29, Dec 2025
Fortis Gurugram Honours Security Staff for Exemplary Integrity
Gurugram, Dec 29:- At Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, ethics, integrity and a patient-first approach are not just guiding principles, but values practised every day by its staff across all functions. This commitment was exemplified recently by two members of the hospital’s security team, whose honesty and presence of mind ensured that lost cash was safely returned to distressed patients and attendants.
In the first incident, a security guard found a black purse on the lower ground floor of the hospital premises and immediately handed it over to the Shift In-charge. On verification, the purse was found to contain Rs. 63,000 in cash along with important documents, including Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, PAN Card and ATM cards.
Shortly thereafter, a patient visiting the Orthopaedics OPD reported the loss. After identity verification and a review of CCTV footage, the purse and its contents were promptly returned to the rightful owner, bringing immense relief to the patient.
In another incident, Mr. Ranjit Rai, posted at the main porch, noticed an unattended packet, and immediately informed the security officer on duty. The packet was found to contain Rs. 1.40 lakh in cash. The matter was escalated to the Management on Duty, and soon after, a patient attendant reported the loss of money from the hospital premises. CCTV verification confirmed the claim, and the recovered cash was returned to him.
For the individuals who lost the money, many are already under emotional stress due to ongoing medical treatment, the timely recovery came as a deep relief, reinforcing their trust in the hospital’s systems and staff.
In recognition of their exemplary conduct, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram felicitated Mr. Ranjit Rai and Mr. Ashok Kumar. The appreciation ceremony was attended by Yash Rawat, Facility Director; Ravi Ranjan, SBU HR Head; Mr. Yogender Singh, Unit Head General Administration and Mr. Sawan Dahiya, Chief Security Officer.
Speaking on the occasion, Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said,
“Healthcare is built on trust, and that trust goes far beyond clinical care to every interaction within the hospital. The honesty, vigilance and compassion displayed by our security staff reflect the strong value system we uphold at Fortis. Such acts of integrity, though simple, leave a lasting impact, reassuring patients, and families that they are in a safe, ethical environment and strengthening the bond between caregivers, patients, and the community we serve.”
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- By Neel Achary
29, Dec 2025
Manappuram Group Appoints Mr Buvanesh Tharashankar as Group Chief Financial Officer
Valapad, Kerala, Dec 29: Manappuram Group announced the appointment of Mr Buvanesh Tharashankar as Group Chief Financial Officer (Group CFO). He will provide strategic financial leadership across all Manappuram Group companies and work closely with the Board and senior management to strengthen financial governance, capital efficiency, and long-term value creation.
The appointment underscores Manappuram Group’s continued focus on building a strong, future-ready leadership team to support its Manappuram 2.0 strategy and sustained growth ambitions.
Mr Tharashankar is a Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience across leading banking and financial services institutions in India and overseas. He is widely recognised for his expertise in financial strategy and planning, capital and balance sheet management, regulatory interface, governance, investor engagement, and business analytics.
Prior to joining Manappuram Group, Mr Tharashankar served as Chief Financial Officer at RBL Bank Ltd, where he headed the core finance function, including regulatory reporting, statutory audits, taxation, procurement, and payables. Before that, he was Chief Financial Officer at Jana Small Finance Bank, leading capital planning, investor relations, regulatory reporting, and statutory audits, along with oversight of treasury back-office and governance functions.
Earlier in his career, he held several senior leadership roles at Citibank in India and the Middle East, including Cluster Controller for the India Subcontinent and Lead CFO roles overseas. His work at Citi spanned capital management, ICAAP, balance sheet optimisation, SOX 404 compliance, Basel II implementation, financial planning and analysis, and large-scale re-engineering initiatives that delivered significant cost efficiencies and improved returns on equity.
Across his career, Mr Tharashankar has been known for partnering closely with business teams to drive disciplined growth, strengthen internal controls, enhance organisational resilience, and align financial strategy with long-term business objectives.
In his role as Group CFO, Mr Tharashankar will oversee the Group’s finance function, including financial strategy, accounting, treasury, taxation, regulatory engagement, and investor relations. He will play a key role in supporting Manappuram Group’s strategic priorities while ensuring robust financial discipline, governance, and compliance standards.
Leadership Remarks
Commenting on the appointment, Mr V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Manappuram Finance Ltd, said:
“I am pleased to welcome Mr Buvanesh Tharashankar as our new Group Chief Financial Officer. Buvanesh brings with him deep and diverse experience across leading banking and financial services institutions, along with strong capabilities in financial strategy, capital management, governance, and regulatory engagement. As we progress on our Manappuram 2.0 strategy, his leadership will be critical in strengthening financial governance, enhancing capital efficiency, and enabling sustainable value creation across the Group. I look forward to working closely with him as we pursue our long-term vision.”
27, Dec 2025
Hafele expands its appliances footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of Appliances Studio Amro Interio
Hafele, a global leader in interior solutions, has expanded its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of Appliances Studio Amro Interio, marking its third Exclusive Hafele Appliances Studio in the city. Located in the Bommasandra Industrial Area, the new studio brings Hafele’s complete range of kitchen and home appliances closer to a fast-growing residential and commercial catchment, offering customers a dedicated space to explore the brand’s appliance ecosystem.
Envisioned as a focused appliance destination, the studio caters to homeowners as well as architects and interior professionals seeking reliable, well-designed appliance solutions. Its strategic location addresses a gap in direct brand access in this part of the city, making Hafele’s appliance portfolio more easily accessible to the local market.
The studio was inaugurated in the presence of the Hafele team along with its partner Mr. Anjinath Reddy and his associates, valued guests, existing channel partners, and family members. The occasion was graced by Mr. Balakrishnan Pillai, Vice President Appliances & E-commerce, Hafele India, who attended the launch as the Chief Guest.
Spread across approximately 1,200 sq. ft., Appliances Studio Amro Interio has been designed to create a comfortable and intuitive customer journey. The space opens into a welcoming reception area and transitions seamlessly into a live kitchen setup, where appliances are displayed in real-life usage scenarios. From hobs, hoods, and cooking and baking appliances to washing machines, dishwashers, and small domestic appliances, the studio allows customers to visualize how each product fits into a complete kitchen environment.
The studio showcases Hafele’s full range of freestanding appliances, built-in appliances, and small domestic appliances, addressing the needs of customers across varied budget segments while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on quality, performance, and contemporary design.
The launch followed a traditional ceremony, beginning with a ribbon cutting and lamp lighting by the Chief Guest, Mr. Pillai, and other dignitaries. Guests were then taken through a detailed walkthrough of the studio, accompanied by product demonstrations and concept briefings that highlighted Hafele’s approach to appliance design and everyday functionality.
With all products displayed in live, functional applications, the studio offers a hands-on, touch-and-feel experience that enables customers to engage with the appliances in a practical and meaningful way. With the launch of Appliances Studio Amro Interio, Hafele continues to strengthen its appliance network in India, reinforcing its commitment to making thoughtfully designed, reliable, and experience-driven appliance solutions more accessible across key urban markets.
27, Dec 2025
Department of Tourism Signs MoU with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya to strengthen wellness tourism in Goa
Panaji; Dec 27: In a significant step towards positioning Goa as a premium Wellness Tourism Hub, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa.
The MoU was signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, along with Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Director, Department of Tourism; Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Principal, Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre; Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President Goa council of Ayurvedic and other allied Indian systems of medicine; Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director( AYUSH) DHS Govt of Goa; Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President; and Dr Joy Periera- Officiating Registrar .
Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism in Goa through the development of customised wellness packages and coordinated marketing initiatives across digital platforms and national and international forums. The collaboration also envisages the development of wellness tourism infrastructure, including Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, creation of AYUSH information cells, development of promotional materials, and capacity-building through training, research, and knowledge exchange.
Speaking about the partnership, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, said, “Wellness tourism is an important pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. This collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems and structured tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating long-term value for local institutions and communities.”
Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Ashok Naik, said, “The signing of this MoU provides a structured framework for collaboration in the area of wellness tourism. It will enable coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, while supporting the development of wellness-related initiatives aligned with the State’s tourism objectives.”
The Memorandum of Understanding provides a broad framework for collaboration and will facilitate coordinated efforts in the promotion and development of wellness tourism in Goa. The partnership is expected to support knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the creation of structured wellness offerings aligned with the State’s tourism objectives.
26, Dec 2025
Farmland Emerges as a Lifestyle-Aligned Investment Choice in India
In India, the conversation around land is changing. People are no longer looking at ownership purely through a returns-driven lens. Families are thinking about their children’s future, elderly buyers are seeking open and peaceful environments, and working professionals want spaces where they can step away from the pace of city life.
Farmland is increasingly fulfilling all these needs. What stands out is the balance it offers, real ownership without daily operational complexity, along with the flexibility to engage as much or as little as one chooses. This makes it especially relevant for modern buyers who want land to add value to their lives, not responsibility.
We’re also seeing strong interest in and around Bangalore, where infrastructure, cultural inclusivity, and long-term economic opportunities come together. The region supports both active careers and future retirement planning, making it a natural choice for farmland ownership.
Interestingly, a growing number of buyers are under 30 and even first-time investors. Coming from families that already own multiple urban properties, they are consciously choosing farmland as a more meaningful, calming, and future-ready asset. As we look toward 2026, farmland is clearly evolving into a resilient and lifestyle-aligned investment class.
26, Dec 2025
CIMP Hosts Agri Udaan 8.0 to Empower Agri-Startups in Bihar
Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) hosted the Agri Udaan 8.0 Food and Agribusiness Accelerator Roadshow/Start-up Hunt, organised by The Association for Innovation Development of Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (a-IDEA) and ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad on 23rd December 2025 (Tuesday) at its CIMP campus.
The inaugural session commenced with the felicitation of all dignitaries with bouquets, followed by the rendition of “Vande-Mataram,” and lighting of lamp. The welcome address was delivered by Shri. Kumod Kumar, CAO, CIMP and Director & CEO, CIMP-BIIF said
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries, students, faculty members, and staff for their presence and support. The Agri Udaan – 8.0 Roadshow marks a significant step in empowering agri-startups, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities in the agricultural ecosystem. Together, we are building a future where ideas take flight and transform Indian agriculture.”
The chief guest was Shri Pankaj Kumar, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Bihar. He said
“I reaffirm my strong commitment to the agricultural sector and emphasise the importance of collaboration and the adoption of new technologies to modernise agriculture and generate employment. I deeply appreciate the farmers engaged in makhana, pulses, and other agricultural activities, and I firmly believe that agriculture holds immense potential to create large-scale employment opportunities in Bihar.”
The host and speaker of the event was Dr. Ranjit Kumar, CEO, a-IDEA & Principal Scientist, ICAR-NAARM; Dr. Ranjit said
“This event is not only about disseminating information across the state, but also about helping everyone understand that there is an organisation ready to handhold startups working in this domain. At a-IDEA, we are seeking more applications from across the state.”
The guest of honour were Shri Pankaj Kumar, I.A.S. Principal Secretary Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Bihar, Shri Lakshman Kumar, Dr. Indu Shekhar Singh In-Charge & Principal Scientist, ICAR-NRC for Makhana, Darbhanga,.
Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director, CIMP said,
“I want to highlight the importance of revenue generation for startups, with an 80:20 focus on revenue and investment. Branding, marketing, packaging, and the effective use of social media are critical in scaling agri-businesses and attracting investors.”
Nitish Kumar a Founder and CEO of Bhojpatra, Agripreneur Pvt. Ltd., shared his entrepreneurial journey and explained how Agri Udaan supported him through mentorship, networking, and institutional guidance.
Dr. Indu Sekhar Singh from ICAR–NRC for Makhana discussed the growth of the makhana industry in Bihar, noting that Purnia has emerged as a leading hub and that around 35 makhana-based startups are currently operating in the state.
Shri Lakshman Kumar briefly spoke about the objectives of Agri Udaan and the contribution of agriculture to the country’s GDP. He emphasized that even small innovative ideas can lead to successful businesses, such as creating new variants of makhana through value addition. He introduced the Catalytic Capital Fund, which has been created to support new startups. Through Rural Incubation Centres, startups can receive investment support of up to one crore rupees along with mentorship.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, felicitation of dignitaries, and the National Anthem, marking the successful completion of Agri Udaan – 8.0.
26, Dec 2025
United Way Bengaluru’s One Billion Drops Campaign Wins SABERA Awards 2025 in Environment & Consumption Category
Dec 26: United Way Bengaluru’s flagship water stewardship initiative, One Billion Drops (OBD), has been honoured with the SABERA Awards 2025 in the Environment & Consumption category, reaffirming its leadership in driving sustainable water conservation through collective action.
The SABERA Awards, recognised as South Asia’s most credible awards for brand-building, reputation management, and purpose-led communication, celebrate initiatives that create meaningful social and environmental impact while demonstrating excellence in strategy and execution.
The One Billion Drops campaign was recognised for its sustained, scalable, and collaborative approach to addressing India’s growing water crisis. By mobilising corporates, communities, government bodies, and civil society, the campaign has focused on water conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies, groundwater recharge, and responsible water consumption, creating measurable impact across urban and rural landscapes.
The award was received by Mr. Radhakrishna Pradeep, Senior Manager – Climate Action & Partnerships, United Way Bengaluru, along with Mr. Muniraju, a well digger from the Bovi community and a resident of Bovipalya, Karnataka. Today, nearly 120 families from the community are engaged with the initiative. With over 10,000 rainwater harvesting wells created in the city of Bengaluru, One Billion Drops has emerged as a milestone initiative contributing to India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.
Since its inception, the campaign has enabled the harvesting, replenishment, and conservation of millions of litres of water annually, while also building awareness around water-positive practices among citizens and institutions. Its integrated model combines on-ground action with advocacy, volunteer engagement, and long-term ecosystem partnerships.
The award underscores United Way Bengaluru’s commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, through innovative, inclusive, and impact-driven programmes.
United Way Bengaluru continues to work closely with corporates, civic authorities, and local communities to expand the reach of One Billion Drops, ensuring long-term water sustainability and climate resilience for future generations.
26, Dec 2025
Ashis Chattopadhyay Named Cluster Director of Finance at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
Mumbai, Dec 26: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar announces the appointment of Ashis Chattopadhyay as Cluster Director of Finance. In this role, Ashis will lead the finance function for eight Marriott hotels under Chalet Hotels Limited, overseeing financial strategy, governance, compliance, and performance across the cluster. With over two decades of experience, he brings strong financial stewardship and a disciplined, outcome-oriented approach to multi-property operations.
Ashis began his career with Deloitte, gaining extensive experience in audit and advisory services. His professional journey includes senior finance roles with global hospitality brands such as Four Seasons, Hyatt, COMO Group, and Marriott International, where he has successfully driven financial transformation, strengthened internal controls, and enhanced operational efficiencies. Prior to this appointment, he served as Multi-Property Director of Finance for Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway and Four Points Kochi, Infopark.
Ashis’ leadership has been recognised through several regional and market-level accolades, including awards for finance transformation and technology adoption in South Asia, reflecting his focus on modernising finance operations while maintaining robust governance.
Driven by a strong belief in disciplined leadership and continuous improvement, Ashis is passionate about developing high-performing teams and future-focused finance functions. His appointment reinforces JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar’s commitment to excellence, governance, and long-term value creation across the cluster.
26, Dec 2025
Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Expands in Himachal Pradesh with 43-Key Regenta Place Golden Castle, Baddi
Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Signs 43-Key Regenta Place Golden Castle in Baddi, Strengthening Presence in Himachal Pradesh
Bengaluru, Dec 26: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, is expanding its footprint in North India with the signing of a new 43-key property, Regenta Place Golden Castle, in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Baddi is widely known as Asia’s largest pharmaceutical hub.
The property is strategically located on the Baddi Nalagarh Road, NH-105, and will operate under a Management Agreement, aligning with the group’s asset-light expansion strategy. Regenta Place Golden Castle is designed to be the perfect base for business travelers, as well as those planning social events like weddings.
Property Details and Features
The Regenta Place Golden Castle offers 43 spacious and well-appointed rooms, featuring modern amenities like LED TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, electronic safe, and mini-bar. The room categories include:
- Suite Rooms (600 sq. ft., 2 units, with bathtub and hill view)
- Super Deluxe Rooms (350 sq. ft., 23 units, with roadside view)
- Deluxe Rooms (320 sq. ft., 9 units, with pleasing view of Hills)
- Executive Rooms (250 sq. ft., 9 units, with pleasing view of the lawn)
Key facilities and services include:
- PINXX: A multi-cuisine restaurant located on the Ground Floor, offering Indian, Chinese, and Continental options.
- Sky Bar and Lounge: An open terrace bar and restaurant.
- Two Banquet halls (Orchid and Orchid-1), and one Meeting room.
- An expansive Lawn spanning 12,000 sq. ft., ideal for weddings and social gatherings.
- Other amenities: Swimming Pool, Spa, 24-hour in-room dining, and High-Speed WIFI.
The property provides smooth connectivity, situated just 2 km from the Baddi Bus stand, 27 km from the Chandigarh Railway station, and 50 km from the Chandigarh Airport.
Speaking on the strategic signing, Mr. Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, said:
“Baddi’s status as a major industrial and pharmaceutical hub makes it a key market for our business traveler segment. The signing of Regenta Place Golden Castle reinforces our strategy to establish a reliable, high-quality presence in important regional centers across North India, offering world-class service combined with exceptional comfort and value.”
26, Dec 2025
IGP turns Secret Santa chaos into a product-led Christmas campaign
As the season of carols, cheer and celebration filled the air, IGP, a global D2C multi category gifting platform, unveiled its festive campaign ‘Tis the Season of Gifting’, an idea rooted in why people gift and the shared moments that define December. As families reunite, friends reconnect and teams come together to celebrate milestones at work, the campaign positions gifting as an act of intention, one that acknowledges relationships, deepens bonds and creates moments that stay long after the season ends. The idea shapes IGP’s Christmas presence this year, guiding how the brand shows up across experiences, technology and collaborations.
One of the most common expressions of gifting during Christmas is Secret Santa, especially across offices and friend circles. While the tradition brings excitement and anticipation, it is often accompanied by confusion around participant coordination, name draws, fairness, reminders and last minute chaos, taking away from the joy of the experience. Recognising this recurring festive challenge, IGP identified an opportunity to simplify how groups gift together during Christmas.
As part of the campaign, IGP launched Find My Santa, its in house Secret Santa generator designed to bring structure and ease to group gifting. Built for offices, families and friend circles, the tool enables automated and fair randomised pairing, wishlist creation, reveal and assign date scheduling, and automated reminders, eliminating manual coordination. With this launch, IGP strengthens its evolving gifting ecosystem by addressing not just what people gift, but also how groups experience gifting together.
Bringing the campaign to life on ground, IGP also took the festive spirit directly into workplaces through an immersive Christmas pop up experience at the Office Atrium, Times Square. The activation witnessed a footfall of over 10,000 employees across two days, transforming the office atrium into a lively Christmas destination. Employees were able to explore a curated range of Christmas cakes and desserts, festive gift hampers, decor, ornaments and other seasonal bestsellers, making it easy to discover and shop for Secret Santa and Christmas gifts within the workplace itself.
A key highlight of the pop up was IGP’s on the spot personalisation technology, one of the strongest gifting trends this year. Through IGP’s in house personalisation machines, visitors added names, messages and custom details in real time, transforming everyday gifts into thoughtful keepsakes. The festive atmosphere was further amplified through Christmas decor installations, a themed photobooth, Santa Claus meet and greet, lucky draws and festive offers, creating shared moments of joy at the workplace.
Commenting on the campaign, Tarun Joshi, Founder and CEO, IGP, said,
“With ‘Tis the Season of Gifting’, we wanted to bring the focus back to why people gift. December naturally brings people together at home, with friends and at work, and gifting becomes a way to acknowledge shared moments and relationships. Our campaign is built on the belief that thoughtful gestures create lasting emotional connections.”
As part of the Christmas campaign, IGP collaborated with like minded brands and organisations to extend festive cheer beyond commercial spaces. In a digital collaboration with Chumbak, the brand hosted a Christmas giveaway on social media featuring festive hampers curated by both brands. In a purpose led collaboration with Goodfellows, IGP will partner with the organisation to bring Christmas cheer to senior citizens through curated gifting at events in Mumbai and Pune, reinforcing IGP’s belief in gifting as an emotional expression.
Through ‘Tis the Season of Gifting’, IGP reinforces that Christmas is not just about exchanging gifts, but about celebrating relationships, acknowledging moments and spreading joy through thoughtful gestures.
