Blog

Bartronics Brings Global Strategist Panidapu Rao on Board as Independent Director to Power Agritech and Innovation-Led Growth

July 24, Thursday, 2025, National — Bartronics, a company specialising in digital banking, financial inclusion, and identity management technologies, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Panidapu Lakshmi Naga Srinivasa Rao as Non-Executive Independent Director. With this appointment, effective immediately, Mr. Rao will bring onboard his valuable insights and experience to help guide the company’s strategic direction and contribute to its ambitious roadmap, including its recent foray into the agritech sector.

A seasoned global leader, Mr. Rao brings a unique blend of consulting expertise, investment acumen, and international business experience. Over the years, he has held key roles at respected organisations like McKinsey & Company, Kusto Capital. He works closely with founders of fast-growing companies across sectors like fintech, infrastructure, semiconductor, climate and advises them on growth, fundraise and M & A.

“I’m excited to be joining Bartronics at such an integral time in their journey. The company’s focus on innovation and its move into new domains such as agritech aligns well with my experience and passion for building strategic growth,” said Mr. Rao.

Bartronics, known for its early leadership in smart technology and automation, is now taking bold steps into the world of agriculture and digital transformation. With this appointment, the company is signalling its intent to blend innovation, international expertise, and local relevance as it looks forward to growing beyond its traditional business model.

This development is important given India’s agritech sector is witnessing rapid digital evolution with a market projected to cross $24 billion by 2025. It showcases the growing demand for tech-oriented solutions in supply chain transparency, precision farming, and rural fintech. Given Mr. Rao’s expertise in scaling global ventures, it’s expected to significantly bolster Bartronics’ efforts to lead in this space.

“Mr. Rao’s global experience and strategic foresight are crucial as Bartronics accelerates its innovation roadmap and expands its international footprint,” said Mr. N Vidhya sagar Reddy, Managing Director & chairperson at Bartronics India. “His appointment will strengthen our governance and bring a fresh global perspective at a time when we’re stepping into high-impact, emerging industries.”

Educated at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Germany) and Andhra University (India), Mr. Rao is known for his ability to align capital, strategy, and execution specifically in growth-stage ventures. His comeback to contribute to the Indian tech and innovation ecosystem is not just timely, but rather deeply aligned with Bartronics’ evolving purpose.

‘Quality commerce is the new quick commerce’, says LoveLocal, as India’s fresh grocery market evolves

Mumbai, July 24, 2025: As India’s online grocery market hits an inflexion point, one brand is changing what e-commerce should stand for. LoveLocal, a Mumbai-based hyperlocal e-commerce app, is leading a powerful alternative to the quick commerce rush with a first-of-its-kind “Quality Commerce” model. Usurping the status quo, this customer-first model is anchored in quality, trust, and local empowerment.

With plans to grow 15X over the next 12 months and expand into new cities in 2026, LoveLocal is steadily building a scalable, tech-enabled model designed for long-term impact. At the core of its functioning, the brand is reimagining how fresh groceries should be brought online through the neighbourhood retailers consumers already know and trust. Today, only 7% of Indian households buy fruits and vegetables online. A recent Financial Times article surveying 24,000 Indian consumers found that nearly 80% had negative experiences ordering fresh produce on q-commerce and other inventory-led online platforms, and are returning to their local retailers for their grocery needs.

With shifting consumer behaviour, LoveLocal is championing the need for ‘Quality Commerce’ by solving real consumer problems of freshness and quality in the fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and handpicked groceries categories. Partnering with trusted neighbourhood stores ensures free delivery and free replacements on all orders. LoveLocal’s innovative features, like the video-based shopping experience, allow customers to virtually step inside their neighbourhood store and see what’s on the shelves. The brand further ensures products are delivered within two hours, preserving freshness and convenience. It is also launching slotted delivery and express delivery options to better serve consumers’ different shopping needs.

LoveLocal leverages the existing retail network as fulfilment hubs, making the model both cost-efficient and community-driven. It also equips small retailers with a complete digital operating system, including digital storefronts, logistics support, payment solutions, marketing tools, and business analytics

India’s e-grocery market is projected to reach $96 billion by 2033, with fresh produce accounting for a significant share of consumer demand. Freshness, quality assurance, delivery speed and trust have emerged as key factors to drive the adoption of online grocery, especially in categories like fruits, vegetables and daily essentials. Recent inspections in Maharashtra have revealed operational lapses in select dark stores, including expired stock, poor hygiene and missing licenses.  These incidents highlight the growing need for more transparent and trust-based alternatives in the fresh grocery segment.

LoveLocal is solving these gaps by turning the traditional model on its head. With a 30% larger assortment of fresh produce than most online grocery peers and competitive daily pricing, LoveLocal is building a consumer experience that connects quality with convenience. By combining digital enablement with deep-rooted community trust, the brand is setting a new benchmark for how India shops for everyday essentials.

Akanksha Hazari, Founder & CEO of LoveLocal, said, “Quality and trust are a consumer’s primary needs when shopping for fresh groceries. We solve this problem by tapping into what already works – customers’ trust in their local retailers. Our vision is bold: to build the everything store for everyday needs by taking 1 lakh retailers online and creating India’s most inclusive e-commerce network. With this network, the future of shopping is not a dark store but your trusted local retailer. Where a delivery is not just made quickly, it’s made right. Quality commerce.”

With over 600 stores already digitised across Mumbai, LoveLocal is building a future where small retailers will be considered core to India’s digital retail growth. So far, the brand has raised nearly $30 million from global investors, including Vulcan Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Blume Ventures and several notable founders. LoveLocal is bringing back the joy of eating fresh and redefining what e-commerce should look like: trust-driven, locally powered and scalable.

iQOO Launches iQOO Z10R – The Go-To Smartphone for Young Creators

New Delhi, July 24, 2025: iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand, today launched its latest smartphone – the iQOO Z10R. Tailored for the next generation of content creators who love to create, express, and share, the iQOO Z10R delivers a fully loaded experience across camera, performance, and design.

The iQOO Z10R stands out with its segment-leading 32MP 4K front camera, ideal for sharp, high-quality selfies, vlogs, and reels. It also packs smart camera tools like AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance, Multi-Focus Portrait, and Underwater Mode, making content creation effortless, anytime, anywhere. Built to last, the iQOO Z10R features IP68 & IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance. It features India’s slimmest Quad-Curved AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1800 nits peak brightness for an immersive visual experience. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 5G processor and a strong 7.5L+ AnTuTu score, it offers efficient performance while enhancing multitasking, imaging, and AI capabilities, making it a reliable choice for creators on the move. A 5700mAh battery with 44W fast charging keeps creators powered through long shoots and edits. With 2 years of software and 3 years of security updates, the iQOO Z10R stays future-ready and secure.

The iQOO Z10R is priced at INR 19,499 (Net Effective Price: INR 17,499) for the 8GB + 128GB variant; INR 21,499 (Net Effective Price: INR 19,499) for the 8GB + 256GB variant and INR 23,499 (Net Effective Price: INR 21,499) for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The iQOO Z10R will be available in two color variants: Aquamarine and Moonstone. It will go on its first sale starting July 29 at iQOO.com and Amazon.in.

Customers can avail following offers on purchasing the iQOO Z10R:

• INR 2000 instant discount on select bank cards or an exchange bonus of up to INR 2000 on all devices
• No-cost EMI options for up to 6 months

Talking about the newest edition to the Z Series – iQOO Z10R, Nipun Marya, CEO – iQOO, commented, “At iQOO, we understand that content creation defines self-expression for today’s youth. With the iQOO Z10R, we’ve built a powerhouse that’s designed to keep up with their creativity. Whether it’s shooting high-quality content on the go, editing in real-time, or switching between demanding apps – this is our fastest device in the segment, built for seamless multitasking. Packed with smart AI tools and industry-leading performance, the iQOO Z10R isn’t just a smartphone- it’s the ultimate creator companion.”

“We are thrilled to bring the iQOO Z10R to Amazon.in, reinforcing our commitment to offering one of the widest selections of innovative smartphones with unmatched convenience and accessibility. The iQOO Z10R’s impressive 4K selfie camera, 120Hz AMOLED display, and powerhouse AI features will surely excite customers. On Amazon.in, customers nationwide can easily discover this device with detailed product information, genuine reviews, and reliable delivery to their doorstep. Our seamless shopping experience with exciting launch offers and comprehensive support ensures that aspiring creators and tech enthusiasts can access professional-grade content creation tools without any barriers, making innovation available to creative minds across the country starting July 29th.”, said Tanmay Shah, Category Leader – Smartphones, Accessories and Post Purchase Services.

iQOO Z10R – The Ideal Companion for Content Creation

The iQOO Z10R is the perfect smartphone for young, aspiring content creators. With the segment’s leading 32MP 4K front camera for users to capture sharp clear selfies, vlogs, and reels, whether going live or filming on the move. On the back, the 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures smooth, stable shots even in low light. Features like Super Night Mode and Studio AURA Light help content stand out, while Underwater Mode lets users shoot confidently in a variety of environments. From their first YouTube video to everyday reels and stories, users can shoot, edit, and share seamlessly, all from one device.

Boundless Visual Experience, Built for Long Run

The iQOO Z10R features India’s slimmest 0.739cm Quad-Curved AMOLED display, delivering a boundless 6.77-inch visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and content viewing experience. Certified with SGS Low Blue Light and 2160 Hz PWM Dimming, it’s easy on the eyes, even during long hours of content creation or binge-watching. Built to endure real-world challenges, the iQOO Z10R comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for water, dust, and high-pressure resistance, along with SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. Whether it’s rain, dust, or an accidental drop, the iQOO Z10R is built to stay tough and reliable- no matter where life takes you.

Fastest iQOO Smartphone under 20K

At its core, the iQOO Z10R is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 5G chipset, designed to deliver reliable performance for both everyday tasks and demanding use. Built on flagship 4nm TSMC process, the processor boosts overall speed and enhances power efficiency, enabling users to switch between apps, shoot videos, and play games without lag or overheating. With an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of 7.5 Lakh+, the iQOO Z10R is the fastest iQOO smartphone under 20k segment. The phone features up to 12 GB of RAM combined with 12 GB of Extended RAM, reducing stuttering issues, enabling smooth switching between apps and hassle-free swiping. For gamers, the New Ultra Game Mode creates a dedicated gaming environment that optimizes system resources, reduces distractions, and elevates gameplay with performance-focused tools, all designed to keep users in the zone.

All-Day Battery with Fast Charging

The iQOO Z10R is equipped with a 5700mAh battery designed to meet the needs of today’s content creators. Whether you’re shooting, editing, or sharing, it offers up to 26 hours of YouTube playback and 9 hours of gaming on a single charge. With 44W FlashCharge, it powers up from 1 to 50% in just 33 minutes. It supports Bypass Charging, which allows users to power the device directly while gaming or recording, reducing battery heating and helping lower phone temperature during intensive use.

Smart Software features for Content Creators

The iQOO Z10R runs on Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15) with smart AI tools that simplify content creation and daily tasks. Circle to Search, AI Note Assist, and AI Transcript Assist make finding, summarizing, and organizing easier. Creators can enhance photos with AI Erase 2.0 and Photo Enhance, while AI Screen Translation improve everyday usability. With 2 years of software and 3 years of security updates, the iQOO Z10R stays fast, secure, and creator-ready for the long run.

Continuing iQOO’s commitment to ‘Make in India’, iQOO Z10R 5G devices will be manufactured at vivo’s Greater Noida facility. Also, to offer a hassle-free after-sales service experience to its valued customers, iQOO customers can now visit any 650+ company-owned service centers across the country.

Torrent Pharma Extends Shelcal® legacy into the Adult Nutrition Powder Segment with the launch of Shelcal® Total

Pune(S.N): Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has announced the launch of Shelcal® Total, a scientifically formulated adult nutrition supplement powder that expands its flagship Shelcal® brand into the rapidly growing Nutrition segment.

Shelcal®—with a three-decade legacy of trust—has remained India’s #1 calcium supplement brand since its acquisition by Torrent Pharma in 2013. The portfolio has since expanded with consumer-friendly innovations like Shelcal® Pro Gummies and Shelcal® Pro Kids Gummies, reinforcing the brand’s relevance across age groups and evolving health needs. Shelcal® Total now marks the brand’s evolution into a modern, consumer-focused nutrition portfolio.

“India is facing a growing nutrition gap driven by lifestyle changes, poor dietary habits, and rising stress levels — all of which contribute to deficiencies across age groups,” said Amal Kelshikar Chief Commercial Officer, India Business, Torrent Pharma. “As health awareness increases and more adults are in need of convenient holistic nutrition, the demand for trusted, convenient solutions is only accelerating. Shelcal® Total is our answer to that need — a science-backed, great-tasting supplement that makes comprehensive daily nutrition more accessible and easier to adopt, while upholding Shelcal’s long-standing credibility and consumer trust.”

Shelcal® Total is a comprehensive daily supplement combining high-quality protein, essential vitamins, minerals, and functional nutrients to support bone, muscle and joint health, energy, immunity, gut health, brain health and skin health —addressing the everyday nutritional gaps faced by modern Indian adults. Formulated with vegetarian-origin ingredients, Shelcal® Total contains no added sugar, artificial colours and flavours, making it suitable for health-conscious adults managing their calorie intake. Each serving delivers targeted nutrients including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3 and K2 for bone strength, most notably, it has glucosamine and bamboo shoot extract for joint health, —another often overlooked area in mainstream nutrition.

“Through the years, I have observed that the challenge most Indian adults, particularly those over 30, face aren’t just individual nutrient gaps, but how these interconnected deficiencies affect bone density, muscle mass, and joint mobility.” said Nmami Agarwal, Certified Nutritionist. “Shelcal® Total has comprehensive approach with nutrients to addresses the common prevalent deficiencies, even beyond bone and joint health. For busy professionals and aging adults who struggle to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone, this is a practical, science-backed solution due to its multitude of nutrients to help fulfil required RDA.” said Nmami Agarwal.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for India’s nutrition supplements market, which stood at USD 42.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% through 2030. Powdered supplements account for nearly 38% of the market, preferred for their bioavailability and ease of daily integration—positioning Shelcal® Total strongly in this high-growth category.

Shelcal® Total is now available in 200 gm & 400 gm packs in Vanilla and Dark Chocolate flavours across key retail pharmacies, modern trade, and e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, 1mg, Flipkart, and PharmEasy.

GoTo deepens GSI collaboration to drive innovation and growth in India

Bengaluru, India, July 23, 2025: GoTo, the global leader in cloud communications and IT support, recently hosted its inaugural GSI Leadership Summit and Roundtable in Bengaluru, reaffirming its commitment to Global System Integrator (GSI) ecosystem. The exclusive two-day event brought together 25+ executive GSI leaders and strategic partners to chart the future of collaboration, spotlight innovation priorities, and strengthen GoTo’s “Better Together” partner philosophy.

GoTo reported strong channel momentum with a 33% growth in its channel partner business for FY 2024–25, while its overall GSI business grew 68% year-on-year during the same period. At the GSI Summit, GoTo emphasized its sharpened focus on co-selling models and deeper alignment with GSI-led digital workplace solutions, underscoring its strategic shift toward a more collaborative go-to-market approach.

Speaking on GoTo’s broader channel vision, Joseph George, General Manager of IT Solutions Group at GoTo, underlined the company’s channel-first approach as a cornerstone of global expansion. He also recounted GoTo’s journey from a small startup in Budapest to a global force spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. He highlighted that 40% of GoTo’s IT Solutions Group R&D spending is now dedicated to AI innovation, a clear signal of its future-forward technology vision. Joseph said, “Our partners are not just part of the strategy; they represent the cornerstone of the strategy. As we scale globally, we are building smarter, more resilient ecosystems with our channel partners and GSIs at the center.”

“I had the privilege of presenting and moderating insightful sessions on the Future of IT Support at the recently concluded GoTo GSI Leadership Summit and Roundtable. Centered around the theme ‘Future of IT Support in a Brave New World,’ the event delivered timely and high-caliber conversations – particularly crucial given the current uncertainty surrounding this space. It was energizing to engage with peers and thought leaders from leading service providers, all of whom shared valuable perspectives on how client expectations and support models are rapidly evolving,” said Udit Singh, Vice President, Everest Group.

The roundtable also featured a candid roundtable discussion with multiple GSI leaders. who highlighted GoTo’s AI-driven innovations and reaffirmed their continued collaboration. Ram Kurumella – Global Head, Presales & Solutions, CIS from Cognizant shared, “It was heartening to see how GoTo’s strategic investments are now becoming more AI-driven and staying aligned with evolving customer expectations. What stood out was their focus, not only on enhancing the customer experience but also on empowering IT support personnel. The AR and VR capabilities that GoTo has developed will be a valuable asset to our technical support teams for faster remote troubleshooting.”

 Ram expressed optimism regarding leveraging GoTo’s tools to scale digital transformation for global clients, particularly in remote IT support and automation-driven operations.