EU and India Strengthen Fairtrade Partnerships for Ethical and Sustainable Markets

Fairtrade in India Conference 2025 Puts Producers at the Heart of Sustainable Global Trade

Bengaluru, September 9, 2025: The two-day conference “Fairtrade in India – Sustainability, Markets & Impact” opened today at The Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru, bringing together global and Indian producers, businesses, policymakers, and sustainability leaders. Supported by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme and EC FFPA, the event underscored the urgency of climate action, responsible sourcing, and producer empowerment, while reaffirming Fairtrade’s pivotal role in building fairness, transparency, and resilience across global supply chains.

Key Highlights – Plenary Session: Future is Fair – Sustainability, Markets and Impact

Franck Viault, Minister Counsellor, EU Delegation to India and Bhutan, emphasized that the future of trade must be “sustainable, inclusive, and fair,” noting the EU’s partnership with India and Fairtrade to build transparent and climate-resilient supply chains.

Lisa Prassack, CEO, Fairtrade International, said progress is measured when every farmer can sell 100% of their produce on fair terms. She highlighted Fairtrade’s mission to leverage data, innovation, and partnerships to make farmers leaders in shaping a fairer and more sustainable world.

Blaise Desbordes, CEO, Max Havelaar France, stressed that Fairtrade links economic empowerment with environmental protection. He noted France’s partnership with India in cotton, spices, tea, and coconuts as key to offering consumers sustainable and traceable choices.

Claudia Brück, Managing Director, Fairtrade Germany, described Fairtrade as a global movement that turns fairness and responsibility into everyday reality, proving that economic success and social responsibility can reinforce one another.

Bindu S, CEO, Fairtrade NAPP, highlighted India’s leadership in the Fairtrade movement with over 100,000 farmers and workers, stressing the importance of putting producers—especially women and youth—at the centre of sustainable trade.

Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India Project, noted that sales of Fairtrade fashion in India have more than doubled, with one garment sold every minute. The gross merchandise value of Fairtrade products has tripled in two years, reflecting strong consumer and business demand for sustainable choices.


The session set the tone for the conference, reaffirming that sustainability is no longer optional but essential, and that producers must remain central to global trade dialogues. Over the next two days, participants will deliberate on topics such as decarbonization in textiles, EU sustainability regulations, livelihoods, climate action, and sustainable fashion, alongside the much-anticipated launch of Mosegi India Pvt. Ltd. and its Fairtrade-powered brand MOSEGI.

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Dominance, Drama and Deciders: Thrilling Quarterfinals at Subroto Cup

Subroto Cup U-15: Quarterfinals Deliver High-Octane Football

Bengaluru, September 7, 2025:
The 64th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament moved into the knockout phase on Sunday with the Sub Junior Boys (U-15) category serving up a day of gripping quarterfinal encounters. The matches showcased not just scorelines but the flair, fighting spirit, and rising promise of young footballers from across the country.

Minerva Public School routs SFS Higher Secondary School
Minerva Public School (CISCE) underlined its supremacy with a resounding 10-0 victory over SFS Higher Secondary School (Nagaland). Lhungdem (4’, 30’), Rimoson (25’), Akash (25’, 27’), Laishram (19’), Hidam (14’, 33’, 35’) and Gurtejveer (38’) all contributed to the scoring spree, ensuring a smooth passage to the semifinals.

Jharkhand edges West Bengal in thriller
St. John High School (Jharkhand) scripted one of the day’s most thrilling comebacks to defeat Manikpara Viveknanda Vidyapith (West Bengal) 3-2. While Charan (2’) and Abhijit (36’) struck for Bengal, Jharkhand rallied through Suraj (7’), Asish (30’) and Ishant (47’) to snatch a dramatic win.

Bihar overcomes Himachal in close contest
Vidyachal International School (Bihar) booked its semifinal berth with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mothers Pride Public School (Himachal Pradesh). Himachal’s Sukhpreet (23’) opened the scoring, but Shubham turned the tide for Bihar with a decisive brace (25+2’, 63’).

Madhya Pradesh seals semifinal spot
River Side Natural School (Madhya Pradesh) rounded off the quarterfinals with a 2-0 triumph over Anand Niketan School (Gujarat). Lokesh emerged the star performer, netting in the 7th minute and once again in stoppage time (50+4’).

The quarterfinals reflected the evolving standard of youth football in India, with matches marked by quick transitions, tactical awareness, and individual brilliance. The stage is now set for fiercely contested semifinals as the journey toward the coveted Subroto Cup title continues.

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TVS Motor Company Unveils NTORQ 150: India’s First Hyper Sport Scooter

Bengaluru, September 8, 2025 – TVS Motor Company on Monday launched the TVS NTORQ 150, positioning it as India’s first Hyper Sport Scooter and the quickest in its segment. With a striking stealth aircraft-inspired design, advanced connected features, and superior safety, the NTORQ 150 aims to set a new benchmark in the premium sporty scooter category.

Priced at an introductory ₹1.19 lakh (ex-showroom, all India), the NTORQ 150 is powered by a 149.7cc O3CTech race-tuned engine that produces 13.2 PS at 7,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 104 km/h, making it the fastest scooter in its class.

Design and Styling

The scooter’s design takes inspiration from stealth aircraft, reflected in its aggressive stance, aerodynamic winglets, jet-inspired vents, and signature ‘T’ tail lamps. Other highlights include MULTIPOINT® projector headlamps, coloured alloy wheels, a stubby muffler with a unique exhaust note, and a naked motorcycle-style handlebar that enhances rider control.

Technology and Connectivity

The NTORQ 150 features a hi-resolution gaming console-inspired TFT cluster, integrated with TVS SmartXonnect™. Riders get access to over 50 connected features, including Alexa voice commands, smartwatch integration, turn-by-turn navigation, live vehicle tracking, last parked location, ride modes, and over-the-air software updates. The adaptive display with a 4-way navigation switch further enhances convenience.

Safety and Comfort

In a segment-first, the scooter comes equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control, along with emergency brake warning, hazard lamps, crash and theft alerts, and follow-me headlamps. Comfort features include telescopic suspension, adjustable brake levers, a patented E-Z centre stand, and a spacious 22-litre under-seat storage.

Variants and Colours

The TVS NTORQ 150 will be available in two variants:

Standard – Stealth Silver, Racing Red, Turbo Blue

TFT Variant – Nitro Green, Racing Red, Turbo Blue


Commenting on the launch, Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice-President – Head Commuter & EV Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “Over two million NTORQ riders and 50+ self-managed riding communities define the strong bond this scooter has built with customers. The new NTORQ 150 represents hyper performance, hyper futuristic design, and hyper connected technology, tailored to the aspirations of Gen Z. It will further strengthen the NTORQ franchise as one of India’s most loved scooter brands.”



With the NTORQ 150, TVS Motor Company seeks to expand its presence in the premium scooter segment, offering Indian riders a mix of power, technology, and sportiness unlike any other in the market.

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ASME to Host First-Ever IMECE India in Hyderabad from September 10

Hyderabad: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will hold the first-ever India edition of its flagship International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) at the Hyderabad International Convention Center (HICC) from September 10 to 13, 2025.

The four-day event is expected to draw nearly 1,500 delegates, including innovators, industry pioneers, academic leaders, and government representatives from across the world. The congress will focus on knowledge exchange, innovation, and global collaboration in engineering.

Shri Kondapalli Srinivas, Minister for MSME, Government of Andhra Pradesh, will be the chief guest, addressing the plenary session on September 12 at 10.30 a.m.

The keynote lineup includes some of the most prominent names in engineering and industry: Dr. Babasaheb Kalyani (Bharat Forge), Tom Costabile (CEO, ASME), Dr. Lester K. Su (President, ASME 2025–26), Dr. Kalaiselvi N. (DG, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR) and Pawan Kumar Chandana (Skyroot Aerospace). They will be joined by several senior leaders from Ashok Leyland, Airbus India, Mercedes Benz R&D, Honeywell UOP, and other organizations.

Sessions at IMECE India 2025 will cover a wide range of themes including green hydrogen and clean energy, AI and machine learning in engineering, curriculum reforms, sustainability and green engineering, innovation for startups, and the Make in India initiative. A special panel, “Turning the Gears: Women Shaping the Future of Mechanical Engineering”, will spotlight women leaders in the field.

The congress will also feature expert-led masterclasses on technology adoption, industrial growth opportunities in Telangana, and MSME participation in aerospace and defence.

According to Madhukar Sharma, President & Director, ASME India Pvt. Ltd., over 650 peer-reviewed research papers will be presented at the event. “This marks the highest-ever participation by Indian scholars in IMECE’s history, underscoring the importance of hosting the congress in India,” he said.

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Special Navagraha Homam at Jayanagar Raghavendra Swamy Matha During Lunar Eclipse

Bengaluru: A special Navagraha Shanti Homam was performed at the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha in Jayanagar 5th Block, Bengaluru, on the occasion of the total lunar eclipse. The rituals were conducted for the welfare of society and the well-being of devotees.

The programme was held under the divine guidance of His Holiness Sri 1008 Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji and led by the senior administrator of the Matha, Sri R.K. Vadindra Acharya. Beginning at 10 p.m. and continuing until 1:30 a.m., ritviks performed the sacred rituals, offering ghee oblations to Chandra (the Moon) and Rahu.

The event included Navagraha Mandala Aradhane, Kalasha Pooja, chanting of Guru Raghavendra Swamy’s Ashtottara, and Maha Mangalarati. A special rangoli mandala dedicated to Lord Narasimha was also arranged, enhancing the devotional atmosphere.

According to Sri Nandakishoracharya, the eclipse was observed with great spiritual fervour, as hundreds of devotees participated in the homam, chanting the name of Guru Raghavendra and seeking the blessings of Lord Hari, Vayu, and their revered Guru.

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