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IHM Hyderabad Hosts 4th Season of Budding Events, Showcases Exceptional Talent

The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad, hosts the 4th Season of the Budding Events, unearths exceptional talent!

Hyderabad, 22nd September 2025: The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad (IHM-Hyderabad), a central government institute under the Ministry of Tourism, ranked the third best institute, successfully; hosted the 4th Season of the Budding Events, comprising of National Budding Professional Competition (Manager) and National Budding Chef Competition, at its premises at DD Colony, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad. The four-day mega event, which concluded today, witnessed the participation of 8 teams in the Budding Professional and 13 teams in the Budding Chef from leading IHMs, SIHMs, and private hospitality institutes from across India and Hyderabad. 

The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Chef Sudhakar N. Rao – Director/Principal, Culinary Academy of India and a proud Alumnus of IHM-Hyderabad; Mr. Anirban Kundu, Food & Beverage Manager, Taj Deccan, Hyderabad; Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal/ Member Secretary, IHM-Hyderabad; Ms. Rachna Agashe, HoD, IHM-Hyderabad; Mr. Puneet Razdan, HoD, IHM-Hyderabad and other dignitaries. The inaugural also set the tone for the competitions with inspiring addresses and enthusiastic participation from students across the country.

Participants in the National Budding Professional (Manager) 2025 category competed across diverse and industry-relevant events, testing their problem-solving, creativity, and operational skills. The categories included Online Test; Pitcharest- F&B Business Plan; SoP Detective – Error Detection & Correction; Floresque – Ikebana Competition; Front Desk Showdown – Service Recovery Skills; Takeoff – Product Launch Competition; Hotel Ecothon- Digital Junior Suite Designing; Sell Me This Pen – Selling Tactics and Hustle – Cocktail Making Competition. Based on cumulative scores from these events, the prestigious titles of Mr. Budding Professional (Manager) and Ms. Budding Professional (Manager) were awarded to the most deserving candidates.

National Budding Chef 2025 – Competitions & Awards

The Budding Chef Competition featured intense rounds across multiple cuisines and themes, bringing out the best of India’s culinary student talent in Regional Indian Authentic Cookery; International Surprise Basket and Cake Decoration Competition. The rigorous competitions tested participants’ culinary creativity, technical precision, and ability to work under pressure, culminating in the announcement of the National Budding Chef 2025 Champion Team. 

Valedictory Ceremony of National Budding Events 2025

The Valedictory ceremony hosted today, was attended by eminent industry stalwarts including Guest of Honour Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi; Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC; Mr. Rohan George, Resident Manager, Green Park Hyderabad; Mr. John Biswas, Hotel Manager, Radisson Blu Banjara Hills; Chef Manpreet Singh Malik, Executive Chef, Taj Deccan and Mr.Sanjay Thakur, Principal/ Member Secretary, IHM-Hyderabad and gave away the prizes to the winners in the various categories. A key highlight of the event was the release of a Research Book on AI Trends in the Hospitality Industry, reinforcing IHM-Hyderabad’s commitment to innovation in hospitality education.

A series of vibrant cultural performances, including the recitation of mantras, Ganesh Vandana, soulful flute recitals, a Telangana folk dance (Bathukamma), and a thought-provoking Nukkad Natak on the theme of Swachhata added grandeur and depth to the evening, blending tradition, culture, and social awareness. 

Awards & Felicitations

The following awards were given to winners across competitions, during the Valedictory Ceremony, today.

Special Felicitations 

As a part of the International Housekeepers Week, the institute felicitated the following, for their exceptional role in Housekeeping

• Mr. Manikandan, Executive Housekeeper, Taj Deccan
• Mr. Bilbin K. Babu, Head of Department, Housekeeping, Taj Vivanta

National Budding Professional (Manager) 2025, Awards

• Ms. Budding Professional (Manager): Ria Shirookar, IHM Goa.
• Mr. Budding Professional (Manager): Sai Manish, Regency College of Hotel Management.
• Ms. Budding Professional (Manager) – Runner-up: Shreyshy, IHM-Chennai.
• Mr. Budding Professional (Manager) – Runner-up: Carlos Frank Marcas R., IHM-Chennai.
• Participant with the Most Contagious Smile: Roel Saldanha, IHM-Goa.
• Participant with the Best Demeanour: Abhishek Sahoo, SIHM Balangir.
• Participant with the most pleasing personality: Harsimran Singh Sodhi, SIHM Jabalpur.
• The Best Seller (Sales & Marketing Topper): Rashmeet Kaur, IHM Bhubaneswar.
• Topper – F&B Service: Shubhi Rajbhar, SIHM Jabalpur.
• Topper – Front Office: Athiya Khan, Regency College of Hotel Management.
• Topper – Accommodation Operations: Ariba Siddiqui, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad.

National Budding Chef 2025, Awards

• Champion of the National Budding Chef 2025: Andrea Vaz & Aditya Nair, IHM-Goa.
• Consolation Prize – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Andriyas Topno & Sinthia Horo, SIHM Balangir.

• Runner-up – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Rakesh Rout & Romit Pradhan Shiksha O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneshwar.
• Winner – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Radhika Rajwade & Badal Sahu, SIHM Raipur.
• Consolation Prize – International Surprise Basket: Vikruthi Sarangan & Saahas Reddy, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad.
• Runner-up – International Surprise Basket: Rajbir Rana & Sanoop Wilson, IHM-Chennai.
• Winner – International Surprise Basket: Ayush Agarwal & Mohit Gurjar, SIHM Jabalpur.

• Consolation Prize – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Andrea Vaz & Aditya Nair, IHM-Goa.
• Runner-up – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Shrutika Sharma & T. Chandu, Regency College of Hotel Management, Hyderabad.

• Winner – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Cibidaran & Abhishek Krishna, Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati.
• Chef’s Hygiene Excellence Award : Janhavi Daiv & Souvik Das, IHM Ahmedabad.
• Chef with the Best Demeanour : Pooja Kha, IHM-Bhubaneshwar. 
• Chef with the Best Smile : Mohit Gurjar, SIHM Jabalpur.
• Chef with the Most Pleasing Personality : Vikruthi Sarangan, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad

The event concluded with resounding applause, celebrating not just the winners but also the spirit of learning, collaboration, and hospitality excellence that IHM-Hyderabad proudly fosters.

SBI strengthens presence in Tamil Nadu with the inauguration of 14 new branches

Chennai, September 22, 2025: State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest bank, has further strengthened its presence in India’s second largest state economy, Tamil Nadu, with the inauguration of 14 new branches, 2 Home Loan Centers, 2 modern Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), and a Special Currency Administration Branch (SCAB). These initiatives, inaugurated by SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty during his visit to the Bank’s Local Head Office in Chennai, underline SBI’s focus on expanding its reach while supporting community development across the State.

Further to this, as part of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) campaign for the saturation of Financial Inclusion schemes, SBI Chairman virtually inaugurated 110 Gram Panchayat Camps aimed at bringing essential banking and financial services directly to rural communities. Senior officials from the bank, business correspondents were present at these camps where a large number of customers participated.

Additionally, under the bank’s CSR initiative, a cheque for INR1.47 crore was handed over to Shri Sudhan R, Retired IAS and the Member Secretary of the Namma School Foundation for the upgradation of 30 Government Primary Schools throughout Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to improving the Educational Infrastructure.

Speaking on the occasion, SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty said, “SBI may already be India’s largest bank with over 22,980 branches, yet we see clear opportunities to deepen our presence where banking access is still limited. The new branches in Tamil Nadu are part of our effort to strengthen this physical connect while complementing it with initiatives like Gram Panchayat camps to drive financial inclusion at the grassroots. At the same time, we remain committed to giving back to society, and our support towards upgrading government schools reflects that responsibility. Our focus is to keep expanding in ways that create both economic and social value for the communities we serve”

“These initiatives are a reaffirmation to the Bank’s commitment to making banking more accessible and inclusive. By such undertakings, SBI is not just growing as a Bank but also contributing to the holistic development of the communities it serves”, he said.

Housing Sales Dip in Nine Indian Cities in Q3 2025; New Launches Steady: PropEquity

New Delhi, September 22, 2025: Housing sales in India’s leading nine cities fell by 4% and consecutive declined for the 10th quarter, in Q3 (July-September) 2025, settling just above the 1 lakh unit mark at 1,00,370 units, according to a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity. New launches, however, remained flat, coming in below the 1 lakh mark at 92,229 units declining by 10% on Q-o-Q basis. 

The top 9 cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kolkata and Delhi-NCR.

The Y-o-Y decline in sales across the top 9 cities during Q3 2025 was primarily led by the Maharashtra region – including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune – which experienced a contraction ranging from 6% to 28%.

Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, however, witnessed a rise of 21%, 16% and 25% respectively in Q3 2025. Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, too, saw 4% YoY each rise in sales in Q3 2025.

On a Q-o-Q basis, sales in top 9 cities fell marginally by 1% with only Delhi-NCR (24%) and Thane (11%) seeing a drop. The other 7 cities witnessed a rise.

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity said, “The reason why we feel that the housing market remains healthy even though the new launches are coming down consecutively is because the sales continue to be higher than the new launches. We anticipate that 2025 will mirror 2024 with approximately 4 lakh unit launches and approximately 4.5 lakh sales, which is marginally lower than the 2024 numbers.”

On the new housing supply front, the report said that new launches in India’s top 9 cities remained flat YoY, remaining below the 1 lakh unit mark, at 92,229 units in Q3 2025. 

Jasuja noted, “While the current quarter has seen subdued activity, we anticipate a rebound in the upcoming quarter due to the festive season, which is expected to drive stronger demand, leading to improved launch momentum and a higher absorption level.”

There is a YoY rise in new launches in Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata, and there is a decline in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Thane, and Delhi-NCR.

However, new supply fell 10% Q-o-Q with a 31% decline in Delhi-NCR, followed by 15% in Pune and 29% in Chennai. 

However Hyderabad, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai saw a rise of 14%, 24% and 6%.

Varun Khanna Honoured as ‘Visionary Healthcare CEO’ at AHPI Leadership Summit 2025

“Healthcare is Service, Not Industry,” says Telangana Governor at AHPI Leadership Summit

Hyderabad, September 22,2025: The 3rd AHPI Leadership Summit, a two-day national conference on “Leadership in the Age of High-Tech Healthcare”, concluded today at Hotel Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills. The event brought together senior leaders from healthcare, policy, and industry to deliberate on people-first leadership, financial sustainability, and strategic planning for the future of healthcare. Chief Guest: His Excellency Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Ji, Honourable Governor of Telangana, graced the valedictory session and emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in strengthening India’s healthcare system.

His Excellency Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Ji, Honourable Governor of Telangana, underscored the ethos of service in healthcare, stating, “Healthcare should never be viewed as an industry; it must always be seen as a service. The true strength of our healthcare system lies not only in technology and innovation but also in compassion, empathy, and integrity. As the youngest nation in the world, India’s future depends on building a healthcare model that cares for every community and every citizen with dignity and trust.”

In a moment of pride for the healthcare fraternity, Mr. Varun Khanna, Group Managing Director, Quality Care India Limited (QCIL), was honoured with the prestigious award of ‘Visionary Healthcare CEO’. This recognition was based on a rigorous selection process, with nominations put forward by more than 20 State Presidents of AHPI, ensuring that leaders were evaluated by experienced and respected voices from across India. Mr. Khanna’s recognition reflects his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing patient-centric and innovative healthcare solutions through continuous investment in talent, technology and infrastructure, making him stand out among leaders in the national healthcare ecosystem. 

The summit recognised other distinguished leaders in healthcare, chosen through the same meticulous jury evaluation process. Dr. G. Bhaktavatsam, Renowned Surgeon, received the award for “Healthcare Luminary of India”. Dr. Phalaxmi Majrekar was honoured as “Emerging Nurse Leader”. Dr. Sarvesh Agarwal, Neuro Physician, was recognised as “Emerging Healthcare Leader”. These awards highlight the immense contribution of professionals across diverse areas of healthcare who are shaping India’s future of medicine and care delivery.

Mr. Varun Khanna expressed gratitude and reinforced his commitment to the sector, “This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts of every doctor, nurse, and healthcare professional who tirelessly works to heal lives. The sustainability of healthcare in India cannot be built overnight; it must be shaped by lessons from our past and bold reforms for the future. Our mission is to ensure accessibility, dignity, and trust for every patient. At QCIL, our approach is clinically biased, outcome focused, and digitally enabled—this award motivates me and my team to continue building a healthcare system that India can be proud of.”

The summit was organised by the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Thomas, Founder-President; Dr. M.I. Sahadulla, National President; Mr. Vishal Bali, Chairman, Health Policy Committee; and Dr. Girdhar J. Gyani, Director General. The organisers reiterated AHPI’s commitment to advancing patient-centred and sustainable healthcare models across India through leadership development, policy advocacy, and knowledge sharing.

The summit concluded with renewed commitments from leaders and institutions to create sustainable, technology-driven, and people-centred healthcare models for India’s future.

Manappuram Finance Honoured at Hurun-Barclays Family Business Awards 2025

Manappuram Finance Ltd honoured at Barclays Private Clients Hurun India  Excellence in Family Business Awards 2025 

Valapad, Thrissur, September 22 2025: NBFC major Manappuram Finance Ltd received the 2025  Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Leadership and Excellence in Revolutionising India’s  Financial Sector Award. The honour was bestowed on the company on September 18 for  exemplary leadership and ground-breaking contributions to India’s financial sector. The award  was accepted on behalf of the promoter family by Mrs Nini Suhas, daughter-in-law of Mr V P  Nandakumar, Chairman of Manappuram Finance Ltd. 

On receiving the award, Mrs Nini Suhas said: “We are delighted to receive this honour, which recognises the journey and impact of  Manappuram Finance Ltd. This award reinforces our commitment to driving inclusive financial  growth while upholding the legacy of trust built over the years.” 

The ceremony brought together more than 30 of India’s most respected business families, each  with decades of history and leadership across diverse sectors. These enterprises have not only  grown with India but have also shaped communities, strengthened economies, and passed down  both purpose and leadership across generations. The year 2025 marks the second consecutive  year that Barclays Private Clients and Hurun India have come together to showcase the evolving  dynamics of Indian family businesses. 

The evening featured a panel discussion on the theme “From Wealth Creation to Stewardship The Evolution of Family Business Leadership”, with participants including Mr Parthiv Neotia  (Ambuja Neotia), Mr Krishna Dushyant Rana (Platinum Industries) and Mr Mirik Gogri (Aarti  Industries), moderated by Mr Adrish Ghosh of Barclays Private Clients. Fireside conversations  with Mr Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG Group) and Mrs Harshbeena Zaveri (NRB Bearings) added further  perspective on the challenges and opportunities of leadership in family businesses.

Austrian Ambassador Highlights TU Austria–VFS Education Tie-Up to Boost Indo-Austria Academic Collaboration

In a landmark event held in New Delhi, H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, and Mr. Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, showcased the collaborative programme between Austria’s leading Technical Universities — TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben — and VFS Education Services, to boost Indo-Austria educational collaboration and mobility. 

The event on 19 September 2025 was also graced by Mr. Karl August Lux, Consul at Austria Embassy in New Delhi; Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben; Mr. Clemens Weihs, Team Lead Strategic Partnerships, International Relations and European University; Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; Mr. Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; and Mr. Anirudh Singh, COO – Education & Migration Services, VFS Global. 

This landmark public-private partnership aims to support Indo-Austrian mobility for skilled engineering and technology students. It is specifically designed for students from recognised colleges across India, providing them with access to quality higher education in TU Leoben, TU Wien, and TU Graz. Under this agreement, Indian engineering and technology graduates* from recognised colleges under the ANABIN list will be able to pursue higher education in these institutes.

H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, said, “Austria looks forward to further enhancing Austria–India cooperation by deepening academic ties, creating new opportunities and warmly welcoming talented Indian students into our world-class public technical universities. This partnership represents a significant step in bridging India’s bright STEM talent with Austria’s globally recognised centres of research, innovation, and academic excellence. By combining Austria’s higher education strengths with the cutting-edge EdTech solutions of VFS Education Services, we are establishing a transparent and robust framework that strengthens institutional trust, empowers students and deepens cultural and academic exchange. Indian students bring immense creativity, knowledge, and diversity to our campuses, and we are proud to support their journey towards shaping a shared global future.”

Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben, said, “We deeply appreciate the support and leadership of the Indian and Austrian governments in making this opportunity possible for eligible Indian engineering students aspiring to pursue higher education in Austria. We are also excited to have VFS Education Services as our partners in this endeavor, helping us identify and connect with talented and deserving engineering students. It is both an honor and a responsibility to welcome these bright minds, nurture their potential, and guide them toward a promising future—one where they can meaningfully contribute to Austria’s workforce and society at large.

Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global said, “At VFS Education Services, we are proud to be the bridge that connects eligible Indian engineering students with Austria’s world-class technical universities. Our mission goes beyond facilitating admissions — we are shaping futures, fostering innovation, and strengthening global partnerships. The enthusiastic response from students and institutions across India is a testament to the programme’s relevance and promise. We believe that by offering specialised programmes, Austria is poised to become a top destination for Indian engineering talent. This partnership not only empowers students but also contributes to building a skilled, future-ready workforce that will drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness. We are honoured to support this vision and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Austria’s leading universities.”

The programme comprises a two-year Master’s degree, entailing theory as well as industry work experience as part of the course component. The Universities will also support on-campus placements and career open day engagements with industry experts. As part of the academic programme, the students will be eligible for a one-year post study visa extension upon graduation, supporting their transition into the international workforce. 

Pursuing a master’s degree at a Technical University in Austria offers a truly enriching academic and cultural experience. Known for its historic contributions to art, music, science, and engineering, Austria provides students with a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Cities like Vienna, Graz, and Leoben not only host globally respected technical institutions such as TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben, but also serve as vibrant cultural hubs. 

Eligible students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at Austria’s leading Technical Universities can submit their B-Tech degree certificates and academic transcripts to, email austria@vfsedu.com The selection process is comprehensive, evaluating candidates based on academic performance, English language proficiency, one-on-one assessments, and document verification.

To ensure a seamless and student-centric experience, VFS Education Services has introduced a robust digital admissions portal with real-time data capture, enabling support to students right from initial outreach through to pre-departure guidance. Vfsedu.com 

VFS Education Services employs advanced verification protocols, including blockchain-enabled academic authentication via Docswallet and live interview-based English proficiency assessments. This approach helps in shortlisting the most qualified and motivated students, ensuring a high-quality intake for Austrian universities and a clear, supportive pathway for the selected students.

Greenply Expands Manufacturing Footprint with 600 Crore Semiliguda Industrial Project in Odisha

Mumbai, 20th September 2025: Greenply Industries Ltd, one of India’s leading interior infrastructure companies, announced its new integrated wood panel production at Semiliguda industrial project, Koraput district, Odisha. 

Greenply Launched Semiliguda Industrial Project at Odisha 

The virtual inauguration of the project was held in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for the Department of Industries, Government of Odisha, alongside senior government officials. Mr. Rajesh Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnership with the Government of Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajesh Mittal said, “We are honoured to join hands with the Government of Odisha on this milestone project. The state’s support in land allotment, single-window clearances and approvals has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Our plywood and MDF units will not only generate employment but also anchor sustainable agroforestry-based growth, ensuring value creation for both the local community and the industry.” 

“Primarily aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this project resonates with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative. The implementation of quality control standards in the plywood and panel sector has given a strong boost to Indian products, resulting in manyfold increase in employment opportunities across the country.”, He further added.

Advancing Manufacturing with Community Impact

Greenply’s Semiliguda industrial project, developed through its wholly owned subsidiary Greenply Sandila Private Limited, combines strategic location advantages with a strong focus on community development. The site offers proximity to abundant plantation-grown timber, ensuring a sustainable and cost-efficient raw material supply, while excellent road and rail connectivity enables efficient access to domestic and international markets. Supported by Odisha’s conducive policy environment and a skilled local workforce, the project represents an investment of over INR600 crore and is set to generate over 1,200 direct jobs, alongside significant indirect opportunities. Beyond employment, it will drive regional economic growth by fostering local suppliers, SMEs, and skill-building initiatives, strengthening Greenply’s leadership in advanced manufacturing while creating long-term value for the community.

Driving Sustainable Growth Through Agroforestry

Aligned with its guiding principle of giving back to nature and its commitment to responsible, eco-friendly manufacturing, Greenply continues to pioneer sustainable practices in the sector. The company has already planted over 75 million seedlings in more than 1 lac acres of land near its existing plants. This structured agroforestry model not only secures a reliable raw material supply but also drives income growth for farmers, contributes to India’s 33% green cover target, and supports a carbon-neutral growth pathway for the industry.