All posts by Neel Achary

TDDCF plans to set up 400–500 Vijaya Dairy Parlours in 3–4 years; aims to raise milk procurement from 4 lakh to 6 lakh litres per day: Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, TDDCF

Hyderabad, Dec 12: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Centre, organised a full-day national seminar titled “Innovations and Opportunities in Dairy Entrepreneurship: From Farm to Market” at the KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

The seminar was organised as part of National Milk Day 2025, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the Father of India’s White Revolution. Though National Milk Day falls on November 26, the celebrations were observed on the occasion of this seminar.

The event was graced by Sri Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd (TDDCF) as Special Guest; Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao, Chairman, Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Centre as Keynote Speaker; and Dr A. Sarat Chandra, Registrar, P. V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University. Senior FTCCI leadership present included Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President; Sri Srinivas Garimella, Vice President; and Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman, FTCCI Agro & Food Processing Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Gutha Amith Reddy announced that the Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd plans to expand its Vijaya Dairy parlour network by setting up 400 to 500 new parlours over the next three to four years. He invited interested entrepreneurs and applicants to come forward to establish Vijaya Dairy parlours, stating that marketing and branding are currently a key focus area. He informed that 50 new parlours have already been opened within GHMC limits and another 25 in rural areas, adding that the expansion is an ongoing process, with a possible rollout of around 25 parlours per month.

He further stated that TDDCF is currently procuring around 4 lakh litres of milk per day and aims to scale this up to 6 lakh litres per day. Elaborating on the federation’s operations, he said that while approximately 4.40 lakh litres of milk are procured daily, sales are about 3.20 lakh litres, with the surplus converted into products such as milk powder and butter. Strengthening milk procurement and market absorption remains a key priority, he added.

The Chairman noted that the federation has moved from survival mode last year to a sustainable phase now, and explained that urbanisation—nearly 50% of the population around Hyderabad being urban—is one of the reasons Telangana lags in milk production. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving dairy output and shared that AI and ERP systems are being used in breeding, rearing, and operational management at the federation.

In his keynote address, Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao said that farmers’ declining focus on livestock rearing, especially milk-giving animals, is driven not by lack of awareness but by economic stress, structural shifts, and policy gaps. He stressed that livestock rearing remains the best alternative source of steady income for farmers and called for assured milk pricing, timely payments, village-level fodder security, strong and transparent cooperatives, and animal insurance and health cover to revive dairy farming as a primary livelihood.

Dr A. Sarat Chandra pointed out that while India is the world’s largest milk producer with 248 million metric tonnes, productivity remains low. He noted that average milk yield per lactation in India is around 1,700 litres, compared to 3,500 litres in Western countries, underscoring the need for focused productivity enhancement. He also highlighted that while India is food-secure, it remains protein-deficient, and milk is a critical source of nutrition.

In his opening remarks, Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President, FTCCI, recalled the transformative contribution of Dr Verghese Kurien to India’s White Revolution. Sri S. Chandra Mohan emphasised the need for policies encouraging every farmer to rear livestock to ensure nutritional security and steady income.

The one-day seminar featured four technical sessions covering Dairy Farming and Production, Processing and Value Addition, Dairy Technology and Digital Transformation, and Financial Support, with participation from experts from academia, industry, dairy cooperatives, and financial institutions. The objective was to create a knowledge-sharing platform for dairy startups, FPOs, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs.

Among others present were Sri Srinivas Garimella, Vice President, FTCCI; P. Vijay Gopal Reddy; Prof. B. P. Acharya; Madhusudhan Rao, GM, TDDCF; Dr Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao; Sri Patanjali Rao Upadrasta; Dr N. Natraj; Jayakumar Udernani; Dr Ch. Harikrishna; Vamseedhar; Dr J. Tamizh Kumaran; Dr Ch. Satyanarayana; A. Praveen Reddy; V. Gopala Krishna Murthy; and Shri Panduan N. Marpalle.

Cuttack : Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, Opens its second store in Odisha, in the historic city of Cuttack. Renowned as the “Silver City,” Cuttack carries a 500-year-old legacy of artistry and tradition, celebrated globally for its intricate silver filigree work. This city has long been a foundational hub for exceptional craftsmanship, where tradition and innovation coexist. With this new store in Cuttack, Indriya honours this lineage of craftsmanship by connecting India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.

The new Indriya store in Cuttack is designed to offer customers an immersive retail experience, showcasing the brand’s commitment to celebrating both the artistic brilliance of Odisha and modern jewellery expressions. With thoughtfully curated zones, including a bridal lounge and a dedicated karigari room along with a vast collection of over 28,000beautifully crafted designs, this reflects Cuttack’s rich jewellery heritage. Through this expansion, Indriya continues to bring true beauty rooted in deep tradition and innovative craft to customers in Odisha’s culturally vibrant city of Cuttack.

Indriya’s latest store launch marks a milestone, as it expands its presence to 41 stores nationwide. The brand’s growing footprint includes six outlets in Delhi, four each in Mumbai and Hyderabad, three in Pune, twostores each in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Bangalore, and single stores in important cities such as Indore, Jodhpur, Surat, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Gaya, Jammu, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandigarh, Mangalore, Kolkata, and now Cuttack. This widespread expansion underscores Indriya’s commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and timeless jewellery designs to customers throughout India.

Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said,

“Odisha holds a special place in our expansion journey, and the positive response to our first store in Bhubaneswar has been truly inspiring. With the launch of our second store in Cuttack, we are excited to deepen Indriya’s footprint not just in Odisha but in the Eastern region, a vibrant market rich in culture and tradition. Our collections are thoughtfully crafted to reflect the region’s unique heritage, blending timeless artistry with contemporary elegance, ensuring our jewellery resonates with the tastes of today’s customers. This launch reinforces our commitment to bringing quality craftsmanship closer to jewellery lovers across these culturally significant areas.”

Franchise owner Mr Sanjeev Hans, Sangeeta Hans, Amit Dharap, Head of Retail Indriya; Gaurav Kumar, Head of Franchise Indriya and Deepanjan Sengupta, Regional Business Manager- East were present at the event .

Travel and lifestyle rewards today aren’t just about collecting points  they’re about collecting moments. India’s modern travellers want perks that elevate every step of the journey: smoother airports, stylish stays, curated experiences, and flexibility that fits their on-the-go life. From Thriwe’s all-rounder luxury to Taj’s royal touch and Bonvoy’s global glamour, these five brands are making every trip feel just a little more special.

1. Thriwe – The Rewards Ninja You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thriwe is that friend who upgrades your trip without you asking. Airport lounges? Done. Spa sessions? Done. Golf, concierge, VIP service? Double done.

Why travellers love it:

• All-in-one lifestyle + travel rewards

• Airport lounge & concierge perks

• Curated experiences (wellness, sports, shopping)

• Flexible redemption across categories

Vibe: The quiet overachiever… but glamorous

2. Taj InnerCircle (NeuPass) – The Royal Treatment Club

If “my hotel room upgrades itself” is your love language, Taj InnerCircle is your kingdom. Luxury stays, chef specials, private tours  it’s hospitality with a crown on top.

Why travellers love it:

• Room upgrades + late checkouts

• Member-only rates

• Benefits across Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions

Vibe: Your passport to feeling fancy.

3. Marriott Bonvoy – The Global Jetsetter’s Badge

Bonvoy is for travellers whose suitcase sees more cities than most people. Stays, suites, experiences, global events – all wrapped in that premium Marriott polish.

Why travellers love it:

• Suite upgrades

• Access to Bonvoy Experiences

• Redeem worldwide

Vibe: Frequent flyer energy meets luxury wanderer.

4. InterMiles – The “Earn Everywhere, Spend Anywhere” Crew

Flights? Hotels? Shopping? Dining? InterMiles is basically the Swiss Army knife of rewards programs.

Why travellers love it:

• Wide travel + lifestyle redemption options

• Great for regular flyers

• Flexible, partner-rich ecosystem

Vibe: Practical, versatile, surprisingly generous.

5. Club Vistara – The “Treat Me Like I’m Platinum” Program

Vistara knows how to make travellers feel VIP. From priority everything to cabin upgrades, it’s a favourite for people who fly often (and fly smart).

Why travellers love it:

• Priority check-in + boarding

• Premium cabin upgrades

• Lounge access

Vibe: Smooth, seamless, and smugly premium.

Whether you’re chasing luxury hotel feels, effortless airport moments, or curated lifestyle upgrades, these five brands are proving that rewards can be more than just perks they can be part of the journey itself. With players like this leading the charge in blending travel and lifestyle benefits, India’s travellers now have a passport to experiences that feel smoother, smarter, and a whole lot more special. So go ahead earn, redeem, repeat, and let every trip feel like an upgrade.

Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle Biotech, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three startups in India’s first-ever Startup Challenge in the BioAgri space

Hyderabad, Dec 12: The BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), the world’s oldest trade body in the agricultural biology space, announced the winners of India’s first-ever Startup Challenge dedicated exclusively to the BioAgri sector, held as part of the two-day BioAgri 2025 conference at just concluded Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle BioSciences, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three winners, while V-Humate received the consolation prize. The Startup Challenge marked a significant milestone for the Indian BioAgri ecosystem, offering emerging startups national and global visibility and a rare opportunity to pitch before investors and industry leaders, even though no prize money was attached to the competition.

The BioAgri Startup Challenge witnessed participation from 20 startups from across India and was jointly organised by BIPA in collaboration with leading biotech and deep-tech incubators, including IKP Knowledge Park (International One Health Incubator), Venture Centre Pune, AgHub Hyderabad, Pusa Krishi, and Social Alpha. The entire initiative was coordinated by a BIPA member and a successful entrepreneur, reflecting the association’s industry-driven approach.

The finalists presented their innovations to an audience of over 200 stakeholders from across India and abroad during BioAgri 2025, India’s largest agri-input professionals conference. After two rounds of jury evaluation, the top five startups were shortlisted for live pitching, from which the final three winners were selected.

Arthro Biotech was adjudged the first prize winner for its work in producing and distributing eco-friendly animal feed components and soil conditioners. The company was founded by Praveen K. Sappa and co-founded by Kishore Nalam.

Pinnacle BioSciences secured the second position for its focus on algae-based solutions for agriculture, animal nutrition, aquaculture, and human health. The company leverages marine algae such as seaweed to develop biofertilizers, feed supplements, and health products. It was founded by Dr M. Adhi Visvanathan, a noted algology expert, and is led by Director Vishnu Ram, along with Gowtham.

Silverphage Technologies, based in Chandigarh, won the third prize. Represented by Shivam Chinyoti, the startup is known for its innovative biological solutions. V-Humate, which bagged the consolation prize, is engaged in manufacturing advanced solutions for agriculture, oil drilling, and animal feed.

Commenting on the initiative, D. R. Venkatesh, Secretary General, BIPA, said that the BIPA Startup Challenge 2025 was launched to encourage deep-tech innovation in biological agriculture by providing startups with critical business connections and pathways to commercial traction—key elements required for scaling bio-based technologies. He added that through such initiatives, BIPA continues to strengthen its long-standing commitment to advancing India’s BioAgri ecosystem by recognising current industry leaders while empowering the innovators of tomorrow.

New Delhi, Dec 12: Leverage Edu, part of Leverage.biz, a global education, jobs talent mobility platform, released new data showing a sharp rise in student interest in Dubai, with applications from India and neighbouring countries growing nearly 40 times since 2023. The findings, drawn from its platform activity across the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and wider GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), highlight Dubai’s fast-rising role as a preferred study abroad destination for Indian students, driven by affordability, proximity, globally recognised programmes, and strong career pathways. For Leverage Edu, this surge has translated into a significantly larger Dubai share within its overall business, rising from 3-4% last year to roughly 11% this year, equivalent to more than 1,000 students.

According to KHDA, Indian students now account for roughly 42% of all international higher-education enrolments in Dubai, underscoring the rapid expansion of the India-Dubai education corridor. Leverage Edu’s platform, which saw more than 50 million student users in the past 12 months and has over 1 million app downloads, is driving substantial interest toward Dubai’s universities, with its data and insights enabling institutions to better understand and respond to global student demand.

Dubai has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional study abroad destinations such as the US and the UK for Indian families. Several international branch campuses in Dubai now offer globally recognised postgraduate programmes at AED 50,000-85,000 per year, significantly lower than their parent campuses abroad. When combined with generally lower living costs than London or major US cities, families can expect roughly 20-40% lower total annual costs in Dubai, though exact savings vary by programme, university, scholarships, and housing preferences.

The Emirate’s proximity to India, robust safety standards, and strong student-support systems further reinforce its attractiveness. Leading universities such as Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, and University of Wollongong Dubai have been central to this momentum, offering internationally aligned curricula with industry linkages and internship pathways.

Leverage Edu’s data indicates that postgraduate programmes account for over 70% of applications, with Business and Management representing about two-thirds of total interest, followed by Data Science, Analytics, and AI, together accounting for nearly 80% of interest.

Alongside academic fit, students are responding to Dubai’s employment ecosystem. Internship-linked programmes supported through regulated MOHRE pathways, allow students to gain structured work experience during their studies often leading to industry exposure and early traction in the region’s job market. Employers in Dubai are hiring most actively in AI and data roles, hospitality, tourism, and finance, sectors where the city is scaling rapidly and where student demand directly aligns.

“We’ve seen a clear shift in student sentiment over the past couple of years, with Dubai now coming up in nearly every other counselling conversation. Students aren’t just getting a degree, they’re gaining early exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets, with internship and employment opportunities that many traditional study-abroad hubs cannot match. The 40x surge in applications reflects a growing recognition that quality education, career readiness, and affordability can coexist. At Leverage Edu, we’re proud to be the bridge enabling thousands of Indian students to access this opportunity and build futures that are both globally competitive and rooted in the thriving GCC ecosystem,” said Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Leverage Edu.

Leverage Edu is translating this market opportunity into end-to-end support for Indian students exploring education opportunities in Dubai. From AI-driven university matching and application assessment to personalized counselling, scholarship and financing guidance, visa and documentation assistance, and on-ground support for housing and pre-departure, the platform ensures a seamless experience. It combines artificial intelligence with expert counsellors to address key concerns

around affordability, cultural familiarity, and safety, factors that significantly influence student decision-making.

The company is also strengthening the experience for universities through deeper intelligence and technology. Its data insights give campuses a real-time view of what students from India and other focus markets are prioritising: programme formats, career pathways, affordability thresholds and decision triggers. This allows institutions to fine-tune their offerings and communication to better align with global demand. Univalley.ai, Leverage’s proprietary admissions platform, amplifies this further by helping campuses process applications up to 10x faster, predict enrolment probability and accelerate offer cycles.

The momentum is not limited to Dubai. With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in new STEM and research-led programmes under Vision 2030, the wider Middle East is emerging as a growing hub for global education and innovation, opening up a broader set of opportunities for Indian students in the region.

Life-Changing Surgery at Jaslok Hospital Helps Woman Overcome Hyperhidrosis Affecting 2-5% of Indians, Restores Confidence and Dignity

Mumbai, Dec 12: Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre has successfully treated a young ex-airhostess suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis, a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating of the hands, through Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (VATS)—a safe, minimally invasive, day-care surgical procedure with immediate results.

Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect 2–5% of the population in India, yet remains significantly underreported, as many individuals do not recognize it as a medical condition and continue to suffer silently. The disorder can severely impact daily functioning, emotional well-being, and professional life if left untreated.

The patient had been experiencing symptoms since adolescence and had sought multiple medical opinions over the years with no lasting relief. The condition eventually forced her to step away from her profession and affected her mental health and self-confidence.

The patient underwent Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (VATS), performed by Dr. Vimesh Rajput, Consultant – Thoracic Surgery. Anaesthesia was expertly managed by Dr. Savi Kapila, Consultant – Anaesthesiology, a one-hour surgical procedure that interrupts the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating of the hands.

“Hyperhidrosis is not a minor inconvenience—it is a disabling medical condition that can push patients into social isolation, anxiety, and even depression,” said Dr. Vimesh Rajput, Thoracic Surgeon at Jaslok Hospital. “What makes the situation unfortunate is that a definitive, safe solution exists, yet awareness remains extremely low.”

Emphasising the effectiveness of the procedure, he added:

“This is a minimally invasive, day-care surgery. Patients walk in with a problem that has affected them for years and walk out the same day with immediate relief. The results are predictable, lasting, and often life-changing.”

Dr. Rajput also highlighted the importance of early consultation and intervention:

“Many patients dismiss excessive sweating as something they must live with. Over time, it impacts confidence, social interactions, and mental health. Early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment can completely restore dignity and quality of life.”

Post-procedure, the patient experienced instant and complete resolution of symptoms, allowing her to resume normal daily activities without fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.

Speaking about the case Dr Milind Khadke, Chief Medical Officer at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre said

“Correct diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is vital. With minimally invasive, short-stay procedures like VATS sympathectomy, patients can achieve immediate relief and restored confidence. Greater awareness is needed so individuals recognise this condition as treatable and seek timely medical intervention. Jaslok Hospital’s clinical excellence ensures comprehensive management of all kinds of diseases with world-class care.”

Mumbai, Dec 12: Hyperlocal e-commerce platform LoveLocal has rolled out its own dedicated delivery partner network, marking a major step in strengthening service quality for its customers and retailer partners. Known for specialising in solving for freshness via trusted local retailers, with hero categories of FNV and MNF, the platform now builds on this strength with the new network. The new delivery system brings last-mile operations in-house, enabling faster deliveries, better order accuracy, and a more dependable shopping experience across the neighbourhoods the platform serves.

By owning the delivery chain end-to-end, LoveLocal will work more closely with local retailers to streamline order flow and reduce delays. The company said the shift will help stores manage demand efficiently while ensuring customers receive fresh products with the consistency they expect.

To mark the launch, LoveLocal is introducing its 6-Star Experience Campaign, a premium service layer designed for new customers. Delivery partners will be seen in distinctive pink uniforms, reinforcing the brand’s focus on a personalised, concierge-style interaction at the doorstep. First-time customers will also receive curated goodies and a surprise gift with their orders.

Akanksha Hazari, Founder of LoveLocal, said,

 “A great shopping experience is not defined only by selection or speed. It is shaped by the final interaction at the doorstep. By establishing our own delivery partner network, we are raising the standard of that moment for both customers and retailers. The 6-Star Campaign takes this forward by turning each delivery into a thoughtful, welcoming experience that captures the everyday warmth of neighbourhood shopping and gives it a premium edge.”

She added that as the network scales across Mumbai, the company will continue to build a delivery ecosystem that strengthens local commerce while offering a modern, reliable customer journey.

LoveLocal’s latest move builds on its quality-commerce model, which prioritises freshness, trust, and retailer partnerships over rapid-delivery speed. The platform offers two-hour delivery, powered by over 820+ digitised stores across Mumbai. Customers also benefit from a wider assortment of essentials and fresh produce, competitive daily pricing, and the convenience of shopping from neighbourhood retailers they already trust.

The company provides small retailers with digital storefronts, logistics support, payments, marketing tools, and analytics. This reduces operational costs by leveraging existing retail supply chains rather than creating separate infrastructure.

LoveLocal has raised nearly USD 30 million from investors including Vulcan Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Blume Ventures. With India’s e-grocery market projected to touch USD 96 billion by 2033, the company said it sees a clear shift towards reliability, transparency, and freshness as key drivers of consumer choice.

As 2025 draws to a close, industry leaders across India’s technology spectrum reflect on a year defined by accelerated digital maturity and the convergence of intelligence, design, and sustainability. From next-gen display innovations and AI-led surveillance to the rise of accessible consumer electronics and energy-aware ecosystems, the sector is gearing up for a transformative 2026. c

BY:-  Mr Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia

“2025 was a defining year for the display technology ecosystem, marked by accelerated adoption of smart, sustainable, and experience-driven solutions. At BenQ, we witnessed a dynamic shift in how consumers and professionals engage with technology – from hybrid work and education spaces to the growing demand for personalised entertainment and creator-focused innovation. Our focus remained on designing visual solutions that blend cutting-edge performance with user wellbeing, from eye-care monitors and laser projectors to interactive panels that foster collaboration and creativity.

As we step into 2026, the technology sector stands at the cusp of a new era, one where AI, visual intelligence, and eco-conscious innovation converge to shape more meaningful digital experiences. Key trends include accelerating OLED/microLED/quantum dot advancements for superior contrast and efficiency, rising adoption of interactive projections in education and collaboration spaces, and AI-driven personalization across displays. BenQ sees this as an inflection point to lead with purpose: advancing smarter, energy-efficient display technologies that serve both productivity and sustainability goals. The coming year will be about deepening the intersection of design, technology, and human experience – where visual innovation not only informs and inspires, but also contributes to a greener, more connected future.”

By:-  Mr Pankaj Rana, CEO, Hisense India

“2025 has reinforced a clear shift, Indian consumers are no longer satisfied with basic, functional appliances; they increasingly expect smarter, more connected and energy-efficient solutions for their homes. With rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanisation, adoption of IoT-enabled devices, especially smart TVs is moving from early adopters to the mainstream. In 2026, this momentum will only accelerate. We expect strong demand for larger-screen smart TVs, AI-enhanced picture and sound experiences, energy-efficient cooling solutions, and more voice-driven, connected home behaviour. At Hisense, we are doubling down on innovation and localisation, bringing global-quality TVs and next-generation air-conditioning solutions to India at accessible price points, anticipating that households will prioritise convenience, sustainability and intelligent living as core purchase drivers.”

By:-  Mr. Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS (Aditya Infotech Ltd.)

“2025 was a pivotal year for CP PLUS and the surveillance industry, characterised by rapid AI-driven security advancements improved connectivity and more intuitive surveillance systems. Trust and compliance were crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape.

As the industry shifts towards reliable, scalable technology solutions that adapt to changing safety and operational demands, CP PLUS sets a benchmark. We are the first company in the industry to secure the STQC-Certification for the widest range of products and the only brand in the surveillance sector to get listed on the NSE, a testament to our commitment to quality and national standards. This achievement, coupled with our innovation-first approach, solidifies our dedication to developing technologies that precisely, resiliently, and confidently address real-world challenges.

Looking towards 2026, the technology landscape is set to deepen its focus on integrated intelligence and automation. CP PLUS has a number of technologies and inventions in the pipeline for the new India and anticipates that security solutions will increasingly leverage AI edge computing and IoT to create more proactive and adaptive environments. We anticipate innovations that extend beyond protection seamlessly integrating to streamline operations, inform strategic decisions and foster secure interconnected ecosystems.”

By:-  Ravi Agarwal, Co-founder and Managing Director, Cellecor Gadgets Ltd

“2025 has been a defining year for the Indian consumer electronics industry, and for us at Cellecor, it marked a phase of disciplined scale, stronger consumer trust, and deeper market penetration. We saw a clear shift in consumer behaviour, where value, reliability and smart functionality became non-negotiable. Demand was no longer limited to metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as strong growth engines across televisions, audio products and smart wearable categories. This shift reinforced our belief that accessible technology is the future of this industry.

For Cellecor, the year was about strengthening our Make in India approach, optimising our product portfolio, and building meaningful visibility across both digital-first and offline channels. We witnessed robust traction across our smart TV and audio segments, along with strong adoption in fast-moving wearable categories. The festive season, in particular, demonstrated how rapidly the market is evolving, with consumers seeking feature-rich products that offer genuine value.

Looking ahead to 2026, we believe the next phase of growth in consumer electronics will be driven by deeper integration of smart ecosystems, AI-led personalisation, and energy-efficient technologies that balance performance with sustainability. We also foresee stronger omni-channel buying journeys, where online discovery and offline experience will work together seamlessly.”

By:-  Murali M. Mantravadi, Jt. Managing Director, Energy Bots

“2025 marked a decisive inflection point for the global technology ecosystem. We witnessed the convergence of advanced compute, AI, and clean energy at a pace unmatched in the past decade. Generative AI matured from experimentation to enterprise-scale adoption, contributing to a global AI market that has reached around US$294 billion in 2025 and pushing demand for high-performance compute to historic highs. Simultaneously, renewable energy capacity expanded at record speed, with global additions crossing 500 GW for the first time, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between digital infrastructure and sustainable energy. This was a year where industries realised that intelligence and efficiency must evolve together.

Looking ahead, 2026 will intensify this shift. Industrial AI will move into full production, edge-AI shipments are expected to grow over 30%, and sustainable computing will become a standard design principle. Smart homes, in particular, will evolve into energy-aware ecosystems where appliances dynamically optimise consumption, adapt to grid patterns, and extend their lifespan through predictive maintenance and continuous updates.

At Energy Bots, we see this as the beginning of a truly integrated household energy future, one where appliances become intelligent participants in reducing waste, lowering bills, and supporting national sustainability goals. Technology is no longer just powering convenience; it is actively shaping responsible living. The transformation we are witnessing is not incremental; it is foundational, and 2026 will be the year it scales from early adopters to the mainstream.” 

By:-  Srividya Kannan, Founder-CEO, Avaali Solutions

“As we enter 2026, the AI conversation in India needs to mature rapidly. While ‘agent washing’ has dominated headlines – companies slapping AI labels on traditional automation – the real opportunity lies in building robust AI infrastructure that can support genuine intelligent systems. India has a unique advantage: we can leapfrog the mistakes other markets made by building AI infrastructure with governance, ethics, and explainability baked in from day one. What concerns me is the gap between AI ambition and AI readiness. Too many organizations are implementing AI agents without the foundational data infrastructure, security frameworks, or change management capabilities to make them work. In 2026, we need to shift from ‘AI theater’ to AI substance – investing in the unsexy but critical work of data quality, model governance, and human-AI collaboration frameworks. At Avaali, we’re focused on helping enterprises build this foundation through solutions that integrate AI thoughtfully into existing workflows rather than disrupting for disruption’s sake.”

Bengaluru, Dec 12: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., one of India’s most trusted engineering and manufacturing brands with a legacy of over five decades, showcased its advanced technological strengths and precision-engineered solutions at EXCON 2025. VST is showcasing its evolution from a leading farm equipment manufacturer to a diversified engineering powerhouse catering to multiple global industries at the exhibition.

At EXCON, VST Tillers Tractors showcased a comprehensive lineup of 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder compact engines ranging from 17 HP to 30 HP alongside a series of precision components designed for high-demand applications. The showcased solutions have gained strong acceptance across varied segments, including construction and earthmoving equipment, DG sets, marine applications, reefer units and cold chain logistics, hospitals, sports complexes, and other institutional power requirements, reducing dependence on import of such engines and contributing to self-reliance for the country. With growing capabilities and investments, the company’s state-of-the-art Mysuru manufacturing unit is also expanding into new industrial segments, strengthening VST’s role as a preferred supplier for high-performance engines, driveline units, and precision components.

A major attraction at the stall was VST’s iconic 13 HP horizontal engine. On one side, the Engine is used in Power tillers supporting Farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers. On the other side, it is widely regarded as the most trusted engine in the country for powering concrete cutter machines and the construction equipment industry. Its industry leadership directly ties into India’s expanding infrastructure development momentum. With the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reporting rapid growth in road construction and infrastructure upgrades nationwide, VST’s engines have become a silent enabler, powering machines that build high-quality roads and thereby supporting India’s infrastructure transformation.

The displays highlighted VST’s journey into new territories where performance, fuel efficiency, and durability are essential.

Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO of VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., commented on the company’s evolving technology leadership stating “VST is undergoing a significant transformation driven by design thinking-led innovation, high-quality precision engineering, and product modernization for global markets. Our focus is to create lasting value through technology, sustainability, and continuous building. The Global Technology Center in Hosur is a major part of this journey, to advance our expertise in future engines, driveline technologies, EV systems, and next-generation precision components. With these advancements, VST is positioning itself as a truly Fast – Frugal and Future-Ready solutions provider for India and the world.”

VST’s reputation for superior engineering and world-class quality was underscored by the recognition the company has earned over the years. The organization has consistently been honored with highly regarded awards such as the CII Design Excellence , Manufacturing Excellence and Super shopfloor Award , also Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Quality Award for continual improvements and for the new product development, These accolades reaffirm VST’s unwavering commitment to robust design thinking, disciplined manufacturing, and long-term product reliability—hallmarks that continue to inspire confidence among OEMs and industry partners in India and abroad.

Human resources platforms use digital tools to simplify how organisations manage hiring, payroll, attendance, performance tracking, and day to day workforce operations. By automating routine and time intensive tasks, these systems reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and create more consistent employee experiences.

More importantly, such platforms help organisations make better decisions through real time data and clearer visibility into workforce trends. They support faster and more effective recruitment, improve transparency across people processes, and enable businesses to adapt quickly to changing talent needs. In a fast evolving workplace, these solutions play a key role in helping companies remain agile, productive, and competitive.

 Zoho is a cloud-based software company offering a wide range of affordable, user-friendly business applications such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho People, Zoho Mail, and many more to help organizations streamline workflows, improve productivity, and manage everything from sales and finance to HR, marketing, and operations in one integrated ecosystem

Unstop is an Indian platform that helps students and fresh graduates build skills and access opportunities through hackathons, quizzes, assessments, mentorship, and job/internship applications, while offering companies tools for employer branding, candidate assessment, and streamlined hiring all in one ecosystem.

Keka HR is a cloud-based HR management software from India that streamlines and automates payroll, attendance, leave tracking, performance management, recruitment, and onboarding to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and enhance the overall employee experience for small to medium-sized and growing businesses.

InCruiter is an AI-powered HR platform offering products like automated interview scheduling, resume screening, video interviews, coding assessments, and end-to-end candidate evaluation to help companies streamline hiring, reduce manual work, and make recruitment faster and more data-driven.

Darwinbox is a cloud-based HR platform offering unified products for recruitment, onboarding, payroll, attendance, performance management, employee engagement, and workforce analytics, using AI automation, mobile-first design, and customizable workflows to make HR operations seamless and scalable for medium to large organizations.

Workline is a cloud-based, highly configurable HRMS offering products for hiring, onboarding, attendance, payroll, performance management, and employee engagement, enabling organizations to customize workflows, use real-time analytics, and integrate systems to streamline HR operations and improve workforce efficiency.

 GreytHR is a cloud-based HR and payroll software offering products for attendance, leave management, payroll processing, statutory compliance, employee self-service, and onboarding to help businesses automate routine tasks, reduce errors, and deliver a smoother employee experience.