16, Jul 2025
Dalmia Bharat Foundation with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra Marks World Youth Skills Day with Seminar on AI and Digital Empowerment

New Delhi, July 16, 2025: On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd., in collaboration with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (VYK), organised a seminar on ‘Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills’ in New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, civil society representatives and young entrepreneurs to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges in digital skilling, employability, and innovation-driven growth for India’s youth. The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. Vinita Aggarwal, IES (Retd.), Executive Member, National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). Other notable dignitaries included Dr. Rishikesh Patankar, Vice President, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC); Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, CEO, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra and Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, IAS (Retd.), CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation.

The day-long seminar hosted two focused panel discussions on From Innovation to Impact-AI, CSR, and Collaboration for Next-Gen Skills”. The session explored how CSR initiatives, government programs, and digital platforms can enable inclusive skilling models and income generation pathways. A dedicated segment titled ‘Talk with Inspiring Entrepreneurs’ Maj. Sankripti Chaudhary (Retd), Client Relationship Manager, BVG, Mr. Gurpreet Singh and Ms. Poonam Devi, provided real-life stories of resilience and enterprise among young professionals who built their careers through skill-based training.

Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation, said, “At Dalmia Bharat, our aim is to build an inclusive, digitally empowered workforce for India. As AI and emerging technologies redefine the skill landscape, we must ensure our youth, especially at the grassroots, are not left behind. Through partnerships with corporates, government, and institutions, we aim to scale our capacity, deepen our focus on women-centric skilling, and align curricula with sectors like AI, EVs, green tech, and rural enterprise.”

He further added, “This seminar reflects our commitment to industry-relevant, future-ready skill development. We are grateful to VYK for their valuable partnership for this event.”

 Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, CEO, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra said, “As a youth-focused institution, we value partnerships that help create meaningful opportunities for young people. This seminar allowed us to explore how digital disruption impacts skilling and how we can better support our underserved youth. It brought together experts, practitioners, and change-makers to share insights and innovative approaches. Through such dialogues, we aim to co-create inclusive and future-ready solutions that empower every young individual to thrive in the digital age. We believe that bridging the digital divide is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Together, we can unlock the potential of youth and drive sustainable, equitable development.”

Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF) drives grassroots skilling across India through a robust network of 23 DIKSHa centres, 4 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and 7 HP World on Wheels (WOW) digital buses and 2 CSL labs. These initiatives have collectively trained over 27,000 rural youth in trades ranging from healthcare and digital literacy to technical and entrepreneurial skills. By linking rural talent to industry-relevant opportunities, DBF continues to strengthen India’s youth and skill development ecosystem in meaningful and measurable ways.

16, Jul 2025
RedBeryl™️Is All Set To Unveil India’s First Fully Integrated AI Concierge for Lifestyle Management

15th July 2025, India: RedBeryl™, a premier luxury lifestyle management company, announces the launch of nation’s first fully integrated AI-powered concierge platform, setting a new benchmark in personalised luxury services. This cutting-edge technology offers RedBeryl™️ members seamless, 24/7 lifestyle assistance, personalised recommendations, curated bookings, and seamless access to elite privileges, all powered by an intelligent, context-aware system designed to evolve with every interaction.

“This isn’t just a feature. It’s the future,” said Manoj Adlakha Founder & CEO, RedBeryl™️. “We have reimagined how luxury service works, intuitive, immediate, and intelligent, while preserving the hallmark discretion and personalization our members expect.” He added.

Developed in association with Club Concierge®️, India’s original concierge authority with 30 years of expertise, the RedBeryl™️ AI Concierge combines cutting-edge technology with deep domain insight. Unlike conventional apps or chatbots, this platform is privacy-conscious, context-aware, and designed to mirror the finesse of a dedicated human lifestyle manager. Members can now effortlessly plan bespoke travel, secure exclusive dining reservations, access global wellness and fashion experiences, or source one-of-a-kind gifts, all through an elegantly designed, always-on platform.

Key features of the RedBeryl™️ AI Concierge include:

  • Instant Access: Seamless booking for travel, dining, events, gifting, and more.
  • Personalised Intelligence: Tailored recommendations based on individual preferences and behaviour.
  • Global Reach, Local Intelligence: Access to exclusive experiences worldwide, paired with cultural fluency.
  • 24/7 Availability: Round-the-clock support with seamless handoff to human experts for complex requests.
  • Uncompromising Privacy: Military-grade encryption ensures complete discretion for every interaction.

“For India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals, time is the ultimate luxury. Our AI concierge ensures that luxury is now effortless, private, and always accessible,” added Manoj Adlakha.

With this launch, RedBeryl™️ becomes the first lifestyle management company in India to integrate artificial intelligence at scale, paving the way for a new era of curated, intelligent living.

16, Jul 2025
IIM Raipur Welcomes New MBA Batch with 14.5 Percentage from IITs, NITs and Premier Institutes

Raipur, July 16th, 2025: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, hosted the Inauguration and Orientation Program for the MBA Batch 2025–27, marking the beginning of a transformative academic journey defined by diversity, inclusion, and leadership development for 353 students.

iimraipur

The MBA 2025–27 batch reflects the institute’s growing national footprint and academic stature, with students hailing from 21 states and 3 union territories, showcasing a diverse and inclusive cohort. Notably, 14.5% of the batch comprises alumni from top-tier institutions like IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIITs, and IIMs, marking a significant rise in academic excellence, with 26 students (7.57%) having studied at premier institutions between 2024–26, including NIT Tiruchirapalli, NIT Rourkela, VNIT Nagpur, and IIT Guwahati.

This year’s batch reflects IIM Raipur’s ongoing commitment to diversity and multidimensional learning, with 55.5% of students from engineering backgrounds and 44.5% from a variety of non-engineering fields including commerce, science, humanities, law, healthcare, and management. The balanced academic composition of this year’s batch brings together analytical precision and contextual depth, fostering a learning environment that encourages multidimensional thinking and informed decision-making.

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, expressed his views, by stating “Classroom diversity drives decision-making depth. At IIM Raipur, we don’t just teach management, we create a space where analytical thinking and human insight coexist. This year’s cohort reflects a conscious shift toward interdisciplinary learning, with students bringing expertise from engineering, commerce, sciences, and the liberal arts. Such academic diversity is not incidental; it is intentional. It enhances classroom engagement, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and prepares our students to navigate the complexities of today’s interconnected world. As they begin this journey, we are committed to equipping them not just with technical competence, but with ethical clarity, strategic foresight, and a strong sense of purpose.”

On average, students come with around 23 months of work experience across diverse sectors including IT, engineering, BFSI, retail, and healthcare. This dynamic blend of academic strength, industry exposure, and geographic diversity fosters a collaborative learning environment that prepares students to lead with integrity and agility in a rapidly evolving global business landscape.

The event was graced by Shri Sudeep Dev, CHRO & Executive Vice President at Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., who shared insights into the evolving corporate landscape and the importance of value-driven leadership. The event also featured the Dean’s Merit List Awards, presented by Prof. Saroj Kumar Pani, Dean (Academics) at IIM Raipur, celebrating academic excellence within the student community. A vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Diptiman Banerji.

The event also featured a series of informative and student-centric sessions aimed at promoting awareness, readiness, and well-being. A sensitization workshop on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) was conducted by Prof. Ashapurna Baruah, alongside POSH experts Mala Thapar and Dr. C.K. Swain, who also introduced students to the institute’s library resources. This was followed by focused sessions on career and institutional engagement, including an overview of the placement process by Prof. Mohit Goswami and a session on international relations by Prof. P. Ketan Kumar Reddy. Prof. Samar Singh provided insights into campus infrastructure and administrative support, while Shri Anil Ponal led a session on national scholarships. The program also addressed student well-being through an interactive session on mental health and stress management conducted by psychologist and counselor Ms. Ruchika Jain.

15, Jul 2025
People Forum of India Announces Key Appointments to National and State Committees Amid Nationwide Restructuring

People Forum of India

New Delhi, 15 July 2025

The People Forum of India, a civic unit functioning under the National Bharat Sevak Samaj (a public service institution established by the Government of India in 1952), formally announced new appointments to its national and state leadership during a press conference held at the Press Club of India, New Delhi.

The development comes days after the dissolution of the Forum’s previous national and state committees as part of an all-India reorganization aimed at streamlining operations and deepening grassroots engagement.

As part of the restructuring, the following office bearers have been appointed with immediate effect:

Newly Appointed Officials

  1. Dr. Selvaganesh – National Vice President, In-charge of the National Advisory Committee
  2. Dr. Mylaraswamy – National Vice President, In-charge of South India
  3. Mr. B.P. Suresh – National Treasurer
  4. Mr. Jasbir Singh – International Ambassador
  5. Mr. B.K. Paranthaman – Tamil Nadu State Chairman & National Executive Committee Member
  6. Mr. Kiran – Karnataka State Chairman
  7. Mr. P.J. Athul – Kerala State Youth Wing President
  8. Mr. Himanshu Pal – Bihar State Labour Wing Secretary

People Forum of India

Further appointments across other states and departments are currently under review and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr. S. Manimozhiyaan, National Chairman of the People Forum of India, said:

“These appointments reflect our renewed commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and grassroots action. We expect each office bearer to serve with integrity and to represent the ideals of the Forum in their regions.”

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman (Administration & Organization), added:

“This restructuring is a forward-looking step to energize our national network. Through our focus areas—including employment generation, computer literacy, women’s empowerment, eradication of child labour, and social awareness—we aim to build a people-driven platform of progress. Our motto is simple: social work is our work.”

All newly appointed functionaries have been directed to take charge immediately and operate in alignment with the constitutional values and legacy of the Forum.

15, Jul 2025
1,000 Schools to Adopt Skill-Based Learning with NatureNurture

NatureNurture to Partner with 1,000 Schools to Upgrade K-12 Curriculum with Skill-Based Learning

New Delhi, 15th July 2025- In a bid to address the growing gap between what children learn in school and the skills they need in real life, NatureNurture, a New Delhi–based education consultancy, has announced plans to partner with 1,000 K–12 schools across CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Cambridge boards to help upgrade their curricula. Instead of replacing the system, NatureNurture works with schools as a curriculum partner where they redesign textbooks, lesson plans, classroom activities, and teacher training modules that connect academic learning with real-life skills, social development, and problem-solving abilities.
The partnerships will focus on helping schools implement an integrated learning framework where academic subjects are connected with real-life application. Through its research-based, transdisciplinary curriculum and experiential learning resources, NatureNurture helps schools create classroom environments that prioritize curiosity, communication, creativity, and collaboration alongside traditional academics. The company currently works with over 300 schools across India and the Middle East and plans to scale this impact through regional partnerships, experience centers, and government collaborations.
In addition to its school partnerships, NatureNurture has also now entered the B2C segment with its Hands-On Learning Toolkits, a set of guided activities and practical modules designed for children in Grades 3–8. These kits, created for home use, encourage critical thinking and creativity while reinforcing what’s taught in school. They also help parents become more active participants in their child’s learning, bridging the classroom-home divide.
Mrs. Pooja Agarwal, Founder, NatureNurture, said, “There’s an urgent need to rethink how we approach education in India. Most schools are limited by outdated curricula that don’t align with real-world needs. Through NatureNurture, our goal is to support 1000 schools in building a skill-integrated, future-aligned curriculum. With our research-based modules and practical learning resources, we aim to help schools deliver learning that prepares children beyond academics. Our B2C expansion allows us to take this impact further empowering parents and learners directly at home with tools that continue the learning journey beyond the classroom.”.
Akshal Agarwal, Co-Founder, said, “Our B2C model is a natural extension of our work in schools. With most children missing out on practical learning at home, these toolkits bring essential life skills directly to them. This shift allows us to scale faster, reach more learners, and ensure that education is not limited to school hours. We’re helping build an ecosystem where parents, too, become active participants in shaping their child’s learning experience.”
NatureNurture’s curriculum model is aligned with the NEP 2020 vision and has been tested in diverse school environments from private schools in metro cities to progressive institutions in Tier II and III towns. The company also offers digital integration, teacher training workshops, and support in transitioning to thematic, skill-based learning.
NatureNurture is working across India and the Middle East, reaching leading institutions in Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Srinagar, Raipur, Goa, and many more. The company has also opened a flagship experience centre in New Delhi and was among the first education providers to transition schools to a virtual model in March 2020. Recognized for its curriculum innovations and Stanford SEED participation, NatureNurture is known for setting a high bar in client satisfaction and pedagogical depth.

15, Jul 2025
LPU Grants INR 12 Crore Scholarships to 2025 AP-Telangana Batch

Hyderabad, July 15, 2025: Lovely Professional University (LPU) celebrated the academic potential and aspirations of its incoming 2025 batch from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states by awarding scholarships worth over ₹12 crore. Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and affordable education, LPU granted scholarships to thousands of deserving students, around 3,000 of them receiving up to 70% of their program fee waived.

LPU2

LPU’s wide-ranging scholarships recognize exceptional performance in academics, sports, cultural activities, innovation, and community service. Scholarships including tuition and hostel waivers- have been granted to top-performing students from school boards, universities, and national-level exams such as JEE, NEET, CUET, and CAT.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal shared, “At LPU, our vision has always been to make education affordable and accessible to every deserving student—irrespective of their background. When you entrust your child to us, they become our responsibility—not just academically, but as young individuals full of potential and dreams.”

Dr. Mittal shared, “We at LPU believe the degree is incidental. What truly matters is shaping a successful career and building a good human being. That has always been our foundation. Whether it’s through placements, entrepreneurship, innovation, or research—we ensure every student has the opportunity to turn their aspirations into achievements.

LPU continues to lead in nurturing talent across more than 150+ academic programs, from diplomas to postgraduates, and remains committed to supporting students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

LPU’s scholarship initiatives such as Rakshak Samman Anudan and Shikshak Samman Anudan continue to honor the children of defense personnel and educators. Additionally, through its online platform, LPU extends 100% scholarships to serving armed forces personnel under the Jai Jawan (Operation Sindoor) initiative.

During the event, students and their families explored LPU’s world-class infrastructure, interacted with university leaders, and joined an inclusive, vibrant academic community—ready to begin their transformative journey at one of India’s leading universities.

15, Jul 2025
Lotus Electronics’ “Back to Campus Deal Festival”: Massive Savings on Essential Tech for Students

India, 15-07-25: As the new academic year commences for university students across India, Lotus Electronics, a leading consumer electronics retailer, has announced ‘Back to Campus Deal Festival’. The sale has been designed to empower students with the latest tech to make their academic journey smoother, at unmatched prices. Starting 13 July 2025, the ‘Back to Campus Deal Festival’ by Lotus Electronics will offer customers discounts of up to 80% off across essential tech categories, with additional exclusive banking offers for walk-in customers.

Commenting on the limited-time sale, Gaurav Pahwa, Director from Lotus Electronics, said, “At Lotus Electronics, we believe that every student deserves the best tech support as they pursue a better, brighter future with higher studies. With this vision in mind, we are delighted to launch our ‘Back to Campus Deal Festival’, a special bonanza where students and their families can avail themselves of the best deals on top-quality electronics. Whether you’re looking to purchase a smartwatch for fitness tracking, invest in a new laptop for coursework, or upgrade your study setup with quality Tablets & Printers, our Back to Campus Deal Festival has something for everyone at incredibly attractive prices.”

Unmissable Deals Across Product Categories

Transform your daily routine with an extensive range of smartwatches, offering up to 80% off – perfect for time management and fitness tracking. Upgrade your audio experience with headphones & earphones at up to 75% off on a wide selection of premium brands. Enhance your study setup with laptops at up to 50% off for all your academic and professional needs.

Stay connected with mobile phones at up to 30% off featuring the latest technology and innovations. Boost your productivity with tablets at up to 40% off ideal for note-taking and multimedia consumption. Complete your workspace with printers at up to 25% off for all your assignment and project needs.

Exclusive Bank Offers

Maximize your savings with our banking partner HDFC Bank. Walk-in customers using HDFC Bank Debit or Credit Cards (EMI only) can unlock a flat 10% instant cashback of up to ₹3,000 on qualifying purchases worth a minimum ₹30,000.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to equip yourself with essential electronics at unbeatable prices. Visit your nearest Lotus Electronics store or login www.lotuselectronics.com to take advantage of these incredible Back to Campus Deal Festival offers, starting 13 July 2025. Make this academic year truly successful with cutting-edge electronics at fantastic prices.

15, Jul 2025
Vivekanand Education Society Tulsi Technical Institute Launches First-Ever Paramedical UG Programs in Collaboration with SCOPE

Mumbai, July 15, 2025Vivekanand Education Society’s Tulsi Technical Institute has officially launched its first-ever undergraduate paramedical programs in collaboration with the Skilling College of Paramedical Education (SCOPE), a renowned training institute dedicated to empowering India’s next generation of healthcare professionals. Marking a transformative leap in skill-based healthcare education.

Starting this academic year, it will offer two additional Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) programs – a 3-year B.Voc. in Medical Imaging Technology and a 3-year B.Voc. in Medical Laboratory Technician. These programs are designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills, practical exposure, and will provide holistic training. The programs are open to students who have completed their HSC (10+2) in MCVC, Arts, Commerce, or Science streams, as well as those from pathology or paramedical vocational backgrounds. Each course has an intake capacity of 60 seats and an annual fee of approximately ₹58,000.

“Through this collaboration with SCOPE, we aim to empower young minds with the right blend of academic excellence and practical skills, ensuring they emerge as confident, job-ready healthcare professionals who can truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Sivaprasad Vulchi, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s Tulsi Technical Institute.

​With these new B.Voc. programs, Vivekanand Education Society’s Tulsi Technical Institute and SCOPE reaffirm their commitment to contributing towards a healthier, better-skilled India. VES has always been collaborating with numerous institutes and training centers for student advancement and intends to pursue further such collaborations for continued growth.

15, Jul 2025
Ashok Leyland Partners with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to strengthen Vehicle Financing Solutions

15th July, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to enter into a strategic vehicle financing partnership to provide customized loan options and enhance accessibility for commercial vehicle customers across Tamil Nadu.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Viplav Shah, Head-LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, and Mr. Kannan Ponnuraman, General Manager, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, in the presence of Mr. Mani Subramanian, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank. Under this partnership, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank will be able to provide end-to-end financial solutions to the customers of Ashok Leyland. The partnership will focus on meeting customer needs by providing vehicle loans with convenient monthly repayment plans tailored to their preferences.

Mr. Viplav Shah, Head-LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are delighted to partner with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to offer our customers convenient and attractive vehicle financing solutions. This strategic collaboration will further strengthen Ashok Leyland’s presence in the market and enhance accessibility to our innovative, cost-efficient products. At Ashok Leyland, we are committed to delivering industry-leading value and exceptional experiences for our customers, empowering them to achieve greater profitability and success.”

Mr. Mani Subramanian, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, said, “Tamil Nadu Grama Bank is pleased to partner with Ashok Leyland to offer seamless vehicle financing solutions. This association reflects our dedication to serving the diverse financial needs of commercial vehicle customers. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to extend our reach and provide tailored financing options to support the growth of businesses in the commercial vehicle segment.”

Tamil Nadu Grama Bank has 676 Branches across Tamil Nadu. The Bank offers a wide range of financial products catering the needs of different strata of society. Apart from agriculture and retail loans, the bank has products designed for the specific needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Tamil Nadu. The bank actively promotes various government schemes aimed at financial inclusion, with a mission to serve the last mile of society with affordable banking services.

Ashok Leyland today offers a comprehensive range of trucks and buses to meet the full spectrum of commercial vehicle needs, from intercity light commercial vehicles to long-haul trucks and a wide variety of buses. Ashok Leyland’s vehicles ensure safe transport and driver-friendly options. As a pioneer in technological innovation within the truck and bus segment, Ashok Leyland is fully equipped with a range of buses powered by alternative fuels, dedicated to reducing pollution and promoting an eco-friendly transport system in India.

15, Jul 2025
Sony Research Award Program’ to Start Accepting Submissions Focused on Emerging and Innovative Technological Development

New Delhi, 15th July 2025: Sony Group Corporation (Sony) announced today that it will begin calling for research proposals for the Sony Research Award Program on July 15, 2025. The Sony Research Award Program is an open innovation program for universities and research institutions such as government research institutes and nonprofit organizations in the U.S., Canada, 17 European countries*1 and India. This year, we are seeking research proposals that support “Creative Entertainment Vision,” the long-term vision for where Sony wants to be in 10 years.

The Sony Research Award Program is comprised of two awards – the Faculty Innovation Award and the Focused Research Award. It provides sponsored research funding for projects on cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with Sony Group’s own research groups.

The Faculty Innovation Award grants up to $100,000 USD to principal investigators for one year*2, for diverse research projects including AI, that may fall within three broad subject categories (Information Technology, Device Technology, and Entertainment) relevant to Sony’s general research interests.

The Focused Research Award provides support for up to $150,000 USD for one year*2, to conduct research on themes more focused on Sony’s immediate areas of interest. There will be 11 themes this year, focusing primarily on AI technologies that unleash creators’ creativity and lead to the creation of new value.

Sony will continue to advance research and development and promote innovation through partnerships with universities and research institutes around the world.

For more information about the awards, as well as the submission guidelines, please visit https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/research-award-program/ .

European countries included in the program are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom.

With the possibility of an extension.

Comment from the award recipient in 2023:

Professor Laurie Heller, Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, U.S.)

“With support from Sony, my colleagues and I are investigating ways to use machine learning and large language models to generate perceptually better interpolation between environmental sounds. This has relevance for creative arts, sound designers, and the scientific study of sound categories. We have also explored vision-and-language models for sound categorization. Sony has offered their expertise and resources to support our research. With the support of Sony, we hope to advance generative sound technology that can be applied in a multitude of ways.”

Comment from the award recipient in 2022 and 2023:

Professor Alan Marshall, University of Liverpool (Liverpool, U.K.)

“The past two Sony Research Award Program collaborations have proven to be transformative for my group’s research. The opportunity has allowed our group to develop and investigate new approaches to multi-sensory immersion, including the olfactory sensory channel as well as more traditional haptic, aural, and visual channels. More importantly, the close relationships formed with Sony researchers have opened up new thoughts and possibilities. These collaborations have accelerated our research into how to implement and measure levels of immersion and presence in multi-sensory environments, as will be encountered in the next generation metaverse.”