9, Oct 2026
Odisha Seeks MSME-Friendly GST Reforms, Faster Refunds at 57th GST Council Meeting
New Delhi, Oct 9 (UDN): Odisha has called for a more business-friendly Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, with a focus on faster refunds, simplified registration procedures and fewer compliance-related discrepancies to ease the burden on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The issues were discussed at the 57th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on October 8, 2026. Representing Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, state Cabinet Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who holds the Law, Works and Excise portfolios, presented the state’s priorities on improving tax administration and reducing procedural hurdles for businesses.
Chief Ministers, state finance ministers, nominated ministers from states and Union Territories, and senior government officials participated in the meeting.
Faster Refunds to Improve Business Cash Flow
One of the key areas of discussion was the proposed system-based processing and sanction of GST refunds to ensure quicker disbursal, greater transparency and better tracking for eligible taxpayers.
The Council also considered proposals concerning refunds of input tax credit (ITC) on capital goods used for zero-rated supplies, along with ITC on input services and capital goods under the inverted duty structure.
These measures, if implemented, could help exporters and manufacturers unlock working capital currently tied up in tax credits, improving liquidity and supporting business expansion.
Simpler GST Registration for Small Businesses
Simplifying GST registration emerged as another priority, particularly for small enterprises and taxpayers operating in rural and semi-urban areas.
The discussions focused on clearer guidelines and practical tools to make registration more accessible and reduce procedural difficulties for businesses entering the formal tax system.
For MSMEs, which often operate with limited administrative resources, a more straightforward registration process could reduce compliance costs and allow entrepreneurs to devote greater attention to production, employment and growth.
Measures to Reduce Return Filing Discrepancies
The Council also considered recommendations from the Working Group on GST Returns and Processes, in which Odisha’s State GST team participated.
The proposals cover improvements in return filing and alternative mechanisms for correcting tax liabilities and input tax credit claims. The objective is to minimise mismatches that can trigger notices and create additional compliance work for genuine taxpayers.
Odisha officials also contributed to discussions on process-oriented refund reforms through the GST Law Committee.
A more predictable correction mechanism could help businesses resolve discrepancies efficiently while enabling tax authorities to focus on cases requiring closer scrutiny.
Enforcement Provisions Under Review
Another proposal discussed at the meeting concerned removing arrest provisions for certain economic offences where existing GST law may provide adequate mechanisms for addressing violations.
The proposal seeks to establish a clearer balance between effective tax enforcement and greater confidence among compliant businesses. Any changes would depend on the Council’s decisions and the applicable legal process.
Reforms Geared Towards Ease of Doing Business
The discussions form part of broader efforts to improve tax administration, support economic activity and advance the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
For MSMEs and small businesses in Odisha, faster refunds, easier registration and fewer procedural disputes could help reduce paperwork, improve cash flow and create a more predictable business environment.
The proposals discussed at the meeting signal a continued focus on making GST compliance more transparent, accessible and responsive to the needs of businesses. Their eventual impact will depend on the formal decisions taken by the GST Council and the implementation of the approved measures.
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- By Neel Achary
9, Oct 2026
Odisha Dy CM Pravati Parida Meets Union Minister Annapurna Devi at Women and Child Development Summit
New Delhi, Oct 9 (UDN): Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the two-day Departmental Summit of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in New Delhi, holding discussions with Union Minister Annapurna Devi on strengthening welfare initiatives for women and children.
Pic Credit: x.com/PravatiPOdisha
The summit, being held on October 8 and 9, brings together representatives from the Centre, states and Union Territories to discuss policy priorities, improve coordination and strengthen the implementation of key programmes in the women and child development sector.
Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Odisha’s Women and Child Development Department, is also participating in the deliberations.
Focus on Nutrition, Child Protection and Women’s Safety
The discussions at the summit are centred on four major areas: improving nutrition and early childhood education through the transformation of Anganwadi Centres, strengthening child protection systems, enhancing women’s safety through effective institutional and legal mechanisms, and expanding women-focused empowerment initiatives.
These priorities aim to improve access to essential services and strengthen the delivery of welfare programmes at the grassroots level.
Odisha Looks to Strengthen Centre-State Coordination
Parida’s participation provides Odisha an opportunity to share its experiences and initiatives in women and child development while learning from successful practices implemented by other states and Union Territories.
The meeting with Annapurna Devi also comes amid efforts to improve coordination between the Centre and state governments on policies concerning nutrition, child welfare, women’s security and economic empowerment.
Effective collaboration between the two levels of government is considered essential to ensuring that welfare schemes reach intended beneficiaries and deliver measurable outcomes.
Time-Bound Action Plan Expected
The summit is expected to conclude with a time-bound action plan outlining specific responsibilities, implementation deadlines and monitoring mechanisms.
The proposed framework is intended to improve accountability, strengthen programme implementation and enhance service delivery across the country.
The deliberations are expected to contribute to a more coordinated approach towards improving the well-being, protection and empowerment of women and children, with states playing a key role in translating policy priorities into effective action on the ground.
9, Oct 2026
US Congress to Honour Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Courage During Mid-Air Attack
WASHINGTON, Oct 9: Indian airline captain Smit Machchhar is set to receive recognition in the official Congressional Record of the US House of Representatives for his reported bravery during a mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai flight, an incident that allegedly put the lives of 172 passengers and crew members at risk.
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Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi announced that he would place a statement honouring the Indian pilot in the Congressional Record, recognising his determination to protect those on board despite sustaining serious injuries.
According to the account shared by the congressman, the incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was reportedly involved in a serious cockpit emergency after its first officer allegedly attacked Machchhar with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Pilot’s Courage Helps Prevent Potential Disaster
The account stated that the aircraft descended approximately 16,000 feet in around 30 seconds during the incident, creating a potentially catastrophic situation.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help subdue the alleged attacker.
Two reserve Flydubai pilots who were travelling on board subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight was reportedly carrying 172 people, including 27 children and four American citizens.
Congressman Praises Captain’s Presence of Mind
Krishnamoorthi praised the captain’s composure and determination, saying his actions gave those aboard the aircraft an opportunity to intervene and avert a possible tragedy.
The congressman also highlighted the families whose loved ones were able to survive the ordeal, describing the pilot’s actions as an example of courage under extraordinary pressure.
He extended his best wishes to Machchhar, his wife, Sonal, their two children and the entire family, expressing hope for the captain’s full recovery from his injuries.
Krishnamoorthi also urged fellow lawmakers to recognise the Indian pilot’s actions.
An Indian Pilot with 17 Years of Experience
Machchhar, an Indian national, reportedly has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years serving as a captain. His experience and actions during the emergency were highlighted in the congressman’s statement as key elements of the account.
The planned recognition in the Congressional Record would place the pilot’s reported actions on the official record of the US House of Representatives.
The Congressional Record documents proceedings, debates and other statements made in Congress. Members of the House and Senate may also use it to formally acknowledge individuals and significant events.
Note: The details of the incident, the planned congressional recognition and the flight’s reported emergency should be independently verified through official US congressional records, Flydubai and relevant aviation authorities before publication.
9, Oct 2026
Nana Patekar Cremated with Full State Honours at Pune Farmhouse; Film Fraternity Pays Tribute
PUNE, Oct 9 (UDN): Actor Nana Patekar was reportedly cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje village in Pune district on Thursday, according to a report published by OMMCOM NEWS. The last rites were said to have been attended by members of the film fraternity, political leaders and a large number of admirers.
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The reported state honours included a three-gun salute as people gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran actor, whose performances have earned him a prominent place in Indian cinema.
Film Personalities Attend Last Rites
Several personalities from the entertainment industry reportedly arrived at the farmhouse to attend the funeral. Those named in the report included actor Jackie Shroff, directors Anil Sharma and Anees Bazmee, and producer Firoz Nadiadwala.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was reported to have paid his respects at Pune airport, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly visited the farmhouse.
The gathering reflected the affection and admiration that the actor has commanded among colleagues, associates and audiences over the years.
Bollywood Expresses Grief
The report also cited messages of condolence from prominent figures in the Indian film industry.
Actor Salman Khan reportedly paid tribute through an Instagram Story, addressing Patekar affectionately as “bhau” and wishing him peace.
Ajay Devgn was also reported to have shared a tribute on X, recalling the veteran actor’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his performances. Kamal Haasan reportedly remembered Patekar as an extraordinary artist and highlighted his contributions beyond cinema, including his reported work supporting farmers and volunteering during the Kargil War.
A Career Marked by Powerful Performances
Nana Patekar has been widely recognised for his intense screen presence and memorable performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. His distinctive acting style and ability to portray complex characters have made him a notable figure in Indian entertainment.
Beyond his film career, his reported involvement in social initiatives has also drawn attention, adding another dimension to his public image.
Verification note: The reported death and funeral details, including the cause of death, attendance and official honours, should be confirmed through reliable independent sources before this story is published as factual news.
9, Oct 2026
Eminent Personality Receives 76th Honorary Doctorate from the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Oct 9 (UDN): On the occasion of its 15th Foundation Day, the Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, conferred an honorary doctorate in recognition of the recipient’s distinguished achievements and contributions.
76th Honorary Doctorate I am grateful to the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for conferring an honorary doctorate on me on its 15th Foundation Day. This is my 76th honorary doctorate, and I receive it with humility. My heartfelt thanks to the Governing Body and the entire IAR family for this honour.
— Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) October 8, 2026
This honour marks the 76th honorary doctorate received by the recipient, making it a significant milestone in an accomplished journey of academic recognition and professional achievement. The honour was accepted with deep humility and gratitude.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation, the recipient extended sincere thanks to the Governing Body of the Institute of Advanced Research and the entire IAR family for this prestigious recognition. The honour reflects the institute’s commitment to acknowledging distinguished individuals and celebrating their contributions to society.
In a message of gratitude, the recipient stated, “I am deeply grateful to the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, for conferring this honorary doctorate upon me on the occasion of its 15th Foundation Day. Receiving my 76th honorary doctorate is a humbling experience. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Governing Body and the entire IAR family for this honour and recognition.”
The occasion marked a memorable milestone in the institute’s Foundation Day celebrations and underscored the importance of recognising excellence, dedication, and meaningful contributions to society.
9, Oct 2026
University of Houston Launches Centennial Year Celebration, Marking 100 Years of Opportunity and Impact
President Khator celebrates UH’s legacy of access and impact during State of the University, launching bold vision for the next 100 years
Key Takeaways
- A century of opportunity: Founded in 1927 to bring higher education within reach of working Houstonians, the University of Houston begins its Centennial year celebrating 100 years of expanding access and opportunity.
- A century of impact: From 460 students and 15 faculty members to a nationally recognized Tier One research university, UH enters its Centennial from a position of strength, with record research activity and growing impact in areas critical to Houston and the United States.
- A century takes shape: A year of Centennial events, storytelling and traditions will coincide with major investments in UH’s future, including new and expanded facilities, a growing research enterprise and continued investment in students and the community UH was created to serve.
HOUSTON, Oct. 9 – Nearly 100 years ago, a group of determined Houston high school seniors asked their city for something that did not yet exist: a path to higher education for people who needed to work and stay in Houston.
The University of Houston was created to answer that call.
A century later, that commitment to opportunity remains at the heart of UH as it prepares to mark its 100th anniversary with a yearlong Centennial celebration honoring its history, celebrating its people and looking boldly toward its next century.
University of Houston President Renu Khator kicked off the Centennial celebration during her 2026 State of the University address Thursday, tracing UH’s journey from 460 students and 15 faculty in 1927 to a major research university serving nearly 49,000 students with record research activity, growing academic and health enterprises and a campus undergoing significant transformation.
“Today, we stand here on the eve of the University of Houston’s yearlong Centennial celebration,” Khator said. “As we smile with pride at our present and look with great anticipation to our future, we must not forget that it is our past that has brought us here. Our history is the foundation of all our present and future successes.”
A University Built by the City, for the City
By 1926, Houston was becoming the most populous city in Texas. Seeking higher education opportunities for working people who could not afford to leave their jobs or the city, 12 students from multiple Houston high schools approached the Houston Board of Education for help. A year later, the first classes began. By 1934, the institution had grown to become the University of Houston.
That founding principle — creating opportunity by meeting the needs of the moment — has endured even as those needs have changed. During World War II, UH adapted its curriculum to support the war effort and military trainees. When Houston’s economy was devastated by the 1980s oil bust, the University developed programs to prepare displaced workers for emerging industries. Through hurricanes and other challenges, UH opened its facilities and resources to its community. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University launched a new medical school with a mission centered on improving health and healthcare access in communities across Houston and Texas.
That same spirit helped transform a small college serving working Houstonians into a Tier One research university. UH is reporting $300 million in research expenditures this year, with faculty advancing discoveries in health, energy, advanced materials, technology and other areas critical to Houston and the nation. The University’s next goal is $500 million in annual research expenditures.
“Today, students, for whom we built this University, are writing the new victory chapter for the University of Houston,” Khator said.
Celebrating the People Who Make UH
The centennial year will also celebrate the generations of people who made its progress possible. Generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters whose stories stretch from the classroom to the Moon. Through events, traditions and storytelling, UH will bring those stories to life as the Cougar community celebrates the people and moments that shaped its first 100 years.
The Next Century Takes Shape
The Centennial is not simply a look back at UH’s first 100 years. As UH celebrates its history, signs of its future are already taking shape across campus.
Over the next 12 months, the University will unveil major improvements designed to reshape the campus experience for the next generation of Cougars. Centennial Hall, a new first-year residence hall; a new Dining Commons; and an expanded Student Center North are all planned to open in 2027. Construction is already underway on a new home for the Hobby School of Public Affairs, and UH will soon break ground on a new Medical Research Building and an Innovation Hub.
The physical transformation reflects broader momentum across the University. UH enters its second century with a growing research enterprise, expanding leadership in health and energy, ambitious academic programs and continued investment in the students and community it was created to serve.
For 100 years, the University of Houston has met the moment. Now, it is preparing to meet the next one.
9, Oct 2026
Haiqu Unveils AgenticOS, a System of Agents Solving Some of Physics’ Toughest Problems
R&D Teams Can Build Complete Quantum Projects from the Idea to the Experiment Itself, Verifying AI Results Every Step of the Way; Available Now
NEW YORK — October 9, 2026 — Existing AI models have advanced to the point that they can contribute to real science, but they have their limits. An AI agent can produce convincing math and working code, but it might alter the underlying science while doing so, leaving researchers with results that look right but aren’t. Today, Haiqu is addressing that by unveiling AgenticOS, giving quantum researchers a team of AI agents that are built for scientific exploration, and designed to catch mistakes before they happen.
In complex scientific calculations, general-purpose AI agents can make small changes no one asked for, like shifting a molecular geometry or slipping in an unapproved approximation. The calculation then answers a different question, or returns a result that is simply incorrect. With the Haiqu AgenticOS, researchers can now design an entire quantum project — from the initial question to an experiment that’s ready for quantum hardware — and assign multiple teams of AI agents to validate and confirm the research findings every step of the way. The team overseeing the experiment can then inspect each assumption and conclusion to determine how to proceed.
“Turning a promising research idea into a real experiment demands years of specialized, hands-on expertise in highly technical methods, all of which takes time and resources,” said Mykola Maksymenko, co-founder and CTO of Haiqu. “AgenticOS takes on much of that labor-intensive work, freeing up researchers so they can spend their time working on the right questions, reaching results much faster without sacrificing accuracy.”
AgenticOS builds on the Haiqu platform announced in May. A researcher starts with a question, and the system assigns teams of specialized AI agents to review the literature, work through first-principles mathematical derivations, assess quantum feasibility and check the results. Haiqu’s AgenticOS shows its investigative process as a map of connected research tasks. Results are checked against classical baselines, tests, critic agents and human review, with formal verification. Scientists decide what gets locked, which tasks run on their own and where a human signs off.
During a recent chemistry study accepted at the NeurIPS 2026 workshop in Paris focused on AI for Scientific Discovery, Haiqu demonstrated the need for its platform by giving leading AI agents the same research brief, with and without AgenticOS. On their own, four of 10 agent runs ignored an explicit setup instruction, resulting in widely different answers. Using Haiqu’s AgenticOS, the same models held to the approved protocol from start to finish and produced a simulated quantum result within approximately 3.4% of the exact diagonalization reference.
“Being able to organize, ground and check an AI agent’s work matters as much for scientific research as improving the models themselves,” said Richard Givhan, co-founder and CEO of Haiqu. “Every lab will soon have access to the same powerful AI. The ones that pull ahead will be the ones that can trust what it produces, and that’s exactly what we built AgenticOS to do.”
AgenticOS has already been deployed to work on one of the hardest problems in physics. The Hubbard model describes electrons hopping across a grid and repelling each other when they meet. Haiqu targeted a 2D “doped, frustrated with diagonal hopping” version of the model, which is used to study high-temperature superconductivity in copper-based materials known as cuprates. Starting from a scientist’s idea, AgenticOS built the experiment on a 3-by-3 grid, small enough to cross-check against an exact classical solution, and ran it on an IBM quantum computer. It reduced circuit depth by 75% and proposed a calibration that brought the hardware result in line with what an error-free quantum computer would produce using the same method. That shows a way to apply the same approach to larger simulations that classical computers can’t solve exactly.
Haiqu’s platform serves enterprise teams testing individual use cases, university research labs and scientists from other fields looking to take their first step into quantum computing. Agents can help users determine if a specific quantum approach is worth pursuing, while mapping out algorithm options, identifying the assumptions and identifying the classical benchmarks needed to judge the result.
When a research plan is ready, AgenticOS hands it straight to Haiqu’s quantum software stack. The Haiqu SDK squeezes more out of today’s noisy hardware with data loading, circuit compression and error mitigation. The Haiqu Runtime then manages execution on simulators and quantum processors from IBM, IonQ, IQM, AWS and others, cutting time and cost by up to 1,000x. The same platform that helps a researcher frame the question can take the answer all the way to a quantum computer.
Availability
AgenticOS is included with the Haiqu operating system, and is available now to enterprise R&D teams upon request. Companies can request access and book a demo now.
Academic researchers can apply for free access to the Haiqu platform, including AgenticOS, through the company’s Academic Program. Participating labs get the Haiqu SDK. They can also apply for AWS credits to cover classical and quantum computing workloads.
9, Oct 2026
The King and The Shepherd by Tristan Nettles now available from Histria Books
Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Shepherd and The King, the first two volumes in “A Bronze Age Tale” series. This series is published by Histria Fiction, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction.
Pan is a shepherd, not a soldier. One bad night leaves him drunk in the dirt, and he wakes up in a war camp, bought as a slave by a general who believes his men should fear failure more than death. Pan is small, hurt and far from his flock. He is also certain that the army is about to walk into an ambush, and he knows because his sheep showed him. No one has any reason to believe a word he says. Pan says it anyway, and that decision is the first thing it costs him.
That is how The Shepherd begins. The King picks up with Pan older and carrying more than a staff. He has a life worth protecting, and a kingdom has begun to notice him. The question is no longer whether Pan will be heard. It is what he will do now that he is. This is a page-turner for readers who love a long, immersive historical adventure and an underdog worth following.
Praise for The Shepherd:
An original action/adventure novel set in antiquity, author Tristan Nettles’ novel “The Shepherd: A Bronze Age Tale” is a entertaining read from start to finish. Showcasing Nettles’ distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style — making it an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Historical Fiction collections. — Midwest Book Review
Tristan Seth Nettles is an American author, combat veteran, and world traveler known for his intensely realistic storytelling. Born in Atlanta, GA in 1987, he overcame a severe speech impediment and a troubled youth before enlisting with the Marine Corps infantry and later earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Florida. His life has intersected at various times with crime, war, and technology, including a combat tour in Ukraine. Drawing from real-life grit, his writing explores the extremes of humanity with needle-like precision. Now, on his fourth passport, Nettles lives abroad, continuing to advocate for Ashley Oosthuizen’s release. His work fuses lived experience with historical scope, delivering fiction that is both timeless and deeply personal.
The Shepherd: A Bronze Age Tale, 248 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-766-6; The King: A Bronze Age Tale, 510 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-767-3 by Tristan Nettles are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. These titles are also available as eBooks. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.
8, Oct 2026
Airrived Named a Cool Vendor in the 2026 Gartner® Coolest Vendor Innovations in Agentic AI Security
DUBLIN, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Airrived, the company behind an enterprise Agentic OS designed to make every business user an AI expert, has been named a Cool Vendor in the Gartner Coolest Vendor Innovations in Agentic AI Security report published on October 2, 2026.
Airrived Co-founder and CEO Anurag Gurtu said, “We believe the Gartner recognition reflects a challenge we hear from enterprises every day: they’re not short on AI models — they’re short on people who know how to turn those models into secure, production-grade systems that actually work.
“Today, building autonomous AI still demands specialized talent, fragmented tooling, complex integrations, and heavy governance overhead. Airrived changes that.” Airrived turns business users into AI experts.
Airrived is an enterprise-grade Agentic OS and Sovereign AI Platform that lets business and domain experts build, deploy, and govern autonomous AI — without becoming AI engineers.
Users bring the domain expertise. Airrived brings the reasoning, enterprise context, orchestration, governance, and infrastructure needed to turn that expertise into autonomous systems capable of reasoning, collaborating, deciding, and acting.
Unlike copilots, which mainly assist users, or developer frameworks, which require teams to engineer agents from scratch, Airrived lets enterprises automate complex, multi-step work across cybersecurity, IT, and business operations.
The platform combines deep reasoning, Agentic Mesh, Context Lake, multi-agent orchestration, governance, and end-to-end Agentic Observability — plus pre-built agents and applications that dramatically shorten the path from AI experimentation to production.
Built for the Sovereign AI Enterprise.
Airrived gives enterprises full control over where and how their AI runs. It can be deployed in the cloud, in customer VPCs, on-premises, on private GPU infrastructure, or in fully air-gapped environments — keeping data, models, agents, context, and AI operations under customer control at all times.
That removes a major barrier to enterprise AI adoption: organizations can put autonomous AI directly into the hands of the people who understand the business, without requiring them to master the underlying technology.
“The future of enterprise AI isn’t giving every employee a copilot,” Gurtu added. “It’s giving every employee the power to become an AI expert.”
With adoption across Fortune 150 enterprises and organizations worldwide, this recognition follows a string of major product advancements from Airrived — including Agentic Observability and Sovereign Agentic AI — as the company continues advancing its vision for governed, autonomous AI across the enterprise.
Gartner subscribers can access the report here: https://www.gartner.com/
*Source: Gartner Report, Coolest Vendor Innovations in Agentic AI Security, by AI and Cybersecurity Insights Team, 2, October 2026. Gartner is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates.
Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
8, Oct 2026
nurture.retail Decodes Ag-Tech’s Next Phase: Shifts Paradigm from Channel ‘Disruption’ to ‘Co-Creation’ for Agri-Manufacturers and Retailers
National, October 8, 2026: As India’s agri-tech ecosystem moves beyond the hyper-growth phase into an era of sustainable execution, nurture.retail was built by UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions as a digitally enabled B2B distribution platform. It is pioneering an Ag-Tech Model designed explicitly for brands, manufacturers, and agri-retailers where it aims to create a sustainable model creating value through complementation, not competition with the conventional channel, while helping brands grow to their potential.
nurture.retail has over 1,15,000 registered agri-retailers, many high-quality manufacturers and brands which distribute exclusive products through the platform, and key NBFC partners offering credit to small retailers, who are onboarded with the platform. nurture.retail went through the same learning curve before realizing that agri-input distribution requires co-existence and co-creation, not disruption!
It offers a tailored suite of B2B capabilities built to help manufacturers scale without sacrificing brand control, while resolving historic market distortions.
For manufacturers, this can mean:
1. Direct linkage with retailers – enabling manufacturers to establish a direct relationship with retail partners
2. Brand protection as the #1 priority – ensuring that products are not listed or sold by unauthorized sources
3. Greater control over pricing – manufacturers retain control over pricing decisions, rather than the platform determining the selling price
4. Granular geographic control – brand partners can decide which products to sell in specific geographies, with the ability to control availability down to the PIN-code level
5. Complete sales data access: Manufacturers get full access to their sales data and actionable insights, enabling better visibility into demand, performance, and market trends
Traditionally the distribution networks typically reach maximum 20% of India’s 400,000+ agri-retailers, often leaving extended product portfolios unrepresented. nurture.retail functions as a powerful complement rather than a substitute for traditional channels.
“A more sustainable model is one where we create value through complementation, not competition with the conventional channel, while helping brands grow to potential. At nurture.retail, we are helping expand access to agri-retailers in a phased manner, creating a compelling complementary channel through which brands and manufacturers can extend their reach” said Ravishankar Cherukuri, CEO, UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions (nurture.retail)
nurture.retail provides direct ordering access to authentic manufacturer products, transparent pricing without complex rebate structures, reliable door-step delivery, and integrated credit options for small and medium agri-retailers.
With AI and improving mobile internet, we believe there are endless possibilities to help retailers and farmers. Algorithmic recommendations based on hyperlocal purchase patterns, weather data and satellite monitoring can help get the right products to the right places. Strong direct to farmer engagement can help the best retailers serve farmers better than ever.
The future of ag-tech, especially ag-input distribution tech is indeed very bright. Key to success is collaboration and co-creation, abandoning notions of disruption.
