2, Jun 2025
Pankaj Tripathi reveals saying no to Mimi initially and doing the film on the advice of his wife in IMDb’s ‘The Essential Guide’
Criminal Justice, the highly anticipated courtroom drama, returned with its fourth season on OTT. Starring Pankaj Tripathi as Madhav Shukla, the series explores the complexities of the Indian judicial system while taking audiences through interesting cases. Tripathi recently appeared in IMDb’s exclusive segment ‘The Essential Guide’, sharing key moments that defined his career, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and what he considers to be the three pillars that cemented his position in the digital entertainment landscape .
Discussing the filming of Raavan, Tripathi said, “I enjoyed my feminine side while shooting for Raavan. During the filming, I wore a saree, with makeup, and sat on set for seven days. Even in my village, I had dressed up as a girl for the first play in my life. I haven’t had the opportunity to play a character like that on screen again, but if it comes, the opportunity would be interesting.”
Revealing the story behind a picture taken with his parents, Tripathi said, “In villages, there is no such culture of taking pictures. I had a mobile back then and requested a child nearby to click a picture of me with my parents. It was the first opportunity in my life when I got to place my hand on my father’s shoulder, as such acts weren’t followed in my village. In my house, no one knew what films were. No one used to read film magazines either and in fact there was no electricity there till 2016-17. I had told my family that I’m going to study theatre at NSD, post which I will become a professor. They thought I would get into teaching post my education there, so they agreed to let me go.”
Discussing his knack for playing different roles and how the industry acknowledged it, Tripathi shared, “Neeraj Ghaywan helped me change my image from an aggressive man which I had got through Gangs of Wasseypur. People were surprised through Masaan that I can play a soft character as well. Both films – Gangs of Wasseypur and Masaan helped the industry realise that I am a versatile actor. Then Nil Battey Sannata helped the industry understand that I can even play a comic role too. I played a sincere school principal who wanted to help students move ahead in life. The film is a serious comedy. It was Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s first film. She gave me the freedom to play the character the way I want and thus people got acquainted with the fact that I can do comedy as well.”
Speaking of filming Newton, Tripathi said, “I had a lot of fun filming Newton. Though I was fed up with lower back pain that I was dealing with at the time. Under the uniform I wore, I used to wear an orthopedic belt and kept it on during the entire filming. The film gave me my first National Award. I’ll always be thankful and cherish that. I was with Saurabh Shukla and Anubhav Sinha, we were shooting in Lucknow. Saurabh sir then checked his phone and pointed it towards me saying that I won a National Award. I thought he was joking initially as we weren’t aware that the announcement was that day. I went running to my room as I didn’t have my phone. When I reached, there were around 30-35 missed calls. Some media folks, some from the fraternity. It was an emotional moment and I shed a few tears. I called my wife and informed her. It was always my dream to win a National Award for cinema, I was emotional for a few days thereafter.”
Sharing memories from Bareilly Ki Barfi, Tripathi revealed, “I was quite fit then, so I had to wear a bodysuit under a sweater to look heavier. Many girls approached me after the film sharing that they made their fathers watch it and through the movie, their equation with them changed.”
Mentioning three pillars of OTT for him, Tripathi shared, “Guruji in Sacred Games, Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur and Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice. While acting, I feel that I should just keep thinking and it should transform into an expression that defines the character.”
Sharing the story behind the initial days of filming Mimi, Tripathi revealed, “I initially didn’t want to do Mimi. Dinesh Vijan and Laxman Utekar called my wife, asking her to convince me. I gave in and did the film. It was a great experience to be a part of this movie that is amongst the most viewed films on OTT. Kriti and I both received National Awards for the film. It wasn’t just a supporting role, it was something else altogether.”
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- By Neel Achary
1, Jun 2025
Warwick University Commemorates 60-Year Journey with Special Event in Delhi
New Delhi, 1 June 2025
The University of Warwick marked its 60th anniversary on 1 June 2025 with an exclusive media event at The Shangri-La, New Delhi, celebrating six decades of academic and research excellence, innovation and global influence.
The high-profile event brought together Warwick’s senior leadership, including the Global Chief Communications, Marketing and Content Officer Ajay Teli, and Director of Communications – Corporate Brand, Satnam Rana-Grindley, who travelled from the UK to engage with Indian media and reaffirm the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering impactful international collaborations.
The milestone celebration of the university’s growing legacy of excellence and influence, both in the UK and India, highlighted pioneering research, world-class education and longstanding industrial partnerships, including a 25-year collaboration with Tata Group. The event also paid tribute to the university’s vibrant alumni community whose achievements continue to bridge continents and industries, creating meaningful change across borders and giving back to India in powerful, entrepreneurial ways.
Mamta Marasini exemplifies the global reach and creative spirit of Warwick alumni. A graduate of Warwick Business School with an MSc in Business with Marketing, Mamta has channelled her education, entrepreneurial drive, and creative acumen into founding Roar Corp, a boundary-pushing creative agency headquartered in both New Delhi and Kathmandu.
Launched in November 2023, Roar Corp specialises in strategic brand consulting, event production, social media marketing, and influencer campaigns. In less than a year, Mamta as CEO has led Roar Corp to deliver bold, high-impact campaigns for global brands that blend technology, data, and storytelling to create lasting audience connections.
Known to her clients and team as the ‘Chief Lioness’, Mamta’s vision for Roar was born not from convenience but from conviction. “Roar was built on pure passion and relentless hard work—no shortcuts, ever,” she says. “Every project we take on is rooted in a deep commitment to curating experiences that are bold, thoughtful, and strategically aligned with our clients’ goals. Whether it’s designing a high-energy launch, building a content engine, or orchestrating influencer-led storytelling, our focus remains the same: to move people and build brands that matter.”
Her campaigns are data-informed, human-led, and creatively daring. By combining cutting-edge tools like AI with human insight, Roar delivers results that are measurable and memorable. Mamta has also successfully delivered events and activations for renowned lifestyle brands including Superdry, G Star Raw, Yamaha, and Mothercare. Her approach is holistic, blending research, media coordination, and creative design into marketing strategies that resonate.
Mamta’s Warwick journey was the catalyst that gave her the confidence to lead. “I stepped into Warwick unsure of how to begin, but I walked out a changemaker,” she reflects. “It was Warwick that gave me the clarity to pursue the service side of marketing and eventually take the leap to build my own agency.”
Warwick’s impact remains close to Mamta’s heart. “Warwick truly cleared the fog for me,” she says. “The education, the peers, the challenges: all of it helped me understand what I wanted to do, and more importantly, why I wanted to do it.
“I feel super proud to be a part of the Warwick community. I have great stories to tell to my friends and family: what a stellar institution I got my knowledge from!”
At the helm of Roar Corp, Mamta’s just getting started. With a team of passionate creatives, a cross-border footprint, and a belief that marketing should move people, Mamta is building a brand that helps others do the same.
Roar’s mission is clear: to be your brand’s BFF—and to make some serious noise doing it.
31, May 2025
Techflow Launches High-Capacity Smartphone Refurbishment Hub in India, Boosts Sustainability and Retail Growth
India, 31st May, 2025: Techflow, India’s emerging leader in smartphone recommerce and refurbishment, today announced the official launch of its flagship refurbishment facility in India. With an impressive annual processing capacity of over 400,000 devices, the company is set to redefine India’s engagement with pre-owned electronics by offering a unique blend of quality, scale, sustainability, and retail empowerment.
Founded by Shivam Gupta and Anshul Gupta, Techflow has established an integrated ecosystem for smartphone refurbishment. This initiative is designed to empower retailers, significantly reduce e-waste, and make high-quality smartphones more accessible across the country.
The new 16,000 sq. ft. facility is equipped with cleanroom-standard workstations and boasts a monthly throughput of over 35,000 smartphones. Each device undergoes rigorous 50-point diagnostic and grading protocols, ensuring high quality. All refurbished smartphones come with tamper-proof packaging and a warranty ranging from 6 to 12 months. The facility also features an integrated backend system connected with retailers, marketplaces, and enterprise partners, streamlining the entire process.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Anshul Gupta, Co-Founder of Techflow, said, “Our mission is to build the backbone of India’s circular electronics economy. We’re not just refurbishing devices; we’re reimagining how India perceives and purchases refurbished technology, instilling trust, scaling operations, and serving a clear purpose. The company is also dedicated to strengthening India’s retail sector. We are building India’s largest trusted retail network for refurbished smartphones. This segment has historically been fragmented and lacking transparency; we are changing that through transparency, traceability, and technology.”
On this Occasion, Mr. Shivam Gupta, Co-Founder of Techflow, said, “Techflow is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Refurbishing a single smartphone can save up to 60kg of carbon emissions and over 100 liters of water. At scale, our operations will become a significant sustainability engine for the industry. The company aims to prevent over 1,000 tons of e-waste annually.”
Looking ahead, Techflow plans to scale its operations to process 1 million smartphones annually. The company also intends to launch India’s most transparent trade-in platform and expand its sales presence to over 250 cities nationwide.
31, May 2025
Alakh Pandey Offers Free PW Courses to Martyrs’ Wards, Scholarships for CRPF Families
New Delhi, 31st May 2025: Education company PhysicsWallah (PW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CRPF Family Welfare Association (CWA) to provide educational support to the families of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. This collaboration will try to create learning pathways through scholarship-based online and offline education programs.
The initiative outlines multiple tiers of scholarships, including full scholarships for the families of CRPF martyrs and personnel who passed away during service. Additionally, families of serving and retired CRPF members are eligible for a 35% scholarship on offline coaching and a 25% scholarship for online courses.
Eligibility for the scholarship program requires applicants to apply and submit relevant identification and service documents. Verification of applications will be conducted jointly by the CRPF and PW. The initiative will try to open the door to a wide range of competitive exam preparation programs, including JEE, NEET, UPSC, SSC, Banking & other courses available both on PW’s online platform as well as its network of offline centres.
Alakh Pandey, Educator, Founder and CEO of PhysicsWallah, said, “At PW, we deeply value the dedication and service of CRPF personnel. Through this partnership, we are trying to take a step forward in extending our support to their families by trying to provide access to quality education. We believe that investing in education is one of the meaningful ways to contribute to the welfare and growth of CRPF families.”
Dr. Anamika Singh, President of the CRPF Family Welfare Association, said, “The CWA has always strived to support CRPF families beyond the line of duty. Through this partnership with PW, our children can gain access to the wide educational network and digital learning platform of PhysicsWallah, which the foundation is trying to facilitate for this initiative. We believe this will help provide consistent academic support and meaningful learning opportunities.”
PW is trying to provide education through its various offerings that span various educational segments, including test preparation, a skilling vertical, higher education, and education abroad.
31, May 2025
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Honoured with Times Icon Award by The Times of India for Excellence in Advanced Multispecialty Healthcare
Bhubaneswar, 31st May 2025: – Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar has been conferred with The Times Icon Award by The Times of India for Excellence in Advanced Multispecialty Healthcare at a prestigious ceremony held on 28th May 2025. The award was presented to Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar by Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Hon’ble Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Government of Odisha, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
This recognition sets Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar apart as the only hospital in the state to receive the award in this category, highlighting its leadership in delivering world-class healthcare services across a wide spectrum of specialties. The award acknowledges the hospital’s continuous efforts in embracing innovation, advanced technology, and a patient-first approach.
During the award presentation, the anchor lauded the hospital, stating, “We now invite Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar, to the stage – a name synonymous with clinical excellence, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care. As one of the most trusted multispecialty hospitals in the region, Manipal Hospital has redefined patient-centric healthcare in Odisha. We are proud to felicitate them with the Times Icon for Excellence in Advanced Multispecialty Healthcare.”
Reacting to the honour, Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Hospital Director said, “This award is a proud moment for all of us at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar. It is a recognition of the tireless dedication of our doctors, nurses, and support staff who work each day to uphold the highest standards of care. We remain committed to raising the bar in multispecialty healthcare and serving the people of Odisha with integrity, innovation, and compassion.”
As one of the region’s most advanced tertiary care centres, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar continues to lead with excellence in specialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, nephrology, orthopaedics, and emergency care. The award further strengthens its position as a trusted healthcare partner for thousands of families across the state and beyond.
The Times Icon Awards recognize trailblazing institutions and individuals across various sectors who have made a lasting impact. With this accolade, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar once again reaffirms its mission to deliver comprehensive, accessible, and quality healthcare to all.
31, May 2025
Why Managing Thyroid Matters When You Have Diabetes
In India, about 1 in 10 adults have a thyroid disorder, and around 1 in 11 adults live with diabetes.But what many people don’t know is how often these two conditions are connected. In fact, approximately 1 in 4 people with Type 2 diabetes also have hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. This overlap is not coincidental as both conditions affect how the body uses energy.
Understanding the linkage between thyroid & diabetes
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It regulates the body’s metabolism, which affects how the body uses and stores energy. Thyroid hormones and insulin are like the body’s energy managers. Thyroid hormones help control how fast your body uses energy, while insulin helps manage your blood sugar levels. Together, they play a big role in keeping your metabolism running smoothly. So, when the thyroid function is disrupted, it can affect blood sugar control, and vice versa.
Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “People living with diabetes are usually aware of their blood sugar levels and know how to manage the fluctuations. But many symptoms of thyroid disorders might go unnoticed, even though they can impact blood sugar levels. Thyroid health and blood sugar levels are more linked than you might think. That’s why it’s important to get regular thyroid check-ups. With the right care, thyroid disorders can be managed effectively, allowing people to live healthy and active lives.”
Dr. Mahesh DM, Endocrinologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, “Thyroid conditions are often neglected, with a large percentage of the population living with undetected issues and, as a result, not seeking the necessary care. Many people with diabetes may have thyroid problems without noticeable symptoms, which can range from fatigue, memory lapses, sleeping difficulties and excessive weight gain to constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and puffy eyelids. An underactive thyroid can also result in fluctuations in energy levels, weight, mood, and heart rate, as the gland plays an important role in regulating these functions and supporting the body’s healthy development. This is why regular check-ups for thyroid function are important, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.”
Research shows that diabetes combined with thyroid disorders can increase the risk of kidney issues, poor heart function, and issues with blood circulation., These can lead to complications like diabetic retinopathy (happens when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina), nerve damage, and heart disease.
Types of thyroid disorders that influence blood sugar control:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism slows down how the body processes insulin. This means insulin stays in the bloodstream longer, which can cause unexpected dips in blood sugar. It slows down metabolism, leading to weight gain and increased insulin resistance. This can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. Among people with diabetes, the most common type of thyroid disorder is subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland isn’t functioning normally, but there aren’t any visible symptoms. Type 2 diabetes can also increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism due to changes in how the immune system functions.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism. This causes the body to absorb glucose from food more quickly. However, cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). This makes it challenging for people with diabetes to maintain stable glucose levels.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect blood sugar levels, requiring regular monitoring and management.
Managing the Dual Diagnosis
Addressing thyroid dysfunction can help with diabetes control. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medication as advised by your doctor, can help keep both thyroid and blood sugar levels in check. Regular screening for thyroid function and blood sugar testing, as advised by your doctor, can ensure that any changes are diagnosed early.
Taking care of yourself by staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep can really help. If you have both thyroid disorders and diabetes, you might need to pay extra attention to your health, by doing so can make you feel better and give you more energy to enjoy your favorite activities.
31, May 2025
Vardhman Amrante Announces Land Acquisition at Prime Strategic South City Canal Road, Ludhiana
Vardhman Amrante, a venture of the Oswal Group, announces the acquisition of a prime 7-acre land parcel in South City, Ludhiana. Strategically located on main Canal Road, the upcoming mixed-use project—featuring upscale commercial and retail spaces, a landmark presence in the hospitality sector, Largest entertainment centre, F&B and a multiplex is set to redefine urban luxury and lifestyle of the region.
South City is a thriving urban region beautifully surrounded around by Sidhwan Canal rated highly by residents for connectivity and safety. The area boasts renowned residential townships and developments, excellent healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and is well-served by prominent retail and entertainment destinations
“This acquisition is more than a real estate transaction—it’s a vision for Ludhiana’s future. South City Canal Road holds immense promise, and we are committed to transforming this region into a vibrant urban landmark for generations to come. We are known for crafting spaces that reflect global sensibilities while staying deeply rooted in Punjab’s aspirational spirit,” says Mr. Adish Oswal, Chairman of Oswal Group and the third-generation entrepreneur.
With over 75 years of trust and excellence in textiles and real estate, the Oswal Group continues to lead the transformation of Ludhiana’s skyline. The Group has already delivered four landmark projects, over 12 lakh square feet of built-up space, and the trust of more than 1,500 investors and associates — all standing as a testament to group’s unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
31, May 2025
redRail Ends Travel Anxiety with Industry-First ‘Seat Guarantee’ for Waitlisted Tatkal Tickets
National, 31st May 25: redRail, the train ticketing platform by redBus, and IRCTC authorized partner, has recently launched a game-changing feature for train travellers ‘Seat Guarantee’, which is an industry-first solution designed to eliminate the stress and uncertainty of waitlisted Tatkal bookings. Users booking a waitlisted Tatkal ticket on select trains through redRail can opt to pay a small Seat Guarantee premium along with the regular Tatkal fares as per IRCTC pricing, to avail the feature. If the ticket doesn’t get confirmed, travellers receive 3X the ticket amount as refund (full ticket refund value and an additional 2X refund value as a voucher coupon on redBus or redRail).
For years, booking Tatkal tickets has been the source of worry and uncertainty, where travellers book under pressure at the last minute and are often stuck with waitlisted tickets and no backup. Tatkal seats as a category see very high demand; for example IRCTC e-ticketing platform saw its highest hourly booking record of 1,85,513 during tatkal hours between 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. on 21-03-2024 in FY 2023-24. With low confirmation rates and no guarantees, waitlisted Tatkal bookings have been a major source of travel anxiety. redRail’s new feature -Seat Guarantee on tatkal tickets, tackles this problem effectively.
Most users who availed the feature have travelled on confirmed tatkal tickets. For the others, the 3X refund in credits ensures quick recovery and alternate planning. The feature is currently available on select trains, and currently the highest uptake has been seen in South India, followed by the Western region. In addition to Tatkal, the Seat Guarantee feature is already live for the waitlist for general quota bookings.
“Tatkal booking is one of the most stressful moments in an Indian rail traveller’s journey. There’s a narrow window, limited supply, and low confirmation rates, especially for waitlisted Tatkal tickets. We saw that users wanted to book tickets but at times they held back due to uncertainty. That’s what prompted us to build ‘Seat Guarantee for tatkal tickets’. It’s a tech-led solution designed to unlock trust and confidence in last-minute train travel. With this offering, we’re not just solving a functional problem, we’re helping millions of users make more assured, anxiety-free booking decisions in critical travel moments” said Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus.
31, May 2025
Real Estate Takes Centre Stage in India’s Net-Zero Mission
As India intensifies its climate commitments, the real estate sector is emerging as a pivotal force in the green transition. A new report by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), titled “Build Right for the First Time: Scaling Adoption of Net-Zero Carbon Buildings in India”, underscores the critical role developers must play in achieving net-zero goals.
According to the report, India could slash up to 8 gigatons of CO₂ emissions by 2050 by scaling net-zero practices in new construction. While this shift requires an added investment of ₹4,566 per sq. m, the long-term benefits—reduced emissions, operational savings, and healthier living environments—make the case clear.
Mr. Lalit Kumar Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd. says, “The report reaffirms what progressive developers have long believed—building green is not just environmentally responsible, it’s economically sensible. At Signature Global, sustainability is a core pillar of our strategy. From energy-efficient designs and low-carbon materials to advanced cooling technologies, we are committed to ensuring every development contributes meaningfully to India’s net-zero journey.”
Across the board, developers are recalibrating. Whether in affordable or premium segments, many are adopting passive design elements, low-carbon construction materials, and on-site renewable energy solutions. Net-zero is no longer aspirational—it’s fast becoming business-critical.
Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation says, “Sustainability in real estate is no longer optional—it’s inevitable. Today’s homebuyers are increasingly prioritising projects that incorporate eco-friendly practices, from energy-efficient designs to the use of low-carbon materials. As buyer preferences evolve, integrating sustainability into the core of real estate development is not just a trend, but a necessity for long-term value and relevance.
The real estate sector will play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards achieving its net-zero goals. Adopting sustainable building practices on a large scale is key to protecting the environment and ensuring practical, cost-effective development.”
Technological innovation is accelerating this shift. Some firms are implementing high-efficiency cooling systems—such as air conditioners that are five times more efficient than conventional ones, as highlighted in the report—offering both climate benefits and cost savings for homeowners. But the transition can’t be developer-led alone. The report calls for a robust enabling ecosystem: green construction incentives, streamlined approvals, and urgent updates to the National Building Code. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra are already piloting net-zero building codes in urban expansion zones, setting examples for others to follow.
Experts stress that India’s affordable and mid-income housing segments—projected to drive the bulk of urban residential growth—must lead the way. These high-volume markets hold exponential potential for emissions reduction if net-zero principles are embedded from the ground up. Meanwhile, buyer preferences are evolving. Post-pandemic, there’s a marked shift towards healthier, energy-efficient homes. Certifications like EDGE and IGBC are gaining traction, as homebuyers increasingly value lower utility costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
The NIUA-RMI report serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap. Once considered contributors to urban emissions, developers are now seen as key allies in India’s climate journey. The path ahead demands scale, innovation, and alignment across policy, finance, technology, and consumer behavior. With the right momentum, real estate could well be the cornerstone of a net-zero India—brick by green brick.
31, May 2025
Stellar Performance by IFFCO in FY 2024-25, Sales of Nano Fertilizers Increased by 47%
New Delhi, 31st May, 2025: World Number 1 Cooperative, IFFCO booked a profit of INR 3,811 Crore as profit before tax for the FY 2024-25 along with 47% increase in the sales of Nano Fertilisers. This Financial year (2024-2025) 365.09 Lakh bottles of Nano-Fertilizers were sold as compared to 248.95 Lakh bottles sold in the previous financial year (2023-2024). IFFCO recorded a Turnover of INR 41,244 Crore during the FY 24-25.
Sh. Dileep Sanghani, Chairman, IFFCO during his interaction with the media said that It’s a matter of proud for the entire cooperative sector of country that the stellar growth figures of IFFCO is realising the dream of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi”. He informed that the Society has registered a profit of more than ₹3000 Crores for three consecutive financial years. He further said that for the last 23 consecutive years, IFFCO has rewarded its members with a 20% dividend on the paid-up share capital- highlighting its dedication and commitment to equitable and sustainable growth. Nano-fertilizers has been the key focus area for the society with support from the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, extensive awareness campaigns and research helped the society increase the acceptance of the products among the farmers.
Out of 365 Lakh bottles sold, 268 Lakh bottles of IFFCO Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) and 97 Lakh bottles of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) were sold during FY 2024-25. The sales of IFFCO Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) is 31% and IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) is 118% higher as compared to FY 2023-24. This sale volume is equivalent to 12 lakh Metric Tonne of Conventional Urea and 4.85 Metric Tonne of conventional DAP. IFFCO’s WSF/Speciality Fertilizers/Sagarika Granule Fertilizer have achieved sales of 1.92 Lakh MT. The sale of WSF/Speciality Fertilizers is 1.30 Lakh MT which is 2% higher than last FY. Sales of Sagarika Liquid is 11.55 Lakh litre which is 33% higher, Sagarika Granule is 68,000 MT which is 28% higher and Bio-fertilizers is 8.61 Lakh Litre which is 35 higher than the last FY.
Dr. U. S. Awasthi, MD, IFFCO stated that IFFCO will be also launching Nano NPK fertilizer in Granular form for soil application in basal dose. Nano NPK fertilizer is enriched with Magnesium, Sulphur, Zinc and Copper which would help in increasing the crop productivity & would minimize nutrient losses. This along with Liquid Nano Urea Plus and Liquid Nano DAP can eliminate the use of traditional chemical fertilisers from the soil. It will further promote balanced nutrition with higher use efficiency of primary nutrients. He further said that IFFCO will be also launching Nano Zinc, Nano Copper in Liquid form in size of 100ml bottle to fulfil the micro-nutrients need. By incorporating Nanotechnology, drone technology, Al technologies, IFFCO is transforming the agriculture & food value chain across the country. In a short span of time, IFFCO’s Nano Fertiliser has gained a global recognition, with various countries such as Brazil, Kenya and The United States of America has expressed strong interest to adopt the Nanotechnology. IFFCO has expanded its presence in over 40 countries, with superlative performance and reduced fertiliser usage recorded in the USA, Brazil, Slovenia, Mauritius, Zambia, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Apart from this, Managing Director also emphasized on the need to preserve ‘Desi’ Seeds (Beej) with indigenous inventions, on the same lines IFFCO has also taken an initiative to build a state-of-the-art Seed Innovation Centre at Kalol Unit.
IFFCO honoured two eminent cooperators with ‘IFFCO Sahakarita Ratna Award’ and ‘IFFCO Sahakarita Bandhu Award’ for the year 2023-24. Shri Mansinhbhai Kalyanjibhai Patel is bestowed with ‘IFFCO Sahakarita Ratna Award’. Shri Patel belongs to Gujarat State, and he has worked at ground level among cooperatives to make cooperative movement strong with his countless and persistent efforts. He is also the founder of Shree Mahuva Pradesh Sahakari Khand Udyog Mandali Ltd. in Gujarat. Shri Amrik Singh a familiar face of cooperative in Haryana State has been honoured with ‘IFFCO Sahakarita Bandhu Award’ for the year 2023-24, Shri Amrik Singh has also worked at grassroot level to strengthen the cooperative networks across the Haryana and in many northern states of India. He has also been honoured by the Haryana Government in past for his exemplary services in Agriculture Sector.
During the FY 2024-25, IFFCO also initiated a nationwide “Model Nano Village/ Clusters Project” from 1st July 2024, selecting 203 village clusters spanning 2000 acres each as pioneers in the adoption of Nano fertilisers for reducing the use of bulk fertilisers with an increase in crop productivity & quality. More than 90,000 farmers have been registered in the Nano Village Portal covering 5 lakh acres, with 40,000 farmers purchasing over 5.30 Lakh bottles of IFFCO Nano Fertilisers and Sagarika and 72,000 acres sprayed by Agri Drones. This project led to a 28.73% reduction in chemical fertiliser use and a 5.8% increase in crop yield. Further, IFFCO is exploring options to use the data on chemical fertilisers reduction for the Carbon Credit Project for certification of GHG emission reduction through use of Nano Fertilisers by reducing use of chemical fertilisers.
In FY 2024–25, an “Agro Climatic Zone wise Nano Fertiliser Trials” were also conducted under the guidance of the Department of Fertilizers (DOF), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, under Mega Campaign. IFFCO undertook 1,470 two-plot demonstrations (200 for Nano Urea Plus and 1,270 for Nano DAP) across 15 Agro Climatic Zones in India. These trials recorded average yield increases of 5.27% for Nano DAP and 5.28% for Nano Urea over traditional practices
IFFCO distributed over 2.5 lakh sprayers and introduced “IFFCO Kisan Drone” to provide Agri Drones for spraying IFFCO Nano Urea & Nano DAP to the farmers. IFFCO procured 1764 Drones along with Electric Three Wheelers (EVs) to facilitate application of IFFCO Nano Urea & Nano DAP (Liquid) and provided training to rural entrepreneurs to offer spray services to the farmers.
IFFCO is ranked World’s No.1 Cooperative (with respect to ratio towards contribution to GDP) according to World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) Report published by EURCISE and International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the premier International cooperative body. IFFCO has a pan-India presence, supported by a vast network of over 35,600 cooperative societies as its members. With more than 500 field offices spread across 21 states, IFFCO serves and supports over 5 crore farmers across the country. The organization also has a strong global footprint with presence in 4 countries. IFFCO have in total 10 manufacturing units.
It is a matter of pride for the cooperatives as, Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, MD, IFFCO was bestowed with ‘Rochdale Pioneers Award’ 2024 during ICA 2024 Conference last year in New Delhi. Dr. Awasthi was also honoured with title of ‘Fertiliser Man of India’ during 8th National Conference of Sahkar Bharati for his lifetime remarkable contribution in the field of Fertiliser and Agriculture of Country.
