2, Jun 2025
FSSAI delay in issuing licences could leave India’s PET Recycling Industry on the brink of bankruptcy, warns APR Bharat
New Delhi, June 02, 2025: The delay in granting of licences by FSSAI, to the factories set up by recycled PET manufacturers is likely to push a majority of these companies into bankruptcy, the Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat) – APR Bharat, said.
The industry has set up a total capacity of 4 lakh MT at an estimated investment of Rs 7500-8000 crore to produce recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) for generating food-contact packaging material. Companies have adopted state-of-art technology and set up their factories adhering to standards approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While a handful of them have received the FSSAI nod, as many as 15 plants, which are fully commissioned, are still awaiting clearance from the regulator to commence commercial production.
It is to be noted that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), had in 2022, issued guidelines on the mandatory usage of 30 per cent recycled food-grade plastic content into PET packaging bottles by beverage manufacturers, which were to come into effect from April 1, 2025. In the same year (2022-23), FSSAI came out with guidelines for recycling of post-consumer PET for food contact applications and five licences were issued and r-PET supplies have been used by brand owners since then, providing for a field validation on the use of r-PET, as was also acknowledged by FSSAI.
The revised FSSAI guidelines, which should have been in place at least 2-3 months before 1st April’25, were actually notified only in the last week of May 2025, which has further extended the timelines for licence issuance to more than nine applications pending with FSSAI since Dec’24/Jan’25.
“Following regulatory guidance by MoEFCC and FSSAI in 2022, and based on the understanding that this would give a huge impetus to the demand for r-PET in packaging bottles by beverage manufacturers, the industry started building capacities and a majority of them have been fully commissioned since January 2025. The nine applications pending with FSSAI has resulted in capacities lying idle. A majority of these investments have a significant component of debt and any delay in commencing operations could force these companies into bankruptcy,” Shailendra Singh, Director General, APR Bharat said.
Close to 50 per cent of the new investment is funded through bank debt. “If commercial production does not commence soon then these companies may face a huge fund crunch and may find it difficult to service the loan leading to most of these accounts turning into NPA (non-performing asset),” Singh added.
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- By Neel Achary
2, Jun 2025
Prudent Insurance Brokers appoints Shantanu Saran as Chief Business Officer
Mumbai, 2nd June 2025: Prudent Insurance Brokers, India’s leading composite insurance broker, has appointed Mr. Shantanu Saran as Chief Business Officer. With more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Shantanu brings a wealth of expertise in insurance broking leadership, risk management, claims advisory, customer centricity, and business development. He has been able to deliver exceptional business results underpinned by a client-centric approach and a consistent track record of strategic leadership.
In his new role, he will take on the responsibility of strategically growing Prudent. This entails identifying new opportunities for expansion, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and implementing innovative strategies to drive overall success and profitability.
Before joining Prudent Insurance Brokers, Shantanu spent about 17 years at Marsh India Insurance Brokers, where his last role was Managing Director – Sales & Claims. Prior to that, he worked at ICICI Lombard for over 4 years, where he was the Area Head – Corporate Solution Group.
Shantanu holds a degree in Economics from Ramjas College, University of Delhi, and a Business Administration degree from K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of performance, leadership, and delivering value across all his assignments.
Mr. Pavanjit Singh Dhingra, Joint Managing Director, Prudent Insurance Brokers, said, “Shantanu’s appointment marks an important step in the company’s growth journey. His track record in building stakeholder relationships managing P&Ls, and innovating strategic growth opportunities aligns well with our focus on delivering value and trust. He exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to client-centricity. We are confident that his vision and execution will accelerate our efforts to deliver differentiated solutions, foster stronger client relationships, and reinforce Prudent’s position as a trusted industry leader.”
On his appointment, Shantanu Saran, Chief Business Officer, Prudent Insurance Brokers, said, “I am honoured to be part of Prudent Insurance Brokers at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly, and client expectations are continuously rising. Prudent’s strong foundation, client-centric culture, and clear strategic direction make it ideal to build meaningful and long-term value. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to strengthen our market position, enhance our service offerings, and support clients in managing risk more effectively in a dynamic environment.”
2, Jun 2025
Donna Vanni: New Delhi’s Luxury House Redefining Leathercraft for the World Stage
Delhi, 2nd June 2025: Born in India’s storied leather‑craft capital and destined for global acclaim, DONNA VANNI recasts handbags and accessories as ritualistic artifacts—each a whispered incantation of mystic opulence. Steeped in centuries‑old artisan devotion yet fueled by cosmopolitan vision, the brand marries Indian soul with international savoir‑faire.
Every DONNA VANNI creation is conceived as a talisman: leather kissed by alchemy, silhouettes carved with architectural grace. From the crescent‑shaped Ruby top‑handle to the sculptural Garnet tote, each design unlocks a portal where myth and modernity entwine. Croc‑embossed clutches shimmer like constellations; woven leathers sing with hidden rhythms. Named after Earth’s most potent gemstones—Tourmaline, Amethyst, Peridot—our pieces resonate in every language of luxury.
Crafted in India by skilled artisans using ethically sourced leather, the collections are a tribute to slow luxury and whispered grandeur. DONNA VANNI does not follow trends. It forges symbols. Symbols of feminine power, mystique, and transcendence.
2, Jun 2025
Autodesk Appoints Ashish Mittal as Director of Public Sector in India and SAARC
India, June 02, 2025 – Autodesk, announced the appointment of Ashish Kumar Mittal as the Director of Public Sector for India and SAARC. With over three decades of experience in the IT industry, Ashish brings a deep understanding of government engagement, digital transformation initiatives, and strategic public sector partnerships. In his new role, he will lead Autodesk’s public sector strategy and execution across India.
His current remit includes leading the public sector sales team and driving business development activities across public sector initiatives. He will collaborate closely with stakeholders and leaders across India and APAC to enhance Autodesk’s presence and strategic partnerships in the public sector landscape.
“The public sector is a key focus area for Autodesk, and Ashish’s deep expertise in government modernization programs will be instrumental in strengthening our commitment to this segment. Ashish’s leadership will help us deepen our engagement and drive meaningful impact across India’s public infrastructure initiatives,” said Haresh Khoobchandani, Vice President, APAC & Japan, Autodesk.
Commenting on his new role, Mittal said, “Autodesk is an exciting place to be in, particularly at a transformative time like this. India’s public sector is embracing digital transformation at an accelerated pace, and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey. With Autodesk’s cutting-edge technology solutions, we aim to empower government institutions in advancing the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat agenda. Our focus will be on enabling the development of resilient, future-ready infrastructure that will continue to serve the needs of communities nationwide.”
Ashish holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering, providing him with a strong technical foundation that complements his deep expertise in government sales, business planning, partner management, and people development. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership roles at renowned organizations including Zenith, HCL, Oracle, Microsoft, Adobe, and ESRI India. His track record reflects a consistent ability to build and scale businesses, drive sustained profitability, and foster long-standing client and partner relationships, particularly within the public sector landscape.
2, Jun 2025
2026 Sony Photography COMPETITION LAUNCH
New Delhi, 2nd June 2025: The 19th edition of the Sony World Photography Awards is open for submissions and free for all to enter on worldphoto.org. The Sony World Photography Awards is a definitive platform for the celebration and discovery of contemporary photography. Since its first edition in 2007, the Awards has recognised the seminal images and stories that shape our visual language and is one of the most prestigious photographic awards programmes in the world, providing global exposure and new opportunities for photographers. Organised by Creo, the Awards form the core part of Creo’s photography programming strand, the World Photography Organisation. Sony supports the Awards to help the continued development of photographic culture by giving a global platform to today’s talent.
Photographers worldwide are invited to submit to the Awards’ four competitions:
● Professional, celebrating outstanding series of work between five to 10 images across 10 categories;
● Open, rewarding the best single images of the year across 10 categories;
● Youth, championing images by emerging talent aged 19 and under;
● and Student, highlighting the projects of photography students across the globe.
Additional initiatives include the National & Regional Awards, the Latin America Professional Award, the Japan National Award, and the Alpha Female Award, as well as the Sustainability Prize.
Entry to the Awards is free and photographers are judged anonymously by a panel of industry leading judges.
INSIGHTS
Introduced for the 2025 Professional competition and returning for a second year, Insights is an additional prize element that sees the 10 category winners joining a day of tailored sessions in London with leading industry figures. From a range of commercial and institutional backgrounds, these experts offer the photographers specialised guidance on ways to continue to widen their platform and to find new opportunities to showcase their work; from insights into private collectors of photography, to sessions on photobook publishing, and behind the scenes access to the acquisition process of public collections.
STUDENT COMPETITION BRIEF: TOGETHER
For this year’s Student competition, photographers are asked to respond to the brief Together. Togetherness can take many meanings, shapes and forms. It is a subject rich for exploration. Throughout history photographers have looked at life in communities in both the human and the natural world, considering the ways that individuals exist as members of a group.
For this year’s brief, students are invited to explore the theme of togetherness from any angle they choose, looking at the concept in its broadest sense. From intimate stories of camaraderie, to big and small communities working towards shared goals, to places and spaces that bring us together, and patterns of connection in the natural world – the brief invites students of photography to consider the innate need for sociality in all living beings.
Images can be taken on any device, shot in any style, and approached from any angle. While creative responses are encouraged, photographers must stick to the brief.
2026 PRIZES AND DEADLINES
The Sony World Photography Awards is open to submissions from 1 June 2025. Full competition and category descriptions can be found at worldphoto.org.
Deadlines for submission across the Awards’ four competitions are:
Professional: 13 January 2026, 13:00 GMT
Open: 6 January 2026, 13:00 GMT
Student: 28 November 2025, 13:00 GMT
Youth: 6 January 2026, 13:00 GMT
All category winners of the Professional, Open, Youth and Student competitions will receive digital imaging equipment from Sony. In addition, cash prizes of $25,000 (USD) will be presented to the Photographer of the Year, $5,000 (USD) to the Open Photographer of the Year and $5,000 (USD) to the winner of the Sustainability Prize. The winner of the Photographer of the Year title will also be rewarded with a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London the following year. All winning and shortlisted photographers’ works will be exhibited at the annual Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London and will then be toured internationally. The winning images will also be published in the annual Awards’ book.
2, Jun 2025
Gartner Predicts by 2028, 80% of GenAI Business Apps Will Be Developed on Existing Data Management Platforms
MUMBAI, India, June 2, 2025 — Gartner Inc. predicts that organizations will develop 80% of Generative AI (GenAI) business applications on their existing data management platforms by 2028. This approach will reduce the complexity and time required to deliver these applications by 50%.
During the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit taking place in Mumbai this week, Prasad Pore, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner, said, “Building GenAI business applications today involves integrating large language models (LLMs) with an organization’s internal data and adopting rapidly evolving technologies like vector search, metadata management, prompt design and embedding. However, without a unified management approach, adopting these scattered technologies leads to longer delivery times and potential sunk costs for organizations.”
As organizations aim to develop GenAI-centric solutions, data management platforms must evolve to integrate new capabilities or services for GenAI development, ensuring AI readiness and successful implementation.
Enhancing GenAI Application Deployment With RAG
Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is becoming a cornerstone for deploying GenAI applications, providing implementation flexibility, enhanced explainability and composability with LLMs. By integrating data from both traditional and non-traditional sources as context, RAG enriches the LLM to support downstream GenAI systems.
“Most LLMs are trained on publicly available data and are not highly effective on their own at solving specific business challenges,” said Pore. “However, when these LLMs are combined with business-owned datasets using the RAG architectural pattern, their accuracy is significantly enhanced. Semantics, particularly metadata, play a crucial role in this process. Data catalogs can help capture this semantic information, enriching knowledge bases and ensuring the right context and traceability for data used in RAG solutions.”
To effectively navigate the complexities of GenAI application deployment, enterprises should consider these key recommendations:
Evolve Data Management Platforms: Evaluate whether current data management platforms can be transformed into a RAG-as-a-service platform, replacing stand-alone document/data stores as the knowledge source for business GenAI applications.
Prioritize RAG Technologies: Evaluate and integrate RAG technologies such as vector search, graph and chunking, from existing data management solutions or their ecosystem partners when building GenAI applications. These options are more resilient to technological disruptions and compatible with organizational data.
Leverage Metadata for Protection: Enterprises should leverage not only technical metadata, but also operational metadata generated at runtime in data management platforms. This approach helps protect GenAI applications from malicious use, privacy issues and intellectual property leaks.
Gartner clients can learn more in “Predicts 2025: 4 Ways AI Will Disrupt Data Management Markets and Solutions.”
Learn how to ensure that your data is ready for use in the specific AI initiatives you plan to pursue in the complimentary Gartner AI-Ready Data Essentials Roadmap.
Gartner Data & Analytics Summit
Gartner analysts are providing additional insights on the evolving landscape of data, analytics and AI, focusing on adeptly balancing opportunity and risk while ensuring business value at the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit in Mumbai this week. Upcoming conferences include June 17-18 in Sydney. Follow news and updates from the conferences on X using #GartnerDA.
2, Jun 2025
HCG Aastha Cancer Centre & HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad Leads ‘Wheels of Change: Ride Against Tobacco Initiative’, on World No Tobacco Day
Ahmedabad, June 2, 2025 — In a spirited initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre and HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, came together on World No Tobacco Day, organized ‘Wheels of Change: Ride Against Tobacco’. The event comprised a two-part community initiative that blended physical activity and creative expression; through a bike rally and a zombie-themed dance performance. It was flagged off by Doctors and promoted public health education, through placards carrying motivational anti-tobacco messages.
The bike rally that started from HCG Aastha Cancer Centre and concluded at Teapots Desi Café, drawing participation from bike-rider groups, families, healthcare professionals, and residents of the city. A brief awareness session followed, where HCG doctors and fitness experts shared insights on the impact of tobacco and the importance of timely lifestyle changes. Participants also received eco-conscious giveaways such as plant saplings and reusable straws, to promote healthier living habits.
As part of the World No Tobacco Day initiative, HCG organized a creative performance at a prominent residential complex, featuring dancers dressed as zombies to raise awareness about the long-term harm tobacco inflicts on the body. Through expressive storytelling and impactful visual themes, the show shed light on how addiction silently deteriorates health. The performance drew a strong response from the audience and successfully sparked meaningful conversation, excitingly and especially, among young viewers.
Dr. Purvi Dave Patel, Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, on the occasion of “World No Tobacco Day”, said, “Tobacco remains one of the top preventable causes of cancer, especially oral and lung cancers. This initiative served as an opportunity to start early conversations within the community especially among the youth regarding the hazards of tobacco use. Raising awareness is vital in preventing the initiation and reducing the consumption of tobacco, and HCG remains committed to actively supporting and participating in such initiatives.”
The Department of Cardiac Sciences at HCG Hospitals, Mithakhali, Ahmedabad, emphasized:
“Such events facilitate proactive interactions that educate people about the risks of heart disease, stroke, COPD, infertility, and weakened immune systems resulting from tobacco use, including smokeless forms. Fortunately, quitting—even later in life—offers immediate and long-term health benefits, making awareness and early prevention critical in the fight against preventable cancers.”
Through this initiative, HCG reaffirmed its commitment to preventive care and community outreach. By combining health messaging with creative formats, including the activity of bike-riding and the medium of performance arts, ‘Wheels of Change’ inspired many to reflect on their choices and move toward healthier, tobacco-free living. The visible and substantive response received by this effort reflects the positive potential for ongoing auto-correction and adoption of healthier lifestyles, especially by the youth.
2, Jun 2025
Tata Steel Special Economic Zone’s Gopalpur Industrial Park joins World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative
Chandigarh, June 2, 2025: Tata Steel Special Economic Zone’s Gopalpur Industrial Park (GIP) joins the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative that brings together public and private sector stakeholders from industrial clusters to reduce their CO2 emissions while driving economic growth and creating jobs. This global initiative, implemented in collaboration with Accenture and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), seeks to accelerate large scale decarbonisation by fostering industrial ecosystems that promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and green innovation.
Located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, GIP is fast emerging as a hub for green hydrogen/green ammonia and green energy equipment manufacturing. With a clear focus on sustainability, GIP will bring together its own development goals and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position the country as a global leader in the production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Manikanta Naik, Managing Director, Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited, said, “Gopalpur Industrial Park is proud to be part of this transformative initiative by the World Economic Forum. The ongoing rapid industrialisation of Odisha, which includes large clusters like GIP, is also offering new opportunities to dedicate our infrastructure and expertise, to create a decarbonised future. GIP’s focus on green hydrogen and renewable energy clusters reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable industrial development. By leveraging global best practices and innovative partnerships, we aim to contribute significantly to India’s clean energy targets. We expect few more projects of similar nature to come up in GIP shortly.”
Around 25% of GIP’s available land has been earmarked for green hydrogen/ammonia and renewable energy sectors, aligning with national sustainability goals. GIP has also signed land leasing and blocking agreements with multiple green hydrogen players, facilitating a total capacity of >2 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia with an estimated multi-phased investment of more than Rs. 27,000 Crores. With these investments in place, GIP will be able to contribute around ~10% of India’s green hydrogen/ammonia production target by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. GIP’s infrastructure master plan has several key components including a 2.5 km long, 60 m wide exclusive utility corridor connecting GIP to Gopalpur Port to ensure secured and efficient transportation of green ammonia for global exports. GIP has already collaborated with Gopalpur Port to facilitate seamless shipment of green ammonia to international markets, supporting India’s export ambitions.
Further, to ensure sustainable, round-the-clock water availability, GIP has a provision to set up a desalination plant, addressing critical industrial water needs while safeguarding local resources. GIP is also working to facilitate reliable green power transmission from the western regions of India that will strengthen its commitment to providing clean energy solutions. GIP is also working towards setting up a Common Effluent Treatment Plant for safe disposal of industrial wastewater.
2, Jun 2025
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences Presents an Exquisite Father’s Day Brunch Celebration
Gurugram, 2 June 2025 – This Father’s Day, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, a quintessential luxury urban sanctuary invites guests to praise the charm of fatherhood with a celebration as refined as it is indulgent. On Sunday, 15th June, 2025, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Spectra, will play host to an indulgent Father’s Day Brunch – a gourmet affair designed to raise a glass to the everyday heroes in our lives.
Set within the striking expanse of Spectra, where curated wine displays meet the comfort of semi-private and private dining enclaves, the brunch will be an immersive culinary experience. Seven live, interactive kitchens will serve an exceptional spread curated by expert chefs.
With its 24-hour appeal and stellar reputation for impeccable flavours, Spectra continues to reimagine all-day dining in the city. For Father’s Day, the team has gone a step further, designing a theme-based cocktail menu that elevates the classics with finesse. Guests can sip and savour as the rhythm of live music flows through the venue, setting the tone for a celebration that is both heartwarming and elevated.
Whether you’re gathering for laughter, legacy, or simply to say thank you, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences offers the perfect backdrop for cherished memories. At this destination where elegance meets soul, Father’s Day Brunch becomes more than a meal – it becomes a special moment.
2, Jun 2025
Remsons Industries Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility for Locomotive Applications
Pune, June 02, 2025: Remsons Industries Limited, a leading automotive components manufacturer, has opened its new state-of-the-art facility dedicated to producing high-performance products for locomotive applications. The new plant, located in Chakan, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion and commitment to supporting the railway sector with advanced, reliable, and sustainable solutions.
The facility was inaugurated by Mr. Krishna Kejriwal, CMD, in the presence of company executives & industry partners. Spanning area in 30,000 sq. ft., the facility is equipped with the latest in precision engineering technologies, assembly systems, and quality control processes tailored to meet the rigorous demands of modern locomotive applications.
“This new facility strengthens our position as a trusted partner to the rail industry. We are committed to excellence in innovation, safety, and sustainability, and this plant will enable us to meet the growing demand for high-quality locomotive components both domestically and internationally,” said Mr. Kejriwal.
Key highlights of the facility include Advanced CNC machining, Sheeting Metal Fabrication with Welding Capabilities, In-house testing and validation lab for railway standards compliance, and Skilled workforce training centre.
The products manufactured at the new facility will serve both freight and passenger rail segments, enhancing the performance and reliability of locomotive systems worldwide.
