All posts by Neel Achary

Feb 11: At a time when cricket fever is at its peak,  Seagram’s Royal Stag Packaged Drinking Water has unveiled the Royal Stag Code of Large (#RS Code), a first-of-its-kind, data-backed initiative with brand ambassador and former team India captain Rohit Sharma and Mental Conditioning coach Paddy Upton that goes beyond celebrating success to decoding it.

Rohit Sharma, the only Indian to win two ICC T20 World Cups, embodies fearless individuality and success – living life his own way, authentic and perfectly aligned with Royal Stag’s philosophy of living it large.

The #RSCode is the outcome of an in-depth data analysis of Rohit Sharma’s career using data science combined with Royal Stag’s brand ethos centered around celebrating the philosophy of Living in the moment and Living it Large. The process unearthed 4 unique personality traits that lay the foundation of decoding Success, the manifestation of which would be unique to every individual.

The four defining traits consistently underpin Rohit’s success — traits that are a true reflection of Royal Stag’s long-standing philosophy.

To bring credibility to the whole initiative, the campaign features Paddy Upton, who anchors the initiative as a subject-matter expert, translating performance data into meaningful insights.

This RS Code is built on four traits — Selfless, where team success always outweighs personal milestones; Driven where every moment is celebrated and is seen as the stepping stone for a new beginning; Fearless, which tests one’s ability to adapt to higher responsibilities and Inspiring, where one’s leadership is not only motivational but contagious. Together, these form the Royal Stag Code of Large, #RSCode, a philosophy that transcends beyond cricket and applies to life.

The RS Code is brought to life through a phased, digital-first campaign designed to build intrigue and engagement. It began with a teaser by Rohit Sharma and Paddy Upton, which sparked curiosity around the RS Code, followed by the official reveal through a high-impact Talk show between Rohit Sharma, Paddy Upton hosted by Vikram Sathe. It seamlessly blends data-backed insights with storytelling and real moments, including a surprise appearance by Suryakumar Yadav that reinforces the ‘Inspiring’ trait of the RS Code.

The campaign is powered by an innovative AI‑driven #RSCode Finder that invites audiences to discover their own personalised Code of Large. By answering a few simple questions, consumers can decode their unique code, which is then revealed through a personalised video message from Rohit Sharma – creating a highly engaging and personal brand experience.

Speaking about the campaign, Debasree Dasgupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said,

“Speaking about the campaign, Debasree Dasgupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said, “Royal Stag as a partner of ICC, allows us to deliver a truly “Live it large” experience to die-hard cricket fans everywhere. This year, we are giving each fan the power to craft their own Live It Large Story through this unique AI platform that integrates with the brand’s commitment to relishing every moment in their journey to success. The Royal Stag Code brings our ‘Live It Large’ philosophy to life in a meaningful way. By decoding Rohit Sharma’s success through a data driven approach, we are empowering individuals to follow their own path to success and live life large.”

Amar Pure Gold signs MoUs for agro-processing projects in Himachal to strengthen farm-to-market infrastructure

Feb 11: Amar Pure Gold has emerged as a key player in India’s evolving food manufacturing and agri-processing landscape, driven by its strong focus on quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and export-oriented growth. With a growing presence across domestic and international markets, the company continues to align its expansion strategy with farmer integration, value addition, and long-term infrastructure development.

In a major step towards strengthening India’s agro-processing ecosystem, the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh announced the development of a Potato and Spice Processing Food Park in the state. The announcement was made by Dr. C. Paulrasu, Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Himachal Pradesh. Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on Tuesday in Shimla to this effect, aimed at promoting natural farming practices and boosting the rural economy.

The MoUs were signed by Dr. R.S. Jasrotia, Director of Agriculture; Mr. Hemis Negi, Managing Director, HP Agriculture Marketing Board; and Dr. Sunil Chauhan, Project Director, HP Crop Diversification Promotion Project-II (JICA-ODA), with APG Foods Division and ARFM Foods for the proposed facilities. The Department of Agriculture has entrusted HP CDPP-II (JICA-ODA) with implementation support for the project.

Under the proposed plan, spice processing facilities will be developed in Hamirpur district, with associated primary processing infrastructure in Sirmaur, while potato processing facilities will be established at designated locations in the state. The initiative is expected to strengthen agri-value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve market access for farmers.

Built around modern food-processing technologies, automation-enabled systems, and compliance-driven operations, the Food Park aims to ensure consistency, traceability, and adherence to global quality standards. The project is also expected to generate employment and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh.

Bengaluru, Feb 11: Amazon.in is making Valentine’s Day shopping effortless with a curated range of smartphones, accessories, and gift options from top brands, thoughtfully designed to suit every style and need. From feature-packed upgrades for tech enthusiasts to budget-friendly options for first-time users, the platform brings customers the best deals across brands like OnePlus, iQOO, Samsung, Redmi, and realme, along with bank and coupon offers.

The Valentine’s Day selection includes popular smartphones such as the iQOO Z10R 5G, iQOO 15, OnePlus 15R, realme NARZO 80 Lite 5G, Samsung Galaxy M56 5G, Samsung Galaxy M06 5G, Redmi A4 5G, and Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G. These devices feature powerful processors, high-capacity batteries, advanced displays, and cutting-edge camera technology, providing consumers with a range of options for performance, style, and innovation.

In addition to smartphones, Amazon.in encourages thoughtful gifting with Amazon Pay Gift Cards. Customers can choose from physical gift cards or customizable e-Gift Cards with personal photos, animated designs, or Gen AI-powered creations. These gift cards provide access to millions of products across over 300 brand categories, giving recipients the freedom to pick what they truly love. Special offers and cashback incentives make gifting even more rewarding this Valentine’s Day.

Amazon Prime members enjoy added benefits, including fast and unlimited delivery options, early access to sales, and entertainment perks like Prime Video and Amazon Music. Prime enhances the overall shopping experience, making it easier to celebrate Valentine’s Day with convenience and style.

With these exclusive deals and offers, Amazon.in makes it simple for consumers to find the perfect smartphone or gift, ensuring a memorable Valentine’s Day for loved ones.

New Delhi, Feb 11: Portronics, a well-known name in consumer electronics and mobile accessories, has expanded its gaming portfolio with the launch of Vader X, a performance-driven wired gaming mouse designed to meet the demands of competitive and casual gamers alike. Combining precision tracking, customizable controls, and a striking RGB design, Vader X is engineered to deliver a responsive and immersive gaming experience.

At the heart of Vader X is a high-precision optical gaming sensor that delivers up to 7000 FPS, ensuring smooth tracking, accurate movement, and consistent responsiveness, even during intense gaming moments. Whether navigating fast-paced FPS battles or executing precise manoeuvres in strategy and MOBA games, the sensor is built to keep up with every action.

Vader X offers adjustable DPI levels up to 12,800, allowing gamers to fine-tune sensitivity based on their gameplay preferences. Lower DPI settings enable precise aiming, while higher DPI levels support swift movements and rapid screen navigation, giving players complete control over their in-game performance.

Designed for enhanced functionality, the mouse comes with seven programmable buttons that can be customised using dedicated software. This enables users to assign macros, shortcuts, and commands, helping them react faster and play smarter during competitive sessions. Adding to the overall gaming appeal is customizable RGB lighting, which brings a vibrant visual edge to gaming setups while enhancing immersion during long hours of play.

Comfort has been a key focus in the design of Vader X. Its ergonomic shape supports a natural grip, reducing hand strain and offering better control during extended gaming, streaming, or work sessions. The wired design ensures stable and uninterrupted performance, while the rugged 1.5-metre braided cable enhances durability for long-term use.

With universal plug-and-play compatibility, Vader X works seamlessly across laptops, desktops, and supported gaming systems, making it a versatile choice for gamers looking for reliable performance without complexity.

Kolkata / Murshidabad, Feb 11: The Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026, held from 6–8 February, concluded on a high note, leaving visitors with memories of the city’s history, architecture and vibrant culture. The festival welcomed heritage enthusiasts, scholars, artists and culture lovers to experience one of Bengal’s most historically significant city.

Visitors were accommodated at heritage properties like the House of Sheherwali and Bari Kothi, immersing them in Murshidabad’s living legacy. The festivities began with a traditional Sheherwali lunch and a film screening on Rani Bhawani, followed by a boat ride to Char Bangla, the terracotta temple built by Rani Bhawani and a breathtaking sunset over the Ganges, accompanied by Ganga Aarti. Visitors also explored Tantipara, witnessing skilled artisans at work on the centuries-old Baluchari weaving tradition.

Highlights included a thrilling traditional boat race, tours of Hazarduari Palace Museum, Nasipur Rajbari, and Katgola Palace and a vibrant cultural evening featuring Baul singers, Raibenshe dancers, Kathak performances and folk artists. The festival concluded with a film screening on The Battle of Plassey and a farewell lunch, leaving guests with cherished memories of Murshidabad’s heritage and hospitality.

“The Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 was a remarkable success, bringing together heritage enthusiasts, artists and culture lovers from across the region. Over three days, visitors experienced the city’s rich history, architectural marvels, vibrant traditions and timeless legacy. The festival also highlighted the incredible skill of local artisans” said Pradip Chopra, President of the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society.

“Marking 16 years since MHDS was founded in 2010, the Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 celebrated the city’s living history, local crafts and traditions, while helping revive pride and preserve heritage,” said Sandip Nowlakha, Founding Member of the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society.

The Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 successfully showcased the city’s timeless architecture, crafts, music, cuisine and traditions, reaffirming its status as a vibrant center of living heritage.

Feb 11: ElevenLabs, a global leader in AI-driven voice technology, today announced the launch of Expressive Mode for its Eleven Agents platform, bringing emotionally intelligent, real-time voice agents to enterprise customer interactions. The new mode enhances conversational AI with human-like timing, tone, and emotional awareness, enabling enterprises to create natural, context-sensitive voice experiences.

Expressive Mode integrates Eleven v3 Conversational, ElevenLabs’ most emotionally intelligent text-to-speech model optimized for live dialogue, with a new turn-taking system that ensures better-timed responses with fewer interruptions. This allows agents to pause, respond, or adjust tone just like human interlocutors, improving engagement and satisfaction in customer conversations.

A key feature of Expressive Mode is expanded multilingual support, covering over 70 global languages, including 11 Indian languages: Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Gujarati, Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, and Assamese. This empowers Indian enterprises to serve diverse audiences while maintaining clarity, consistency, and emotional nuance.

By leveraging real-time emotional signals from Scribe v2 Realtime, ElevenLabs’ transcription system, Expressive Mode enables agents to interpret cues from how something is said—not just what is said—allowing for empathetic and context-aware interactions in high-stakes scenarios across sectors like support, mobility, finance, and retail.

Karthik Rajaram, GM and Country Head, India at ElevenLabs, commented:

“In customer-facing conversations, how something is said often matters as much as what is said. Expressive Mode marks a shift from scripted voice automation to emotionally intelligent conversations across multiple Indian languages. This enables Indian enterprises to design voice-first experiences that feel natural, responsive, and deeply aligned with how India communicates, helping brands build trust and consistency at scale.”

Expressive Mode allows businesses to deploy voice agents that respond naturally, stay on-brand, and adapt to real customer emotion, with the reliability, integrations, and monitoring needed for operations from pilot deployments to global rollouts.

ElevenLabs’ technology is already powering Indian companies like Meesho, Cars24, Apna, 99acres, TVS Motors, Mahindra, PocketFM, and others in delivering conversational AI experiences and multilingual customer engagement.

Gurugram, Feb 11: Care.fi, a healthcare-focused fintech building an AI-powered revenue cycle management infrastructure for hospitals, has raised $8 million in a Series A round. The funding includes $5 million in equity led by July Ventures, with participation from Peak XV Partners, Accion Ventures, and Sadev Ventures, and $3 million in debt financing from Trifecta and Vivriti.

India’s healthcare system is entering a decade of scale. In FY25 alone, general and health insurers settled over 32.6 million health insurance claims, with payouts exceeding ₹94,000 crore. Alongside this, more than 36.9 crore Ayushman Bharat cards have been issued, dramatically expanding access to cashless care. As coverage widens across government and private schemes, hospitals are grappling with rising claim volumes, tighter compliance requirements, and increasing expectations for faster, more predictable settlement cycles.

Care.fi is building infrastructure for this new reality. Its AI-driven platform helps hospitals manage documentation, coding, claims processing, and collections at scale, while its NBFC arm provides working capital solutions that enable predictable cash flows. Today, Care.fi’s systems are deployed across Ayushman Bharat and multiple large government and private insurance programs, supporting hospitals as operational complexity continues to rise.

The newly raised capital will be used to expand operations into additional Indian cities, accelerate international expansion across the United States and the Middle East, and further invest in product development for its AI-powered healthcare operating system.

“This capital allows us to go deeper on our core mission: making healthcare revenue operations seamless and invisible for hospitals,” said Vikrant Agrawal, Co-founder of Care.fi. “Doctors and care teams should not be spending time navigating paperwork, approvals, or delayed payments. We are building an AI-first healthcare operating system that takes care of revenue end-to-end, so hospitals can focus on patient outcomes, and patients can experience care with confidence and dignity.”

The fundraise follows a period of sustained growth for Care.fi, marked by over 10% year-on-year growth in assets under management and expansion of its team to 250+ employees, strengthening support for hospital partners amid rising claim volumes and faster turnaround expectations. Recently, Care.fi has also acquired Aldun to make hospital discharge faster and less stressful for patients and their families, reducing waiting time after the final bill from hours to just 10 minutes. Together, they aim to scale from 10,000 to nearly 1 lakh discharges per month, helping patients return home sooner and ensuring a smoother end to the hospital journey.

“Healthcare delivery in India is scaling faster than the financial rails that support it,” said Sidak Singh, Co-founder of Care.fi. “When millions of claims move through fragmented systems, even small inefficiencies compound into real stress for hospitals and patients. We’re building Care.fi to be the underlying revenue infrastructure for insurance-led healthcare—one that brings speed, clarity, and trust to every discharge and every settlement. This capital lets us scale that infrastructure responsibly, in India and beyond.”

“At July Ventures, we back scalable, category-defining digital platforms,” said a spokesperson from July Ventures. “Carefi’s tech-led RCM platform tackles one of healthcare’s hardest problems, i.e. hospital cash-flow. By compressing billing cycles, improving collections, and unlocking working capital for providers, Carefi is building a future-proof digital infrastructure coupled with finance. The team’s depth, clarity of vision, and consistent execution further reinforced our conviction in backing them at this stage.”

Mohit Bhatnagar, Managing Director at Peak XV Partners, said,

“Getting discharged, with Insurance, from a large Indian hospital can be tedious and lengthy. Care.fi’s instant discharge solution demonstrates how innovation and trust come together to create world-class customer experiences.”

Care.fi’s long-term ambition is to become a global, end-to-end healthcare revenue cycle management platform, built from India for the world. By unifying documentation, claims, collections, and financing into a single intelligent system, the company aims to redefine how hospitals manage revenue while improving transparency and comfort for patients across insurance programs.

Mumbai, Feb 11:  Mukand Limited, a leading manufacturer of stainless steel long products and part of the Bajaj Group, has been awarded the prestigious Green Steel certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.

The certification, conferred by the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), recognises Mukand’s Black Bars with a 5-Star rating, and its Wire Rods and Bright Bars with a 4-Star rating. This accolade underscores Mukand Limited’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing and its ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The independent audit, conducted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) under the Government of India’s Green Steel Taxonomy, involved rigorous verification of Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, plant energy consumption, and production data at the company’s Thane facility.

By integrating energy-efficient processes, responsible resource management, and sustainable production methods—including systematic monitoring of emissions and resource efficiency—the company actively contributes to the global transition toward greener industrial practices. During the reporting period, approximately 58% of the plant’s electricity requirement was met through renewable energy sources, supporting Mukand Limited’s strategy to progressively increase clean energy adoption and reduce lifecycle emissions. The company is also working towards transitioning to 100% renewable power through a hybrid solar–wind energy model, alongside a comprehensive energy efficiency program across the plant.

Green steel plays a critical role in enabling sustainable infrastructure and manufacturing. With this certification, Mukand Limited strengthens its position as a responsible industry leader, delivering high-quality steel solutions while minimizing environmental impact.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Neeraj Kant, Chief Executive Officer, Mukand Limited, said:

“Receiving the Green Steel certification is an important step in our sustainability roadmap. It reflects our long-term commitment to environmentally conscious manufacturing and our responsibility toward future generations. We will continue to invest in technologies and practices that support a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

Mukand Limited remains focused on advancing innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability across its operations, with continuous improvement initiatives aimed at further enhancing environmental performance and resource efficiency. The Green Steel certification reinforces the company’s dedication to supporting customers and partners in achieving their environmental goals while contributing to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Ritco Logistics strengthens Gujarat’s polymer corridor with new high-throughput Polypropylene facility in Kheda, Gujarat

Gurgaon, Feb 11: Ritco Logistics announces the commissioning of a cutting-edge 25,000 sq.ft. dedicated warehouse for polypropylene storage in Kheda, Gujarat, right on the high-stakes Mumbai-Delhi Highway. This isn’t just added capacity it is a precision-engineered response to the polymer industry’s zero-tolerance for delays, where throughput defines success.

Situated strategically on the Mumbai–Delhi Highway, the facility is designed to serve as a high-velocity node for one of India’s largest polypropylene manufacturers. The warehouse is covered with temperature-controlled facility ensuring protection from heat and weather variations. Out of 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse space 10,000 sq. ft. is empty & suitable for immediate operations. It is equipped with 12 loading and unloading docks for swift operations along with forklift services. 40-feet vehicles reduce the turn-around time. Highly trained and skilled manpower ensure accurate and damage-free handling. With modern compliance requirements, it ensures complete safety. 24 x 7 security and monitoring facilities adds to the safety layer. Parking facilities are designed to provide enough space and movement.

Dr. Rajesh M Mudaliar, Chief Business Officer at Ritco Logistics said,

“In logistics, especially for polymers, it’s all about flow—uninterrupted inbound, outbound, and everything in between. Our team has eliminated cross-congestion with smart layout design, maintaining pinpoint inventory accuracy across 10 active SKUs. Our in-house material handling equipment (MHE) and dedicated teams ensure zero downtime, while fire-proof construction, advanced sprinklers, and insulated roofing keep safety front and center. Capacity of this nature doesn’t need to announce itself loudly. In our business, success is measured by the silence of a seamless operation. This Kheda facility isn’t just about floor space; it’s about reshaping what a manufacturer can expect from their logistics partner in terms of speed and reliability.”

Flipkart Group’s Bengaluru Headquarters Achieves Prestigious Platinum LEED Certification for Operations and Maintenance

Bengaluru, Feb 11: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has earned the Platinum certification under the LEED Operations and Maintenance: Interior (O+M) rating system for its headquarters at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. Awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this globally recognized certification represents the highest level of LEED recognition for sustainable building operations.

The certification validates Flipkart’s rigorous, data-driven approach to energy efficiency, water stewardship, waste management, and indoor environmental quality, reflecting measurable reductions in emissions, energy consumption, and waste through targeted operational interventions. Notably, Myntra’s headquarters has also earned Platinum certification from the CII-IGBC, demonstrating the Group’s unified commitment to operational sustainability.

Nishant Gupta, Head of Sustainability, Flipkart Group, commented:

“Sustainability is reflected in the choices we make every day in how we operate, use energy, manage water, and handle waste. LEED Platinum certification for our headquarters validates the operational changes we have implemented to reduce our environmental footprint while creating a healthier, more efficient workplace. We see this achievement as both a responsibility and an opportunity to replicate proven best practices across Flipkart’s other offices and facilities.”

Peter Templeton, President and CEO, USGBC, added:

“LEED is a transformative tool that ensures buildings achieve high performance, improve human health, and protect the environment. By prioritizing sustainability, Flipkart is leading its industry and helping USGBC move toward our goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”

Key Operational Interventions & Impact

• Tech-Led Energy Efficiency: IoT-enabled air-conditioning systems dynamically adjust cooling based on occupancy, resulting in electricity savings of over 115,000 units in CY25 compared to CY24.

• Renewable Energy Integration: The headquarters sources green energy via the grid from a 100 MW solar power plant, supplemented by solar-powered lighting in common areas.

• Closed-Loop Water Systems: Nearly 60% of wastewater is recycled, supported by a 300 KL rainwater storage tank and low-flow fixtures.

• Zero-Waste to Landfill: Daily waste output reduced by 55%, from 900kg to 400kg, with 100% of remaining waste diverted from landfills through composting, recycling, and advanced processing.

Creating a Conscious Culture

Flipkart’s certification also recognizes initiatives to embed sustainability into employee behavior. Programs such as the ‘Trashy No More’ training module and dedicated infrastructure for EVs and cycling ensure employees actively participate in the company’s climate roadmap.

This LEED Platinum recognition reinforces Flipkart Group’s commitment to resource efficiency, low-carbon operations, and waste elimination, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices across India’s corporate ecosystem.