Author: Neel Achary

South Indian Bank is LIVE on Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) –Bharatkosh

South Indian Bank proudly announces its successful integration with the Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP), also known as Bharatkosh. It is the first Kerala-based bank and the ninth bank nationwide to be live on this prestigious Government of India platform through the Payment Gateway route.

The Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) is an initiative of the Office of Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance and serves as a unified online platform for citizens to deposit fees, fines and other non-tax payments to 66+ Central Government Departments. Connecting all the Civil Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, the NTRP facilitates 24×7 online services for customers, streamlining government collections and allowing users to make easy and secure payments.

Through this integration, one can now make hassle-free, seamless online payments towards various non-tax government services via South Indian Bank’s Payment Gateway, thereby contributing to the government’s vision of a digitally empowered India.

Ms. Biji S S, Senior General Manager & Head-Branch Banking, South Indian Bank, said, “We at South Indian Bank, are honoured and grateful to serve the Government of India in its efforts to enhance digital payment infrastructure nationwide through the Non-Tax Receipt Portal. The portal being a singular, one-stop live platform, allows our customers to make hassle-free payments to the government.

Being the first Kerala-based bank to be live on NTRP is humbling and it shows that our commitment towards driving innovations and digital solutions for the benefit of our customers and stakeholders is appreciated. With this successful collaboration, we look forward to further opportunities where we can partner with the government and institutions for novel initiatives that would benefit our customers and stakeholders.”

South Indian Bank sees this integration not only as a technological milestone but also as a strategic step to reach new customers and strengthen existing relationships. The Bank is committed to actively promoting this facility among its client base and leveraging the partnership to broaden its services and offerings across sectors.

V-Guard Elevates Smart Living with the Launch of Its Stylish Luxecube Water Heater Series

Chennai, June 10, 2025: V-Guard Industries Limited, India’s leading brand in consumer electronics and electricals, has raised the bar for luxury and smart living with the launch of its premium Luxecube water heater series. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with elegant design, the new collection includes three distinctive models: Luxecube, Luxecube DG, and Luxecube Smart.

 In response to growing consumer preference for enhanced bathroom interiors and thoughtfully designed, technology-led home solutions, V-Guard has introduced a new benchmark in water heating. The Luxecube series brings together refined aesthetics and intelligent functionality, offering a stylish upgrade that transforms the daily bathing routine into a delightful and engaging experience.

 Manufactured in V-Guard’s state-of-the-art facility in Sikkim, the series features Advanced Thermocline Technology —a high-efficiency mixing mechanism that prevents cold inlet water from disturbing the existing hot water layer. By maintaining a sharper thermocline—the boundary between hot and cold water—the system delivers up to 38%* more usable hot water at the desired temperature. This results in longer, more satisfying baths with enhanced energy efficiency. V-Guard has filed a patent for its distinctive Thermocline Technology, marking a significant leap in product innovation.

 At the forefront of this range is the Luxecube Smart, a reimagined water heater designed for the connected era. With IoT Smart Connectivity, users can control and monitor the device remotely through the V-Guard Smart App, available on both iOS and Android platforms. It also integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enabling hands-free operation via simple voice commands through V-Guard mobile App.

 Enhancing the experience further is the Luxe Glow Pro indication system—a sleek, dynamic LED array with ambient mood lighting that visually signals heating and readiness. The V-Guard Smart App also offers multiple preset animation options, allowing users to effortlessly switch between elegant and dynamic lighting effects. This thoughtful detail adds both convenience and aesthetic charm, making everyday use more intuitive and enjoyable.

 The Luxecube Smart also comes equipped with a host of advanced features designed for convenience, safety, and efficiency. These include customizable schedules, real-time energy monitoring, holiday mode to conserve energy during travel, and a child lock for safety. Its Luxe Sense self-diagnostic system ensures reliable operation, while an intuitive digital display provides real-time updates.

 The Luxecube DG and Luxecube models offer stylish and high-performing alternatives at more accessible price points, ensuring there’s an option for every discerning user.

 Built to endure, the entire series is engineered to withstand water pressure up to 0.8 MPa, making it ideal for high-rise apartments. It features a premium rust-proof ABS body, a titanium infused vitreous enamel coated tank for superior corrosion resistance, and a nickel-enriched Incoloy 800 heating element for long-lasting durability and performance.

 Speaking on the launch, Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director of V-Guard Industries Ltd, said: “With the launch of Luxecube, V-Guard is redefining modern living by offering more than just a product—we are delivering a lifestyle upgrade. Luxecube Smart seamlessly blends elegance, intelligence, and performance to transform the way users experience hot water in their homes. This new range reflects V-Guard’s unwavering commitment to innovation and customer-focused design, paving the way for a smarter, more comfortable tomorrow.”

 Mr. Ramachandran V, Director & COO, V-Guard Industries Ltd, added: “We are delighted to introduce our latest innovation—the Luxecube water heater series—into the southern market ahead of the upcoming season. With the monsoon approaching in Southern India, this strategic launch is aimed at addressing the anticipated demand for premium water heating solutions. The Luxecube series is designed to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of modern Indian consumers, and we are confident it will resonate strongly with our valued customers.”

 The Luxecube range carries a 5-star BEE energy rating, India’s highest certification for energy efficiency, and is backed by robust after-sales assurance: a 3-year product warranty, 4-year warranty on the heating element, and 10-year warranty on the inner tank—ensuring long-term peace of mind.

Sattva Sukun Expands Horizons with New Firozabad Glassware Facility

Mumbai, June 10, 2025: Sattva Sukun Lifecare Limited is pleased to announce the approval for the establishment of its new manufacturing unit in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. This facility marks a significant milestone in the Company’s long-term strategic vision to expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position in the lifestyle and décor market, both domestically and internationally.

The company plans to produce high-quality glassware at this new facility, including table lamps, decorative hanging lamps, flower pots, aroma burners, and chandeliers. Leveraging Firozabad’s renowned traditional glassmaking ecosystem, the unit will benefit from access to skilled artisans, abundant raw materials, and cost-effective production infrastructure. The company aims to increase production capacity to better cater to growing market demand, introduce new product categories, and enhance operational margins. This facility is also expected to benefit from cost efficiencies in land, labour, and utilities, thereby improving supply chain responsiveness for both North Indian and export markets.

Commenting on this strategic development, Mr. Mit T. Brahmbhatt, Managing Director of Sattva Sukun Lifecare Limited, said: “The new facility at Firozabad will mark a defining milestone in the company’s growth journey. By integrating world-class manufacturing capabilities with the rich heritage of GI-certified glass artistry, we are not only scaling production but also elevating our brand in the global premium décor segment. We take great pride in contributing to India’s cultural economy while delivering timeless, handcrafted elegance to our customers.”

The new facility will incorporate Geographical Indication (GI)-certified practices to preserve the rich heritage of its products, enhancing brand authenticity and boosting export potential. GI certification provides legal protection, strengthens brand differentiation, enables premium market positioning, and fosters consumer trust. These certified offerings are expected to gain significant traction in international markets, while simultaneously contributing to local employment, promoting traditional craftsmanship, and improving supply chain traceability, fully aligned with the company’s mission.

For the fourth quarter of FY25, the company reported a robust 74.8% year-on-year increase in net profit to ₹84.22 lakhs, while revenue from operations rose by 6% to ₹105.16 lakhs. On a fullyear basis, the performance was even more impressive, with net profit more than doubling up 109.1% to ₹248.94 lakhs and revenue from operations registering a strong 48.1% growth, reaching ₹526.30 lakhs.

The company has announced a Rights Issue to raise up to ₹48 crores through the issuance of 48 crore equity shares at a price of ₹1.00 per share. This capital-raising initiative forms a key part of the company’s broader strategic roadmap to strengthen its financial base, support future growth initiatives, and enhance operational capabilities. The Rights Issue underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable expansion and long-term value creation for its shareholders.

IGI Appoints Industry Stalwart Anoop Mehta as Chairman and Independent Director

New Delhi, 10 June 2025: The International Gemological Institute (IGI), a global authority in diamond and gemstone certification, today announced the appointment of Mr. Anoop Vrajlal Mehta as Chairman and Independent Director of the IGI Board, effective June 6, 2025, subject to the approval of Shareholders.

A visionary leader and stalwart of the global diamond industry, Mr. Mehta brings over five decades of experience in shaping the Indian and international gem and jewellery landscape. He is currently the Chairman and Managing Director of Mohit Diamonds Pvt Ltd., President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). He also serves on key industry bodies, including the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.

His appointment marks a significant milestone in IGI’s journey, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and responsible growth within the gems and jewellery industry.

Commenting on this development, Mr Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO of IGI, said, “We are honoured to welcome Mr. Anoop Mehta to IGI’s Board. A true veteran of the diamond industry, Mr. Mehta brings a wealth of knowledge, deep-rooted insight, and strategic vision. His extensive experience within the global diamond ecosystem will be invaluable in shaping IGI’s direction and advancing our mission to lead with expertise and integrity in gemological science.”

Mr. Printer further said, “The appointment underlines IGI’s focus on strengthening governance, enhancing stakeholder value, and playing a vital role in shaping the future of the diamond and jewellery sector in India and beyond.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Mehta stated, “IGI has long been a pillar of trust and expertise in gem certification. I look forward to contributing to its legacy of excellence and supporting its growth ambitions, especially in an era where consumer confidence and authenticity are paramount.”

Mr. Mehta played a pivotal role in the conception and realization of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, inaugurated in 2010 under his stewardship, which has since positioned India prominently on the global diamond map. Recognized with multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, including from the GJEPC, his leadership continues to inspire transformation in the trade.

SFLC.in concludes “AI in Conversation”: A Week-long Dialogue on Building Ethical and Accountable AI Systems

New Delhi, June 10, 2025: Software Freedom Law Center, India (SFLC.in) successfully concluded its five day event-series “AI in Conversation” held from 26th until 30th May, 2025. The event brought together technologists, journalists, civil society actors, and global policy leaders to reflect on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for democracy, privacy, free speech, journalism, and the environment. Throughout the discussion sessions, speakers explored how AI is reshaping the digital public sphere, the need for ethical guardrails, and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in building inclusive and accountable AI systems.

The series began with a keynote on May 26, on “Building Responsible AI Models: Opportunities and Challenges Faced in the Indian Context” given by Praveen Chandrahas, Secretary, Swecha. The key points emphasised the importance of developing AI tailored to India’s multilingual and diverse use cases, addressing infrastructure and data access challenges, and ensuring transparency in source code and licensing.

On May 27, the panel “From Consent to Control: Privacy in the AI Era” brought together experts including Gus Hosein, Executive Director of Privacy International, who argued that, “We need to stop talking about consent and start talking about the democratic license for these systems to exist… in the context of human rights and civil liberties.” Speakers emphasized that traditional frameworks around user consent are no longer sufficient and called for more robust, participatory models of governance that center around human rights and lived realities, particularly in the Global South.

The third day featured two keynotes, first by Nithya Ruff, Chair of the Linux Foundation Board, on “Open Source and AI” and the other one followed by Rebecca MacKinnon, Vice President of Global Advocacy at Wikimedia Foundation, on “Free Speech and AI in the Era of Global Uncertainty and Information Warfare.” Nithay highlighted that open source is vital for nations to develop AI that reflects their unique cultures, values, and languages and it’s customization, transparency, and fine-tuning via open source can help with building public trust and meet regulatory demands for explainable AI.

Mackinnon warned of the growing pressure on platforms to censor content under the guise of combating fake news and stressed that, “Regulators are encouraged to focus on business models that incentivize disinformation rather than content takedown, which is often abused to silence critics.” The conversation underscored the delicate balance between platform accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.

On May 29, the panel “AI and the Changing Landscape of Journalism” included perspectives from Itika Sharma (Deputy Editor, Rest of World), Vineet Bhalla (Legal Correspondent, Scroll.in), and Binayak Dasgupta (Editor, Hindustan Times), who examined how AI tools are transforming newsrooms from automated reporting to the detection of deepfakes.

The last session on May 30, featured a keynote by Dona Mathew, researcher at Digital Future Labs, titled “Human and Environmental Costs of the AI Race.” The key note addressed the often-overlooked ecological toll and exploitative labor practices that underpin large-scale AI infrastructure, urging greater transparency in the AI supply chain and stronger labor protections.

Reflecting on the event, team SFLC.in stated, “AI has outpaced the conversations around it, but that doesn’t mean we should cede the space. Through this series, we’ve attempted to slow down and ask: Who builds AI? Who benefits? And who bears the cost? This is a pivotal moment for Indian technologists, policymakers, and civil society to assert what kind of digital future we want and who it’s accountable to.”

“AI in Conversation” provided a critical space for cross-sector engagement at a time when regulatory frameworks are still emerging, and the global AI race continues to accelerate. SFLC.in remains committed to promoting open, inclusive, and rights-respecting discussions on technology and society, and will continue to advocate for policies that ensure AI serves the public interest.

Achilles launches Comply360 to streamline enterprise sustainability reporting and compliance

Abingdon, UK – 10 June 2025 – Achilles, a global leader in supply chain risk and performance management, today announced the launch of Achilles Comply360, a purpose-built enterprise software solution to simplify and automate non-financial reporting.

As regulatory, investor and stakeholder demand for transparency increase, many businesses face challenges collecting, validating and reporting ESG and other data. Achilles Comply360 addresses these challenges by providing a single, configurable platform that brings together data collection, reporting automation, project management and framework alignment – all with audit-readiness built in.

“Sustainability reporting is no longer optional for many organisations, but it remains a resource-heavy, fragmented process,” said Mark Chamberlain, Chief Product Officer at Achilles. “Achilles Comply360 is designed to give enterprises the confidence, accuracy and structure they need to meet their reporting obligations efficiently and consistently, without increasing internal burden.”

Comply360 integrates seamlessly with ERP systems, third-party tools, and Achilles’ own platforms, Carbon Accounting and Supply Chain 360, to deliver comprehensive, connected reporting. It leverages specialist AI developed by Achilles’ AI division, InfoControl, to extract data from company documents and auto-populate structured, semi-narrative, and narrative disclosures with high accuracy.

The platform supports reporting under leading frameworks including CSRD, IFRS, and GRI, while also offering full customisation for sector-specific or investor-driven requirements. An integrated carbon estimator, powered by internationally recognised GHG Emission Factors, enables accurate emissions calculations using real operational data. For further automation, users can enhance functionality by adding Achilles Carbon Reporting.

Comply360 also streamlines collaboration and accountability, allowing users to assign reporting tasks by subject area, sub-section, or individual data point. Built-in collaboration tools and real-time performance dashboards provide clear visibility across teams.

“Comply360 puts Achilles rigour and cutting-edge AI-enabled automation at the heart of ESG reporting,” said Chamberlin. “It helps organisations demonstrate due diligence, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain stakeholder trust – more efficiently and effectively.”

Achilles Comply360 is available globally in 10 languages and can be implemented in line with an organisation’s materiality assessment and reporting priorities.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited launches “RICEACT” – a “revolutionary” herbicide for paddy cultivation

India, 2025: With a keen focus towards expanding its footprint in the herbicide segment, Crystal Crop Protection Limited (CCPL), India’s leading agro-chemicals solutions company today announced the launch of a major research-driven herbicide.
This comes at a time when India’s crop-protection market is projected to grow from ~ USD 2.59 Bn in 2025 to ~ USD 3.21 Bn by the year 2030 with a CAGR of 4.35 percent.

 To further its growth and reinforce its position as a market leader in the segment, CCPL has today launched RICEACT, a next-generation solution tailored specifically for rice cultivation. Once introduced, RICEACT is expected to cover ~ 3 lakh acres of paddy and directly connect with over 2.5 to 3 lakh progressive paddy farmers across key markets.

 With the launch of RICEACT, Crystal Crop Protection is expecting to increase its herbicide portfolio by ~ 8 percent.
As a part of its launch, Crystal will be introducing RICEACT across key markets in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Karnataka.

 RICEACT is a powerful early post-emergence herbicide that brings together two highly effective active ingredients — “Triafamone” (20%) and “Ethoxysulfuron” (10%)—offering a robust dual mode of action, providing effective control on various weeds. It works efficiently across transplanted and wet direct-seeded paddy crops, managing a broad spectrum of grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds that are known to significantly affect paddy yield and profitability.

 With a unique combination of two active ingredients, RICEACT ensures early weed control and provides season-long residual control. While Triafamone acts through the roots and leaves of the weed and inhibits critical enzyme activity, Ethoxysulfuron is absorbed through foliage and disrupts weed development through systemic action. Together, they effectively block the Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) enzyme, resulting in complete weed mortality with superior crop safety.

 Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection, said, “Crystal is deeply committed to transforming the rice farming landscape in India. With RICEACT, we bring an advanced solution that combines innovation with performance – ensuring our farmers can protect their crops better, reduce losses and maximize returns.”

 This innovative product is designed to be applied as an early post-emergence spray, ideally when weeds are in the “1–3 leaf stage” and with an application window of “8-12 DAT/DAS”. With a recommended dose of 90 g per acre, RICEACT provides a unified solution for effective weed management in rice cultivation, reducing labour dependency and increasing operational efficiency.

 RICEACT will be made available across India through Crystal’s extensive dealer network, focusing on key rice-growing states. It will be offered in convenient 45g, 60g, and 90g pack sizes, and will be actively promoted through field demonstrations, farmer engagement drives, and comprehensive training programs to ensure effective adoption and usage.

 Sohit Satyawali, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Crystal Crop Protection, said, “Weed management continues to be one of the most critical challenges in paddy cultivation. RICEACT is a strategic product that ensures longer duration control and broad-spectrum control with a long-lasting impact, while safeguarding the crop and simplifying farmer operations. This product underlines our focus on smart farming and farmer-centric innovations.

 Today, as India’s farmers move towards increased usage of crop-protection products, it will pave the way to unlock the vast potential that can benefit the country’s economy.