25, Mar 2026
EFT and Bharat Skytech Launch “EFT BHARAT”, Bringing the E610P Agricultural Drone to India with Local Manufacturing

Mar 25: Global UAV technology leader EFT has announced a strategic co-brand partnership with Bharat Skytech Private Limited (BSPL) to launch EFT BHARAT, marking the localisation of manufacturing, service, and distribution for its flagship agricultural drone E610P in India.

EFT and Bharat Skytech Launch “EFT BHARAT”, Bringing the E610P Agricultural Drone to India with Local Manufacturing

 As part of this collaboration, EFT has officially commenced Make in India production of the E610P agricultural drone, with BSPL serving as the designated manufacturing and distribution partner. The initiative represents a significant step in EFT’s long-term commitment to the Indian drone ecosystem and its effort to combine global engineering expertise with India’s growing manufacturing capabilities.

To ensure seamless localisation while maintaining global quality standards, EFT has completed the formal transfer of official production moulds for the E610P’s tank and canopy components to BSPL. This technology transfer ensures that the India-manufactured drones maintain the original design integrity, engineering precision, and performance standards that EFT’s agricultural platforms are known for globally.

The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of India’s agri-drone ecosystem, enabling faster deliveries, improved service support, and wider availability of genuine EFT components and spare parts. By integrating local manufacturing and supply chains, the initiative will also generate demand for Indian vendors, create skilled employment opportunities, and strengthen the country’s UAV manufacturing ecosystem.

Commercially, the India-manufactured E610P under the EFT BHARAT brand will provide customers with improved supply chain reliability, structured warranty support, and lifecycle service delivered through BSPL’s authorised service network trained to EFT’s global standards. Enterprise customers and institutional partners will benefit from joint product demonstrations, customised deployment solutions, and integrated after-sales support.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sweety Liu, CEO, EFT said

“The launch of EFT BHARAT represents a major milestone in our long-term commitment to the Indian market. By combining EFT’s globally proven UAV technology with India’s strong manufacturing capabilities, we aim to build solutions for India, in India. This partnership ensures that Indian farmers and industry stakeholders have access to reliable, future-ready agricultural drone platforms designed to address the country’s unique farming needs.”

Gurmeet Singh, CEO of Bharat Skytech Private Limited, added: 

“We are proud to partner with EFT for this landmark Make in India initiative. EFT’s leadership in UAV technology is globally recognised, and the transfer of production moulds and engineering expertise to India will enable us to scale responsibly while maintaining the authentic quality of EFT products. Through EFT BHARAT, we look forward to bringing advanced agricultural drone technology closer to farmers and enterprises across India.”

The EFT BHARAT initiative marks the beginning of EFT’s broader localisation roadmap in India, with plans to deepen manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the domestic UAV supply chain in the coming years.

25, Mar 2026
LOGIC Partners with PhiBonacci to Launch India’s Most Advanced Simulation-Integrated Interactive Displays

Bengaluru, Mar 25:  LOGIC, the flagship interactive display brand from Online Instruments, today announced the integration of PhiBonacci’s globally recognized 3D simulation ecosystem into its advanced classroom solutions. The agreement natively integrates PhiBonacci’s uniPhi myClass STEM software into all the LOGIC Interactive Displays designed for the education sector.

This partnership addresses a unique challenge in the evolution of modern STEM education: bridging the gap between flat, 2D interactive digital simulations and truly immersive, spatial learning. Historically, rendering heavy, hyper-interactive simulations in a classroom setting required expensive external computing add-ons or suffered from severe lag. By natively optimizing PhiBonacci’s library of over 3,000 interactive simulations for LOGIC’s high-performance 4K interactive displays with 40-point multi-touch capability, the collaboration eliminates hardware–software friction and delivers a seamless, out-of-the-box 3D STEM learning solution aligned with the experiential learning mandates of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“When it comes to mastering complex Science and Mathematics, interactive simulations transcend the limitations of traditional physical labs. They don’t just show a concept; they empower students to truly experience it,” said Dr. Ravindra Dubey, Managing Director of PhiBonacci. “PhiBonacci provides curriculum-mapped simulation content with adaptable language interface support. By natively integrating our ecosystem, already proven and trusted by over 3 million students, we are completely removing technical barriers. Teachers can turn on the screen and instantly walk a class through a virtual heart dissection or a complex physics model with zero lag.”

“This partnership marks a turning point in how we think about classroom learning,” said Pankaj Bellad, Chief Business Officer at Online Instruments. “LOGIC was never just about the hardware. The real opportunity was always in what happens on that screen and integrating PhiBonacci makes that answer very clear. Every LOGIC display now functions as a fully equipped virtual lab, giving educators the tools to make even the most complex concepts genuinely click for students.”

“What we’ve built here is designed for scale. Schools don’t need to overhaul their infrastructure or navigate complicated setups, LOGIC handles that. The focus shifts entirely to learning outcomes: immediate academic impact in the short term, and a lasting digital capability that institutions can build on.”

Strategic Value for Educational Institutions: For buyers and consumers of LOGIC displays, this exclusive bundle represents an unprecedented value addition designed specifically for enterprise and institutional deployment:

  • Deliver immersive science and mathematics lessons

  • Conduct virtual experiments without physical constraints

  • Enhance student engagement and retention

  • Standardize quality of teaching across classrooms

  • Support NEP-aligned experiential learning

25, Mar 2026
Odisha Budget 2026 27 Focuses on Revitalising Shri Jagannath Heritage in Puri

The Odisha Budget 2026–27 has outlined a major cultural and spiritual revitalisation plan centred on the heritage of Shri Jagannath Dham, Puri, with a strong focus on preservation, infrastructure development, and digital inclusion for devotees worldwide.

A significant allocation of ₹1,000 crore has been proposed for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Jagannath Museum and Library in Puri. The proposed institution aims to safeguard centuries of religious traditions, archival materials, and cultural knowledge associated with the Jagannath heritage, while also presenting them in an accessible, modern format.

In addition, the budget includes provisions for the restoration and conservation of key heritage structures within the temple precinct and surrounding areas. These efforts are intended to strengthen the cultural integrity of Puri as one of India’s most important spiritual centres.

The government also plans to introduce a digital initiative named “Samarpan”, which will enable devotees across the globe to make virtual offerings. This platform is expected to deepen engagement with the diaspora and modernise traditional forms of worship.

Key Objectives of the Initiative

  • Heritage Conservation: Protect and restore historically significant structures linked to the Jagannath tradition.
  • Knowledge Preservation: Create a dedicated museum and library to archive religious texts, rituals, and cultural records.
  • Digital Devotion: Launch the “Samarpan” platform to facilitate online offerings from global devotees.
  • Cultural Strengthening: Reinforce the identity and legacy of Jagannath heritage on a national and international stage.
  • Pilgrimage Development: Enhance the overall infrastructure and visitor experience in Puri.
25, Mar 2026
Keysight Launches Local Manufacturing in India to Accelerate Global Innovation

Keysight Launches Local Manufacturing in India to Accelerate Global Innovation

New Delhi, Mar 25:  Keysight Technologies today announced plans to begin local manufacturing in India, expanding its global production footprint to provide locally manufactured solutions for the country’s mission-critical industries. This strategic expansion enables Keysight to better serve its long-standing customer base—including aerospace and defense, government R&D, industry and academic research institutions—by providing streamlined procurement of world-class technology.

As India emerges as one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation economies, demand for advanced test and measurement technologies is increasing across all industrial and research sectors. India’s electronics manufacturing sector is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2026, driven by a surge in domestic production and advanced research initiatives.

The phased rollout of the new facility will focus on test equipment, serving both Indian and global customers while enhancing supply chain resilience. The move reinforces Keysight’s long-term commitment to India and aligns with the country’s flagship initiatives, including Make in India, Semicon India, the National Quantum Mission, as well as aerospace and defense modernization programs.

“India is entering a once-in-a-generation innovation decade,” said Sudhir Tangri, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific at Keysight. “Establishing local manufacturing allows Keysight to better support customers in India while strengthening our global supply chain. Building in India for the world will accelerate technology development across a broad spectrum of industries.”

Keysight’s manufacturing operations in India will support innovation across key sectors:

·         Semiconductors: Enabling design validation and production testing as India expands its semiconductor industry under the Semicon India program.

·         Quantum Technologies: Supporting research institutions and national laboratories advancing quantum computing under the National Quantum Mission.

·         Aerospace and Defense: Providing advanced, locally manufactured test solutions for radar, electronic warfare, and satellite systems supporting India’s defense modernization.

·         Next-Generation AI and Wireless: Accelerating development and deployment of 5G and future 6G infrastructure, AI infrastructure and data centers.

·         Research and Academia: Equipping universities and national laboratories with world-class tools for advanced engineering research and scientific discovery.

Keysight will continue to collaborate with Indian government agencies, research laboratories, and leading engineering universities to accelerate technology development and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. The expansion reflects Keysight’s long-term strategy to invest in high-growth technology hubs that support customers developing the next generation of computing, communications, and national security systems.

25, Mar 2026
Godrej Consumer Products’ ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ public service film remind households that not every visitor deserves an invitation

Chandigarh, Mar 25: Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread continue to pose a serious public health challenge in India. Yet their presence has become so routine that it is often ignored. With the belief that mosquitoes should not be treated as harmless visitors, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has, as part of its CSR initiative Elimination of Mosquito Borne Endemic Disease (EMBED), launched a public service film titled ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ urging households across India to rethink how easily mosquitoes are allowed into everyday spaces. This CSR initiative is in line with GCPL’s impact-oriented culture that focuses on creating real change for communities.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya continue to affect millions across India each year. According to national health data, India reported over 1.13 lakh dengue casesin 2025 alone, underlining the urgent need for stronger community awareness and preventive action beyond the monsoon season.

Inspired by India’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, where guests are welcomed with warmth and respect, the campaign turns this cultural instinct on its head. ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ (A mosquito is not a guest) reminds households that not every visitor deserves an invitation. The film creatively reinterprets the iconic phrase ‘Padharo Mare Desh’ into ‘Na Padharo Mare Desh’, reinforcing the message that mosquitoes should never be welcomed inside homes. It draws attention to how everyday habits, such as stagnant water in coolers, uncovered buckets, or neglected corners around homes, can unknowingly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By reframing mosquitoes as unwelcome intruders rather than harmless visitors, the film encourages families to adopt simple preventive practices to keep their homes and communities safe.

Commenting on the film, Sudhir Sitapati, MD and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, said,

 “Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major public health concern. It requires collective awareness and sustained behavioural change. Through ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ we wanted to use a cultural insight that resonates deeply with Indian households. By rethinking the idea of hospitality, we hope to inspire people to take simple but effective preventive steps that keep their homes and communities safer.”

Creative storyteller Swati Bhattacharya, who conceptualised and wrote the campaign film, said,

“ In India, hospitality is not just a tradition – it is an instinct. Just like we welcome guests, we also welcome mosquitoes with stagnant water and open rubbish bins. Lets unfriend the mosquito and have an anti-hospitality qawwali – machhar hai mehmaan nahin.”

At the heart of the campaign is a thought-provoking video film that uses storytelling and cultural symbolism to encourage families to become vigilant hosts by preventing mosquito breeding inside and around their homes. ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ will be activated through a multi-channel awareness program including school engagement initiatives, community outreach drives, large-scale wall art across Maharashtra, radio storytelling, and a national digital movement encouraging citizens to Unfriend the Mosquito’.

25, Mar 2026
Khelo India Tribal Games Mark Debut with Strong National Participation

Raipur: The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games will kick off on Wednesday in Chhattisgarh, bringing together around 1,300 athletes from across the country to compete in nine sporting disciplines.

The event will be hosted across three venues—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja—and will feature competitions for 106 gold medals. The Games mark a major step in promoting tribal talent and expanding India’s grassroots sporting ecosystem.

A total of around 3,800 participants, including athletes, coaches, and officials, will be part of the sporting event, which will continue until April 3.

Odisha has sent the largest contingent with 125 athletes among the 30 participating states and Union Territories. Host state Chhattisgarh follows closely with 121 participants, while Jharkhand and Assam have fielded 107 and 106 athletes respectively.

Medals will be contested in sports such as archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling. Traditional games like mallakhamb and kabaddi will be featured as demonstration sports, highlighting India’s rich indigenous sporting heritage.

Athletics will offer the highest number of gold medals (34), followed by swimming (24), wrestling (18), and weightlifting (16).

Speaking about the significance of the event, Hockey India president and former Olympian Dilip Tirkey said the Games represent a proud moment for tribal athletes and a valuable platform to showcase their talent at the national level. He noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of promoting sports participation among youth across the country.

The Khelo India Tribal Games aim to nurture emerging talent from tribal regions and strengthen India’s ambition of becoming a stronger sporting nation by identifying and supporting athletes at the grassroots level.

25, Mar 2026
InvoiceCloud to Hire 150 Technology and Product Experts by end of 2026 to Strengthen Global Innovation Hub

Mar 25– InvoiceCloud, a leading provider of digital billing and payment solutions, today announced plans to hire 150 technology and product professionals at its Innovation Hub in Hyderabad through 2026. This expansion reflects the company’s continued investment in enhancing its global product innovation and technology capabilities from India.

The planned hiring will include senior leadership positions such as Vice President, Engineering and Director, Product Management, alongside specialised talent across engineering, artificial intelligence, product management, programme management, shared services, and tax. As part of its scale-up in India, InvoiceCloud is accelerating AI- and automation-led product development, including hiring Senior AI Engineers and advanced technology specialists to further strengthen its next-generation digital billing and payments platform.

Over the past year, InvoiceCloud has onboarded more than 170 professionals across functions in India, marking significant progress in building local capabilities. Key leadership appointments – including Biju Davis as Senior Vice President and India Site Leader, and Sridhar Jalluri as Director of Finance, have further strengthened the company’s operational foundation and leadership presence in Hyderabad.

Commenting on the expansion, Biju Davis, Senior Vice President and India Site Leader at InvoiceCloud, said, “As we continue to strengthen India as a strategic global innovation hub, investing in high-calibre technology and product talent remains a priority. This hiring initiative underscores the critical role our India teams play in driving platform resilience, AI-led innovation, and next-generation payment capabilities for customers worldwide.”

Aligned with InvoiceCloud’s vision, the Hyderabad Global Capability Centre (GCC) is being further strengthened as a centre of excellence for product engineering, automation, and digital payments innovation, supporting U.S. customers across utilities, government, and insurance sectors.

 

25, Mar 2026
NeuEN Secures Green Hydrogen Supply Deal with Numaligarh Refinery

Chandigarh, Mar 25: NeuEN Green Energy Pvt. Ltd. (NeuEN), a 50:50 joint venture between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Private Limited, has secured a contract to supply 10,000 tonnes per annum (10KTPA) of green hydrogen to Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL).

Under the contract, NeuEN will develop a green hydrogen production facility at NRL’s refinery in Assam, supported by a long-term offtake arrangement. The project is expected to begin commercial operations in 2028 and will integrate renewable energy with advanced storage solutions to enable reliable, round-the-clock operations to support refinery decarbonisation.

Commenting on the development, Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said,

“This project marks a significant milestone in BPCL’s journey towards building a future-ready and resilient energy portfolio. Through NeuEN, we are strengthening our presence across the green hydrogen value chain and progressing towards becoming a supplier of clean energy solutions. Securing this project through a competitive bidding process reflects both the evolving maturity of the green hydrogen sector and our focus on developing scalable, market-aligned solutions. As we move forward, our emphasis will remain on building robust execution capabilities and contributing meaningfully to industrial decarbonisation and India’s long-term energy security.”

Vipul Tuli, President & CEO, Renewables, West, and CEO, Hydrogen Business, Sembcorp, said,

 “This award marks a significant step forward in advancing India’s green hydrogen ambitions and aligns closely with Sembcorp’s strategy to enable a lower‑carbon energy future. The landmark tariff achieved demonstrates the importance of well-structured long term offtake contracts. We are pleased to support NRL in its decarbonisation goals, and together with BPCL, deliver a project of national importance.”

Shelly Abraham, Chairman, NeuEN, said,

 “By combining BPCL’s strong domestic market presence and infrastructure capabilities with Sembcorp’s global experience in renewable energy, we are enabling the integration of low-carbon solutions into refining operations and supporting long-term industrial decarbonisation.”

Sembcorp brings complementary strengths to the partnership and continues to advance green hydrogen and its derivatives as key decarbonisation pathways. With a 7.6GW renewables portfolio in India, Sembcorp is well-positioned to support large-scale, cost competitive green hydrogen production to help meet national and industrial decarbonisation goals.

 

25, Mar 2026
India Records 275.75 Lakh Tonnes of Urea Production So Far This Fiscal

India Records 275.75 Lakh Tonnes of Urea Production So Far This Fiscal

Pic Credit: Pexel

India’s urea production stood at 275.75 lakh tonnes during the first eleven months of the current financial year, the government informed on Tuesday.

In the previous financial year (2024–25), the total urea production was recorded at 306.67 lakh tonnes, reflecting steady output levels in the fertiliser sector.

According to official data shared by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel, the country currently has 33 operational urea manufacturing units with a combined production capacity of 269.42 lakh tonnes per annum.

The government noted that domestic production continues to play a key role in meeting agricultural demand and supporting the availability of fertilisers for farmers across the country.

Efforts are ongoing to strengthen fertiliser production capacity and ensure timely supply to maintain agricultural productivity and food security.

 
25, Mar 2026
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Goes Beyond Infrastructure to Focus on Sustainable Water Access

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Goes Beyond Infrastructure to Focus on Sustainable Water Access

Pic Credit: Pexel

New Delhi: Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 is set to expand its focus beyond the installation of pipes and pumps, aiming to ensure long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in rural India.

The upgraded phase of the mission emphasizes not only expanding household tap connections but also strengthening water source sustainability, improving quality monitoring, and enhancing local water management systems.

Officials said the new approach seeks to address challenges such as groundwater depletion and seasonal water scarcity by promoting community participation and efficient resource management.

The initiative builds on the progress of the original Jal Jeevan Mission, which significantly increased rural tap water coverage across the country. The second phase is expected to deepen its impact by ensuring reliability, quality, and long-term water security for every household.

With a stronger focus on sustainability and decentralised management, Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 aims to move beyond infrastructure delivery towards a more resilient and future-ready drinking water system.