Steve Waugh-Backed Australia Essence Enters India, Bridging Commerce and Culture

Australia Essence, a global house of brands platform, has announced its entry into the Indian market with nine premium Australian brands, marking a significant step in strengthening trade and economic ties between the two nations. Australia Essence is founded by Tim Thomas, CEO, and Steve Waugh, Australian Cricket Legend.

Steve Waugh, Australian Cricket Legend and Co-founder & Tim Thomas, Founding CEO, Australia Essence

The introductory brand portfolio includes high quality and innovative Australian products across gourmet ingredients (Pukara Estate), specialty therapeutic honey (Bee-Fused Honey Co, ritual gifting with authentic Australian sandalwood (Silvalis),, high performance apparel (SA1NT and Star Grip Socks), sunglasses (Carve) , premium alkaline water (Alka Power), protein rich snacks (Blue Dinosaur), and plant-based dairy alternatives (OMG).

Building on this, Australia Essence plans to scale up across food, beverage, wellness and lifestyle to offer India’s premium customers unique experiences and product features that marks the true spirit of Australia in provenance and trusted supply chains.

Through a hybrid go-to-market approach combining retail partnerships, hospitality tie-ups and selective direct-to-consumer initiatives, Australian Essence will build long-term brand equity for Australian product owners which have enjoyed popularity and success in the Australian market and other premium markets. A structured and deliberately strategic market entry approach is designed to ensure scalability across metros and Tier-II cities, as digital adoption continues to accelerate demand for premium offerings nationwide.

At the launch of the Australian Essence Tim Thomas, Founding CEO, said, “India is one of the most dynamic consumer markets globally with the premiumisation economy as a key growth engine. With Australia Essence, we are bringing more than distribution, we are building a cultural pathway for Australian brands to thrive here. Our focus is on authenticity, storytelling and execution excellence, ensuring long-term success for our portfolio in India. There is so much that naturally binds our two nations together and we believe this platform can help translate the trust in the relationship to tangible commercial outcomes". 

Steve Waugh, Cricket Legend and Co-Founder of Australia Essence, added “Australia and India share a deep connection built on mutual respect , culture and of course cricket. With Australia Essence our aim is to go beyond commerce and build meaningful bridges between our two nations. I’m excited to showcase Australian brands that represent quality, integrity, and authenticity to India’s new generation of aspirational consumers. The potential of our relationship with India is extraordinary, opening up one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. With a large Indian diaspora in Australia and increasing cultural ties, this feels like a natural progression”

Australia Essence estimates a serviceable market opportunity of AUD 500 million annually across its focus categories, within a broader AUD 5 billion premium consumer opportunity. Its launch roadmap includes commercial and market education initiatives such as the Australia Essence Pavilion and the Steve Waugh Gift Hamper aimed at engaging both consumers and channel partners through immersive brand experiences.

As India’s consumer landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by premiumisation and rising aspirations of an urban middle class, Australia Essence is confident it will be the natural platform for premium Australian businesses in the market.

About Australian Essence:

Australia Essence is a house of brands platform that delivers intentional, culturally relevant and high quality experiences to the discerning Indian consumer. Its purpose is to enable Australian businesses to thrive in India by creating the commercial and cultural pathways required to scale premium, ethically sourced, and authentically Australian offerings. It is the Indian home to Australia’s finest brands.

BHIM App Partners with Sony TV’s KBC to Promote Digital Payments Through Exclusive Game Show Week

• BHIM Payments App, Bharat Ka Apna Payments App Collaborates with Sony Entertainment Television to launch an exclusive ‘Golden Week’ in Kaun Banega Crorepati

BHIM App, India’s homegrown payment app developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), has partnered with Sony Entertainment Television to deepen the reach of safe, secure digital payments across the country through the most iconic game show Kaun Banega Crorepati,, Sony Entertainment Television is introducing, for the first time to a digital payment platform, a special one-week edition of the KBC Game Show, curated exclusively for BHIM Payments App users.

This collaboration is designed to enable users of BHIM Payments App across India, to get a Golden Opportunity to play the game with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The registration window for the ‘Golden Week’ opens from September 1, 2025 till October 10, 2025 exclusively for BHIM Payment App Users. Ten selected users of the BHIM Payments App will receive an exclusive opportunity to appear on the show, and participate in the Fastest Finger First round. A dedicated week of 5 Episodes Game Show will be organized and telecasted on Sony Entertainment Television with these 10 contestants

How to Participate:

Viewers are invited to Download / Update BHIM Payments App and register through a dedicated ‘KBC Golden Week with BHIM’ section within the app. To submit their registration successfully, viewer has to answer simple question, fill their basic details and submit. All successful entries will undergo the standard screening process of KBC. The shortlisted 10 candidates will then come to the KBC set and play Fastest Finger First in the Golden Week with BHIM and get a chance to reach the Hot Seat of KBC to play the game with Amitabh Bachchan. During the ‘Golden Week with BHIM’, only those (10) users who have come through the BHIM payments app will be featured.

This resonates with Brand’s overall purpose of trust and inclusiveness and the initiative will help BHIM to create familiarity (trust) and confidence in using UPI through an experience that is interactive, rewarding, and deeply local. The more BHIM app users experience the app and participate in the registration process, higher are their chances of getting shortlisted.

This first of its kind format on the show encourages citizens to not only test their knowledge but also experience the simplicity and trust of the homegrown BHIM Payment App. This initiative is designed to reach beyond digital-first users encouraging participation from families, first-time digital adopters, and citizens in Tier 2,Tier 3 cities and towns, through a platform they already know and trust.

Lalitha Nataraj, CEO, NBSL, added, “At BHIM, our mission is to become the most trusted payment apps of India and become their choice of app for any digital payments small or big. Partnering with an Iconic platform like KBC allows us to take this message into homes across the country especially in regions where awareness and comfort with digital payments are still evolving. KBC has, over the years, earned the trust of millions of families, and this association helps us build on that trust to encourage every member of the family to use BHIM Payments App for safe and secure payments. We are delighted to collaborate with Kaun Banega Crorepati and extend this golden opportunity to our app users.

For more information, visit https://www.bhimupi.org.in/, follow on [Insta - @bhim_npci, X – NPCI_BHIM, YT - BHIMNPCI]

As BHIM’s official media partner, Madison Media has crafted the high-impact outreach strategy. Abhik Banerjee, COO, Madison Media, said: “We are delighted to welcome the BHIM Payments App as a partner for this landmark collaboration with Kaun Banega Crorepati. For decades, KBC has been a platform that unites the nation, inspires millions, and captures the hearts of viewers from every corner of India. That makes it the perfect stage for BHIM – Bharat Ka Apna Payments App to connect with audiences in a truly meaningful way.

This association marks BHIM’s first-ever integration with KBC, and we wanted to go beyond just brand presence. Working closely with Sony, we have designed an interactive experience that invites viewers, even first-time BHIM users to get a golden opportunity to participate in the iconic KBC and reach to the famous Hot Seat. With BHIM payments app, the user gets easy, safe and instant payment solutions, while being part of one of India’s most-loved and talked about shows.

For us, this partnership is about more than visibility via TV presence. It is about creating opportunities, encouraging participation, and offering every Indian citizen a rewarding reason to engage with BHIM Payments App.”

About NPCI BHIM Services Limited:

NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) was incorporated in 2024, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NBSL aims to enhance the adoption of digital payments through the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) platform and committed to providing a seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experience to individuals and businesses across India.

NBSL facilitates quick and efficient digital transactions, offering an accessible and reliable payment solution for all. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, NBSL aims to drive financial inclusion and support India’s journey toward becoming a fully digital economy.

For more information, visit: - https://www.bhimupi.org.in/

God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar Joins Reddit as Brand Ambassador

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has teamed up with Reddit as their new brand ambassador. That’s right—the man who ruled the pitch is now part of the internet’s favorite hangout spot.

Tendulkar 99 has his own Reddit account, u/SachinTendulkar, where he’ll post personal thoughts, match memories, and behind-the-scenes stories. He’ll also join discussions in popular cricket communities like r/IndiaCricket and r/SachinTendulkar, giving fans a chance to hear directly from him.

Reddit's Vice President of International Growth, Durgesh Kaushik, said, "Sachin Tendulkar, a name synonymous with cricket excellence, possessed a remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and unite people through his extraordinary talent. His presence on the field fostered a powerful sense of community among fans, who were drawn together by their shared admiration for the "Master Blaster".

"This unifying community spirit is precisely what we aim to empower and cultivate at Reddit. We envision Reddit's cricket communities becoming vibrant digital spaces where fans from every corner of the globe can come together, connect, and share their passion for the sport, and most importantly, engage directly with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. We are immensely proud and excited to officially welcome the "Master Blaster" as Reddit's Brand Ambassador. We believe that his participation will enrich the experience for cricket fans worldwide, offering them unprecedented opportunities for interacting and connecting with one of the game's greatest icons."

Reddit chose Sachin as part of its push to grow its sports audience—especially in India. In the past year alone, cricket discussions on Reddit got 3.7 billion views and 32 million interactions. Overall, sports content has grown 30% on the platform.

Sachin said he loves how passionate Reddit’s communities are and is excited to interact with fans in a more personal way. It’s a modern twist on fan connection—where he isn’t just admired but gets to be part of the conversation too.

Not everyone missed a chance to joke about it though. Comedian Rohan Joshi joked that Sachin has "touched too much grass" to truly fit in with Reddit users, who are known for staying indoors. But that’s part of the charm—bringing cricket’s biggest icon into Reddit’s unique, chatty world.

In short, it’s a smart move for both sides: Reddit gets a national hero, and fans get closer to the game’s greatest. Let’s see how many sixes he hits in this digital innings.

Actor-Entrepreneur Arbaaz Khan Invests in AVPL International’s Drone Vision

AVPL International, a leading force in India’s drone ecosystem, is pleased to onboard Bollywood director-actor and entrepreneur Arbaaz Khan as a strategic investor and brand ambassador.

This partnership also brings an investment commitment of an undisclosed amount from Arbaaz Khan, further progressing AVPL International’s efforts to establish a thriving and self-reliant drone ecosystem in India. With a focus on drone training, manufacturing of Defense, Agriculture and Surveillance drones, deployment, R&D and services, AVPL actively contributes to the nation's economic growth by supporting local manufacturers, empowering youth and women, and collaborating with various government bodies. Arbaaz Khan with AVPL will bring his entrepreneurial expertise and wide-reaching influence to AVPL International.

Arbaaz Khan, a popular face in the Indian film industry, has made a name for himself in the entrepreneurial landscape through his various ventures, including his production house and various business ventures. His background as an entrepreneur and his ability to connect with a large audience make him a perfect fit for AVPL's mission to promote inclusive and scalable innovation.

Speaking about his association with AVPL, Arbaaz Khan said,

I am excited to be a part of AVPL’s journey. This is not just about technology, it’s about transformation. AVPLs' work and vision is the kind of change India needs in the area of the drone ecosystem. I'm really excited to contribute to spreading this message.

Preet Sandhuu, Founder and Managing Director of AVPL, added, “We proudly welcome Arbaaz Khan into the AVPL family. His entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the Indian audience will enable us to expand the reach of our mission. This partnership marks a key step in our journey to make India a global leader in drone-led innovation.”

Arbaaz Khan’s association with AVPL marks a new chapter in the company’s journey. This partnership is expected to increase AVPL's visibility and mission as it continues to broaden its reach into precision agriculture, drone technology, and geospatial solutions. AVPL is dedicated to creating a future-ready ecosystem driven by cutting-edge technology and inclusive growth, with a solid foundation in innovation and grassroots impact.

AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd.) is a global leader in drone technology, precision agriculture, geospatial intelligence, defense, and other drone-based solutions such as mapping, scanning, and surveillance. Established in 2016 by visionary co-founders Ms. Preet Sandhuu and Mr. Deep Sihag Sesai, AVPL is committed to cutting-edge innovation, workforce empowerment, and sustainable industry transformation. With operations across 12 Indian states and a robust network of 50 Global Incubation & Skill Hubs (GISH) and 20 World Incubation & Skill Hubs (WISH), AVPL is at the forefront of technological advancements and skill development.

The company’s diversified portfolio spans drone manufacturing, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), precision farming, defense and non-defense drone based solutions. DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) AVPL, is one of the largest drone and its allied sector’s training institutes and has empowered over 100,000 professionals to date.

Popular Actress Vidya Pradeep’s CRISPR-based Research Gets Published in Reputed Scientific Journal

Vidya Pradeep, a well-known Tamil actress, has proven that talent knows no boundaries—not only in cinema but also in cutting-edge science. While she has captivated audiences with her performances in films like Thadam, Thalaivi, and Pasanga 2, her latest accomplishment has taken place in the realm of biomedical research.

Vidya, who holds a Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology, recently announced that her research has been published in a reputed scientific journal. The study focuses on retinal research using human-induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR gene-editing technology —a field at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Her work holds profound implications for treating retinal diseases, potentially offering new hope for millions affected by vision-related disorders.

On her Instagram account, Vidya told her fans, "Dear Instafam, I've been a little quiet on here lately and that's because I took some time to fully dive into my research world. I'm so excited to share that one of my recent works has just been published in a reputed scientific journal!"

Her dual journey—balancing an acting career with rigorous scientific endeavors—is both rare and inspiring. Moving to the United States for post-doctoral research, she has demonstrated a relentless passion for discovery, navigating complex laboratory studies while continuing to make a mark in cinema.

This achievement highlights the often-overlooked intersection of art and science. While one realm lets her craft emotions on screen, the other empowers her to shape the future of healthcare. Vidya Pradeep’s success serves as a testament to the boundless potential of human curiosity—an inspiration to aspiring scientists and artists alike.

As she continues to push limits in both fields, one can only anticipate more groundbreaking contributions from this exceptional researcher-artist.

L&T Finance Ltd. Announces Jasprit Bumrah As Their Brand Ambassador

L&T Finance Limited (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today, has named renowned Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador. This partnership marks an exciting chapter for LTF in its ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen its brand presence and engage its diverse customer base spread across the length and breadth of the country.

Jasprit Bumrah will feature prominently in LTF's comprehensive Above The Line (ATL) and Below The Line (BTL) marketing campaigns, spanning a variety of channels. These campaigns are strategically designed to elevate brand awareness and drive customer engagement, highlighting the diverse portfolio of financial products and services currently offered by LTF.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Kavita Jagtiani, Chief Marketing Officer at L&T Finance said, "We are delighted to welcome Jasprit Bumrah, one of India's most iconic sports figures, to the LTF family as our brand ambassador. This partnership directly aligns with one of our core pillars, i.e., heightened brand visibility. Bumrah's stellar performance has propelled him to household name status, making him an instantly recognizable and respected figure. His unwavering discipline and commitment to cricket, fostering deep trust, make him an ideal persona for the LTF brand.”

“His humbleness and relatable nature are visible both on and off the field. This universal appeal extends to his versatility and enables us to connect seamlessly with people from all walks of life. Bumrah perfectly embodies the values of our company, reflecting our dedication to excellence and customer-centricity. Therefore, this collaboration is not just a partnership but a powerful alignment of values and vision, driving us towards greater success,” added Ms. Jagtiani.

Mr. Jasprit Bumrah, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, said, “I am excited to associate with L&T Finance, a brand renowned for its strong legacy, excellence, and commitment. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful journey.”

LTF is one of the leading financiers in Rural Business Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, and Two-wheeler Finance. LTF's significant presence in urban finance is particularly noteworthy. By providing accessible and tailored financial solutions to urban and rural communities, LTF empowers individuals and families to achieve their financial goals.

As per data for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company's market leadership is underpinned by its extensive reach into approximately 2 lakh villages, facilitated by a strong retail franchise that includes 2,028 rural branches, 185 urban branches, and over 12,500 distribution touch points.

The partnership with Bumrah was facilitated by RISE Worldwide, which works closely with players and brands to create meaningful brand extension and unlock value for stakeholders.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF):

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (https://www.ltfs.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’ — the highest credit rating for NBFCs — by four leading rating agencies. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap - Lakshya 2026. The Company has approximately 2.5 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

Makers of 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’, foray into Gaming, Animation, and E-Commerce

Gaming vertical kicks off with 15 games and more than 5 million downloads

The new Rhymes/ Baalgeet channel crosses 1.5 million subscribers in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali YouTube Channel

Neela Films, renowned for its iconic television show 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,' (TMKOC) which has consistently dominated the TV charts for the past two decades, is poised to revolutionize the entertainment industry through its, digital foray into gaming, animation, and e-commerce with its new venture Neela Mediatech Pvt. Ltd. The company has infused INR 24 crore along with the rights to the valuable IP, TMKOC. With this, the company will diversify and extend the country’s biggest IP going beyond show production. The new venture aims to reach 100 million game downloads by March 2024.

Neela Mediatech's primary mission is to leverage the show’s captive audience viewer base of 60 million individuals taking entertainment to new heights. The gaming vertical has debuted with 15 games and over 5 million downloads, while the YouTube Rhymes/ Baalgeet Channel has already crossed 1.5 million subscribers across various languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali.

The new gaming portal christened, ‘TMKOC’ Play, short for ‘Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’, will be based on the popular show theme, reliving the tv characters for the online audience going beyond television. The portal will host free-to-play games, cloud-based adventures, and blockchain-powered quests to virtual reality odysseys for the burgeoning show audience. It will also have animated shows and rhymes catering to children.

The company, which has a family-based audience from 8 to 80 yrs, will now focus on the gaming and animation audiences. With more than 5 million downloads already, the platform aims to captivate mobile-first consumers fulfilling their gaming needs. The games offered will be across single and multiple-play formats like Bhide Scooter Race, Run Jetha Run, and Jump Bhide Jump, among many more.

Creator, Producer and Managing Director of Neela Film Production and Neela Mediatech, Mr. Asit Kumarr Modi has also been well known for his role as author and creator of the popular show series. Announcing the new venture, he says, “We've been at the helm in the entertainment space for decades, and now, with gaming emerging as the next frontier of entertainment, we're taking a bold leap to offer our audience more excitement and value. Our strategic vision includes reinforcing our content pipeline, captivating the mobile-first gaming community, and establishing ourselves as the go-to YouTube Channel for children. With this we hope to redefine the entertainment space ensuring that our audience continue to enjoy exceptional and immersive experiences”.

Guided by the visionary leadership of Asit Kumarr Modi, Creator, Producer and Managing Director, Neela Film. The company is poised to take the sector by storm and aims to take the Indian gaming and animation story global by being at the edge of technology.

Neela Mediatech, a pioneering gaming and animation studio, is a vertical of Neela Film, a renowned production house and creator of one of the nation's most beloved TV shows ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (TMKOC).

Exploring animated shows and nursery rhymes, cloud gaming, blockchain gaming, and virtual reality, the studio envisions global outreach, bridging technology trends and entertainment. Rooted in TMKOC's legacy, Neela Mediatech delivers captivating content to its loyal audience, pushing the Indian gaming industry forward with a dedicated commitment to quality.

Neela Mediatech made its mark in the mobile gaming industry with titles like Run Jetha Run, Bhide Scooter Race, Popat Shortcut Race, and more. Currently, the games have more than 5 million downloads and are available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Neela Mediatech animation vertical operates English, Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali YouTube animation channels, boasting a million-plus subscribers and 1.5 million views.

Anushka & Virat Kohli Backed Plant-based Meat Brand Blue Tribe Foods Earns Sustainability Seal

Blue Tribe Foods, goes completely Plastic and Carbon Neutral 

Blue Tribe Foods, the visionary plant-based meat brand endorsed and invested in by Bollywood sensation Anushka Sharma and cricket maestro Virat Kohli, has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards a sustainable future. In collaboration with The Disposal Company (TDC), Blue Tribe Foods has achieved both plastic and carbon neutrality, solidifying its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additionally, the brand's dedication to sustainability has been rewarded with the prestigious Sustainability Seal for its innovative products.

Founded by Sandeep Singh and Nikki Arora Singh, Blue Tribe Foods has been a trailblazer in the plant-based meat industry, offering a delectable range of alternatives made from pea, soybeans, lentils, grains, and other vegetarian ingredients. Their products have not only wowed taste buds but have also contributed significantly to a greener planet.

The investment and endorsement of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli catapulted Blue Tribe Foods into the spotlight, amplifying its mission to reshape India's meat consumption habits. As advocates for plant-based eating, the celebrity couple's decision to support Blue Tribe Foods was a testament to their values of compassion for animals and environmental sustainability.

According to the Plastic Waste Statistics report, a total plastic packaging of 2.26 million tonnes has been covered under EPR for the year 2022-23, so in this polluted era companies like these play a vital role in shaping the environment and thousands of lives.

In a ground-breaking move, Blue Tribe Foods joined forces with The Disposal Company (TDC), led by Ms. Bhagyashree, a renowned expert in measuring, financing, and reducing plastic waste. Through this partnership, Blue Tribe Foods has not only offset its plastic footprint but also taken significant strides toward reducing carbon emissions associated with its operations.

“In partnership with the disposal company, we're dedicated to upholding our commitment to environmental responsibility. Their invaluable assistance in neutralizing our plastic waste aligns seamlessly with our brand's core ethos. Together, we conscientiously pave the path towards a more sustainable future, ensuring that every bit of plastic waste is properly managed. In this formal collaboration, we remain steadfast in our mission to nurture a greener planet, as we endeavor to create a better world for all” - Sohil Wazir, Chief Commercial Officer, blue tribe foods.

Bhagyashree Bhansali

“The Sustainability Seal awarded by TDC to Blue Tribe Foods signifies the brand's dedication to rigorous environmental standards, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. This coveted seal is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to producing innovative, eco-friendly, and delicious plant-based meat products”. – Bhagyashree Bhansali, Founder of The Disposal Company

Blue Tribe Foods has not only garnered praise from conscious consumers but has also become an inspiring force for other brands to follow, encouraging them to prioritize sustainability and contribute to a more environmentally conscious society.

TDC offers solutions that empower brands to become plastic-neutral and actively contribute to a cleaner environment. With stringent standards and a trusted reputation, TDC is the go-to choice for over 60 brands globally.

Soon A Steel Factory by Saurav Ganguly

Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly has announced plans to turn into industrialist as he is starting a steel factory in Salboni, West Bengal. The steel factory would be completed in five to six months, reported several media outlets via news agency PTI.

Ganguly was part of a delegation accompanying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her trip to Spain and Dubai.

Ganguly said that he started a small steel plant in 2007, and in five to six months will start building our new steel plant in Medinipore.

The former Indian cricket team captain informed that in another year's time, he would be able to complete the state-of-the-art facility.

"We have just started building our third steel plant in the state of west bengal… A lot of us believe that I only played the sport, but we started a small steel plant in 2007…" said Ganguly while addressing the 'Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)' in Madrid.

Saurav Ganguly had invested in few Indian startups as well including Flickstree, ClassPlus and most recently acquired a minority stake in food delivery platform JustMyRoots.

According to Registrar of Companies, Saurav Ganguly also owns few private limited companies such as Sourav Ganguly Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Nilachal Barter Pvt Ltd and Balaji Realspace Pvt Ltd. 

Univest and Harbhajan Singh Collaborate for India’s 1st Investment Platform Enabling Right Investments With Timely Exits

Investing gets a ‘Turbo’ boost with Univest and Harbhajan Singh’s collaboration: India’s first investment platform enabling right investments with timely exits

Univest is a pioneering investment platform that is transforming the way investors engage with their portfolios. The fintech startup has partnered with Harbhajan Singh, former Indian cricketer renowned for his off-spin bowling and popularly known as the 'Turbanator'. Univest focuses on user engagement and leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to empower individuals to make informed investment decisions and achieve their financial goals. Within just a few months of launching its app, Univest has already gained over 500,000 users.

Univest recognizes that every investor is unique and understands the importance of catering to individual needs, not only in terms of making the right investments but also in timely exits from underperforming assets. Hence, our campaign focuses on highlighting our personalized investment management platform, which offers a diverse range of investment options tailored to your specific requirements. Moreover, we emphasize how individual investors can achieve higher returns by making timely exits from underperforming investments. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional looking to optimize your portfolio, Univest provides a seamless and intuitive platform that empowers you to achieve your investment goals.

Univest distinguishes itself from other platforms by recognizing the importance of strategic investments in promising opportunities and timely exits from underperforming assets. By utilising its AI-powered 'Buy-Sell-Hold' insights, users can achieve enhanced returns.

Additionally, Univest Pro empowers users to attain a ‘Pro’ level in stock market investing by equipping investors with valuable trade ideas from SEBI registered advisors irrespective of their trading style. The research team behind these trade ideas boasts over 75 years of trading experience. Pro users can also unlock perks like premium breakout screeners, quarterly portfolio review and a lot more perks. Another great offering, Univest Elite, offers a reliable avenue for investors to earn fixed and stable returns of up to 12% p.a., irrespective of market fluctuations with a track record of 100% timely payouts. Univest also eliminates the need for extensive research, as users can rely on the expertise of a personal investment app that guides them through every step of the investment process.

Pranit Arora, Avneet Dhamija, and Vikash Agrawal, the brilliant minds behind Univest, commented,”The narrative of the campaign effectively conveys the core elements of our platform in a concise yet impactful manner. We firmly believe that it will strike a chord with our intended audience, as we strive to address their investment woes and empower them to reach their financial goals through a single, comprehensive platform”

Sharing his experience as a regular Univest app user, Harbajan Singh conveyed his excitement about the platform's impact on his investment journey. “From timely exit signals for non-performing stocks in my portfolio to reliable trade ideas from SEBI registered advisors, Univest has become an essential tool in my investment journey. Not only this I am able to invest in high-income products which provide me with stable and higher returns of up to 12%. Impressed by the multitude of features provided, collaborating with Univest was an obvious choice for me, knowing it to be a valuable asset for investors seeking to maximise their returns.”

About Univest

Univest specialises in identifying lucrative investment opportunities and providing tailored investment ideas to match your investment style. With their remarkable growth and increasing popularity, Univest has emerged as a prominent player in the industry. Notably, their user retention rates rank among the highest in wealth management, acknowledged by the prestigious Global MMP standard and Appsflyer. Their latest campaign emphasises Univest's comprehensive platform, catering to all types of investors aiming to optimise their investment returns. The team's expertise, unwavering commitment, and support from influential angel investors have significantly contributed to the platform's success. They eagerly anticipate making a positive impact on the journeys of even more investors through this partnership.

Reliance Brands in Talks To Acquire Alia Bhatt Co-founded Ed-a-Mamma

Reliance Brands, a retail company and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, is reportedly in talks to acquire actress Alia Bhatt co-founded sustainable kid's wear brand Ed-a- Mamma for about Rs 300 crore to Rs 350 crore.

Launched in October 2020, Ed-a-Mamma offers kids wear for girls & boys aged between 2-14 years, that are made of natural fabrics and are biodegradable.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Reliance's children's wear portfolio and give it a greater toehold in the kidswear market. The eco- friendly brand operates primarily online but is also sold through retail chains such as Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle.

The acquisition talks is in the final stages and an agreement is likely to be signed in the next seven to 10 days, said the report. 

Touted as a completely vegan compliant brand, Ed-a-Mamma has earn certifications like — SEDEX (global certification for ethical trade), Green Denim Certifications through Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD certification), organic clothing through GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification.

In an another development, Reliance Retail, along with Jindal and GBTL have submitted offers to acquire bankrupt Future Enterprises, according to disclosures made by the company to the stock exchange. The National Company Law Tribunal admitted Kishore Biyani's Future Enterprises for corporate insolvency on February 27.

Actor Suniel Shetty Invests in Gurugram-based Regrip, A Startup that Re-engineers Old Tyres

Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty (Suniel Shetty) has made an investment in Regrip, a Gurugram-headquartered startup brand that recycled old/used tires.

On Saturday, in an announcement event, Suniel Shetty said in a statement, "I am very excited about joining Regrip We are not only creating a new definition of recycling but also contributing to the green future by reducing waste and increasing the life of every tire. By adopting innovation and eco-friendly methods, we can create a better future for generations to come."

The actor has invested in about 6 startups so far. In early of this month only, Shetty had invested in the DIY healthcare venture ‘The Biohacker’. Prior to that, he had invested in Klassroom Edutech, in May this year, and even invested in the blockchain-run startups when he invested in Colexion, a blockchain based NFT marketplace. Shetty also has HealthTech in his portfolio as Vieroots Wellness Solutions Pvt Ltd (VWS), in which he invested in August 2020.

Announcement event (Image – Twitter/@SunielShetty_FC)

The regrip works by repairing old and worn tires and making it worth using again. These tires, which are priced at about half the price of new tires, can be used by small and medium truck transport companies.

Gurugram-headquartered Regrip uses quality grade rubber to make refurbished tyres through the process of shearing and retreading. These tyres cost half the price of new products and are used by small and medium trucking companies.

Mahavir Pratap Sharma, the first investor in the startup, said, the brand whi focuses on refurbished tyres is "a win-win solution" for his investment.

Founded in 2021, by Tushar Suhalka, Regrip make re-engineered tyres that are the high performing alternative of the new tyres for the dummy and drive axles in heavy commercial vehicles.

With these Re-engineered tyres the startup aims to help fleet owners in saving money spent on their tyre consumption with an affordable, reliable and sustainable product range.

Regrip tyres are made from refurbishing the old & used tyres using cold process retreading and converting them into reusable tyres which are equally serviceable as new tyres and the startup sell these with an unconditional warranty at half the cost of new tyres.

Notably, Tyre manufacturing process uses rubber, Carbon black and oil-based synthetic varieties as primary ingredients. However, India’s natural rubber (NR) production in 2020 has been scaled down by 42,000 tonne to 668,000 tonnes due to COVID-19, according to the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC). In later, the NR production registered a growth of 8.3% but at the same time its consumption also increased to 9% in the 2022-23 fiscal compared with the previous fiscal. The production increased to 8,39,000 tonnes from 7,75,000 tonnes in 2021-22, while consumption rose from 12,38,000 tonnes in 2021-22 to 13,50,000 tonnes in 2022-23.

Thus, the country is witnessing more consumption of rubber then it can produce which isn't a good sign for industries using NR as one of its primary ingredients.

In this scenerio, startups like Regrip can play a vital role — at least for tyre industry — wherein it minimizes the use of natural rubber and recycle the used, worn-out rubbers, and bringing sustainability into tyre-consumption.

Moreover, as per Regrip's LinkedIn profile, it is also minimising the carbon footprints as it takes 22 gallons of oil to make one new average size truck tyre whereas we only use about 7 gallons to have it re-engineered for reuse thus every REGRIP tyre saves 56 litres of oil for the nation.

Legendary Singer Lucky Ali Invests in Hyperlocal Content Commerce Startup Knocksense

Knocksense is actively raising $1 million in its pre-series A round, with notable participation from investors such as Nitish Mittersain, Mohit Satyanand and others

Knocksense, the leading hyperlocal content-driven commerce platform, has announced its recent investment from music veteran Lucky Ali. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Knocksense as it continues to revolutionize hyperlocal content, commerce, and live entertainment.

LuckyAli, celebrated for his iconic contributions to the music industry, expressed his excitement for Knocksense, stating, “I am truly impressed by their innovative business model that merges hyperlocal commerce with pop culture. Knocksense is fostering an authentic community that connects the youth in smaller cities with greater opportunities through engaging content and commerce.”

Started by Vibhore Mayank & Varul Mayank, Knocksense is actively raising $1 million in its per- series A round , with notable participation from investors such as Nitish Mittersain, Mohit Satyanand, AvnishSabharwal, Alok Nath De, We Founders Circle, Lets Venture, Mumbai Angels Network, and ImperierHoldings. This impressive investor lineup reflects the strong confidence and support Knocksense has received from the investment community, affirming the potential and viability of its unique business model.

With a strong presence in four major Indian cities, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Indore, and Ahmedabad, Knocksense has already made a remarkable impact by delivering hyperlocal content, recommendations, events, and commerce opportunities to its rapidly growing user base. The participation in the funding round from Lucky Ali will further empower Knocksense to expedite its expansion plans, reaching more cities and fostering connections with diverse communities across India.

"We are honoured to have Lucky Ali join us as an investor and partner in our journey," said Vibhore Mayank &Varul Mayank, the founders of Knocksense. "Lucky Ali's belief in our mission strengthens our resolve to empower young users and local brands in smaller cities through hyperlocal content, events, and commerce. We are excited to leverage his expertise and guidance as we continue to shape the future of Knocksense."

Knocksense remains committed to its core mission of providing authentic, localized content and fostering engagement among young users and local brands in tier II cities. By leveraging the power of technology and cultural relevance, Knocksense aims to bridge the gap between traditional media channels and the evolving needs of the younger generation.

About Knocksense

Knocksense, is a youth focussed hyperlocal content driven commerce platform which engages it's community of tier II cities based usersand brands by meaningful digital content and live entertainment. Founded by Varul Mayank and Vibhore Mayank, Knocksense has rapidly grown to become a trusted platform for youth in various cities in India.

Amitabh Bachchan Partners with IKONZ to Foray into Generative AI

IKONZ a first-of-its-kind aggregator and India’s only platform for digital IP monetisation is proud to announce its ground-breaking partnership with India’s biggest global superstar and Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. The collaboration marks a significant milestone as Ikonz forays into the realm of generative AI, to redefine the future of fan engagement. The convergence of Mr. Bachchan’s iconic status and IKONZ’s cutting-edge technology promises an unparalleled experience for fans and enthusiasts worldwide.

IKONZ is backed by visionary investors including Village Global, a venture capital firm backed by renowned tech visionaries such as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Reid Hoffman.

Amitabh Bachchan and Abinav

Generative AI, the fusion of artificial intelligence and creativity, is rapidly transforming the digital landscape. IKONZ’s strategic partnership with Mr. Bachchan amplifies its vision of bringing together advanced technologies and cultural icons to create a new era of interactive entertainment. The collaboration will enable fans worldwide to engage with their stars on a global scale.

The IKONZ team is working closely with Mr Bachchan to capture the iconic attributes to deliver a unique experience to fans globally. When launched end of this year, customers in India can interact with Amitabh Bachchan ji at various locations and instantly getting their favourite superstar interacting with them.

Abinav Varma Kalidindi, Founder & CEO at IKONZ said, “It’s a momentous day for IKONZ as the true symbolism our name has been derived with the Icon Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji joining forces with us. Together we will leverage the power of generative AI to create immersive experiences that transcend physical boundaries. With our state-of-the-art technology, fans will now have the opportunity to interact with their favourite actor like never before. Who knows you might even be able to take selfies with Amit Ji in your city”.

Amitabh Bachchan, renowned actor and cultural icon said, " I am intrigued with the way technology is evolving and the pace at which new innovations are coming up worldwide ... One such being "Generative AI " . I am happy to be a part of such an amazing futuristic world of generative AI , and have therefore partnered with Abinav promoted IKONZ . Together we shall embark on this new Metaverse World."

The company has also received investments from Woodstock and Polygon, cementing its position as a leading player in the AI-driven digital Avatar space.

About IKONZ:

IKONZ is a wealth building platform that helps IP owners, artist, creators and other established icons manage their digital assets. The company specializes in navigating the complexities of the technology and understanding the different means of monetization and upscaling, enabling IP owners, artists, and other established icons to manage, sell and monetize digital assets. Ikonz already works with Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle, Chacha Chaudhary and numerous other creators and icons.

Anushka Sharma backs Millet Based Health Food Brand Millé

High-growth health food startup Wholsum Foods launches its second brand Millé offering a range of high plant protein and fibre-rich, millet-based products

Brand ambassador Anushka Sharma chooses Millé to power every meal, invites consumers to join the movement to bring supergrain millets back to the centre of our plates

Following the success of its childrens’ food brand Slurrp Farm, a 100 crore brand in 2023, health food startup Wholsum Foods recently launched its second brand Millé offering high plant protein, fibre-rich, millet-based health foods to customers of all ages. Combining the goodness of millets, lentils, and legumes, Millé is the perfect choice for health and fitness-conscious customers looking to enhance their meals with quality plant protein. With the increasing focus on wellness post-COVID-19, Millé’s range of delicious, nutritious products offers customers healthy food options with high plant protein and fibre, all-natural ingredients, and very low sugar. Its range of daily foods and snacks currently includes breakfast cereals, pancakes, cake mixes, and gluten-free grain alternatives to rice and wheat.

Earlier today, Wholsum Foods brand ambassador and Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, who invested in the company in 2022 having been a customer of Slurrp Farm, took to Instagram to share glimpses of a typical day in her busy life. Known as an advocate of healthy living and sustainable eating, she shared how adding Millé to every meal is helping her stay active and light through the day, fight cravings, and enjoy healthy indulgences.

Meghana Narayan, Co-Founder of Wholsum Foods (parent company of Slurrp Farm and Mille)

Launched in 2023 - the UN declared ‘International Year of Millets’, Millé is an innovative supergrain company actively promoting the consumption of the nutrient-rich, climate-smart grain which uses very little water and no fertilisers or pesticides. Working closely with a diverse group of stakeholders including leading Indian and international chefs as well as nutritionists and farmers, Millé is playing an important role in the movement to bring millets - known as the ‘mother of all grains’- back to contemporary food culture.

“Wholsum Foods has consistently brought us delicious millet-based foods over the last 7 years and the company has built a lot of trust. Millé offers the perfect combination of high plant protein and fibre that helps you eat right and live an active, healthy, fulfilled life at any age. We’re are happy to be a part of the millet movement which is bringing this ancient climate-friendly supergrain back to the mainstream”, Anushka Sharma, Wholsum Foods Investor, and Bollywood Actor.

“Millé is a supergrain food company that brings the health-conscious consumer fabulous, sustainable food, which is backed by science, rooted in traditional knowledge and easy to prepare. Millé offers our customers healthy food options with increased plant protein which comes from the unique combination of millets with lentils and legumes. With rising diabesity, cardiovascular diseases and an unhealthy eating culture, Millé helps people make a positive change towards a holistically healthier, happier way to eat using ancient supergrains that are inherently good for you and good for the planet”, Shauravi Malik and Meghana Narayan, Co-Founders, Wholsum Foods.

About Wholsum Foods

Founded in 2016 by Shauravi Malik and Meghana Narayan, Wholsum Foods is the parent company of the children’s food brand Slurrp Farm and the recently launched supergrain company Millé. Known for innovative, research-based and delicious products, the company mindfully creates food solutions that are backed by science and rooted in traditional knowledge. While the vision for Slurrp Farm was to provide healthy, natural, millet-based food options for young children and their parents, Millé aims to offer healthier and better food alternatives to consumers from all age groups. Both brands are currently retail in India through www.slurrpfarm.com and millesupergrain.com, as well as through leading e-commerce and quick commerce platforms such as Amazon, Big Basket, First Cry, and Swiggy Instamart, amongst others. Products are also available across leading modern trade stores in India and the UAE as well as online in the US and UK.

India’s 1st Regional and Independent Music Streaming App Damroo Raises Funding from Marwari Catalysts, Dr. Kumar Vishwas and Others

India’s first regional and independent music streaming platform Damroo on Monday announced that it has raised an undisclosed amount in seed round funding. The round was led by a host of marquee investors, including Marwari Catalysts, one of India's fastest growing startup accelerators and popular poet-litterateur Dr. Kumar Vishvas. The early-funding round also saw the participation of revered Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya Shriji Maharaj, along with corporate leader Umed Singh Rao and Ratnawali Singh. The company has declared that it envisions leveraging the fresh capital towards Platform upgradation & performance, Branding & promotion, User acquisition & retention, Content creation and Team building & structuring.

“Despite the entertainment and music industries scaling fresh heights, there is persistent struggle among independent talents in our country. While they are deprived of a level-playing field due to streaming giants’ populist approach, regional audience too, which is buzzing with aspirations and resources, remains very poorly served. In other words, as I always say -the richest Bharat is poorly served, and we are here to fill this void. We are encouraged by the faith shown in Damroo by all investors” said Ram Mishra, Founder and Managing Director of Damroo.

Ram Mishra, Founder and Managing Director of Damroo

Sushil Sharma, Founder of Marwari Catalysts, a startup accelerator with 60+ portfolio startup, added, “We have been instrumental in the growth of country’s D2C space by strengthening startups with products built by Bharat, for Bharat. We relate with Damroo’s ethos to cater specifically to artists, audience and brands/businesses alike in the regional and vernacular space. Mr Ram’s diverse and rich experience of 20 years in the Indian music industry further ticks the critical founder-business fit aspect. Furthermore, this investment is a manifestation of our undeterred zeal to support home grown brands amid the prevailing competitive scenario.”

Noted poet, author and litterateur Dr. Kumar Vishvas also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the need to promote and support talent on the grassroots. “India has always been identified as a culturally vibrant land that is home to innumerable great artists. No matter which part of the country you hail from, no matter what your mother tongue is, music is probably in the blood of every Indian. It is a matter of enormous satisfaction to back a platform where regional artists, music lovers and localised businesses across linguistic boundaries get access to exactly what they seek.”

Damroo intends to foster a 360 degree ecosystem for regional &independent artists, wherein they can earn, grow and own copyright of their music in a most transparent environment. Home to diverse musical genres, including folk, classical, devotional, contemporary etc, Damroo India is also functional in the domain of Sync License Rights. With the regional music industry currently holding over 40% of the Indian music market share, Damroo has swiftly emerged as a game changer for scores of talented artists and localised businesses in the remotest parts of the country.

Actor Tiger Shroff Invests in Revenant Esports

Global brands AMD, PUMA, CORSAIR and CYBEART have announced associations with Revenant Esports in the past

The youngest action superstar, Tiger Shroff ensured Bollywood's foray into the Indian Esports industry with his decision to invest an undisclosed amount in Revenant Esports, one of India’s fastest-growing esports teams. The decision was announced in a joint press release on Monday.

This strategic investment comes as a huge boost to Revenant Esports who now plans to utilize the latest funding to bolster their Esports rosters, content creators, and bootcamp infrastructure as well as invigorate their ambition of cementing Revenant Esports’ name as the finest Esports organization in India and expanding its footprint globally.

"We are delighted to welcome Tiger Shroff to the Revenant Esports family. Everyone is well aware of his fondness for gaming and connects with the millennial and Gen Z audience. In Revenant he has the perfect platform to be more actively involved with the Indian gaming community. The entertainment industry starting to set foot in the world of gaming is massively beneficial to the industry as it helps spread awareness about its potential and importance among the not-so-informed Indian population. Tiger's massive fanbase and his zeal for gaming will accelerate our vision of creating an enriching and engaging ecosystem for our organization as well as for the Esports community as a whole," said Rohit Jagasia, CEO and Founder of Revenant Esports.

First-gen entrepreneur, Rohit initially started with a single-game roster in BGMI for Revenant Esports in 2021 which has now grown many folds with the organization presently having multiple content creators and multi-game rosters that not only compete in innumerable major Esports tournaments but also win laurels for the country.

Tiger Shroff shares a great passion for fitness, games, and MMA and is also an avid Esports enthusiast had made his passion for gaming known by engaging in various gaming activities in the past. The young superstar’s decision has initiated the coming together of the two most powerful genres in cinema and esports-a cocktail of which has all the ingredients to be the most successful brand alliances.

Speaking on what this association means to him, Tiger Shroff said, “Revenant Esports is one of the biggest names of the Esports landscape in India and I am delighted to be a part of it. They have achieved commendable success in such a short span and with the gaming and Esports revolution taking the country by storm I am confident that Rohit’s and my passion, knowledge, and vision will help us to achieve remarkable success and experience. Being an ardent gamer myself and having followed the industry closely, I also hope to use this association as a launchpad to more meaningful growth in the sector.”

Revenant Esports boasts of being home to some of the country’s best Esports talents as well as the leading content creators. The organization has proved its mettle on the regional and international stage by triumphing in multiple international tournaments such as the BGMI: Master Series(Star Sports) Valorant: Valorant Challengers League South Asia, Pokemon Unite: Asia Champions League 2023, Brawl Stars: ESL Masters Japan, Apex Legends: ALGS Split 2 playoffs, and CODM: World Championship 2021.

In recent times, they have brought on-board three of the most watched content creators in the Indian Gaming scene which are Emperor Plays, Bitty and Ayush is live and plans to add more valuable creators in the upcoming months.

Last year, their Pokemon Unite roster became the very first Indian team to represent the country at the Pokemon Unite World Championships in London.

As per the recently launched FICCI-EY report “Windows of Opportunity", the number of Esports players across all competitive level games in India increased from 600,000 in 2021 to 1 million in 2022, and it is expected to reach 2.5 million in 2023. The number of brands investing in Esports in India grew from 72 in 2021 to 80 in 2022, and it is estimated to reach 100 in 2023.

Revenant had recently onboarded high-profile brand associations with global brands like AMD, PUMA, CORSAIR and CYBEART. This investment from a key Bollywood icon further proves how the entertainment industry can leverage the Indian Esports industry with its limitless potential.

Revenant Esports is an esports organization built from the ground up. From humble beginnings to exponential growth, the objective of Revenant Esports has been to be the leading esports company in India. Revenant Esports was founded in 2020 and it has an active roster in 8 esports titles with home to 45+ athletes, the organization want to create a holistic environment to nurture the development of esports.

The company was founded by Rohit Naresh Jagasia and the company received their last funding of $1 million in May 2021 from Adman turned investor Sajan Raj Kurup. Revenant aims to be the ‘go-to’ destination for casual gamers as well as pro gamers. It wishes to create an engaging ecosystem that enables all endemic, non-endemic and aspirational brands to use the power of esports for advertising and brand building. You can learn more about the organization here: https://revenantesports.com/

Sachin Tendulkar’s Special Edition Cards Sold Out within Minutes

In a stunning display of devotion to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, fans have snatched up every limited edition Tendulkar Black Card offered by Rario, the largest digital cricket collectibles platform in the world, announced the launch of a limited edition Tendulkar Black Card in honour of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's 50th birthday. The 10 cards that were offered on Monday, sold out within minutes. Cricketers Zaheer Khan and Dinesh Karthik were among the lucky few who managed to secure one each.

As a bowler, there's nothing more satisfying than taking a wicket. But buying Sachin's limited edition card on @Rariohq comes pretty close! pic.twitter.com/aHBPmmR9qY

— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) April 25, 2023

The uniqueness of the Tendulkar Black Card lies in its rarity, making it an exceptional collectible not easily obtainable elsewhere. Possessing these exclusive cards grants fans the privilege of interacting with Sachin Tendulkar, which is a rare and special privilege. The demand for digital cards was so high that the initial price of INR 50,000 quickly became a mere starting point. In the end, these cards sold for a whopping INR 80,000 on the Rario marketplace, demonstrating the incredible love and admiration that fans have for Sachin Tendulkar.

Just got my hands on @sachin_rt's limited edition card on @rariohq and I have to say, it's like hitting the perfect cover drive - pure joy and satisfaction! pic.twitter.com/e5WAE0vvQo

— DK (@DineshKarthik) April 25, 2023

“I am delighted to be amongst a few who are able to own the Tendulkar Black Card. Sachin Tendulkar is an inspiration to cricketers around the world, and this card is a valuable addition to any cricket collector's collection and it’s an honour to have a card of a player who has been an inspiration for millions of Indians like me”, said Zaheer Khan. 

“I can't even put into words how thrilled I am to own digital cards of Sachin Tendulkar, one of the best players India has ever produced. It’s like a dream come true for me as a fan. The fact that it's a one-of-a-kind digital asset that I can truly call my own is just mind-blowing. I'm looking forward to cherishing and keeping it as part of my collection for years to come!”, said Dinesh Karthik.

Rario's success as the go-to destination for cricket fans worldwide can be attributed to its innovative approach to engaging fans with the sport they love. By offering a platform where fans can collect and trade digital cards featuring their favourite cricket stars, Rario has redefined the way fans interact with the game.

About Rario

Founded in 2021 by IIT Alumni Ankit Wadhwa and Sunny Bhanot as the world’s first officially licensed digital collectibles platform for cricket fans, Rario has emerged as the largest digital cricket collectibles platform in the world, where fans can collect and trade digital cards. Rario has partnered with some of the largest cricket boards, leagues and teams namely Big Bash League, Women’s Big Bash League, Super Smash, Caribbean Premier League, Lanka Premier League, Abu Dhabi T10 League, and Legends League Cricket along with Cricket Australia, New Zealand Cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket Board, Afghanistan Cricket Board, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. Currently, Rario has a roster of over 150 international cricketers exclusively on their platform. Rario has sold over 1.3 million player cards to cricket fans across the globe. Since its inception, Rario has continuously innovated to engage fans in the game of cricket through digital sports memorabilia and curated fan experiences.

Rario not only has partnerships with Dream Capital, Polygon Studios and Animoca Brands but is also supported by Kingsway Capital and Presight Capital.

Visit: RARIO |www.rario.com

Organic Farming Startup TBOF Raises ₹ 14.5 Cr from Akshay Kumar, Virendra Sehwag and Other HNIs

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and former veteran cricketer Virender Sehwag have invested in Pune-based organic farming startup Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF). The rural startup has raised Rs 14.5 crore from High Net-worth Individuals including both these celebrities, reported Economic Times and RuralVoice.in. 

The funding will be used to expand TBOF's manufacturing capacity, build farmer training centers and expand its domestic and international business. In addition, the freshly raised funds will help in empowering farmers, creating more employment opportunities for women in villages and improving the lives of villagers. 

Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF) is a 23 acre Regenerative Organic Farm, ECOCERT Certified, a biodiverse and self-sustaining natural food system in a small village called Bhodani in Pune district of Maharashtra. The startup claims to have more than 16 thousand farmers are associated with TBOF.

TBOF was started by two brothers — Ajinkya and Satyajit Hange — in 2012. The founders started their careers as bankers post doing their MBA and later decided to join their roots and work in the agricultural sector, leaving corporate jobs. In 2013 they founded TBOF. TBOF has trained more than 16,000 farmers in skilled agriculture over the years. In addition, several initiatives have been taken to explain the importance of organic farming to farmers.

The Founders (Image – TBOF@Twitter) 

TBOF sells products based on a variety of organic and natural elements including a wide range of Cultured A2 ghee, millets and other grains' flour, wood pressed oil and nut butter. TBOF also train and promote farmers for natural and organic farming of fruits, vegetables, grains and pulses. TBOF has grown very rapidly over the years and is associated with thousands of families. Most of its customers are in 53 countries including 1,000 cities in India through e-commerce platform, mobile apps and major food superstores. 

Akshay Kumar said on the investment made in TBOF, “I believe in TBOF's approach and their commitment to empower rural communities through organic farming. I am glad that I am part of all those who are involved in the journey of TBOF to move forward. "

Virendra Sehwag said," After seeing the farming being done by TBOF, I have decided to invest in it. I am excited to support TBOF's mission of sustainable agriculture and rural development. I am glad to see the positive results brought to the lives of the farmers. "

Satyajit Hange, co-founder of TBOF, said, "With the cooperation of investors we will continue to revolutionize organic farming in India and positively impact rural communities."

Earlier in November last year, popular cricketer Ajinkya Rahane announced a seed fund of ₹ 1 crore for agritech startups, in association MCCIA, a trade association based in Maharashtra. 

Hardik Pandya Invests in Consumer Foods Brand “Yu”

Chef Crafted Instant Foods brand Yu announced Hardik Pandya as investor and brand ambassador today. Hardik and Yu have entered into a long-term association to promote the brand in India as well as overseas.

Founded by Bharat Bhalla and Varun Kapur, Yu is making packaged foods healthier by providing consumers easy meals that are made using 100% natural ingredients and contain absolutely ZERO preservatives! The brand offers 14 SKUs across Pasta, Cup Noodles, Hakka Noodles, Oats and Halwa categories that can be made in 5 minutes by simply using boiling water. The homegrown brand recently closed its Series A fundraise, led by Ashish Kacholia and Asian Paints Family in October 2022.

Yu will launch its maiden brand campaign during the IPL 2023 season. The campaign will be spearheaded by ace Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and will focus on highlighting Yu’s brand proposition - packaged foods that are CHEF Crafted made using ZERO Preservatives that allow young and aspiring Indians to not compromise on Health, Quality, Taste or Convenience! Yu offers healthier EASY Meals that are not only 100% Natural but also retain their aroma, taste and nutrition despite being packaged.

Hardik Pandya said, “What Bharat and Varun have done at Yu is truly exceptional! To make packaged foods without any chemicals or preservatives that still taste as good as fresh is remarkable. Yu is a highly purpose driven brand that is bringing a revolution in the packaged food space through its diversified product categories. I am extremely pleased to associate with Yu and spread awareness around its wholesome and nutritious easy meals that are healthy as well. Proud to be part of this 100% Homegrown Brand – MAKE In INDIA for the World!”

Yu has successfully penetrated multiple distribution channels including offline stores (4,000+ stores), online (all e-Com and Q-Com servicing pan India), 100+ institutional campuses, exports (South Africa, US, Singapore) in a short span of 18 months. Owing to its unique product offering, Yu is also among the youngest brands to be onboarded by airlines SpiceJet and Akasa Air. Yu is seeing significant customer traction and has more than doubled its revenue in the last 6 months and is on track to sell close to 2 million bowls in Q1-FY24.

Sharing their excitement, Founders Bharat Bhalla and Varun Kapur jointly expressed, “We are excited to partner with Hardik in our endeavour to build a disruptive consumer brand in the instant food category. Hardik is a youth icon, and as the face of Yu, he will help drive awareness among consumers enabling a switch in consumption patterns from currently available products that contain chemicals and preservatives. Hardik Pandya's passion for health and wellness aligns perfectly with our brand's core values and mission. We are confident that Hardik’s association will allow Yu to significantly scale its business across all channels and target groups.”

Yu operates a 24,000 sq. ft. integrated facility in Gurugram that is UK FSSC 22000 and US-FDA certified. The brand has expanded its team to over 100 employees across functions like production, operations, sales, marketing and finance. After successfully launching Ready to Eat pastas, noodles, oats, halwa in veg and non veg variants, the company recently ventured into Ready to Cook products with the launch of Instant 5 mins Hakka Noodles that come with steamed noodles, vegetables, sauce and chilli oil. The brand is looking to launch 8-10 more unique products over the next 12 months to complement its existing product portfolio.

Yu has several prominent investors on its cap-table, including Ashish Kacholia (renowned public market investor), Manish Choksi (Asian Paints Promoter Group), DPIITs Start Up India Seed Fund (Government of India) and Capitar (SEBI registered AIF), among others. It has recently doubled its production capacity and continues to expand its omni channel distribution network pan-India.

About Yu

Yu Foodlabs has developed a range of 14 Chef Crafted Instant Foods that closely resemble freshly prepared foods! Developed using advanced lyophilisation technology, its range includes instant Pastas, Noodles, Halwas, Oats, Upma that are 100% Natural and contain ZERO Preservatives. Its products are available at 4,000+ offline stores and ALL online / quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto, JioMart in addition to airlines like SpiceJet and Akasa. Its products are also available in select international markets like Singapore, South Africa and US.