Adani in Talks with Meta and Google to Build $100B Data Centers in India

Adani Group is in discussions with Meta and Google to establish partnerships for building large-scale data centers in India, part of Gautam Adani’s broader plan to invest around $100 billion in digital infrastructure. The talks are focused on leveraging Adani’s strengths in land acquisition and renewable energy to support hyperscale facilities that can meet the growing demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence workloads. Walmart-owned Flipkart is also negotiating with Adani for potential data center sites, underscoring the rising importance of India as a hub for digital infrastructure.

These partnerships, if finalized, would position Adani as a key enabler of global technology expansion in South Asia, while also aligning with sustainability goals through renewable energy integration. The group is evaluating multiple states for site development, though no agreements have yet been finalized. The move reflects India’s ambition to become a central player in the global cloud and AI ecosystem, even as other markets like China warn of oversupply in data centers.

Factor	Impact
Partnership with Meta & Google	Strengthens India’s role in global cloud and AI ecosystems
$100B Infrastructure Push	Signals one of the largest private investments in India’s digital economy
Flipkart’s Interest	Expands ecosystem beyond global tech giants to domestic e-commerce
Renewable Energy Integration	Aligns with sustainability goals and reduces operational costs
Site Exploration Across States	Ensures geographic diversification and resilience

This combination of global partnerships, domestic participation, and renewable energy integration could accelerate India’s readiness for cloud adoption and AI infrastructure, while positioning Adani as a central player in the region’s digital economy.

ELMED Life Sciences Raises $2.7 Million in Series A Funding from AgriSURE Fund (NABVENTURES)

ELMED Life Sciences, a science-led company focused on probiotic and biological solutions across animal health, aquaculture, agriculture and human health has successfully raised $2.7 Million (₹25 crore) in Series A funding from AgriSURE Fund, an agri-focused investment fund managed by NABVENTURES, the venture capital arm of NABARD. This investment will support the company’s next phase of growth, focused on expanding its manufacturing, strengthening R&D, and scaling distribution across key markets.

Founded by Pruthivin Reddy Madduri & co-founded by Nikhil Konkathi, ELMED Life Sciences is working towards advancing biological solutions that improve productivity, immunity, and sustainability across farm ecosystems. The company operates across four key segments: animal health, agriculture, aquaculture, and human health, offering probiotic-based solutions tailored to the needs of poultry, dairy, livestock, shrimp, fish farming, and soil/plant health.

The investment comes at a time when the global and Indian agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a significant shift towards biological and microbiome-based solutions, driven by increasing regulatory restrictions on antibiotic usage, rising export standards for residue-free produce, and growing awareness around sustainable farming practices. In India, the probiotic segment across animal health, aquaculture, and agriculture is growing rapidly, with adoption accelerating across poultry, dairy, and aquaculture sectors.

With the new funding, ELMED Life Sciences aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Hyderabad while strengthening its research and development in microbiome-based solutions. The company is also focused on deepening its distribution network across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets in India and building a stronger presence in international markets driven by rising demand for sustainable, antibiotic-free solutions.

“We founded ELMED Life Sciences with one conviction that nature’s own biological intelligence, when harnessed through rigorous science, can transform the health and productivity of animals, humans, aquatic systems, and soil. The support of the AgriSURE Fund is a strategic partnership with an institution that understands this market from the ground up. With this funding, we are ready to take ELMED to its next chapter: deeper into the heart of Indian agriculture, and broader into global markets that increasingly demand clean, biological, and residue-free solutions. The opportunity ahead of us is immense, and we are only getting started.” Pruthivin Reddy Madduri, Founder & Managing Director, ELMED Life Sciences. 

Speaking about the investment, Ashish Choudhary, Investment Manager, AgriSURE Fund, NABVENTURES, said, “Indian agriculture is steadily moving towards more sustainable and residue-free practices, creating a strong need for reliable biological solutions. Through the AgriSURE Fund, we focus on backing businesses that can drive this shift at scale. ELMED has demonstrated both scientific strength and on-ground adoption across key agri segments, and this investment will support its next phase of growth in manufacturing and market expansion.”

“ELMED operates in a rapidly emerging segment within the probiotic and biological solutions space, with strong growth potential. The company’s positioning and scalability make it a compelling opportunity. We are pleased to have supported this funding.” Sumeet Seraf, Founder & CEO, Equity360. 

ELMED Life Sciences currently operates across India from its headquarters based out of Hyderabad, India, and serves multiple notable MNC’s through a B2B approach across industries.

The company is also expanding its global footprint and currently exports to more than 18 countries, with plans to further strengthen its presence across Europe, Asia & South American (LATAM) countries going forward. ELMED is the first company in India to research and develop probiotics specifically for agriculture.

Over the next few years, ELMED aims to significantly scale its operations, focusing on expansion across domestic and international markets while continuing to invest in science-backed innovation in biological solutions, focusing on ONE HEALTH.

Website: https://www.elmedlifesciences.com

Future of Mobility: MGDP 6.0 Opens Applications for Start-ups in AI, EV, and Sustainability

• Innovation in Automobile’ is the central theme of Season 6.0 of MG Developers Program & Grant
• Applications open today; Entries close April 30, 2026
• Demo Day is scheduled for June 1, 2026
• MGDP has received over 1550 entries across its first five seasons

JSW MG Motor India today announced the launch of Season 6.0 of the MG Developer Program & Grant (MGDP) in collaboration with DPIIT, reaffirming its commitment to accelerating innovation and strengthening India’s start-up ecosystem. Building on the successes of the previous seasons, the sixth edition of MGDP is themed on ‘Innovation in Automotive’ and will focus on future-ready innovations.

Season 6.0 encourages start-ups to showcase their innovations under various categories, such as Innovation in Logistics and Supply Chain, AI in Automotive, V2X Intelligence, Sustainability & Circular Economy, Innovation in Vehicle Technology, Connected Services, Innovation in EV Charging Infrastructure, and Innovation in Manufacturing. An esteemed jury panel comprising senior leaders and distinguished experts from leading corporates, academic institutions and industry bodies will evaluate the entries based on their uniqueness and real-world applicability.

Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India said, “Innovation remains the cornerstone of JSW MG Motor India’s vision for India, and we remain committed to nurturing this value through multiple initiatives. This new edition of MGDP aims to empower ambitious start-ups working across new energy, autonomous, and connected mobility technologies. Together, we hope to shape a future where technology meaningfully enhances every customer’s experience.”

Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “Startup India, DPIIT is committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration, create opportunities for young talent and encourage India-specific innovation. We are delighted to partner with JSW MG Motor India for the new season of MGDP. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to nurturing India’s future workforce and fostering a culture of practical problem-solving.”

Selected participants will receive mentoring from JSW MG Motor India and its ecosystem partners, along with access to development support, opportunities for testing, and consideration for grant assistance at the jury’s discretion. Applications for the sixth season are live from today, with the final date for submission being April 30, 2026. Shortlisted teams will be mentored ahead of Demo Day on June 1, 2026.

Launched in 2019 in partnership with MG partner companies and tech giants, the MG Developer Program & Grant aims to nurture ground-breaking solutions within the Indian urban mobility space.

The program received over 1550 entries and saw 290+ teams being shortlisted in the first round across seasons 1 to 5. The teams were provided mentorship by 100+ experts, including JSW MG Motor India’s leadership and its technology ecosystem partners, making it the largest mentoring program in the automotive segment. A total of 51 start-ups have already been shortlisted by MG to date as part of MGDP and Grant, and they are working on various pilot projects.

MGDP 6.0 website is live! https://www.mgmotor.co.in/world-of-mg/events/mg-developer-program-grant-6

Startup India Application Link: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/ams-application/accelerator-program.html?applicationId=69ae994fe4b0b7e5b72b9dd4

About JSW MG Motor India

SAIC Motor, a global Fortune 500 company with a presence in over 100 countries and JSW Group (India's leading conglomerate with interests across B2B and B2C sectors) formed a joint venture - JSW MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd. in 2023. The joint venture aims to build a smart and sustainable automotive ecosystem while staying focused on developing a diverse portfolio of vehicles to give car buyers better access to advanced technologies and futuristic products with attractive value propositions. JSW MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd. is committed to introducing world-class technology, strengthening the manufacturing landscape, bringing the best of innovation across its business operations, and generating significant employment opportunities through extensive localisation.

About Morris Garages

Founded in the UK in 1924, Morris Garages vehicles were world-famous for their sports cars, roadsters, and cabriolet series. MG vehicles were much sought after by celebrities, including British Prime Ministers and even the British Royal Family, for their styling, elegance, and spirited performance. The MG Car Club, set up in 1930 at Abingdon in the UK, has thousands of loyal fans, making it one of the world’s largest clubs for a car brand. MG has evolved into a modern, futuristic, and innovative brand over the last 100 years. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat, has an annual production capacity of 1,00,000 plus vehicles and 6,000 direct and indirect employees. Driven by its vision of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) mobility, the innovative automaker has augmented across-the-board ‘experiences’ within the automobile segment today. It has introduced several ‘firsts’ in India, including India’s first Internet SUV – MG Hector, India’s first Pure Electric Internet SUV – MG ZS EV, India’s first Autonomous (Level 1) Premium SUV – MG Gloster, the Astor- India’s first SUV with personal AI assistant and Autonomous (Level 2) technology, MG Comet – The Street-Smart Car, India’s first Intelligent CUV, MG Windsor, World’s Fastest MG – MG Cyberster and The Presidential Limousine – MG M9.

Is Your Salad Bowl Safe? Here's How to Minimise Health Risks of Hidden Pesticides in Your Vegetables

A bowl of fresh salad implies clean eating for most, but the journey from farm to plate tells another story. It goes beyond concerns of cleanliness to the hidden realities of pesticides and insecticides used to protect crops from pests and boost production.

Dr-Basavaraj S Kumbar, Internal Medicine Doctor 

Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, said – The economic function of these chemicals fails to protect consumers because their residues persist on produce items, leading to less nutritious salads. According to him, here’s what you need to know.

1. Surface Residues Are More Common Than You Think

Vegetables need multiple applications of pesticides throughout their growing period. Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicum retain more pesticides because of their surface. Post-harvest treatments are also applied to products even after they have been harvested to maintain product freshness. This makes them unfit for consumption. While washing them under running water helps, but it fails to eliminate all pesticide residues.

2. Some Chemicals Are Systemic

Vegetables may contain residues that exist both on outer surfaces and within internal tissues. People can decrease exposure to some fruits and vegetables through peeling, but this method does not work for leafy greens.

3. Endocrine Disruption Is a Real Concern

Some agricultural chemicals interfere with the endocrine system. The chemicals disrupt thyroid function and reproductive hormones while they also interfere with metabolic control mechanisms. People who consume certain foods repeatedly over an extended period can develop insulin resistance and experience menstrual irregularities and reduced sperm quality.

4. Nutrient Loss from Soil Degradation

The consequences of excessive chemical usage extend beyond their impact on humans. The chemical substances diminish essential soil microorganisms which help maintain soil nutrient levels. The health advantages of vegetables decrease because plants cultivated in nutrient-deficient soil produce lower amounts of vital micronutrients.

Safer Washing Methods That Can Help

• Rinsing under running water for at least 30 seconds removes dirt and some residues.
• Soaking vegetables in baking soda and water solution for 10 to 15 minutes has proven to be effective.
• Using vinegar solution can reduce surface microbes although they do not completely eliminate all systemic chemicals.
• Scrubbing firm produce and discarding outer leaves of cabbage or lettuce also helps lower exposure.

Smart Buying and Storage Practices

Seasonal produce should be selected because it provides better health benefits when combined with vegetables from nearby farmers who use organic farming methods and they need to select non-wax-coated vegetables. The organic option should be chosen for all high-residue vegetables whenever it becomes available.

FAQs on risk of pesticide in salad

Q. Why can salads contain pesticide residues?
Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and other salad ingredients may be treated with pesticides during farming to protect crops from pests and disease.

Q. Are pesticide residues harmful to health?
Long-term exposure to high levels of certain pesticides may increase the risk of hormonal disruption, neurological issues, or other health concerns. However, residues on food are usually regulated within safety limits.

Q. Which salad ingredients are most likely to carry residues?
Leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach, as well as strawberries and bell peppers, are often reported to have higher residue levels if not properly washed.

Q. Can washing salad remove pesticides?
Rinsing under running water helps reduce surface residues. Soaking in salt water or baking soda solution may further lower pesticide traces.

Q. Is peeling vegetables effective?
Yes, peeling can reduce pesticide exposure, but it may also remove valuable nutrients found in the skin.

New Renault Duster TCe Turbo 160 Achieves ARAI-Certified Fuel Efficiency of 18.45 km/l

Renault India announces the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures for new Renault Duster powered by Turbo TCe 160 engine. The new Renault Duster equipped with the segment’s most powerful turbo-petrol engine delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.45 km/l with the DCT automatic transmission and 17.75 km/l with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Speaking on the development, Dr V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, Renault Group India said, “The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to delivering superior all-round value. New Renault Duster’s Turbo 160 engine integrates advanced solutions such as low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimise combustion and efficiency. Paired with Renault’s latest DCT automatic transmission, which ensures fast and seamless gear shifts, the powertrain delivers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency while remaining strong and responsive on the road.”

The new Renault Duster has been engineered for Indian driving conditions, combining strong performance with the best-in-class ride and handling. The Turbo TCe 160 engine produces 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful offering in its segment. Thanks to Renault’s smart engineering and optimized powertrain design, the new Duster offers a compelling blend of exceptional performance along with and class-leading fuel economy.