Author: Neel Achary

PubliCon 2025: FICCI Calls Publishers Pillars of Research and Innovation

NEW DELHI, 05 August 2025: FICCI today organized ‘PubliCon 2025’, the annual flagship conference on publishing with the theme- ‘Role of Publishers in Research & Innovation’.

As part of PubliCon 2025, the FICCI Publishing Awards 2025 were presented to outstanding contributions across the Indian publishing landscape. The awards spanned a wide range of categories, including Children’s Books (in English and Hindi, for readers below and above 10 years), Fiction and Non-Fiction (in both English and Hindi), and Business Books (covering Self-Help, Economics, Management, and Biography). Additional categories recognised excellence in Translation, Comic/Graphic Novels, and Design and Production, such as Best Cover Design, Best Overall Design, and Best Printed Book.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ranjana Aggarwal, Outstanding Scientist, CSIR, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt of India emphasized the importance of inclusive publishing—with a particular focus on Indian languages—and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream academic and research discourse. She urged publishers to address critical challenges such as accessibility, affordability, and international visibility to foster greater knowledge equity.

Mr Neeraj Jain, Chair of the FICCI Publishing Committee and Managing Director, Scholastic India, set the tone for the day by calling for a more expansive and forward-looking view of publishing. He emphasized that publishing today goes beyond books — it plays a pivotal role in building a robust knowledge ecosystem that supports research, innovation, and national growth. Citing the effective collaboration during the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), Mr Jain urged publishers to act not just as content providers but as equal stakeholders in India’s development story.

Ms Shilpy Kochhar, Head – Business Development & Communications at BIRAC, emphasised the need for stronger science communication to bridge the gap between innovation and society. Highlighting BIRAC’s support for over 12,000 biotech start-ups, she called on publishers to simplify complex research, promote multilingual content, and focus on real-world impact beyond academic metrics. She urged greater collaboration between publishers and innovation agencies to make science accessible, inclusive, and engaging for wider audiences.

Speaking during the panel discussion on ‘Challenges and Opportunities for STM Publishers’ at PubliCon 2025, Ms. Qudsia Ahmed, Head of Academic Publishing at Cambridge University Press, highlighted the need for publishers to bridge gaps in accessibility, affordability, and discoverability, particularly in the Global South.

Dr. Sugata Ghosh, Deputy Managing Director, SAGE South Asia, emphasised the need for stronger institutional and policy-level support to strengthen open access publishing in the region. He identified diamond open access—where neither authors nor readers pay—as the most viable and sustainable model for India, calling for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to make knowledge freely accessible.

Mr. Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, MD of Springer Nature India, underscored the urgent need for a national open access policy to combat predatory publishing and enable a phased transition to OA. Highlighting limited research funding and lack of grant support for publishing, he advocated for regional pricing and a shift in library roles. He welcomed initiatives like One Nation One Subscription and noted that an OA policy is expected soon.

Mr. Madhvendra Narayan from the Indian National Science Academy noted that while technology has streamlined workflows and expanded global access through platforms like Springer, the fundamentals of publishing remain the same. He also pointed out the absence of clear national policy on emerging manuscript practices in India.

The event brought together key stakeholders from publishing, academia, research, and policy to discuss the evolving role of the publishing industry in strengthening India’s knowledge economy.

List of Winners

RBI to Hold Rates, May Offer Sectoral Support: BillMart CEO

By – Mr Ashok Mittal, MD & CEO, BillMart Fintech

“I don’t expect the RBI to announce a rate cut in the policy. After three consecutive cuts since February 2025, the repo rate now stands at 5.50%. Inflation has eased sharply—CPI dropped to 2.10% in June —yet global uncertainties, particularly U.S. tariff pressures, demand caution. Maintaining rates allows the RBI flexibility and stability while supporting liquidity measures. So at this stage, further rate cuts seem unlikely, though targeted support for sectors like MSMEs-SMEs is expected.”

The Global Rep Expands Footprint in South India, Appoints Vartika Chaturvedi to Head Tamil Nadu Sales

New Delhi, 5th August 2025: The Global Rep, a new-age travel distribution and technology company, has announced the appointment of Vartika Chaturvedi, founder of The Resourceful Co, as its Regional Sales Development Partner for Tamil Nadu. In this strategic role, Vartika will spearhead B2B trade engagement and market outreach for The Global Rep’s flagship platforms – ZoTrav and ZoRoam, in one of India’s fastest-growing travel markets.

With over a decade of experience in destination promotions, tourism sales, and industry training, Vartika brings a dynamic and consultative approach to travel trade development. Through her consulting venture, The Resourceful Co, she has built a strong reputation for B2B activation, branding, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering travel professionals.

Her appointment comes at a critical juncture as ZoTrav and ZoRoam continue their expansion into Tier I and Tier II cities across India.

ZoTrav is a curated B2B marketplace offering a wide range of outbound travel products across CIS countries, Central Asia, Caucasus, and Russia.

ZoRoam, on the other hand, provides cutting-edge ancillary travel solutions, including international eSIMs and digital connectivity services tailored for tech-forward global travellers.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sandeep Khetarpal, Founder & CEO of The Global Rep, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Vartika to our growing network of regional partners. Her strategic mindset, industry knowledge, and strong rapport with travel agents make her an ideal leader to drive our Tamil Nadu operations. With her on board, we look forward to empowering more travel professionals with relevant tools, real-time support, and curated products that resonate with today’s connected traveller.”

This partnership underscores The Global Rep’s commitment to regional specialization, grassroots engagement, and the delivery of scalable, tech-enabled solutions. As the post-pandemic travel landscape evolves, the company continues to build bridges between platforms and professionals, ensuring agents are equipped not only with products but with insights, training, and personalized support.

Datta Infra Appoints Kapil Sharma as Head, Corporate Affairs

Gurugram, 5th August, 2025: Datta Power Infra Private Limited (Datta Infra), a rapidly growing company in India’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, has appointed Mr. Kapil Sharma as its new Head – Corporate Affairs, effective Aug 2025. With over 15 years of experience across Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), he brings a strong combination of technical expertise, regulatory insight, and policy engagement across the wind, solar, and hybrid energy sectors.

In this strategic leadership role, Kapil will oversee the corporate affairs function, driving regulatory strategy, policy advocacy, project approvals, and institutional engagement with government agencies, utilities, and industry bodies. His focus will be on enabling regulatory clarity, facilitating seamless project execution, and strengthening Datta Infra’s position within India’s evolving renewable energy ecosystem.

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Varchasvi Gagal, Managing Director and CEO of Datta Infra, said: “We are delighted to have Kapil join us at a transformative moment—not just for Datta Infra, but for India’s clean energy ambitions. His sharp regulatory acumen and long-standing experience with institutional frameworks will strengthen our ability to navigate complexity, build trust, and unlock speed. As we scale our capabilities and deepen our impact, Kapil’s leadership will be vital in aligning our projects with national energy goals.”

Speaking about his new role, Kapil Sharma, Head – Corporate Affairs, Datta Infra, said:
“This is an inflection point for India’s energy story. As the country has already surpassed its 500 GW renewable energy target five years ahead of its 2030 deadline and with a net-zero emissions goal by 2070, the need for streamlined approvals, transparent policy mechanisms, and collaborative institutional engagement has never been greater. I’m excited to contribute to Datta Infra’s mission by fostering regulatory resilience and building lasting partnerships that advance our clean energy goals.”

Kapil has worked with leading renewable energy companies, including Brookfield Renewable, Skeiron Renewable, Continuum Energy, and Ecoren Energy, managing Business Development, Regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement across multiple states. He began his career at Suzlon Energy, gaining hands-on experience in wind turbine commissioning, grid connectivity, and compliance.

Kapil holds an MBA in Power Management from the National Power Training Institute (Ministry of Power) and a B.E. in Electronics & Communication from the University of Rajasthan. His academic foundation and extensive industry experience position him to drive impactful renewable initiatives and strengthen Datta Infra’s leadership in the sector.

RCI and Sterling Resorts Announce Enhanced Partnership, Expanding Access to Premier Indian Holiday Experiences

National, 05 August 2025: Resorts & Condominiums International, a leading provider of holiday exchange services, and Sterling Resorts, one of India’s leading hospitality premier holiday experience providers, today announced an enhanced partnership that will significantly expand access to Sterling’s exceptional resorts for RCI members. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to delivering unique, memorable holidays tailored to today’s Indian and international travelers.

The strengthened affiliation will allow RCI members to access Sterling’s world-class resorts, renowned for their warm hospitality, unique destinations, and exceptional service. This includes three new resort affiliations in Pench, Coorg, and Udaipur, further diversifying the holiday options available to RCI members. These new additions complement Sterling’s existing award-winning properties, such as the Green Award winner in Sterling Munnar and the Gold Crown Property Sterling Yercaud.

The newly affiliated Sterling resorts are:

• Sterling Padam, Pench: A luxury resort located just 5.4 km from Pench National Park’s Turiya gate, offering superior comfort. Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s famous ‘Land of The Jungle Book,’ the resort is an ideal gateway for thrilling safaris and nature exploration. With world-class amenities including a swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, and private pool villas, it promises the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Sterling Brookstone, Coorg: A tranquil retreat nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka, just outside Madikeri. Surrounded by coffee plantations and fragrant orchards, the property features rooms offering tranquility and comfort in the heart of Coorg. With serene natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere, it is the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amidst captivating scenery.
• Sterling Aravalli, Udaipur: A new resort on the peaceful outskirts of Udaipur, offering stunning views of the Aravalli Hills. The resort features elegant architecture inspired by Udaipur’s royal heritage, including beautifully crafted jharokas that frame the breathtaking landscape. With spacious banquet halls and a vast Peacock Lawn, it is an ideal venue for a regal stay and dream destination weddings.

In addition to these new affiliations, RCI members can continue to enjoy Sterling’s acclaimed properties:

• Sterling Munnar: A Green Award-winning resort overlooking Chinnakanal Lake, offers nature lovers and birdwatchers a serene retreat on tea-covered slopes. Featuring a spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, and numerous indoor and outdoor activities, the resort blends comfort with scenic beauty. Nestled amidst plantations and exotic birdlife, Sterling Munnar is ideal for a memorable holiday in one of India’s top tourist destinations.
• Sterling Yercaud: A Gold Crown property set atop the stunning Shevaroy Hills, offering breathtaking views of the emerald-green valley and Salem’s city lights. With rooms overlooking coffee plantations and lush scenery, the resort is a perfect base for exploring Yercaud’s lakes, gardens, and local attractions. Guests can enjoy customized treks, nature walks, and cycling tours, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and adventure.

Lucas Ramos, Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India at RCI said, “Sterling Resorts stands as one of India’s premier holiday experiences, known for its warm hospitality, unique destinations, and exceptional service. At RCI, we’re proud to count Sterling as a longstanding affiliate partner. Together, we create memorable getaways for our members by offering access to some of India’s most sought-after locations—from the serene hills of Coorg to Udaipur, the vibrant city of lakes. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality vacations tailored to the needs of today’s Indian and international travellers.”

This partnership allows RCI members to exchange their timeshare weeks or points for stays at these newly affiliated Sterling Resorts, providing them with even more diverse and premier vacation options within India.

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Funskool’s latest DIY Kits, Toys and Games

New Delhi, August 05, 2025: Funskool India Ltd, India’s largest toy manufacturer, has launched a new range of exciting toys and games exclusively to make this Rakshabandhan extra special. The star of the season is the Funskool Handycrafts DIY Wrist Band Kit which gives children the joy of crafting something special from the heart. Funskool’s DIY Wrist Band Kit is a keepsake, a memory-maker and a celebration of the sibling bond in its most creative form.

Packed with 170 vibrant beads, pre-cut wooden dials, paint pens, cute stickers and elastic cords, the kit empowers children to design and customise beautiful wristbands for their brothers, sisters, cousins or even best friends!

While sharing his heartfelt wishes for Raksha Bandhan, Mr.K.A.Shabir, CEO, Funskool India Ltd, said, “As pioneers in the toy industry, Funskool is committed to bringing out new products for festive occasions to meet the expectations of our customers.  We blend creativity with safety and ensure our products adhere to international standards. With innovative design, Funskool products are engaging and give way to a great learning experience for children. We have over a dozen eye-catching toys launched ahead of Raksha Bandhan which were carefully curated to suit the interests of children while also nurturing their creative and cognitive skills. These products will build essential skills like vocabulary, logic, recognition and understanding.”

The special range of arts & crafts products for Raksha Bandhan 2025 also include:

 Finger Painting Space Explorer contains 2 finger paints and 3 ‘glow in the dark’ finger paints. It also has 5 design sheets, 5 activity sheets, display frame, double-sided adhesive tapes and paint palette.  Children can enjoy painting without a brush and immerse in a colour fest!

DIY Cross Stitch Kit with 6 pre-cut foam shapes with holes, 6 colourful yarns, 2 kid safe plastic needles, beads, transparent elastic cords and hooks can be used to style danglers. Kids will love this product where they can stitch, style and show off their danglers.

Additionally, we also have the following gifting options:

 Wood’e Race Car, Wood’e Buggy, Wood’e Truck are ‘zero emissions, 100% Giggles’ products crafted from wood which are ready to roll wherever tiny hands take them.  These are perfectly sized for little hands and big imaginations.

Jumbo Joy box are packed with colourful dough and endless possibilities.  Kids can mould over 21 animals, stamp letters and numbers and build their own learning zoo.

2 in 1 Snakes & Ladder and Ludo combo with 2 ever popular games now in a value box, priced at an affordable Rs.499, includes two separate game boards.

Build N Play – Helicopter Activity set has 6 chunky parts where kids can build their very own chopper.   This hands-on, build it yourself play boosts motor skills and imagination.

Shape Sorter Gear Box comes in two colours – orange and pink.  This is a fun-filled activity cube that helps toddlers explore shapes, textures and movement.

Combo Puzzle Sets – Three products – Value for money – 2 in 1 Combo Spell & Rhyme, 2 in 1 Combo Genders & Opposites and 2 in 1 Combo Animal Homes & Sounds – have been launched and these are designed to engage young minds through fun and hands-on play.

The price of these products range between Rs 499 and Rs 999 and are available in all leading toy stores and E-commerce sites.