Author: Neel Achary

Austrian Ambassador Highlights TU Austria–VFS Education Tie-Up to Boost Indo-Austria Academic Collaboration

In a landmark event held in New Delhi, H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, and Mr. Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, showcased the collaborative programme between Austria’s leading Technical Universities — TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben — and VFS Education Services, to boost Indo-Austria educational collaboration and mobility. 

The event on 19 September 2025 was also graced by Mr. Karl August Lux, Consul at Austria Embassy in New Delhi; Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben; Mr. Clemens Weihs, Team Lead Strategic Partnerships, International Relations and European University; Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; Mr. Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; and Mr. Anirudh Singh, COO – Education & Migration Services, VFS Global. 

This landmark public-private partnership aims to support Indo-Austrian mobility for skilled engineering and technology students. It is specifically designed for students from recognised colleges across India, providing them with access to quality higher education in TU Leoben, TU Wien, and TU Graz. Under this agreement, Indian engineering and technology graduates* from recognised colleges under the ANABIN list will be able to pursue higher education in these institutes.

H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, said, “Austria looks forward to further enhancing Austria–India cooperation by deepening academic ties, creating new opportunities and warmly welcoming talented Indian students into our world-class public technical universities. This partnership represents a significant step in bridging India’s bright STEM talent with Austria’s globally recognised centres of research, innovation, and academic excellence. By combining Austria’s higher education strengths with the cutting-edge EdTech solutions of VFS Education Services, we are establishing a transparent and robust framework that strengthens institutional trust, empowers students and deepens cultural and academic exchange. Indian students bring immense creativity, knowledge, and diversity to our campuses, and we are proud to support their journey towards shaping a shared global future.”

Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben, said, “We deeply appreciate the support and leadership of the Indian and Austrian governments in making this opportunity possible for eligible Indian engineering students aspiring to pursue higher education in Austria. We are also excited to have VFS Education Services as our partners in this endeavor, helping us identify and connect with talented and deserving engineering students. It is both an honor and a responsibility to welcome these bright minds, nurture their potential, and guide them toward a promising future—one where they can meaningfully contribute to Austria’s workforce and society at large.

Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global said, “At VFS Education Services, we are proud to be the bridge that connects eligible Indian engineering students with Austria’s world-class technical universities. Our mission goes beyond facilitating admissions — we are shaping futures, fostering innovation, and strengthening global partnerships. The enthusiastic response from students and institutions across India is a testament to the programme’s relevance and promise. We believe that by offering specialised programmes, Austria is poised to become a top destination for Indian engineering talent. This partnership not only empowers students but also contributes to building a skilled, future-ready workforce that will drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness. We are honoured to support this vision and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Austria’s leading universities.”

The programme comprises a two-year Master’s degree, entailing theory as well as industry work experience as part of the course component. The Universities will also support on-campus placements and career open day engagements with industry experts. As part of the academic programme, the students will be eligible for a one-year post study visa extension upon graduation, supporting their transition into the international workforce. 

Pursuing a master’s degree at a Technical University in Austria offers a truly enriching academic and cultural experience. Known for its historic contributions to art, music, science, and engineering, Austria provides students with a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Cities like Vienna, Graz, and Leoben not only host globally respected technical institutions such as TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben, but also serve as vibrant cultural hubs. 

Eligible students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at Austria’s leading Technical Universities can submit their B-Tech degree certificates and academic transcripts to, email austria@vfsedu.com The selection process is comprehensive, evaluating candidates based on academic performance, English language proficiency, one-on-one assessments, and document verification.

To ensure a seamless and student-centric experience, VFS Education Services has introduced a robust digital admissions portal with real-time data capture, enabling support to students right from initial outreach through to pre-departure guidance. Vfsedu.com 

VFS Education Services employs advanced verification protocols, including blockchain-enabled academic authentication via Docswallet and live interview-based English proficiency assessments. This approach helps in shortlisting the most qualified and motivated students, ensuring a high-quality intake for Austrian universities and a clear, supportive pathway for the selected students.

Greenply Expands Manufacturing Footprint with 600 Crore Semiliguda Industrial Project in Odisha

Mumbai, 20th September 2025: Greenply Industries Ltd, one of India’s leading interior infrastructure companies, announced its new integrated wood panel production at Semiliguda industrial project, Koraput district, Odisha. 

Greenply Launched Semiliguda Industrial Project at Odisha 

The virtual inauguration of the project was held in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for the Department of Industries, Government of Odisha, alongside senior government officials. Mr. Rajesh Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnership with the Government of Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajesh Mittal said, “We are honoured to join hands with the Government of Odisha on this milestone project. The state’s support in land allotment, single-window clearances and approvals has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Our plywood and MDF units will not only generate employment but also anchor sustainable agroforestry-based growth, ensuring value creation for both the local community and the industry.” 

“Primarily aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this project resonates with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative. The implementation of quality control standards in the plywood and panel sector has given a strong boost to Indian products, resulting in manyfold increase in employment opportunities across the country.”, He further added.

Advancing Manufacturing with Community Impact

Greenply’s Semiliguda industrial project, developed through its wholly owned subsidiary Greenply Sandila Private Limited, combines strategic location advantages with a strong focus on community development. The site offers proximity to abundant plantation-grown timber, ensuring a sustainable and cost-efficient raw material supply, while excellent road and rail connectivity enables efficient access to domestic and international markets. Supported by Odisha’s conducive policy environment and a skilled local workforce, the project represents an investment of over INR600 crore and is set to generate over 1,200 direct jobs, alongside significant indirect opportunities. Beyond employment, it will drive regional economic growth by fostering local suppliers, SMEs, and skill-building initiatives, strengthening Greenply’s leadership in advanced manufacturing while creating long-term value for the community.

Driving Sustainable Growth Through Agroforestry

Aligned with its guiding principle of giving back to nature and its commitment to responsible, eco-friendly manufacturing, Greenply continues to pioneer sustainable practices in the sector. The company has already planted over 75 million seedlings in more than 1 lac acres of land near its existing plants. This structured agroforestry model not only secures a reliable raw material supply but also drives income growth for farmers, contributes to India’s 33% green cover target, and supports a carbon-neutral growth pathway for the industry.

Purple Finance Scales New Ground in Bharat Lending, Targets 500 Crore AUM by FY27

September 19th 2025: With its loan portfolio tripling in FY25 and its assets under management surpassing INR155 crore, Purple Finance continues to deliver an impressive growth. With 40 plus branches spread across 6 states, the company has amassed a clientele of over 2,500 MSME borrowers majorly spread across the tier III & IV cities & district towns. Through a hybrid model of digital origination and local feet on street network, Purple Finance, which focuses on small-ticket secured business loans, income-generation credit, and customized products for micro-entrepreneurs, has expanded its reach while maintaining asset quality. 

 Purple Finance as its long-term plan aspires to become a Small Finance Bank & is in the process of building an institution catering to the MSME segment spread across non-urban markets of Central India.  In a recently held discussion Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi, Founder & Executive Chairman emphasized the company’s focus on sustainable expansion and strengthening its asset base. As part of this journey, Purple Finance is actively exploring strategic In-Organic growth opportunities that align with its long-term objectives and support accelerated market penetration—particularly in smaller towns and districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

“When we started Purple Finance, the mission was clear to unlock credit for the millions of underserved and un-served MSME customers in the non-urban geographies who struggles to access timely & fair credit. The response so far proves this isn’t just a large market, it’s an essential one for India’s real economic growth. Bridging this credit gap is both a huge opportunity and a responsibility that we’re proud to take on,” reiterates Amitabh Chaturvedi, Founder and Executive Chairman.

Danube Launches ‘Breez’ – Maritime City’s Tallest Residential Tower

Dubai, Sep 19, 2025: Danube Properties, one of the UAE’s most innovative and fast-growing private real estate developers, has announced the launch of its latest landmark development, Breez by Danube. Soaring 60 storeys high with a built-up area of nearly 1.5 million sq. ft., Breez is set to become the tallest residential tower in Dubai Maritime City, offering an unrivalled blend of seafront luxury, lifestyle, and value.

Located just 15 minutes from the city centre, Breez promises a new era of exclusive waterfront living where panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf meet contemporary design. Following the overwhelming response to Oceanz by Danube, Breez is the developer’s second flagship and fourth tower in Dubai Maritime City, reinforcing its ambition to transform the district into one of Dubai’s most prestigious lifestyle destinations.

Breez is designed to serve both discerning homeowners and investors seeking a rare opportunity to own prime waterfront property. With waterfront plots becoming increasingly limited, the tower is expected to deliver high ROI and strong long-term appreciation, making it as much an investment in luxury as it is in lifestyle.

Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said: “At Danube, our mission has always been to seamlessly blend luxury with affordability. With Breez by Danube, we’re not just offering homes — we’re delivering a premium waterfront lifestyle with panoramic sea views in one of Dubai’s most prestigious destinations. Dubai has consistently witnessed some of the highest ROI and value appreciation in waterfront properties, and Breez takes this legacy further. Building on the success of Oceanz, Breez elevates our vision by combining an iconic location, an exceptional lifestyle, and unmatched investment potential. Supported by our signature 1% monthly payment plan, Breez empowers both homeowners and investors to achieve their dreams without compromise.”

The project will feature over 1,000 residences, ranging from chic studios and spacious 1–4 bedroom apartments to exclusive duplexes and signature Breez Penthouses, all thoughtfully oriented to capture unobstructed sea views. Each unit will come fully furnished with stylish interiors, offering a move-in-ready experience from day one.

True to Danube’s reputation for redefining modern living, Breez offers more than 40 premium resort-style amenities designed to elevate everyday life into an immersive experience. Residents will enjoy rooftop infinity pools with sweeping ocean horizons, world-class wellness and fitness centres, landscaped jogging tracks, outdoor cinemas, BBQ decks, lush green gardens, and dedicated play areas for children. Together, these spaces create an unmatched environment of leisure, health, and community.

As with its previous developments, Breez will also be available under Danube’s signature 1% monthly payment plan, making luxury waterfront living in Dubai more accessible and attainable for buyers and investors alike.

With Breez, Danube Properties once again demonstrates its commitment to delivering iconic projects that combine design, quality, and affordability—cementing its place as a leading name in Dubai’s real estate landscape.

Beyond its design and amenities, Breez’s strategic location in Dubai Maritime City adds to its appeal. Just 15 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, and the city’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations, 

With an anticipated completion date in July 2029, Breez underscores Danube’s hallmark reputation for innovation, affordability, and ahead-of-schedule delivery.