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RuKart Launches Subjee Cooler in Southeast Asia

Agri-tech firm RuKart is set to expand its innovative, electricity-free cold storage solution, the Subjee Cooler, to Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Indonesia and Cambodia by February. Utilizing enhanced evaporative cooling technology, the Subjee Cooler extends the shelf-life of perishables, benefiting small farmers and vendors. Founder Vikash Jha noted that rising incomes in Southeast Asia are increasing demand for quality produce, presenting a significant market opportunity. Since its launch, RuKart has sold over 3,000 units across India, with notable installations in metro and tier 1 cities, including partnerships with companies like Swiggy Instamart. However, challenges remain, including transportation issues and a shortage of skilled labor outside major urban areas. Initial support from IIT Bombay and funding from Nabard and Mumbai Angels have bolstered RuKart's efforts to promote this low-cost storage solution, which also serves as a natural ripening chamber for fruits. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 5 pm

Deepika Aggarwal named CRO of Kissandhan subsidiary by SLCM

Sohan Lal Commodity Management Ltd (SLCM) has appointed Deepika Aggarwal as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of its subsidiary, Kissandhan Agri Financial Services, a non-banking financial company focused on financing for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. In her new role, Aggarwal will enhance the company's risk management framework, ensuring robust governance, credit quality, and compliance as Kissandhan expands its agri-financing solutions. Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO of SLCM, expressed confidence in Aggarwal's expertise in credit risk and regulatory frameworks, which aligns with the company's vision of fostering a resilient financial ecosystem for the agricultural sector. Aggarwal, who previously held leadership positions at Shivalik Small Finance Bank and Reliance Capital, emphasized her commitment to sustainable lending and stakeholder interests, stating that a strong risk framework is essential for financial inclusion in agriculture. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 5 pm

CIAL surpasses 10 million passengers for third consecutive year

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has solidified its status as Kerala's premier airport operator by surpassing 10 million passengers for the third consecutive year, handling 11,519,356 passengers in 2025—a 4.85% increase from 2024. May 2025 was the airport's busiest month, with over 1.1 million passengers, while January and December also saw strong traffic. Despite a slight decline in aircraft movements to 74,689 due to reduced airline services, passenger numbers continued to rise, reflecting improved operational efficiency. This growth is attributed to CIAL 2.0, a transformative initiative enhancing passenger experience through digitisation and upgraded amenities. Additionally, CIAL plans to implement Full Body Scanners to bolster security screening and improve passenger comfort, aligning with global aviation standards. Managing Director S. Suhas highlighted these advancements as key to maintaining high levels of passenger satisfaction. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 5 pm

US Tariffs Hit Maharashtra's Second-Tier Cities Economically

Maharashtra's second-tier cities, including Solapur, Kolhapur, and Sangli, are grappling with the adverse effects of US tariffs on Indian goods, which have severely disrupted local economies and key industries. In Solapur, the textile sector, particularly terry towel production, has been hit hard, with exports to the US halting entirely, threatening around 15,000 jobs. Kolhapur's foundry cluster has also felt the strain, with a significant drop in exports to the US, impacting small ancillary units. Similarly, Sangli's auto component and textile exports have plummeted, leaving many small businesses struggling to retain their workforce. Local industrialists are urging the government for swift action, while Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal announced the formation of a committee to assess the situation and explore alternative markets and solutions to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

MatchLog partners with Softlink Global for container optimization

Container reuse platform MatchLog announced on Tuesday a partnership with logistics provider Softlink Global to integrate its container optimisation capabilities with Softlink's Logi-Sys enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. This collaboration aims to enhance container reuse and asset optimisation for freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers, and shipping companies across over 100 countries where Logi-Sys is operational. By embedding container optimisation within Logi-Sys, users will benefit from unified control over freight forwarding, container visibility, and financial workflows, addressing persistent challenges such as container imbalance in the Asia-Pacific region. MatchLog's co-founder, Manish Singh, highlighted the initiative's potential to improve asset utilisation and sustainability in supply chains. Softlink Global's CEO, Amit Maheshwari, emphasized that this integration extends ERP capabilities into asset efficiency, providing customers with better cost control and planning without increasing operational complexity. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

India's oil security safe from US-Venezuela tensions: Report

A recent report by Bank of Baroda has assessed the geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, concluding that they pose minimal risk to India's oil security and trade. Despite Venezuela's significant crude oil reserves, its current global production accounts for only 1% of supply, translating to 960 million barrels per day. The report highlights that while Venezuela holds 19.4% of global reserves, supply constraints limit immediate implications for oil markets. India's trade with Venezuela remains modest, valued at $1.9 billion, with exports declining by 8.8% over five years. Crude oil constitutes the majority of imports from Venezuela, which are competitively priced compared to other sources. Overall, the report indicates that the ongoing tensions are unlikely to impact India's oil import bill, as global supplies are expected to remain abundant. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

Haryana to launch India's first hydrogen train

Haryana is poised to launch India's first hydrogen-powered train, with the Northern Railway project nearing completion between Jind and Sonipat. The state government confirmed that a stable 11 kV power supply has been established for the hydrogen plant in Jind, which boasts a storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is currently in its final commissioning phase. Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi has directed officials from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam to conduct regular reviews of the power supply to ensure the project's success, emphasizing the need for robust alternative arrangements. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously announced that the Indian Railways is piloting this state-of-the-art initiative, adhering to specifications set by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation. The hydrogen for the train will be produced through electrolysis, marking a significant step towards green hydrogen generation in India. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 3 pm

Minister advocates year-round paddy-fish farming study in Pokkali

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Ram Nath Thakur has called for a comprehensive scientific study to explore the feasibility of year-round integrated paddy-fish farming in Kerala's Pokkali fields. This initiative aims to boost farmers' incomes while ensuring ecological and socio-economic sustainability. Thakur's remarks followed farmers' requests to allow continuous fish farming, which is currently restricted to seasonal periods. He stressed the importance of evaluating existing laws and environmental impacts before making policy changes. The Minister's visit, coordinated by the Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), included discussions on a proposed pilot project covering 50 acres to gather data for future interventions. Additionally, Thakur released new products from CMFRI, including an organic compost and a publication on pearl production technology, emphasizing the need for research to benefit rural farmers. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 3 pm

Sustainability Mafia secures Zerodha funding for climate tech growth

The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a non-profit dedicated to climate education and ecosystem development, has secured ₹2 crore in corporate social responsibility funding from Zerodha. This financial boost aims to cultivate a skilled, climate-conscious workforce and assist climate-tech start-ups in scaling their solutions. The funds will facilitate the training of over 300 'Climate Ninjas', support more than 20 early-stage climate ventures, and host regional and national gatherings to unite stakeholders in the sustainability sector. Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath emphasized the importance of providing founders and learners with essential knowledge and support to achieve strong climate outcomes. SusMafia Director Ganesh highlighted the organization's commitment to fostering community collaboration towards sustainability. To date, the Foundation has trained over 400 climate professionals and allocated ₹1 crore in grants to emerging climate initiatives, reinforcing its mission to make sustainability the default choice. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 2 pm

Allcargo boosts CFS capacity near JN Port to 3.6 lakh TEUs

Allcargo Terminals Ltd, a subsidiary of multimodal logistics operator Allcargo Group, has significantly increased the capacity of its container freight station (CFS) near Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) in Navi Mumbai from 190,000 TEUs to 360,000 TEUs annually. This expansion is part of the company's strategic three-year plan aimed at enhancing India's EXIM trade infrastructure through scale, digitisation, and improved facilities. The upgraded CFS features a 25% increase in warehousing capacity and dedicated zones for special and over-dimensional cargo, enabling the handling of rising cargo volumes with greater efficiency. Allcargo's digital-first approach, including tools like the MyCFS app, ensures seamless operations and faster turnaround times. The expansion aligns with JNP's goal of becoming the first Indian port to handle 10 million TEUs by 2027, reinforcing Allcargo's leadership in the logistics sector while addressing growing customer demands. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 2 pm

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