flexible work hours to better manage their kid’s health and work responsibilities as air pollution levels remain hazardous across the region.
1, Dec 2025
MyFitness by BRND.ME Launches Fun Campaign Making Peanut Butter a Family Favourite
Bengaluru, Dec 01: MyFitness, India’s leading peanut butter brand by BRND.ME, has launched its newest integrated campaign, ‘Bas Taste Hi Kiya Tha’, a lively and humorous film that marks a shift from a fitness-only positioning to a wholesome family favourite. With the refreshed line “Har Family ki Health ka Tasty Partner”, the brand is expanding its appeal to millions of Indian households.
The campaign captures a warm and familiar Indian family environment, showcasing the universal truth that every home has a secret snacker who later insists they “just tasted it.” Set inside a relatable home, the film opens with the everyday bustle of family life before each member secretly samples MyFitness Peanut Butter in their own way. The mother enjoys a spoonful, the father discovers its protein-rich taste, the sister pairs it with her chips and the grandmother spreads it quietly on her roti. When the child returns and finds the jar empty, the family freezes before confessing together, “Bas taste hi kiya tha.” This playful moment becomes the emotional hook of the campaign and is crafted for wide social media recreation.
Company spokesperson said, “Indian families have always bonded over food, and this campaign celebrates that truth with honesty and humour. MyFitness Peanut Butter may have started as a fitness favourite, but our consumers were already showing us that it had become a family staple. ‘Bas Taste Hi Kiya Tha’ brings that reality alive and places the brand where it truly belongs, in every Indian home, enjoyed by everyone.”
The campaign marks a key evolution for MyFitness by BRND.ME. Having built early affinity among fitness enthusiasts, the brand now extends its voice to reflect the everyday lives of Indian families. The use of simple Hindi, expressive performances and authentic home environments ensures that the film resonates across metros as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 audiences who seek snacks that deliver both taste and health.
The launch rolled out with curiosity-building teasers, followed by the main film and creator-led content. Brand face Sahil Khan stirred pre-launch buzz with a playful breakup tease that captured attention across social platforms. The upcoming BasTasteHiKiyaTha Challenge on Instagram and Josh invites users to recreate their own “caught red-handed” moments and is projected to reach over 80 million viewers through leading creators and regional influencers.
This campaign supports MyFitness by BRND.ME’s larger ambition to establish peanut butter as a mainstream household essential and expand its presence beyond fitness-first consumers. By grounding the story in everyday family behaviour, humour, and relatable emotion, the brand strengthens its cultural relevance and leadership in the growing peanut butter category.
1, Dec 2025
Pedaling with Purpose: Madhuri Gold Joins Hands with Miss Universe AP Chandana Jayaram for 600 KM Ride
Srikalahasti, Dec 01 2025: Madhuri Gold, one of India’s most admired jewellery brands, takes a bold new step by blending the worlds of glamour and grit. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the brand partners with Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh 2024–2025, Chandana Jayaram, for a 600 KM cycling expedition from Srikalahasti to Hyderabad. This landmark collaboration marks the first time a jewellery brand in India has associated with a major endurance sports event, highlighting a new narrative — where beauty, strength, and determination shine equally bright.
“It is a proud moment for us as Bojjala Venkata Sudhir Reddy garu, MLA of Srikalahasti and a dynamic leader of the Telugu Desam Party, flags off our bikers from the sacred land of Srikalahasti. His victory in the 2024 Assembly Elections stands as an inspiration of dedication and public service. Under his leadership and with the support of TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena, we are honoured to begin this journey that symbolizes strength, unity, and purpose.”
Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh Chandana Jayaram, a fashion model, content creator, and cyclist, embodies the very spirit of resilience and transformation. Coming from a small village, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
“I’ve always been drawn to fitness and movement. In 2020, I decided to take charge of my health, losing 20 kilograms in 10 months through discipline and consistency. That transformation built my confidence, self-reliance, and mental strength, showing me how fitness can reshape both the body and the mindset,” said Chandana.
Her remarkable achievements include completing the Brevet des Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) in Trichy — a global endurance cycling challenge that demands extraordinary focus and perseverance. Each milestone stands as a testament to her passion and determination to push boundaries.
Mr. Sunil from Madhuri Gold said, “We are immensely proud to associate with Chandana Jayaram for this inspiring journey. Her courage, elegance, and determination perfectly mirror the values of Madhuri Gold — purity, perseverance, and progress. Through this partnership, we aim to encourage more women to chase their dreams, break barriers, and shine with confidence — just like gold.”
Adding to this, Mr. Vishwas, CMO & four-time National Off-Road Biking Champion, shared, We’ve always believed in finding and supporting grassroots sports talent in India. This initiative reflects our vision — to celebrate endurance, commitment, and the courage to dream big. Also we are proud to stand for more than just sparkle. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage women across India to embrace health, fitness, and self-confidence as part of their lifestyle.
Madhuri Gold Extends a Helping Hand to Flood-Affected Families in Kalathuru
In a heartfelt gesture of compassion and solidarity, the owners and team of Madhuri Gold reached out to support families affected by the recent floods in Kalathuru, Moved by the hardships faced by the local community, the brand stepped forward not just as a business, but as a family that cares deeply for the people around it. The Madhuri Gold owners, emphasizing that true wealth lies in kindness and shared humanity. The team personally distributed essential supplies, food, and relief materials to the affected households, ensuring immediate comfort and hope during this challenging time.
1, Dec 2025
Ramagya School’s Playdate Creates a World of Joy, Learning & Discovery for Young Children
Noida, Dec 1: Ramagya School, a pioneer in holistic education, successfully hosted a grand and power-packed Playdate—a thoughtfully designed experiential event for young children and their parents. The campus transformed into a playful, colourful, and immersive environment where every corner invited exploration, creativity, movement, and joyful learning.
The event drew an overwhelming response, with enthusiastic participation from families who praised Ramagya School’s commitment to early childhood development through experiential, play-based learning.
Highlights of the Playdate Experience
The Playdate featured nine engaging activity stations, each curated to stimulate different developmental skills such as creativity, motor skills, coordination, rhythm, logic, confidence, and teamwork.
Station 1: Creative Corner – Stick & Paste Fun
A vibrant craft station where children enthusiastically decorated colourful pre-cut shapes using cotton, paper bits, pompom balls, and glitter stickers. This activity helped enhance fine motor skills, imagination, and sensory exploration.
Little hands worked with excitement as children proudly carried home their personalised creations as keepsakes of the day.
Station 2: Adventure Trail – A Journey of Fun & Challenge
One of the biggest attractions, the Adventure Trail featured tunnels, balance paths, soft hurdles, hop areas, and crawling sections.
Children embarked on this mini adventure with zeal — hopping, climbing, crawling, and balancing — all while boosting confidence, body coordination, gross motor skills, and determination. Parents cheered as their little ones completed challenges with joy on their faces.
Station 3: Hit the Bottle – Test Your Aim
This fun, interactive game had children throwing soft balls to knock down colourful bottles.
The excitement of aiming, throwing, and winning small surprises made this station a top favourite. It encouraged focus, hand–eye coordination, and sportsmanship in an enjoyable, safe manner.
Station 4: Music Station – Make Your Own Rhythm
Children gathered to explore the world of rhythm using simple, everyday objects. From tapping boxes to shaking bottles and creating beats, children discovered how music is everywhere!
This station sparked creativity, auditory development, and confidence as children expressed themselves through sound.
Station 5: Blow the Ball – Aim with Air
A fun science-meets-play activity where children used air power to guide a light ball toward a target.
The laughter and excitement filled the area as children learned about breath control, cause-and-effect, and focus — all while having delightful fun.Station 6: Let’s Color Together – Friends Wall
A large community colouring wall invited children to doodle, draw, scribble, and express freely.
This collaborative art space fostered creativity, social interaction, and bonding. The wall bloomed with colours, reflecting the imaginations of dozens of young artists working together.
Station 7: Photo Booth – Capture the Smiles
A bright, cheerful corner with fun props and colourful backdrops became the perfect spot to freeze happy memories.
Parents and children clicked vibrant pictures, making the day unforgettable
Station 8: Puzzle Time – The Wooden Wonder Table
A calm and thoughtful station with wooden puzzles focused on shapes, patterns, and spatial learning.
Kids solved puzzles individually and in groups, enhancing logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
Station 9: Newspaper Walk – Don’t Touch the Ground!
A playful race where children used newspaper sheets as stepping stones to complete the course.
The activity encouraged balance, strategy, teamwork, and physical coordination — with plenty of laughter and cheering all around.
Expressing his delight over the event’s success, Mr. Utkarsh Gupta, Managing Director, Ramagya Group, said: “Seeing children explore, experiment, and enjoy so freely is truly heartwarming. At Ramagya, we believe that real learning happens when children are allowed to play, imagine, and express themselves. The Playdate was designed to provide a multisensory experience that nurtures creativity, confidence, curiosity, and social bonding. We are thrilled to witness the joy it brought to every child and parent who joined us.”
The playdate received an overwhelming response from parents, who appreciated Ramagya School’s commitment to experiential learning and child-centric development.
29, Nov 2025
JW Marriott Pune Presents ‘Kaeshur Khyen’ Pop-Up Celebrating Kashmiri Pandit Cuisine
Pune, Nov 29:– JW Marriott Pune invites guests to embark on a distinguished culinary journey with Kaeshur Khyen, a celebration of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine that brings the soulful, aromatic, and heritage-rich flavours of the Kashmir Valley to the city. Hosted at Spice Kitchen from 28th November to 7th December, every evening between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, this exclusive food festival offers diners an immersive taste of one of India’s most treasured culinary traditions.
Kashmiri Pandit cuisine, known for its refined use of spices, slow-cooked techniques, and deep-rooted cultural significance, forms the heart of this gastronomic experience. With Kaeshur Khyen, JW Marriott Pune pays tribute to this timeless food philosophy, presenting a thoughtfully curated menu that reflects the warmth and craftsmanship of Kashmiri home-style cooking.
Spice Kitchen transforms into a scenic culinary passage through Kashmir’s mist-laden mountains and saffron-kissed fields. Guests can indulge in an array of signature delicacies such as Rogan Josh, Mutz, Chicken Yakhni, Dum Aloo, Palak Nadir, Khatte Baigan, Walnut Chutney, and the gently sweet Kesar Phirni. Each dish is prepared with authenticity and precision, showcasing the purity of ingredients and the time-honoured methods that define Kashmiri Pandit cuisine.
From flavour-rich gravies to hearty vegetarian classics and soulful desserts, every plate tells a story of culture, tradition, and culinary excellence.
Whether you are a discerning lover of regional Indian cuisine or a curious diner eager to explore new flavours, Kaeshur Khyen invites you to savour the warmth, richness, and timeless elegance of the Kashmir Valley right here at JW Marriott Pune.
29, Nov 2025
Theia Ventures Leads Pre-Seed Round in Lemnisca to Accelerate AI-Driven Biomanufacturing
Bengaluru, Nov 29:- Theia Ventures, India’s specialist early-stage fund focused on AI, deeptech, energy transition, and decarbonization, today announced that it has led a pre-seed investment in Lemnisca, an emerging Bio-AI company developing intelligent systems to scale biomanufacturing. The round also saw participation from PointOne Capital and Dr. Satakarni Makkapati, supporting Lemnisca’s Bengaluru lab, AI platform development, and early pilot projects to scale sustainable bioproduction. The investment reinforces Theia’s commitment to backing transformative technologies that enable sustainable industrial production.
Lemnisca is building an AI companion for fermentation, enabling manufacturers to scale bioprocesses faster, more predictably, and efficiently. As industries transition to renewable feedstocks and biological alternatives to petrochemicals, scalable biomanufacturing has become critical. While AI has accelerated molecule discovery, the challenge lies in taking innovations from lab to industrial scale reliably and quickly. Lemnisca’s science-aware AI couples wet-lab experimentation with dry-lab modeling, creating a continuously learning system that enhances efficiency, predictability, and reliability in biomanufacturing.
The company will initially partner with fermentation-led manufacturers and simultaneously build its own internal product pipeline. Lemnisca aims to reduce development timelines by up to 50%, improve operating efficiency by 25%, and accelerate adoption of renewable and waste-carbon feedstocks. The company is inviting pilot collaborations and strategic partnerships with CDMOs, OEMs/SIs, and global ingredient brands.
Priya Shah, Partner, Theia Ventures, said;
“We are delighted to be early partners in Lemnisca’s journey. Biomanufacturing today needs advanced digital simulators to predict microbial processes before reaching industrial scale. The team brings rich practical experience to develop a product with significant impact, particularly in nutraceutical markets.”
Pushkar Pendse, Co-founder & CEO, Lemnisca, added;
“Our goal is simple: make biomanufacturing the default global manufacturing mode. We are building a digital operating system that takes biology from lab to factory, making scale-up faster, smarter, and globally accessible.”
Shilpa Nargund, Co-founder & CTO, Lemnisca, said;
“We are rethinking everything, from lab workflows to model architectures, to ensure fewer surprises at scale and faster, repeatable success.”
This is Theia Ventures’ third investment from its new fund, anchored by British International Investment, following investments in Sarla Aviation (electric aircraft) and Climitra Carbon (biochar for the steel industry). The fund has committed to three additional investments within this financial year.
