Rishikesh, 20 March 2026

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa met spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Rishikesh, where he sought his blessings and engaged in a discussion on spirituality, service, and societal well-being.

The meeting, held in the spiritually significant setting of Rishikesh, focused on the importance of inner peace, ethical leadership, and the role of individuals in building a harmonious society. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shared his perspectives on integrating spiritual values into everyday life and leadership.

Dr. Mallappa expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that such interactions reinforce the importance of aligning professional pursuits with strong moral and cultural values.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa said, “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah is not merely a verse, but a guiding principle for life. When we protect dharma—truth, duty, and righteousness—it, in turn, protects us. Meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has deepened my understanding that balance, service, and ethical living are essential to both personal and societal progress.”

The meeting concluded with Dr. Mallappa receiving blessings from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, reaffirming his commitment to uphold values rooted in India’s spiritual heritage while contributing meaningfully to society.

Jeanologia proves it is possible to produce jeans without polluting water and presents its Environmental Profit and Loss Account

Valencia: On World Water Day, a global awareness date highlighting the growing scarcity of this resource and the urgent need for responsible water use, Jeanologia presents its Ecological Profit and Loss Account, a pioneering model that measures the positive impact generated by the implementation of its technology in the textile industry.

In a global context where water has become one of the planet’s most pressing challenges, the company is putting figures behind a transformation already underway: reshaping denim production by eliminating polluting processes and drastically reducing resource consumption.

Since 2015, Jeanologia has been auditing and publishing this Environmental Profit and Loss Account, becoming the first company in the sector to systematically quantify the positive environmental impact derived from the use of its technologies. The model measures two key indicators: the volume of polluted water avoided and the reduction of CO₂ emissions, turning sustainability into a tangible and verifiable result.

Thanks to the global implementation of its technologies, more than 21.5 million cubic meters of polluted water were avoided in 2025, equivalent to the annual water consumption of a city like Copenhagen. In addition, over 103 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions were reduced, comparable to the amount of carbon absorbed in one year by a forest of more than 20,000 hectares.

This impact is the result of integrating technologies developed by Jeanologia, including laser, G2 ozone, low consumption eco washers, e-Flow nanobubble technology, H2 Zero water recycling systems, and Colorbox sustainable dyeing solutions. These innovations enable the elimination of toxic processes, drastically reduce water usage, and support zero-discharge production models.

Today, more than 5,000 machines installed across over 70 countries are transforming denim production processes, reducing intensive water and chemical use, minimizing inefficient manual processes, and producing for some of the world’s leading brands.

In addition, Jeanologia provides the industry with its EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement) platform, a tool that acts as a compass to measure, monitor, and improve the environmental impact of production processes, enabling brands and manufacturers to make data-driven decisions and move towards more responsible production.

“For years, sustainability was understood as a future commitment. Today, it is a measurable reality already in motion. The industry has the technology, the knowledge, and the responsibility to operate within the limits of the planet,” states Enrique Silla, CEO and founder of Jeanologia.

With this initiative, the company reinforces its role as a driving force for change within the textile industry, demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand when there is real implementation at scale.

Through its ‘Mission Zero’ roadmap, Jeanologia continues to advance towards a dehydrated and detoxified textile industry, where water consumption is reduced to a minimum and environmental impact is eliminated.

At a time when access to water is one of the world’s greatest challenges, Jeanologia calls on the entire value chain ­­–brands, manufacturers and consumers– to accelerate the transition towards more responsible production models. Because the future of fashion is defined not only by design, but by how it is made.

Jeanologia: 30 years leading the transformation of the textile industry 

Since its founding, Jeanologia has been on a mission to transform the textile industry into a more ethical, sustainable, and efficient model. The company works closely with brands, retailers, and suppliers on this transformative journey, offering disruptive technologies, innovative software, and a new operational model. Their groundbreaking solutions, including laser technology, G2 ozone, Dancing Box, e-flow, H2Zero, and ColorBox, have redefined garment design and finishing standards, eliminating polluting processes and significantly reducing the use of water, energy, and chemicals. Thanks to these advancements, Jeanologia has saved millions of liters of water and eliminated harmful substances, turning its vision of a truly sustainable textile industry into reality.  From the introduction of its laser technology in 1999, which revolutionized denim finishing, to its current challenge of implementing a revolutionary sustainable garment dyeing process, the Spanish company has pioneered solutions that not only benefit the environment but also optimize operational costs. Looking ahead, Jeanologia remains committed to creating an eco-efficient and ethical textile future, encouraging all industry stakeholders to join its Mission Zero initiative: dehydrate and detoxify the textile industry. No more water and toxic chemicals used in garment finishing around the world.

Mar 20: A new study highlights the potential for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across the United States to transform food waste from a major environmental burden into a valuable resource, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Each year, the U.S. discards about 97 million metric tons of food, with roughly 37 million metric tons ending up in landfills. Buried in anaerobic conditions, this organic waste emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and permanently loses nutrients and energy stored in the food.

Researchers found that by redirecting food waste to existing wastewater treatment facilities, communities can achieve net-negative greenhouse gas emissions, turning a problem into an opportunity. In conventional WWTPs, methane capture and energy recovery prevent the release of 58.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton of food waste that would otherwise escape from landfills. Advanced facilities further improve emissions reductions, achieving –0.19 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per ton.

“The systems to process organic matter already exist,” said Shelley Wunder-Smith, lead researcher at Georgia Tech. “Wastewater treatment plants are designed to handle microbial breakdown of organics, capture methane, and recover nutrients. Redirecting food waste into these systems is both environmentally and economically viable.”

At the study site, trucks collected food waste from households and transported it to the treatment plant, where it was processed and blended into a slurry with sewage solids. Anaerobic digesters then broke down the material, producing methane for electricity and heat and solid material suitable for fertilizer production. The addition of food waste did not overload the plant, which processed over 107,000 tons annually – representing 38% of the county’s landfilled food waste – while consistently meeting regulatory standards.

Financially, this model can be sustainable. Treatment plants can charge tipping fees for food waste, generate energy from methane, and recover fertilizer for sale or local use. These benefits may offset operational costs and make the process economically attractive for cities.

This research demonstrates that local governments already possess the infrastructure needed to handle food waste sustainably. With minimal upgrades in smaller plants, communities can reduce emissions, recover valuable resources, and move closer to circular waste management solutions.

New Delhi: The Centre has reviewed the impact of recent unseasonal rains on crops across several states and assured farmers of necessary support, including procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and relief measures.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Officials said the untimely rainfall has affected standing crops in key agricultural regions, raising concerns over yield losses. The government has directed state authorities to conduct field assessments and submit detailed reports on the extent of damage.

To safeguard farmers’ interests, the Centre reiterated that procurement at MSP will continue, ensuring that affected farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Additional relief measures, including compensation and assistance under existing schemes, are also being considered.

The government emphasised its commitment to supporting farmers during this period, stating that timely intervention will help minimise losses and stabilise the agricultural sector.

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has earmarked ₹1,500 crore in its latest budget for the Musi Riverfront Development project, aiming to transform the river into a clean and vibrant urban space.

The project focuses on river rejuvenation, including pollution control, improved sewage systems, and the creation of walkways, parks, and public spaces along the riverbanks. It is part of a broader plan to enhance Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure and livability.

Officials said the funding will help accelerate initial development work and strengthen flood management systems. The project is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and improve environmental conditions in the city.

Once completed, the Musi riverfront is set to become a key urban landmark, combining ecological restoration with modern city development.

Mumbai, Mar 20: Revati Mahurkar is all set to return with an exciting new collaboration, joining forces with Prince Narula for an upcoming project that already has industry insiders buzzing. What makes this collaboration even more special is the reunion of the powerhouse trio — Revati Mahurkar, choreographer Yash, and lyricist Rony — who have previously delivered memorable tracks like Qatal and Tevar. Their earlier work together created a distinct blend of striking visuals, high-energy choreography, and impactful storytelling, making the trio a much-talked-about creative combination.

 With this upcoming project, the three reunite once again, bringing their signature chemistry back to the forefront. Revati’s commanding screen presence, Yash’s dynamic choreography, and Rony’s gripping lyrical narrative are expected to create yet another visually compelling and musically powerful track. Adding to the excitement is Prince Narula, whose strong fan following and charismatic persona promise to elevate the project to an even larger scale.

The collaboration marks a full-circle moment for the team, as they come together once more to recreate the magic that audiences loved in their previous works. With a proven track record and a fresh new energy brought in by Prince Narula, this upcoming release is poised to be a fiery blend of music, performance, and style — setting the stage for a track that is sure to turn the heat up and capture attention across platforms.

Chennai, Mar 20th:  On the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, the fledgling Home Finance Company, Nestavia Home Finance Private Limited, unveiled its new-age Customer–first Mobile Application, ‘NestCFirst’. Designed to simplify and streamline loan servicing, the unified platform brings together critical loan functions into a single, digital interface, enabling borrowers to track, access, and manage their critical loan information and service requests, without waiting periods or charges.

Nestavia envisions a world where every individual and family has a place to call home. The launch of NestCFirst marks a significant step in this journey, combining customer–first design with a robust, technology-driven backbone to simplify loan servicing and enhance transparency, speed, and convenience.

Speaking on the launch, Mr Suchindran VG, MD & CEO of Nestavia Home Finance Private Limited, said, “Ugadi symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity, and we are delighted to launch NestCFirst on this special occasion. At, Nestavia, this is a big step for us in enhancing customer experience and delivering quality services with Customer First Approach”

A key differentiator of NestCFirst lies in its ability to provide customers with instant, self-service access to all loan-related documents, including loan agreements, sanction letters, repayment schedules, insurance policies, tax certificates, statements of account, and even original property documents, without waiting periods or charges. This significantly enhances transparency while placing greater control directly in the hands of the borrower. The platform also offers real-time visibility into tranche disbursements, EMI schedules, transaction history, and service request tracking. Customers can seamlessly initiate requests for subsequent disbursements, top-up loans, and support services, including grievance redressal, through a unified interface. Additionally, the platform enables users to refer friends and family for new loans, further extending its functionality beyond servicing into engagement.

Mr Ravi Kumar Jayanthi, CTO of Nestavia, said, “The application has been built with a user-friendly interface and robust security features to ensure a safe, seamless digital experience for our customers. We are pleased to have partnered with Novac Technology Solutions to bring this to life.”

Developed by Novac Technology Solutions, NestCFirst integrates core servicing capabilities within a secure and scalable ecosystem. The application enables borrowers to instantly access loan information, repayment status, service requests, and critical documentation without delays, eliminating the need for multiple touchpoints, or manual requests. 

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr N S Nandakishore, Managing Director & CEO, Novac Technology Solutions said, “Housing finance in India is at a pivotal point where customer expectations are shifting rapidly toward real-time, self-service experiences. Platforms today need to go beyond digitisation and enable true accessibility, transparency, and speed at scale. We have worked closely with Nestavia to translate this vision into a robust, customer-centric solution. “

With operations across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Nestavia is making home ownership increasingly accessible and convenient for borrowers. With this app, Nestavia demonstrates how strategic partnerships and innovative digital solutions can transform housing finance, giving millions of borrowers greater control and confidence over their loan experience.

Mumbai, Mar 20: Mrida, a premium handloom saree label, has announced the launch of its Spring/Summer 2026 collection titled ‘Scoop Of Summer’, a thoughtfully curated range of pure linen sarees inspired by the softer, more mindful side of the season.

Rooted in the philosophy of slow craft and everyday elegance, the collection reimagines summer dressing through breathable fabrics, artisanal detailing, and playful hand block prints. Each saree is handwoven and dyed in Bhagalpur, a region renowned for its expertise in linen weaving, using 100% pure linen that becomes softer over time while retaining its natural texture and character.

The collection showcases exclusive in-house developed hand block prints, featuring motifs such as florals, fruits, birds, stripes, and checks. These designs are brought to life in a soothing palette of pista green, periwinkle blue, mint, peach, cream, and citrus-toned pinks, striking a balance between vibrancy and subtlety.

Adding to the tactile appeal, each saree is finished with handcrafted embellishments including lace borders, crochet trims, tassels, pom-poms, and delicate bead accents. The meticulous process—from weaving and dyeing to printing and finishing—takes approximately 10 to 15 days per piece, reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and detail.

Commenting on the launch, Shriya Nagi said,

“Scoop Of Summer is our ode to slower days and softer dressing. We wanted to explore linen as a breathable, living textile and pair it with motifs that feel joyful yet grounded. These sarees are designed to be lived in, whether at work, at home, or during unhurried summer afternoons.”

Moving beyond occasion-led fashion, the collection positions sarees as an integral part of everyday wardrobe choices—lightweight, versatile, and easy to wear. With Scoop Of Summer, Mrida invites consumers to embrace comfort, craftsmanship, and quiet elegance, celebrating the season with effortless style and mindful living.

Odisha is taking a strategic leap into India’s fast-growing semiconductor sector with the launch of the ‘O-CHIP’ Programme, backed by an allocation of ₹26 crore in the Odisha Budget 2026. The initiative aims to position the state as an emerging hub in semiconductor design, innovation, and skilled talent development.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The programme reflects Odisha’s broader ambition to move beyond traditional industrial strengths and establish a strong presence in high-technology sectors that are critical to the future economy.

Building a Semiconductor Design Ecosystem

The ‘O-CHIP’ initiative is focused on developing a strong foundation for semiconductor design capabilities within the state. Rather than concentrating only on manufacturing, the programme emphasises innovation, research, and chip design development.

Key focus areas include:

• Strengthening semiconductor design infrastructure

• Encouraging innovation-driven research

• Supporting startups and deep-tech ventures

• Building industry-academia collaboration

This approach is expected to help Odisha integrate into India’s national semiconductor value chain.

Focus on Talent and Skill Development

A major pillar of the programme is human capital development. Odisha aims to build a skilled workforce capable of contributing to advanced semiconductor and electronics industries.

The initiative is expected to support:

• Specialised training in chip design and electronics

• Skill development programmes for engineering students

• Collaboration with technical institutions and research bodies

• Creation of industry-ready talent for global semiconductor firms

This talent-focused strategy is designed to ensure long-term sustainability in the sector.

Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Vision

India is actively working to expand its semiconductor ecosystem, and Odisha’s entry through the O-CHIP programme adds regional depth to this national mission. By focusing on design and innovation, the state aims to complement existing semiconductor initiatives across the country.

The programme is expected to:

• Encourage private sector participation

• Attract semiconductor startups and design firms

• Support India’s self-reliance in chip technology

• Strengthen domestic capability in advanced electronics

Economic and Industrial Impact

While still in its early stage, the initiative has the potential to reshape Odisha’s industrial landscape. Over time, it could:

• Create high-skilled employment opportunities

• Attract investment in electronics and IT hardware

• Promote startup growth in deep-tech sectors

• Diversify the state’s industrial base beyond mining and manufacturing

The ₹26 crore allocation marks the beginning of a longer roadmap aimed at building a future-ready digital economy in Odisha.

Conclusion

With the launch of the ‘O-CHIP’ Programme, Odisha is positioning itself as a new entrant in India’s semiconductor design ecosystem. Backed by targeted investment and a focus on innovation and skill development, the initiative signals a shift toward high-tech industrial growth.

If implemented effectively, O-CHIP could help Odisha emerge as an important contributor to India’s semiconductor ambitions and a growing centre for advanced technology development.