8, Dec 2025
IIFCL Raises USD 500M ECB, Oversubscribed 5x at Lowest Cost in 15 Years
IIFCL’s Inaugural USD 500 Million ECB Oversubscribed Five Times, Secures Lowest Cost in 15 Years to Boost Infrastructure Financing
New Delhi, Dec 08: India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has successfully raised USD 500 million in External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a World Bank Group-supported guarantee facility. The initiative, aimed at financing priority infrastructure projects, witnessed overwhelming interest, with bids nearly five times the proposed facility.
The ECB, structured with a 15-year tenor, is designed to match the amortizing profile of typical infrastructure loans and avoid fixed rate-fixed tenure shocks commonly seen in bonds. MIGA provides coverage of up to 95% on principal and future interest, with an embedded hedging structure, enhancing the financial security of the facility.
Sh. Palash Shrivastava, Deputy Managing Director, IIFCL, stated:
“The strong response from global lenders reflects confidence in India’s growth story and infrastructure expansion. This success strengthens IIFCL’s ability to channel long-term international capital into priority projects and sets a benchmark for other institutions seeking global funding.”
Twelve leading international banks participated in the bidding, including Citi Bank, JP Morgan, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Société Générale, SMBC, Credit Agricole-Corporate & Investment Bank, BNP Paribas, MUFG, Commerzbank, BBVA, and Deutsche Bank. The facility supports sectors under the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure Sub-Sectors, with a particular focus on sustainable and climate-aligned projects, adhering to Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) aligned with MIGA and Government of India standards.
This initial tranche of USD 500 million forms part of a larger programme targeting up to USD 2.5 billion in international capital mobilization for infrastructure financing, without requiring a direct Government of India guarantee. The financial closure for the first tranche is expected within this quarter.
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- By Neel Achary
8, Dec 2025
Executive Centre India Achieves IMMUNE™ Building Standard Certification
Dec 8: Executive Centre India Limited’s workspace at One BKC, Level 17, Mumbai has been awarded the IMMUNE™ “Powerful” certification (4.5 star rating out of 5), marking a major milestone for India’s co-working industry. With this achievement, TEC becomes the first organisation in India’s flexible workspace ecosystem to be certified under the globally recognised IMMUNE™ Building Standard.
The IMMUNE™ Building Standard is administered by the Healthy by Design Building Institute (HDBI), an international accreditation body that evaluates buildings on their ability to protect and enhance occupant health. The certification assesses 135+ criteria across indoor air quality, ventilation, water safety, cleaning protocols, material health, pathogen control, and overall operational resilience. A “Powerful” rating reflects high-level implementation of science-based design and technology measures that contribute to safer and healthier environments.
Paul Daniel Salnikoff, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Executive Centre India Limited, commented
“Executive Centre India Ltd is honoured to be the first co-working operator in India to receive the IMMUNE™ Building Standard certification with a 4.5-star rating out of 5 for our One BKC workspace, a proud milestone for our organisation. This recognition from a global standard that prioritises people’s well-being reinforces our mission to set new benchmarks in quality, resilience and member experience, ensuring that each TEC workspace combines premium design and functionality with a strong focus on health protection and well-being.”
The certification marks a significant step for India’s flexible workspace sector, bringing globally recognised health standards into a co-working environment for the first time. By meeting the IMMUNE™ criteria, TEC demonstrates how shared workplaces can integrate thoughtful design and rigorous operational practices to support the needs of today’s workforce.
8, Dec 2025
Discover a Majestic Winter Sanctuary: Raffles Jaipur’s Elegant End-of-Year Escape
8, Dec 2025
SpinItUp Secures INR 50 Lakh Pre-Seed Funding from Zee TV Ideabaaz Titans
India, Dec 8:- SpinItUp, India’s first interactive music commerce platform that lets club-goers pay to request their favorite songs during live DJ sets, today announced that it has secured INR 50 Lakh in pre-seed funding from Zee TV Ideabaaz Titans; Jimmy Mistry (Della Adventure Resorts), Anupam Bansal (Liberty Shoes) and Archana Jehagirdar (Rukam Capital), at a valuation of INR 10 Crore.
8, Dec 2025
Shloka and Cultural Galore at the largest meditation hall in the world in the third Gitopadesh Summit
“Bhagvad Gita is not merely a discourse. It is an eternal philosophy for entire mankind which teaches us the formidable truth of duty overrules desire and circumstances, that a still mind helps in discriminating between the right and wrong, and that such inner mastery is not destined, it is a conscious act that we all must cultivate. Under the guidance of Daaji, Heartfulness is taking this simple truth in the most learnable way to children, youth and adults from all walks of life.”
“The relevance of the Bhagvad Gita is not in reciting the shlokas but putting them into practice as well. It is a perennial philosophy living by which our lives will become far easier unburdening ourselves of negativities and guiding us to do only what needs to be done. It teaches us equanimity in through the ebbs and tides of life, moderation, simplicity, focus on duties and harmony within and also with the world. Making it a part of one’s life is a sureshot way to material and spiritual success.”
8, Dec 2025
Hyderabad Hosts First Edition of ‘Global Indian Journeys’ Exploring Identity, Purpose and Global Vision
Hyderabad, Dec 8: The inaugural edition of The Global Indian Journeys, a curated fireside chat celebrating identity, purpose and global ambition, was hosted at The Culinary Lounge in Hyderabad. The event brought together leading thinkers, entrepreneurs and creators for an intimate conversation on what it truly means to be a “Global Indian” in today’s world.
The session featured an engaging dialogue between Xavier Augustin, Founder & CEO of Y-Axis and author of The Global Indian, and Gopi Byluppala, Founder of The Culinary Lounge. Reflections were also shared by Kavitha Mantha, Founder of Sage Farm Café, who spoke about her multicultural experiences and how they influenced her journey in sustainable food.
Themes & Takeaways
The Global Indian Journeys seeks to explore powerful questions:
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What defines a Global Indian?
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How does global exposure transform identity and capability?
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How can individuals reinterpret their journeys to create wider impact?
Xavier Augustin shared insights drawn from his latest book The Global Indian and the platform globalindian.com, which chronicles inspiring stories of Indians making their mark across the world. He emphasized that global success must be rooted in purpose, stating:
“Being a global Indian is not just about knowledge, mobility or success it is about responsibility, purpose and meaningful contribution to the homeland.”
Kavitha Mantha narrated her experiences across London, Boston and Singapore, which shaped her philosophy of mindful sourcing and slow food. She reflected on how Sage Farm Café emerged as a pioneer in Hyderabad’s farm-to-fork movement, noting,
“When you stop taking things for granted, even the simplest meal narrates a journey.”
A Gathering of Stories, Culture and Connection
The evening concluded over a thoughtfully curated hi-tea spread, encouraging participants to share personal stories of travel, learning and transformation weaving together global perspectives with rooted Indian identity.
8, Dec 2025
Aditya Mehta Foundation Partners with Flutter Entertainment India to Boost Para-Sports Support
Hyderabad, Dec 8: Flutter Entertainment India LLP , the Hyderabad-based center of excellence for the world’s leading sports entertainment operator, Flutter, and Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) today announced their partnership to strengthen India’s para-sports ecosystem and further their commitment to empowering communities through sport.
Flutter Entertainment India has committed INR 60 Lakh to support two major programs at AMF – Training, Rehabilitation Centre/Adaptive Gym Upgradation, Nutrition & Coaching and Customized Adaptive Devices & Equipment. Together, these initiatives will directly impact up to 15 para-athletes as they prepare for elite competitions including the Asian Youth Para Games and Paralympic games 2028. The support strengthens AMF’s vision of enabling athletes to train with dignity, confidence, and world-class resources, echoing AMF’s belief that the right infrastructure can turn potential into podium finishes.
Aditya Mehta, International Para – Cyclist and Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation, commented on the partnership and said,
“We are delighted to partner with Flutter, whose support will significantly strengthen India’s para-sports ecosystem. Para-athletes require specialized training, rehabilitation and adaptive equipment, and this investment will directly help them access these essential resources. The collaboration will enable athletes to compete in key national and international tournaments, including World Championships and World Cups, which are crucial for earning qualification points. This support aligns with our shared vision of securing multiple slots for the 2028 Paralympics and elevating talented para-athletes to the highest levels of global competition.”
Founded in 2013, AMF is Asia’s first organization dedicated exclusively to para-sports rehabilitation and high-performance training. Its efforts have helped develop grassroots talent into world-class competitors, contributing to more than 450 international medals for India. By partnering with AMF, Flutter Entertainment India aims to accelerate this momentum and help para-athletes reach their full potential with the right infrastructure and support.
Ashish Sinha, Managing Director, Flutter Entertainment India, said,
“Para-athletes represent resilience, ambition, and the belief that sport should be accessible to everyone. Our partnership with the Aditya Mehta Foundation reflects Flutter’s long-term commitment to creating high-quality training ecosystems that enable athletes to perform at their best. By strengthening access to adaptive equipment, sports science, and professional coaching, we aim to support para-athletes in achieving their full potential and competing with confidence on the global stage.”
The collaboration will focus on supporting two major programs:
Program 1: Training, Rehabilitation Centre/Adaptive Gym Upgradation, Nutrition & Coaching and National & International Competitions
Flutter’s support will enable AMF to enhance its training ecosystem with upgraded adaptive facilities, sports science interventions, physiotherapy support, and structured nutrition plans. This investment aligns with Flutter’s larger commitment to building inclusive, safe, and high-quality sporting environments that enable athletes to thrive.
Program 2: Customized Adaptive Devices & Equipment
Recognizing that world-class performance requires world-class tools, Flutter will fund customized adaptive devices and sport-specific equipment for para-athletes. This ensures they have the precision, safety, and accessibility needed to train and compete at elite levels.
8, Dec 2025
MGM Healthcare Rolls Out Ambulance with ICU-Level Heart–Lung Support
Chennai, Dec 8th: MGM Healthcare, a leading multispecialty hospital in the city, has unveiled its state-of-the-art Mobile ECMO Unit, an advanced emergency service that provides ICU-level heart-and-lung life support and rapid on-site stabilisation for patients in severe cardiac or respiratory failure, significantly improving survival by reducing delays in initiating life-saving care.
The mobile unit was launched by ACP P.K Ravi, Mr. M.K Mohan, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Anna Nagar Constituency and Dr. Rajesh, Managing trustee, ALERT Foundation, in the presence of Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan, Director of Heart & Lung Transplantation, Dr. Suresh Rao, Co-Director, Institute of Heart & Lung Transplant, and Dr Senathi Nanda Kishore, Clinical Director, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead, Anaesthesiology and Surgical ICU, MGM Healthcare.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-support technique in which blood is circulated outside the body, oxygenated through an artificial lung (membrane), and then pumped back in. ECMO is used when the heart or lungs are so severely impaired that conventional treatments such as medications, ventilators, or CPR can no longer maintain adequate oxygenation or circulation. It is critical in life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, severe heart attacks, massive pulmonary embolism, advanced pneumonia, ARDS, and uncontrolled respiratory failure. Along with the ECMO unit, they also conducted an advanced CME for equipping professionals with emergency and critical care beyond CPR and inotropes.
In his comments, Dr Senathi Nanda Kishore said,
“Timely access to ECMO can be the difference between life and death in cardiopulmonary emergencies. Traditionally, ECMO support has been available only at highly specialised hospitals but there can be delays in reaching them. For patients suffering severe heart or lung failure in remote locations, every minute without adequate oxygenation or circulation raises the risk of irreversible organ damage, brain injury, or cardiac arrest. The new Mobile ECMO Unit bridges that critical gap by bringing advanced heart–lung life support directly to the patient’s location. It is staffed by expert critical-care physicians, perfusionists, and nurses who enable rapid on-site stabilisation and initiation of life-saving therapy even before hospital arrival.”
Dr K R Balakrishnan, said,
“When all other traditional resuscitative strategies have been exhausted, ECMO is the only alternative left to save the life. ECMO is a resource-intensive, high stakes intervention reserved for the sickest patients, designed to provide temporary, life sustaining support in critical moments. Our goal is to provide timely, high-quality ECMO to every patient, wherever they are. By bringing an experienced ECMO team and a fully equipped mobile unit directly to the patient’s bedside, ECMO on Wheels reduces transfer delays, stabilises patients early, and delivers life-saving cardiopulmonary support exactly when it’s needed.”
In his comments, Dr. Suresh Rao said,
“The Mobile ECMO Unit marks a major leap forward in emergency critical care. It allows us to reach patients with severe heart failure, advanced pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung condition causing dangerously low oxygen levels, or pulmonary embolism, a condition of blood clot in the lungs, much faster, initiate life-saving support on-site, and safely transport even the sickest individuals. By extending ICU-level care to remote locations and reducing delays in treatment, this service is set to transform outcomes for patients who would otherwise have little chance of survival.”
8, Dec 2025
Urban Vault Onboards Three Japanese GCCs – Nachi, Pioneer & Komatsu in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, December 08, 2025: Urban Vault, one of India’s fastest-growing managed workspace providers, has strengthened its enterprise portfolio by onboarding three major Japanese corporations—Nachi, Pioneer, and Komatsu—in Bengaluru.
With these new tenants, Urban Vault now delivers workspace solutions to more than 50 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) across key Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Pune, and Gurugram.
The addition of these Japanese industry leaders marks a significant milestone in Urban Vault’s growth journey and reinforces its position as the preferred workspace partner for global enterprises entering or expanding in India.
The company’s unique hybrid model—optimizing CapEx, reducing OpEx, and enabling seamless single-window management—has empowered organisations to achieve greater operational agility while effectively managing total occupancy costs.
Speaking about the onboarding of the new Japanese clients, Amal Mishra, Co-founder, Urban Vault, said:“The trust placed in Urban Vault by global giants like Nachi, Pioneer, and Komatsu reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class workspace solutions. Japanese companies value precision, reliability, and relationship-driven business models—principles that deeply resonate with us. Our goal is to continue setting new benchmarks in managed workplaces by offering environments that help enterprises scale seamlessly, operate efficiently, and feel at home in India.”
As the managed office sector continues to evolve, Urban Vault represents the next generation of workspace solutions by blending capital efficiency with high-quality execution and enterprise-grade operational excellence. Japanese corporations are known to prioritise trust, consistency, precision, and long-term reliability. These values closely align with Urban Vault’s workplace philosophy and have been instrumental in building deep partnerships within the Japanese business community.
Urban Vault has earned a strong reputation for its meticulous design standards, transparent delivery processes, hospitality-driven service culture, and ability to tailor workspaces to stringent global compliance norms—attributes especially valued by Japanese enterprises.
With rising interest from global corporations across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, automotive, electronics, and technology, Urban Vault is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion while continuing to redefine workspace excellence for some of the world’s most respected enterprises.
Over the years, UrbanVault has expanded its national portfolio to over 2.80 million sq. ft., managing 70,000+ seats across 80+ locations in Bengaluru, Pune, Gurugram, and other major cities. The company continues to demonstrate strong performance, with an expected run rate of over ₹250 crore in FY2025-26, 70%+ year-on-year growth, and 18% PAT.
6, Dec 2025
The Leela Palace Bengaluru Unveils the City’s First Lippan Art Christmas Tree, Created Exclusively for Its Holiday Celebrations
BENGALURU, Dec 6: The Leela Palace Bengaluru unveiled ‘Mirrors of Hope’, the city’s first Lippan Art Christmas Tree, at its annual tree-lighting ceremony last evening, reimagined this year as a celebration of artisan craftsmanship, women empowerment, and conscious luxury. The 12-foot installation, handcrafted by women artisans from Kutch in collaboration with the Karigar Foundation, brought India’s indigenous craft traditions to the forefront while redefining festive storytelling at the Palace.
In a city known for its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, The Leela Palace Bengaluru has set a new benchmark for how luxury hospitality can approach festive celebrations, not as an opportunity for spectacle alone, but as a platform for cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable design.
The ceremony brought together guests, cultural voices, and the hotel’s leadership to witness a celebration that honored not just the festive season, but the hands that created it. The installation has been aptly named ‘Mirrors of Hope’, each mirror embedded in the clay surface symbolizing light, reflection, and the promise of a brighter future.
In collaboration with women artisans from rural Gujarat, The Leela Palace Bengaluru crafted each element of the installation with care, using sustainable materials and techniques passed down through generations. Rather than opting for imported or mass-produced decorations, the hotel chose authentic, handmade adornments made from sustainable materials like clay, mirrors, and natural elements, which showcased the vibrant heritage of India’s craft traditions.
The result is a visually stunning tree adorned with intricate, handcrafted Lippan motifs, each one imbued with cultural significance and the personal artistry of its creator. Additionally, the installation stands as a representation of the hotel’s commitment to conscious celebration and environmental care.
Lippan Art, also known as Lippan Kaam, is a centuries-old craft form traditionally practiced by women in the Kutch region of Gujarat. However, like many traditional art forms, Lippan has faced challenges in recent years as younger generations move away from rural crafts and artisan communities struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
For The Leela Palace Bengaluru, commissioning this tree was about giving a vanishing craft form contemporary relevance. And by placing it in a high-profile space, the hotel ensured the artistry was seen, celebrated, and understood as part of India’s living artistic heritage.
The evening’s atmosphere was exquisitely enhanced by festive cocktails, delicate seasonal bites, and the enchanting sound of live Christmas carols that filled the lobby. By bringing together guests, artisans, and cultural narratives, the hotel turned the ceremony into a celebration of shared values, inviting guests to pause and appreciate the intersection of celebration and craftsmanship.
As the moment arrived for the ceremonial lighting of the tree, it became clear that this was not just a symbolic gesture. The illumination of the installation represented a deeper tribute to purpose and conscious celebration with the hotel committing to support artisan welfare initiatives based on engagement, a mechanism designed to extend the impact of the evening beyond the ceremony itself.
What’s further interesting in the tree will be disassembled after the festive season and its components thoughtfully repurposed into functional items such as handcrafted coasters for guest rooms, ornamental keepsakes for VIP gifting, and art pieces for internal display and mementos, extending the life and story of the installation well into the new year & reinforcing The Leela’s commitment to conscious luxury, where beauty is not fleeting, but enduring.
A part of a coordinated festive initiative across multiple Leela properties this season, the hotel demonstrated how a classic ceremony can be transformed to carry deeper meaning & that the festive season is not only a time for joy and gathering, but also a time for thoughtful action and purposeful celebration.
The Lippan Art Christmas Tree stands as a glowing reminder that joy can be beautiful, meaningful, and transformative all at once. And that when celebration is rooted in care, it reflects something far greater than light – it reflects hope, heritage, and the dignity of craft.
