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  • What happens when telecom-grade connectivity enters India’s electric mobility ecosystem at Kinetic 

    Ajinkya Firodia and Ashish Lodha shared how the partnership with Jio Things aims to make connected EVs intuitive and accessible

    Telecom-grade connectivity is beginning to shape how India’s electric mobility ecosystem is being built, and a new partnership involving Kinetic Watts & Volts places this shift firmly in the mass-market two-wheeler segment. On December 22 in Mumbai, Kinetic Watts & Volts Ltd., the electric mobility arm of Kinetic Engineering Limited, announced a strategic technology collaboration with Jio Things Limited, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms, to embed connected digital features across its upcoming electric vehicle models.
    The partnership is aimed at integrating voice-assisted controls, smart digital instrument clusters, and IoT-enabled connectivity into Kinetic’s electric two-wheelers. Rather than positioning connectivity as an optional add-on, the companies said these features will be built into the core vehicle experience, ensuring consistency across models and customer segments.

    At the centre of the collaboration is Jio Things’ full-stack IoT ecosystem, which combines edge devices, connectivity, cloud infrastructure, remote device management, and aftermarket support. By integrating this platform into Kinetic Watts & Volts vehicles, the companies intend to enable real-time performance monitoring, diagnostics, and connected services for both individual riders and fleet operators.
    Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kinetic Watts & Volts Ltd., said the partnership reflects the company’s long-standing approach to democratising mobility and innovation. He noted that the introduction of voice assistance and connected features is designed to make technology intuitive rather than intrusive, extending Kinetic’s philosophy of simplifying ownership through practical design. According to Firodia, the move builds on features such as Easy Key, Easy Flip, and Easy Charge, now supported by digital systems that enhance everyday usability.

    From Jio Platforms’ perspective, the collaboration represents an expansion of connected vehicle technologies into a segment that has traditionally prioritised affordability and simplicity. Ashish Lodha, President at Jio Platforms, said the partnership demonstrates the company’s vision of building a connected automotive ecosystem in India. He highlighted the significance of bringing voice-enabled interaction and IoT capabilities to electric two-wheelers, describing it as a step toward redefining how riders interact with their vehicles.
    The connected features planned under the partnership include voice-based vehicle interaction to improve convenience and safety, smart digital clusters displaying real-time data, and connected mobility tools for monitoring vehicle performance and diagnostics. For commercial and fleet use cases, the platform will also support telematics and cloud-based analytics aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

    Kinetic Watts & Volts stated that the connected mobility platform will be embedded across its upcoming EV models, allowing for a scalable and future-ready digital architecture. The approach is intended to avoid fragmentation across vehicle lines and ensure that digital services remain consistent as the product portfolio expands.
    The collaboration also aligns with broader national objectives around smart, safe, and sustainable mobility. By combining Kinetic’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Jio’s digital infrastructure, the partnership seeks to make connected electric vehicles more accessible without pushing them into premium price brackets. Both companies indicated that affordability remains central to their strategy as they introduce advanced technology into everyday mobility.

    For Kinetic Group, the announcement builds on a legacy that spans more than five decades in India’s automotive sector. From earlier two-wheeler models such as the Luna and DX to newer electric platforms, the group has maintained a focus on practical mobility solutions. The integration of IoT and voice-led digital systems marks a shift toward software-enabled mobility while retaining a manufacturing-led foundation.
    Established in 2022, Kinetic Watts & Volts operates a dedicated EV manufacturing facility spread across 87,000 square feet, with an emphasis on scalable production, automation, and quality systems. The company positions itself as a Made-in-India EV manufacturer focused on urban mobility needs.

    As electric two-wheelers gain wider adoption across India, the entry of telecom-grade connectivity into this segment signals a change in expectations around rider experience. Features once associated with higher-end vehicles are now being designed for everyday use, supported by cloud infrastructure and real-time data.
    With this partnership, Kinetic Watts & Volts and Jio Things are positioning connected technology as a foundational layer in electric mobility rather than a differentiator reserved for premium offerings. The collaboration points to an evolving landscape where digital capability, safety, and usability converge to define the next phase of India’s electric two-wheeler market.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • CLAT 2026 Witnesses Historic Result as Geetali Gupta Tops Exam With All Time High Marks 

    The student from Sri Ganganagar scores 112.75 out of 120, the highest marks recorded since the Common Law Admission Test was introduced

    India’s legal education landscape marked a historic milestone on 23 December 2025 as Geetali Gupta from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, secured All India Rank 1 in the Common Law Admission Test 2026. With a score of 112.75 out of 120, Geetali not only emerged as the national topper but also recorded the highest score ever achieved since the inception of the CLAT examination, translating to nearly 94 percent.
    Her result carries added significance as she becomes the first girl in five years to top the highly competitive national law entrance examination. While female participation in CLAT has steadily increased over the years, securing the top rank has remained rare, particularly at the AIR 1 level. Geetali’s performance therefore represents a notable moment for gender representation within elite legal education in India.

    CLAT is the gateway to India’s premier National Law Universities and is widely regarded as one of the most competitive entrance examinations in the country. Each year, tens of thousands of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, making a top rank statistically exceptional. Against this backdrop, Geetali Gupta’s score stands out not only for its numerical record but also for the consistency and discipline it reflects.
    Geetali prepared for the examination as a classroom student of Toprankers LegalEdge, where she was enrolled in the Classroom Contact Program. Her preparation followed a structured, mentor led academic approach that relied entirely on classroom instruction rather than parallel coaching formats.

    Reflecting on her journey, Geetali said that she was a bona fide Classroom Contact Program student of Toprankers LegalEdge and took pride in preparing exclusively through its classroom programme. She credited the guidance of her mentors Harsh Sir, Utkarsh Sir, Saurabh Sir, Suyukti Ma’am, and Sukanya Ma’am for shaping her entire preparation, and expressed gratitude to her parents, brother, and the wider LegalEdge team for their continued support.
    Her parents highlighted the importance of a strong academic ecosystem, particularly for students preparing outside major metropolitan centres. Her mother, Bharti Gupta, said that Geetali prepared for CLAT entirely through the LegalEdge Classroom Contact Program and that the family credits the mentors and teachers at Toprankers LegalEdge for her outstanding success. Her father, Jagdeep Gupta, echoed this view, noting that the institute’s academic ecosystem and mentorship, especially under Harsh Sir, played a central role in Geetali’s preparation and outcome.

    Commenting on the result, Harsh Gagrani, Co founder and Chief Academic Officer of Toprankers LegalEdge, said that the result validated the organisation’s academic process. He noted that for the institution, the success of the AIR 1 holder is as important as the progress made by every student who works to improve their rank, and that the focus would continue to remain on right guidance and consistent effort.
    Education observers note that Geetali’s achievement reflects a broader shift underway in competitive exam preparation across India. Increasingly, students from tier two, tier three, and tier four cities are leveraging structured classroom programmes and mentorship driven models to compete with peers from larger cities. For many aspirants, access to disciplined preparation frameworks has emerged as a decisive factor in achieving top outcomes.

    Geetali Gupta’s result also underscores the evolving aspirations of young women in competitive academic spaces. Her success is likely to inspire a new generation of law aspirants, particularly girls, to pursue top national ranks with confidence and ambition.
    As CLAT 2026 concludes with a record breaking result, Geetali’s achievement stands as a defining moment in the exam’s history. Featured by Prittle Prattle News, virtuous journalism for a thoughtful world, her journey reflects how focused preparation, mentorship, and academic discipline can translate into outcomes that reshape long held patterns within competitive education in India
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Design education moves from classrooms to national stage as young creators take spotlight at INSD 

    Founder Sunjey Aggarwal and Group CEO Pranav Raaj Aggarwall presided over the INSD Design Conclave and Annual Talent Showcase in New Delhi

    Design education moved decisively beyond classroom boundaries on December 21 as young creators from across India took centre stage at the INSD Design Conclave and Annual Talent Showcase in New Delhi. Organised by the International School of Design, the event brought together emerging student talent, industry professionals, and academic leadership to examine how creativity, technology, and self-reliance are shaping the future of Indian design.
    The day opened with the INSD Design Conclave, titled “The Think Tank”, which focused on the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary design practice. The session featured perspectives from Chander Shekhar, whose career spans design education, global brands, and international development work, along with fashion designer Gautam Gupta, luxury specialist Harsh Mann, and architect Ashish. Discussions explored how AI is influencing design processes, material choices, sustainability thinking, and professional workflows across disciplines.

    The conclave was moderated by Pranav Raaj Aggarwall, Group CEO of INSD, who steered the conversation towards the responsibilities of design institutions in preparing students for a rapidly evolving creative economy. The emphasis remained on balancing technological adoption with originality, ethics, and cultural relevance.
    Following the conclave, the INSD Annual Talent Showcase 2025 unfolded as a large-scale exhibition and fashion presentation featuring student work from across the country. Seventy-five budding designers participated, representing fourteen INSD centres drawn from a network of more than seventy-five campuses spread across over twenty states. The showcase reflected a wide range of themes, materials, and design philosophies, with collections spanning fashion, interior design, and jewellery.

    Fashion collections presented during the gala reflected strong engagement with contemporary concerns such as sustainability, circular design, and technology-led aesthetics. Themes ranged from Neo-Retro interpretations and techno-feminine concepts to upcycled fabric narratives and circular couture. Each participating centre presented curated collections with defined themes, garment counts, and student teams, highlighting collaborative design processes and conceptual clarity.
    Interior design students presented scaled models and installations addressing modern living, sustainability, structure, and cultural heritage. Concepts such as tensegrity structures, nature-inspired spaces, lighting design, and traditional art influences demonstrated how interior design education is expanding beyond aesthetics to include engineering logic, environmental sensitivity, and experiential design.

    The jewellery design segment added another dimension to the showcase, focusing on circular design principles and material reuse. Student-led collections explored how jewellery can align with sustainability without compromising craftsmanship or visual appeal.
    Leadership presence remained central throughout the event. Founder Sunjey Aggarwal presided over the proceedings alongside Group CEO Pranav Raaj Aggarwall, reinforcing the institution’s emphasis on exposure-driven learning and national platforms for student work. Under Aggarwal’s leadership, INSD has grown into a large design education network with a focus on industry integration and professional readiness.

    The event also reflected INSD’s broader positioning within India’s design education landscape. With a student community exceeding twenty-five thousand and programmes spanning fashion, interior design, animation, graphic design, UI and UX, jewellery, and textile design, the institution has steadily built a multi-disciplinary ecosystem aimed at nurturing creative professionals.
    By bringing student work, industry dialogue, and leadership vision together in a single national forum, the Design Conclave and Talent Showcase underscored a shift in how design education is being experienced. Learning outcomes were not confined to evaluation but presented as public, critique-ready work engaging with real-world conversations around technology, sustainability, and cultural identity.
    As the event concluded, the spotlight remained firmly on the students. Their collections, models, and concepts reflected not only technical skill but also a growing confidence in addressing complex design challenges. For INSD, the New Delhi showcase served as a reminder that design education today is as much about visibility, discourse, and adaptability as it is about craft.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Trust Emerges as the New Benchmark for AI Driven HCP Engagement, Reveals Doceree 360

     Based on a Q4 2025 survey and global research, the report finds 89 percent of healthcare professionals now prioritize clinically verified and contextually relevant intelligence over generic AI solutions

    Healthcare professionals are no longer impressed by the presence of artificial intelligence alone. What now determines engagement, according to the latest Doceree 360 report, is whether AI driven inputs can be trusted at the point of care. Released on 22 December 2025, the 2025 edition of Doceree 360: Understanding HCP Engagement in the Age of AI presents a detailed view of how clinicians are reassessing the role of AI in their daily practice.
    The report, published by Doceree, draws on findings from a Q4 2025 survey conducted on Doceree.ai, supported by global industry research. Its central finding is clear. Eighty nine percent of healthcare professionals say they want assured intelligence, defined as AI that is credible, clinically verified, and relevant to the specific patient context, rather than an increase in generic or automated AI solutions.

    As AI becomes more deeply embedded in clinical environments, the report notes that healthcare is moving into what it describes as a cognitive era. In this phase, AI does not simply automate tasks but actively influences how clinicians process information, learn, and make decisions. With this expanded role, expectations have shifted. Trust, rather than novelty or scale, has become the primary benchmark for meaningful engagement.
    According to the data, sixty six percent of physicians now use AI in their daily practice. However, adoption does not equate to unconditional confidence. The report shows that clinicians increasingly evaluate AI driven outputs based on whether they can withstand clinical scrutiny and whether they meaningfully support patient care. Speed and technical sophistication, once viewed as advantages, are no longer sufficient on their own.

    Speaking on the findings, Harshit Jain, MD, Founder and Global CEO of Doceree, said that while AI has reshaped clinical thinking, it has also raised the bar for performance and accountability. He noted that healthcare professionals now expect intelligence they can rely on at critical moments of decision making, rather than automated insights that lack verification or relevance.
    The report defines assured intelligence through three core attributes. First is clinical credibility, which requires AI outputs to be evidence backed and aligned with established medical guidelines. Second is contextual relevance, ensuring that insights are tailored to the patient scenario and clinical setting rather than broadly generalized. Third is real world patient impact, where AI driven recommendations demonstrably support outcomes that matter in practice.

    Healthcare professionals surveyed expressed a growing intolerance for generic, promotional, or unverified outputs, regardless of how advanced the underlying technology may appear. The report notes that such content is increasingly ignored, particularly when it interrupts workflows or fails to align with clinical priorities.
    These findings carry significant implications for pharmaceutical and healthcare brands. The Doceree 360 report observes that many existing engagement strategies remain rooted in siloed channels and static messaging. Campaign led approaches, it suggests, are struggling to remain effective in an environment where clinicians expect continuous, intelligence driven engagement embedded directly into their daily routines.

    Commenting on this shift, Kamya Elawadhi, Chief Client Officer at Doceree, said the healthcare sector is entering what the report describes as an expectation economy. In this context, assured intelligence is no longer a differentiator but a baseline requirement for trust and relevance.
    The report calls on pharma brands to realign their strategies around three priorities. These include building AI driven content grounded in clinical validation and compliance, delivering context first engagement integrated into clinical workflows, and enabling patient impact through access and affordability intelligence available at the point of care.

    Rather than positioning AI as a standalone innovation, the report argues for its role as an enabler of better judgment. In the age of AI, it concludes, trust has become the new currency of engagement. Brands that consistently deliver assured intelligence are more likely to earn clinician confidence and long term relevance, while those that fail to adapt risk becoming background noise in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.
    The full Doceree 360: Understanding HCP Engagement in the Age of AI (2025 Edition) is available through Doceree’s official platforms. The report positions itself as a reference point for healthcare marketers navigating a landscape where intelligence must be earned, not assumed.

    As featured by Prittle Prattle News, virtuous journalism for a thoughtful world, the findings underscore a broader shift in healthcare communication. In a system where decisions carry real human consequences, intelligence without trust no longer holds value.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Why USD 75 million in global impact capital is flowing into India’s compliant digital lending platforms like True Credits 

    Anupam Vasadani of Balancehero India and Ravi Vukkadala of CIM shared how the capital enhances liquidity and risk discipline

    Global impact capital is increasingly finding its way into India’s regulated digital lending ecosystem, and a USD 75 million debt facility secured by Balancehero India places this trend into sharp focus. The funding, extended by Community Investment Management, a U.S.-based institutional impact investment manager, strengthens the capital base of True Credits, the RBI-licensed NBFC operating through the TrueBalance fintech platform.
    The transaction reflects growing confidence among global investors in compliant, scale-ready lending models that serve underserved and credit-invisible users across India. For Balancehero India, the parent company of True Credits, the funding is positioned as a catalyst for its next phase of expansion, spanning new markets, product categories, and customer segments.

    True Credits has emerged as a significant participant in India’s digital lending space, particularly among borrowers who have limited access to traditional credit channels. Over the past year, the NBFC’s monthly loan disbursals have consistently crossed INR 500 crore, indicating sustained demand for digital credit delivered through regulated and transparent frameworks. The company attributes this growth to its AI-driven underwriting systems and a compliance-first operating model aligned with regulatory expectations.
    According to Anupam Vasadani, Group Chief Financial Officer at Balancehero India, the funding underscores the discipline with which the business has been built. He said the company’s focus on AI-enabled underwriting, strong unit economics, and regulatory alignment has positioned it well for its next stage of growth. Vasadani noted that strengthened liquidity, combined with Community Investment Management’s impact-oriented capital approach, will enable Balancehero to responsibly extend credit access to a wider base of borrowers.

    The structure of the funding also highlights the role of institutional debt in supporting fintech scale without compromising balance sheet stability. Rather than equity dilution, the facility provides Balancehero with growth capital while reinforcing risk discipline and capital adequacy. This approach aligns with the company’s stated objective of expanding access to fair, transparent, and accessible credit.
    Community Investment Management brings a long track record in impact-driven lending to the partnership. Since 2014, the firm has enabled approximately USD 18 billion in credit to more than 12 million underserved borrowers across North America and emerging markets. Its engagement with Balancehero signals a continuation of its strategy to back tech-enabled lending platforms that demonstrate responsible credit delivery at scale.

    Ravi Vukkadala, Country Director for India at Community Investment Management, said the partnership reflects the firm’s ambition to build a meaningful investment footprint in India. He pointed to True Credits’ focus on compliant lending to underserved segments as a strong strategic fit with CIM’s investment philosophy. Drawing on over a decade of experience investing in fintech platforms globally, Vukkadala said the firm expects the funding to support True Credits’ growth while maintaining rigorous standards around risk and borrower outcomes.
    Balancehero’s digital lending operations are powered by the TrueBalance app, which integrates lending with broader financial services such as bill payments and prepaid recharges. The platform’s reach extends across more than 95 percent of India’s pin codes, giving the company access to a geographically diverse user base. With both NBFC and PPI licenses in place, Balancehero operates within a regulatory framework designed to safeguard consumer interests while enabling innovation.

    The company has previously raised over USD 84 million in equity funding from global investors including NH Investment and Securities, Naver, Line, and Shinhan Venture Investment. The latest debt facility adds another layer of institutional validation, particularly at a time when scrutiny of digital lending practices has intensified across the sector.
    For both parties, the partnership is framed around a shared emphasis on financial inclusion. A significant portion of India’s population continues to face challenges in accessing dependable credit, particularly outside formal banking channels. Balancehero and Community Investment Management view responsible digital lending as a means to address this gap, provided it is supported by robust underwriting, transparency, and borrower protection.

    As India’s fintech landscape matures, transactions such as this reflect a shift in how global capital evaluates opportunity in the market. Scale alone is no longer sufficient. Investors are increasingly prioritising compliance, governance, and sustainable unit economics. The USD 75 million facility extended to Balancehero illustrates how these criteria are shaping capital flows into India’s digital lending sector.
    With strengthened liquidity and institutional backing, Balancehero is positioning True Credits to deepen its presence while adhering to the principles that have guided its growth so far. The partnership sets the stage for a measured expansion of credit access, aligned with both regulatory expectations and long-term impact objectives.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • World Meditation Day Begins With 33 Hour Global Wave Guided by Dr. Tony Nader

    Officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the first World Meditation Day followed the sun across time zones with synchronized sessions involving participants from more than 100 countries.

    The first global observance of World Meditation Day concluded on 22 December 2025 with an unprecedented 33 hour rolling wave of meditation that moved across continents, linking millions of people through synchronized periods of silence and reflection. Officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day marked a significant moment in the international recognition of meditation as a practice connected to public well being, social balance, and collective calm.
    The worldwide observance began at 8:00 a.m. in New Zealand and concluded at 5:00 p.m. in Hawaii, following the sun across time zones and creating a continuous chain of meditation sessions around the globe. Participants gathered at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time in each region, forming a rhythm of stillness that moved steadily from east to west. In India, sessions were held at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., aligning with the global schedule while accommodating local time standards.

    The inaugural observance was inaugurated and guided by Dr. Tony Nader, MD, PhD, MARR, the international leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. Dr. Nader has been closely involved with the United Nations over several years, advocating for meditation-based approaches to address stress, conflict, and social fragmentation. His role in the launch of World Meditation Day reflected both his long-standing engagement with international institutions and the broader movement toward recognizing inner well being as a public concern.
    During the global livestream that connected participants across continents, Dr. Nader announced a major milestone in the Transcendental Meditation movement’s decades-long work. He confirmed the formal establishment of permanent groups of 10,000 advanced meditation practitioners now practicing together at multiple locations worldwide. According to Dr. Nader, this initiative builds on more than fifty years of scientific research examining the effects of large group meditation on stress reduction and social trends, research that has been conducted in academic and institutional settings across several countries.

    The live global meditation stream was open to the public and welcomed individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Schools, universities, wellness organizations, faith communities, civic groups, and independent participants joined either online or through in person gatherings. National Transcendental Meditation organizations hosted coordinated events in more than 100 countries, with participation reported from major cities, educational institutions, and community spaces.
    The designation of World Meditation Day by the United Nations General Assembly reflects a broader shift within the United Nations system toward acknowledging meditation as a practical tool in demanding environments. The U.N. System Strategy on Staff Health and Well being for 2024 and beyond identifies meditation as a method for reducing stress and supporting mental resilience among staff. In addition, recent reports from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have noted the relevance of meditation practices in high stress and conflict affected contexts, particularly for individuals working under sustained pressure.

    Throughout the 33 hour observance, participants described the experience as one of shared quiet rather than spectacle. The absence of speeches, performances, or ceremonies during the meditation periods was intentional, reinforcing the idea that the day was centered on direct personal experience rather than public display. The structure of the observance allowed people in different cultures and belief systems to participate without the need for shared language or doctrine.

    Organizers noted that the rolling format of the meditation wave was designed to emphasize continuity rather than simultaneity. As one region concluded its session, another began, creating an unbroken sequence of collective practice. This approach underscored the global nature of the observance while respecting local customs and daily routines.
    As millions paused together in silence across time zones, the inaugural World Meditation Day marked a defining moment in global efforts to integrate inner well being into public life. Guided by Dr. Nader and supported by the United Nations’ formal recognition, the observance highlighted a growing international consensus that calm, clarity, and mental balance are not private concerns alone, but shared foundations for social stability and cooperation.

    The conclusion of the first World Meditation Day leaves open the path for future observances, with organizers indicating that the structure established this year may serve as a model for continued global participation. For many involved, the day stood as a quiet but clear signal that moments of collective stillness now have a place on the international calendar.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Next Generation Water Soluble Fertilizer Introduced as Fertinex Debuts with Smart Signalling Technology 

    Developed through in house research and agronomic trials, the new fertilizer is designed for fertigation systems and enhanced plant microbe interaction across multiple crop categories

    A next generation water soluble fertilizer aimed at advancing fertigation practices in Indian agriculture has been introduced with the launch of Fertinex by Coromandel International Limited. Announced on 22 December 2025, the product is positioned as a research driven solution for efficient crop nutrition, developed to meet the evolving needs of farmers seeking precision, consistency, and sustainability in nutrient delivery.
    Fertinex has been developed through extensive in house research and agronomic trials, with a formulation tailored specifically for fertigation applications. The fertilizer features an optimized nutrient composition that delivers balanced nutrition directly through irrigation systems, allowing crops to receive essential nutrients in a readily available form. This approach aligns with the increasing adoption of fertigation across Indian farms, where efficient water and nutrient use has become central to improving productivity and managing input costs.

    A defining feature of Fertinex is its integration of proprietary Smart Signalling Technology™, a patented innovation designed to enhance communication between plant roots and beneficial soil micro organisms. The technology works at the rhizosphere level, stimulating positive biological interactions that support nutrient uptake, root development, and soil health. By activating natural signalling pathways, the formulation is intended to improve nutrient use efficiency while strengthening the plant’s inherent ability to cope with stress conditions.
    According to the company, Fertinex has been designed to support early crop establishment, a critical phase that influences yield potential across crop cycles. The readily soluble nutrients ensure uniform distribution through fertigation systems, while the Smart Signalling Technology™ supports improved assimilation of nutrients within the plant system. This combined effect is expected to contribute to robust vegetative growth and stable crop development across varying field conditions.

    The patented Smart Signalling Technology™ relies on unique signalling molecules that encourage a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and beneficial microbes in the soil. This interaction promotes improved root architecture, enhanced nutrient absorption, and better tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress factors. Over time, such biological activity also contributes to improved soil vitality, which remains a key concern in intensive farming systems.
    Fertinex is suitable for a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, and plantation crops. Its broad applicability reflects a focus on versatility, allowing farmers across different agro climatic zones to integrate the product into existing fertigation schedules. By offering a consistent and reliable nutrient delivery mechanism, the fertilizer aims to support the production of high quality crops while maintaining long term soil health.

    The first batch of Fertinex was flagged off at the Visakhapatnam manufacturing facility of Coromandel International Limited. The event was led by S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, marking the formal rollout of the product for commercial distribution. The launch from the Visakhapatnam plant underscores the company’s focus on scaling research led innovations through its established manufacturing infrastructure.
    Commenting on the introduction of Fertinex, Avinash Thakur, Vice President and Business Head SND and Organic at Coromandel International Limited, said that innovation continues to be central to the company’s approach to crop nutrition. He noted that Fertinex reflects sustained investments in research, agronomic validation, and collaboration with technology partners, with the objective of delivering solutions that enhance soil health, improve nutrient efficiency, and support farmer productivity.

    He further stated that the company’s focus remains on building a sustainable and self reliant agricultural ecosystem in India. Through continued farmer education, field trials, and research initiatives, Coromandel aims to ensure that advanced nutrient solutions are both accessible and relevant to on ground farming realities.
    One of the operational advantages of Fertinex lies in its complete solubility in water, which allows for even nutrient distribution across fertigation systems. This characteristic minimizes the risk of clogging and ensures that crops receive uniform nutrition throughout the field. Combined with the Smart Signalling Technology™, the formulation is designed to reduce nutrient losses and limit environmental impact, addressing growing concerns around resource efficiency in agriculture.

    With the launch of Fertinex, Coromandel International Limited is also introducing what it describes as the foundation of a broader Fertinex range. The company indicated that this portfolio will evolve into a comprehensive line of high quality, research driven water soluble fertilizers tailored to diverse crop and soil requirements. The expanded range is expected to support farmers across India in adopting more precise and sustainable nutrient management practices.
    As fertigation continues to gain prominence as a method for improving water and nutrient efficiency, the introduction of Fertinex reflects a wider shift within the agri inputs sector toward science led solutions. By combining optimized nutrition with biological signalling mechanisms, the new fertilizer represents an effort to align crop productivity goals with long term soil and ecosystem health.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • A long-term European education group sets its sights on India’s early learning segment with HMI Learning

    Founder and CEO Sonia Chugh said the partnership with Germany’s Klett Group will focus on quality, curriculum depth, and measured expansion across Indian cities

    A long-term European education group has set its sights on India’s early learning segment through a strategic partnership with HMI Learning Private Limited, the company behind the preschool and daycare brand Happy Minds International. The collaboration brings Germany’s Klett Group into the Indian education market for the first time, with a focused entry into early childhood care and education.
    Announced in December 2025, the partnership includes a phased investment from Klett Kita and Schule GmbH, part of the Stuttgart-headquartered Klett Group. The funding will be disbursed over the next two to three years and is expected to support HMI Learning’s expansion plans, curriculum development, and quality enhancement initiatives. The transaction is projected to place HMI Learning on a growth path towards a valuation of approximately INR 250 crores, or about USD 30 million.

    HMI Learning was founded in 2012 with a single centre in Mumbai. Over the past decade, the company has built a presence across seven centres in Mumbai and Thane, catering to children from four months to ten years of age. Its operations span preschool education, daycare services, and structured early learning programs designed to meet the needs of working families and young learners. The organisation has served more than six thousand children to date and works with over thirty corporate partners to deliver early childhood care solutions.
    The investment marks a significant moment for HMI Learning, positioning it to scale its operations while maintaining its focus on quality-led growth. According to the company, the partnership will help strengthen curriculum frameworks, bring international benchmarks into classrooms, and expand access to early learning services across Mumbai and other urban centres over time.

    Sonia Chugh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HMI Learning Private Limited, described the collaboration as a milestone for the organisation. She said the partnership aligns closely with the company’s long-standing commitment to quality learning and child-centric education. Chugh noted that Klett Group’s extensive legacy in education and its values around long-term development made it a natural partner for HMI Learning as it enters its next phase of growth.
    From Klett Group’s perspective, the partnership reflects a strategic approach to entering the Indian market. Christian Doettinger, Member of the Board at Klett Group, said India represents one of the most dynamic education markets globally, particularly in the early childhood segment. He added that the collaboration with HMI Learning allows Klett Group to combine its international experience with strong local expertise, with a shared focus on maintaining high standards in educational products and services.

    Founded in 1897, the Klett Group is a family-owned education company with operations spanning more than 80 companies across 18 countries. Its portfolio covers educational content and services across early childhood education, schools, vocational training, and higher education. The group operates a network of childcare centres, schools, and vocational institutions across Europe, and is known for its long-term, quality-driven approach to education.
    For HMI Learning, the partnership comes at a time when demand for organised early childhood care and education in India is steadily increasing. Urbanisation, rising workforce participation among parents, and growing awareness of the importance of early learning have contributed to the expansion of structured preschool and daycare models. The company believes that the additional capital and global expertise will enable it to respond to these shifts while maintaining consistency in learning outcomes and care standards.

    The collaboration also signals a broader trend of global education institutions exploring opportunities in India’s early learning space. Rather than entering through higher education or test preparation segments, Klett Group’s decision to begin with early childhood education reflects confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the sector and its potential for sustainable growth.
    As HMI Learning looks ahead, the company has indicated that its focus will remain on strengthening its foundation rather than rapid, unchecked expansion. The partnership with Klett Group is intended to support responsible scaling, curriculum depth, and operational robustness, with the shared goal of creating high-quality early learning environments for children.

    By combining local insight with international best practices, both organisations aim to contribute to the evolving early education landscape in India. The partnership positions HMI Learning to play a more prominent role in shaping standards in early childhood care and education, while marking the beginning of Klett Group’s long-term engagement with the Indian market.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • A boardroom decision that fixed price, ownership, and control at Shriram Finance 

    The approved preferential issuance prices equity at INR 840.93 per share and brings MUFG Bank in as a minority public shareholder

    The decision approved in the boardroom on December 22 marked a defining structural moment for Shriram Finance Limited, not because of the capital involved alone, but because of how price, ownership, and control were deliberately fixed within a single resolution. At its meeting held in New Delhi, the Board of Directors cleared definitive agreements for a preferential issuance of equity shares that brings MUFG Bank Ltd. into the company as a minority public shareholder, without altering promoter control or management authority.
    Under the approved terms, the preferential allotment values Shriram Finance equity at INR 840.93 per share, in line with applicable SEBI guidelines. The transaction will result in MUFG Bank acquiring a 20 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearances, and customary closing conditions. The structure ensures that MUFG Bank is formally classified as a minority public shareholder, with governance rights defined but without any transfer of operational control.

    Management used the post-approval conference to clarify that control of the board and day-to-day management will remain with existing promoters. As outlined during the briefing, MUFG Bank will have the right to appoint two nominee directors, reflecting its long-term strategic participation while preserving continuity in leadership and decision-making. The presentation emphasized that the transaction has been designed to strengthen capital adequacy and balance sheet resilience rather than to alter ownership dynamics.
    The scale of the investment, amounting to INR 39,618 crore or approximately USD 4.4 billion, places the transaction among the most significant primary capital infusions seen in Indian financial services. Executives noted that the investment represents the largest foreign direct investment in a financial services company in India, underscoring international confidence in domestic lending platforms and regulatory stability. However, the conference framing focused less on record size and more on institutional maturity.

    Shriram Finance leadership highlighted that the capital infusion enhances the company’s long-term growth capacity by improving capital buffers, supporting future expansion across lending segments, and potentially improving access to lower-cost liabilities. With assets under management exceeding INR 2.81 trillion as of September 30, 2025, the company positions itself as India’s second largest retail non-banking financial company, excluding housing finance companies. The board approval reinforces its readiness to operate at a scale that meets global investor expectations.
    Speaking at the conference, Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance Limited, described the transaction as a defining point in the company’s growth journey. He said the entry of MUFG as a key investor reinforces global confidence in India’s financial services sector and in Shriram Finance’s role within it. According to Revankar, the collaboration is anchored in shared values around long-term growth, financial inclusion, and governance, with an emphasis on building a future-ready institution grounded in trust.

    The presence of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group at the conference further contextualized the strategic nature of the investment. Hironori Kamezawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, stated that MUFG views the transaction as a strategic partnership rather than a financial holding. He noted that MUFG and Shriram Finance share aligned values and a common vision for supporting economic development, communities, and society in India. The investment in Shriram Finance represents MUFG’s largest investment in India to date.
    Conference materials detailed MUFG’s longstanding engagement with the Indian market, citing over 130 years of presence through its group entities and cumulative investments of approximately USD 1.7 billion. The Shriram Finance transaction was positioned as a continuation of that legacy, reflecting a measured approach to capital deployment that prioritizes governance alignment and long-term participation over majority ownership.

    From an operational standpoint, management outlined how the partnership is expected to support technology integration, innovation, and customer engagement over time. The capital infusion is also expected to strengthen Shriram Finance’s balance sheet metrics, including capital adequacy ratios, while supporting its diversified lending portfolio spanning commercial vehicles, MSME loans, tractors and farm equipment, gold loans, personal loans, and working capital products.
    The presentation also addressed broader sectoral implications, positioning the transaction within India’s financial inclusion agenda and the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Shriram Finance emphasized its focus on rural and underserved segments, supported by a network of 3,225 branches, including 552 rural centres, and a customer base of over 9.6 million. Executives noted that enhanced capital strength allows the institution to expand responsibly while maintaining risk discipline.

    Transaction advisors for the deal include KPMG India Corporate Finance and J.P. Morgan for MUFG Bank, with legal advisory support from AZB and Partners and Nishimura and Asahi. Shriram Finance was advised by Wadia Ghandy and Co. The conference clarified that timelines for completion will depend on the receipt of regulatory approvals from authorities including the Reserve Bank of India and the Competition Commission of India.As the briefing concluded, the emphasis returned to structure rather than scale. By fixing pricing, defining minority rights, and preserving control within a single board decision, Shriram Finance signaled a model of capital partnership increasingly relevant to Indian financial institutions navigating global investor interest. The December 22 approval stands as a statement of intent on how large domestic lenders plan to engage foreign capital on their own institutional terms.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Security and IT Hardware Take Centre Stage at IFSEC India 2025

    Consistent Infosystems reports strong engagement for its CCTV, UPS, and IT hardware portfolio, with CMD and Co Founder Yogesh Agrawal interacting with channel partners.

    Security, power, and IT infrastructure conversations took on added depth at IFSEC India 2025 as system integrators, channel partners, and enterprise buyers converged to assess how hardware ecosystems are evolving beyond standalone surveillance products. Among the companies drawing sustained attention during the three day exhibition was Consistent Infosystems, which used the platform to present a broader view of integrated security and IT deployment.
    Held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, IFSEC India 2025 brought together a cross section of the security and infrastructure industry, with exhibitors addressing challenges related to scalability, power continuity, and network reliability. Consistent Infosystems’ booth saw steady engagement from visitors exploring how surveillance, power backup, and IT hardware increasingly need to work as connected systems rather than isolated components.

    The company reported interactions with thousands of visitors and several hundred business partners over the course of the event, including system integrators and channel partners focused on commercial and enterprise installations. Discussions on the show floor reflected growing demand for solutions that can support uninterrupted operations, particularly in environments where surveillance and networking infrastructure must remain active under variable power conditions.

    A key area of interest was Consistent’s range of power backup and surveillance products designed for security installations. Products such as Mini UPS units, CCTV specific UPS systems, PoE enabled power solutions, and low light cameras were demonstrated in live settings, allowing visitors to evaluate performance and integration ease. These demonstrations attracted attention from installers and solution providers looking to reduce deployment complexity while maintaining reliability.
    Beyond product displays, the exhibition served as a forum for dialogue around evolving security infrastructure requirements. Conversations with partners focused on how IT hardware, networking equipment, and surveillance systems are increasingly being specified together, particularly for retail, commercial, and institutional projects where downtime and compatibility issues carry higher operational risk.

    Yogesh Agrawal, CMD and Co Founder of Consistent Infosystems, was present at the event and engaged directly with partners and industry stakeholders. He noted that platforms such as IFSEC India provide valuable insight into how market expectations are shifting, especially as customers look for hardware ecosystems that are both cost effective and scalable across multiple use cases.
    The participation also highlighted Consistent Infosystems’ strategy of positioning itself not only as a surveillance hardware provider but as a broader technology partner across IT, power, and networking categories. This approach aligns with changes in buying behaviour, where integrators and enterprises increasingly prefer consolidated product ecosystems backed by local service and support networks.

    As the security and IT hardware market in India continues to expand, exhibitions like IFSEC India are becoming important indicators of where demand is moving next. For Consistent Infosystems, the 2025 edition reinforced the relevance of integrated hardware offerings and the importance of maintaining close engagement with channel partners navigating a rapidly changing infrastructure landscape.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.