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  • TiECon UP 2026 Elevates Kanpur to the National Startup Stage, Unites Policymakers, Top Venture Capitalists and India’s Leading Founders

    TiECon UP 2026 Elevates Kanpur to the National Startup Stage, Unites Policymakers, Top Venture Capitalists and India’s Leading Founders

     Strategic discussions on capital, frontier technology and enterprise scale underline Uttar Pradesh’s rising influence in India’s innovation economy

    Kanpur, 20 March, 2026: As Uttar Pradesh accelerates its push to become a key contributor to India’s innovation-led growth, Kanpur witnessed one of the State’s most significant entrepreneurial gatherings this year. TiECon UP 2026, the flagship annual entrepreneurship conference of TiE UP, brought national policy leadership, leading venture capital investors and prominent entrepreneurs to the city. Held at Hotel Taj Eternity on Saturday, the conference drew nearly 20 leading venture capital firms, close to 45 industry leaders, and a large number of founders and ecosystem stakeholders from across India and international markets.

    The conference witnessed the presence of Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Rajya Sabha; K. Vijayendra Pandian, Divisional Commissioner, Kanpur; Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO, Invest UP; and Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, along with Dr. Rao Vikram Singh, President, TiE UP and Managing Director, Assistente Sociale Pvt. Ltd.; Sanjeev Shriya, Chairman, TiECon; and Dr. Atul Kapoor, Governing Council Member and Managing Partner, Regency Hospital Ltd., reflecting strong institutional and policy support for the state’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    Mr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Rajya Sabha, emphasized the spirit of entrepreneurship, highlighting the success of the BrahMos missile programme, its advanced design, and the expansion of allied ventures. He also elaborated on various government schemes aimed at strengthening startups and industrial growth. Additionally, he spoke about the economic growth witnessed in Ayodhya following the construction of the Ram Mandir, and discussed the expansion of airport infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh as a catalyst for development and connectivity. He further explained the extension planning in power supply to ensure reliable and uninterrupted electricity to support the state’s rapid growth.

    Setting the tone for the day, Chandu Bhai Virani, Founder & CMD, Balaji Wafers, delivered one of the keynote addresses, “Winds of Change in UP”.  He said, “Sustainable scale is built on operational discipline, strong distribution networks, and long-term execution rather than short-term valuation milestones. He also underscored, “The importance of staying grounded in values, stating that beyond profits and growth, entrepreneurs must strive to be good human beings, supporting communities, creating opportunities for others, and building businesses rooted in integrity and social responsibility.”

    Reflecting on the scale and depth of participation, Sanjeev Shriya, Chairman, TiECon UP, said, “The conference signals growing national confidence in Uttar Pradesh’s entrepreneurial capabilities and its ability to contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation-driven growth story. The strong presence of policymakers, institutional leaders and leading venture investors on a single platform demonstrates that the State is increasingly being viewed not merely as a consumption market, but as a serious hub for enterprise creation, manufacturing strength and technology-led innovation.”

    He further added, “Sustained collaboration between government, academia and private capital will be critical in transforming this momentum into long-term investments, job creation and globally competitive companies emerging from Uttar Pradesh.”

    Key  thematic sessions captured the breadth of the conference, beginning with “Zero to Unicorn – All Unicorns Start from an Idea.”  Frontier capabilities were also addressed in the deeptech and defence dialogue, highlighting collaboration between research institutions and advanced manufacturing enterprises. The discussion on next-generation leadership brought focus on institutional governance, digital integration and strategic expansion.

    Beyond plenary sessions, the conference facilitated direct engagement between founders and investors. Curated masterclasses such as “How to Pitch in Front of VCs”, “Leveraging Networks to Find the Right Opportunity,” and “AI & The Disruption in Value Creation” provided structured, execution-oriented guidance on fundraising readiness and long-term value creation.

    The concluding plenary, “India @ 2030: Unlocking the Next Wave of Entrepreneurship”, brought together senior policymakers and ecosystem leaders to deliberate on infrastructure readiness, regulatory simplification and sustained capital flow required to support high-growth enterprises in Uttar Pradesh over the next decade.

    TiECon UP 2026 concluded with acknowledgements by TiE leadership, who reinforced continued collaboration between policy, capital and enterprise.

    For more information, visit: https://tieconup.org

  • India’s Biggest Media-Tech Pitch Fest Launched at IFFD 2026

    India’s Biggest Media-Tech Pitch Fest Launched at IFFD 2026

    Winner to Pitch on Ideabaaz Season 2; Top 3 to Receive Industry Mentorship

    New Delhi, March 2026: As part of its expanding focus on innovation and industry engagement, Ideabaaz, in association with Delhi Tourism and Wizcraft, has launched India’s Biggest Media-Tech Pitch Fest at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026, taking place from 25–31 March 2026. The initiative marks a significant step towards fostering innovation at the intersection of media, technology, and entrepreneurship, while positioning IFFD as a platform that brings together cinema, storytelling, and future-facing ideas.

    The platform aims to discover and nurture breakthrough ideas across AI in entertainment, the creator economy, gaming and interactive media, film and production technology, fan engagement platforms, digital IP, and immersive technologies, including XR and virtual production.

    The initiative invites innovators, creators, startups, and entrepreneurs from across India to present their ideas to a distinguished panel of industry experts, investors, and media leaders.

    What’s at Stake:

    • The winner will pitch on Ideabaaz Season 2, gaining national visibility and access to investors.
    • The top 3 finalists will be incubated and mentored by leading industry experts, helping them scale into viable businesses.

    Shri Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Delhi, said: “The future of India’s growth lies in the convergence of creativity and technology. Through platforms like this Media-Tech Pitch Fest, we are encouraging innovators to build solutions that will shape the next era of storytelling and digital experiences. Delhi Tourism is committed to supporting such initiatives that position Delhi as a global destination for the creative and digital economy.”

    Suneel Anchipaka, Managing Director and CEO, DTTDC, said: “Delhi is fast becoming the cultural and creative capital of India. Platforms like this Media-Tech Pitch Fest reinforce our vision of making Delhi a hub for innovation in the creative economy. By bringing together cinema, technology and entrepreneurship, we are creating opportunities for young creators and startups to build for the future. We are proud to support initiatives like this at IFFD 2026.”

    Jeet Wagh, Founder, Ideabaaz, said: “Ideabaaz was created to give ideas a real stage and a real shot. With this pitch fest, we are extending that philosophy to the media-tech ecosystem. India has incredible creative and entrepreneurial energy, and we want to back ideas that can truly shape the future of storytelling, content, and technology.”

    Sabbas Joseph, Co-founder, Wizcraft Group, added: “Wizcraft has always believed in creating platforms that bring together creativity, innovation, and scale. The pitch fest at IFFD is not just about ideas; it is about enabling the next wave of disruption in media and entertainment. We are excited to partner with Ideabaaz and the Government of Delhi to make this a landmark initiative.”

    The pitch fest will be hosted on 31 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam as part of IFFD 2026, bringing together the worlds of cinema, storytelling and cutting-edge innovation under one roof.

    Entries are now open, and participants can apply at:
    www.ideabaazcontest.com

    Backed by leading industry partners and focused on future-facing innovation, the pitch fest is positioned to become a key platform for India’s next generation of media-tech entrepreneurs.

    About IFFD

    Organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation in association with the Government of Delhi and with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival Delhi is a government-led, city-wide festival created to showcase Indian and international cinema while making film culture accessible to audiences across the capital. The week-long festival (25 to 31 March 2026) presents a wide-ranging program of screenings, conversations and industry engagements across venues in New Delhi, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders and audiences from around the world.

  • PVR NEST & CREA Mark Women’s Month 2026 with Cinema and Gender-WASH Dialogue

    PVR NEST & CREA Mark Women’s Month 2026 with Cinema and Gender-WASH Dialogue

    New Delhi, March 19, 2026: Marking International Women’s Month under the theme #GiveToGain, PVR NEST and CREA hosted a powerful event in New Delhi that brought together cinema and critical conversations to spotlight issues of gender, sanitation, safety, and dignity.

    The initiative convened over 100 participants, including development professionals, educators, students, and grassroots leaders, to engage in dialogue around inclusive urban systems and women’s rights. The event emphasized that investing in women’s dignity and access to essential services creates stronger, more equitable communities.

    At the heart of the programme was a screening of the award-winning Hindi film Guthlee Laddoo, known for its socially relevant storytelling. The screening was followed by an insightful panel discussion featuring experts and practitioners working at the intersection of gender and development.

    Speaking at the event, Shaheen Qamar from Plan India highlighted the importance of building gender-transformative ecosystems that empower adolescent girls to access education and livelihood opportunities. Manisha Mashaal, an eminent lawyer, shared her personal journey of overcoming caste-based discrimination, underscoring the challenges faced by women navigating structural inequalities.

    From the implementation perspective, Rajalakshmi Narayanan, WASH Lead at PVR NEST, elaborated on how inclusive sanitation design, risk mapping, and the deployment of WASH Champions across centres are helping reduce vulnerabilities for migrant women and girls. Adding grassroots insights, Kavita, a WASH Champion and Centre Incharge, spoke about how everyday hygiene discussions often evolve into platforms for confidence-building among women in underserved communities.

    Highlighting the role of storytelling, Deepa Menon, Founder of PVR NEST and Senior Vice President – Corporate Communications at PVR INOX Limited, said, “Cinema opens our hearts to realities that data alone cannot capture. Our work across urban slum communities shows that access to safe sanitation is directly linked to safety, education, and economic participation for women and girls.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, Anuradha Chatterji, Executive Director at CREA, emphasized that sanitation goes beyond infrastructure. “It is a question of power, safety, and inclusion. When cities are designed keeping marginalized women and sanitation workers at the forefront, we strengthen not just infrastructure, but democracy and justice,” she said. She also noted that the programme was part of CREA’s Gender and WASH initiative supported by the Gates Foundation, aimed at identifying gaps and opportunities for gender inclusivity in sanitation systems.

    For over two decades, PVR NEST has been working across 35 urban slum communities, impacting more than one million lives through initiatives focused on safety, sanitation, and protection for migrant women and girls. Its projects, including Garima Grih and Pink Centres, aim to create safe, dignified spaces in vulnerable urban settings.

    CREA, a global feminist human rights organisation based in New Delhi, brings over 25 years of experience in advancing gender equality and reproductive rights. The organisation works across multiple levels to strengthen feminist leadership and advocate for the rights of structurally excluded communities.

    The event concluded with a shared commitment by both organisations to continue advancing inclusive, dignity-centred sanitation systems that integrate infrastructure, empathy, and community leadership to drive long-term change.

  • Global Eyes on India: Unprecedented Investment Interest and Historic Industry Pacts Mark the Most Massive IAAPI Amusement Expo Yet

    Global Eyes on India: Unprecedented Investment Interest and Historic Industry Pacts Mark the Most Massive IAAPI Amusement Expo Yet

    MUMBAI, INDIA – March 19, 2026 – The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) has officially wrapped up its most successful and expansive event to date. The recently concluded IAAPI Amusement Expo shattered all previous records, scaling up by a massive 30% to become the biggest edition in the association’s history. The event witnessed an unprecedented footfall of high-quality buyers, global amusement consultants, and investors from around the world, cementing India’s position as a dominant force in the global leisure and entertainment market.

    The expo was proudly supported by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana as official State Partners, highlighting the growing governmental focus on experiential tourism and entertainment infrastructure.

    The spectacular event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Kandula Durgesh, the Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The opening ceremony set a serious and progressive tone for the industry with a monumental milestone: the launch of the first-ever comprehensive Safety Handbook for all types of amusement operations. This definitive guide is the culmination of two years of rigorous, dedicated hard work by leading industry experts, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to world-class operational standards.

    While serious business and safety took center stage, the expo floor was alive with unprecedented energy. The industry’s beloved mascot, “Gaja,” proved to be the undeniable star of the show floor. Though introduced previously, Gaja’s magnetic charm caught everyone’s eye, becoming a key attraction and injecting a vibrant, playful excitement into the massive exhibition space.

    Beyond the bustling exhibit halls, the expo delivered immense value through its highly attended concurrent events and strategic partnerships:

    • The Landmark Safety Conclave: Safety remains of paramount importance to IAAPI and its members. While IAAPI conducts rigorous safety training for its members on various facets of safety year-round, this year the Safety Conclave was strategically integrated directly into the expo to benefit all visiting professionals. The conclave saw a massive number of attendees, reflecting the industry’s proactive dedication to visitor security and risk management.
    • IAC Connect & Industry Insights: During the dedicated IAC Connect session, IAAPI, in collaboration with ANAROCK, unveiled the first-ever detailed White Paper on Indoor Amusement Centres (IACs) in India. This pioneering report provides crucial data and strategic insights into one of the fastest-growing segments of the entertainment sector.
    • Historic MOUs at the Award Night: The momentum carried into the grand Award Night, which served as the backdrop for two major strategic agreements.
    • IAAPI signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI) to foster information sharing and collaborative training, bridging the gap between retail and entertainment.
    • In a massive boost to regional tourism, the state of Andhra Pradesh signed a landmark MOU for the development of a state-of-the-art amusement park in Vizag, backed by a significant investment of INR 100 Crore.

    The sheer scale, the highest-ever turnout of international and domestic buyers, and the monumental agreements signed reflect a golden era for the Indian amusement industry. With its membership now standing at a record 650 members, IAAPI continues to drive the sector forward, proving that the business of making people smile is stronger—and safer—than ever.

    About IAAPI: Founded in 1999, the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) is the apex, non-government, not-for-profit body representing the interests of Amusement Parks, Theme Parks, Water Parks, and Indoor Amusement Centres in India.

    Media Contact:
    Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI)
    Email: info@iaapi.org
    Website: www.iaapi.org

  • Gallant Sports & Infra Develops Advanced Multipurpose Sports Turf at Nagpur School

    Gallant Sports & Infra Develops Advanced Multipurpose Sports Turf at Nagpur School

    Delhi, March 18, 2026: Gallant Sports & Infra Ltd. has successfully completed the installation of a modern multipurpose sports turf facility at a school campus in Nagpur, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure in educational institutions.

    The newly developed facility has been designed as a versatile outdoor sports environment, enabling multiple athletic activities on a single high-quality surface. The initiative aims to encourage active lifestyles and structured sports training among students.

    At the heart of the project is a multipurpose artificial turf ground, primarily designed for football and athletics. The central football field is integrated with running track markings, allowing efficient dual use for both sports. Additionally, the campus now features dedicated cricket practice zones, including net areas and specialized pitches to support structured cricket training.

    Expanding the scope of activities, the facility also incorporates basketball and skating zones. These dedicated areas are built to accommodate both recreational and competitive play, offering students access to diverse sporting options within the same premises.

    To ensure durability, safety, and consistent performance, advanced sports surfacing materials have been used across the facility. A 50mm sand and rubber infill artificial turf system has been installed for football and running areas, providing optimal cushioning and playability. Cricket zones are equipped with 10mm artificial turf, while PP interlocking tiles have been laid for basketball and skating surfaces.

    The infrastructure further includes perimeter fencing for safety and controlled access, along with a professional sports lighting system that enables evening training sessions and extended play hours. Built with high-performance, all-weather materials, the facility is designed to withstand extreme heat and heavy rainfall, ensuring year-round usability.

    Commenting on the project, Nasir Ali, CEO of Gallant Sports & Infra Ltd., stated that the initiative reflects the company’s dedication to creating durable and high-quality sports environments that inspire students to stay active and pursue sports professionally.

    Completed within 60 days, the project highlights the company’s expertise in delivering integrated sports infrastructure solutions that promote athletic development and encourage regular participation in sports among students.

  • GAIL Wins Top Honours Across HR, Finance and Communications at Governance Now 12th PSU Awards

    GAIL Wins Top Honours Across HR, Finance and Communications at Governance Now 12th PSU Awards

    New Delhi, 18 March 2026: GAIL (India) Limited has been honoured with multiple accolades at the Governance Now 12th PSU Awards held in New Delhi. The recognitions were conferred across the key domains of Human Resources, Finance, and Communication & Brand Management, reflecting the organisation’s sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and impactful leadership across its core functional areas.

    In the Human Resources category, the HR Leadership Award was presented to Ayush Gupta, Director (HR), in recognition of his pioneering initiatives and innovations in the HR domain. The Best Employee Engagement Strategy award was received on behalf of the organisation by K. Devkumar, CGM (HRD). These honours underscore GAIL’s continued efforts to build a progressive and people-centric workplace culture that nurtures talent, promotes inclusivity, and strengthens employee engagement across the organisation.

    In the Finance category, the Finance Leadership Award was conferred upon R. K. Jain, Director (Finance), for his exemplary leadership in financial management and strategic financial planning. The award was received on his behalf by S. K. Sinha, Executive Director (F&A). In addition, the Financial Excellence Award was presented to the GAIL Finance Team in recognition of their outstanding performance and commitment to maintaining high standards of financial governance and efficiency.

    GAIL also received recognition in the Communication & Brand Management category. The Communication Leadership Award was presented to Jyoti Kumar, CGM (Corporate Communication), for his impactful initiatives in strengthening the organisation’s corporate communication efforts. Furthermore, GAIL was honoured with awards for Brand Building & Reputation Management and Best Use of Storytelling for its successful campaigns “Wah Kya Energy Hai” and “Hawa Badlo,” which have effectively engaged audiences while reinforcing the organisation’s brand identity and commitment to sustainable energy messaging.

    These recognitions reaffirm GAIL’s dedication to strong leadership, organisational excellence, and meaningful engagement with employees, stakeholders, and the wider community. The awards highlight the company’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation, enhance governance practices, and build a future-ready organisation aligned with the evolving energy landscape.

    About GAIL

    GAIL, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, is India’s leading natural gas transmission and distribution company with gas transmission & distribution pipelines, processing and petrochemicals plants besides interest in upstream oil & gas blocks and LNG regasification terminals in India. GAIL is dedicated to enhancing the nation’s energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development through various initiatives in natural gas, petrochemicals, and renewable energy. For more information, please visit www.gailonline.com.

  • International Film Festival Delhi 2026 Draws 2,187 Entries from 100+ Countries; Sharmila Tagore to Be Honoured

    International Film Festival Delhi 2026 Draws 2,187 Entries from 100+ Countries; Sharmila Tagore to Be Honoured

    New Delhi, March 2026: The International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 is set to transform the national capital into a global hub of cinema from March 25 to 31, following an overwhelming response from filmmakers worldwide. The festival has received 2,187 entries from over 100 countries, including 1,372 international and 815 Indian feature and non-feature films.

    The festival will be primarily hosted at Bharat Mandapam, with additional screenings planned across multiplexes and open-air venues throughout the city. The initiative aims to make quality cinema accessible to a wider and more diverse audience.

    With a vision to position Delhi as a prominent cultural destination, IFFD 2026 will feature a curated lineup comprising 40% Hindi cinema, 30% international films, and 30% regional Indian cinema. The festival will also spotlight specialised categories such as patriotic, spiritual, and children’s films, fostering a blend of global storytelling and local narratives.

    International Film Festival Delhi 2026

    A major highlight of this year’s edition will be the felicitation of veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, recognising her exceptional contribution to Indian cinema. The honour will be conferred during the festival at Bharat Mandapam, acknowledging her decades-long influence across Hindi and Bengali films.

    Expressing her gratitude, Tagore said, “Film festivals are vital spaces where cinema from across the world comes together in dialogue. I am delighted to be part of the International Film Festival of Delhi and deeply honoured by this recognition. I look forward to celebrating the diversity of stories and voices that make cinema so special.”

    Known for her elegance, versatility, and powerful screen presence, Tagore has collaborated with some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, delivering performances that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

    About IFFD:
    The International Film Festival Delhi is organised by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG serving as the knowledge partner. The week-long festival will feature screenings, panel discussions, and industry interactions across multiple venues in New Delhi, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world.

  • Digital Green Trust and SERP Sign MoU to Strengthen Digital Capacity of Women-led Farmer Institutions in Andhra Pradesh

    Digital Green Trust and SERP Sign MoU to Strengthen Digital Capacity of Women-led Farmer Institutions in Andhra Pradesh

    Andhra Pradesh | March 12, 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day celebrations held in Amaravati, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between Digital Green Trust and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Government of Andhra Pradesh. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who attended the event as the Chief Guest.

    The MoU exchange took place during the State Level International Women’s Day Celebrations – 2026, at the Parade Grounds in Amaravati, which focused on women’s entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and welfare initiatives. The event brought together government departments, development partners, and women-led enterprises, and featured announcements on promoting women entrepreneurs, strengthening SHG enterprises, and expanding market opportunities for women-led businesses across the state.

    The collaboration aims to strengthen the digital capacity of women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) promoted by SERP. Through this partnership, Digital Green will support the adoption of digital tools to improve business management, market access, and data-driven decision-making. The initiative will also promote climate-supported agricultural innovations and strengthen linkages with the broader agricultural ecosystem.

    As part of the collaboration, Digital Green will introduce and support the use of FarmerChat, a multilingual, multimodal AI powered platform that helps farmers to access timely, contextual, hyperlocal and climate-smart crop advisories, weather updates, product information, and climate-smart agriculture practices. This platform is expected to enhance engagement between farmers and FPOs.

    On this partnership, Ms Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, Digital Green Trust, said, “Women farmers constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce in rural India, which makes it crucial to strengthen their access to knowledge, resources, and institutional support. Our continued collaboration with SERP strengthens our commitment to ensuring that digital technology reaches smallholder farmers, especially women, at scale. AI-powered platforms like FarmerChat are scalable while operating at only a fraction of the cost of traditional extension systems. By combining SERP’s grassroots network with Digital Green’s farmer-centric digital innovations, we aim to create a more inclusive and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.”

    Digital Green has had a longstanding collaboration with SERP, including work across the then state of Andhra Pradesh from 2011–2014 to support smallholder farmers through technology-enabled extension. The freshly signed MoU reflects a renewed commitment to our shared goals of empowering smallholder farmers with state-of-the-art digital technologies and strengthening community-led agricultural extension systems.

    Additionally, Digital Green’s enterprise-facing platforms will be deployed for FPOs to help manage shareholder data, track business operations, and maintain institutional records. The partnership will also establish a network of state-level Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) to build the capacity of FPO functionaries and support data-driven decision-making.

    Under the initiative:

    • 33 FPOs across 11 districts will be capacitated and will use the FarmerChat and other digital platforms.
    • More than 460 cadres will be trained on FarmerChat and other digital platforms.
    • Over 50,000 farmers will use the FarmerChat application to access timely, contextual climate-smart advisories.
    • More than 250 functionaries will be trained on data-based business models.

    The initiative is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities for rural women by strengthening the institutional and digital capabilities of women-led farmer organizations.

    Key participants at the MoU exchange included:

    • Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Chief Guest)
    • Gummadi Sandhya Rani, Minister for Women & Child Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh
    • Vangalapudi Anitha, Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh
    • Vakati Karuna, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, SERP, Andhra Pradesh

    Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), MSME, SERP, Farm Livelihoods, including Ms M. Mahitha, Additional Director, SERP Andhra Pradesh, Farm Livelihoods, and Shri Sriramulu Naidu, Additional Chief Executive Officer-SERP Andhra Pradesh, were also present during the exchange.

    About Digital Green Trust

    Digital Green is a social impact organization helping farmers harness technology and data to build resilient and prosperous communities. Founded in 2008 out of Microsoft Research, it began with a video-based approach that transformed how agricultural advisory reached rural communities. Over the years, the organization has partnered with governments, the private sector, and civil society to scale digital tools and AI-driven platforms across India. To date, Digital Green, in India, has reached 5.5 million smallholder farmers (50% women), trained more than 100,000 frontline workers (52% women), and supported hundreds of farmer groups in producing and sharing localized videos in 26 languages. Building on 18 years of experience, it is now advancing a farmer-responsive, AI-enabled model of extension. In 2024, Digital Green launched FarmerChat, an open-source, AI-powered solution designed to strengthen public systems and deliver climate-smart, hyperlocal guidance in farmers’ own languages. In India, the tool has reached more than 600,000 users (45% women) across 9 states, who have asked millions of queries.

     

  • Stanford Seed Hosts “Building a Company That Scales” Leadership Event in Kochi

    Stanford Seed Hosts “Building a Company That Scales” Leadership Event in Kochi

    Kochi, 2026: The Stanford Graduate School of Business, through its Stanford Seed initiative, will host an exclusive leadership conversation titled “Building a Company That Scales: Beyond Founder-Driven Growth” in Kochi on March 16 at Crowne Plaza Kochi.

    The event, scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, will bring together founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discuss how companies can transition from founder-led operations to scalable, institution-driven organizations.

    Industry Leaders to Share Insights

    The session will feature Rahul Mamman, Director at MPC Pharma, who will share his experience in building and scaling a growth-stage company. He will also discuss the key challenges founders face while transitioning from founder-driven management to structured, system-led growth.

    The discussion will be followed by an introduction to the Stanford Seed Transformation Program by Harish Arnezath, Regional Director, Stanford Seed South Asia.

    About the Stanford Seed Transformation Program

    The Stanford Seed Transformation Program is a 10-month leadership program designed for founders and CEOs of growth-stage companies with annual revenues ranging between $300,000 and $15 million.

    The program focuses on strengthening leadership capabilities, refining business strategies, and building operational systems that enable companies to scale effectively beyond the founder’s direct involvement.

    Building Sustainable and Scalable Businesses

    Speaking about the initiative, Harish Arnezath said many founders eventually reach a stage where business growth requires stronger systems and leadership structures.

    “Many founders reach a stage where growth demands stronger systems, leadership depth, and a shift from founder-driven decision-making to institution-building. Through Stanford Seed, we aim to equip entrepreneurs with the frameworks and support they need to scale sustainably,” he said.

    Supporting Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets

    Stanford Seed, an initiative of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, works with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to help build thriving enterprises that create jobs and drive economic growth. Through business education, mentorship, and leadership training, the program supports founders in building strong and scalable organizations capable of delivering long-term impact.

    Event Participation and Registration

    Participation in the Kochi leadership conversation is free for eligible founders and CEOs, though seating is limited.

    Event Registration Link:
    https://calendly.com/stp-south-asia-events/kochi2026?month=2026-03

  • Splitsvilla & Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan Fame Ayaaz Ahmed Explores a Dark Grey Character in Onkar Films & Productions’ “Boss Mafia Took Me”

    Splitsvilla & Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan Fame Ayaaz Ahmed Explores a Dark Grey Character in Onkar Films & Productions’ “Boss Mafia Took Me”

    The micro mini series format has rapidly evolved in the digital entertainment space, becoming one of the most exciting storytelling formats for audiences today. With short, gripping narratives and diverse genres, these series are giving actors a fresh platform to experiment with layered characters and unconventional roles. One such powerful performance comes from Ayaaz Ahmed, who takes on a striking grey role in Boss Mafia Took Me, produced by Onkar Films & Productions.

    Known for his appearances in Splitsvilla and the popular youth show Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan, Ayaaz Ahmed surprises audiences with a darker and more intense avatar in this gripping series. Produced by Manish Shukla and directed by Dev Dutt Guptta, the series also stars Neha Rajput, Shanaya Singh, and Tarun Sharma.

    The story revolves around Vaidehi, a helpless girl who is betrayed by her boyfriend Dev. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she is kidnapped by a ruthless mafia boss—played by Ayaaz Ahmad—who pulls her into a dark world of revenge and power while trying to settle a deadly score. As the story unfolds, hatred slowly turns into obsession and their lives spiral into a complex battle between love, control, and hidden secrets.

    Speaking about portraying this layered character, Ayaaz Ahmed shared that the role allowed him to step into a completely different zone as an actor.
    “This grey character was something very different and unique for me. It’s not a typical hero or villain—it has many layers, which made it very exciting to play. I had great fun shooting for it. Micro mini-series are evolving rapidly and have become a new OTT-style storytelling format that audiences are really enjoying. It also gives actors the chance to explore various genres and experiment with characters in a short format,” he said.

    With nearly 70 successful series to its credit, Onkar Films & Productions is steadily moving toward the milestone of 100 series. Among its growing catalogue, “Boss Mafia Took Me” has already emerged as one of the most-loved series on Kuku FM, proving once again that engaging storytelling in compact formats strikes the right chord with audiences.