21, Aug 2025
Jaro Education Recognized as EdTech Leader of the Year at ET Now Business Awards 2025
21 August 2025: Jaro Education has been named “EdTech Leader of the Year – Empowering India’s Professionals” at the ET Now Business Conclave & Awards 2025 (West Edition). The award was received by Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe, Chairman and MD, and Ms. Ranjita Raman, CEO, during a gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
Strengthening the Role of Education for Professionals
This recognition comes on the heels of Jaro Education being awarded Leading EdTech Company at the Times Business Awards 2024. Together, these milestones reflect the company’s continued work in building access to quality higher and executive education for professionals across India.
Speaking on the award, Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe said:
“Our focus has always been on delivering education that makes a real difference in careers. This recognition encourages us to keep building programmes that professionals can rely on for growth and advancement.”
Adding to this, Ms. Ranjita Raman noted:
“Learners are at the centre of every initiative we take. This award is a reminder to keep strengthening our partnerships and solutions so professionals can be ready for the future of work.”
Impact and Way Forward
Jaro Education has worked with over 3.5 lakh learners, offering programmes in areas such as management, leadership, data science, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. By collaborating with top universities, it continues to bridge academic learning with industry needs.
The award reinforces Jaro Education’s role in supporting professionals as India prepares for new economic opportunities. The company remains focused on expanding access to learning that helps individuals build skills and move ahead in their careers.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Aug 2025
Galgotias University, VLSI Society Ink MoU to Boost Semiconductor Innovation
Galgotias University Signs MoU with VLSI Society of India to Boost Semiconductor Research and Startup Ecosystem
Greater Noida, 21st August 2025 – Galgotias University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the VLSI Society of India (VSI) to accelerate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the field of semiconductors. This collaboration marks the second MoU signed by the University to strengthen its semiconductor research initiatives, following an earlier agreement with Edupedia Technologies.
The University will soon establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Semiconductor Research, which has already garnered interest from several knowledge partners. The CoE aims to provide researchers and students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, fostering cutting-edge research and supporting India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
Under this MoU, Galgotias University and VSI will jointly conduct curriculum development, workshops, training programs, and capacity-building activities for students and faculty members of the country, added Dr. Satya Gupta, President of VLSI Society of India, during the occasion.
Highlighting the scope of collaboration, he noted:
“Through VSI’s industry volunteer network, students will gain access to expert lectures, live projects, internships, and mentorship opportunities at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.”
The partnership also aims to nurture the semiconductor startup ecosystem by offering techno-commercial mentorship, facilitating industry linkages, and enabling seed funding support. This collaboration is a vital step toward building an innovation-driven ecosystem that will support future semiconductor startups and strengthen academia-industry partnerships.
Looking ahead, Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, Galgotias University, remarked, “The initiative is expected to create a strong platform for fostering innovation-driven startups and enhancing India’s self-reliance in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.”
Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, further added, “This MoU reflects our vision to bridge academia and industry by creating opportunities for students and researchers to contribute to India’s semiconductor mission. With strong industry partnerships and a robust ecosystem, Galgotias University is committed to driving the next wave of semiconductor innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.”
21, Aug 2025
From Capital Allocation to Digital Valuation… Rethinking ROI in Transformation Project
By – Rajendra Chitale,Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Crayon Software Experts India
In the relentless race to digitally reinvent enterprises, the financial management of capital demands a quantum shift from merely allocating funds to re-evaluating how we measure value. The metrics that once defined success, such as purely cost savings, ROI, and payback periods are no longer sufficient in a marketplace where competitive advantage and enterprise value are equally influenced by innovation velocity, data intelligence, and customer experience.
The Evolution of ROI Measurement
Historically, transformation investments were assessed through the narrow confines of return on invested capital (ROIC) and cash flow impacts. In recent times, 81% of companies measure ROI in digital transformation through productivity gains, while organizations adopting more holistic KPIs are 20% more likely to see medium-to-high enterprise value from these initiatives , according to a recent Deloitte study. This broader approach reflects a growing recognition that intangible benefits such as agility, customer loyalty, and brand equity directly influence market valuation.
Market Value as a Core Indicator
Delotte’s analysis of over 4,600 companies’ disclosures reveals that strategically aligned digital investments can unlock up to US$1.25 trillion in additional market capitalisation, while misaligned efforts risk destroying more than US$1.5 trillion. For capital planners, this data underscores that digital transformation is not a discretionary expense, it is an asset creation strategy.
Strategic Capital Deployment
According to a recent IDC report, Global spending on digital transformation is projected to grow from US$1.8 trillion in 2022 to US$2.8 trillion by 2025. However, between 50% and 72% of IT budgets are still allocated to maintaining existing systems, leaving limited capacity for transformative innovation. Organizations achieving higher returns are those prioritizing investments in data analytics, AI, and cloud platforms technologies that deliver measurable operational efficiency and future scalability.
Beyond Financial ROI – Measuring Strategic Impact
Modern transformation projects increasingly deliver returns that are not immediately visible on the balance sheet. These include:
- Innovation capacity accelerating product launches and improving market responsiveness.
- Customer lifetime value (CLV) driven by enhanced experiences and personalization.
- Workforce productivity and retention supported by better collaboration tools and data-driven decision-making.
These factors, while less tangible, directly influence a company’s long-term competitiveness and market confidence.
Risk-Adjusted Returns in Digital Investments
ROI calculations must evolve to account for risk-adjusted performance. Digital transformation carries inherent challenges – cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and integration complexity. Without factoring these into projections, organizations risk overestimating benefits. Risk-adjusted ROI models ensure that capital allocation decisions are resilient, balancing ambition with disciplined risk management.
Intangible Asset Valuation in the Digital Era
Over the past three decades, the proportion of intangible assets in corporate valuations has surged from 17% of S&P 500 market value in 1975 to nearly 90% in 2020. Data assets, proprietary algorithms, and brand equity have become critical value drivers. Digital transformation projects often enhance these assets, underscoring the need for valuation models that fully account for their contribution.
The Valuation Narrative – Communicating ROI to Stakeholders
How transformation results are communicated can have as much impact as the results themselves. Investors and boards look for clear, measurable outcomes, productivity gains, customer satisfaction scores, faster time-to-market paired with a compelling narrative. Transparent reporting through quarterly calls, investor decks, and ESG disclosures strengthens confidence and reinforces the perception of long-term value creation.
The AI-Driven ROI Shift
The perception of AI as a high-risk investment has diminished dramatically. In 2020, 70% of finance leaders were cautious about AI adoption, whereas today, only 4% remain hesitant. Budgets now allocate approximately 25% of AI funding to autonomous AI agents, with 74% of leaders expecting up to 20% improvements in both cost efficiency and revenue generation. These numbers highlight AI’s emergence as a quantifiable driver of both top- and bottom-line growth.
Why This Shift Matters Now
Investor expectations are evolving. They no longer evaluate ROI solely on immediate returns, but on the ability of transformation projects to deliver sustained value and market differentiation. Capital allocation strategies must therefore be disciplined yet forward-looking directing funds toward initiatives with clear alignment to strategic growth, customer impact, and market competitiveness.
In conclusion, ROI in transformation projects is no longer about proving that the investment “paid for itself.” It is about demonstrating how it increased the organization’s overall valuation, enhanced resilience, and positioned the business for long-term success. By redefining ROI as “Return on Innovation,” financial strategy moves beyond simple cost-benefit analysis to a holistic measure of digital competitiveness and enterprise growth.
21, Aug 2025
Birla Opus Paints new digital film on Ganesh Chaturthi captures the joy of welcoming Bappa home
Mumbai, 21st August 2025: Birla Opus Paints, housed under Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, marks this Ganesh Chaturthi with the launch of its new digital film. Rooted in the brand’s Duniya Ko Rang Do philosophy, the film celebrates the joy, devotion and togetherness that echoes with the arrival of Bappa in every household, while showcasing how paints can transform both homes and hearts during this special occasion.
Ganesh Chaturthi in India is not just a festival, it is an emotion that unites families, neighbours, and communities in devotion and joy. This heartfelt digital film narrates the story of a young boy’s unwavering desire of welcoming Lord Ganesha into his home for the very first time. At first, the parents didn’t realize the yearning of kid for his own Bappa, but convinced with his determination the family decides to welcome Bappa, leaving aside hesitations of work, extra work, guests or painting.
The narrative beautifully shows the role of painting or beautifying our spaces as a precursor to festive celebrations. It beautifully conveys a heartwarming message of inviting divinity to our homes through the innocence of a kid, this Ganesh Chaturthi. It closes with a warm festive wish from Birla Opus Paints, “Rangon Ko Khushiyan Phailane Do, Duniya Ko Rang Do”, celebrating the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Conceptualised by Leo India, the campaign celebrates the power of colours in enriching traditions and making every Ganesh Chaturthi truly memorable. Available across platforms, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, inspiring families everywhere to prepare their homes and hearts for Bappa’s arrival.
Commenting on the film launch, Inderpreet Singh, Head – Marketing, Birla Opus Paints said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of celebration, bringing homes and neighbourhoods alive. With this heartwarming film, we wanted to tell this story through the eyes of a child welcoming Bappa home for the very first time. Paints play a unique role on such occasions, transforming spaces and adding colour to the memories that will be cherished for years.”
Sachin Kamble, Chief Creative Officer, Leo, South Asia, said: “Birla Opus has always celebrated the transformational power of colours in our lives. With this film, we capture that sentiment through the innocent eyes of a child and his heartfelt wish to welcome Bappa home. The film shows how Birla Opus goes beyond just beautifying walls, they help transform homes into spaces of celebration and love.”
21, Aug 2025
Internationally Acclaimed Author Dr. Birbal Jha to Empower Students with Employability Skills at Sri Arvind Mahila College on August 23
21st August 2025, Patna, Bihar : In a major stride toward empowering youth with 21st-century career competencies, Dr. Birbal Jha, noted author of international repute and social entrepreneur, will address students of Sri Arvind Mahila College, Patliputra University, in a high-impact seminar on Employability Skills scheduled for August 23, 2025.
The program is part of Dr. Jha’s broader outreach initiative, aimed at nurturing student confidence, communication, and workplace readiness. It resonates strongly with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, which envisions India as a developed nation by the centenary of Independence.
Speaking about the upcoming seminar, Dr. Jha said, “India’s future rests in the hands of its youth. Equipping them with the right skills and mindset is not just an academic exercise but a national responsibility. Through this initiative, I wish to see students become not only employable but also leaders of change.”
The session, being held at the invitation of Prof. Shadhana Thakur, Principal of Sri Arvind Mahila College, is aimed at sharpening students’ career readiness and equipping them with the confidence to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Dr. Birbal Jha, Managing Director of British Lingua and pioneer of ‘English for Social Empowerment’ in India, is acclaimed for his work in employability, personality development and soft skills training. With decades of experience and global recognition, he has guided thousands of youths toward professional success. Students of Arvind Mahila College will now get the opportunity to learn directly from his expertise.
The session will focus on practical aspects of employability, including interview preparedness, effective resume writing, professional communication, cultivating a growth mindset, and exploring career opportunities. By equipping students with these crucial skills, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academics and the demands of the job market, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 to prepare a confident, capable and future-ready workforce.
The event, free for all enrolled students, is expected to draw a full house. It reflects the college’s commitment to holistic education that extends beyond the classroom. Students have been urged to attend and actively participate in what promises to be a life-shaping session. Renowned self-help author Dr. Birbal Jha will be accompanied by a team of experts, including specialists in career guidance for the aviation sector.
21, Aug 2025
Dr. Birbal Jha to Deliver Keynote at Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya on Jobs and Vision for Viksit Bharat
Patna, August 21, 2025 : In a noteworthy academic initiative aimed at preparing India’s youth for a future-ready nation, Dr. Birbal Jha — acclaimed author, renowned English language expert, and founder of British Lingua — has been invited to deliver the keynote address at a seminar hosted by Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Kankarbagh.
The seminar, titled “Job Avenues & Employability Skills: Aligning with the National Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047,” will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the college premises.
Often referred to as the ‘Father of English Language Training in India,’ Dr. Jha has played a transformative role in enhancing communication skills among youth across the country. Through British Lingua, he has led a mission to bridge linguistic gaps and empower individuals with the tools for professional success — earning recognition not just as a language trainer, but also as a social entrepreneur and educator.
Dr. Jha’s keynote is expected to offer a powerful blend of academic insight and actionable advice, focusing on how students can effectively align their skills and ambitions with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. As the country navigates the challenges of a changing employment landscape, his perspective on skill-based education and communication excellence will be particularly relevant.
The event will be chaired by Prof. Vijay Lakshmi, Principal of the college, and will bring together students, faculty members, and invited guests from both academic and professional spheres.
Dr. Jha’s participation underscores the increasing emphasis on career-oriented learning and national development — themes that have remained central to his life’s work for decades.
“Empowering our youth with the right skills and mindset is not just about finding jobs — it’s about building the India we envision for 2047. Communication, confidence, and clarity are key.”. said Dr. Birbal Jha
20, Aug 2025
IIT Roorkee Researchers Create HyEco, A New Tool to Predict How Floods Spread Disease in Cities
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Aug 20, 2025: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee have developed HyEco, a first-of-its-kind integrated flood-water quality modelling platform that not only predicts how urban flood waters will spread across a city but also shows how potential disease-causing microbes can travel in floodwaters and where people are most at risk of getting affected.
This novel framework was tested on the 2023 Delhi floods, one of the worst in recent times. The results were alarming; over 60% of flooded areas were in the high to very high danger zones, and harmful bacteria (E. coli) in the water were found to be hundreds of thousands of times above safe limits. Children, in particular, faced infection risks more than double the internationally accepted safety levels when playing in floodwaters.
Floodwaters in many Indian cities mix with untreated sewage and industrial waste, creating a toxic mix that can lead to outbreaks of diarrhoea, cholera, and other dangerous water-borne diseases. HyEco can help authorities see these threats in advance, identify “health danger hotspots,” and take quick action to protect people, for example, by improving sewage treatment, cleaning drains before monsoons, warning residents through SMS alerts, and using advanced water cleaning methods.
The research supports key Government of India missions, such as the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Swachh Bharat Mission, National Disaster Management Plan, and the National Health Mission. It also helps meet several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
“Floods don’t just damage buildings; they can trigger silent health crises. HyEco gives us the power to see where the danger will be highest, so action can be taken before it’s too late,” said Prof. Mohit P. Mohanty, Department of Water Resources Development and Management, IIT Roorkee.
“This research is a perfect example of science serving society. By helping cities prepare for both the visible and hidden dangers of floods, HyEco can play a vital role in building safer, healthier, and climate-resilient communities in India and around the world,” said Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.
HyEco is designed to be used not just in India but in flood-prone cities worldwide, from Mumbai to Manila, Jakarta to New Orleans, offering an innovative, science-based solution to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases after floods.
20, Aug 2025
JSW MG Motor India Expands Footprint in Kerala with New Dealership in Muvattupuzha
Muvattupuzha, August 20, 2025: JSW MG Motor India, committed to enhancing accessibility to advanced automotive technologies and futuristic products, proudly inaugurated its new 3S showroom in Muvattupuzha, Kerala today. Strategically located at NH 49, Sangamo Junction, Kadathy, this state-of-the-art facility offers Sales, Service, and Spare parts, catering to car buyers in and around of Muvattupuzha. Customers can enjoy an immersive experience through a digital configurator for personalized vehicle selection and benefit from an in-house EV charging station, reinforcing MG’s commitment to sustainable mobility and customer convenience.
Commenting on the occasion, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said; “We are thrilled to expand our footprint in Kerala, a key market that continues to show robust growth, particularly from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. To meet the rising demand from these regions, our newly launched showroom in Muvattupuzha is set to play a pivotal role in bringing MG’s cutting-edge, technology-driven vehicles closer to our customers. This strategic expansion not only enhances accessibility but also underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering a seamless sales and aftersales experience, with a customer-first approach at its core.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Nirav Modi, Dealer Principal, MG Muvattupuzha, said; “We are proud to collaborate with JSW MG Motor India to bring the brand closer to car buyers in Muvattupuzha. With MG’s future-ready product portfolio, a strong focus on customer-centricity, and our proven expertise in sales and aftersales services, we are confident in delivering a premium ownership experience to customers across the region. This partnership marks a significant step in making innovative mobility solutions more accessible and reinforces our shared commitment to excellence.”
JSW MG Motor India now spans over 90% of India’s geographical footprint, with a robust network of over 543 sales and aftersales touchpoints across 270 cities. This expansive reach is a testament to the brand’s commitment to making advanced mobility solutions more accessible to customers nationwide.
To ensure seamless support, service centres are strategically located within a 15-kilometre radius, enabling customer assistance within just 30 minutes across most regions of India. This infrastructure reinforces JSW MG Motor India’s customer-first philosophy and its dedication to delivering a superior ownership experience.
20, Aug 2025
Honda Establishes New Subsidiary in India for Retail Financing Services
India, 2025 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced the recent establishment of a new company in India, Honda Finance India Private Ltd., (“Honda Finance India”) that will offer customers retail sales financing services including loans and lease sales options for Honda products in India.
In India, where further growth of the motorcycle and automobile markets is expected, the number of customers using loans to purchase motorcycles and cars is also expected to increase. Until now, retail sales financing services in the Indian market have mainly been provided by local financial institutions. However, in light of market trends, Honda will further strengthen its business in India by offering its own sales financing services through a local subsidiary in India.
Honda Finance India Private Ltd. will apply for a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license to conduct financial services business in India. After obtaining the license, the company will begin offering retail sales financing services to help customers finance their purchase of motorcycles, automobiles and services provided by Honda.
Financial services business has been one of the main business areas of Honda, and the company has established local subsidiaries specializing in retail sales financing services in Japan and various countries in key regions such as North America, and Europe. With the establishment of the new company, India became the ninth country where Honda has a local subsidiary to offer financial services.
Honda will work to establish long-term relationships with customers by offering flexible financial services tailored to the specific needs of customers in each region. Moreover, in anticipation of the global expansion of software-defined vehicle (SDV) sales in the future, Honda is looking into opportunities to offer new financial services designed to increase customer satisfaction and the value of the customer experience using various data from Honda SDVs. With such new services, Honda will further strengthen its financial services business not only in India but across the globe.
20, Aug 2025
Higher Education Institutes in India lack in Gender Diversity
By – Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partner
The higher education scenario in India today is at a Crossroads. While employment generation, competency mapping, and entrepreneurship development are critical, equally pressing is the need to have more women in leadership positions. A survey conducted by EduShine Search Partners found that out of 1352 HEIs in India including IITs, IIMs, public, private, and deemed universities, only 152 are headed by women. This translates into an abysmally low ratio of 11.24%, clearly underlining the lack of gender diversity in the leadership positions in HEIs.
The low participation of females in HEIs indicates the structural flaw and deep bias that continues to run into our society. In a similar survey in 2021, EduShine found the ratio of female participation in the leadership position at 9.56%. The current survey shows an increase of around 2% although at 11.24%, even today much is left to be desired. Especially when one starts making comparisons. In the US, UK, and Australia, 25% of the women head the HEIs with Brazil standing out at an exceptional ratio of 47.3%. Just so you know, around 25% of the world’s top 200 universities are headed by women.
Deliberating on the reason behind this low participation ratio, Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners says, “There is a pressing need to undertaker structural reforms and project their success stories so that next-gen get inspired to achieve excellence in the field of education,”
One bright spot in the results of the survey is the performance of the Government Institutions. Central Universities with 14.04% women leaders outperformed deemed universities (13.76%) and state public universities (13.2%). The performance of private Universities is just about average (9.18%) while Institutes of National Importance (INI) are stacked at the bottom with 8.53%.
The worrisome statistic from the survey is the complete absence of women’s leadership in the technical domain – not even a single IIT is headed by a women leader. The scenario is not very different in the case of premier management institutes with only 2 out of 21 IIMs headed by the women. Similarly, only 1 has women at the helm of the affairs when it comes to AIIMS which are total 15 in the country.
“The low enrollment of women in technical education explains the complete absence of women leadership in technical institutes,” Kalpesh reasons, “this explains that out of 120 IITs, IIITs, NITs, and IISER, only 2 (1 NIT and 1 IIIT) are headed by women.”
A multi-pronged approach is required to increase the women leaders ratio in HEIs in India. This entails combining policy measures with socioeconomic reforms to push for enriching the diversity at top leadership positions. Summarily, the time has come to join the forces and put in decisive efforts so that gender diversity in HEIs in India reaches a respectable figure.
