Category Archives: Business

Bhupender Yadav Calls for Technology-Led Forest Governance and Community-Driven Conservation

Environment Minister stresses innovation, scientific forest management and ecological security as India works towards Viksit Bharat@2047

New Delhi: Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has urged Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers to strengthen conservation efforts through scientific decision-making, technological innovation and greater community participation. He emphasised that protecting India’s natural ecosystems must remain an integral part of the country’s long-term economic development strategy.

The Minister shared his views during an interaction with officers participating in the Mid-Career Training (MCT) Phase-III (19) programme of the Indian Forest Service in New Delhi. The discussion focused on India’s conservation priorities, the challenges confronting forest administrators and the need to strengthen institutional capabilities to address emerging environmental concerns.

Senior officials attending the interaction included Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC); Santosh Tiwari, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary; Ramesh Pandey, Additional Director General of Wildlife; and Rajendra Prasad Khajuria, Director of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), along with other ministry officials.

Recognising the contribution of forest officers to protecting India’s ecological wealth, Yadav highlighted progress in wildlife conservation, forest and tree cover, carbon sequestration, wetland protection and landscape restoration.

He also drew attention to initiatives designed to combine environmental restoration with public participation. These include Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, MISHTI, the Aravalli Green Wall Project and Nagar Van Yojana, which support tree planting, ecosystem improvement and the creation or restoration of green spaces.

The Minister stressed that the national objective of Viksit Bharat@2047 must be pursued alongside the protection of forests, wildlife and biodiversity. Integrating ecological considerations into development planning, he indicated, is essential to maintaining a balance between economic aspirations and environmental responsibilities.

The growing complexity of forest management requires officers to address challenges extending beyond conventional conservation activities. Yadav identified human-wildlife conflict, forest fires and climate change as major concerns requiring timely interventions and evidence-based solutions.

He underlined the importance of understanding local ecosystems and adapting management strategies to the diverse climatic and geographical conditions found across India.

Community participation was another key theme of the interaction. Working closely with local populations and drawing on traditional knowledge can help forest administrators develop practical responses to conservation challenges while encouraging wider public involvement in protecting natural resources.

The Minister encouraged the participating officers to approach field-level problems with fresh perspectives and devise solutions that reflect local realities.

GIS, Remote Sensing and AI Gain Importance in Forest Administration

As environmental pressures intensify, technology is creating new opportunities to improve forest monitoring, conservation planning and administrative efficiency.

Yadav highlighted the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) to support forest management and more informed decision-making. Such tools can help administrators assess landscapes, monitor environmental changes and strengthen the preparation and implementation of forest management plans.

He urged officers to develop the technical understanding needed to incorporate these capabilities into their work. At the same time, he emphasised that technological adoption must be supported by continuous capacity building, institutional strengthening and effective implementation at the field level.

The Minister called for a broader approach to forest administration, encouraging officers to move beyond traditional regulatory responsibilities and take on greater roles as innovators, institutional leaders and facilitators of sustainable development.

He highlighted the value of combining field experience with exposure to policy formulation at the ministry level. According to the Minister, this cross-functional understanding can help officers connect conservation priorities with wider governance and development objectives.

The emphasis on professional development also reflects the need for forest administrators to respond to emerging challenges with a combination of scientific expertise, administrative experience and an understanding of community needs.

The interaction reinforced the importance of strengthening India’s forest governance framework at a time when climate change, biodiversity protection and competing demands on land and natural resources are becoming increasingly significant.

For the Indian Forest Service, the challenge lies in translating conservation objectives into effective action through better planning, modern technology, stronger institutions and sustained public engagement.

Yadav’s message to the officers centred on the need to adopt innovative approaches while maintaining a clear focus on safeguarding the country’s ecological heritage. As India advances towards its 2047 development vision, the effectiveness of forest management and conservation programmes will remain an important component of its broader sustainability agenda.

Coal Stocks at Power Plants Remain Above 18 MT as Supply Strengthens in October 2026

Daily coal dispatches rise to 2.49 MT, while stock depletion slows sharply amid increased railway rake loading

Coal availability at domestic thermal power plants has shown signs of improvement in October 2026, with stock levels remaining above 18 million tonnes (MT) since September 29. Higher coal dispatches and increased railway rake movement have helped moderate the decline in inventories, supporting efforts to maintain uninterrupted electricity generation.

Coal stocks, which stood at 18.932 MT on September 29, were recorded at 18.205 MT on October 10, 2026. The relatively stable inventory position reflects improved coordination between coal supplies and the daily consumption requirements of power plants.

The Ministry of Coal is also monitoring stations facing critical stock levels and facilitating the redistribution of coal according to operational requirements. The approach aims to address supply gaps at vulnerable power plants and maintain adequate fuel availability.

The reduction in coal stocks has slowed considerably compared with the previous month. In September 2026, inventories declined by approximately 7.28 MT, translating into an average daily depletion of around 0.24 MT.

During the first ten days of October, however, the total decline was limited to approximately 0.56 MT, with average daily depletion falling to around 0.06 MT.

Coal stock increases were recorded on October 2 and October 10, when inventories rose by 0.024 MT and 0.017 MT, respectively. These increases indicate that coal receipts outpaced consumption on the two days.

The slower rate of depletion suggests that higher dispatch volumes are helping power plants manage their fuel requirements more effectively.

Improved railway logistics have played a significant role in strengthening coal supplies to the power sector.

An average of 469 railway rakes per day was loaded for power plants between October 1 and October 10, compared with 426 rakes per day during September. The increase of approximately 10% has supported the movement of larger coal volumes to generating stations.

Daily rake loading during the first ten days of October ranged from 447 to 482 rakes, reflecting sustained transportation activity during the period.

The increase in rake availability and loading has contributed to higher coal deliveries, helping narrow the gap between fuel consumption and replenishment at thermal power plants.

Average actual coal supply to the power sector reached 2.49 MT per day during October 1–10, up from 2.21 MT per day in September 2026.

The October average exceeded the planned daily supply of 2.37 MT. Actual supplies were higher than the planned level on nine out of the ten days, highlighting the improvement in coal movement during the period.

Higher daily deliveries have helped moderate inventory depletion, although maintaining adequate stocks will continue to depend on consistent supplies and the distribution of coal according to individual power plants’ requirements.

The Ministry of Coal is working with Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), the Ministry of Railways and power utilities to maintain the flow of coal to thermal power stations.

The coordinated measures focus on strengthening coal evacuation, addressing the requirements of plants with low inventories and ensuring that transportation and supply arrangements remain aligned with power-sector demand.

The Ministry has acknowledged Indian Railways for its continued support and professional commitment in facilitating coal transportation.

The moderation in coal stock depletion during October marks a change from the sharper decline recorded in September. Higher railway rake loading and increased daily coal supplies have contributed to maintaining inventories above 18 MT.

Sustaining this position will require continued coordination among coal producers, railway authorities and power utilities, particularly in ensuring timely deliveries to plants with critical stock levels. Consistent replenishment and requirement-based distribution will remain essential to maintaining fuel security and supporting reliable electricity generation across the country.

PACE IIT & Medical Opens Its Regional Centre in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 12 October 2026: PACE IIT & Medical, a leading coaching institute preparing students for JEE, NEET and Foundation-level competitive examinations, today inaugurated its new regional centre in Bengaluru at MG Square, 2nd Floor, Virgonagar Industrial Estate, Aavalahalli, Kurudusonnenahalli, near Belathur Main Road, Bengaluru – 560049.

The inauguration was marked by an open science and maths carnival held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, welcoming students and parents to experience a day of discovery, experimentation and interactive learning.

The centre was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Pawan Josh, Chairman, BRICS International and BRICS Pay India, and Guest of Honour Mr. Rafi Ahmed, Honorary Trade Commissioner. They were joined by Mr. Kuldeep Tyagi, Director, PACE IIT & Medical; Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Senior Faculty (Chemistry); and Mrs. Veena Rajai, Master Franchisee, PACE IIT & Medical, Bengaluru. Mr. Praveen Tyagi, Founder & Managing Director, PACE IIT & Medical, joined the ceremony virtually.

Organised in collaboration with PARSEC, Whitefield, the carnival featured hands-on science experiments, mathematical challenges, brain teasers and interactive activities designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking and a practical understanding of scientific concepts. Students also toured the new centre, with prizes awarded to the winners of various activities.

A Shared Vision for Experiential Learning: PACE–PARSEC Collaboration

A key highlight of the launch was the announcement by Dr. Pawan Josh of a collaboration between PARSEC’s science laboratories and PACE IIT & Medical, Bengaluru. The initiative aims to provide students with opportunities for real-time, hands-on scientific learning, complementing classroom teaching with practical exploration and experimentation.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making education more engaging, application-oriented and relevant to the needs of young learners.

Dr. Josh expressed his confidence in the initiative, recognising the vision of Mrs. Veena Rajai and the legacy of PACE IIT & Medical, Mumbai, as important factors in choosing to collaborate with the Bengaluru centre.

The partnership is expected to create opportunities for students to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications, helping them develop scientific temper, analytical thinking and a deeper understanding of science.

Veena Rajai’s Vision: Building an Integrated Education Ecosystem

As Master Franchisee of PACE IIT & Medical, Bengaluru, Mrs. Veena Rajai envisions building a comprehensive education ecosystem that combines academic excellence, conceptual clarity, practical learning and individual student development.

Her vision extends beyond establishing a coaching centre. She aims to create an environment where students receive quality education, develop confidence in their abilities and gain access to meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for future academic and professional challenges.

Speaking about her vision, Mrs. Veena Rajai said:

“My vision is to build an education ecosystem where quality education goes beyond textbooks and examinations. I want students to experience learning, question concepts, experiment, explore and develop the confidence to pursue their aspirations. With the legacy and proven teaching approach of PACE IIT & Medical, Mumbai, our goal in Bengaluru is to take this brand to the next level, establish new benchmarks in academic excellence and create a learning environment that nurtures every student’s potential.”

She further emphasised the importance of collaboration with institutions such as PARSEC in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The Bengaluru initiative seeks to build on PACE’s established legacy while introducing collaborative learning opportunities and student-centric approaches suited to the evolving educational landscape.

Programmes at the Bengaluru Centre

The new regional centre will offer PACE IIT & Medical’s classroom programmes across Foundation and competitive examination preparation.

– Foundation Programme – Classes VII to X: Strengthening fundamentals in science and mathematics and developing analytical and problem-solving skills from an early stage.
– JEE and KCET Preparation: Supporting students aspiring to secure admission to IITs, NITs and leading engineering institutions, including colleges in Karnataka.
– NEET Preparation: Providing structured academic guidance for students aspiring to enter medical colleges.

The centre aims to combine concept-driven teaching, regular assessments, doubt-solving support and individual academic guidance to help students prepare with clarity and confidence.

Admissions for the new batches are now open. Students and parents can visit the centre or call +91 91877 02739 for counselling and admission information.

What the Leadership Said

Speaking virtually at the inauguration, Mr. Praveen Tyagi, Founder & Managing Director, PACE IIT & Medical, said:

“Bengaluru is home to some of the brightest young minds in the country. With this centre, we want to bring PACE’s teaching approach and results-focused guidance closer to students here, starting from the Foundation years right up to JEE and NEET.”

Mr. Kuldeep Tyagi, Director, PACE IIT & Medical, added:

“Today’s carnival demonstrates how we want students to learn: by asking questions, experimenting and enjoying the process. Our aim is to build strong concepts early so that students approach competitive examinations with confidence.”

Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Senior Faculty (Chemistry), said:

“Every student who walks into this centre will receive academic guidance, regular doubt-solving support and a structured plan for preparation. We want students to understand concepts deeply rather than simply learn them by rote.”

Nigeria and WorldFish Sign Landmark Agreement to Expand Collaboration on Aquatic Food Systems

Caption: WorldFish Director General Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed (left) and Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the signing ceremony for the host country agreement in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 2, 2026. Photo: WorldFish. 

The Government of Nigeria and WorldFish have signed a hosting agreement to establish a WorldFish country office in Nigeria, strengthening their partnership and paving the way for expanded collaboration to transform the country’s aquatic food systems to improve nutrition, create jobs, strengthen livelihoods and support sustainable economic growth.  

Signed on October 2, 2026, in Abuja between WorldFish and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the agreement provides a framework for collaboration on the development, conservation and sustainable management of Nigeria’s aquatic resources to meet the country’s nutritional and economic needs. It enables WorldFish to establish a science and innovation platform that will support the development of an inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, welcomed the formalization of the host country agreement and outlined the Government of Nigeria’s objectives for working with WorldFish to advanceg aquaculture development across the country. 

“Strengthening local aquaculture systems, improving productivity, and supporting enterprise development will be essential to meeting the country’s growing demand for fish while creating sustainable employment and income opportunities along the aquatic food value chain,” said Senator Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Nigeria.

WorldFish has been active in Nigeria since 2019, enhancing national aquaculture productivity through its higher-performing fish breeds, particularly GIFT tilapia and private partnerships that have contributed to diversifying Nigeria’s aquaculture.

“In the short time WorldFish has operated in Nigeria, it has forged ties of trust with the government and become a valuable partner by working with local entities. Nigeria has a huge and untapped potential to grow its aquatic food systems and we look forward to further harnessing WorldFish’s innovations, evidence and knowledge to advance Nigeria’s goals,” said Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, WorldFish Director General.   

Bagudu emphasized the importance of translating the new agreement into tangible benefits for Nigerians, particularly through initiatives that support aquaculture growth, improve livelihoods, and create economic opportunities. He encouraged WorldFish to leverage its global expertise, partnerships, and research capacity to help generate jobs for young people and women, who remain critical to the future of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Nigeria spends an estimated USD 1 billion annually on fish imports to meet domestic demand. With the country’s rapidly growing population, sustainable expansion of domestic aquaculture and fisheries will be critical to strengthening food security and reducing import dependence.

“The strengthened partnership through the newly signed agreement between WorldFish and Nigeria provides a foundation to work more closely with the communities and local partners in the country, needed to grow the country’s blue economy,” said Dr. Charles Iyangbe, WorldFish Country Representative for Nigeria. 

Festive Spread at Fillers Cafe and Corner Cafe

A Festive Feast of Favourites at Fillers Café

Kolkata: For those looking to add a delicious twist to their Puja outings, Fillers Café brings an enticing selection of vegetarian fast-food favourites to the festive table. Founded by Sandip Nowlakha , the brand has established a strong presence in Kolkata since 1992. With a free online home delivery.

The menu spans sandwiches , burgers and pizzas , including Mushroom Cheese Pizza , Baked Beans Pizza and Whole Wheat Pizza. The snack selection features Cheese Vada Pav, Cheese French Fries, Garlic Fries and Mexican Nachos, while the range of coolers and beverages includes Cold Coffee, Orange Blossom and American Ice Cream Soda and first to introduce different flavours of SLUSH.

Visit Fillers at: Jatin Bagchi Road, Golpark, Vivekananda Park, Keyatala and Salt Lake.

Corner Café Adds a Delicious Twist to Durga Puja

Kolkata: This Durga Puja , Corner Café invites revellers to take a delicious break from pandal-hopping with a tempting selection of burgers, pizzas and sandwiches, paired with refreshing beverages such as Cold Coffee with Ice Cream , Lassi and Cola Float . Perfect for a quick bite with friends or a relaxed catch-up with family, the café offers familiar favourites in a lively, contemporary setting.

Founded in 1985, Corner Café has built its presence in Kolkata with its youth-focused menu and quick-service format. Under the stewardship of founder Sandip Nowlakha , the brand continues to bring people together over satisfying food and refreshing beverages.

Visit Corner Café at: Lee Road, AJC Bose Crossing, Kolkata.

India Must Transition from a Consumer to a Creator of Technology: Dr. Jitendra Singh says at PHDCCI’s 121st Annual Session

 “Minister underscores public–private synergy, indigenous manufacturing and accelerated innovation across quantum technology, nuclear science, biotechnology, space and pharmaceuticals”

 
New Delhi | October 2026: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, addressed the 121st  Annual Session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, highlighting that this moment is a celebration of PHDCCI as a century old institution and a witness to the journey of India, pre-independence to present.

 
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that India’s highest priority must be to transform itself from a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere into a creator, developer and manufacturer of advanced technologies.

Hon’ble Dr. Jitendra Singh said “PHDCCI serves as an important medium to accelerate and promote government initiatives and called for strong and early entry of industry in government projects”

Highlighting the growing importance of indigenous research, innovation and industrial capabilities, the Minister underscored the need for stronger and earlier linkages between the Government, scientific institutions, startups and private industry. He stressed that India’s ambition must extend beyond operating sophisticated technologies to designing, developing, manufacturing and commercializing them domestically.

The expansion of India’s space startup ecosystem provides an important example of this transition. Government data indicate that the number of space startups increased from one in 2014 to more than 400 by February 2026. This development illustrates the potential of policy reform, institutional support and private-sector participation to build new technology-intensive industries, he said.

Dr. Singh applauded the role of PHDCCI in creating an ecosystem for collaboration between Government and Industry to create next generation technology. He emphasized that the objective should be to build enterprises capable of creating globally competitive technologies, rather than limiting entrepreneurship to the adoption or adaptation of existing products. This requires access to research infrastructure, patient capital, testing facilities, skilled talent and predictable pathways from laboratory research to commercial deployment.

 
The Minister highlighted the National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in April 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore over eight years, as an important example of India’s commitment to frontier technology development. The Mission focuses on four major areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. Four thematic hubs have been established to coordinate research, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, he said.

The progress underscores the importance of coordination between Government, research institutions and industry in translating scientific objectives into technological outcomes. The Minister’s emphasis on synergy is particularly relevant to ensuring that research advances move beyond demonstrations towards scalable, reliable and commercially deployable systems.

The expansion of private participation in nuclear-related research and nuclear medicine can create opportunities in advanced diagnostics, oncology research, medical technologies and specialised equipment. Closer collaboration between public research institutions, healthcare providers, biotechnology companies and domestic manufacturers can also support the development of indigenous products and reduce critical import dependencies.

The Minister highlighted biotechnology as another important area for technology-led economic transformation. India’s BioE3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment—provides a framework for strengthening high-performance biomanufacturing and developing bio-based products. The policy promotes collaboration among academia, startups, industry and research institutions across areas including bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture and other emerging applications.

India’s space programme demonstrates how sustained public investment and expanding private-sector participation can create new industrial capabilities. The growth of the space startup ecosystem, alongside the development of indigenous launch vehicles, satellite systems and space applications, reflects the potential for domestic technology creation.

Greater integration between biotechnology research, genetic research, nuclear medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing can support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Early participation by private companies can help identify commercial requirements, strengthen clinical and manufacturing capabilities, and accelerate the translation of research into products, he added.

Setting the context and felicitating the Guest, Shri Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI, said that Hon’ble Dr. Jitendra’s journey represents his commitment to science and technology. He emphasized PHDCCI’s proud 121 year old legacy with MSMEs being at its heart. He mentioned that making India a creator of technology, connecting entrepreneurship with science and technology and better public health care are the main areas where Hon’ble Dr. Jitendra’s guidance has been crucial. Shri Sanjay Singhania, Vice President delivered the Vote of thanks.  Shri Anil Gupta, Senior Vice President and Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI shared the Dais with Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), along with President and Vice President, PHDCCI.

Business Correspondents Lead Nationwide Drive to Update Nominations in BSBD Accounts under DFS Special Campaign 6

National, October 10 2026: Across India’s rural and semi‑urban landscape, Business Correspondents (BCs) have taken up a critical challenge—ensuring that millions of Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account holders update their nomination details. The implementation aims to provide depositors the flexibility to make nominations as per their preference, while ensuring uniformity, transparency, and efficiency in claim settlement across the banking system.

The campaign comes at a crucial time. As of 31 August 2026, nomination updation remains pending estimated in about 37% of BSBD accounts. A significant proportion of these accounts estimated at 78% are located in rural & semi-urban areas and 56% accounts are owned by Women, with limited financial literacy, migration, and lack of awareness about basic banking safeguards.

SBI has also launched a campaign this month to update nominations in 6.90 crore BSBD accounts, out of 18.62 crore eligible accounts, where the process is still pending. Around 55–60% of these accounts are in rural areas.

With this backdrop, BCs across the country have mobilised their Customer Service Points (CSPs) to reach out to customers, explain the importance of nomination, and update details in the Core Banking System (CBS). Early trends indicate that BCs have already begun updating nominee details for lakhs of accounts, with daily monitoring and field‑level reviews ensuring momentum throughout the campaign period.

This drive is not only about compliance it is about strengthening customer trust, and ensuring that rural households remain connected to the formal banking system. By guiding customers through the nomination process, BCs are helping transform inactive accounts into active, secure financial assets.

Ashish Misra, Deputy CEO, BLS E‑Services, said: “Our BCs have embraced this challenge with remarkable commitment. In rural India, many customers are unaware of essential processes like nomination. Through this campaign, we are not just updating records, we are educating families, strengthening financial security, promote customer convenience, and ensuring that every account holder understands the value of keeping their account active and future-ready.”

Mr. Dharanidhar Tripathy, Managing Director, Business Correspondent Resource Council (BCRC), said: “Nomination is a fundamental protection for every customer, especially in rural communities where financial literacy is still developing. This coordinated effort by BCs is helping bridge that gap. This is a significant step towards building a more informed and financially resilient rural India.”

Through this campaign, BCs supported institutionally by SBI and BLS E‑Services are helping ensure that every BSBD account holder has a nominated beneficiary and understands the importance of maintaining an active account. The initiative is expected to substantially improve the quality of financial inclusion across the country.

RIDEV Launches 16th Hub in Chennai as Electric Two-Wheeler Fleet Crosses 12,000

Chennai, October 10, 2026: RIDEV, an electric mobility platform focused on enabling India’s delivery and gig workforce, today announced the launch of its 16th hub in Chennai, as its fleet crosses 12,000 electric two-wheelers on the road. The launch was attended by Hemant Kabra, Founder and Managing Director of BGauss, as the Chief Guest.

The Chennai hub marks another step in RIDEV’s expansion of its hub-led operating model, which combines electric two-wheeler rentals with the operational support needed by high-usage delivery and gig workers. RIDEV’s operations are supported by in-house technology solutions that help manage its fleet, hubs and rider operations. Founded in April 2024 with just 10 electric two-wheelers, RIDEV has scaled to more than 12,000 electric two-wheelers on the road. Its rental model includes battery swapping, servicing and maintenance, roadside assistance, insurance and standby EV support, all provided at no additional cost.

The model is designed to give delivery and gig workers access to an electric two-wheeler without the upfront burden of ownership, while reducing some of the operational challenges that can affect their ability to stay on the road, including battery access, maintenance, repairs and vehicle downtime. For delivery and gig workers, the vehicle they use is directly connected to their ability to earn.

RIDEV’s approach is built around keeping that vehicle operational while taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities associated with running an electric two-wheeler. ““At RIDEV, our philosophy is simple: we don’t just provide a vehicle; we provide access to an earning asset. For a delivery partner, a vehicle is more than transportation, it is the foundation of their livelihood and their family’s future. That’s why our responsibility goes beyond putting an EV on the road. We work to ensure riders can keep earning without being held back by ownership, maintenance, repairs, or downtime. In many ways, RIDEV becomes part of the backbone of a family’s livelihood. Every new RIDEV hub strengthens this ecosystem, enabling more riders across India to earn with confidence, dignity, and reliability. -Manish Kumar Jain, Founder & CEO, RIDEV

The company’s growth from 10 EVs to more than 12,000 reflects its focus on building a scalable operating model around vehicle access, rider support and technology. As part of the Chennai hub launch, RIDEV will also showcase its 12,000th electric two-wheeler, marking a symbolic milestone in the company’s growth journey. RIDEV will continue to expand its fleet and hub network across key markets while strengthening its technology and operational infrastructure to support the growing needs of India’s delivery and gig workforce. 

Enso Goes Live on Robinhood Chain, Bringing Composable Stock Token Access to Wallets and Fintechs

One Enso integration lets apps route into more than 248 Robinhood Stock Tokens, swap across chains and access DeFi on Robinhood Chain. 

ZURICH, Switzerland, 010 October, 2026 — Enso, the execution infrastructure platform for onchain finance, today announced its official launch on Robinhood Chain, the Arbitrum-built Layer-2 designed for financial services and tokenized real-world assets. Through a single Enso API integration, wallets, trading and investment apps, fintechs and institutions can now offer same-chain and cross-chain swaps, DeFi actions including deposits, liquidity provision and flashloans, and Robinhood Stock Tokens routing on the network.

More than 20 teams have already integrated Enso on Robinhood Chain ahead of today’s announcement, routing more than 8,450 transactions worth about $17 million. Stock Tokens account for nearly 30% of those transactions, with roughly one in three wallets using Enso on the network having traded one.

Tokenized equities are arriving onchain faster than the infrastructure needed to put them to work. Each new chain typically means a fresh round of integrations for liquidity venues, bridges and protocols. Enso extends the routing, simulation, bridging and policy enforcement it already runs across 27+ chains to Robinhood Chain, so existing partners can support the network through the same API they use today.

With Enso, Stock Tokens can be swapped, moved cross-chain or combined into a DeFi position within a single transaction path. A user holding USDC on Base, for example, can move into a Stock Token or a DeFi position on Robinhood Chain with one signature, without bridging manually or first acquiring ETH for gas on the new chain.

“Tokenized stocks only matter if people can reach them from the apps they already use,” said Connor Howe, Co-Founder and CEO of Enso. “More than 20 teams are already using Enso to bring Robinhood Chain to their users, and about a third of wallets routing through us have traded a Stock Token. That tells us the demand is there when access sits inside the products people already use. Partners on Enso can offer Stock Tokens, swaps and DeFi on Robinhood Chain through one integration, and they’ll be able to do the same for the next asset class or chain without starting over.”

Every transaction executed through Enso goes through pre-trade simulation and execution verification, the same standard applied on every chain Enso supports. Enso composes and executes transactions; it does not issue custody or broker Stock Tokens, and assets remain in the user’s or institution’s control.

Robinhood Chain support is available now in the Enso API. More information is available on the Enso blog here. 

Faasos Marks 22 Years with the Opening of Its First-Ever Physical Outlet in Pune