3, Jul 2025
Asian Paints introduces Tractor Emulsion Gruhashobha
Hyderabad, July 03, 2025 – Television serials have long been a part of daily life in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, shaping cultural conversations and setting lifestyle trends. Recognising this deep emotional connection, Asian Paints has launched Tractor Emulsion Gruhashobha — a one-of-a-kind colour combination guide inspired by popular Telugu serials. For over 80 years, Asian Paints has helped generations of Indians create spaces they love. With Gruhashobha, the brand brings the colours of beloved on-screen homes into real ones. This unique guide is designed exclusively for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, merging entertainment with décor in a way that is both meaningful and relatable.
Tractor Emulsion Gruhashobha is a carefully curated guide, draws inspiration from the sets of the state’s most-watched Telugu TV serials and the admired women who lead them. Featuring popular characters from the Star Maa network like Deepa, Meena and Avani from Karthika Deepam 2, Gunde Ninda Gudi Gantalu, and Intinti Ramayanam, the guide brings to life trending colour palettes in a way that feels instantly relatable.
Together, these three prime-time serials on Star Maa and JioHotstar reach an audience of 55 million, covering 62% of the monthly reach, making them a powerful cultural touchpoint across the state. Featuring some of the most recognizable faces on Telugu television, these shows are not just entertainment, they are a part of daily life in millions of households. Like these beloved serial characters who are household names across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Asian Paints too has been a familiar and trusted name in homes for decades, bringing beauty, inspiration, and dependability to everyday life.
By turning familiar on-screen settings into real-world inspiration, Gruhashobha helps consumers visualise how these shades would look in their own homes. The guide showcases leading actors Premi Vishwanath, Amulya Gowda and Pallavi Ramisetty in character, set against recognisable spaces from their shows spanning living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms and staircases, making the colour selection more visual, relatable, and inspiring.
Speaking on the launch Mr. Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd. shared, “At Asian Paints, we understand that colour is both a deeply emotional and cultural choice. With Tractor Emulsion Gruhashobha, we’ve transformed that understanding into a truly local and meaningful offering. This shade guide gives consumers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana a relatable tool to imagine their homes through the familiar lens of characters and settings they see every day. It makes colour selection more intuitive, personal, and inspiring — and reflects our ongoing effort to democratise décor through innovations rooted in culture.”
Asian Paints’ market-leading interior paint, Tractor Emulsion, is a smart and budget-friendly choice for modern households. Known for its anti-fade performance and a 4-year warranty it continues to be a trusted name in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana’s home décor landscape. With over 2000 shades and a range of finish options, Tractor Emulsion offers both variety and value. The Gruhashobha guide builds on this promise with 65 thoughtfully curated colour combinations, room-wise stencils, styling cues, and design insights giving consumers a comprehensive tool to visualise, plan, and bring their dream homes to life.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have always been key markets for Asian Paints, one that the brand has nurtured through a deep understanding of consumer preferences, region-specific initiatives, and design tools rooted in local culture. Gruhashobha reflects this connection, turning the familiar world of Telugu television into a meaningful and accessible guide for home décor. With Tractor Emulsion Gruhashobha, Asian Paints takes yet another category-defining step, reaffirming its leadership not just in paints, but in shaping how India imagines and creates its living spaces.
Speaking on the launch, actors Premi Vishwanath, Amulya Gowda and Pallavi Ramisetty shared their thoughts on the shade guide, “Gruhashobha is a beautiful and brilliant offering. Choosing the right colours for your home is often overwhelming, but seeing combinations brought to life through TV serials we watch every day makes the process simple and real. We can’t think of a better brand than Asian Paints to lead and guide this journey.”
For over eight decades, Asian Paints has been at the heart of India’s home transformation journey. With intuitive tools, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of regional preferences, the brand has helped generations of Indians explore the power of colour and design to express themselves through their spaces.
With Tractor Emulsion Gruhashobha, Asian Paints continues to shape not just homes, but the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers — one culturally relevant tool at a time.
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- By Neel Achary
3, Jul 2025
Virtusa Foundation Strengthens Educational Infrastructure and Green Transport at Ramakrishna Mission, Bengaluru
Mumbai / Bengaluru, 03 July 2025: In a significant step towards creating lasting community impact, the Virtusa Foundation the CSR arm of Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital engineering and technology services today unveiled key initiatives at Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, Bengaluru. The event marked the inauguration of a 16-room residential facility for teachers and the flagging off of two electric buses charged by electricity generated using solar energy, reflecting Virtusa Foundation’s deep-rooted commitment to its three pillars of impact: Education, Environment, and Empowerment (3Es). Located in a remote forest-fringe region bordering Bannerghatta National Park, this initiative amplifies support for the tribal and underserved communities that the Ramakrishna Mission has tirelessly supporting for over four decades.
The newly built 7,000 sq. ft. teachers’ quarters, featuring a multipurpose hall, four pantry areas, and a common washroom, directly addresses the challenge of retaining teachers in remote places like Shivanahalli, where the lack of basic amenities has led to high attrition. With a capacity for up to 34 teachers, the facility offers stability and comfort that encourages longer tenures. This continuity in teaching has a direct, positive impact on students, ensuring consistent guidance, stronger relationships, and improved learning outcomes. By investing in improved living conditions, Virtusa Foundation reinforces its commitment to improving education outcomes through teacher retention, academic continuity, and a stronger teaching environment in rural communities.
To further strengthen educational access, two new Tata Ultra 9m EV buses, charged by electricity generated from solar energy, were flagged off to provide daily transportation for 120 students from scattered villages across forested terrain. Each bus is equipped with fast-charging capabilities to ensure uninterrupted daily operations. To prioritize student safety, the buses include multiple protection features, such as an electronic braking system, electronic stability control, lap seat belts, a fire detection and alarm system, soft grab handles, and fire-retardant seat covers.
On weekends, the buses also bring students from 10 government schools in the Bannerghatta region to the campus for ‘MaaDoo’, a hands-on STEM learning initiative. In a region where limited transport often disrupts education, this solution ensures reliable access to school while advancing India’s EV goals. With this initiative, Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli becomes the first school in India to operate Tata Motors’ electric buses charged by electricity generated using solar energy, a milestone made possible by Virtusa Foundation’s investment in green mobility. The effort also supports Virtusa’s sustainability targets of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and 100 percent renewable energy use by 2030, bridging inclusive education with environmental responsibility.
This initiative was formally inaugurated by Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation, jointly with Shri Srimat Swami Atmavidanandaji Maharaj, Senior Monk, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. The ceremony was also graced by Shri Srimat Swami Muktidanandaji, Trustee, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission and Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru. Senior leaders from Virtusa including Shirsendu Deb, Senior Vice President & Global Finance Controller, Chandan Govindarajulu, Sr. Vice President and Head – Business Delivery & Operations, as well as Roch Ferreira, Global Vice President & Head of Corporate Marketing, were present at the event, underscoring the collective commitment of Virtusa Foundation and Ramakrishna Mission to advancing rural education and sustainable development.
Commenting on the occasion, Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation, said, “At Virtusa, we believe true progress is built on the foundation of education, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment — the three pillars that guide every initiative we undertake. By providing safe, supportive housing for teachers and clean, reliable transportation for students, we are investing not just in infrastructure, but in human potential and a sustainable future. These initiatives exemplify our commitment to fostering inclusive growth that uplifts communities and addresses the urgent challenges of climate change. Through the Virtusa Foundation, we remain dedicated to engineering solutions that create meaningful, long-term impact where it matters most.”
Shri Srimat Swami Atmavidanandaji Maharaj, Senior Monk, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, said, “Our collaboration with Virtusa Foundation embodies the spirit of service and commitment to uplifting rural education and sustainable living. The new teachers’ quarters and electric buses will significantly enhance the well-being of teaching staff and students, enabling a nurturing environment for learning and growth. We are grateful for this partnership that brings hope and progress to our community.”
These initiatives signify a strengthened alliance between Virtusa Foundation and Ramakrishna Mission in Shivanahalli, demonstrating a shared vision to transform education and champion sustainable development where it is most needed.
3, Jul 2025
Virtual Galaxy Infotech Secures Rs 19.78 Crore Renewal Contract from Osmanabad DCC Bank
VIRTUAL GALAXY INFOTECH LIMITED SECURES AROUND RS. 19.78 CRORE RENEWAL CONTRACT FROM OSMANABAD DISTRICT CENTRAL COOPERATIVE BANK
July 03, 2025: Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited, a leading player in hybrid SaaS and enterprise software solutions, has secured a renewal contract order to the tune of Rs 19.78 crore from Osmanabad District Central Cooperative Bank. As a part of the contract, the company will work on Core Banking Solution project on hybrid SaaS (Capex/ Opex) mode for supply, installation, commissioning and management of CBS, Data Center, DR Site, networking and connectivity. The contract is for a period of seven years.
Virtual Galaxy Infotech provides core banking software solutions, IT solutions, ERP implementation and customized software solutions development and IT services for the BFSI, ERP, and E-Governance domains. BFSI segment accounts for nearly 92 per cent of its total business but it has also been witnessing a steady traction in the other segments including ERP and e-governance among others.
Commenting on the development, Sachin Pande, Co-founder & Managing Director of Virtual Galaxy Infotech, said, “The renewal contract from Osmanabad District Central Cooperative Bank is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional services tailored to the needs of customers. This strategic seven-year engagement represents the renewal of a relationship that has flourished for the past seven years, demonstrating the exceptional client retention capabilities of the team. The company’s evolution reflects our steadfast commitment to innovation and client-centric service delivery. From securing our first significant project with a cooperative bank in 1998, we have systematically expanded our footprint to serve multiple bank branches, over 200 clients including numerous manufacturing firms and business houses.”
The company recently forayed into the cybersecurity domain by launching a groundbreaking cybersecurity product, Cyber Sentinel to address the rapidly evolving threat landscape. With this product, the company aims to leverage its extensive expertise in AI-driven technologies and enterprise solutions and redefine how organizations safeguard their digital assets in an era of increasing cyber risks.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, the company registered 97.05 per cent rise in net profit on a standalone basis at Rs 32.12 crore, as compared with Rs 16.30 crore in 2023-24. Revenue from operations on standalone basis increased by 95.48 per cent at Rs 120.14 crore during 2024-25, as against Rs 61.46 crore in FY24.
The company recently made a stellar debut on the stock exchange and got listed at a premium of 26.76 per cent on NSE Emerge.
3, Jul 2025
Volkswagen India announces the return of Autofest – The annual National Exchange Carnival
National: Volkswagen India is proud to announce the return of Volkswagen Autofest, the brand’s highly anticipated National Exchange Carnival. This annual event is designed to offer customers across the country an exceptional opportunity to upgrade their drive and experience the premium engineering of a Volkswagen.
Running for a limited period at Volkswagen dealerships nationwide, Volkswagen Autofest brings together exclusive exchange and attractive finance offers, loyalty rewards and comprehensive service packages — making it the ideal time for prospective buyers to bring home a Volkswagen.
Mr. Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, “Volkswagen Autofest is more than just a sales event—it’s a celebration of our commitment to offering Indian customers premium mobility solutions with added value. Whether it’s the elegant Virtus, the striking Taigun, or the Beyond betteR Tiguan R-Line, Autofest gives customers the perfect gateway to upgrade their driving experience with unmatched benefits.”
Key Highlights of Autofest – National Exchange Carnival:
- Attractive exchange and loyalty rewards
- Special finance options
- Complimentary vehicle evaluation and test drives
- Special service and maintenance benefits
Autofest reflects Volkswagen’s continued focus on delivering accessible German engineering, backed by a strong service network and future-ready ownership experience. The event is open to both existing Volkswagen owners and new customers looking to own a car engineered with precision, safety, and style.
For more information about Volkswagen products and services, customers can visit their nearest Volkswagen showroom or www.volkswagen.co.in
3, Jul 2025
SLIC Reconstituted to Boost Insurance Awareness in Karnataka
State Level Insurance Committee (SLIC) reconstituted to strengthen Insurance Awareness and Penetration efforts in Karnataka
Bengaluru, July 03, 2025: The lead insurers for Karnataka, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, Reliance General Insurance, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, CreditAccess Life Insurance, and Narayana Health Insurance, today reaffirmed their commitment to deepening insurance penetration and awareness for the state at the State-Level Insurance Committee (SLIC) Meeting held in Bengaluru. This initiative is in line with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) State Insurance Plan and its vision towards “Insurance For All by 2047”.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the government, regulatory bodies, and insurance industry to review the progress made and chart a collaborative roadmap for enhancing insurance coverage across the state. Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Vishal R, Secretary to Government, Finance (Fiscal Reforms), Government of Karnataka, Shri Sunil Kurtkoti, Financial Advisor, Finance Department, Government of Karnataka, Shri Krishna Deshpande, Consultant, Finance Department, Government of Karnataka and Shri Inderjeet Singh, Secretary General, General Insurance Council.
Karnataka has consistently stood at the forefront of India’s economic development, and its contribution to the insurance sector is no exception. As the second-highest contributor to national insurance premiums and ranked 2nd in Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI) in FY24, the state plays a pivotal role in driving inclusive financial protection. The collaborative efforts of all lead insurers through their initiatives enable the spreading of health insurance awareness and accessibility across the state, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Vishal R, Secretary to Government, Finance (Fiscal Reforms), Government of Karnataka, commended the efforts of insurers and congratulated them on the successful conduct of the second State-Level Insurance Coordination (SLIC) meeting. Highlighting the importance of insurance awareness, he called for greater synergy between SLIC, the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), and the District Level Bankers’ Committee (DLBC) to strengthen outreach. He also stressed the need to adopt government-backed schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) as the starting point for building awareness and driving insurance inclusion at the grassroots level.
Shri Inderjeet Singh, Secretary General, General Insurance Council, recognized the industry’s sustained initiatives to spread insurance awareness and penetration across the state of Karnataka. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support for the sector, particularly in facilitating timely access to data. He reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to working closely with the government to deepen insurance awareness, highlighting the launch of the ‘Achha Kiya Insurance Liya’ campaign, a key step towards deepening insurance penetration and strengthening financial protection for all.
3, Jul 2025
Indian Bank waives off Minimum Balance Charges on Savings Accounts; Reduces MCLR to 9 percent
Chennai, July 3, 2025: In a significant customer-centric initiative, Indian Bank has announced the complete waiver of minimum balance charges across all Savings Bank accounts, effective July 7, 2025. This move is aimed at fostering financial inclusion and making banking more accessible and affordable for all sections of society.
This landmark move is set to benefit a vast spectrum of Indian Bank account holders, ranging from students and senior citizens to small business owners and rural customers. The waiver is expected to encourage more individuals, especially those from underserved communities, to enter the formal banking system.
Further reinforcing its commitment to affordable credit, the Bank has also announced a reduction of 5 basis points in its one-year Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR), bringing it down to 9.00%, effective July 3, 2025. This reduction will directly benefit borrowers with lower interest rate on loan.
2, Jul 2025
Bharat Forge successfully completes acquisition of AAM India Manufacturing Private Limited.
Chandigarh, 2nd July, 2025: In continuation to the announcement of 17th October 2024, and post receiving approval from CCI on 22nd April 2025 for the transaction, BFL successfully concluded the acquisition of AAM India Manufacturing Private Limited (AAM India) at an Equity Value of Rs 7,464.6 million including Cash on books of the acquired entity of Rs 1,894.8 million. This cash is available for addressing future growth opportunities.
The final equity value is subject to Net Working Capital adjustments as of June 30, 2025.
We are acquiring an entity which has a formidable name in the automotive products space supplying to all major OEM across traditional and New Mobility technology. This acquisition will enable us to complement our component offerings with products solutions to OEMs in India & Globally.
2, Jul 2025
Jaipuria Institute of Management Earns Best Place to Work Title
New Delhi, July 02, 2025: Jaipuria Institute of Management has been honored as a “Best Place to Work” in the Education and Training sector by Great Place to Work® India, marking a milestone evolution from six consecutive years of being Great Place to Work-Certified™.
This prestigious recognition underscores Jaipuria’s relentless commitment to fostering a values-driven, inclusive, and high-performance culture, setting a rare benchmark in India’s B-school ecosystem.
The coveted award reflects Jaipuria’s outstanding performance in the Trust Index™ survey and Culture Audit™, placing it among the top workplaces across industries in 2025. This designation is a testament to the institute’s people-first culture, its “One Jaipuria” integrated campus model, and a deep-rooted belief in inclusive, sustainable growth.
“With this recognition, we affirm that at Jaipuria, culture is strategy. Our people thrive because we listen, we empower, and we evolve together,” said Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairman, Jaipuria Institute of Management. “The Best Place to Work honor validates the collective spirit of our educators, administrators, and leadership who drive purpose with passion.”
Backed by AACSB accreditation and an average ₹36.6 LPA top placement package, Jaipuria’s culture blends academic excellence with employee engagement, resulting in industry-ready graduates and a resilient, future-facing institution. This accolade further strengthens the institute’s positioning as a magnet for top academic talent and strategic industry collaborations.
“This recognition is not just about being the best; it’s about sustaining excellence with purpose. It reflects our belief that great culture builds great careers and performance. Every initiative, from flexible work models to continuous learning pathways is thoughtfully designed with empathy, clarity, and a focus on long-term impact,’’ added Rakesh Ranjan, Vice President, Human Resources, Jaipuria Institute of Management.
In an education sector often marked by transactional systems, Jaipuria Institute of Management distinguishes itself with a holistic approach to institutional culture, one that enhances academic rigor, employee satisfaction, and student success alike.
2, Jul 2025
Suraksha Smart City Announces The Launch of Forest-Themed Garden
Mumbai, July 02, 2025: In celebration of World Environment Day, Suraksha Smart City proudly announces the launch of its Forest-Themed Garden—a green oasis designed to redefine urban living by bringing the serenity and richness of a forest into the heart of the city.
The Forest-Themed Garden is more than just a landscaped area; it is a pioneering urban design philosophy that seamlessly blends nature with modern infrastructure. Inspired by the Earth element and located in the Earth sector of Suraksha Smart City, this unique space is part of the township’s vision to harmonize the five timeless elements—Light, Wind, Earth, Water, and Fire—across its five interconnected lifestyle phases.
Rooted in the growing movement towards sustainability and holistic well-being, the Forest-Themed Garden offers residents a restorative environment where tranquillity, rejuvenation, and joy flourish.
From children’s play zones to peaceful meditation space and vibrant community spaces, the Forest-Themed Garden caters to every age group. Regular activities in the Kids’ Activity Area, meditation area, and community events in the Natural Amphitheatre ensure that every resident finds their own connection to nature and community. A Butterfly Garden with native plants that attract butterflies, contributes to the forest’s biodiversity. Additionally, a natural-looking pathway made from pebbles, offers a tactile experience that simulates walking in a forest environment.
On the heels of World Environment Day, Suraksha Smart City reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. The Forest-Themed Garden not only enhances the daily lives of residents by fostering well-being and social engagement but also sets a new standard for urban developments in the region.
“Our Forest-Themed Garden is a testament to our belief that modern living and nature can—and should—coexist. By integrating extensive green spaces into our township, we are creating a legacy of sustainability and well-being for current and future generations,” said for Mr. Jash Panchamia, Promoter, Suraksha Smart City.
2, Jul 2025
Crestmont Hotels & Resorts in India upgrades from legacy to the cloud with Hotelogix to centralize group operations
Bangaluru, 02/July/2025: Hotelogix, a globally leading cloud-based hospitality technology provider, said Crestmont Hotels & Resorts in India has upgraded to its cloud-based multi-property management system to digitize processes and centrally manage group operations. With this strategic shift from their previous on-premises system, the group aims to drive growth and accelerate expansion by leveraging Hotelogix’s robust and comprehensive technology platform.
Crestmont Hotels & Resorts is one of the youngest and newest entrants in India’s highly competitive hospitality landscape. It manages four distinctive properties that have quickly become a preferred choice for leisure and business travellers. The group’s motto is to enhance the guest experience with a perfect blend of comfort, style, and excellence. With a vision for the future, Crestmont is poised for rapid expansion, promising to deliver exceptional experiences across more locations.
“We aim to operate smarter, serve guests better and scale faster. And for this, we needed a modern cloud-based solution like Hotelogix that gives us centralized control across all properties while simplifying group-wide operations,” said Mayank Jain, Director of Crestmont Hotels & Resorts.
Hotelogix also offers an integrated Channel Manager and Booking Engine to help the group drive sales via OTAs and its website. The real-time dashboard on the Mobile PMS App will enable them to track critical hotel positions on the go, such as ARR, RevPAR, occupancy, etc. Additionally, Hotelogix will enable them to access actionable central-level reports to make timely decisions to optimize overall performance across all properties.
Speaking about their expansion plan, Mayank further said, “We’re actively growing our footprint across India, with plans to add 3–4 new properties by 2025 and scale to a 40–50-property group by 2030. To support this ambitious journey, we see Hotelogix’s multi-property management system as the ideal foundation—flexible, scalable, and built for growth.”
“We welcome Crestmont Hotels & Resorts to our expanding client base in India and are excited to be their partner of growth. Our platform empowers modern hospitality groups like Crestmont to achieve their goals with agility and efficiency, ensuring they can focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional guest experiences,” said Sumit Kapoor, Assistant Vice President – Enterprise Sales (South Asia) at Hotelogix.
