Category Archives: News

Ryan International Academy, Sarjapur Celebrates World Environment Day through a Green Pledge

Bangalore, June 6, 2025 – Ryan International Academy, Sarjapur celebrated World Environment Day with a colorful observance that emphasized student action and education for sustainability. The school infused life into its campus through a range of environment-focused activities based on the world theme for 2025, #BeatPlasticPollution.

The Principal, Ms. Sripurna Sarma, inaugurated the celebration with a thoughtful reflection about the importance of World Environment Day, which was first initiated by the United Nations in 1972. She highlighted the need for individual and collective responsibility in safeguarding the planet.

One of the main attractions of the event was the release of the school’s bold green mission to plant more than 1,500 saplings. Students, faculty, and staff came together in a school-wide movement under the slogan “Each One, Plant One,” whereby each of them donated by planting a sapling — a first step toward a greener, healthier tomorrow.

To reinforce the environmental stewardship message, students also signed a sustainability pledge, outlining personal actions to minimize plastic use and create environmentally friendly habits.

Engaging, hands-on activities made the cause come alive:

Paper bag-making workshops encouraged alternative uses to single-use plastics.

Dry leaf art and leaf painting merged art with environmental education.

“Today was not about celebration alone but about action,” stated Ms. Sarma. “These initiatives significantly contribute to teaching lifelong values of sustainability and responsibility to our students.”

Ryan International Academy’s World Environment Day celebration mirrored its commitment towards creating environmentally conscious citizens who lead through empathy, action, and responsibility.

Bank of Baroda, Chennai Zone celebrates World Environment Day with a range of Green Initiatives

Chennai, 6th June 2025: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Bank of Baroda, Chennai Zone joined the international community in reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. In line with this year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” which emphasizes the urgent need for collective action against plastic waste, the Bank undertook various green initiatives across its branches in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including cleanup drives, walkathons, and awareness campaigns to promote the principles of the 4 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

A key highlight of the celebration was the inauguration of a Vertical Garden at Baroda Pride, Chennai Zonal Office, by Shri T. N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head, Bank of Baroda, in the presence of Shri V. G. Senthil Kumar, DGM (Compliance & Assurance) and Shri Sreenivas Ravipati, DGM (Business Development). This initiative, under the BOB Earth umbrella, is a testament to the Bank’s green mission. The garden features oxygen-generating plants such as Money Plant and Song of India, contributing to improved air quality and enhancing the office environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri T. N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda said, “I’m delighted to inaugurate the Vertical Garden at the Baroda Pride, Chennai Zonal Office. This initiative under the BOB Earth programme is a powerful symbol of our ‘Go Green’ commitment. It not only beautifies our office premises but also supports cleaner air and urban greening.”

Nissan Motor India Champions Sustainability on World Environment Day

Bengaluru, 06 June 2025: Reiterating its commitment to sustainability, Nissan Motor India has announced a series of green initiatives to mark World Environment Day. The dealers have installed grid-based solar electricity generation systems at seven of its dealerships across the country — Acuity Nissan (Baroda), Aarav Nissan (Mehsana), EVM Nissan (3 dealerships in Kerala), Dada Nissan (Jalandhar), and Roshan Nissan (Jaipur).

These installations power 100% of the workshop and showroom operations with excess energy redirected to the power grid for later use. This initiative reduces dependency on conventional energy sources and exemplifies Nissan’s move towards cleaner dealership operations.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “At Nissan, we are committed to sustainability and our global environmental philosophy goes beyond short-term goals. It’s a long-term dedication to a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive future. We are focused on reducing environmental impact and minimizing resource consumption. Every step we take is guided by our vision to drive sustainable mobility and protect the world for future generations.”

Nissan will also conduct a tree-sapling plantation activity at all dealerships and workshops nationwide on 5th June. Customers will be invited over to plant a sapling each. Those saplings will be tagged with the customer’s name and vehicle number, symbolising their personal contribution to a greener tomorrow. Participants will also receive a “Green Service Certificate” and seed packets to encourage more tree planting beyond the dealership premises. Additionally, Nissan has also reduced packaging plastic usage by 15%, reinforcing its broader commitment to responsible environmental practices.

Recently, Nissan Motor India introduced a government-approved CNG retrofitment kit for the New Nissan Magnite at an additional cost of INR 74,999/-. Designed for sustainability-aware and environment-conscious customers, the CNG kit offers a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels, delivering enhanced fuel efficiency without compromising on performance. In the first phase of the rollout, the retrofitment kit is available across seven states, including Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Karnataka.

Nissan Motor India continued consistent and sustainable growth in India with a consolidated sale of 99,000+ units for FY2024-25, delivering best single year performance for in the last seven years. The year was marked by the continued success of the New Nissan Magnite, which remains a key pillar for Nissan’s domestic business, selling 28,000+ units annually, and expanding export operations from 20 markets to 65+ international markets, resulting in an unprecedented export sale of 71,000+ units, making India an export hub.

Essar Leaders Applaud RBI’s Bold 50 bps Rate Cut as Catalyst for Growth, Investment, and Energy Security

By-Mr. Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, Operating Partner, Essar Capital

“The RBI’s front-loaded 50 basis points rate cut, is a decisive decision amidst internal and external disturbances. It should give confidence besides catalysing growth. The shift to a neutral stance, is indicative of supporting initiatives and measure to engender economic growth while maintaining price stability. With borrowing costs easing, demand is expected to rise, boosting consumption and lifting market sentiment. Together, these dynamics provide a solid runway for India’s GDP growth to accelerate.”

By-Mr. Dhanpat Nahata, Managing Partner, Essar Capital

“Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and softened FPI inflows, India Inc was looking for clear direction and prioritisation—and the RBI’s monetary stance has delivered just that. The 50 bps cut signals a strong push toward boosting capital investments, supporting domestic expansion, and reinforcing policy support for infrastructure, industry, and macroeconomic stability. It reflects a decisive step toward sustaining India’s growth momentum in a complex global environment.”

By-Mr. Pankaj Kalra, CEO, Essar Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Ltd

“The RBI’s bold rate cut is a clear signal to industry — accelerate. With inflation anchored and liquidity improving, this pivot supports long-gestation investments across energy value chains. For upstream and transition-fuel players, it opens up room to scale exploration, enhance output, and back India’s energy security goals with confidence.”

SBI Chairman CS Setty Calls RBI’s 50 bps Rate Cut and CRR Move Bold and Timely, Says Policy Boosts Banking and Economic Growth

By-Mr. CS Setty, Chairman at SBI & Chairman at IBA

“A 50-bps policy rate cut, a staggered 100 bps CRR cut and change of stance to neutral, RBI today’s monetary policy communication was action packed – innovative, out of the box and an unanticipated surprise. The MPC has broadly addressed any concerns on slowdown in growth on account of global uncertainties and fully capitalized on the softening domestic inflation to deliver a frontloaded rate cut, staggered durable liquidity injection yet conserving the space for future action.

The policy is definitely positive for all sectors of the economy, particularly for banking and finance. In particular lower cost of borrowing will act as a counterbalance to any uncertainty.”

Bajaj Finserv AMC’s Siddharth Chaudhary Hails RBI’s Bold 50 bps Cut and CRR Reduction as Timely Support for Economy Amid Global Uncertainties

By-Mr. Siddharth Chaudhary, Head- Fixed Income, Bajaj Finserv AMC

“The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) delivered surprises on three fronts. First, it implemented a 50-basis point rate cut, exceeding market expectations of a 25-basis point reduction. This move aims to support the economy amid rising trade uncertainties and easing inflationary pressures. Second, the MPC shifted its monetary policy stance from “accommodative” to “neutral”, with the Governor emphasizing that future actions will be guided by incoming data. Third, a 100 bps CRR cut.

Prior to the policy announcement, we had highlighted a strong likelihood of a 50-basis point cut, noting that any further easing would depend on a significant deterioration in global growth and trade conditions. With today’s decision, short- to medium-term bonds are expected to perform well, supported by a substantial liquidity surplus following a 100-basis point cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). Core liquidity surplus is now projected to be around INR 8 trillion. However, as market expectations approach the terminal rate, profit booking is evident in longer-term bonds.

It is also worth noting that the pre-policy real interest rate of 2% was relatively high, especially in the context of heightened global uncertainties. Given the domestic growth-inflation dynamics, a more accommodative stance was justified to sustain economic momentum. With the FY26 inflation forecast revised downward to 3.7% from 4%, the real interest rate now stands at 1.8%, which remains elevated. Going forward, further rate cuts will only be feasible if inflation projections decline further in upcoming policy reviews.”

RBI’s 50 bps Rate Cut Lauded as Timely Boost for Housing Demand and Economic Growth, Experts Urge Effective Transmission

By-Mr. Amit Bhagat, Co-Founder, CEO and MD, ASK Property Fund

“RBI’s announcement of a further rate cut of 50 bps is a significant proactive step at a time when demand for residential real estate is seeing signs of slowing down across segments due to increased prices. Home ownership continues to be an aspiration and dream for every Indian household, and these rate cuts, followed by reduced home loan interest rates, will strengthen home buyer confidence.

A cumulative rate cut of 1 per cent in the last 6 months is likely to benefit the affordable segment significantly, which was most impacted due to affordability”.

By-Dr. Bharath Supra, Associate Professor – Finance & Programme Chairperson, SBM, Navi Mumbai Campus

The 50 basis point reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.5% is a surprise move, something that surpassed market expectations. I congratulate the Reserve Bank of India’s MPC, under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, for this shot in the arm. It is exactly what India needed now to spur economic growth in the face of global uncertainties.

However, the rate cut’s impact hinges critically on how effectively banks and financial institutions pass them on to end borrowers. The transmission of rate cuts to retail and SME segments has remained a sticky point. Without stronger transmission mechanisms, the RBI’s monetary easing may not translate into actual credit growth or consumer spending. I am confident that the banks and financial institutions will rise up to the occasion and do their part for the country.

Artificial Intelligence – 1 Million Jobs

By-Dr.Krishna Kumar C, Director & Professor, Asian school of Business,Thiruvananthapuram

It`s time to study AI
10 Lakh skilled professionals by 2026 (Union IT ministry`s report)

 India is poised to see a massive surge in demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals, with projections estimating the need for one million skilled individuals by 2026, according to the report -India’s AI Revolution: A Roadmap to Viksit Bharat -released by the Union Ministry of Electronics & IT.

 The world has seen a major shift in the last two decades. Technology has taken over our lives. In 2000, the five largest corporations in terms of market capitalization were Microsoft and CISCO, both technology companies, General Electric, a diversified conglomerate, Walmart, a retail giant and Exxon Mobil, a player in the oil and gas field. The scenario has changed drastically in the last two and a half decades. The leader in Apple today, followed by Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon and Alphabet-all technology companies.

 The changing face of technology is now experienced by all of us. In the mid-1970’s there was only one watch brand, HMT, available in India and one popular scooter brand, Bajaj. A customer in Kerala had to travel all the way to Kochi to buy a watch or a scooter since the brands had only one showroom each in Kerala. For a Bajaj scooter, one had to book and wait for over five years to get an allotment letter from the company. Today, one does not have to move away from their table. In one click you can order a laptop computer or television or vegetables and they get delivered to your doorstep.

 Traditional avenues of marketing are giving way to digital marketing. The younger generation has almost stopped reading newspapers and magazines. They can be best approached through their mobile devices. Advertisements and messages to such customers can now be delivered through social media platforms. This shift is visible in the digital marketing spends too. In India, according the Statista.com, the spend on digital marketing was Rs. 59,000 crores in 2023. By 2027 this figure is expected to reach close to Rs.100,000 crores.

 Fintech refers to the use of technology to deliver financial services. Fintech is gaining prominence in our lives. All of us now depend on mobile banking apps and online payment technologies. The onslaught of COVID-19 forced us to shift to online payment platforms and now it has become a way of life even for roadside vendors. The finance minister announced recently that she wants to target 100 crore UPI transactions per day in the next three years.

 Artificial Intelligence is all around us. Many of us may not realize its impact and influence in our daily lives. Digital assistants like Siri and Alexa understands our commands and help us in a host of activities. When we do shopping online, AI provides us suggestions based on our purchase habits and preferences. When we watch movies on OTT platforms, AI studies our preferences in terms of languages and genre and recommends movies to us for viewing. Self-driving cars and direction apps like Google maps and Apple maps work using AI.

 A question that haunts all of us is whether AI and machines will take over and make humans redundant. This is very similar to the fear that we had when computers entered our offices and factories a few decades ago. Computers did not reduce jobs; on the other hand, it created many more opportunities to us. A similar thing can be expected from AI. AI may take away many jobs, but many more are likely to be created. Of course, this would imply that we would have to acquire new skillsets that would be required to manage these new jobs.

 -What role does AI play in finance?
The Finance Industry also uses artificial intelligence extensively to improve efficiency and speed of tasks. AI finds application in forecasting, management of investments, risk management, fraud detection, customer service and so on. AI is helping the finance industry, especially the banking sector to automate traditionally banking processes. AI helps financial organizations to engage with the customers in a much better way by predicting their behaviour and understanding their purchase preferences. Organizations are enabled to offer personalized and innovative products and services, accurate and timely customer support and refine their credit scores on real-time basis.

 AI is also finding applications in stock markets. Stock market predictions and forecasts become more accurate with the use of AI as compared to traditional methods. AI stock trading models have in-built risk management algorithms that adjust portfolios based on real-time data. It helps minimize potential losses.In the insurance industry, AI helps organizations to analyze vast datasets to detect fraudulent claims and other suspicious activities more effectively than human agents. AI-powered systems can automate parts of the claims process, reducing processing time and costs.

 The aspiration of a commerce graduate would be to get placed in the financial sector. If the students do not get exposed to the changes in this sector brought in as a result of the introduction of artificial intelligence and equips themselves by gaining adequate knowledge in this field, them may find themselves outdated by the time they graduate and approach the job market.

 Courses- BCom , BCA, B. Tech ,M. Tech B. Tech and M. Tech
Students and professionals who are interested to learn more and gain knowledge about Artificial Intelligence have many options open to them now. For those who wish to pursue the engineering stream, there are B. Tech and M.Tech courses that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence into the curriculum. The Kerala Digital University offers MSc and M Tech programmes that focus on artificial intelligence, along with other specializations. The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode offers a Professional Certificate Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Managers. The Government of Kerala’s ASAP, Additional Skill Acquisition Programme offers a 720-hour programme – AI-Machine Learning Developer.

 There are certain Arts & Science colleges in Kerala that offer AI certification as a value-added course for their BCA students. In such courses, the value-added certifications are provided by private partners. Students should check out the quality of the course provider before selecting such courses. There are private universities in Karnataka that have incorporated AI into their BCom and BCA programmes. Recruiters are likely to value courses provided by universities or institutions of repute rather than by private agencies.

 Recruiters prefer students who have hands-on experience as compared to those who posses only theoretical knowledge. There are universities that offer practical experience during the delivery of the programme. In such courses, BCA students would create AI algorithms and BCom students would use AI algorithms to work on financial data and come up with financial forecasts. Getting hands-on experience will help the students in their job placements as such students are deployable with minimum onboarding training.

 Studying AI also opens up great career opportunities. The rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence offers a wide range of opportunities. AI professionals are needed in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and cyber security. Opportunities can also be found in technology companies, research institutions, and startups. There are possibilities like machine learning engineer, AI researcher, data scientist, AI consultant etc. The best courses from undergraduate level are available today, including in Kerala. You can choose the appropriate ones from a recognized university.To stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field, continuous learning is essential. You should obtain the best AI courses, certifications, and practical training.

Asian School of Business LAUNCHES 3 EXCLUSIVE JOB-ORIENTED DEGREE COURSES IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
The Asian School of Business (ASB), a premier B-School in Thiruvananthapuram, is redefining undergraduate education in Kerala. ASB has launched 3 Bachelor Degree programmes in emerging technologies like AI, FinTech, Data Science, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce. The new courses starting from this academic year are BCA (Hons) – Data Science & AI, BBA (Hons) -Digital Marketing & E-Commerce and B.Com (Hons) -AI & FinTech. These CUSAT- offered programmes are aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and are designed to meet industry demands. Across all programs, students are guided to pursue industry-relevant certifications from Google, HubSpot, SEMrush, and LinkedIn, with access to over 100 free online course certifications. With this launch, ASB brings its hallmark of academic excellence, innovation, and career-readiness to undergraduate education.The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in FinTech with Artificial Intelligence (AI) offered by ASB is a forward-thinking undergraduate program tailored for students aiming to excel at the intersection of finance and technology. This course integrates foundational commerce subjects with cutting-edge technologies, preparing graduates for the evolving financial landscape.

Aster DM Healthcare champions sustainability with e-Waste recycling and tree plantations in tribute to World Environment Day 2025

Bangalore, June 06, 2025 – In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, announced a series of environmentally responsible initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and social inclusivity.

As part of their ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, Aster Volunteers successfully undertook a large-scale e-waste collection drive and tree plantation campaign across India. Through the e-waste collection drive, Aster’s hospitals and offices across five states collected for proper disposal of nearly 1.14 tons of electronic waste, preventing hazardous materials from harming the environment. Additionally, recycling bins were strategically placed in schools, communities, and localities to encourage the ongoing responsible waste disposal and recycling habits, supporting the principles of a circular economy and resource conservation.

Complementing these efforts, the team will be planting at least 5,000 trees across various locations in their respective clusters, built on last year’s successful planting of over 15,000 trees which contributed to local ecological rejuvenation.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, stated, “At Aster, we are committed to continuously reducing our carbon footprint and will continue our efforts to achieve our environmental goals. Our steadfast dedication to sustainability has earned Aster the highest ESG ranking with a ‘Strong’ rating among listed healthcare companies in India by Crisil in 2023.

“On the occasion of World Environment Day, we reaffirm our pledge to align with India’s vision of a cleaner and greener future by 2047. Every device responsibly recycled, and every tree planted reflects our dedication to creating a sustainable environment for future generations. Let us all continue working together towards a healthier, greener planet,” he added.

Beyond these campaigns, Aster DM Healthcare is advancing its sustainability agenda through several long-term initiatives. In the past fiscal year, the group used over 11.108 million kWh of renewable energy from solar, wind, and hydro sources, cutting its carbon footprint to 7,942 tonnes of CO2. At Aster CMI Hospital, 86% of energy came from renewables, and at Aster RV Hospital, 99%. Aster is commissioning a 55-acre solar plant at one of its units, which is expected to generate 60,225 MWh of solar energy annually, furthering its shift toward renewable energy. Furthermore, on the water & waste management front, Aster has installed 19 sewage treatment plants across India and has successfully produced 97,656 kilolitres of recycled material, reducing landfill burden and conserving resources.

Aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), Aster has made significant progress in areas such as Good Health and Well-Being, Gender equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Partnership for the Goals.

RBI’s 50 bps Repo Rate Cut Sparks Real Estate Revival, Lifts Homebuyer and Developer Sentiment

In a much-anticipated move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%, signaling a supportive policy stance aimed at bolstering economic growth and stimulating demand across key sectors. The decision is being welcomed across the board, particularly by the real estate industry, which stands to benefit significantly from lower borrowing costs and improved liquidity conditions.

 The rate cut comes at a critical juncture, with the real estate sector showing signs of steady recovery amid rising demand in both affordable and mid-income housing segments. With home loan interest rates expected to soften further, the move is expected to make housing more accessible, especially for first-time buyers—a demographic that has been instrumental in driving residential sales over the past few quarters.

 Mr. Vikas Garg, Joint Managing Director, Ganga Realty, described the RBI’s decision as:

“The RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rate to 5.5% is a timely and impactful step that brings a wave of optimism for the real estate sector. With home loan interest rates expected to decline further, housing becomes more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. This move is poised to strengthen end-user demand and support the residential market’s recovery. It also improves liquidity and reduces the cost of capital, which is crucial for project execution and overall sectoral stability. As the policy stance shifts to ‘neutral,’ it signals a balanced approach to growth while keeping inflation in check. This reduction in rates reinforces confidence among both homebuyers and developers and is expected to catalyze momentum across key housing markets.”

 The sentiment was echoed by Mr. Saransh Trehan, Managing Director, Trehan Group, who emphasized the broader economic and sectoral impact of the move.

He said” The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% is a welcome move and a strong signal of support for India’s economic momentum. For the real estate sector, this is a timely boost that will significantly improve housing affordability and buyer sentiment. Lower interest rates directly translate to reduced EMIs, encouraging prospective homeowners to make purchasing decisions with greater confidence. This development is particularly beneficial for first-time buyers and will likely drive demand in both affordable and mid-segment housing. From a developer’s standpoint, easier credit availability will also help streamline project execution and enhance liquidity. We believe this rate cut, combined with the government’s continued focus on infrastructure and urban development, will reinvigorate the realty sector and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.”

 With the RBI’s decision expected to ease financial pressures on both consumers and developers, industry stakeholders are optimistic that this move will serve as a catalyst for sustained growth in the housing market. The repo rate cut also reinforces the central bank’s commitment to maintaining a growth-supportive environment while keeping inflationary pressures in check—a delicate balance that is crucial for long-term stability and investor confidence.

 As the real estate sector gears up for the next phase of expansion, the latest policy intervention is seen not just as a rate adjustment, but as a strategic boost to economic sentiment and homeownership aspirations across the country.