New Delhi-based deep-tech startup Vecmocon Technologies has raised over USD 18 million (approximately Rs. 153 crore) in a Series A funding round to bolster its growth in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The round was led by sustainability-focused venture capital fund EIF, with additional participation from Aavishkaar Capital, BII, and existing investor Blume Ventures. This funding will accelerate Vecmocon’s efforts in embedded design, power electronics, IoT, and data science, while also supporting team expansion and R&D infrastructure.

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has announced a strategic equity partnership with Bullet, an innovative content and technology startup that has developed India’s first micro-drama app. Focused on short, creator-driven vertical episodes, Bullet targets younger, mobile-first audiences with quick, immersive storytelling. Integrated within the ZEE5 ecosystem, the platform will leverage ZEEL’s extensive user base and multilingual content library.

Murae Organisor Ltd, traditionally a pharmaceutical company, has made a significant foray into the agricultural commodity sector by securing supply contracts worth Rs 297 crore from a range of domestic institutional clients. These orders encompass essential agri-products such as mustard seeds, groundnuts, chickpeas, and various oilseeds and pulses, slated for delivery according to client-specific timelines. The initial Rs 57 crore tranche is scheduled for fulfillment within the next 30 days.

Ecoboard Industries has announced a significant milestone in its green initiative, EcoYou, which has transformed 22 million tonnes of agricultural waste into sustainable building materials. This pioneering effort has infused approximately USD 24 million (around Rs. 205 crore) into rural supply chains, supporting farmers, artisans, and carpenters. By producing eco-friendly boards from agricultural by-products such as wheat straw and rice husk, the company is advancing sustainable construction practices both domestically and internationally.

In a significant stride to strengthen India’s high-tech manufacturing capabilities, the government has sanctioned the establishment of two new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) dedicated to semiconductor and electronic components production. The approvals, granted to Micron Semiconductor Technology India and Hubballi Durable Goods Cluster (Aequs Group), mark a major push towards fostering domestic manufacturing ecosystems and bolstering India’s position in the global electronics supply chain.

HCLTech, one of India’s leading IT services companies, has inaugurated its new delivery centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This strategic expansion underscores the company's commitment to bolstering its presence in South India and advancing projects in artificial intelligence, generative AI, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies. The newly launched centre, following the first facility in Kochi, aims to nurture a culture of innovation while providing promising career opportunities for local talent.

Birla Estates, the real estate arm of Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd, has raised Rs. 420 crore from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to fund two large-scale housing developments in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune. The investment, equivalent to USD 50 million, will be directed into Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) managing the projects in Manjri (Pune) and Thane. IFC’s strategic backing aligns with Birla Estates’ mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality urban living spaces, while bolstering India’s housing sector and economic growth.

Maruti Suzuki India’s Chairman R. C. Bhargava affirmed on Monday that the company’s production remains unaffected despite China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth elements and related magnets. Since April 4, China has imposed stringent licensing requirements on the export of seven rare earth elements, vital for sectors such as automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy. While China dominates over 90 percent of global processing capacity for these materials, Maruti Suzuki maintains current production schedules, relying on expected regulatory approvals.

German life sciences giant Bayer AG has announced the launch of BICOTA, an innovative pest management product targeting stem borers, a major threat to rice crops in India. Scheduled for release in June 2025 across 11 key rice-growing states including Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, BICOTA promises longer-lasting protection with a single application while promoting root and tiller development.