3, Mar 2025
Experience Regal Mughal Dining at The Great Kabab Factory, Radisson Blu Guwahati

Guwahati,3 March 2025: The Great Kabab Factory at Radisson Blu Guwahati is set to transport food lovers to an era of royal indulgence with the Mughal Darbar Food Feast, an extraordinary culinary experience celebrating the opulence of Mughlai cuisine.

From 28th February to 16th March, guests can savour an exclusive menu curated by the acclaimed Chef Vakil Ahmad Qureshi, who is specially coming for this grand feast to showcase his mastery of authentic Mughlai flavours.

The Mughal Darbar Food Feast promises an unparalleled dining experience featuring succulent kebabs, fragrant biryanis, rich gravies, and decadent desserts. The menu will highlight time-honored dishes such as Galouti Kebab, Murgh Chaap, Nalli Nihari, Dum Pukht Biryani, and Shahi Tukda, all prepared with traditional cooking techniques and royal spices to bring out the true essence of Mughlai cuisine.

kabab

Speaking about the festival, Dinesh Kapri, Vice President- Operations, shared, “Mughlai cuisine is a blend of rich heritage, bold flavors, and intricate cooking methods. At this food festival, we aim to recreate the regal dining experience of the Mughal courts, offering guests a feast that celebrates tradition and indulgence.”

Ankur Mehrotra, General Manager at Radisson Blu Guwahati, said, “The Mughal Darbar Food Feast is a tribute to the opulent flavours of Mughlai cuisine. Our chefs have crafted a menu that revives the essence of royal feasts, blending rich spices, slow-cooked meats, and aromatic gravies for an unparalleled dining experience.”

Speaking on Radisson Blu Guwahati’s tradition of hosting diverse food festivals, Chef Karthikeyan, Executive Chef at Radisson Blu Guwahati, said, “We want to bring authentic food from across the world for our guests. We are happy that Radisson Blu Guwahati is a one-stop destination for authentic flavours and unique culinary experiences. With every festival, we strive to introduce our guests to the finest cuisines, curated by expert chefs who are passionate about preserving tradition while innovating for modern palates.”

Radisson Blu Guwahati continues to set new standards in luxury dining, and this festival is yet another testament to its commitment to bringing unique gastronomic experiences to the city.

3, Mar 2025
STEM Graduates Command 1.6x Higher Salaries; NLB Services Predicts Growing Demand in Tier 2 and 3 Markets

A Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) report on the global distribution of STEM graduates reveals that 34% of all graduates in India come from STEM disciplines. Additionally, industry insights indicate that India’s annual STEM graduate output is sufficient to meet the IT-related workforce demands of Europe and the USA, including specialized roles. This highlights the important role of STEM in promoting employment and accelerating economic growth. Covering engineering, technology, and scientific research opportunities, the STEM domain includes roles such as software developer, computer network architect, environmental engineer, and biochemist with the most sought-after positions being software developers (24%), data analysts (18%), and AI/ML specialists (15%).

Each year, more than 1.5 million students take the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), competing for roughly 16,000 seats at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Likewise, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) sees over 1.8 million aspirants vying for around 90,000 MBBS seats. This fierce competition reflects the high societal and economic value placed on STEM careers, driven by lucrative salary prospects and the perception of greater job stability in these fields. Industry reports also indicate that 70% of the highest-paying jobs worldwide demand highly skilled STEM graduates. Salaries for these roles typically range from 4-8 lakhs for freshers, 6-11 lakhs for mid-level managers, and 12-30 lakhs for senior professionals. The gender distribution in these positions reflects a male-to-female ratio of 4:1.

This indicates stark gender disparity in the STEM field. For instance, between 2013-14 and 2021-22, female enrollment in undergraduate programs rose by 46% and by 55.5% in postgraduate courses. However, enrollment in engineering degrees declined by 1.35% at the undergraduate level and a sharp 43% at the postgraduate level, according to government data. Globally, women accounted for only 29% of the STEM workforce across 146 nations assessed in the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), despite making up 49% of the workforce in non-STEM fields. Additionally, women in STEM earn 15-30% less than men—a gap attributed not to skill differences but to men’s higher confidence in negotiating salaries, as highlighted by a Stanford University study. However, with increasing efforts toward pay transparency, diversity initiatives, and policy interventions, this gap is expected to narrow in the coming years, leading to a more equitable pay structure and higher female representation in STEM.

With tech companies expanding their hiring focus to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, STEM opportunities are growing in locations such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. In the coming years, STEM hiring from these regions is expected to rise by 15-20% by 2027. Additionally, India’s overall STEM sector is projected to see a 40-45% increase by 2027, driven by rising demand for skilled professionals across industries.

Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services commented ‘The growing emphasis on STEM education and workforce development is a testament to India’s commitment to innovation and economic progress. This is also reflected in the Union Budget announcement focusing on transforming India’s education landscape with initiatives like 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, high-speed internet for rural schools, AI integration, and skill development. The tinkering labs will help in research in the STEM field where students can practice new ideas and approaches. Additionally, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative, for National Science Day 2025, encourages young minds to engage with research institutions, fostering hands-on scientific exploration.’

1, Mar 2025
IIT Roorkee and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Work Together on Advanced Stormwater Management Strategy

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – March 1, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively develop a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for Bhubaneswar City, Odisha . This initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing stormwater management in a city, urban resilience, mitigating flood risks, and future-proofing urban infrastructure against climate change challenges.

The MoU between IIT Roorkee and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) was formally signed by Prof. Akshay Dvivedi , Dean SRIC , IIT Roorkee, and Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS , Commissioner, BMC . The project shall be led by Prof DS Arya, Professor (HAG) , Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee. This collaboration aims to develop an integrated drainage master plan and a detailed project report (DPR) to provide sustainable, data-driven solutions for Bhubaneswar’s inundation challenges, with a focus on future climate change impacts and population growth projections up to 2050.

 IIT Roorkee Partners with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to Develop a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan

The signing ceremony was attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra , Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Development Department, Govt. of Odisha , and Smt. Sulochana Das , Hon’ble Mayor of Bhubaneswar . Other notable attendees included Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, IAS , Vice-Chairman of Bhubaneswar Development Authority ; Dr. Kamla Lochan Mishra, IAS , Executive Director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority ; Shri Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar , Chairperson, Sanitation Standing Committee ; and Shri Bilash Kumar Behera , City Engineer ; Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant , Director of IIT Roorkee ; Prof. Sumit Sen , Head, Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee Prof. NK Navani , Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Roorkee, Prof DS Arya , Professor Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee . Their presence emphasized a shared commitment to sustainable urban development and technological innovation.

This partnership brings together on-ground expertise and advanced technology to address Bhubaneswar’s flood management challenges. The project will leverage cutting-edge technologies for data collection, such as Drone Mapping, Total Station (TS), and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) for precise mapping and data acquisition. Additionally, IIT Roorkee will conduct hydraulic and dynamic simulations to optimize the city’s stormwater infrastructure, ensuring efficient floodwater discharge through various canals, including the Gangua Nala, ultimately to the Daya River. Plans also include integrating SCADA systems for real-time monitoring of pumping stations, along with a sensor-based flood alarm system. The project will offer both immediate solutions for critical flooding issues and a scientifically backed long-term master plan to address future urbanization and climate-related challenges. Furthermore, the collaboration will incorporate a comprehensive socio-environmental impact analysis and develop drainage rehabilitation plans to ensure sustainable urban development that protects vulnerable communities.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant , Director of IIT Roorkee, commented, “This collaboration exemplifies IIT Roorkee’s dedication to addressing real-world challenges through research-driven solutions. We aim to help Bhubaneswar build an infrastructure that is not just resilient but also adaptive to the challenges posed by climate change.”

Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS , Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, added, “This MoU is a significant leap toward sustainable urban development for Bhubaneswar City. With IIT Roorkee’s scientific expertise, we are confident of developing an integrated drainage system that will protect our city from current and future flooding threats.”

This partnership between IIT Roorkee and BMC goes beyond infrastructure development—it aims to make Bhubaneswar a model for climate-resilient urban planning in India. By blending IIT Roorkee’s scientific prowess with BMC’s local governance expertise, the initiative will serve as a national benchmark for urban flood management and sustainability, aligned with India’s Smart Cities Mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

1, Mar 2025
NTPC Group Sets Record with 400 Billion Units of Power Generation in FY 2024-25

New Delhi, 1st March 2025: NTPC Group achieved fastest ever 400 Billion Units (BU) generation on 1st March 2025 in FY 2024-25. This milestone is achieved in just 335 days, which is 12 days earlier as compared to the last financial year.

In FY 2023-24, the company had crossed 400 BU generation on 13th March 2024.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of over 77 GW, with an additional capacity of 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

Along with power generation, NTPC has ventured into various new business areas, including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen solutions. It has also participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories.

1, Mar 2025
Moscow Attracts Growing Number of Indian Business Tourists with Exclusive Offers and Personalized Experiences

1 March 2025: In recent years, promoting Moscow as an ideal destination for MICE tourism has become a priority tasks of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. The steady influx of travelers to the Russian capital continues to grow, driven in no small part by an increase in business visitors. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the number of business travelers is expected to reach a remarkable 8 million by 2030, with a significant share hailing from India.

Moscow’s appeal to business travelers—whether attending exhibitions, congresses, or MICE group events—is clear. The city not only boasts world-class infrastructure for hosting business events of all scales but also offers an exceptional array of cultural and leisure experiences available year-round. From historic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square to mesmerizing performances in its world-renowned theaters, Moscow seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Visitors can discover unique brands in modern shopping centers or explore a vibrant nightlife with its parties and nightclubs.

What truly sets Moscow apart is the diversity of exceptional venues that allow hosting out-of-the box events. Imagine events in historical mansions or at the museums, art galleries, or on the open air immaculate lawns of renovated estates. And the city can offer more than 150 such unique locations for MICE events. For those seeking a unique setting, open-air events can be hosted in picturesque parks, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air and breathtaking landscapes while engaging in professional discussions.

In addition, business events can be easily combined with exclusive tours or immersive performances, gaining deeper insight into Russia’s cultural heritage. Whether hosting a summit atop the iconic Ostankino TV Tower or fostering team spirit through lessons in traditional Russian music, business visitors can expect an experience that extends far beyond the boardroom.

As Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin noted earlier, business tourists are increasingly combining business trips with a cultural program. To meet this evolving demand, Moscow has expanded its calendar of industry events and diversified its leisure programs, ensuring that each visit is both enriching and productive.

The same trend was pointed out by Maya Anurova, Head of the Business Tourism Development Department of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. According to her, today expectations of modern business travelers are shifting: offering a luxurious hotel stay or a well-equipped conference hall is no longer enough, now business tourists seek personalized experiences and unforgettable impressions. “So personalising the offer and creating unique formats is very important here,” Anurova emphasized.

Today, India is one of the most important markets for Moscow in terms of attracting business tourists. The Moscow City Tourism Committee regularly holds events and implements projects aimed at attracting tourists from the region, both leisure and MICE. Earlier this year, a Moscow delegation participated in the OTM tourism exhibition in Mumbai, showing major projects to Indian industry professionals: the Moscow Tea Time Project, which revives Moscow’s historic tea traditions, the Moscow Estates Festival, an iconic cultural event drawing over 100,000 visitors annually, the City of Discoveries educational initiative, and the RUSSPASS travel planning service. During the event, the Moscow stand facilitated more than 2,000 business meetings and negotiations. Notably, Moscow has agreed on cooperation in the field of tourism development with the State of Maharashtra – India’s second most populous and third-largest state – as well as with Thomas Cook India Group, the country’s leading tour operator.

These concerted efforts are yielding tangible results. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, India ranked among the top two source markets for foreign visitors to Moscow, with over 61,000 Indian travelers exploring the city — an impressive a 1.4-foldincrease compared to the previous year. Moreover, business travel remains a dominant segment, with one in every three Indian visitors arriving for professional purposes.

According to key industry figures, Moscow’s exceptional service standards, warm hospitality, and ability to deliver unique experiences make it an increasingly attractive business destination. Shailesh Sharma, head of DMC company Headed Goose, notes that Indian visitors consistently praise Moscow’s unique fusion of rich history, modern culture and advanced infrastructure, including its world-class hotels. He also highlights the Moscow’s outstanding safety, with many Indian tourists describing it as the safest city they have ever visited.

According to Elena Orlenko, a representative of the Grand Rus agency, which acts as a DMC for Indian MICE agencies, an important factor is the availability of high-quality Indian cuisine in Moscow. She noted that Indian tourists pay great attention to the organization of food during their trips, and the Russian capital is able to offer them a huge number of restaurants serving Indian cuisine or high-quality vegetarian dishes for any budget.

Echoing this sentiment, Mohit Mandhwani of Travel Canvas, a graduate of the Moscow MICE Ambassadors certification program, launched by The Moscow City Tourism Committee in 2023, commends the city’s thriving Indian culinary scene. “The Indian cuisine in Moscow is outstanding — better than in many other countries!” he remarks. Moreover, several Indian restaurants offer catering services, ensuring authentic, high-quality meals at business events.

Another significant factor contributing to the surge in Indian business travelers is the streamlined visa process. Since August 2023, Indian citizens have been able to apply for an e-visa, with approvals granted within just four days through an entirely online process. As a result, India now ranks among the top five countries for e-visas issued by the Russian Federation.

“The introduction of the e-visa, of course, has become a great contribution to the development of the tourism industry and the attractiveness of the country as a whole. That is, in this way the state has shown that we are ready to open borders to different nationalities, we are ready for cooperation, and we want people to come to us,” explained Elena Orlenko.

As Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, noted earlier at the OTM exhibition in Mumbai, the Moscow authorities are pleased to observe a steady increase in Indian visitors to the Russian capital. “Through strategic partnerships, customized travel experiences, and immersive initiatives, we look forward to welcoming more Indian tourists and providing them with an unforgettable experience in our vibrant and historically rich city,” he noted.

1, Mar 2025
DBS Foundation Funds Haqdarshak’s Financial Literacy Program with SGD 5.1 Million to Drive Growth

Chandigarh, March 1, 2025 – DBS Foundation, in partnership with Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (HESPL), has announced a new program designed to help advance financial inclusion, with a focus on rural India. The program is part of DBS Bank’s larger commitment, announced in 2023, to allocate SGD 1 billion over the next decade to improve the lives and livelihoods of low-income and underprivileged individuals. The DBS Foundation will provide SGD 5.1 million to fund the program, which has targeted impacting 500,000 beneficiaries in totality across the country.

India’s rural population can often face challenges such as lack of information about and access to financial services and social welfare entitlements. The DBS-funded program addresses these critical gaps by providing resources to help this demographic understand financial concepts and products as well as the tools and assistance on how to access social welfare schemes, supported by Haqdarshak’s team of agents. The program implementation will focus on rural regions in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director - Group Strategic Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India

As part of the program, dedicated field teams, including Haqdarshak’s female agents, will be deployed to conduct both digital and financial literacy training sessions along with entitlement screening sessions. The program will prioritise enrolling eligible beneficiaries, particularly women, the elderly, and nano entrepreneurs like street vendors and tradesmen, into appropriate social welfare schemes. Additionally, to bolster their protection against financial fraud, participants will receive anti-scam awareness trainings. Enhancing the effectiveness of these services, the Haqdarshak Yojana Card, a QR coded card will facilitate easy access to the beneficiary’s social entitlement profiles online with periodic information updates on scheme eligibility. DBS employees will actively participate in the program delivery under its staff volunteer movement ‘People of Purpose’ to increase content awareness as well as conduct community sessions along with the Haqdarshak team.

Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director and Head – Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank India, said, “Since inception more than a decade ago, the DBS Foundation has been focused on uplifting lives and livelihoods and, it is especially meaningful to be able to launch a new intervention with Haqdarshak, who we have nurtured since 2018 as a Business For Impact. Having completed three decades in India, DBS Bank is more committed than ever to stay true to its purpose-driven vision and catalyse change. Together with Haqdarshak, we will take forward this shared mission to go beyond banking and empower communities through financial inclusion. By tackling real knowledge gaps with targeted solutions, we can enable pathways out of poverty and create lasting impact to help build a better world for generations to come.”

Over the years, Haqdarshak has been engaging with and been supported by the DBS Foundation (DBSF), including via the 2018 DBSF Business for Impact Grant and the 2020 DBSF Business Transformation Improvement Grant. In 2023 Haqdarshak became a DBSF program partner in India to foster digital and financial literacy among citizens from vulnerable communities across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Through this initiative over 10,000 digital and financial literacy sessions were successfully conducted for over 2 lakh beneficiaries, along with entitlement screening and facilitation support to over 4 lakh individuals so they could avail relevant welfare schemes. Notably, around 90% of the participants trained in digital and financial literacy were women.

Commenting on the announcement, Aniket Doegar, Co-Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak, said “As we navigate an increasingly fast-paced world, it is important to support those who may need more assistance and ensure that no one is left behind. Our new program is aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience and self-sufficiency among underprivileged communities by giving them the skills and confidence to access the benefits of the formal system. The DBS Foundation has been instrumental as a trusted partner in our journey and their consistent support over the years has enabled us to scale our reach and impact more lives positively. We look forward to partnering once again on a very purposeful initiative, bringing about real impact by sparking collective action.”

This program is part of the DBS Foundation’s broader objective to support vulnerable communities and enable them to gain financial resilience across Asia, with a specific focus on the underprivileged and ageing members of society. By championing Businesses For Impact, DBS advocates for enterprises with a dual bottom line of profit and purpose, nurturing those that align with its mission and integrating them into DBS’s culture and operations.

1, Mar 2025
Revolt Motors Reveals the Cutting-Edge RV BLAZEX

Mumbai, March 1, 2025: Reinforcing its leadership in India’s electric two-wheeler market, Revolt Motors, India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand, has launched the all-new RV BlazeX – a high-performance, smart, and affordable electric motorcycle at INR 1,14,990 (ex-showroom, Pan India).

Designed for modern commuters, the RV BlazeX features a 4KW peak power motor, an extended 150 km range, and intelligent IoT connectivity. Manufactured at Revolt’s advanced facility in Manesar, Haryana, this latest offering cements the brand’s position at the forefront of India’s EV revolution.

Speaking on the launch, Ms. Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises Limited, said, “At Revolt Motors, we are committed to innovation and sustainability. The RV BlazeX empowers both urban and rural commuters with an affordable, high-performance electric mobility solution. With advanced connectivity, superior range, and cutting-edge design, this launch marks a major milestone in making sustainable mobility accessible to all.”

The RV BlazeX is available in two striking colours – Sterling Silver Black and Eclipse Red Black – blending style with practicality. Features like a front storage box and under-seat charger compartment enhance convenience without compromising aesthetics.

anjali

Powered by a 3.24 kWh lithium-ion battery (IP67 rated), the RV BlazeX reaches a top speed of 85 kmph and offers three riding modes plus Reverse Mode for better manoeuvrability. Safety and comfort are ensured with LED lighting, CBS braking, telescopic front forks, and twin shock absorbers. The 6-inch LCD digital cluster integrates 4G telematics, GPS, and IoT functionalities like mobile connectivity, geo-fencing, and OTA updates.

A standout feature is its dual charging capability—both fast and standard charging can be done via a conventional 3-pin socket. The RV BlazeX reaches 80% charge in just 80 minutes with fast charging, while standard home charging achieves the same in 3 hours 30 minutes. With no need for external charging infrastructure, it ensures seamless and hassle-free recharging for every rider.

Supported by a three-year warranty (or 45,000 KM, whichever comes first) and an expanding nationwide dealership network, Revolt ensures superior after-sales service, making EV adoption effortless and reliable.

The RV BlazeX will be available for bookings starting today via www.revoltmotors.com/book and authorized dealerships, with deliveries to begin from first week of March 2025.

Revolt Intellicorp:

Revolt Intellicorp, founded in 2017, is leading the charge in India’s electric vehicle landscape. With a mission to democratize clean commutes using futuristic mobility solutions, we have introduced India’s first AI-enabled motorcycle, seamlessly combining innovation with performance and aesthetics. With a strong focus on innovative technology, Revolt Motors is redefining the way we think about two-wheel transportation.

Beyond motorcycles, Revolt Intellicorp provides a full range of genuine parts and accessories through its authorized dealerships, ensuring a comprehensive electric riding experience. Join us in reshaping the future of smart, sustainable mobility.

RattanIndia Enterprises Limited

RattanIndia Enterprises Limited is a public-listed company and serves as the growth engine of the RattanIndia Group dedicated to pioneering new-age businesses. With a focus on innovative technologies, RattanIndia Enterprises is driving the transformation of various industries, including Electric Mobility (Revolt Motors), E-commerce (Cocoblu Retail), Fashion brands (Neo Brands), Fintech (WeFin), and Drones (Neosky), with the goal of positively impacting the lives of millions of Indians.

1, Mar 2025
Heartfulness Startup Forum 2025 Helps Founders Unlock Success and Transform New India

Hyderabad, 1 March 2025: Today Heartfulness hosted a one-of-a-kind “Heartfulness Startup Forum” themed ‘In Pursuit of Purpose’ at the largest meditation centre in the world at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad. As India ascends as a global economic powerhouse, its startup ecosystem plays an important role in driving sustained growth. Research indicates that the most successful entrepreneurs are characterised by strong emotional resilience to navigate the crests and troughs of a fast-paced, uncertain environment. The Heartfulness Startup Forum brought together a couple of hundred founders to develop clarity, composure and well-being to thrive as leaders.

The forum hosted successful founders, industry stalwarts who shared how they overcame challenges in their entrepreneurial journey through strong practices like meditation, activities that lead to personal fulfilment that help them tackle stress, burnout and other routine mental challenges. The full-day conference was free of charge exploring the themes of emotional resilience, personal holistic well-being through unique practical sessions, panels and several peer, mentor connects.

One of the esteemed speakers, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan – Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government said in a fireside chat with Ms. Pragya Misra – Public Policy and Partnerships Lead, OpenAI, “As a leader, non-hierarchical support and recognition of your team are essential to make it exceptional. You have to respect and recognise your team’s worth. Cracking civil services in the first attempt reinforced in me the belief that you should count your blessings. You should help and facilitate the journey of others as well.” He also spoke on dealing with burnout, “I balance between work and life. I support charity, art, culture, sports and I am on boards of a lot of think-tanks. I attend social events, plays, art events etc. towards the end of the day that keep me charged up.”

“Reaching the unicorn position is not the only destination. It is how you enjoy the journey that makes it an infinite game path. Not being able to raise money is not a deterrent. What is really stopping an entrepreneur is the threshold of the stress that he can manage. We need meditation for emotional resilience and build our ability to perceive the reality as it is. Meditation is the path to remove our sanskaras. That is the way for us to increase our capacity and arrive where we want to arrive,” said Mr. Phanindra Sama – Founder, Red Bus.

Ms. Aarti Gupta – Partner, Anikarth Ventures said, “Being impactful and bringing meaningful change while making money is my measure of success. Digest and reflect on how small problems in a company can have exponential and compounding effect in the future. Don’t tie yourself to the valuation of your startup. Women have a twisted relationship with money. Women must understand their money and know how to grow it.”

Ms. Mallika Reddy – Founder, Cancelled Plans; Srikanth Iyer – Founder, Homelane; Mr. Om Dhumatkar – Life Coach & Speaker; Mr. Shivakumar Ganesan – Founder, Exotel; and Mr. Sateesh Andra – MD, Endiya Partners also shed light on their inspiring journey for every entrepreneur to draw lessons from.

Ms. Vani Kola – MD, Kalaari Capital said, “This is one of the most looked up to start up forums because in present times we need the endurance to withstand the impediments life can throw at us, the resilience to wade through it and lead a successful startup. The forum can help us understand how to integrate meditation into our lives for better decision-making, clarity in thought and equanimity.”

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We need to raise a generation of entrepreneurs who not only make successful businesses but also inspire as resilient and balanced individuals. The rate at which India is producing startup entrepreneurs also means there needs to be heightened awareness and consciousness to apply in leadership, decision making and risk management. This forum is about empowerment on these terms.”

The forum as part of the “Heartfulness: Advancing in Entrepreneurship” is an initiative to address these unique challenges by integrating heart-based meditation & relaxation practices. Heartfulness has a transformative impact that will alter the trajectory of entrepreneurs, enhancing their self-awareness, leadership style, and the application of inner wisdom in daily business activities.

1, Mar 2025
Savor Ruhaniyat by Gourmet Couch at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar

royal table

Make this Eid unforgettable with a meal that transcends expectations. Savour the flavours of tradition where every bite is a blessing. Indulge into a collection of our most celebrated Kebabs, Biryanis, Curries and Meetha as Ruhaniyat at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar brings with its delicious gourmet delights for everyone! Celebrate the spirit of the season with exclusive meal boxes with your loved ones. These offerings are available till 31st March, 2025. Savour the thoughtfully curated a la carte and set menu, featuring an exquisite blend of traditional treasures like Haleem, Shahi Nehari, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, to name a few.

Gourmet Couch, a specially curated menu from globally acclaimed restaurants brings together delectable offerings, with signature preparations carefully prepared to suit tasteful palates.

Immerse yourself in our Iftar specials set menu and experience a symphony of flavours that encapsulates the essence of Ruhaniyat, all from the comfort of your home. The menu includes – Khajoor, Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht, Sheermal, Dal Bukhara, Murgh Yakhni Pulao, Shahi Nihari, Haleem, Indian Breads, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, Anaar Kheera Raita, Nehari Accompaniments under Ruhaniyat Royal Table, priced at INR 5999 plus taxes for table of two and INR 8799 for table of four. The Ruhaniyat Table includes delicacies like Khajoor, Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht, Sheermal, Haleem, Murgh Yakhni Pulao, Anaar Kheera Raita, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, priced at INR 3199 plus taxes for table of two and INR 5199 plus taxes for table of four.

The menu is also available as an A la carte option. It includes Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht (Minced chicken kebab laced with aromatic spices and chopped belle papers complimented with pungent green chillies and onion) at INR 1999 + taxes; Haleem (A traditional recipe dating back in time. This preparation is made with ground wheat, lamb, lentils and select spices) at INR 1299 plus taxes; Murgh Yakhni Pulao (spring chicken and long-grain basmati rice pulao is flavoured with aromatic spices and generous amounts of slow cooked onions that both tinge and enrich this preparation); Shahi Nehari (prime cuts of lamb cooked overnight on low heat, in a sealed handi with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, sprinkled with mace and cardamom) at INR 2150 plus taxes; Murgh Handi Qorma (morsels of chicken simmered in brown onion, garlic and yoghurt gravy. Perfumed with saffron, rose water and garnished with almond silvers) at INR 2125 plus taxes and Seviyon Ka Muzzafar (a classic dessert of saffron infused vermicelli, doused in sugar syrup and garnished with almonds and cashews) at INR 699 plus taxes. You can enjoy assorted Indian breads like Lachha Paratha (whole wheat, layered bread, baked in a tandoor), Roomali Roti (thin and soft flat bread that can be folded like a handkerchief), Pudina Paratha (whole wheat layered bread baked in a tandoor and sprinkled with a tangy masala) and Taftan (leavened bread baked in a clay oven) – each priced at INR 225 plus taxes.

This Eid, elevate your celebrations with Ruhaniyat and bring the essence of luxury straight to your doorstep. Ruhaniyat by Gourmet Couch isn’t just food – it’s a moment of indulgence wrapped in elegance. From assorted kebabs to delightful sweets – experience one-of-a-kind taste, texture, and heritage. Order now, and let us bring the soul of Eid to your home, without stepping out!

1, Mar 2025
Findi Ltd Concludes Acquisition of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd

New Delhi, 1 March 2025: Tata Communications has successfully completed the divestment of its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL), to Transaction Solutions International (India) Pvt Ltd (TSI), a majority-owned subsidiary of Australian digital payments and financial services provider Findi (ASX: FND).

On 13th November 2024, Tata Communications had entered into a definitive agreement with Findi, to divest its 100% equity stake in TCPSL. The transaction has now been completed following the receipt of regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the fulfilment of all conditions agreed between the parties under the relevant definitive agreement.

Findi Ltd Finalizes Acquisition of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd.

For Tata Communications, this move aligns with its strategic focus on high-growth areas such as network, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, interactions, and media services, enabling the Company to sharpen its core capabilities while unlocking greater value.

For Findi, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion of its financial services ecosystem, enhancing its capabilities in digital payments and ATM operations. The acquisition immediately equips Findi with a White Label ATM platform and license, a Payments Switch, and a network of over 4,600 ATMs. Additionally, it enables Findi to deploy ATMs across its extensive network of 180,000+ merchants (under its FindiPay and BankIT brands).

Kabir Ahmed Shakir, CFO, Tata Communications, said: “This divestment marks a significant milestone in our journey to streamline our portfolio and focus on areas that drive long-term growth and innovation. We are confident that TSI is well-positioned to drive the next phase of growth for TCPSL and will further strengthen and scale this business, ensuring continued value for customers and stakeholders.”

Deepak Verma, MD and CEO, Findi , said: “The acquisition of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd is a critical piece in our journey to become the most trusted enabler of financial empowerment for India’s underserved. TCPSL’s current ATM portfolio, white label license and Payment Switch give us immediate scale, as well as the ability to deploy ATMs to our merchant network, transforming them to a full stack financial hub, and empowering them to expand their services and better serve underbanked communities.”