Author: News Desk

M.A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of the LuLu Group International, has emerged as the wealthiest Malayali in the world, according to Forbes’ 2025 list of global billionaires. With a net worth of $5.5 billion (approximately ₹47,000 crore), Yusuff Ali ranks 32nd among Indian billionaires and 639th globally. A Journey from Kerala to Global Retail Leadership Born in a small village in Kerala, Yusuff Ali moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to assist in his uncle’s trading business. What started as a modest venture gradually expanded into one of the largest retail empires in the Gulf region. Today, LuLu…

MilkLane, the dairy and cattle feed division of agritech firm Innoterra, has signed a three-year agreement to supply 100,000 litres of premium milk daily to Milky Mist, a leading dairy brand in South India. The deal is valued at over Rs 400 crore. This partnership aims to support over 10,000 farmers by ensuring fair pricing and access to high-nutrition cattle feed. Milky Mist is also preparing for a Rs 2,000 crore IPO, with a valuation of Rs 20,000 crore, according to its founder, T Sathish Kumar. MilkLane will leverage its farmer network and quality control systems, while Milky Mist will…

Aquapeya, a growing packaged water brand, gained widespread attention after securing a deal on Shark Tank India Season 4. The brand, owned by Natvits Beverages, received an investment of ₹70 lakh for 3% equity and 1% royalty from judges Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal, valuing the company at ₹23.33 crore. Founded by Maharashtra-based entrepreneurs Tushar and Ravi Mundada in 2018, Aquapeya aimed to differentiate itself in the competitive bottled water industry by focusing on consumer preferences, including color-based branding. The company positioned itself as an innovative player in India’s expanding bottled water market, which is dominated by established brands like…

In an effort to help traffic police cope with the intense summer heat, the Avadi City Police in Chennai have introduced air-conditioned helmets on a pilot basis. This initiative aims to improve the comfort and productivity of officers who spend long hours managing traffic under the scorching sun. The helmets were funded by a private firm as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. Each helmet costs ₹20,000 and is manufactured by a company in Telangana. The helmets are equipped with a small air-conditioning unit in the front, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a standby time of…

Anant Ambani, known for his love for animals and philanthropy, recently gained nationwide praise for his latest act of kindness. During his 140-kilometer pilgrimage from Jamnagar to Dwarka, he came across 250 chickens being transported to a slaughterhouse near Khambhalia town in Devbhumi Dwarka district. Moved by their condition, he stopped the truck, bought the chickens at twice their price, and ensured their safe transfer to Vantara, an animal sanctuary. A video of the incident has gone viral, showing Anant holding a chicken and instructing his team to “save them all”. After securing their safety, Anant Ambani expressed his devotion…

Amazon is gearing up to launch the first 27 satellites for its Project Kuiper internet network on April 9, 2025. The mission, named “Kuiper Atlas 1,” will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard an Atlas 5 rocket, part of a launch deal with United Launch Alliance (ULA). Project Kuiper aims to create a 3,000+ satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, providing global high-speed internet and competing with SpaceX’s Starlink. Amazon has invested $10 billion into the project and is leveraging its web services expertise to gain an edge in the satellite internet market. Although SpaceX has already launched…

India’s first-quarter proceeds from IPOs, block sales, and share placements dropped to $7.1 billion, falling behind Hong Kong and Japan. However, a wave of public listings by over three dozen tech startups, collectively valued at $100 billion, is expected by 2027, signaling a potential market rebound. Among the firms preparing to go public are Flipkart, PhonePe, and Oyo Hotels. These companies have found a balance between rapid growth and profitability, a factor missing in previous IPOs that led to stock crashes, such as Paytm’s 63% decline and Nykaa’s 4% drop. According to The Rainmaker Group, which advises Indian startups, the…

Kerala has launched the ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative to improve EV charging infrastructure through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. As India pushes for wider EV adoption, issues like charging demand, user convenience, and payment integration remain key challenges. The Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), the nodal agency for EV infrastructure, is implementing this initiative using a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model. Under this plan, 63 KSEBL-owned charging stations are open for private investment to enhance services. Additional facilities like cafeterias and restrooms will be introduced to improve user experience. The program aims to make charging stations more accessible. Features include better…

India has started testing its first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route. With a 1,200-horsepower engine, it stands among the most powerful globally, marking a significant step in the country’s green transport efforts. However, full deployment may be delayed until mid-2025 due to ongoing technical refinements. This could impact its planned introduction on the Kalka-Shimla heritage route. Officials from Indian Railways report that while initial trials are promising, adjustments are needed to enhance the hydrogen fuel cell’s efficiency. Additional testing over the next few months makes the original December 2024 target unlikely. Built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in…

Prosus has introduced the Tech FoundHER Challenge to help women-led startups in India by providing funding, mentorship, and access to global networks. This initiative, in collaboration with Encubay and VAIA Climate, aims to close the funding gap for women in the tech industry. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Encubay focuses on bridging the gap for female entrepreneurs by offering access to capital and mentorship. Prosus, a global tech investor, has already invested nearly $9 billion in India, backing successful startups like Swiggy, Meesho, and PharmEasy. Tackling the Funding Gap Research shows that women-led startups receive less than 5% of global venture capital.…