25, Jul 2025
The Premia Academy Hosts Green Grocer Gala to Foster Experiential Learning
Hyderabad 25th July: The Premia Academy, known for its forward-thinking approach to education, continues to shape young minds with a strong foundation in empathy, awareness, and real-world readiness. Premia recently hosted the Green Grocer Gala, a unique experiential event where its preschoolers transformed into little farmers and brought to life a vibrant, mini Rythu Bazaar on campus. With baskets full of fresh fruits and vegetables, the young Premia Cubs led the way in promoting healthy living, community values, and eco-friendly choices, all through hands-on learning.
Children arrived in adorable farmer outfits, straw hats, aprons, and baskets in hand, and transformed the campus into a buzzing, child-led marketplace. With great enthusiasm, they set up miniature stalls filled with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, all priced just like a Rythu Bazaar.
The Green Grocer Gala witnessed enthusiastic participation from parents, staff, and the wider school community, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Laughter echoed through the stalls as children took the lead, showcasing their creativity, curiosity, and confidence. By stepping into the shoes of farmers and sellers, they learned where food comes from and how much effort goes into growing it. What began as a simple school activity blossomed into a vibrant celebration of sustainability, learning, and real-world connections. From selling produce to engaging with visitors, the children experienced the joy of meaningful learning beyond textbooks. The event beautifully demonstrated how everyday moments can spark deep understanding. It brought together community, purpose, and play, the core values Premia Academy stands for.
Ms. Sindhuri Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of The Premia Academy, said, “We believe that real learning happens when children are immersed in experiences that reflect the world around them. The Green Grocer Gala was a beautiful example of how early exposure to real-life roles, in this case, as farmers and entrepreneurs, can nurture empathy, awareness, and essential life skills.”
Adding to this, Ms. Trupti Rao, Principal of The Premia Academy, added, “This initiative wasn’t just about healthy eating; it was about sowing the seeds of responsibility, sustainability, and respect for our food systems. When learning is joyful and meaningful, it stays with children for life. The initiative is a reflection of Premia Academy’s commitment to progressive, hands-on education, where classroom learning is extended into real-life applications — especially in the foundational years.”
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- By Neel Achary
25, Jul 2025
The New Suburban Dream: Why Young Professionals Are Choosing Plotted Villas Over High-Rises
In the changing world of urban housing, a quiet transformation is happening. More young professionals are moving away from high-rise apartments and looking at plotted villas on the outskirts of cities. This change reflects new lifestyles, priorities, and goals in a post-pandemic reality.
The days when luxury meant tall buildings in city centres are gone. Now, the focus is on space, independence, and personalisation. Plotted developments provide what apartments cannot: the freedom to design one’s own space, ample room, and a stronger sense of community. Companies like Aakruthi Properties are leading this change by offering well-located villa plots in peaceful, green neighbourhoods around Bengaluru, specifically aimed at modern homebuyers.
For 32-year-old software engineer Rachit Sinha, purchasing a plotted villa near Sarjapur was the right choice. “I wanted something that could grow with me,” he says. “An apartment felt limiting in both space and lifestyle. With a plotted villa, I can build my dream home, expand it later, and enjoy open areas without being too far from the city.”
After the pandemic, the demand for open spaces, private gardens, and home offices has increased. Professionals are placing more importance on wellness, sustainability, and long-term investments. Plotted developments, often found in up-and-coming areas like Whitefield Extension, Sarjapur, or Devanahalli, offer a mix of accessibility to IT hubs and the peace of semi-urban living.
Companies like Aakruthi Properties are responding to this demand by creating plotted communities with wide roads, clubhouses, landscaped gardens, and smart infrastructure. Their approach reflects a wider trend where similar developers, such as Assetz Group, Prestige Group (with their Park Drive villa plots), and Puravankara’s Purva Land, are changing the landscape of premium plotted development.
Mr. Manjunath V., Managing Partner of Aakruthi Properties, speaks on the new suburban dream, saying, “At Aakruthi, we’re seeing a clear shift post-pandemic—young professionals are increasingly drawn to plotted developments and plotted villas in emerging corridors like Soukya Road, East Bengaluru. With soaring property prices in urban cores, suburban living offers better value, greater freedom, and a higher quality of life. Our communities, like Roots & Rays and Svanta, are designed around sustainability, less congestion, and abundant green spaces. Homebuyers today are seeking more than just square footage—they’re embracing a lifestyle that is rooted yet modern, inclusive yet private. With the flexibility to design their own homes and live amidst nature, plotted villas are becoming the new urban aspiration.”
One appealing aspect of this model is ownership. Unlike an apartment in a shared building, villa plots come with freehold rights and greater freedom. As property prices in tier-1 cities rise, these plotted developments in suburban areas provide better value over time and potential for appreciation.
Developers are also becoming more focused on buyers’ needs. Current projects are approved by RERA and come with clear titles, offering EMI plans that used to be exclusive to apartment buyers. Young professionals now view plotted villas not just as homes but as long-term lifestyle investments and assets to pass down.
Real estate experts think this trend will continue to grow. “Suburbs are becoming the new urban core,” says a Bengaluru-based real estate analyst. “With improved connectivity, expressways, and the acceptance of remote work, plotted developments are no longer just weekend getaways—they’re practical primary residences.”
In this new suburban vision, plotted villas offer young Indians something invaluable: the chance for space, control, and a future they can build—literally brick by brick.
25, Jul 2025
Oracle Helps Customers Boost Supply Chain Efficiency with New Advanced Inventory Management Solution
Austin, Texas—Jul 25, 2025, Oracle has added a new solution within Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing (SCM), part of Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite, to help organizations streamline warehouse operations and enhance supply chain efficiency. Oracle Fusion Cloud Advanced Inventory Management leverages embedded AI to simplify processes, improve decision-making, and optimize fulfillment.
“Organizations that rely on outdated and manual inventory processes struggle to keep pace with evolving supply chain demands, contributing to errors, higher inventory costs, and delayed fulfilment,” said Srini Rajagopal, vice president, logistics product strategy, Oracle. “Oracle Advanced Inventory Management is designed for healthcare, manufacturing, and distribution organizations that need more than simple inventory transaction execution, but do not require the complexity of a full-scale warehouse management system. It enables these organizations to automate and streamline operations and drive greater efficiency.”
Part of Oracle Fusion Cloud Inventory Management, Oracle Advanced Inventory Management enables organizations to easily manage and execute tasks, streamline transactions, accelerate fulfillment, improve logistics coordination, and drive greater efficiency in their warehouse operations. Capabilities include:
- Streamlined task assignment and execution: Reduces duplication and helps ensure faster, more accurate task completion by assigning pick slips, PAR counts, cycle counts, physical counts, and deliveries to designated team members.
- Simplified inventory transactions: Increase accuracy and efficiency by using license plate numbers to streamline receiving, shipping, transfers, and counting with real-time inventory updates—all directly within Oracle Inventory Management.
- Real-time cross-docking alerts: Optimize fulfillment and reduce handling time by notifying team members of opportunities to fulfill open demand and bypass storage.
- Load-based shipment grouping: Improves logistics and reduces transportation costs by assigning load numbers to consolidate shipments for transport in a single container or truck.
- Suggested put-away locations: Accelerate storage decisions and improve space utilization by recommending optimal locations for incoming goods.
- AI-driven inventory automation: Improves operational efficiency by using embedded AI capabilities within Oracle Inventory Management to optimize stock levels, trigger replenishment actions, and automate routine inventory tasks.
With Oracle Inventory Management, Oracle Advanced Inventory Management, and Oracle Warehouse Management, Oracle Cloud SCM delivers a complete and comprehensive set of capabilities to meet all levels of an organization’s inventory management needs—from stock room fulfillment and manufacturing plants to offsite warehouses and large-scale distribution centers with complex operational needs.
Oracle Cloud SCM enables customers to seamlessly connect supply chain processes and quickly respond to changing demand, supply, and market conditions. In addition, embedded AI acts as an advisor that analyzes supply chain data, generates content, and augments or automates processes to help improve business operations and create a resilient supply network.
25, Jul 2025
India–UK FTA Set to Boost Trade, Streamline Logistics, and Strengthen Global Supply Chains
25, Jul 2025
Shruti Sharma on Mitti, Kratika’s Journey Showed Me True Resilience
Mumbai, July 25, 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently unveiled Mitti, a rooted and emotionally textured series that explores the collision of ambition and ancestry, set in India’s heartland. The show follows Raghav, a high-flying advertising executive, as he’s pulled back to his village, Dol Chappra, after the sudden death of his grandfather. What starts as a brief visit turns into a transformative reckoning—with his roots, his people, and himself. The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Ishwak Singh, Shruti Sharma, Diksha Juneja, Yogendra Tiku, and Alka Amin, who bring nuance and depth to the world of Mitti.
Shruti Sharma, who essays the role of Kratika in Mitti, shares that stepping into the character wasn’t a challenge; it was a long-awaited opportunity. “Kratika isn’t your typical loud, dramatic character. She’s strong in her own way— grounded, real, and easy to relate to. That made her feel instinctive to me. It was refreshing to play someone who reflects the quiet strength and optimism of an agricultural officer navigating change.”
Reflecting on the biggest takeaway from Mitti, Shruti adds, “Even if things don’t work out, or no one claps for you, just keep showing up. That kind of self-belief is enough. Kratika’s journey reminded me of the quiet resilience it takes to push for change—especially in a country where resistance is often the default. That’s a lesson I’ll carry with me.”
Mitti is now streaming for free exclusively on the Amazon MX Player app on mobile and Connected TVs, on the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.
25, Jul 2025
Entrepreneur Nirvaan Birla Releases His Musical Debut with Soulful Track Shankaraa, a Tribute to Lord Shiva on Shravan
25th JULY 2025: After much anticipation, Shankaraa, the debut single by entrepreneur Nirvaan Birla, is finally out, offering listeners a deeply soulful experience rooted in devotion, silence, and inner stillness. Written and sung by Nirvaan himself, with music composed by Kalyan Baruah, the track marks the beginning of his music album under his initiative ‘Sounds for the Soul.’
More than just a song, Shankaraa is a heartfelt offering to Lord Shiva. It combines soothing melodies with deep emotion, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and reconnect. The composition is simple yet powerful, making it a comforting companion for anyone seeking moments of peace, whether through prayer, meditation, or quiet listening.
In today’s fast-moving world, where the mind is often overwhelmed, Shankaraa reminds us of the healing power of sound. The track also touches upon the role of music in mental wellbeing, creating space for calm and emotional balance in everyday life.
Talking about his musical debut, Nirvaan Birla shared, “Music has always been my personal anchor, a quiet space I go to when things feel heavy. I’ve realised how deeply sound can impact mental wellbeing, especially when it’s honest and rooted in something higher. Shankaraa came from that space of stillness and surrender.
He further added, “It’s my ode to Lord Shiva, a way of expressing devotion, gratitude, and the peace I feel in His presence. It’s not just about Shiva; it’s also about finding a little more peace within ourselves. This is the first song I’m putting out into the world, and I’ve poured my heart into it. I truly hope it reaches the right ears and touches people in the way it touched me while creating it.”
As the sacred month of Shravan unfolds, Shankaraa serves as both a spiritual and emotional release. The full track is now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and JioSaavn.
Tune in. Reflect. Let the music lead you inward.
25, Jul 2025
Pegasystems Partners with SmartBridge to Boost AI Talent in APAC and Middle East
Pegasystems Partners with SmartBridge to Power AI and Automation Talent in India, APAC and Middle East
Hyderabad, 25th July 2025: Pegasystems Inc. , the Enterprise Transformation Company™, today announced a strategic talent development partnership with SmartBridge Educational Services Pvt. Ltd., a Hyderabad-based talent accelerator, equipping students with in-demand tech skills. The partnership is aimed at delivering Pega’s industry ready University Academic Program (UAP) that empowers students by unlocking their potential through hands-on access to cutting-edge technology. The partnership offerings will be implemented across India and emerging tech markets in Asia-Pacific and Middle East.
Under this collaboration, SmartBridge will offer Pega’s industry-aligned credit courses and global certification tracks in low-code, AI, and digital automation to top-tier universities and engineering colleges in the regions. This will help Pega develop a robust pipeline of employees with desirable digital skills trained on real-world platforms for globally renowned companies with minimal onboarding time needed.
The initiative will offer 90-hours of Credit Courses (capstone and hands-on) along with 120-hours of Global Certification Course. With qualifications like Pega Certified System Architect & Senior System Architect, and Business Architect (PCSA, PCSSA, PCBA). The courses will facilitate a blended learning format with mentor-led sessions, mock interviews, and App Studio-based exercises.
The bespoke curated programs will be delivered under a self-funded model, ensuring accessibility while Pega offers discounted certification vouchers and world-class training material. Together, the partners are targeting institutions in East, West, and North India, with APAC and Middle East expansion on the horizon.
The program enhances academic innovation by aligning university curriculum with in-demand enterprise skills, thereby strengthening institutional branding and promoting greater curriculum relevance. This collaboration creates a high-impact skilling model that benefits students, educators, and employers across the digital ecosystem.
“This partnership is about moving from intent to impact at scale,” said Deepak Visweswaraiah, senior vice president and managing director, Pegasystems India. “Together with SmartBridge, we are building a distributed model to rapidly train and certify tech talent that industry can deploy from day one. This collaboration addresses the needs of a market where speed, scale, and skill are non-negotiable, and where there is a need to accelerate the workforce readiness and solving the digital talent crunch head-on”.
“We are excited to collaborate with Pegasystems to build a robust talent factory for the India market,” said Amarendar Katkam, chief executive officer, SmartBridge. “This partnership will enable thousands of students to graduate with globally recognized credentials and industry-ready skills.”
25, Jul 2025
SBI General Grows 2.4 times Faster Than Industry with 21.5 Percentage Q1 FY26 Growth
Mumbai; July 25th, 2025: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, today announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, posting a topline growth of 21.5%, significantly higher than the industry (Private & SAHI) growth of 6.2%, marking the Company as one of the fastest-growing general insurers in the country. The Company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 3250 crores, maintaining its upward momentum. Excluding the impact of 1/n accounting norm, the GWP of the Company grew by 25.6% for Q1FY26.
The Company gained 78 basis points improvement in private market share, i.e. 6.19% reflecting growing customer preference and an expanding footprint across key markets. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at INR 249 crores, while the loss ratio improved significantly from 86.2% to 81.7%, indicating stronger portfolio quality and disciplined underwriting. Continuing to outpace industry growth, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 188 crores. The solvency ratio stood at 2.08, well above the regulatory requirement demonstrating strong financial stability.
SBI General Insurance continues to lead the Personal Accident (PA) segment, maintaining its position as the No. 1 private insurer. The company gained market share in the key categories of Health by 72 bps , Motor by 47 bps and Personal Accident by 49 bps. The Health and Motor Insurance lines of business remain key growth drivers, while other segments, such as Fire, Engineering, and Liability, have also contributed significantly to the growth. This growth has been propelled by rising awareness, increased demand for comprehensive coverage, growing digital adoption, and supportive government policies.
Commenting on the Company’s quarterly performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “We have started FY26 on a strong note with sustained growth across all key parameters. Our GWP stood at INR 3250 crores, reflecting focus on balanced growth and profitability, backed by customer trust and agile execution. The insurance industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by rising awareness, regulatory momentum, and increasing adoption of digital platforms. Our performance is a reflection of our steadfast dedication to customer-focused innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. We remain committed to further strengthening our capabilities and delivering on our promise of protecting what matters most to our customers.”
Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our Q1 FY26 performance reflects a strong improvement across key financial metrics. Despite growing at 3.5X compared to private industry growth, our Loss ratio has shown significant improvement demonstrating disciplined underwriting, risk management, strong business portfolio and cost efficiency. The significant increase in profitability and solvency highlights our robust business fundamentals and our ability to foresee and adapt to a dynamic market environment. We will continue to focus on delivering value to all stakeholders while sustaining our growth momentum.”
With a clear focus on customer-centricity, innovation, and operational strength, SBI General Insurance remains well-positioned to drive responsible growth and create long-term value in the evolving insurance landscape.
24, Jul 2025
STAAH tech fortifies online business operations of Bhopal-based Amer Group of Hotels
“STAAH’s range of solutions is designed to serve every kind of hotel, homestay, resort and budget establishment. In just five months, we’ve seen a turnaround in their online bookings and inventory with our systems in place. The enhanced guest booking experience has also led to higher consumer engagement across all their online platforms,” said Shoaib Ali – National Sales Head India, STAAH.
24, Jul 2025
Satin Creditcare Network Ltd. to Launch Women-Led AIF Fund to Foster Inclusive Growth
New Delhi, July 24th 2025: Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to financial empowerment and inclusive growth, Satin Creditcare Network Ltd. (SCNL), one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, has announced the launch of an MSME-focused debt fund helmed by women. To be structured as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under SEBI regulations, the platform is designed to provide vital debt capital to viable but underfunded micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a strong focus on those based in rural and semi-urban India.
At a time when access to capital remains a persistent barrier for small enterprises, SCNL’s new fund emerges as an essential, debt-driven solution. Championed by women, with an all-women Board of Directors and investment leadership team, this fund places women at the center of financial decision-making, capital deployment and economic inclusion.
Leading this initiative, Ms. Aditi Singh, Chief Strategy Officer, ESG Head, Satin Creditcare, commented on the vision behind this: “This is more than just a fund. It’s a platform for systemic change, by placing women at the helm financially, institutionally, and socially – we are not only unlocking small enterprise potential, but reshaping the future of finance itself.”
The fund will prioritize investments in sectors that are central to grassroots livelihoods, including agri-tech, manufacturing, health-tech, rural services, education and infrastructure. Built on ESG principles and shaped by a gender intentional lens, the fund is not a standalone initiative, it is a direct extension of SCNL’s broader mission of inclusion across the length and breadth of the nation.
From enabling last-mile borrowers to designing forward-looking financial structures, Satin continues to move beyond intention into tangible, scalable impact and rewriting the narrative around access, equity, and representation in Indian finance.
Dr. HP Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director of Satin Creditcare, said, “At Satin, inclusion is not a vertical; it’s the lens through which we build everything. This fund is a natural extension of our mission to create financial systems that truly serve the people they’re meant for, by being responsive to their needs, accessible in their contexts and inclusive by design. We are not simply bridging funding gaps, we are intentionally building systems where representation, resilience, and opportunity are built into the core of how capital flows. By entrusting women to lead investment, we are translating our values into action and shaping a more balanced, resilient, and representative economy.”
