AIAMA EXPO 2025 inaugurated by Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, marks a new era for India’s agarbathi industry with BIS certification launch

The All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA) inaugurated AIAMA EXPO 2025,  India’s largest international conference and exhibition for the agarbathi industry at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru.

The three-day event, themed ‘Traditionally Modern,’ was inaugurated by Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. She also unveiled the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification,  to establish a new quality benchmark to elevate India’s incense manufacturing to global standards.

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, said, “The Indian agarbathi industry is the essence of our culture, craftsmanship and sacred prayer. With the introduction of BIS certification, we are ensuring that Indian incense products meet the highest global quality standards. We aim to create awareness about the agarbathi industry, which has been falsely portrayed as harmful, while also calling for research-backed scientific evidence.”

The Expo brings together industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders for curated sessions on fragrance, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The inaugural day featured renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, who shared insights on the symbolism of fragrance in Indian tradition and spirituality. The upcoming sessions will include business coach Rajiv Talreja leading a discussion on scaling family-run enterprises and the ‘Nose Royale’ Perfume Creation Competition, celebrating craftsmanship and innovation in perfumery.

Mr. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President, AIAMA, and Managing Director, Ambica Group of Companies, said, “AIAMA EXPO 2025 marks a defining moment in our industry’s journey. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators under one roof to celebrate 75 years of legacy while embracing a future driven by quality, sustainability, and growth.”

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Chairman, AIAMA EXPO Committee 2025, and Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, added, “The Expo showcased how the agarbathi industry is evolving by combining traditional artistry with modern business practices. This collaboration will not only empower manufacturers but also reinforce India’s position as the global hub for fragrance creation.”

Spread across 120,000 square feet, the Expo will have curated seminars that will cover various aspects of the agarbathi Industry including job creation, sourcing of raw materials, research on new fragrances, packaging developments, women empowerment, export opportunities and new-age marketing.

                                       

  

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Bengaluru’s Heartfelt Tribute: India Sweet House Honors 24,000 Pourakarmikas with Sweet Boxes and Protective Caps This Dasara

India Sweet House, Bengaluru’s beloved sweets brand, brought the spirit of Dasara alive with a powerful tribute to the city’s unsung heroes—its Pourakarmikas. In a grand post-event initiative at Dr. Rajkumar Glass House, GBA Corporation Office, 24,000 sanitation workers were celebrated and gifted a box of traditional sweets along with a protective cap designed especially to shield them from the relentless sun during their daily work.

Dasara celebrates the victory of good over adversity, and this year India Sweet House chose to honor those who quietly fight a daily battle for cleanliness, health, and public dignity—working before dawn, in rain and shine, to keep Bengaluru beautiful. With the support of Sri Maheshwar Rao M, IAS, Commissioner, GBA, civic leaders, and community participants, the event became a citywide gesture of gratitude and solidarity.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this initiative, every Pourakarmika received not only the flavour and joy of India Sweet House’s signature sweets but also a thoughtful sun cap to enhance their well-being—a reflection of both heartfelt thanks and lasting care.

Commenting on the occasion, Sri Maheshwar Rao M, IAS, said, “Pourakarmikas embody the resilience and spirit of Bengaluru. Their hands keep our streets clean; it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are seen, appreciated, and cared for. India Sweet House has set a new benchmark for community partnership through this campaign.”

Expressing their emotions, founders Shwetha and Vishwanath from India Sweet House remarked, “We are humbled by the selflessness of Bengaluru’s sanitation workers. Sharing sweets is our tradition, and this year, by paying tribute to the people who uphold the wellbeing of our city, we have truly captured the essence of Dasara—gratitude, togetherness, and hope.”

The joyful atmosphere at the event garnered heartfelt smiles, camaraderie, and spontaneous applause—not only celebrating the recipients, but sparking important conversations across the city about dignity of labor, community empathy, and festive inclusion.

About India Sweet House:

Inspired to explore and bring alive India’s rich tapestry of traditional sweets and savouries, the India Sweet House journey began on Karma Farms, a 10 acre farm. Our time-honoured traditional treats are crafted in organic ghee, khova, and fresh milk. To us at India Sweet House, the soul of a sweet lies in the purity of its ingredients and the simplicity of its craft.  We proudly bring the traditional flavours of India to your home, crafting authentic sweets with care and heritage in every bite.

 

Namma Sarathi Trust Launches Women- and Trans Women-Driven ‘Pink Auto’ Fleet in Bengaluru .

 Namma Sarathi Trust (R) announced the launch of “Namma Sarathi” – a fleet of pink auto-rickshaws run by women and trans women drivers in Bengaluru. This pioneering initiative aims to transform public transport by creating sustainable livelihoods, ensuring safer mobility for passengers, and challenging long-standing stereotypes in the city’s transport sector.

With Bengaluru’s urban transport expanding rapidly, women’s participation as drivers in the para-transit space remains disproportionately low. The Namma Sarathi project seeks to change this by training, licensing, and supporting women and trans women to become professional auto-rickshaw drivers. The initiative will prepare 1,000 drivers by March 2026 and scale up to 10,000 by 2030, positioning women as a driving force in the city’s mobility ecosystem.

As part of its implementation, five training centres will be established across Bengaluru, offering a structured three-month program covering driving skills, traffic rules, vehicle maintenance, digital and financial literacy, customer service, and self-defense. In partnership with the RTO and financial institutions, the Trust will also facilitate driving license issuance and access to vehicle loans, while working with unions and aggregator platforms to ensure employment linkages.

“Namma Sarathi is not just about auto training, it is about community,” said the Namma Sarathi team. “By putting women and trans women in the driver’s seat, we are creating opportunities for dignity, financial independence, and a safer Bengaluru. Our vision is to normalize their presence on the city’s streets and set an example for other Indian cities.”

C. Sampath, President, Namma Sarathi Trust, said: “This is a historic moment for Bengaluru. For too long, women and trans women have been passengers but rarely drivers. With Namma Sarathi, we are shifting that narrative.”

Rudra Murthi, Vice President, added: “This initiative is about more than jobs—it is about visibility and representation. Every pink auto on the road will carry a story of courage and change.”

Kavri, General Secretary, remarked: “The program also focuses on equipping our drivers with financial literacy, digital know-how, and self-defense. We want to ensure their empowerment is holistic and lasting.”

Meenakshi, Joint Secretary, said: “Our dream is that when someone sees a woman or trans woman behind the wheel, it feels absolutely normal. That is when we know change has truly arrived.”

Dr Devika Raj, treasurer added: "Namma Sarathi represents more than just pink auto-rickshaws on Bengaluru's roads – it's a powerful movement that puts women and trans women in the driver's seat of both their economic futures and the city's transformation toward inclusive mobility.”

Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan, Honorary Consul of Namibia and mentor  of Namma Sarathi Trust, added that the initiative is as much about societal transformation as it is about mobility. “This program combines empowerment with impact. By 2030, we envision 10,000 women and trans women drivers leading the way in Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw network. When women are behind the wheel, the entire city moves forward.”

The Namma Sarathi team also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tulsyan, acknowledging his early guidance and motivation. “Dr. Tulsyan’s faith in our vision gave us the courage to begin. His support has been instrumental in shaping Namma Sarathi into a movement, not just a project.”

Through this project, Namma Sarathi expects to create new income streams for women—ranging between ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month—while providing the public with a reliable and safer transport option. More importantly, it will establish a replicable model of women-led mobility that can be scaled across India.

About Namma Sarathi Trust

Namma Sarathi Trust (R) is a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation committed to advancing gender equality, inclusive mobility, and women’s empowerment. Founded with the mission of transforming public transport, the Trust provides women and trans women with training, licensing, and support to participate fully in the auto-rickshaw sector—an often male‐dominated space. Programs include driver education (skills, traffic rules, vehicle maintenance), financial and digital literacy, self-defense training, and assistance in obtaining licenses and vehicle financing. By enabling safe, dignified livelihoods, Namma Sarathi seeks to create systemic change: building visibility, agency, and opportunity for women and trans women, and offering a replicable model for inclusive, women-led mobility in Indian cities.

 

Alliance University & IISc Bengaluru to Host National Workshop on Hydrogen Fuel Technologies and Future Trends

Alliance University, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and under the aegis of The Combustion Institute – Indian Section (CIIS), is set to host a two-day National Workshop and Panel Discussion on Hydrogen Fuel Technologies and Future Trends on September 19–20, 2025.

 The two-day workshop will bring together industry experts, academic researchers, policymakers, and students to explore the evolving role of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Special focus will be on its applications in Internal Combustion (IC) Engines, Gas Turbine Engines, and emerging propulsion systems, with in-depth discussions on hydrogen integration, safety protocols, and the role of AI/ML in hydrogen engine design.

 The inaugural session will feature Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, as the Chief Guest; Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, as Guest of Honour; and Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Chairman, CIIS and Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, who will deliver the inaugural keynote on “India’s Hydrogen Policy and Future Trends.” Mr. Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro Chancellor, Alliance University, will deliver the welcome address.

 This workshop is one of India’s most focused and multidisciplinary forums on hydrogen technologies and will spotlight technological advancements, sector-specific challenges, and collaborative opportunities across academia, government, and industry. Sessions will include topics such as hydrogen utilization in transportation, aerospace, energy production, and safety systems, along with its role in rockets and rotating detonation engines.

 The workshop will also feature speakers and participants from IIT Bombay, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), CSIR, and leading academic institutions. More than 100 delegates including researchers, doctoral students, industry professionals, and policy leaders are expected to attend.

 In a press conference announcing the workshop, the following remarks were shared: Mr Pradip Kumar Pandey, Secretary, The Combustion Institute Indian Section (CIIS), said:. At present, green hydrogen costs nearly twice as much as grey or brown hydrogen. However, as we continue to invest in research and development, the cost will gradually come down. The goal is to make green hydrogen as affordable as conventional alternatives. Currently, the global cost of clean hydrogen is around ten US dollars per kilogram. The international target is to reduce that to just one dollar per kilogram.

 This can only be achieved through collaboration between researchers, policymakers, institutions, and industry.

He added, Alliance University has adopted a village where we are implementing hydrogen-based solutions. They are also working to raise funds from both industry and government sources to build this into a model project. Eventually, as they develop safer storage methods, clean hydrogen can also be used in transportation and other sectors, making clean energy more accessible and cost effective.”

 Mr Abhay G Chebbi, Pro Chancellor, Alliance University, remarked: “Our country possesses an enormous level of potential when it comes to clean energy innovation and sustainability. However, it is primarily technology, not policy, that presents the biggest hurdle. While the policy framework is steadily evolving in the right direction, we must focus our efforts on accelerating indigenous technological development and adoption.

 Bridging the gap between research and real-world application is critical. We need stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and government to overcome technical challenges and translate our scientific strengths into scalable and impactful solutions. India has the talent and ambition. Now we must invest in the tools and platforms that will help us lead the global clean energy transition.”

 Dr Priestly B Shan, Vice Chancellor, Alliance University, remarked: “One of the key opportunities in India’s hydrogen transition is its potential to create large scale employment. The National Green Hydrogen Mission estimates six lakh new jobs by 2030. Through workshops like this, we aim to build awareness and develop the skilled workforce needed to meet that demand.

 We are also recommending the creation of hydrogen hubs that integrate local skill development, making employment an integral part of the hydrogen ecosystem. As adoption scales, hydrogen will transform energy systems, infrastructure, and supply chains. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a key role in research and optimization.

 The two-day workshop promises to be a significant platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in the field of hydrogen fuel technologies. By bringing together leading minds from academia, industry, and government, the event aims to shape a national agenda for sustainable energy innovation and position India as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.

 

 

 

HortiConnect India 2025: India’s First Global Horticulture Expo to Debut in Bengaluru .

India will host its first truly global horticulture exhibition and conference, HortiConnect India 2025, from September 25–27 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The three-day event will bring together over 125 exhibitors, 10,000 participants, global delegations, and leading experts.

Supported by the Government of Karnataka, the event is organised with the National Horticulture Board, South India Floriculture Association, Indian Greenhouse Manufacturer Association, and others. The Netherlands joins as Partner Country, alongside delegations from Turkey, Spain, Israel, Sri Lanka, and more.

The theme, “Connecting Indian Horticulture Globally,” aims to link growers, entrepreneurs, and agribusinesses with markets and technologies worldwide. With India’s horticulture production projected at 362 million tonnes in 2025 and exports already near USD 1.8 billion, the expo comes at a strategic time.

Mr. Rajeeb Kumar Roy, Director, HortiConnect and MD, Agriplast Tech India, said: 

“HortiConnect India 2025 is a platform to bring Indian growers ‘shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. It is by the farmers, for the farmers.” Founding Directors include Mr. S.K. Gutgutia, Mr. Shrikant Bollapally, Mr. Rajendra Kumar, Mr. Rafi, and Mr. Bhavin, Mr Rounak.

Highlights include technology showcases in smart irrigation, AI, robotics, hydroponics, vertical farming, and post-harvest solutions. Farmers will benefit from training workshops on Good Agricultural Practices, while start-ups gain exposure through innovation pavilions and investor sessions. The 3-day long event will have inhouse conference, buyer-seller meetings, floral fashion show, and farm visits will add unique experiences.

Mr. Shrikant Bollapally, Director, HortiConnect India, said, “Our vision is to create opportunities for every participant—where technology meets tradition, policy meets practice, and innovation meets investment.”

The expo will also focus on women in horticulture, climate-smart farming, biodegradable materials, and carbon credit opportunities. Demonstrations of smart greenhouses, sensor-driven irrigation, and vertical farming will showcase sustainable solutions. The HortiTech Innovation Awards will honor pathbreaking technologies and models.

Keynote speakers include experts from ICAR-IIHR, UHS Bagalkot, and global specialists from the Netherlands, Colombia, and the USA. Policymakers from the Ministry of Agriculture and state horticulture departments will also participate.

Sponsors include Punjab National Bank, Aster Healthcare, and Royal Orchid Central Bangalore. 

Registration is free at the official website, with premium passes offering access to farm tours, exclusive buyer meetings, and conference sessions.HortiConnect India 2025 will be a milestone for India’s horticulture sector—bringing farmers, industry, researchers, and policymakers together to shape a globally competitive future.

 

Cue Sports Premier League Returns with a Power-Packed Second Edition

 The Cue Sports Premier League (CSPL) is back for its highly anticipated second edition, promising a grander, more competitive, and internationally studded event. Organized by the prestigious Bowring Institute, the league will be hosted at the state-of-the-art South Pavilion Snooker Arena in Bengaluru. The second edition of CSPL will commence from 2^nd of October to 8^th October 2025.

Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, CSPL 2 aims to raise the bar with a stellar lineup of players, a unique format, and exciting new features. The tournament will showcase a mix of international legends, Indian champions, and emerging talent, all competing for the coveted CSPL title.

An Elite Roster of Talent

The second edition features an impressive assembly of cue sports icons. Leading the pack is Padma Bhushan awardee and 27-time World Billiards Champion, Pankaj Advani, joined by Arjuna Awardees such as Aditya Mehta and Sourav Kothari.

This season marks the introduction of international players, adding a new dimension of competition and excitement. Globally recognized cueists including Stephen Lee, James Wattana, Rory McLeod, Mohammed Shehab, Harvey Chandler, and KritsanutLertsattayathorn will make their debut in CSPL, bringing world-class skills to the table.

Sponsors and Partners

The Embassy Group returns as the Title Sponsor for CSPL and Snooker Alley joins as a Co-Sponsor, reflecting the growing commercial interest in cue sports.

Voices from the Leadership

Pankaj Advani, on the vision behind CSPL, said "CSPL is more than a league, it's a platform for the best players across tiers to compete, collaborate, and elevate the sport. With international stars joining this year, it’s a big leap forward for cue sports in India."

Raghavindra Y R, Chairman – Billiards and Snooker, Bowring Institute, said “success with the inaugural edition of CSPL, which brought together talent, passion, and a spirit of true sportsmanship from the snooker fraternity. The overwhelming response encouraged us to dream bigger, and today, we are proud to launch the Second Edition of The Cue Sports Premier League. The Cue Sports Premier League stands apart as India’s only league that unites four tiers of cue sports excellence – International champions, National icons, State-level competitors, and Club talents. CSPL bridges the gap between club-level players and international champions. It’s a celebration of skill, mentorship, and sportsmanship. The second edition will be a milestone event for cue sports in the country."

 Rajesh Bajaj, Director Embassy Group, said” it’s an honor to be associated with a league of this magnitude that promotes Cue Sports in India”.`

League Format and Match Structure

CSPL 2.0 will feature eight teams:

·         Lightning Legion

·         Cyclone Crusaders

·         Summer Tuskers

·         Hurricane Hawks

·         Thunderstorm Titans

·         Tornado Tigers

·         Whirlwind Warriors

·         Bazooka Blizzard’s

Players Composition Per Team

Each team was formed through a player auction held in Bengaluru. Each team comprises 9 players. A total of 72 players across 8 teams.

·         3 MARQUEE PLAYERS –This includes One INTERNATIONAL PLAYER AND 2 NATIONAL PLAYERS

·         2 STATE LEVEL PLAYERS -

·         4 CLUB LEVEL PLAYERS –

The League Format

⮚      Eight teams will participate in the league stage.

⮚      Each team will play against every other team once.

⮚      Matches will be conducted in a round-robin format.

⮚      Matches will be played in a 9 frame format.

The top four teams in the points table at the end of the league stage will qualify for the knockout stage.

Knockout Stage:

The knockout stage will consist of two Qualifier matches, one Eliminator, and the Final.

The first Qualifier will be played between the top two teams from the league stage, with the winner advancing directly to the Final.

The Eliminator will be played between the third and fourth-ranked teams from the league stage. The losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.

The second Qualifier will be played between the losing team of the first Qualifier and the winner of the Eliminator. The winner of this match will progress to the Final.

The Final will be played on Wednesday, October 8 between the winners of the first Qualifier and the second Qualifier to determine the champion of Cue Sports Premier League 2025.

World-Class Venue and Broadcast

The tournament is held at the South Pavilion Snooker Arena at Bowring Institute, widely regarded as one of the best snooker venues in India. The arena features:·         7 World Championship tables (Star XingPai) tables

·         Seating for 140+ spectators

·         Live broadcast capabilities via the Club Liv app

·         Matches played on World Championship Star Xingpai and Rasson tables 

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Sharp Rise in Myopia and Astigmatism in Bengaluru Over the Last Decade, linked to Increased Screen Time and Reduced Outdoor Activity, Say Doctors

Bengaluru is witnessing a worrying rise in refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism, particularly among children, young adults, and IT professionals with heavy screen exposure, according to doctors at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. They attribute this surge to rising digital screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and the pressure of demanding academic and work schedules. In response to this growing concern in Karnataka, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Launched new machine, Wavelight® EX500 Contoura Excimer Laser in Bengaluru, an advanced topography-guided LASIK system that delivers highly precise, customised treatments to help patients achieve sharper, clearer vision.

 Refractive errors are vision problems that occur when the eye cannot focus light correctly, making objects appear blurred. In Karnataka, myopia and astigmatism have shown a sharp rise in recent years, especially among children aged 8–15 and young adults aged 20–35. Experts emphasise that early screening and timely treatment of refractive errors are vital to preventing long-term complications such as lazy eye in children as well as reducing eye strain in young adults and preserving overall quality of life.

 Dr. Amod Nayak, Head Clinical Services at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, explained, “We are witnessing a rapid rise in refractive errors, particularly myopia and astigmatism, in Bengaluru and across Karnataka. Children and young professionals are most vulnerable due to screen-heavy lifestyles. The Contoura Vision technology allows us to correct not only refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but also microscopic corneal irregularities that glasses or standard LASIK often miss for anyone above the age of 18 years. This means our patients enjoy sharper, more natural vision.”

 Unlike conventional LASIK, Contoura Vision maps up to 22,000 unique points on the cornea to deliver highly personalized treatment. This advanced approach corrects even subtle irregularities in the eye’s surface, enhancing visual clarity and reducing side effects such as glare and halos, enabling faster recovery and sharper vision.

 Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, Cornea and Refractive Eye Surgeon at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said, “For many patients, refractive surgery is no longer just a cosmetic choice, it’s about comfort, productivity, and long-term eye health. This machine brings a new standard of precision and safety to Bengaluru, enabling patients to return to work within 48–72 hours of the procedure. We expect this innovation to significantly reduce dependence on glasses and improve quality of life across age groups.”

 Contoura technology maps your eye with the same level of uniqueness as a fingerprint and then customizes the laser reshaping to match that exact pattern. This provides highly precise refractive outcomes for every individual’s cornea, treats 

Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs), reduces chances of glare and holes and thus provides overall excellent quality of vision and improves night vision.

 “With five refractive machines already operational across Karnataka and over 65 across India, and 13 hospital facilities in Bengaluru alone, we are at the forefront of advanced refractive surgery. This expansion is not a trial run but an extension of a well-established practice that has transformed thousands of lives through safe, reliable, and personalised procedures,”

 Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital performs about 2,500–3,000 refractive surgeries every month, reflecting the trust and expertise it brings to advanced vision correction. As part of the launch, the hospital is offering Free Refractive Evaluation and Contoura procedures at the best value across all Karnataka branches throughout August.