Category Archives: News

PM-KISAN 22nd Instalment Benefits Over 34 Lakh Farmers in Odisha

In a major boost to Odisha’s agricultural sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on March 13, 2026. The disbursement directly benefited over 34 lakh farmer families in Odisha, providing a total financial assistance of approximately ₹684 crore.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The PM-KISAN scheme offers financial support of ₹2,000 per farmer per instalment, transferred directly to bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Nationwide, this 22nd instalment reached over 9.32 crore farmers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the farming community across India.

At a state-level function in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and other officials, highlighted the importance of this financial support. The funds help farmers purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, thereby enhancing productivity and income.

In addition to PM-KISAN, the Odisha government runs the CM-KISAN scheme, which provides an additional ₹4,000 annually to eligible farmers in two instalments. Under the combined initiatives, over 51.54 lakh beneficiaries in the state have received more than ₹2,991 crore to date.

Chief Minister Majhi also urged farmers to ensure that their e-KYC, Aadhaar linking, and land record updates are completed to avoid any disruption in receiving benefits.

These initiatives reflect the state and central government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Odisha’s agricultural economy, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and provide financial stability to the farming community.

Odisha Set to Benefit from Enhanced Rail Links with South and Northeast India

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that the newly approved Amrit Bharat Express trains will significantly enhance rail connectivity across Odisha, linking the state more closely with key cities in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Assam.

The first train, running between Podanur in Tamil Nadu and Dhanbad in Jharkhand, will make scheduled stops at Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Bolangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela. This service will directly benefit seven districts in southern and western Odisha, including the historically underserved KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) region.

“This train will not only improve convenience for passengers but also strengthen economic and social links between Odisha and industrial hubs like Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Ranchi, Bokaro, and Dhanbad,” Majhi said in a social media post, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the approval.

The second Amrit Bharat Express, operating between Kamakhya in Assam and Charlapalli in Andhra Pradesh, will pass through several districts in Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khordha, and Ganjam. It will also stop at Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. This route aims to enhance connectivity between Odisha, Northeast India, and the southern states, providing better travel options for students, workers, traders, and tourists. The train departs from Kamakhya every Sunday and from Charlapalli every Wednesday.

Both trains feature modern LHB coaches designed for long-distance travel with improved comfort and safety. Passengers in general and sleeper classes will benefit from upgraded seating, ample luggage space, and enhanced onboard facilities, making travel more comfortable and affordable.

Officials from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) highlighted that these new services will boost mobility, promote tourism and pilgrimage, and support local economies by connecting people and regions more efficiently.

The introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express trains demonstrates a continued effort by the central government to strengthen Odisha’s railway infrastructure and accelerate regional development, bringing convenience, opportunities, and a modern travel experience to residents of the state.

Odisha Targets Rapid Gas Infrastructure Rollout with Single-Day Clearances

Nita M. Ambani Honoured at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences with 2025 Humanitarian Award

In a moment that celebrated compassion, leadership, and social commitment, Nita M. Ambani was honoured with the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at the campus of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar.

The award recognises her extensive contribution to social development through the Reliance Foundation, where her initiatives have touched millions of lives across India. Her work spans critical sectors such as education, healthcare, rural transformation, women’s empowerment, and sports development—areas that directly impact communities at the grassroots level.

The honour was presented by Mohan Munasinghe in the presence of Achyuta Samanta, whose institutions have long been associated with inclusive education and tribal empowerment.

More than just an award ceremony, the event reflected a shared vision of building a more equitable society. Speaking on the occasion, Ambani’s recognition symbolised not only her leadership but also the collective efforts of countless individuals working under her foundation to bring meaningful change.

Over the years, her initiatives have focused on uplifting underserved communities—providing access to quality education, improving healthcare delivery in rural areas, supporting women to become self-reliant, and nurturing young sporting talent across the country. Her approach combines scale with empathy, ensuring that development is both impactful and inclusive.

The KISS Humanitarian Award is regarded as a tribute to individuals who dedicate their lives to social progress, and this year’s recognition of Nita Ambani underscores the growing importance of corporate-led philanthropy in shaping India’s development journey.

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: meaningful change is possible when vision meets action, and when influence is used to uplift those who need it most.

Epson on CDP A List for Water Security

Epson has been selected as an A List company, the highest possible rating, in the Water Security category of the CDP assessment conducted by the international non-profit organisation CDP. In addition, Epson received an A- rating in the Climate Change category.

These ratings reflect CDP’s recognition of Epson’s leadership in addressing issues related to water security and climate change, as well as the transparency of its related disclosures.

CDP represents more than 640 institutional investors with combined assets of over USD 127 trillion worldwide. It evaluates corporate environmental actions through environmental disclosures made to CDP. 

The results of this assessment are also utilised in the environmental evaluations of leading global socially responsible investment (SRI) indices, which serve as benchmarks for ESG investing.

More than 22,000 companies worldwide disclosed information to CDP. Epson was one of the select few to be named to the A List-only about 4% make it-and was acknowledged as one of the leading companies in sustainability.

Epson recognises that this CDP assessment is an important evaluation not only for institutional investors engaged in ESG investing, but also for all stakeholders-including customers and business partners-who seek environmentally conscious products and services, as it helps to enhance trust in the company.

Epson views nature as a vital foundation of its business operations and has long conducted its activities with environmental stewardship as a core principle. 

The company has worked to reduce water usage and strengthen wastewater management by taking into account the regional characteristics of the areas in which its group sites are located, while steadily advancing climate change initiatives over many years through technological innovation and continuous improvements at operating sites.

Going forward, Epson will continue to pursue sustainable growth while fulfilling our responsibility to the environment through our business activities.
 

For more information on Epson’s environmental initiatives go to: https://corporate.epson/en/sustainability/environment/

Wordly Named Bronze Sponsor of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) to Power AI Translation for All 2026 Events

Los Altos, California – March 17 – The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has announced a sponsorship agreement with Wordly, naming the AI translation platform a Bronze Sponsor for 2026 and provider of real-time AI translation for ANOC events worldwide. 

As part of the agreement, Wordly’s technology will support ANOC meetings, assemblies, and activities throughout 2026, including the ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong. The partnership will enhance accessibility and engagement for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and stakeholders worldwide and align with ANOC’s broader digital transformation strategy. 

“Following the success of our previous partnership during the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais in 2024, we are pleased to renew our collaboration with Wordly as a Bronze Level Sponsor for 2026,” said ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg. “This renewed partnership means that all ANOC in-person and online events throughout 2026, including the ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong, will be supported by Wordly’s AI interpretation solutions. This is an important step in making ANOC, and the Olympic Movement as a whole, more inclusive, ensuring that language is never a barrier to participation, dialogue, and representation.”

“We are honored and excited to continue our relationship with ANOC to enhance inclusivity and engagement at their events in 2026,” said Wordly CMO Dave Deasy. “The Olympic Movement is a very important global program and Wordly will help ensure everyone involved will be able to consistently and accurately communicate their message and understand the presentations and discussions.” 

Wordly provides real-time, AI-driven translation that lets participants access live spoken content in their preferred language on their personal devices, without traditional interpretation equipment, enabling more accessible, efficient, and sustainable multilingual communication.

India Leads Global Coconut Production; Centre Announces Coconut Promotion Scheme in Budget 2026–27

New Delhi, March 17: India continues to hold the top position in global coconut production, contributing 30.37% of the world’s total output, according to information shared in Parliament. The Government of India has also announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27 aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in coconut cultivation.

Globally, coconut cultivation spans approximately 12,390 thousand hectares, of which India accounts for about 2,165.20 thousand hectares. The country produces nearly 21,373.62 million coconuts annually, with an average productivity of around 9,871 nuts per hectare, highlighting the crop’s significant contribution to the agricultural economy.

Coconut farming also plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods. Nearly 30 million people, including around 10 million farmers, depend on coconut cultivation and related activities for their income and employment.

To further strengthen the sector, the government has proposed the Coconut Promotion Scheme as part of its efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and promote high-value crops. The scheme focuses on rejuvenation of coconut plantations, including the replacement of old and non-productive trees with improved saplings and high-yielding varieties. The initiative aims to increase both production and productivity in major coconut-growing states across the country.

The scheme forms part of a ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture, which also includes crops such as cashew and cocoa. Through targeted interventions, the government intends to improve crop quality, increase farmers’ incomes, and strengthen India’s position in global agricultural markets.

However, officials clarified that the state- and Union Territory-wise fund allocation and utilization details are yet to be finalized, as the scheme is currently under formulation.

The details were provided by Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

Numeraire Future Trends Expands Partnerships with Three Contemporary Artists Using AI Authentication Technology

Abu Dhabi,  March 17— Numeraire Future Trends, the Abu Dhabi–based CultureTech company pioneering AI-powered Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for art, luxury goods, and cultural assets, today announced that three contemporary talented female artists have partnered with the company to secure the identity and provenance of their works using its object-level fingerprinting technology.

Emerging artists Megan Baker and Colette LaVette, represented exclusively by Gillian Jason Gallery, will integrate Numeraire’s proprietary AI-based authentication technology into their paintings. The platform creates tamper-resistant digital identities for each artwork, enabling collectors, galleries, and institutions to verify authenticity and provenance throughout the artwork’s lifecycle.

Exploring Old Master influences through a contemporary lens, Megan Baker’s lyrical abstractions transform into dream-like landscapes. Taking moments of stillness within nature, the artist reflects on our contained state as human beings, while evoking a quiet sense of comfort in solitude.

Colette LaVette’s practice borrows attributes from Rococo aesthetic, characterised by elaborate and ornamental decorations, lightness, a delicate chromatic palette and a focus on the fantastical.

Millie Foster: “As emerging artists, Baker and LaVette are taking steps to both create and secure their legacy. Numeraire’s technology is an important step to support this endeavour.”

Caroline Bergeron (ARO)

Numeraire has also onboarded Caroline Bergeron, known as Aro, a Quebec based artist whose work is gaining increasing visibility through prominent exhibitions and cultural events in Canada and internationally. Her abstract contemporary practice merges emotional intensity with refined visual sophistication, resulting in powerful, immersive works that leave a lasting imprint. Through this collaboration, she further affirms her commitment to innovation, transparency, and the long-term protection and value of her collectors’ acquisitions. “Every artwork holds a story, an energy, and a moment in time. Ensuring its authenticity for generations to come is a responsibility I take seriously as an artist.”

Dr. Venkatesh Devanur Elected President of World Neem Organisation at International Neem Summit 2026

Hyderabad, March 17: Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, a Hyderabad-based agri-biotech entrepreneur and scientist, has been elected President of the World Neem Organisation (WNO) at the recently concluded 3rd International Neem Summit – 2026 and the 4th Global Neem Trade Fair, held in Pune.

The summit and trade fair were organised by the World Neem Organisation (WNO) and brought together researchers, industry representatives, farmers, and neem enthusiasts from across India and several other countries.

The World Neem Organisation is an international non-profit body dedicated to promoting the neem tree and its benefits for agriculture, health, the environment, and industry. The organisation serves as a global platform for individuals and institutions working with neem to share knowledge, research, and resources while promoting the wider use of neem worldwide.

The key objectives of WNO include:

• Promoting neem cultivation and plantation globally
• Encouraging research on neem’s medicinal and agricultural benefits
• Supporting the production and commercialization of neem-based products
• Raising awareness about neem’s role in sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection

Dr. Venkatesh Devanur has been actively involved in several agriculture-related organisations. He is the founding member and secretary of the BioAgri Inputs Producers Association (BIPA), one of the world’s oldest trade bodies in the bio-agriculture sector. Prior to his election as President, he served as Vice President of the World Neem Organisation.

He is also a Director in a joint venture with Koppert Biological Systems (Netherlands) and is widely recognised as a pioneer in India’s bio-pesticide and organic agriculture industry, leading companies that develop eco-friendly crop protection and soil health solutions.

The summit was attended by several distinguished guests, including Justice K. K. Tated, Chairman of the Animal Rights Commission, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. B. N. Vyas, President of WNO, along with leading scientists, industry representatives, and farmers.

During the conference, a White Paper on the Status of the Neem Industry was released. A documentary highlighting the importance of collecting and processing neem seeds and fruits was also launched to benefit neem seed and fruit suppliers, emphasizing the significance of proper collection and value addition within the neem supply chain.

The event witnessed participation from more than 150 delegates from India and overseas. Eminent scientists and experts presented research papers on the role of neem in agriculture, human health, cancer research, and other critical areas, creating opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.

Turquoise Health Announces $40 Million Series C to Become the Operating System for Healthcare Contracts and Payments

SAN DIEGO, CA —March 17– Turquoise Health (“Turquoise”), a multi-sided healthcare pricing and payment platform, today announced it has raised $40 million in Series C funding. The round was led by Oak HC/FT, with participation from existing investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Adams Street Partners, and Yosemite.

Healthcare’s financial infrastructure is broken in a way that costs the industry nearly $1 trillion in administrative spend annually. The core problem is structural, with the contracts underlying every payment decision stored in disparate systems, inconsistently interpreted, and effectively invisible to the parties bound by them. The result is a world where it’s difficult for anyone to translate those rates into accurate payment amounts. The current system results in both sides losing money due to denials and administrative overhead, or needing to maintain teams of analysts to manage complex reimbursement scenarios and reviews of documentation. This also leads to the poor experience that most patients have with medical bills and the financial infrastructure supporting care. By centralizing data, contract information, and clinical coverage rules, Turquoise addresses the industry’s pricing opacity and revenue leakage, transforming the cost of care from a source of conflict and confusion into a clear, actionable source of truth.

Turquoise’s platform creates a new way to price, contract and transact in healthcare. Clear Rates synthesizes machine-readable files, claims data, Medicare benchmarks and all other relevant pricing signals into a single, auditable rate for every payer-provider combination. Contracts leverages AI to tag every rate and provision across a customers’ contract portfolio, turning static documents into a dynamic operating system so teams can find contract details, compare performance and model negotiation scenarios in a few clicks. Together, they lay the foundation for a fundamentally different healthcare transaction, one where standardized pricing and aligned contracts dissolve administrative waste and improve the patient experience by making same-day, transparent transactions the norm. Woven across the platform is AskTQ, the AI-powered pricing and contracting layer that cuts weeks of manual research down to seconds.

“Our goal has always been to move the industry toward clear, accurate, and actionable healthcare pricing,” said Chris Severn, CEO and Co-Founder of Turquoise. “By evolving from a data vendor to a full workflow and transaction platform, we are building the infrastructure for transparent, real-time payments. This round allows us to ensure that this model becomes the industry standard.”

Turquoise has demonstrated significant market momentum, with 35% of monthly active users now leveraging multiple products on the platform. The company’s platform is now utilized by more than 280 customers, including 10 of the top 25 health systems, 4 of the 5 national payers, 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, and 6 of the top 10 insurance brokers. The new capital will be used to assist with additional go-to-market efforts, accelerate the buildout of the product roadmap, and increase headcount. Turquoise has grown its team to nearly 200 employees since its founding 5 years ago and looks to add more talented, motivated people to the team.

“Turquoise is uniquely positioned at the center of the healthcare economy, leveraging a data moat bolstered by their subject matter expertise, extensive library of over 65,000 contracts and best-in-class user interface,” said Vig Chandramouli, Partner at Oak HC/FT. “We have tracked Chris and the team since 2021 and are impressed by their ability to expand adoption simultaneously across providers, payers, employers, and life sciences. Their platform doesn’t just provide data; it embeds transparency directly into the negotiation and payment workflows of the industry’s largest stakeholders.”