Category Archives: Business

BENZ Packaging Reaffirms Sustainability Commitment on World Environment Day

New Delhi, India – June 5, 2025 – On the occasion of World Environment Day, BENZ Packaging, a leader in eco-conscious industrial packaging, reaffirms its commitment to building a greener future through scalable, sustainable solutions.

“Our planet can no longer afford short-term thinking,” said Chaitanya Chopra, Director at BENZ Packaging. “This World Environment Day, we’re not just celebrating milestones—we’re challenging ourselves and our industry to do better. From responsible sourcing to AI-powered efficiency, sustainability is no longer an add-on. It’s our foundation.”

At a time when industrial waste remains a major contributor to environmental degradation, BENZ Packaging has proactively adopted biodegradable materials, moisture-control technology, and low-impact logistics to help clients reduce their environmental footprint across sectors like automotive, renewables, and engineering.

Over the past year alone, the company has:

• Replaced over 120 tonnes of plastic with recyclable alternatives

• Developed India’s first industrial VCI paper that’s 100% plastic-free

• Launched closed-loop packaging pilots in partnership with key OEMs

BENZ Packaging’s newly automated facilities are designed to optimize energy usage and minimize material waste, even as they scale to meet rising demand. BENZ Packaging continues to lead the transition toward responsible manufacturing, setting new benchmarks with its fully recyclable packaging, zero-waste production strategies, and carbon-conscious supply chain. As India and the world grapple with environmental crises, BENZ Packaging is expanding its R&D focus on compostable and water-based packaging and engaging with industry forums to push for policy change and sustainability-first supply chains.

NXP India MD Hitesh Garg Highlights Measurable Climate Action and ESG Commitment on World Environment Day 2025

By-Mr. Hitesh Garg, Vice President and India Managing Director at NXP Semiconductors

“At NXP, caring for our environment and our workforce are deeply interconnected. This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a sustainable future through measurable action — from reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and scaling renewable electricity, to recycling over 89% of our waste and 55% of our wastewater. Supported by global certifications, strong oversight, and continuous workforce training, our efforts are rooted in accountability and action. These steps not only reflect our global ESG goals but also align closely with India’s Net Zero ambitions — a national mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070. Together, we’re turning environmental ambition into action, and action into long-term impact.”

Palau Opens Doors to Indian Tourists with 30-Day Visa-Free Entry: A Gateway to Paradise

In a significant move to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties, the Republic of Palau has announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, marking a new chapter in Indo-Palau relations. Known for its breathtaking marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes, Palau is emerging as a hidden gem for Indian travelers seeking unique, nature-rich travel experiences including WW II Relics and remains in the ocean and on land.

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and ecological wonder. With its UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, world-renowned dive sites like Blue Corner and Jellyfish Lake, and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, Palau is fast becoming a must-visit destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.

Indian traveler is a matured , and is looking for newer places to visit. Palau is a new country for Indians and with airlines such as United Airlines, China Airlines, Quantas , Japan Airlines, Nauru Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines operating into Palau , its soon going to be the most sought after destination said Dr Neeraj A Sharma – The Honorary Consul General of Palau to India, recently during a media interaction.
While Palau does not currently have direct air connectivity with India, travelers can reach the island nation through connecting flights from major Southeast Asian hubs like Manila (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), or Seoul (South Korea).

Excitingly, Air India is soon expected to launch direct flights from India to the Philippines, significantly easing access to Palau. With Manila being one of the key connecting hubs to Palau, this move will not only reduce travel time but also open up seamless travel opportunities for Indian tourists keen to explore this Pacific paradise , said the Honorary Consul General Neeraj Sharma.

Under the leadership of President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Palau continues to champion sustainable development, environmental protection, and responsible tourism. His administration remains deeply committed to preserving the natural heritage of Palau while opening its doors to global travelers in a way that respects and enhances the local ecosystem. President Whipps’ initiatives to balance growth with conservation have placed Palau at the forefront of climate advocacy and eco-tourism.

Neeraj A. Sharma, has been actively working to promote Palau as a prime travel destination for Indian tourists. From hosting tourism awareness campaigns to engaging with Indian travel operators and media, Dr. Sharma is playing a pivotal role in building cultural and economic bridges between the two nations. His efforts are expected to not only increase tourist footfall but also foster long-term tourism partnerships and collaborations. The famous Indian restaurant Taj Palau owned by NRI Robert Scaria is the favorite eating place for the global citizens visiting Palau.

As India continues to look towards east for unique travel experiences, Palau stands ready to welcome Indian travelers with warmth, wonder, and a world of natural beauty—now just a flight away.

Hi-Tech Radiators MD Kartik Daftari Reaffirms Commitment to Green Manufacturing on World Environment Day 2025

By-Mr. Kartik Daftari, Managing Director and CEO, Hitech Radiators Pvt. Ltd.

“Sustainable manufacturing needs to go from being an ideal to a reality as climate change speeds up and industries are held to higher standards of environmental responsibility. At Hi-Tech Radiators Pvt. Ltd., we believe that sustainable production that satisfies global demand while respecting ecological limits is the way of the future for heavy industries. We reaffirm our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact through energy-efficient processes, galvanized products with longer life cycles, and adherence to the highest international quality and sustainability standards on this World Environment Day.

Our ethos is rooted in environmental safekeeping, and we encourage industry peers and local communities to work together to accelerate innovations in responsible sourcing, green manufacturing, and circular economy practices.”

Cashify CMO Nakul Kumar Champions Circular Economy on World Environment Day 2025: Turning E-Waste into a Dollar60B Opportunity

By- Nakul Kumar, Co-founder & CMO, Cashify

“At Cashify, we believe sustainability never comes at a cost; rather it’s a value multiplier. India generates over 1.75 million tonnes of e-waste each year, with less than 25% entering formal recycling. That’s not just an environmental crisis; it’s a $60 billion missed opportunity in lost materials, unregulated emissions, and informal sector inefficiencies.We’ve seen how tech-led, formal e-waste management can flip this script. It extends device life, creates green jobs, and recovers valuable metals at scale.
This isn’t about charity or compliance. It’s about smart economics and smarter consumption.The future lies in reimagining value by seeing yesterday’s waste as tomorrow’s resource. At Cashify, that’s the mindset we’re scaling. This mindset shift is fundamental to building a true circular economy, where nothing is wasted and everything has potential for regeneration. This transformation needs to happen across every sector of our economy.”

VNTR Concludes Mumbai Investor Roundtable, Plans to Launch Dollar5M Fund to Back India’s Emerging Tech Ventures

New Delhi, June 5, 2025 – In a significant move to accelerate India’s innovation ecosystem, VNTR, a global community of active investors, successfully concluded its first India-focused Investor Roundtable in Mumbai and announced the plan to launch a $5 million fund exclusively for early-stage to late-stage Indian scaleups.

Hosted at HIVE8, India’s most scenic co-working space, the high-powered roundtable brought together over 30 prominent venture capitalists, family offices, and angel investors, sparking vibrant discussions on India’s thriving startup environment. This marks a major milestone in VNTR’s India expansion strategy, aimed at backing disruptive technologies that address both local and global challenges.

“India is at the epicenter of the global startup movement. Our $5 million fund is more than just capital—it’s a gateway to strategic mentorship, cross-border collaboration, and global investor networks. We’re here to catalyze India’s innovation story and scale high-impact ventures.” said Jignesh P Jain, Chapter Director, VNTR

A Platform for Global-Local Synergy

The roundtable featured an insightful panel with top industry voices:

Sachin Tagra, Managing Partner, JSW Ventures

Dr. Bijna Kotak Dasani, MBE, FRSA, Entrepreneur, Investor and VC, The Bijna Group

Dr. Ritesh Jain, Investor, Mentor & Advisor – VC/PE, Taranis, Growthcap, Equentis

Punit Shah, Managing Partner, Alteria Capital & IC Member, JIIF

The event facilitated powerful networking and one-on-one investor-only conversations, reinforcing VNTR’s mission to bridge global capital with local innovation.

The fund will primarily target Seed to late-stage scaleups across fintech, healthtech, deep tech, climate tech, and SaaS sectors. It will concentrate on investments in key ecosystems like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad & Pune. With a sharp focus on scalable, tech-driven solutions that are stage agnostic.

What sets VNTR apart is its global-first approach—each portfolio company will benefit not only from financial backing but also from access to VNTR’s global community spanning 40+ countries. This includes deal-sharing, mentorship, co-investment opportunities, and market access strategies.

As part of its India roadmap, VNTR is actively partnering with Indian VC firms, family offices, incubators, and angel networks to co-create a high-trust, high-impact investment ecosystem. The organization is extending invitations for local players to join its global investor community, strengthening the India-to-global innovation corridor.

Momentum right for India to accelerate its innovation trajectory powered by AI and Deep Tech: IGIC 2025

Bengaluru, June 5, 2025 – Global Industry experts outlined AI, deep tech, clean tech, structural and process reforms as pillars of Innovation in Viksit Bharat at the 4th edition of India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) in Bengaluru. The two-day Summit will bring together a powerful global assembly of technology leaders, policymakers, startup founders, investors and academicians to explore the theme “Innovation in the Age of AI: Business, Society and Governance.” Entrepreneurs from India, US, Japan, Korea, Germany, Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, France, the UAE and other nations engaged in technology and business interactions on the inaugural day of the Summit.

The opening day of the two-day event focused on the transformative role of key sectors in reshaping industries and societal frameworks, with a series of keynotes, dialogues, fireside chats and brainstorming sessions exploring India’s positioning as a global innovation powerhouse.

The day further witnessed key global industry leaders from Indian and global startup founders, VCs and investors, corporate and government leaders, technology and public policy experts under one common platform. The leaders and industry experts engaged with attendees on a range of topics, including AI and deep tech as the new frontier of innovation, invisible reforms toward “Developed India” (Viksit Bharat), new developments in fintech, shaping AI for society and society for AI, what next in Aerospace, the coming blood revolution, AI-driven learning revolution innovation dynamics between startups and established corporations, etc.

Claude Smadja, Chairman Smadja & Smadja Strategic Advisory said, “India today stands at a pivotal inflection point, both in its domestic evolution and its global positioning. As we navigate an era marked by transformative shifts in AI and deep tech, the momentum is right for India to accelerate its innovation trajectory. Despite the challenges that major global powers are facing, India is uniquely placed to emerge as a global hub for technological advancement, particularly in the domain of data and big data, where it holds a distinct advantage.”

Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital said, ” As we prepare for the age of quantum computing and grapple with the reality of machines performing most of the human tasks, we must rethink how we educate the next generation and how we build networks, not just of nations, but of people and cities across the world, to ensure that innovation benefits everyone. And there is no better place to lead this future than Bengaluru.”

Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), India said, “When we speak of building a Viksit Bharat, we must look beyond structural reforms and focus on process reforms. They play a pivotal role in improving efficiency, reducing friction, and delivering real impact across government and business systems. I am optimistic that states like Karnataka and ecosystems like Bengaluru’s innovation community will play a catalytic role in this transformation.”

In his opening note during the session ‘Invisible reforms toward “Developed India” (Viksit Bharat)’, Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) highlighted that true digital transformation demands hands-on effort, capacity building and systems thinking. For reforms to succeed, they must create tangible value for citizens and industry, bridge siloed functioning, and be supported by documented learnings that empower officers to be tech-enabled and outcome-driven.

Vic Bhagat, Senior Vice President and Global Advisor of the leading global IT Infrastructure Services Provider Kyndryl said, “AI’s power and its seamless integration into enterprise technology delivers exceptional productivity and automation. The collaboration between scale and speed is key. The ability of enterprises to effectively harness AI will redefine their competitive edge and long-term growth.”

Jay Krishnan, Partner & Head of India Investments, Beyond Next Ventures said,“As investors, especially in deep science, we often enter before compliance frameworks exist, focusing on ideas rooted in physics, chemistry, and biology that can meaningfully impact areas like energy transition and climate. While not every risk can be anticipated or controlled, belief in transformative potential guides our thesis”.

IGIC 2025 continues to foster India’s position as a key node in the global innovation value chain. IGIC 2025 is backed by Strategic Partner – Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Sponsors – Axilor and Esri India, and Knowledge Partners – Covington & Burling USA and Swissnex, and Partner Organizations – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Start2Group, and IVC Association (IVCA), among others.

Unix Launches Z2 Bloom Earbuds with ANC and 40-Hour Playtime

Mumbai, June 2025: Unix, one of India’s leading mobile accessories and consumer electronics brands, has launched its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds – the Z2 Bloom. Designed to blend performance with modern aesthetics, the lightweight Z2 Bloom offers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), HD sound quality, and up to 40 hours of total playtime, making it a strong contender in the premium yet affordable audio segment.

The latest Unix Airbuds Z2 Bloom delivers a crystal-clear calling experience and is engineered with high-quality components such as pure cobalt battery earbuds and a composite membrane ANC speaker. The earbuds come with a 300mAh case battery that can charge them at least four times, enabling users to get an average of one week’s usage from a single charge. Additionally, the earbuds feature intuitive touch controls, making them convenient and easy to use on the go.

The Z2 Bloom is equipped with the latest Bluetooth v5.4 for seamless connectivity and a 13mm speaker driver that ensures immersive audio quality. It also includes MOS IC protection, which plays a crucial role in ensuring stable power management, preventing overheating, and extending the life of both the earbuds and the charging case. The case supports Type-C charging and reaches full charge in just 45 – 60minutes, offering a hassle-free experience for users.

Speaking on the launch, Imran Kagalwala, Co-Founder of Unix, said, “At Unix, we are offering advanced features at competitive pricing has always been at the heart of our strategy. With Z2 Bloom, we continue to strengthen our premium portfolio while delivering innovation that resonates with Gen Z and millennial users.”

With a target of 300% revenue growth in FY 2025, the brand is aggressively expanding its product line to meet the growing demand for quality, affordable consumer electronics in India.

Kavita Sanghvi Joins Kotak Education Foundation as Director of Education

Dr. Ganesh Raja, CEO of Kotak Education Foundation said “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Kavita Sanghvi to the Kotak Education Foundation family. Her exemplary track record and deep-rooted passion for education will be instrumental in advancing our mission to foster equity and excellence in learning. With her leadership, we aim to accelerate impactful change in the communities we serve and redefine what’s possible in education.”

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Sanghvi said, “I am deeply honored to join Kotak Education Foundation, whose mission aligns with my lifelong vision of making education equitable, empowering, and future-ready. I look forward to working with passionate educators and leaders to create transformative learning opportunities for every child.”

1. Holistic interventions with children and educators in school, 
2. Equitable scholarships for higher studies, and 
3. Vocational education and skills training for livelihood. 

ISFA and Russia Franchise Federation Forge Strategic Partnership to Foster Global Franchising Cooperation

New Delhi | 04^th June 2025 — In a significant move to strengthen international cooperation in the franchising sector, the Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) and the Russia Franchise Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 28, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. This landmark agreement marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and fostering the growth of franchising across both nations.

The MoU establishes a framework for comprehensive interaction and collaboration between the two organizations with a shared objective: to support and scale up small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the robust vehicle of franchising.

Key Objectives of the Partnership:

• To facilitate information exchange and foster regular dialogue through meetings, communications, and joint initiatives;
• To support existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in both countries;
• To co-develop programs and policies that promote franchise development and entrepreneurial activity;
• To enable an environment conducive to the global expansion of Indian and Russian franchise brands.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA and a leading voice in global franchising, remarked: “Franchising is no longer just a business model—it’s a global language of entrepreneurship. This partnership between ISFA and the Russia Franchise Federation is a progressive step toward building an inclusive and borderless franchise ecosystem. Together, we aim to open new doors of opportunity for Indian and Russian businesses to grow, expand, and lead in global markets.”

Areas of Joint Action Include:

• Coordinated development and promotion of joint training programs, seminars, exhibitions, and business forums;
• Cross-posting and dissemination of franchising-related content on each other’s platforms;
• Identifying and connecting with new business and government partners across India, Russia, and globally;
• Facilitating participation in third-party entrepreneurial events, to promote cross-border franchise investments;
• Supporting Moscow-based businesses in exploring global markets and vice versa, with a strong emphasis on India-Russia collaboration.