Category Archives: Business

HyFun Foods Champions Sustainable, Soil-Driven Farming on World Soil Day

Mumbai, Dec 04: HyFun Foods is one of India’s leading frozen food manufacturers, built on a robust seed-to-shelf model that ensures quality, consistency, and traceability. As the country’s largest processor of processing-grade potatoes, HyFun combines advanced agronomy, efficient value chains, and world-class manufacturing to deliver premium frozen snacks to consumers in India and across global markets.

Supporting this engine is HyFarm, HyFun’s dedicated Agri Business unit and farmer connect brand, which works directly with over 8000 farmers through scientific crop planning, precision agronomy, and technology-led advisory systems. With initiatives like Paathshala, VigyaanShala, and soil-health programs, HyFarm strengthens farm productivity while promoting sustainable, soil-smart practices, making HyFun and HyFarm naturally aligned with the mission of World Soil Day, which emphasises that strong food systems begin with healthy, well-nurtured soil.

Underlining the foundational role of soil in HyFun’s agri ecosystem, Haresh Karamchandani, MD & Group CEO, HyFun Foods, stated: “World Soil Day is a reminder that the strength of India’s food system begins long before the end product reaches the shelves of a supermarket. It’s rooted in the strength of our soil. At HyFun Foods, we work closely with farming communities to promote soil-smart practices.

Our R&D initiative, VigyaanShala, strengthens this effort by bringing experts from across the world to study, test, and refine our agronomic practices – that in turn will over time improve soil health. The insights developed there are carefully evaluated and then shared with farmers through our Paathshala program, ensuring the knowledge is translated into clear, actionable practices that farmers can apply directly in their fields.

Further, our farmer-support app, FarmOji, ties this ecosystem together by giving growers real-time tracking, updates, and advisories to keep their crop health on point. For us, nurturing soil health isn’t a box to tick, it’s the foundation of stronger harvests, better quality, and a resilient Indian food ecosystem.”

Next revolution will be bio-driven; RDI Fund a unique step to power India’s deep-tech future: Dr Jitendra Singh

Dec 03: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the next major global revolution will be bio-driven, and that India is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation on the strength of its deep-tech capabilities, robust startup ecosystem and rising domestic institutional capital.

In an exclusive “FireChat” session organised by the “Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association” (IVCA) in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh described the recently announced ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund as “one of the most unique and forward-looking initiatives taken by the Government” to support high-risk, high-reward research in frontier technologies, and to catalyse a new era of partnership between Government, industry and investors. He said the Fund has been designed with a liberal and long-term mindset, with low-interest, patient capital and risk-sharing features that send a clear signal of the Government’s intent to crowd-in private investment rather than crowd it out.

The Minister highlighted that India is rapidly emerging as a deep-tech and science-led innovation power, backed by strong political will at the highest level. He said that, unlike in the past when India often lagged by a decade or more in adopting new technologies, the country is now among the first to frame dedicated biotechnology policies and to open strategic sectors such as space and atomic energy to private participation. He credited the leadership and vision Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for breaking long-standing taboos and bringing science, technology, and innovation to the centre of the national development agenda.

Elaborating on the structural change underway in India’s innovation landscape, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the last decade was defined by the digital revolution in areas such as IT, fintech, e-commerce and software, but the coming decade will be led by deep-tech India across sectors like space, bio-manufacturing, green hydrogen, quantum technologies, and advanced materials. He noted that these sectors are science-intensive, capital-intensive, and IP-intensive, and therefore demand a very different kind of risk-tolerant, patient capital than traditional manufacturing or infrastructure.

Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that the global success stories of advanced economies have been written through the active participation of the private sector, philanthropic investors, and domestic institutional capital. For many years, he observed, India’s mindset was to look up to the Government for everything, and even in sunrise sectors like space or nuclear, the private sector did not anticipate the scale or speed at which reforms would be undertaken. “Even the private sector was not prepared for the kind of proactive, liberal and decisive approach that this Government has brought in sectors like space, nuclear and biotechnology,” he said, adding that the RDI Fund is also intended to help the private sector overcome legacy hesitation and step into frontier areas with confidence.

Referring to India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, the Minister emphasised that innovation is no longer confined to the big metros. He informed that out of nearly 1.75–2 lakh startups that now place India as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, around 60,000 belong to Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. Calling it a myth that cutting-edge innovation happens only in Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Hyderabad, he said that many of the most determined and aspirational founders are emerging from small towns and government schools, driven by a strong desire to prove themselves and create value.

Sharing his interactions with young innovators in aspirational districts, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the aspiration and awareness levels among students in remote areas are now often higher than those in big cities, thanks to digital connectivity and focused schemes like Vigyan Jyoti. He cited the example of a schoolgirl from an aspirational district who was well-versed with national science schemes and was already demanding that eligibility be expanded to younger classes. “This illustrates how deeply the ecosystem has penetrated, and how the next generation is growing up with a completely different mindset,” he remarked.

The Minister said that, in addition to deep-tech, India has unique strengths in sectors such as the Himalayan ecosystem, the coastal and blue economy, agriculture, aroma and natural products, where thousands of successful startups have been built by founders who are sometimes not even graduates but possess passion, aptitude and an instinct for value creation. He highlighted the Aroma Mission as an example of how science-based interventions can create thousands of rural entrepreneurs, generate export-quality products, and attract international competition.

Dr Jitendra Singh stressed that India today stands at an inflection point, transitioning from being merely a fast-growing major economy to becoming a science-led, innovation-driven global leader. He said that India’s ambition to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires technological strength, economic resilience, and financial self-reliance, for which domestic institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, banks, sovereign-linked entities and family offices will play a critical role. He welcomed the growing participation of domestic Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) and noted that India today hosts nearly 1,700 registered AIFs with commitments of over ₹15 lakh crore, reflecting deepening capital markets and investor confidence.

Describing the RDI Fund as a cornerstone of this new architecture, the Minister said it will support frontier R&D in areas such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy, biotech, advanced materials, defence-tech, and space-tech, and help India “invent in India, not just Make in India”. He underlined that the Fund is designed to strengthen the entire innovation pipeline from discovery to deployment, and to bring together industry, academia, startups, investors, and public institutions in a unified national innovation framework.

Dr Jitendra Singh also highlighted the complementary role of institutions such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), sectoral interfaces like IN-SPACe in space and BIRAC in biotechnology, and industry bodies like IVCA. He said these platforms serve as scientific and financial interfaces to structure collaborations, determine optimal partnership models and match investors to appropriate opportunities, avoiding ad-hoc or random engagement and ensuring that each player fits into the most suitable slot within the ecosystem.

Responding to suggestions from fund managers during an interactive conversation, the Minister acknowledged the importance of crowding-in corporate and philanthropic capital for earlier-stage research, including work at lower Technology Readiness Levels. He noted that international philanthropic investments have already begun flowing into India’s science and innovation ecosystem in significant volumes and said this is creating positive examples for domestic philanthropists and corporates to emulate. He emphasised that the Government envisages a “wholesome combination of collaboration” spanning Government, private sector, corporates, philanthropists, and NGOs rather than limiting the innovation partnership to any single segment.

On questions related to interest rates and operationalisation of the RDI Fund, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Government is approaching the initiative with an open and learning mindset. He indicated that the margins could be calibrated based on the first calls and the response pattern, and emphasised that both Government and investors must be willing to learn from each other’s constraints, strengths, and inputs. “This has to be built in a spirit of very close mutual understanding and trust, not as a contest where one side tries to appear better than the other,” he said.

The Minister said that a major, and often under-appreciated, change is the shift in mindset among Indian youth and professionals. He observed that while earlier generations going abroad often had no clear timeline to return, a growing number of young Indians today are planning their return journeys in advance because they see comparable opportunities at home in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that more than half of Indian residents working in advanced research ecosystems abroad today are of Indian origin who were born, educated, and trained in India, which demonstrates that the domestic ecosystem is now capable of nurturing world-class talent end-to-end.

Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India will increasingly be defined by its capacity to leapfrog traditional development stages, just as it moved directly from landlines to mobile telephony and emerged as a global IT leader. He mentioned the Deep Ocean Mission, the long coastline, the Himalayan range, and India’s biodiversity as strategic assets that will open up new frontiers in deep-sea mining, fisheries, climate technologies and regenerative solutions, creating fresh opportunities for investors and innovators alike.

Reiterating that no reform or revolution in science and technology can happen in isolation, the Minister called upon fund managers, domestic institutional investors and entrepreneurs present at the Forum to view the coming decades as a “once-in-a-generation moment” to shape the global innovation landscape from India. He said that as the world gradually shifts from a purely manufacturing-centric paradigm to one centred on regeneration, recycling, genetics and bio-driven solutions, India must position itself as a solutions provider for the world, powered by its own capital, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Dr Jitendra Singh assured the investor community that the Government is committed to providing a predictable, enabling, and forward-looking policy environment and invited them to partner with Government institutions to identify the most suitable areas and models of collaboration. “We are now part of the global scenario, and this is the right time for venture capitalists, domestic institutions, and innovators to invest in India’s new frontiers. Together, we must ensure that India does not only participate in the technologies of the future, but leads them,” he said.

New General Manager at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

     The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur Appoints Mr. Arjun Belliappa as General Manager

Udaipur, Dec 02: The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Arjun Belliappa as its new General Manager. Bringing over 20 years of diverse hospitality experience, Mr. Belliappa has established a distinguished reputation for elevating guest satisfaction, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving business growth.

Mr. Belliappa began his career as a Hotel Operational Management Trainee with JW Marriott, Juhu, before taking on roles at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai. His career further flourished during his seven-year tenure with The Oberoi Group, where he contributed to operations at The Oberoi Mumbai, Trident Nariman Point, and Trident Gurgaon, eventually rising to Assistant Front Office Manager.

His professional journey includes senior leadership roles across prominent hospitality and service organizations such as Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru, Mantri Square Mall, Lemon Tree Premier, Sunbird Trust, and Betta Living Resorts, giving him extensive exposure to luxury hotels, large-scale operations, and mission-driven projects.

Most recently, Mr. Belliappa served as General Manager at Hotel Lakend, Udaipur, where he successfully leveraged his deep market understanding to strengthen service standards and business performance.

Speaking about his new role, Mr. Arjun Belliappa said, “It is an honour to join The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur, a landmark property that captures the splendour of Rajasthan and a bygone era. I look forward to working with the team to create memorable guest experiences that uphold the brand’s legacy of warmth, luxury, and inclusion.”

Welcoming him to the organisation, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, stated, “We are delighted to have Mr. Arjun Belliappa join The LaLiT family. His leadership, expertise, and dedication to excellence will further strengthen our commitment to offering unparalleled guest experiences at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur.”

Devam partners with Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-powered micro devotional content series on historic temples

This collaboration brings unknown temple stories to Indians through AI, starting with Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur

New Delhi, Dec 2: Devam has partnered with leading FMCG brand Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-generated temple micro-series, marking a pioneering moment in brand-led spiritual content creation. The partnership debuts with a Hindi-language series on Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur.

This launch comes as India’s spiritual tech sector experiences unprecedented growth. The devotional products market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2035, while micro-content consumption has surged 300% year-over-year.

“This partnership represents a new era where AI meets ancient wisdom to preserve India’s spiritual heritage. Young Indians are curious and seeking authentic storytelling. Through devam, we want to bring these temple stories to every Indian. This can have a huge impact.” said Nihal Rustgi, Cofounder, Devam.

The series uses advanced AI to create 60-second episodes featuring photorealistic temple visuals, authentic hindi narration, and interactive elements that let viewers virtually participate in temple rituals.

“Madhusudan has been part of Indian households’ spiritual rituals for generations. This partnership allows us to evolve that connection for the digital age. We’re not just advertising – we’re investing in cultural preservation through technology,” said Amit Aggarwal, Director, Madhusudan.

The 10-episode series will premiere on the devam platform, with daily episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Following the Hindi launch, the partnership will expand to Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali in Q1 2026, with more significant temples in the pipeline.

This marks the first time a major FMCG brand has invested in AI-generated devotional micro-content, setting new standards for brand partnerships in spiritual tech and demonstrating AI’s potential in cultural preservation.

JMR Infotech Showcases AI-Powered Banking Platform at CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025

Bogotá / Dubai / Bangalore – Dec 2: JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions, and a service member of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), participated in the CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from October 28 to November 1, 2025. The event brought together banking and financial industry leaders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, innovation, and the future of financial services in the Caribbean.

JMR Infotech was represented by CEO Jayafar Moidu, who engaged with senior representatives from banks and financial institutions across the Caribbean. Discussions focused on how AI-driven Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS) models can help institutions accelerate modernisation, improve compliance, and enhance customer experience.

At the conference, JMR Infotech highlighted its Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS), a complete, API-first, cloud-enabled, and AI-powered technology stack built on Oracle banking product processor to deliver next-generation, immersive, and intelligent banking experiences. The platform integrates automation, predictive analytics, and composable architecture to help banks achieve operational agility, risk resilience, and scalability.

Jayafar Moidu, CEO, JMR Infotech, emphasised that the Caribbean’s banking ecosystem is at a pivotal stage, where innovation and inclusion will define the next decade of growth. He noted that the region’s collaborative spirit and willingness to adopt digital-first strategies position it well for transformation driven by AI and cloud technologies.

“Across the Caribbean, banks are ready to embrace technology that empowers efficiency, compliance, and customer-centricity. Our AI-powered BPaaS model offers a secure and scalable pathway to modernisation, enabling financial institutions to move from manual processes to intelligent, self-optimising operations,” said Jayafar.

JMR Infotech’s presence at the conference reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s financial sector with flexible, future-ready technology solutions. With a regional delivery center in Bogotá and support and delivery centers in St. Kitts and Jamaica, the company continues to strengthen its footprint across the Caribbean and Latin America, combining local presence with global delivery excellence.

Pedaling with Purpose: Madhuri Gold Joins Hands with Miss Universe AP Chandana Jayaram for 600 KM Ride

Srikalahasti, Dec 01 2025: Madhuri Gold, one of India’s most admired jewellery brands, takes a bold new step by blending the worlds of glamour and grit. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the brand partners with Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh 2024–2025, Chandana Jayaram, for a 600 KM cycling expedition from Srikalahasti to Hyderabad. This landmark collaboration marks the first time a jewellery brand in India has associated with a major endurance sports event, highlighting a new narrative — where beauty, strength, and determination shine equally bright.

“It is a proud moment for us as Bojjala Venkata Sudhir Reddy garu, MLA of Srikalahasti and a dynamic leader of the Telugu Desam Party, flags off our bikers from the sacred land of Srikalahasti. His victory in the 2024 Assembly Elections stands as an inspiration of dedication and public service. Under his leadership and with the support of TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena, we are honoured to begin this journey that symbolizes strength, unity, and purpose.”

Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh Chandana Jayaram, a fashion model, content creator, and cyclist, embodies the very spirit of resilience and transformation. Coming from a small village, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

“I’ve always been drawn to fitness and movement. In 2020, I decided to take charge of my health, losing 20 kilograms in 10 months through discipline and consistency. That transformation built my confidence, self-reliance, and mental strength, showing me how fitness can reshape both the body and the mindset,” said Chandana.

Her remarkable achievements include completing the Brevet des Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) in Trichy — a global endurance cycling challenge that demands extraordinary focus and perseverance. Each milestone stands as a testament to her passion and determination to push boundaries.

Mr. Sunil from Madhuri Gold said, “We are immensely proud to associate with Chandana Jayaram for this inspiring journey. Her courage, elegance, and determination perfectly mirror the values of Madhuri Gold — purity, perseverance, and progress. Through this partnership, we aim to encourage more women to chase their dreams, break barriers, and shine with confidence — just like gold.”

Adding to this, Mr. Vishwas, CMO & four-time National Off-Road Biking Champion, shared, We’ve always believed in finding and supporting grassroots sports talent in India. This initiative reflects our vision — to celebrate endurance, commitment, and the courage to dream big. Also we are proud to stand for more than just sparkle. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage women across India to embrace health, fitness, and self-confidence as part of their lifestyle.

Madhuri Gold Extends a Helping Hand to Flood-Affected Families in Kalathuru

In a heartfelt gesture of compassion and solidarity, the owners and team of Madhuri Gold reached out to support families affected by the recent floods in Kalathuru, Moved by the hardships faced by the local community, the brand stepped forward not just as a business, but as a family that cares deeply for the people around it. The Madhuri Gold owners, emphasizing that true wealth lies in kindness and shared humanity. The team personally distributed essential supplies, food, and relief materials to the affected households, ensuring immediate comfort and hope during this challenging time.

buildAhome Startup Redefines the Home Construction Experience with first Knowledge Centre

Nov 28: buildAhome, one of India’s leading turnkey home construction companies, has announced a series of major updates aimed at enhancing transparency, customer experience and sector-wide organisation in the individual home construction market.

Established in 2016, buildAhome has grown from a four-member startup into a trusted construction partner with over 1,000 completed homes across more than 15 cities. The company continues to operate through a robust in-house model comprising architects, engineers, MEP specialists and finishing experts, ensuring complete quality control, predictable timelines and cost clarity for homeowners.

Adding to its efforts to simplify and standardise the homebuilding journey, buildAhome has unveiled its first Knowledge Centre in Bengaluru. This experiential space is designed to educate and empower prospective homeowners by giving them a transparent view of the construction process. The centre features a distinctive glass-floor display showcasing over 100 construction materials in the exact sequence they appear during building. It also houses digital exhibits that explain structural planning, MEP systems, quality checks and sustainability practices. Visitors can explore a vast visual library of more than 10,000 images, use a real-time cost calculator and access project documentation from over 1,000 completed sites. With the introduction of Annual Maintenance Contracts, the company further reinforces its commitment to long-term support and customer confidence.

On the technology front, buildAhome is strengthening its ERP-integrated digital system that connects architects, engineers, vendors and clients on a unified platform. Homeowners can track every stage of their project—materials, milestones, updates and billing—through a dedicated mobile interface, offering a level of transparency that is uncommon in the construction sector.

To amplify its message of trust and reliability, buildAhome recently onboarded cricket legend Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. The campaign, titled “Banni, let’s build a home,” reflects the company’s promise of a worry-free and transparent building experience.

buildAhome also continues to prioritise sustainable construction through initiatives such as solar integration, rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly home design, highlighted through its IGBC Platinum-certified project, Urvi.

With these strategic updates, buildAhome reaffirms its vision of making homebuilding in India transparent, organised and technology-driven, while continuing to build lasting trust with homeowners.

Five Brutal Realities About Investing, According to Ankur Aggarwal

A Legacy of Trust: Janapriya Upscale Celebrates Janapriya’s 40 Years and 40,000 Homes

Hyderabad, Nov 26: Janapriya Group, a name with trust and reliability in the real estate sector, has crossed a significant historic milestone. The company celebrated the completion of 40 successful years and the delivery of 40,000 Homes, marking a new chapter in its legacy. The dual celebration, which also marked the 72nd birthday of Chairman and Founder Janapriya Group Mr K. Ravinder Reddy, was held grandly at the JRC Convention in Jubilee Hills.

Building on Resilience Mr Kranti Kiran Reddy, Managing Director, Janapriya Upscale reflected on the company’s journey, stating, “Reaching this height is a result of 40 years of resilience. We have withstood financial tides and changing political landscapes to stand tall today.” He dedicated the success to the strong foundation laid by his father, Mr Ravinder Reddy, and promised that Janapriya would continue to unveil landmark projects.

The Vision of Affordability Taking a trip down memory lane, Chairman Mr K. Ravinder Reddy spoke about his enduring vision: Homes for all. Citing the Housing Board, HUDA, and HDFC as key influences, he recalled the struggles homebuyers faced decades ago regarding loans. “Those experiences shaped our mission to build affordable communities,” he said, sharing the highs and lows of the last four decades.

Janapriya—which translates to “People’s Favorite”—lived up to its name, celebrating a legacy built on 40 years of unwavering trust.

India’s Top Finance Influencer Rachana Ranade Speaks at FLO Hyderabad on “Money Matters. Mindset Matters More.

Hyderabad, Nov 25: FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), Hyderabad Chapter, organised a unique and empowering session titled “Money Matters. Mindset Matters More,” featuring India’s leading financial educator and fin-fluencer, Rachana Ranade, at Hyatt Place, Banjara Hills.

One of India’s most influential voices in financial literacy, Rachana Ranade is widely respected for simplifying complex financial concepts for the masses. By breaking down financial jargon into relatable, easy-to-understand insights, she has made investing accessible to beginners and seasoned investors alike — including millions who are not fluent in English.

With a mission to democratise financial education, her content has reached millions through YouTube and other digital platforms. Her impact on India’s financial learning ecosystem has earned her a place in Forbes India’s Top 100 Digital Stars.

Separate the finance and gender. Women think that finance management is not their cup of tea. That is not correct. It doesn’t have any gender difference said Rachana Ranade

Warren Buffet started making long term vestments at the age of 92 years. Age is just a number. It doesn’t matter what is your age to invest money, she added

For learning, age is not the bar. Before you start your financial journey, be aware of fundamentals of finance management, she said. She spoke to the packed hall.

At the FLO Hyderabad session, she covered a broad spectrum of topics — personal finance, stock market investing, mutual funds, IPO evaluation, and practical strategies for building long-term wealth.

The theme resonated deeply with FLO’s objective of helping women rethink their relationship with money — emphasising not just financial tools, but the mindset that shapes investment behaviour, wealth creation, and financial confidence.

Delivering her welcome address, Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad, said the global economic landscape has positioned women as key drivers of financial decision-making.

She observed, “The world is waking up to a powerful truth: women are not just participants in the economy — they are becoming the largest economic force on the planet. When we change how women think about money, we unlock not just personal wealth but global economic potential.”

Highlighting the urgency of financial literacy, she added, “Only one in three adults globally is financially literate, with women disproportionately disadvantaged. Mindset matters more than ever. Financial education isn’t a luxury — it is a necessity. Our goal is to help women own their financial stories with confidence.”

Speaking about Rachana Ranade’s inspirational journey, Prathibha noted, “Rachana didn’t enter classrooms — she built one for an entire nation. She transformed finance from fear into freedom for over five million learners.”

FLO Hyderabad continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for women’s empowerment. This year alone, it has conducted 23+ impactful programmesacross digital literacy, STEM, grassroots livelihood development, sales leadership, women directors’ training, and community outreach — collectively benefiting more than 3,700 women across the region.