TechEagle, India’s leading drone delivery startup, has announced a strategic alliance with ideaForge Technology, a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. This partnership aims to merge their respective strengths to advance UAV technology and drive innovation within the drone industry. ideaForge has also joined TechEagle’s recent bridge financing round as a strategic investor.
The collaboration will focus on developing small, tactical, and middle-mile logistics platforms designed for dual use. These platforms will feature advanced payload capacities, high-altitude operations, and next-level autonomy, setting new benchmarks in drone logistics.
Vikram Singh Meena, Founder & CEO of TechEagle, stated, “This partnership showcases the power of synergistic innovation. By combining TechEagle’s drone technology advancements with ideaForge’s UAV expertise and manufacturing capabilities, we are poised to redefine the UAV landscape. ideaForge's investment highlights their confidence in our vision. Together, we aim to enhance safety, performance, and reliability, ushering in a new era of global aerial logistics.”
Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge, remarked, “Our alliance with TechEagle represents a significant step forward in our commitment to UAV technology. TechEagle’s drones surpass global benchmarks, and this collaboration will deepen our UAV innovation efforts. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we strive to secure a leading position on the global stage.”
TechEagle has already delivered hundreds of SKUs, including parcels, groceries, medicines, and diagnostic samples, across 30+ cities, covering over 500,000 aerial kilometers and saving more than 2,500 metric tonnes in carbon emissions. Meanwhile, ideaForge ranks fifth globally in dual-use drone manufacturing, with over 500,000 completed flights using their UAVs.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
ESR India, the largest APAC focused industrial and logistics real estate platform, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a potential investment of INR 550 crores. The MOU is signed for the launch of two industrial parks in Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri districts of the state over the next five years. Once fully operational, the two projects have the potential to create over 4,400 jobs in the facility, that shall boost the overall socio-economic growth in the region. The MoU was signed at the Investment Conclave 2021 conference held today. It will facilitate ESR India’s proposed investment at Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri industrial parks by helping in streamlining land acquisition, approvals, clearances, and administrative processes as per existing policies, rules, and regulations of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The policy and regulatory reforms unveiled in recent times has accentuated the entry of international institutional players and has set new benchmarks for industrial developments in the country. Commenting on the development, Abhijit Malkani, CEO and Country Head, ESR India said, “We are delighted to announce our affiliation with the state government. The Government of Tamil Nadu has been very supportive in encouraging industrial developments in the state by creating a favourable business climate for industrial players. The MoU will see ESR invest INR 550 crores to develop industrial parks in Tamil Nadu, offering 1,800 direct and 2,600 indirect job opportunities in the facility.” “Our goals are aligned with the vision of the Tamil Nadu government, to create avenues to increase business and trade inclusion opportunities and employment towards garnering better economic growth in the region,” he further stated. ESR India is currently present across 9 cities and 15 locations with a total GFA of 18 mn sq ft. These state-of-the-art facilities will be developed upholding the best practices for ESG and sustainability.
Delmos Aviation has transported the second lot of 300 units of oxygen concentrators from Russia to New Delhi for the Rajasthan state government. The consignment was airborne on an Aeroflot A333 aircraft (SU 232) and reached at 10:10 AM in New Delhi. The shipments were shipped by road and sent back to Swasthya Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL). RMSCL obtained oxygen concentrators from Russian companies together with Delmos Aviation. Delmos Aviation is procuring, transporting and supplying COVID-relied materials to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation with the mandate signed with the Rajasthan Government. There will shortly be two consignments with the remaining 800 oxygen concentrators. "We are ready to assist governments in the provision and delivery of any type of essential medical supplies, oxygen concentration and equipment as quickly as possible," said Dr Naveen Rao, Director, Delmos Aviation. "At this juncture, time-based deliveries are paramount. We can handle the airlift and deliver the shipment to the last point." In four lots, 100, 300, 450 and 400 units, a total of 1250 oxygen concentrations are ordered and continue to reach New Delhi in batches of shipments. On 14 and 16 May 2021, the remaining lots will arrive. Oxygen concentrators of Single flowmeter (0.5-10LPM Adjustable) and double flowmeter (0-5LPM Adjustable) are included in the delivery. The models are JAY-10A & LFY-I-5A. "The government of Rajasthan is working hard in this raging second wave of the pandemic to provide basic medical equipment to head Minister Ashok Gehlot and Minister of Health, Raghu Sharma. The government plans to import 1250 oxygen concentrators from Moscow, Russia, in partnership with Delmos Aviation, as part of its efforts to enhance medical oxygen in the state," said a spokesperson.
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to develop a multi-modal logistics hub (MMLH) in Greater Noida’s Dadri, investing Rs 7,064 crore to support its $1 trillion economy goal. This hub will cover 823 acres, with a core development area spanning 455 acres. Key developments include commercial and administrative facilities over 17.5 acres, a rail yard, and other projects across 350 acres. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, a detailed action plan has been designed to expedite these initiatives. The Dadri MMLH aims to become a world-class freight handling facility, functioning as a dry port to ensure the swift transit of goods and raw materials. This project is poised to be India's largest logistics hub. Located on the eastern and western dedicated freight corridors, it will serve as a central hub for container handling, warehousing, cold storage, processing, de-stuffing, stuffing, and value-added packing. Providing seamless rail connectivity, the hub will feature rail platforms, customs clearance facilities, cargo segregation areas, truck parking zones, and extensive green spaces. The project is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, supervised by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority and adhering to the guidelines of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT). The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority has prepared the Master Detailed Project Report (DPR) for constructing the approach track and Rail Over Rail (ROR) bridge from New Dadri station to the MMLH boundary. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has approved the DPR for railway tracks and terminal stations within the MMLH. Additionally, the tender documentation for land acquisition and signaling processes for the approach track has been finalized. Concurrently, the development of trunk infrastructure, including boundary work, roads, canals, bridges, utility relocation, and water and power supply, is progressing through various phases.
Accio Robotics, a leader in warehouse fulfilment solutions, has partnered with US-based SCM Champs, specialists in SAP and supply chain consulting, to transform warehouse management through advanced robotics and seamless SAP integration. This strategic collaboration aims to optimise efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations globally. The partnership centres around Accio's AccioOS operating system, designed to integrate with mobile robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and SAP warehouse management systems. By enabling real-time communication between these systems, the collaboration enhances order fulfilment, robot deployment, and picking efficiency, offering businesses an automated and streamlined warehouse solution. Pranav Srinivasan, Co-founder of Accio Robotics, expressed confidence in the partnership, saying, “The integration of AccioOS with SAP warehouse systems positions us as a global leader in warehouse automation.” SCM Champs' CEO, Prabhjot Singh, added, "Our expertise in SAP supply chain execution, coupled with Accio's robotics solutions, provides an unmatched level of automation and efficiency for clients." This partnership underscores the shared vision of Accio Robotics and SCM Champs to push the boundaries of warehouse automation and reshape supply chain management on a global scale.
Bar Code India (BCI) recently announced the launch of ‘Dristi,’ an innovative IoT-based RFID reader set to revolutionise the supply chain industry. Designed with best-in-class performance and advanced RFID capabilities, Dristi is engineered for diverse applications across manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and retail sectors. Equipped with a powerful processor, expansive memory capacity, and options for 4G-LTE/Wi-Fi, Dristi’s state-of-the-art design boasts a superior IP rating, making it suitable for the most demanding environments. Its standout feature, the inbuilt ‘read-to-cloud’ capability, allows organisations to access real-time data, enhancing precision and efficiency in supply chain management. The robust diecast aluminium housing with weatherproof sealing ensures Dristi’s durability and high uptime, even in challenging indoor and outdoor environments, including extreme heat, subzero temperatures, and dusty or damp conditions. Ajay Bhutani, Co-founder and CEO of BCI, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As its name suggests, Dristi represents a leap forward in asset tracking, process control, industrial automation, and inventory management, offering businesses unparalleled efficiency and accuracy. This ‘Made in India’ innovation provides real-time visibility, faster read rates, and precise data capture, setting new standards for excellence in supply chain management.” Vikas Wadhwa, Chief Operating Officer at BCI, added, “Dristi is a personal and professional dream come true, a product of years of dedicated effort. BCI has consistently led the way in delivering innovative solutions that empower businesses with complete asset visibility and intelligence in their supply chain operations. In an era where efficiency, accuracy, and real-time insights are paramount, Dristi is poised to change the game.”
Rezo.ai, one of the fastest evolving AI-powered startups, is enabling some of India’s largest logistics companies to create a smart workforce and reduce operational costs by 20-30% this festive season. For these companies, Rezo.ai has efficiently brought down customer query resolution time by 4X - resulting in repeat customer orders and retention along with significantly increasing agent efficiency. This ground-breaking solution assists businesses in identifying the causes of slow sales as well as elements that would help them accelerate sales by assisting them ineffective customer interactions. Investments in digital technologies such as AI for customer-facing business functions are on the rise in the logistics sector. Rezo.ai has been seeing immense traction and interest from domestic as well as global logistics companies. Rezo.ai enhances the customer experience (CX) with in-built Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and also analyzes customer–agent interactions whilst training the agents accordingly. Companies in Logistics and several other industries rely on contact centers for handling customer service requests, queries, and escalations. By partnering with Rezo.ai, clients could see drastic improvements in customer satisfaction. The solution can assist agents and can also run in a fully automated manner. The agents can handle 2.5x the volume and with an automated system, exponential volumes can be handled with ease. Speaking about the feat, Dr. Rashi Gupta, Chief Data Scientist & Co-founder, Rezo.ai said, “Rezo.ai adds a strategic value to the business when it comes to engaging with customers and creating a distinct experience for them. We leverage proprietary algorithms built using next-generation technology – AI, NLP, NLU to train models from unstructured voice and text data. These models once trained for an enterprise get deployed as virtual agents with the ability to talk and revert to customer queries just like the enterprise’s “best agent”. These models are designed to scale without a ramp-up period, provide a fast and consistent response to customer queries and save significantly on operational costs.”
