8, Jul 2025
Federal Bank Powers Digital Donations at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Federal Bank is proud to announce the successful enablement of digital donation payments for Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, marking a historic milestone as the first temple in Kerala to go live on the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) under the ‘Donations’ category of NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
This integration now allows devotees to make offerings through any UPI-enabled app, including Federal Bank’s Mobile Banking App, GooglePay, PhonePe, BHIM UPI, and more. The facility offers a safe, seamless, and convenient way for devotees across the globe to participate in temple donations—anytime, anywhere.
Speaking on the initiative, M V S Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer, Federal Bank said, “We are honoured to be part of this significant step in the digital transformation of temple donations. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple now becomes a pioneer in Kerala by embracing a platform under BBPS. Technology makes in convenient to express gratitude. The human at the core, is supported by digital at the fore.”
O B Arun Kumar, Guruvayur Devaswom Board Administrator said, “We are happy to be the first temple in Kerala to have embraced this technology to enable all devotees from across the World to offer their offerings from anywhere in the world to Guruvayur temple on special occasions or new beginnings.”
This collaboration not only modernizes religious contributions but also reflects Federal Bank’s commitment to making digital banking accessible and meaningful across all sectors, including India’s revered cultural and spiritual institutions.
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- By Neel Achary
8, Jul 2025
IIT Bombay and ICICI Foundation partner for expansion of biomedical innovation hub
Mumbai: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth (ICICI Foundation), the CSR arm of ICICI Bank, have forged a partnership to expand the biomedical innovation hub at the country’s premier technology and engineering institute. Under this partnership, ICICI Foundation has pledged ₹70 crore to set up additional floors at the Biomedical Engineering and Technology Innovation Centre (BETIC) at IIT Bombay and equip this area with advanced facilities.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay and Mr. Sanjay Datta, President, ICICI Foundation in presence of Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Chairman, ICICI Bank.
The new floors, named ‘IIT-ICICI BETIC Hub’, will significantly expand IIT Bombay’s capabilities in biomedical engineering, increasing its space five-fold to 19,700 sq. ft. The hub will foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to develop affordable, cutting-edge medical devices and diagnostic solutions. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art resources for product development, medical grade manufacturing, safety testing, inspection, and packaging. This enhanced ecosystem will support med-tech startups and companies, train professionals in healthcare innovation, and generate high-value jobs, ultimately benefiting millions of patients.
Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said, “This partnership exemplifies how industry-academia alliances can drive innovation towards real-world impact. With ICICI Foundation’s generous support, IIT Bombay is poised to revolutionise biomedical research and technology, addressing critical healthcare gaps in India, fostering home-grown solutions that are accessible, affordable, and scalable.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Chairman, ICICI Bank, said, “Healthcare is a key focus at ICICI Foundation’s CSR initiatives. India’s unique healthcare challenges — high disease burden, vast rural populations, and affordability constraints—demand indigenous innovations in biomedical, tailored to its needs. Homegrown advancement will not only reduce dependency on imports but also foster cost-effective, cutting-edge medical solutions that can empower healthcare professionals and benefit millions across the country. The partnership between ICICI Foundation and IIT Bombay aims to meet this objective. The ‘IITB-ICICI BETIC Hub’ will facilitate the development of indigenous medical innovations ensuring affordable healthcare solutions to patients. We are delighted to collaborate with IIT Bombay to drive a meaningful change in the healthcare ecosystem.”
So far, ICICI Foundation has positively impacted over 2.5 million lives to receive treatment in 550 hospitals across the country through its initiatives in the healthcare sector. This includes building capacity in curative care, including cancer care, cardiac care, eye care, trauma and emergency care.
8, Jul 2025
KC GlobEd and ICT Academy, Tamil Nadu, Join Hands to Empower Faculty and Students in Commerce and Management Education
Chennai: In a significant step towards transforming how Commerce and Management are taught in Indian institutions, KC GlobEd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICT Academy, Tamil Nadu. This collaboration aims to complement learning experiences and uplift the current capabilities of both faculty and students across the country.
Through this partnership, KC GlobEd will provide printed course materials, create custom class schedules, and assign qualified faculty to conduct in-person classes at participating institutions. As part of the partnership, faculty members participating in the program will receive jointly certified Faculty Development Program (FDP) certificates, with scope for further collaboration as mutually agreed.
“This partnership with ICT Academy is not merely an alliance, but a shared vision,” said CPA & CA Kamal Chhabra, Founder and CEO of KC GlobEd. “We are committed to building a stronger education ecosystem, where faculty are empowered to inspire, and students are prepared to thrive in the real world. By blending structured resources with personal guidance, we’re aiming to create classrooms that are both practical and powerful.”
This initiative is expected to bring an impactful change to the way institutions under ICT Academy operate. Faculty members will gain access to modern teaching techniques, better student engagement strategies, and insights into industry expectations, ultimately helping students become more confident and job-ready.
The FDPs will go beyond theory, focusing on both technical and soft skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership, to help educators deliver professional courses more effectively. The program also opens up opportunities for guest lectures, industry mentoring, and collaborative consulting, creating stronger ties between academia and industry.
Above all, the initiative hopes to enhance job satisfaction and work-life balance for educators by offering to them tools and recognition that make professional growth more worthwhile.
For KC GlobEd, this partnership marks an important milestone in its journey to expand reach, build brand credibility, and foster a deeper connection between institutions and the industries they serve. With more such collaborations on the horizon, the future looks promising for students, teachers, and institutions alike.
8, Jul 2025
Satin Creditcare Network Ltd. Continues Board Strengthening Journey with the Appointment of Two New Independent Directors
New Delhi, July 8 2025: Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL), one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, has announced the appointment of two distinguished professionals, Mr. Ashok Kumar Sharma and Mr. Anupam Kunal Gangaher, as Independent Directors to its Board. Their appointments are for a period of three (3) consecutive years, effective June 27, 2025, and are subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
The addition of Mr. Sharma and Mr. Gangaher reaffirms SCNL’s commitment to maintaining strong governance and strategic oversight. It also marks the continuation of the board-strengthening efforts initiated in 2024 with the onboarding of Independent Directors Mr. Joydeep Datta Gupta (June 2024) and Ms. Jyoti Davar Vij (September 2024). With these new appointments, SCNL remains focused on building a diverse and experienced Board to guide its long-term vision and growth.
The new appointees include:
Mr. Ashok Kumar Sharma Mr. Ashok Kumar Sharma is a former Executive Director of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), where he held a wide range of leadership and operational roles over nearly four decades. He brings with him over 40 years of rich experience in India’s financial services sector, spanning insurance, banking, capital markets, venture capital, and regulatory frameworks. Following his retirement, he joined the LIC IPO as an Advisor, contributing to one of India’s most significant public offerings. He also served as Director & CEO at LICHFL Asset Management Company Ltd. for more than four years, where he led the operations and strategic direction of its Real Estate Fund, focusing on investment strategy, compliance and investor confidence. In addition, he was associated with IDBI Bank as General Manager from October 2022 to March 2024, contributing to key areas such as regulatory oversight, banking operations, and stakeholder engagement.
Mr. Anupam Kunal Gangaher is a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 40 years of experience in audit, taxation, and financial advisory. A graduate of Delhi University and proprietor of A.K. Gangaher & Co., he has advised Indian and multinational clients across sectors including manufacturing, trading, hospitality, exports, software, and financial services. His core expertise lies in direct and indirect taxation, transfer pricing, and non-resident taxation, with extensive experience representing clients before statutory authorities.
The induction of these two accomplished professionals represents another pivotal step in Satin’s journey towards building a world-class governance framework. Combined with the Company’s recent board enhancements and its ‘AA’ ESG rating from ESG Risk Assessments and Insights Ltd., these appointments demonstrate SCNL’s sustained commitment to exceptional environmental, social, and governance practices while maintaining its leadership position in the microfinance sector.
Commenting on the appointments, Dr. H P Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director of Satin Creditcare, said, “At Satin Creditcare, we view corporate governance not merely as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic pillar for sustainable growth and stakeholder trust. A strong, diverse, and future-ready Board is central to this philosophy. Satin is proud to be a well-governed institution, with a balanced composition of non-independent and independent directors, ensuring transparent oversight and strategic direction. As we move forward, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Ashok Kumar Sharma and Mr. Anupam Kunal Gangaher as Independent Directors. Both bring extensive experience across finance, governance, and institutional strategy. Their diverse perspectives and strong credentials will significantly strengthen our Board’s capabilities as we continue to scale our mission of responsible financial inclusion.”
8, Jul 2025
IB students in India receive International Baccalaureate results
New Delhi, 8 July 2025 — 202,103 students worldwide received their Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) results from the May 2025 examination session. This marks a 4.8% increase in the number of students receiving DP and CP results.
The IB celebrates the achievements of all students who have reached this important milestone. Over the course of the two-year DP and CP journey, they have developed the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in a changing world and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Today’s IB graduates join a community of more than 2.7 million lifelong learners across 157 countries worldwide where the DP and CP are offered. The global average DP score for the May 2025 session is 30.58 points.
Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate, congratulated all the Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme students on reaching this important achievement.
“I’m inspired by the dedication, resilience, and compassion shown by IB students during such a complex time in the world. As IB graduates move forward—into higher education, careers, or service to their communities—they carry with them the competencies, values, and global mindset needed to thrive and make a meaningful difference.IB graduates leave not only with knowledge, but also with the perspective and purpose to lead, serve, and shape a better world. We are proud of who they are and the impact they’re already making.”
The Diploma Programme (DP) offers students a globally respected, transformative education that prepares them for university and beyond. Its balanced, inquiry-based curriculum fosters academic achievement, critical thinking, language development, and personal growth. Offered in over 795 IB World Schools across the Asia-Pacific region and 177 IB World Schools in India, the DP aligns with local education systems while nurturing global perspectives and ethical leadership.
A series of DP curriculum alignment studies (2023) demonstrated that DP courses meet or exceed national or jurisdictional standards in South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, the United States, Spain, Mexico and Brazil. The studies confirmed that the DP offers world-class courses, strong academic depth and breadth, and adaptability across education systems.
Also, a global mindedness study (2021) found that DP and CP students in five countries across the world exhibited significantly higher global-mindedness levels benchmarked against their peers from a similar age group, highlighting the IB’s success in developing internationally minded and socially responsible graduates.
The Career-related Programme (CP) continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region, with 82 IB World Schools currently offering the programme. In India alone, 41 IB World Schools have adopted the CP. The CP is designed for students aged 16–19 who want to combine academic studies with career-related learning. The CP develops key transferable skills such as confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of purpose, offering students a practical and future-ready pathway.
For the May 2025 examination session, DP and CP students completed all assessment components for each subject and the IB awarded grades using all components, coursework and examinations.
The IB will be publishing an interim statistical bulletin in the next few weeks.
7, Jul 2025
Lord Jagannath’s 58th Rath Yatra Celebrated Grandly in New Delhi
Golden Splendor of Lord Jagannath on Rath: 58th Rath Yatra Celebrated Grandly at Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi
New Delhi, 7 July 2025: The sacred aura of divinity and devotion radiated across Thyagraj Nagar today as Lord Jagannath appeared in his resplendent Suna Bhesha — the golden attire — atop his majestic Rath (chariot), on the auspicious occasion of the 58th Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi.
Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the divine darshan of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra adorned in dazzling gold ornaments, a sight that is believed to bestow immense blessings. The grand event, steeped in tradition and emotion, marked a spiritual high point of the ongoing Rath Yatra Mahotsav, being celebrated from 28th June to 8th July 2025.
The working committee members of Shri Jagannath Mandir have meticulously planned and executed the arrangements for this large-scale celebration, ensuring smooth conduct of daily rituals, security, sanitation, and crowd management. The temple premises have been adorned with colorful lights, flowers, and traditional motifs, transforming the area into a vibrant spiritual hub.
Adding to the grandeur, cultural troupes from various parts of India have been participating throughout the festival, presenting folk dances, devotional music, and traditional art forms that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the nation. Each evening has turned into a confluence of devotion and culture, attracting not just local residents but also devotees from other states.
The Suna Bhesha ceremony, held on the second last day of the festival, drew special attention. Devotees chanted hymns and offered prayers with deep reverence as Lord Jagannath shone brilliantly in gold, symbolizing divine prosperity and glory.
With just one more day left for the Mahotsav to conclude, the spirit of Rath Yatra continues to echo in the hearts of the devotees, leaving behind an unforgettable experience of unity, faith, and celebration.
7, Jul 2025
Nuvama Wealth Management Upgraded to CARE AA
Nuvama Wealth Management Upgraded to CARE AA; Stable — Diversified Growth and Profitability Drive Rating Boost
Kolkata, July 7, 2025: CareEdge Ratings has upgraded the long-term credit rating of Nuvama Wealth Management Limited (NWML) to CARE AA; Stable, while reaffirming its short-term rating at CARE A1+. The upgrade reflects the company’s strong financial performance, consistent profitability, and a well-diversified business model across wealth management, asset services, asset management, and capital markets.
In its rating rationale, CareEdge Ratings said: The upgrade in ratings assigned to debt instruments of the Nuvama Group factors in healthy growth in the wealth management, asset services and capital market segments, which further strengthens its established market presence, and improving profitability, supported by a diversified business model.
As of March 31, 2025, the group’s consolidated client assets under advisory (AUA) surged to Rs. 4.3 lakh crore – a 24% year-on-year growth. The consolidated profit after tax (PAT) for FY25 stood at Rs. 985 crores, up from Rs. 625 crores in FY24, with return on net worth (RoNW) improving to 31.79%. Nuvama Group currently serves over 1.2 million affluent customers and 4250 HNI/UHNI families, making it the second-largest independent wealth management player in India.
With strong capitalisation (tangible net worth of ₹3,405 crore), a growing client base, and a stable outlook, Nuvama continues to demonstrate resilience and momentum in a dynamic financial landscape.
In addition, the group’s ESG initiatives, board-led governance practices and continued investment in talent reinforce its reputation as a future-ready and resilient institution. This recognition is another affirmation into Nuvama’s transformation into a governance-first, technology-led and solution-driven wealth management powerhouse catering to India’s rapidly evolving affluent and HNI investor base.
7, Jul 2025
Bank of Baroda Bags 1st Runner-Up Position in Performing Banks Category under EASE 7.0
Chandigarh, 7th July 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has secured the 1st runner up position in the overall rankings under the Top Performing Banks category in the EASE 7.0 Reforms Index. The Bank performed well across multiple reform themes. It was ranked #1 in two categories: Adoption of new-age technology and other advanced capabilities and Developing employees for emerging banking priorities and #3 in Effective risk/fraud management, collections and recovery and Banking towards Viksit Bharat themes.
The recognition was received by Shri Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda, along with the Bank’s Executive Directors Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Shri Lal Singh and Smt. Beena Vaheed.
Commenting on the achievement, Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda, said, “This recognition and the Bank’s strong performance across themes reflects our continuous efforts to build a future-ready and people-centric institution – one that is committed to sustainable & responsible growth and to contributing to the nation’s progress. I would like to commend the entire Bank of Baroda team as this recognition is a result of the collective efforts and hard work put in by all Barodians.”
Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE) is a reforms initiative by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) for Public Sector Banks.
7, Jul 2025
ANJ Group Bags Projects Worth INR 500 Cr in Q1; Expands Portfolio with Amazon, Coca-Cola
Mumbai: The ANJ Group, one of India’s leading design and build firms headquartered in Mumbai, has announced a robust start to FY25 by securing over ₹500 crore worth of projects in Q1 alone. The firm has expanded its portfolio significantly this quarter with high-impact projects for marquee clients such as Amazon in Hyderabad, Coca-Cola in Ahmedabad and ZEISS in Bengaluru, each expanding to an area of 92,000 sft, 90,000 sft and 2,50,000 sft respectively.
With over 1 million sq. ft. of workspace delivered across the country in the last three months, ANJ continues to deepen its presence in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. The company executed projects across 10+ urban hubs including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata, along with fast-growing cities like Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
Over 50% of the business this quarter came from repeat clients, reinforcing ANJ’s long-standing reputation for trust, quality and timely delivery. The Q1 project portfolio features a diverse mix, with 70% build contracts and 30% design & build (DNB) projects, demonstrating the company’s adaptable and client-centric model.
“Q1 has set the tone for a strong year ahead. The fact that half of our business comes from returning clients is the clearest affirmation of our commitment to excellence. Whether it’s complex corporate offices, experience centres or high-performance facilities, we’ve built a delivery ecosystem that scales with client ambition,” said Jay Kularia, executive director, ANJ Group.
ANJ Group continues to operate at the intersection of design, technology and execution, helping organisations reimagine their workplaces for the future. The firm’s integrated approach, driven by an in-house team of architects, engineers and project managers, enables precision-led delivery across every stage of a project.
From global giants to homegrown leaders, ANJ’s expanding client base reflects growing demand for intelligent, efficient and brand-aligned work environments.
With a sharp focus on quality, timelines and client vision, ANJ Group is poised for continued growth in the coming quarters, as India’s office landscape becomes more dynamic and design-led than ever before.
7, Jul 2025
Meet Dear Doer: Vegan K-Bodycare That Hugs Your Skin and Uplifts Your Mood
July 7, 2025: House of FOY – Introduces a mindful, vegan Korean body and hand care brand from Seoul, making its way to India. Rooted in the K-beauty philosophy of gentle, effective care, Dear Doer believes in “Hug My Skin, Love Myself”—an ethos that champions both skincare and self-kindness. It blends K-beauty innovation with plant-based actives and clean surfactants to deliver gentle exfoliation and deep hydration—turning daily routines into uplifting rituals.
With sensorial, multitasking textures like creamy scrubs, nourishing washes, and hydrating lotions each product is formulated with ingredients such as Andes salt, PHA, hyaluronic acid, centella, grapeseed, and niacinamide. 100% vegan, made in Korea, and housed in vibrant, environmental friendly packaging Dear Doer makes bodycare feel just as special as skincare. Each product is designed to inspire self-care, forward momentum, and a more positive everyday experience. Dear Doer is a mindful, vegan beauty brand that transforms everyday routines into moments of joy with nourishing ingredients and uplifting fragrances.
1. DEAR DOER DAZZLING BODY SCRUB
The formulation is designed to transform dull, tired skin into a smooth and radiant flawless skin. Formulated with gentle exfoliants and skin-friendly ingredients, it effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities while infusing the skin with hydration. The result is a soft, supple texture and a naturally glowing complexion. Ideal for anyone seeking the balance of polish and nourishment in their skincare routine.
2. DEAR DOER HIDDEN BODY & HAND LOTION
Experience supple skin with The Hidden Silky Body & Hand Lotion, a 300ml blend of rich nourishment and longer hydration. Crafted to provide smoothness, it leaves the skin with a healthy, radiant glow. The lightweight, quick-absorbing formula sinks in effortlessly, delivering deep moisture without any greasiness ideal for daily use on both hands and body.
3. DEAR DOER DAZZLING RADIANT BODY & HAND LOTION
Allow your skin to experience the richness of the Dazzling Radiant Body & Hand Lotion. This 300ml bottle delivers intense nourishment and lasting hydration, leaving skin silky-smooth, soft to the touch, and naturally radiant. Its lightweight, quick-absorbing texture makes it perfect for daily use providing rich moisture. Suitable for both hands and body, it’s the ultimate daily must-have for healthy, glowing skin from head to toe.
With this, I’m keen to explore a feature opportunity for the above products in your upcoming Beauty, Skincare, New launches stories.
