7, Jul 2025
Divine Solitaires and Ranka Jewellers Honour Doctors with a Touching Tribute Across Pune
Speaking about the initiative, the Founder and MD of Divine Solitaires, Mr. Jignesh Mehta, said, “At the heart of everything we do is the belief that emotions deserve to be celebrated. Doctors’ Day gave us a meaningful reason to come together with our retail partner Ranka Jewellers and celebrate the unsung heroes in our lives. The response reaffirmed our belief that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact.”
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- By Neel Achary
5, Jul 2025
Bank of Baroda Cuts Home Loan Rates to 7.45%, Waives Processing Fees
Chandigarh, July 05, 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced a further reduction in its home loan interest rates, lowering it to 7.45%* p.a., with immediate effect and also offering Nil processing fee. This step is in line with the Bank’s commitment to making home loans more affordable for its home loan borrowers and driving credit growth.
This latest rate cut follows an earlier reduction by the Bank in its home loan interest rates from 8.00% p.a. to 7.50% p.a. in June, in response to the policy rate easing by the Reserve Bank of India.
Commenting on the same, Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “We continue to work towards our commitment of making home ownership more accessible. This latest reduction in our home loan interest rates is aimed at supporting the aspirations of citizens and stimulating credit growth. Bank of Baroda continues to align its lending strategy with the evolving monetary policy environment with the intent to pass on rate benefits to customers, while contributing to the broader economic objectives of boosting loan demand.”
Bank of Baroda’s competitive home loan offerings are complemented by a seamless digital application process. Applicants can apply for a home loan by visiting the Bank’s website or the nearest Bank of Baroda branch.
5, Jul 2025
Shri Palash Srivastava assumes Additional Charge as Managing Director, IIFCL
Shri Palash Srivastava, Deputy Managing Director, IIFCL, has assumed additional charge as Managing Director of India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).This charge has been assigned by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, vide order dated 2nd July 2025.
Leadership at IIFCL
As DMD IIFCL, Shri Palash Srivastava has played a pivotal role in deepening IIFCL’s strategic engagements across infrastructure financing, project development, and policy advisory. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the institution’s footprint through innovative financing mechanisms, international collaborations, and strengthened regulatory dialogue. He has actively represented IIFCL at high-level policy forums, capacity-building initiatives, and sustainability-focused platforms, reinforcing the organisation’s role as a key enabler of inclusive and climate- resilient infrastructure. His efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing institutional visibility, building strategic partnerships, and aligning infrastructure finance with national development priorities.
Career Highlights
With nearly three decades of professional experience, Shri Srivastava has contributed extensively to the infrastructure ecosystem across sectors such as transport, urban infrastructure, water, logistics, agri-warehousing, and renewable energy. He has also supported key policy forums including the National PPP Capacity Building Programme, the Kelkar Committee, and the 12th Plan Working Group on Urban Financing. He has held leadership positions at institutions such as IDFC Group, CRISIL, IL&FS, Feedback Ventures, and the Aditya Birla Group
Academic Qualifications
An alumnus of MNIT Jaipur, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA from RA Podar Institute of Management, Mumbai.
5, Jul 2025
Satyug Darshan Trust Launches Global Humanitarian Drive for Underprivileged Communities
Satyug Darshan Trust Launches Month-Long Humanitarian Campaign to Support Underprivileged Communities on Global Level
Faridabad, July 5, 2025:: As all are aware that Satyug Darshan Trust (Regd.), headquartered in Bhopani, Faridabad, has launched a comprehensive humanitarian campaign from July 1 to July 31, dedicated to supporting the underprivileged sections of society. Under this initiative, volunteers from the Trust are identifying genuinely needy individuals and families all around; and offering them vital assistance in form of food, clothing etc. up to at least Rs. 1100.
The campaign is grounded in the timeless principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”The world is one family”—and aims to rekindle compassion, unity, and shared responsibility across all segments of society without considering caste, creed, religion, etc.
In a heartfelt appeal, the Trust is calling on industries, factory owners, organizations, and affluent individuals to come forward and be a part of this noble effort as per their capability and capacity. “In today’s world, where profit often overshadows people, it is our duty to extend support to those silently struggling around us,” said a spokesperson of the Trust. “We especially urge employers to contribute a minimum of ₹1100 per needy employee such as subordinate, menial staff etc. this July—this small act can restore dignity and spread happiness in many lives.”
The Trust also urges with folded hands various esteemed humanitarian organizations such as Rotary Club, Goonj, Lions Club, Red Cross Society, Temples, Gurduwaras, Churches, etc. to collaborate in scaling the campaign and turning it into a mass movement of compassion.
“These are not just charitable actions—they are moral imperatives,” the spokesperson stated. “These are starting steps towards building an equitable society taking in view the fact that Kalyug is fast retreating and Satyug – the Golden era is fast approaching”. The spokesman of the Trust further stated that, this is a little effort to head towards Satyugian lifestyle – the era in which unity, equanimity and harmony prevail at universal level. This selfless effort will help humanity as a whole to rise above various divisions based on caste, creed, religion, etc. and shall rekindle the ultimate truth
i.e. We all are one.
The spokesman of the Trust also conveyed that any suggestions to effectively spread this mass movement are wholeheartedly welcomed. Let us join hands to make each and every human being aware of the Satyugian Culture to make this world a better place to live in.
4, Jul 2025
BUSINESSNEXT launches GenAI and Agentic AI solutions for Lending to improve risk management and speed up loan approvals
New Delhi, July 04, 2025: BUSINESSNEXT has rolled out GenAI and Agentic AI assistants for Lending for banks and NBFCs to simplify loan processing, assist credit teams, and support borrowers with real-time insights.
With lending institutions facing increasing application volumes and stricter regulations, these advanced GenAI assistants help sales, operations, credit, and servicing teams manage tasks more efficiently. Additionally, the Agentic AI assistants can process loan applications, evaluate eligibility, and provide personalized financial advice while ensuring compliance and preventing fraud.
According to industry reports, the global digital lending market is projected to reach USD 20.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%.
Notably, by automating document verification, fraud detection, and risk assessment, the Lending AI Agents decrease delays and reduce errors.
To illustrate, the Virtual Customer Agent helps borrowers by analyzing financial data, verifying eligibility, and guiding them through loan applications in real time. The KYC/KYB Agent speeds up onboarding by instantly verifying identities and business credentials. Meanwhile, the Intelligent Document Processing Agent extracts and validates information from financial statements, reducing paperwork for lenders.
Similarly, the Complaint Management Agent ensures a quick resolution of borrower queries, enhancing customer experience.
In addition, risk management is strengthened with the Banking Fraud Detection/Prevention Agent that proactively detects anomalies, prevents fraudulent transactions, and protects financial institutions. The Balance Sheet Analyzer enables credit teams to evaluate business financials instantly, enhancing loan decision-making accuracy.
BUSINESSNEXT’s GenAI and Agentic AI assistants are based on deep BFSI expertise, enabling accurate, context-aware decisions in complex workflows like risk assessment and advisory. They offer tailored customization, scale seamlessly across financial processes, and enhance customer interactions with empathy-trained responses. Their dynamic architecture selects the most suitable models for each task, improving efficiency while cutting operational costs by up to 80%.
Rahul Sheth, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at BUSINESSNEXT, highlighted the impact of the AI-driven assistants in lending, “Loan processing can be time-consuming and complex, but AI-driven assistants help streamline these tasks. By automating application handling, risk assessment, and compliance checks, banks and NBFCs can process loans faster, reduce costs, and offer a better experience to customers.”
By integrating GenAI and Agentic AI into lending ecosystems, banks and NBFCs can reduce loan processing time, enhance credit evaluation accuracy, and improve borrower experiences, making lending more efficient, secure, and customer-centric, Rahul added.
4, Jul 2025
UFSEC 2025: North India’s Biggest Industrial Safety Expo Set for 10-11 July in Greater Noida
UFSEC-4th Edition: North India’s Biggest Industrial Safety Expo & Conference slated to take place from 10-11 July 2025 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida
July 4, 2025, New Delhi: over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in personal protective equipment, fire suppression systems, safety automation, disaster response solutions, and more will be part of the 4th UFSEC, North India’s Biggest Industrial Safety Expo & Conference, announced today at a curtain raiser held at Hotel Le Méridien, New Delhi. The exhibition will be held on 10th & 11th July, 2025 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.
The exhibition is being organized by the UP State Chapter of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in association with National Disaster Management Authority, Relief Commissioner Office- Government of Uttar Pradesh, Labour Department- Government of Uttar Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh Fire & Emergency Services, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Invest UP, Government of Uttar Pradesh along with SAMA.
“We are glad to inform that what started as a State centric exhibition focusing on promoting Disaster Management, Industrial and Fire, received great response from the industry and now has become a national event with this edition. The event is getting bigger every year which shows the growing awareness among the various stakeholders and their willingness to prevent such unavoidable and tragic events”, says Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from senior industry professionals, safety experts, and media representatives. The press conference highlighted the upcoming expo and conference which aims to bring together stakeholders from industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, power, oil & gas, and construction to discuss and demonstrate the latest technologies and practices in industrial safety, fire safety, and disaster preparedness.
During the press conference, insightful presentations were delivered by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, who emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to fostering a safety-first culture in Indian industries, Dr. S.P. Garg, Conference Convenor & Former Executive Director, GAIL, who discussed the critical need for updating safety standards and training in hazardous sectors, Shri R.C. Sharma, Conference Co-Convenor & Former Director, Delhi Fire Services, who highlighted learnings from recent fire incidents and underlined the importance of emergency response readiness, Shri Devendra Gill, Executive Director (Safety), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, who shared best practices from urban infrastructure projects, Shri P.K. Goswami, Deputy Director (Industrial Safety and Health), Labour Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, who outlined key regulatory frameworks to improve workplace safety and Shri Deepak Singhal, Regional North Chairperson – SAMA, MD, Metro Safety India Pvt. Ltd., who both spoke on latest trends in industrial safety & modern fire safety solutions and collaborative industry initiatives.
Experts at the curtain raiser raised serious concerns over the rising number of fire-related casualties, highlighting that several lives are lost each year due to preventable incidents. The discussions emphasized the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness, enforce industrial safety standards, and ensure functional fire safety mechanisms. Recommendations included mandatory third-party safety audits, annual certifications, and ensuring firefighting systems are in working condition.
Speakers called for holistic capacity building across sectors, including industries, homes, and educational institutions. It was noted that schools and universities must incorporate disaster management training to foster a culture of safety from an early age.
It was reiterated that all kinds of fire incidents are preventable. Reinforcing a collective resolve to prioritize safety and sustainability through knowledge-sharing and collaborative action, the curtain raiser concluded on a positive note.
Key Highlights of UFSEC-4th Edition Announced:
- The expo will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in personal protective equipment, fire suppression systems, safety automation, disaster response solutions, and more.
- Technical workshops and live demonstrations will be organized for hands-on experience in the latest safety technologies.
- The conference will host interactive sessions with industry veterans, government officials, and safety technology providers to promote knowledge exchange and networking.
The speakers jointly called for collective action to enhance industrial safety culture and reduce workplace accidents, reinforcing that safety and preparedness are critical for sustainable industrial growth.
The Exhibition is supported by Karam Safety private limited, Firestellar Technologies LLP, RV Safety Private Limited Radico Khaitan Ltd, Zoloto Industries, Jarsh Innovations Private Limited, GAIL, Indian Oil Corporation of India, Bureau of Indian Standard, Indorama India Pvt. Ltd., Quality Council of India, and Fire & Security Association of India, CP Plus, Venus Safety and Health, Saurya HSE Pvt. Ltd., Liberty Shoes Ltd., Tata power Solar, Nitsui, Jindal, Tata Steel Ltd, Unistar footwears Pvt. Ltd. and many more
2, Jul 2025
Swachhata Begins with Us: Suresh Gopi Inaugurates Cleanliness Campaign at Chavara CMI
Pala, July 2, 2025: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and one of India’s leading oil and gas companies, in collaboration with Chavara CMI Public School, Pala, organised an awareness programme as part of the nationwide Swachhata Pakhwada campaign. The initiative aimed to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable cleanliness practices among students and the community.
The event was inaugurated by Mr Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism, in the presence of students, faculty members, and senior BPCL officials.
In his inaugural address, Mr Suresh Gopi said, “I feel blessed to inaugurate this project under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister. Just as charity begins at home, cleanliness too begins with each human being. There is a saying – cleanliness is next to godliness. When we clean our surroundings, we are ensuring a safer and better place for everyone. This campaign is being carried out across the country, cutting across age and region. BPCL is already leading the way for this change. Let us all make cleanliness a daily habit.”
To mark the occasion, the Minister planted a sapling and led the distribution of saplings among students. He also inaugurated the school’s annual magazine Chavara Chronicle and Sargasangamam, the school’s art and performance initiative
Mr Sankar M, Executive Director (Kochi Refinery), BPCL, in his address said, “This mission, launched in 2014, has brought about remarkable changes year after year. One of the major transformations we’ve witnessed is in municipal waste management. At BPCL, we’ve also contributed to turning around the Brahmapuram waste plant. The journey toward a cleaner India begins with personal responsibility, and every small step matters in driving large-scale change. By keeping ourselves clean, we ensure a cleaner environment for all.”
The event commenced with a welcome address by Fr. Sabu Koodappattu CMI, Principal, Chavara CMI Public School. Mr George Thomas, Chief General Manager (HR), BPCL, offered felicitations. The event was also attended by Harikishen V.R., State Head (Retail), Kerala, BPCL, and George Thomas, Director, Brilliant, Pala.
The programme concluded with vibrant cultural performances, musical presentations, and the administration of the Swachhata Pledge, reaffirming a collective commitment to cleanliness and community hygiene.
2, Jul 2025
What Leaders Are Reading: 5 Essential 2025 Picks
In a world that’s constantly changing, good leadership means staying adaptable and thoughtful. This June, a fresh set of leadership books has hit the shelves, offering practical tools, inspiring stories, and new ways to lead with purpose. Whether you’re managing a team or building your leadership style, these five new releases are worth a read.
The Systems Leader by Robert E. Siege
This new release explores the increasingly complex demands on modern leaders, balancing priorities across people, projects, and places. Packed with practical tools for systems thinking, it’s ideal for navigating organisational complexity.
Give First: The Power of Mentorship by Brad Feld
An inspiring guide to mentorship, this June release highlights how giving without expectation builds stronger teams and future leaders, packed with anecdotes and actionable advice.
The Execution Edge by Shweta Kumar
The Execution Edge by Shweta Kumar is a sharp, practical guide for leaders struggling to turn strategy into results. Based on her experience coaching over 200 CXOs, Kumar introduces tools like the BRIDGE Framework and Trust Diagnostics to help leaders build high-trust teams and drive consistent execution.
Fired Up by Shannon Watts
Ranked among the latest Penguin Random House leadership titles, this fresh publication focuses on galvanising purpose-driven leadership and activism—great for anyone looking to lead with passion and resilience.
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
In this June memoir, the former New Zealand Prime Minister shares heartfelt reflections on empathetic, servant leadership. Ideal for those seeking to lead with kindness, confidence, and authenticity.
1, Jul 2025
Rahul Deshpande’s ‘Abhangwaari’ Presented by Sugee Group Captivates Mumbai Audiences
An evening of spiritual resonance, cultural pride, and musical brilliance
Mumbai, 1st July 2025: In a magnificent confluence of spirituality and melody, ‘Abhangwaari, presented by Sugee Group, enthralled audiences at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium, Mumbai, on 29thJune 2025. The sold-out event witnessed a packed house, deeply moved by the soul-stirring performance of maestro Rahul Deshpande, who paid a heartfelt tribute to Maharashtra’s timeless devotional poetry and the spiritual legacy of the Warkari tradition ahead of ‘Aashaadhi Ekadashi’.
Organized under the aegis of Vasantotsav, Abhangwaari went beyond the realms of a musical concert—it became a sacred experience, connecting thousands of attendees to the teachings and devotion of Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, and other saint-poets whose verses continue to inspire generations.
Speaking about the event, Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee Group, said, “We are overwhelmed with the response and the collective energy that filled the auditorium. ‘Abhangwaari’ was envisioned as a celebration of devotion, and witnessing communities come together in such spiritual harmony reaffirms our belief in the power of cultural legacy.”
Rahul Deshpande, revered for his classical command and emotive rendition, delivered an unforgettable performance that resonated deeply with spiritual seekers and music connoisseurs alike. With every note and verse, he transported the audience into a realm of devotion, seamlessly weaving together history, emotion, and divine rhythm. The soulful journey featured a thoughtfully curated repertoire of abhangas and devotional compositions, including ‘Sundar Te Dhyaan’, ‘Pandharicha Vaas’, ‘Shriranga Vitthala’, ‘Khel Mandiyela’, ‘Bolava Vitthal’, ‘Kaanada’ along with a vibrant medley of ‘Kaal Dehasi’, ‘Bhagyada’, ‘Abir Gulaal’, ‘Tirth Vitthal’ and ‘Majhe Maaher’ amongst others. Each composition, rendered in perfect harmony and classical depth, invoked the divine presence of Vitthal and echoed the spiritual richness of Marathi devotional literature.
The success of Abhangwaari reaffirms the city’s enduring love for devotional music and the need for platforms that nurture our shared spiritual and cultural ethos. With memories etched in melody, the evening concluded with standing ovations, misty eyes, and hearts full of gratitude.
1, Jul 2025
ISA to host the second edition of the International Solar Festival in Osaka, Japan
Bengaluru 30 June 2024 : The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will host the next editions of its flagship initiatives—the CEO Caucus and the International Solar Festival (ISF)—at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from 3–4 July 2025. These platforms will bring together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community champions to advance the global solar transition and foster collaboration across regions.
Launched in 2024, the CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival (ISF) have emerged as key platforms shaping the future of solar energy deployment and innovation.
“The CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival are not just flagship initiatives of ISA—they are dynamic, global convenings for public-private collaboration, youth-led innovation, and transformative solar action. By hosting them at World Expo 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), ISA is deepening its commitment to transforming solar movement from Ambition to Action. While India’s progress offers a powerful role model for Global South — reaching 224 GW of renewable capacity as of April 2025, including 108 GW from solar— these platforms are about global momentum bringing together India, Japan and ISA’s 124 member countries by sharing stories, building partnerships, and enabling jobs led solar growth,” said Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance.
The 2025 CEO Caucus, themed “Forging the Future of Solar: India-Japan Innovations for a Sustainable Asia’ will focus on unlocking new opportunities for cross-border investment, resilient supply chains, and clean energy innovation. A key highlight will be the India–Japan Solar Industry Roundtable, which will explore collaboration in battery storage, green hydrogen, and solar manufacturing—supporting India’s ambition of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The Osaka edition builds on the first 2025 CEO Caucus roundtable held in Brussels in June, which explored Europe’s role in diversifying and strengthening global solar value chains.
International Solar Festival: Stories of Impact and Innovation
The second International Solar Festival will spotlight transformative solar stories from youth, entrepreneurs, and communities through:
- Young G Limitless: Leading the Solar Takeover – a spotlight session where young changemakers and technology influencers reimagine the solar future.
- Dastan-e-Aftaab (Story of the Sun) – a mesmerising cultural performance celebrating our shared solar heritage and the universal significance of the sun.
The Festival’s first edition in New Delhi (September 2024) attracted thousands and celebrated solar energy’s power to transform lives, fuel dreams, and empower communities. The Festival focused on four key themes: Youth Engagement, Gender Inclusion, Entrepreneurship G Private Sector Engagement, and Community Empowerment—amplifying underrepresented voices and harnessing the energy of youth and innovators to make solar both aspirational and accessible.
Scaling Up Global Solar Collaboration
Both platforms are now being positioned as annual global convenings for solar advocacy, policy dialogue, and investment mobilisation. CEO Caucus roundtables are also planned across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America C the Caribbean in 2025. Reflecting on these global platforms, Mr Khanna added: “The CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival are not just milestones—they are movements. They embody our belief that solar energy can unite nations, transform lives, and accelerate the sustainable future we all aspire to. Through leadership, innovation, and youth-led action, we are building the solar-powered tomorrow the world urgently needs. We invite stakeholders from across the ecosystem to join us in Osaka and be part of this shared journey.”
Event Details:
- CEO Caucus: Forging the Future of Solar: India-Japan Innovations for a Sustainable Asia:
- 3 July 2025 | Bharat Pavilion, World Expo 2025
- International Solar Festival: 4 July 2025 | Bharat Pavilion, World Expo 2025
ISA welcomes participation from government representatives, industry leaders, innovators, financiers, youth organisations, and civil society.
The World Expo 2025, organised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), is currently underway in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo focuses on three sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. It serves as a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shape a better future. With 28 million visitors expected, the Expo is a landmark event driving conversations and action for tomorrow’s societies.
