• New walk-in Origin Fresh Stores to offer 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, hydroponics, exotics, and daily essentials through a modern neighbourhood retail experience
• Backed by AI-driven inventory planning and controlled cold chain infrastructure to ensure produce is delivered at peak freshness
• Hydroponics grown using Deep Water Culture technology offer more nutrients, residue-free produce, enhanced freshness, and shelf life
• With women farmers comprising over 50% of its growing regions across India, Origin Fresh is supported by a network of more than 10,000 micro-farmers and maintains less than 5% wastage across its operations.

PUNE: Origin Fresh, India’s pioneering premium fresh produce brand, has expanded into West India with the launch of its first store in Koregaon Park, Pune. The launch marks a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-headquartered company, which operates an omnichannel model comprising physical stores, its own app and website, and quick commerce platforms.

The choice of Koregaon Park reflects Origin Fresh’s focus on serving consumers who place a premium on quality, freshness, and conscious food choices. Known for its vibrant lifestyle, global outlook, and evolving food culture, the neighbourhood presents a strong strategic fit for the brand’s quality-first approach to fresh produce retail.

The new store offers over 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, and daily essentials, including more than 150+ speciality and exotic varieties sourced through domestic and international farmer partners. The assortment includes Korean Pears, Japanese Sun Fuji Apples, Cotton Candy Grapes, Yellow Dragon Fruit, and hydroponically grown lettuces, catering to growing demand for global flavours, healthier lifestyles, and ingredient-led food experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Prashanth Vasan, Co-Founder and CEO, Origin Fresh, said, “Pune represents an important milestone in our growth journey. It is a city with a discerning consumer base that values quality, authenticity, and better food choices. Koregaon Park, in particular, embodies the characteristics of the modern Origin Fresh customer, someone who is conscious about what they consume and seeks the very best. Through this launch, we are bringing our expertise in premium assortment and quality commitment closer to households in the city. Pune is the first step in our West India expansion strategy, and we see a significant opportunity to build a strong presence in the region.”

“I wish the entire Origin Fresh team the very best on this exciting new chapter. Having already established a strong presence across Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Chennai, it is wonderful to see them now expand into Pune. I am confident that the people of Pune will appreciate the quality, freshness, and convenience that Origin Fresh brings. It is encouraging to see a brand focused on making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible while supporting the farming community. I look forward to seeing Origin Fresh expand its footprint across Pune and Mumbai and enable many more families to enjoy fresh, responsibly sourced produce,” Shri Ranjit Shrikant Shirole, General Secretary, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said during the store launch.

Built on a promise of delivering premium fresh produce, Origin Fresh employs a rigorous five-step quality assurance process that spans sourcing, grading, handling, storage, and distribution. The brand also offers hydroponically grown produce cultivated using Deep Water Culture (DWC) technology, enabling residue-free produce with enhanced freshness and longer shelf life.  Complementing the retail experience is the Origin Fresh app, which provides access to fresh, exotic, hydroponic, and everyday produce. The platform also features the brand’s proprietary Ripeness Quotient, allowing customers to select fruits based on their preferred stage of ripeness and consumption timeline. With stores now operational across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, and Pune, Origin Fresh plans to continue investing in retail expansion in the coming months as well. 

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INDIA: Siemens Limited has received an order from Titagarh Rail Systems Limited for the supply of advanced propulsion systems and Train Control & Monitoring Systems (TCMS) for the Pune Metro Rail Project extension. The scope of work includes design, manufacture, supply, and warranty of traction converters, auxiliary converters, traction motors, and TCMS for 12 trainsets.

Rajeev Joisar, Chief Executive Officer, Mobility Business, Siemens Limited, said, “We are pleased to partner with Titagarh Rail Systems Limited on the Pune Metro project. This collaboration is an important step in our journey to support India’s rapidly growing metro market with advanced Propulsion and TCMS technologies. As India continues to invest in sustainable urban transportation, the development of a strong local manufacturing and technology ecosystem becomes increasingly important. Aligned with the Make in India initiative, we are committed to developing these advanced technologies by leveraging Siemens’ strong manufacturing and engineering footprint in India.”

Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with Siemens on the Pune Metro project, for advanced indigenous propulsion systems, reinforcing our strong commitment to Make in India through near-complete localisation. Pune Metro always holds a special place for us, as it marks Titagarh’s entry into the passenger rail systems space and the introduction of India’s first aluminium-bodied metro coaches. This additional option contract further strengthens the aluminium train ecosystem in the country. Together, this partnership will accelerate indigenisation and serve as a great start to a long potential partnership between Titagarh Rail Systems Limited & Siemens for the Indian urban mobility landscape.”

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The new building has been developed to strengthen the school’s academic infrastructure and provide additional learning spaces for students at the Camp campus. The project was undertaken after receiving the required renovation and redevelopment approvals from the Pune Cantonment Board.

The new building was developed with the support of distinguished alumni Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla and Mr. Adar C. Poonawalla, whose continued association with The Bishop’s School has contributed to the institution’s ongoing development.

As part of the ceremony, Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla and Mr. Adar C. Poonawalla were felicitated with silver plaques in recognition of their contribution to the new building and their association with The Bishop’s School by Mr. Rudolf Woodman, President of The Bishop’s Education Society, and the Governing Body Members.

The School has previously dedicated a foot overbridge on its campus in honour of Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, acknowledging his long-standing connection with the institution and his support for its development.

Founded in 1864, The Bishop’s School has been part of Pune’s educational landscape for more than 160 years. The inauguration of the new building adds to the School’s existing facilities and reflects its continued focus on creating improved academic spaces for students.

The ceremony was attended by members of The Bishop’s Education Society, school leadership, invited dignitaries, alumni, representatives of the Pune Cantonment Board and the Indian Army, PTA members, former staff, well-wishers, students, and staff from the three branches of The Bishop’s School.

The programme included a welcome address by Mr. Shayne McPherson, Principal and Honorary Secretary, followed by a Bible reading, choir performances, a thanksgiving and dedication prayer, and addresses by Mr. Rudolf Woodman, President of The Bishop’s Education Society, and Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla.

The event concluded with the presentation of plaques, a vote of thanks by Ms. Mayura Barsay, Headmistress, Senior School, the unveiling of the new building, and fellowship and high tea.

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This year’s edition offers shoppers a chance to win rewards worth up to ₹1 crore, including a Toyota Hyryder as the bumper prize. Customers spending ₹10,000 and above can participate and become eligible for daily and weekly rewards throughout the campaign period.

Home to leading 300+ global and Indian brands, including Zara, H&M, Armani Exchange, Lifestyle, Diesel, GAS, Lacoste, and Scotch & Soda, Phoenix Avenue of Stars continues to be Pune’s most premium destination for curated retail, entertainment, and leisure. With exciting offers of up to 50% off across participating brands, the festival promises a season of rewarding experiences for Pune and neighbouring cities.

Festival Details:

• Duration: June to August 2026
• Venue: Phoenix Avenue of Stars, Viman Nagar, Pune
• Category: Shopping Festival / Retail & Lifestyle Event
• Participation Criteria: Shop for ₹10,000 and above
• Rewards: Daily and weekly prizes, along with a bumper Toyota Hybrid for top shopper
• Shopper Benefits: Rewards worth up to ₹1 crore across 200+ participating brands
• T&C apply

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India’s GCC ecosystem has evolved beyond cost and operational efficiency centres into strategic hubs driving innovation, digital transformation, advanced engineering, research, analytics, and enterprise-wide solutions. As this shift accelerates, Pune is emerging as the next chapter of India’s GCC story—defined by clear purpose and momentum. The city’s strong industrial legacy, deep engineering talent, vibrant technology ecosystem, robust academic base, and high quality of life make it an increasingly attractive GCC destination.

The report, developed in collaboration with AMCHAM and research partner UnearthIQ, underscores the factors that make Pune an increasingly attractive destination for global enterprises. These include its deep, functionally skilled talent pool, strong tech ecosystem, strong presence of U.S.-headquartered organisations, supportive state policies, and rapidly expanding digital and infrastructure capabilities. Today, Pune is home to 500+ GCCs across sectors, with organisations from over 30 countries leveraging the city’s strengths to drive global innovation, operational excellence, and enterprise-wide transformation.

Pune’s growth is strongly driven by U.S.-headquartered companies, which continue to expand their footprint and establish future-ready centres with end-to-end ownership, innovation mandates, and global impact.

Supportive policy measures such as the Government of Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2025, alongside investments in AI, digital infrastructure, talent, and innovation ecosystems, are set to further accelerate this momentum. Increasingly, successful GCCs are those that evolve beyond execution to become capability centres—building for future needs as much as present demands—an environment Pune is well positioned to support.

Shalini Pillay, Partner and India Leader, Global Capability Centres, KPMG in India, notes, “As India’s Global Capability Centre story enters its most consequential chapter, Pune is emerging as a compelling destination for organisations looking to establish and scale future-ready capability centres. With its strong ecosystem spanning talent, infrastructure, and innovation, Pune offers a unique opportunity to go beyond execution and build centres that deliver enterprise-wide value and transformation for global organisations.”

Key insights from the report include:

• Pune is home to 500+ GCCs, with firms from 30+ countries across 20+ industries
• The city accounts for ~14% of India’s GCC units and ~9% of total GCC talent
• Pune’s GCC ecosystem is growing at ~9% CAGR, with strong expansion expected through 2030
• 130+ GCCs have entered or expanded in Pune since 2024, signalling accelerating momentum
• U.S.-headquartered firms anchor ~55% of Pune’s GCC base
• Pune produces ~200,000 graduates annually, including ~90,000 STEM graduates
• Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2025 aims to establish 400 new GCCs and create 4 lakh high-skilled jobs
• Future growth will depend on addressing infrastructure, connectivity, and talent challenges while leveraging opportunities such as AI-first mandates, policy support, and the Mumbai–Pune business corridor
• Pune can strengthen its position by capitalising on overflow from saturated Tier-I cities and scaling AI-led innovation hubs

Together, these insights position Pune as a critical node in India’s next phase of GCC-led growth. As global organisations increasingly prioritise innovation, AI, and value creation, Pune offers a compelling platform to build scalable, innovation-driven, and future-ready global capability centres.

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Following the overwhelming response received last year, which saw over 5,000 visitors, the exhibition aims to offer an enhanced and intellectually stimulating experience for individuals across all age groups, from children to senior citizens.

The exhibition will feature over 100 puzzle posters, a wide range of hands-on puzzles, optical illusions, and informative displays on renowned personalities and developments in the fields of puzzles, mathematics, and logical thinking. Special sections dedicated to the Rubik’s Cube, Sudoku, and Tangram, along with an interactive Puzzle Treasure Hunt, will further engage visitors.

In addition to the exhibits, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase educational puzzles, brain games, and curated books at discounted rates.

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PUNE: Uber today announced the launch of metro ticketing on the Uber app in Pune, making daily commuting easier and more seamless for Punekars enabled by ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce). Starting today, commuters can plan their metro journeys and purchase QR-based tickets directly within the Uber app without waiting in ticket queues or switching between multiple apps.

Pune is now the fifth Indian city where Uber has rolled out metro ticketing, following launches in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The launch comes at a time when more commuters are increasingly looking for faster, smarter, and more connected ways to move around the city. Now, commuters who book their metro ticket on the Uber app can avail a 50% discount upto ₹ 10 for a limited time period.

During his recent India visit, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared that more than 10 million metro rides have already been booked through the Uber app across India, underlining the growing popularity of integrated public transit solutions. Built through ONDC’s interoperable network, these integrations are part of Uber’s broader effort to bring public transport and last-mile mobility together in one seamless experience. Pune commuters can now book metro tickets directly on the Uber app using UPI payments and continue their onward journey using Uber Auto, Bike, Go, and other mobility options.

Neha Kapoor, Head – Strategic Initiatives, Uber India & South Asia, said, “Metro ticketing on Uber is making everyday commuting simpler by bringing public transit and last-mile mobility together in one place. With Pune becoming the fifth city to go live, we’re excited to expand a seamless, end-to-end mobility experience to more riders. More than 10 million metro journeys have already been booked through Uber across India, and we’re seeing strong adoption as commuters increasingly look for faster, more connected ways to move around cities. This is a powerful example of how India’s Digital Public Infrastructure is helping reimagine urban mobility at a population scale.”

Shri Shravan Hardikar (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation, said, “Ticketing integration with Uber will play an important role in improving commuter convenience and encouraging greater adoption of public transport. By enabling metro ticketing directly on the Uber app, we are making travel planning simpler and more accessible for Pune’s commuters.”

Vibhor Jain, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, “Uber’s launch of Pune Metro ticketing, its fifth city in under a year, demonstrates how ONDC’s open network accelerates transit rollout. Pune Metro commuters can now book QR tickets directly in the Uber app, cutting out extra steps and reaching more riders. By linking Pune’s Metro to a national digital transit backbone, ONDC makes journeys seamless while enabling Pune Metro to boost ridership and reduce operational costs. This launch is a major step toward our shared goal of expanding easy, sustainable public transport.”

How to book Pune Metro tickets on the Uber app:

• Open the Uber app
• Select the “Metro” option on the home screen
• Enter your entry and destination stations
• Purchase your QR ticket using UPI
• Scan and ride with ease

Uber continues to explore metro ticketing integrations in more cities across India.

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Trustees linked to HGMAT say records show that the land and building at CTS No. 646 belong to their trust. According to them, the HGMAT trustee and members had gone there on a Sunday morning when they got to know that their security guards were being removed from their own building. They say they were denied entry by persons linked to Golden Jubilee Education Trust, GJET, whose property is located next to it.

The FIR, however, records the place of occurrence as Golden Jubilee Education, 647, Bhavani Peth, Kasewadi, Pune, and places the incident at about 8 am on May 3, 2026. There is also a further location question because public references and parts of the complaint narrative point to the premises and open area, which is also in the HGMAE Trust. That difference matters. Was the dispute over access to CTS No. 646, which the HGMAT side says belongs to them? Or did it happen on access and entry into Golden Jubilee Education Trust, GJET, at CTS No. 647?

The second question is about time. According to the FIR, the incident happened on May 3 at about 8 am. However, Mr. Shahid Inamdar of GJET himself did a Facebook Live video at around 11.30 am the same morning, in which he described the incident as something that had happened at night. If one version places the incident in the night and the FIR places it early the next morning, investigators will have to establish which timeline is correct.

The third question is about the material. The FIR says items linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Institute, including partition material, laptops, computers, benches, furniture, and other articles, had been kept or moved in the compound area, and that some articles were taken away. The concerns about some material being removed from the premises. If some material was removed, when and where did that go? The FIR says police help was called by dialing 112, and that police came to the spot. It also says that after the police arrived, some people left.

Then comes the most sensitive part: the medical timeline. Newspaper reports and public discussion have linked the later death of Mr. Shahid Inamdar to the stress of the incident. But in emotionally charged family and institutional disputes, especially after a death, responsible reporting requires every claim to be tested against records, timelines, and medical evidence.

None of this reduces the grief of the death. When contacted, a trust member associated with HGMAT said they were saddened by the loss of Mr. Shahid Inamdar of GJET. They said they have chosen not to go to the media with allegations. According to the trust member, this decision was taken because GJET, though on the other side of the dispute, was a senior member in HGMAE Trust. “If they feel aggrieved, we understand their grief,” the HGMAT trust member said. “The matter is now with the police and the courts. We will clear the Trust name through the legal process.

For now, the Bhavani Peth case remains marked by unanswered questions. Was it CTS No. 646 or 647? Who owned the material? What did the police see when they arrived? And how does the medical timeline actually connect, if at all, to the incident?

Until these questions are answered through property records, tenant documents, police statements, and medical papers, the incident would need to be investigated.

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PUNE: KOPA Mall, Pune’s leading lifestyle and retail destination in Koregaon Park, is set to transport visitors into a world of dinosaurs with its summer activation, ‘Jurassic Journey’, a first-of-its-kind, highly immersive dinosaur-themed activation commencing from April 18 onwards. Designed as an engaging blend of entertainment and education, the experience invites children and families to step into a prehistoric world brought to life like never before.

Transforming the entire mall into a dynamic Jurassic landscape, the activation extends across open areas and walkways, creating a seamless, walk-through experience that goes beyond traditional mall engagements. With lifelike dinosaur installations, thematic zones, and interactive storytelling, ‘Jurassic Journey’ offers visitors a compelling reason to step out and experience something truly unique.

At the heart of the activation are four curated experience zones, each designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning. Visitors can explore different dinosaur species through engaging information zones and trivia boards, alongside interactive experiences such as Dino Toss, AR DinoSnap photo opportunities, and ‘Feed the Dinosaur’. The journey continues across immersive spaces featuring the ‘Meet Your Dino Match!’ trivia challenge, Jurassic Live Canvas (Draw Alive), and a Dino VR Zone, offering a blend of learning and digital engagement. Further enhancing the experience, the village-themed zone brings paleontology to life through activities such as the Fossil Hunt, DIY arts and crafts station, Fossil Gallery, and ‘Bones of the Beasts’ skeletal displays, while experiential highlights like the VR Jurassic Safari jeep photo booth add an element of adventure. Together, these thoughtfully curated zones create an engaging, multi-sensory experience that brings the world of dinosaurs alive in a fun and accessible way.

Adding to the excitement are a host of high-energy activities, including AR photo booths, ‘Dig the Fossil’, ‘Feed the Dino’, and ‘Dino Toss’, creating memorable moments for children and families alike. The experience is further enhanced with elements such as cranes and excavators within the fossil zones, simulating a real excavation site.

A special highlight of the activation is a walking dinosaur, which will roam across the mall, interacting with visitors and encouraging children to participate in the experience zones, bringing an added layer of surprise and delight to the overall journey.

With its never-before-seen scale and highly immersive design, ‘Jurassic Journey’ positions Kopa Mall Pune as a must-visit destination this summer. More than just an event, it is a fully experiential environment that blends discovery, adventure, and play, encouraging visitors to engage, explore, and create lasting memories. Visitors are invited to step into this prehistoric world and experience the thrill of discovery, adventure, and fun that is thoughtfully priced for families to enjoy together.

Where: KOPA Mall, Koregaon Park, Pune

When: Commences on 18 April, 2026  / 12 PM – 9 PM

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PUNE: In a significant step towards building a drug-free future through youth participation and institutional collaboration, Pune Police will organise the No Drugs Volunteer campaign at Dr. P. A. Inamdar University, Azam Campus, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.

The initiative, being held in association with Lashkar Police Station, Awami Mahaz and Padmapani Foundation, is designed to address the growing concern of drug abuse among young people through awareness, prevention and community engagement. More importantly, by hosting the programme at a university campus, the organisers are placing students at the heart of a wider social movement aimed at protecting Pune’s youth from the dangers of addiction.

The programme will be held under the chairmanship of Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, President, Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar will directly interact with students during the session. Senior officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioners of Police Rajlakshmi Shivankar and Nikhil Pingale, along with Rahul Dumbale of Padmapani Foundation, will also be present.

The No Drugs Volunteer campaign is intended to build a strong network of young volunteers who can become awareness ambassadors in their communities and educational spaces. The initiative aims to sensitise youth in the 15 to 30 age group about the physical, psychological, and social consequences of drug abuse, while encouraging informed dialogue around prevention, rehabilitation, and the role of society in early intervention.

Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, President, Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune, said, “A university is not only a place of academic learning, but also a space where responsible citizenship is shaped. If we want to secure the future of our society, we must empower young minds with awareness, courage, and clarity. Through this initiative, we want students to understand that saying no to drugs is not just a personal choice, but a social responsibility.”

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “The fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires trust, awareness and active participation from the community, especially the youth. Through the No Drugs Volunteer initiative, our vision is to create a people-supported movement in which students become partners in prevention and ambassadors of a healthier, safer and drug-free Pune.”

With the participation of senior police leadership, educational authorities, and community organisations, the programme is expected to send out a strong message that the battle against drugs must begin with awareness, vigilance, and collective resolve

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