Lovely Professional University’s (LPU) School of Agriculture recently hosted an International Conference on Recent Trends in Smart and Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Nutritional Security-2024 (SSAFNS 2024). The conference was aimed at tackling critical challenges in global food systems by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and provided an invaluable platform for students to learn about the latest innovations, sustainable practices and emerging trends shaping global agriculture and food security.

Bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers and practitioners to share knowledge, innovations and best practices to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability, the conference focused on areas such as sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, post-harvest management, value addition, technological advances in food and human nutrition, agricultural policy extension and public health.

Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU was the chief guest of the event and Dr S K Malhotra, VC of MHU Karnal; Dr J S Sandhu, former DDG (Crop Science) at ICAR and Dr R G Aggarwal, Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Limited were present as guests of honour. Col Dr Rashmi Mittal, Pro Chancellor of LPU, also graced the event. Other eminent speakers included Dr Naveen Shivanna, Dr Dilfuza J Pushkinova from Uzbekistan, Dr Anil Kumar Anal from Thailand and Dr Pankaj B Pathare from Oman.

Dr Mittal made a comment on how the younger generation perceives agriculture, saying that many people consider it to be low-profile despite its historical significance as the earliest profession in history. He urged legislative changes to better assist farmers, highlighting their crucial role as the foundation of any nation.

Dr Malhotra said that the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) use research and development to tackle the difficulties posed by climate change in agriculture. State governments ought to upgrade intelligent and sustainable methods at the village level in order to successfully execute climate-resilient farming, he further added, explaining that this comprehensive strategy uses AI-based solutions, effective water and fertiliser management, eco-friendly soil and plant health management, protected cultivation and the development of tolerant crop types.

A lecture on Dr M S Swaminathan Memorial was given by Dr Sandhu. He referred to Dr Swaminathan as the pioneer of India's Green Revolution, pointing out that his innovative work had a profound effect on millions of people's lives by changing the country's agricultural landscape and laying the foundation for global food security.

Dr Aggarwal emphasised the revolutionary potential of innovation in Indian agriculture in his speech. Although Indian agriculture is expanding favourably, he pointed out that several crop categories' production is still below international norms. He largely ascribed this to the requirement for high-quality agricultural inputs, non-remunerative crop pricing and farmers' limited embrace of new technologies. He emphasised that raising these elements might greatly raise farmers' profits and general well-being.

JSW MG Motor India is set to expand its EV portfolio with the MG Windsor Pro, which is set to be introduced on 6 May 2025.

The MG Windsor Pro is expected to offer a higher range, more features, improved safety and minor design tweaks. While technical details are yet to be released, it is safe to understand that the company is looking to further drive sales of its popular EV, targeting a new set of customers.

Launched on 11 September 2024, the company positioned the Windsor as a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) and the most comfortable EV in its segment.

The Windsor EV has already surpassed 20,000 units sales since launch, and has been the highest selling electric passenger vehicle for the last several months in a row.

Gujarat-headquartered electric vehicle maker Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, the maker of ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’ brand, has reported a consolidated net profit of INR 63.6 million for FY2025, maintaining profitability for the fifth consecutive year despite industry headwinds and a 5.1 percent drop in annual revenue.

The company’s total consolidated revenue stood at INR 3.04 billion, down from INR 3.2 billion last year. However, EBITDA rose 13.9 percent YoY to INR 3.6 billion, and EBITDA margins improved by 222 basis points to 12.11 percent, reflecting strong cost discipline and operational efficiency.

Despite a 52.7 percent YoY dip in PAT, largely due to a high base in FY2024, Wardwizard remained in the black – underscoring resilience amid a challenging EV market environment.

Yatin Sanjay Gupte, Chairman & MD, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, said, “While annual revenues saw a slight decline, EBITDA rose 14 percent YoY. Our profitable performance, sustained for five consecutive years, sets us apart and reinforces the strength of our strategy.”

In Q4 FY25 (Jan–Mar 2025), the company recorded a 62.2 percent YoY rise in PAT to INR 64.5 million, with EBITDA nearly doubling to INR 1.8 billion. PAT margins for the quarter expanded to 5.91 percent, and EBITDA margins reached 17.26 percent, reflecting improved product mix and cost optimisation.

During the last fiscal, the company deployed over 400 electric two-wheelers across major cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad as well as the launch of L5 electric rickshaws in Maharashtra. Ongoing partnerships and a USD 1.29 billion EV initiative in the Philippines are expected to drive future growth.

“With continued innovation and targeted execution, we are building a stronger foundation for long-term growth,” Gupte added.

OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV) has appointed Ajay Dhiman as the new President – Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its electric vehicle and EV components business.

In this strategic leadership role, Dhiman will be responsible for operations and technology functions spanning manufacturing, R&D, product development, quality, sourcing, supply chain and business strategy.

He joins OPG Mobility with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and EV sectors. He previously served as Senior Vice-President at Revolt Motors, where he is said to play a key role across CXO-level functions and was instrumental in accelerating product development and delivering high-quality electric mobility solutions. His career includes leadership stints at Honda, Renault-Nissan, Subros and Sonalika Group, contributing across two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler segments.

Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, OPG Mobility, said, “We are delighted to have Ajay Dhiman join our leadership team at a pivotal moment in OPG Mobility's journey. As we step up our presence in the EV ecosystem, Ajay’s deep experience in product development and operations will be invaluable in scaling our EV and components business. His thorough knowledge of both legacy systems and new mobility technologies will drive value, innovation, and faster execution across our transformation journey.”

Ajay Dhiman, added, “It’s an honour to join OPG Mobility at such a transformative time. The brand’s vision of delivering inclusive and innovative electric mobility solutions aligns strongly with my passion for engineering excellence, innovative products and future-focused manufacturing. I look forward to working closely with the leadership and teams to strengthen our product pipeline, accelerate product innovation, strengthen our technological edge, enhance operational excellence, and scale solutions that support India’s evolving mobility needs. We aim to position OPG Mobility as a frontrunner in shaping India’s electric mobility revolution.”

The Maharashtra government has given rolled out the Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 for a period of five years (till 2030) with an estimated outlay of INR 19.93 billion.

The forward-looking policy aims to not only incentivise purchase of electric vehicles, but also aims to boost adoption and real-world usage.

As per the policy, certain EVs plying on highways will be given a toll waiver, EV charging infrastructure strengthened with an ambition have charging facilities every 25km on the national highways.

Electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, private four-wheelers, state transport corporation buses, private buses and transport undertaking under civic bodies will get concession of 10 percent on purchase of an EV on the original cost. For goods carrying three-wheelers, four-wheelers and electric tractors will be eligible to a concession of 15 percent.

The government has also waived off registration fee on EVs. Lastly, electric four-wheelers and buses will also get toll exemption on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Atal Setu, Samruddhi Mahamarg, along with 50 percent concession on state and other national highways.

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, "The state government has approved a new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, under which passenger EVs will be given subsidies. EV manufacturing and their use should increase in the state."