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Ugaoo adopts 'clicks-and-bricks' strategy for urban gardening growth

Ugaoo, an urban gardening and houseplants company founded in 2016, is set to expand its physical presence with plans to open over 80 retail outlets across major Indian cities by 2029-30. Founder and CEO Siddhant Bhalinge announced that the company, which recently launched its flagship store in Pune, has already established 10 outlets in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. Ugaoo operates a 25-acre farm in Talegaon, cultivating over 1,500 plant varieties, which allows for flexibility in meeting consumer demand and maintaining quality control. The company reported a significant revenue increase, reaching ₹63 crore in 2023-24, and aims to enhance its tech infrastructure and supply chain. Bhalinge emphasized the growing trend of home gardening in India, driven by urban consumers seeking plants for both aesthetic and emotional benefits, as well as the desire for cleaner air and stress relief. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 12 pm

KisaanSay aims for 500 FPO partnerships in 5 years

**Headline Suggestions:** 1. KisaanSay to Partner with 500 Farmer Producer Organisations in Ambitious Expansion Plan 2. KisaanSay Aims for Major Growth with 500 FPO Partnerships Over Next 4-5 Years 3. Directly Sourcing from Farmers: KisaanSay's Vision for the Future **Summary:** KisaanSay, a B2C food brand that sources directly from farmers, has announced plans to partner with 500 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) over the next four to five years. Founder Nitin Puri revealed during a recent webinar that the company has already collaborated with 20 FPOs, reaching 50,000 farmers and expanding its product range to over 100 items. The partnership model involves a 50:50 profit-sharing agreement, with KisaanSay providing marketing support and packaging materials. To enhance logistics, the company plans to establish distribution centres nationwide. Currently available on platforms like Amazon and Reliance Jio, KisaanSay is also set to launch on Flipkart. Puri noted that some FPOs have achieved significant revenue, with potential annual earnings of ₹4 crore. The brand is also exploring sales opportunities in Dubai, bolstered by aggressive social media marketing. **SEO Keywords:** 1. KisaanSay 2. Farmer Producer Organisations 3. B2C food brand 4. Profit sharing model 5. Agricultural supply chain **SEO URL:** www.example.com/kisaansay-partners-farmer-producer-organisations **SEO Title:** KisaanSay Plans to Partner with 500 FPOs in Major Expansion Initiative **SEO Description (160 characters):** KisaanSay aims to partner with 500 FPOs in 4-5 years, enhancing farmer revenue and expanding its product range through a unique profit-sharing model. **Sub-Headlines:** 1. **KisaanSay's Ambitious Growth Plans** - Discusses the company's goal to partner with 500 FPOs and its current achievements. 2. **Innovative Supply Chain Strategy** - Outlines the logistics and profit-sharing model that KisaanSay employs with its FPO partners. 3. **Expanding Market Presence** - Highlights KisaanSay's online availability and plans for international sales, including in Dubai. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 9 pm

India's key reservoirs exceed 40% storage capacity

India's major reservoirs have seen a significant increase in water storage, now exceeding 40% of their total capacity, thanks to a 12% surplus in rainfall attributed to the south-west monsoon. The Central Water Commission reports that the reservoirs are filled to nearly 43% of their 182.444 billion cubic metres capacity, with five reservoirs at full capacity and key southern reservoirs, including Krishna Raja Sagara and Mettur, nearly full. This year's water levels are 89 percentage points higher than last year and 75 percentage points above the 10-year average. The southern region, particularly Tamil Nadu, is faring well, with storage levels at 91%, enhancing prospects for the kharif crop. Other regions also show improvement, with northern reservoirs at 37.27% and eastern reservoirs at 39%. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall, which is expected to further boost storage levels and agricultural prospects. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 8 pm

Amitabh Kant appointed non-executive director at IndiGo

InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of India’s largest domestic airline IndiGo, has appointed Amitabh Kant, a former bureaucrat and G20 Sherpa, as a non-executive director on its board. Kant, an IAS officer from the 1980 cadre, recently stepped down from his role as G20 Sherpa and previously served as CEO of Niti Aayog for six years, contributing to initiatives like Make in India and Startup India. He has also taken on an advisory role with Canadian investment firm Fairfax Financial Holdings. Vikram Singh Mehta, chairperson of IndiGo, expressed confidence that Kant’s leadership and extensive experience will significantly aid the airline's ambitious international expansion plans, aiming to establish itself as a global player by 2030. The appointment reflects IndiGo's strategy to leverage diverse expertise as it navigates the competitive aviation landscape. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 8 pm

India-US BTA won't mimic Vietnam-US deal, sources reveal

India's negotiating position in its bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US is notably stronger than Vietnam's, as its export share to the US is significantly smaller, providing greater flexibility. Unlike Vietnam, which relies heavily on the US for nearly 30% of its exports, India’s exports to the US accounted for about 19% of its total goods exports in FY25, amounting to $86.51 billion. This contrasts with Vietnam's $136.6 billion in exports to the US, which resulted in a substantial trade deficit for the US. Indian negotiators are currently in Washington, D.C., attempting to secure an interim deal before a July 9 deadline to avoid steep tariffs. However, they face challenges in meeting US demands, particularly regarding sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, while also seeking reductions in US tariffs on labor-intensive products. The unique economic and political contexts of both countries mean that the Vietnam-US trade deal cannot serve as a template for India. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

Airport lounges vie for traveler loyalty amid fierce competition

The Adani Group is revolutionizing airport lounge access by enabling passengers to connect directly with lounges through its digital platform, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This move comes amid rising tensions in the industry, as DreamFolks' CEO Liberatha Peter Kallat accused major airport operators of pressuring banks to restrict lounge access for cardholders. In a LinkedIn post, Adani's airports CEO Arun Bansal emphasized the importance of innovation, likening their approach to fintech companies that streamline services. The shift has put pressure on DreamFolks, which integrates lounge access for banks and corporate clients, particularly after it announced the discontinuation of certain programs with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank. Adani operates seven airports that served 94.4 million passengers in FY25, and while it did not address Kallat's allegations directly, it highlighted ongoing collaborations with banks to enhance customer experiences in the lounge sector. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

Kerala warns India-US trade deal may harm agriculture

Kerala's Agriculture Minister P Prasad has voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, emphasizing the need for consultations with state governments to prevent detrimental socio-economic and ecological impacts. In letters to Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Piyush Goyal, Prasad expressed strong opposition to any agreement that could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions and threaten the agricultural foundation of Kerala and India. He highlighted the risks posed by US demands for concessions in agriculture, particularly for agrarian states like Kerala, where cash crops such as coconut and rubber are vital. Prasad also criticized NITI Aayog's recommendation for duty-free imports of GM soybeans and maize, which contradicts India's stance against GM crops for food. He warned that such imports would favor large US agribusinesses at the expense of local farmers, undermining Kerala's sustainable agricultural practices and threatening biodiversity in the Western Ghats. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

ATMA to Involve Start-ups in Natural Rubber Tapping Automation

The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) has raised alarms over the quality of India's natural rubber, with low-grade lot rubber accounting for 30-35% of production. Chairman Arun Mammen highlighted the need to elevate quality to international standards to enhance price realisation for farmers, who currently receive the highest prices among rubber-producing nations. India’s natural rubber demand is projected to reach 2 million tonnes by 2030, yet domestic production stands at only 850,000 tonnes, necessitating imports for the shortfall. Notably, over 200,000 hectares of rubber cultivation remain untapped across India, with Kerala alone having 100,000 hectares due to factors like ageing trees and a shortage of tappers. ATMA is advocating for increased domestic production through targeted interventions and automation in tapping, as India’s tyre industry heavily relies on natural rubber, contrasting with the global trend of synthetic rubber dominance. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

DAC approves ₹1.05 lakh crore for ten tri-services proposals

In a significant move to enhance India's military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved ten proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore during its first meeting following Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted that these procurements aim to improve mobility, air defence, and operational readiness across the Armed Forces. Notably, the Indian Navy's long-stalled ₹44,000 crore Mine Counter Measure Vessels project has been revived, while the Army received a ₹30,000 crore nod for the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM) system, designed to counter UAVs and missiles. Additionally, the Indian Air Force will acquire three Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft to bolster surveillance capabilities. The proposals, categorized under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured), underscore the government's commitment to promoting indigenous defence production. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

NCDEX, IMD Collaborate on Rainfall Derivative Product

The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to create India’s first rainfall-based weather derivatives. This innovative financial instrument aims to assist farmers and related sectors in mitigating climate-related risks, such as erratic rainfall and heatwaves. By leveraging historical and real-time data from the IMD, NCDEX plans to develop precise, location-specific derivative contracts that will enhance understanding of weather-related risks across various industries, including agriculture and transportation. NCDEX Managing Director Arun Raste emphasized that this partnership marks a significant advancement in commodity markets, providing farmers and traders with tools to navigate climate uncertainty. IMD's M Mohapatra noted that this collaboration will integrate scientific weather data into the financial sector, fostering economic stability and market innovation. The initiative will also include capacity-building and training programs for stakeholders in the agricultural sector. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 6 pm

Logistics sector hindered by ongoing structural and operational challenges

India's logistics sector is at a pivotal moment, with significant potential driven by increasing trade, policy reforms, and a booming e-commerce market, according to a report by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). However, the sector faces challenges, including high logistics costs that account for 13-14% of GDP—far above the global average of 8%—which hampers competitiveness and export viability. Fragmentation within the supply chain, inconsistent state regulations, and a lack of real-time data sharing contribute to inefficiencies and delays. The report advocates for Performance-Linked Incentives (PLIs) to encourage cost-saving innovations, subsidies for multimodal transport, and the establishment of logistics technology incubation hubs. It emphasizes the need for improved last-mile connectivity, particularly in rural areas, and highlights Tamil Nadu's leadership in driving logistics transformation through strategic infrastructure and technology. The findings were presented at the Southern Regional Shipping Conclave, underscoring the urgency for collaborative efforts among stakeholders. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 6 pm

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