Category Archives: News

Marico Innovation Foundation’s InnoWin Day to Power the Future of Sustainable Indian Startups

Pune(S.N): A wave of tech innovators identified by Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF) are addressing India’s most pressing challenges—climate resilience, agri-transformation, water scarcity, and plastic waste management. They are turning stubble into furniture, converting industrial emissions into valuable chemicals, developing rare-earth magnet-free motor systems, managing plastic waste, and extracting moisture from air.

These innovations are shaping India’s green economy, but scaling these solutions requires forging critical connections to funding sources – be it investors, grantmakers, and institutional customers. To address this, Marico Innovation Foundation launched InnoWin Day– a curated high-impact event designed to connect winners of the Indian Innovation Icons 2025 and innovators from the Scale-Up programme with funding, market access, pilot opportunities, and expert guidance, here today.

Twenty-four innovators spanning a range of ready-for-market, high-potential domains including cleantech, agri-tech, and solutions for a circular economy, participated in the inaugural InnoWin Day. These included winners from the social and business categories of Indian Innovation Icons 2025—AssisTech Foundation, Chara Technologies, Indra Water, PARI, and Rocket Learning, as well as innovators from MIF’s Scale Up accelerator programme, such as Brisil, Caliche, GreenPod Labs, Ishitva Robotic Systems, PadCare, Ricron Panels, Uravu, Urban Kisaan, among others.

The highlight of the day were the connections made with stakeholders that hold potential for future investments, collaborations, pilot opportunities and market access. Leading investors and corporate partners included Vedanta, Colgate-Palmolive, Reliance Industries, ITC, JSW Ventures, and India Climate Collaborative, among others, underscoring their role in scaling early-stage innovations into commercially viable enterprises.

InnoWin Day featured a keynote by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited & Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation. This was followed by a panel discussion, titled “Scaling Strategies” with Vaibhav Tidke, Chief Executive Officer, S4S Technologies and Arindam Paul, Chief Business Officer, Atomberg Technologies where they shared how their niche innovations—solar-powered food processing and BLDC motors—have grown into industry benchmarks. Their journeys highlight how purpose-driven innovation when strategically executed, can move beyond early adopters to shape mainstream markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Harsh Mariwala said, “It is vital for startups to build strong relationships. Investors and corporates are essential for startup growth – providing capital, guidance, market access, and expertise to help them scale. Innovation thrives through collaboration, and InnoWin Day is our effort to foster this.”

Vaibhav Tidke noted, “MIF’s strategic guidance helped shape our business model and accelerate growth. Our revenue surged from INR 60 lakh in 2019 to INR 100 crore in 2023, underscoring the impact of MIF’s strategic intervention.” Arindam Paul reflected on Atomberg’s journey, “When we joined MIF’s Scale-Up program in 2017, we were looking at offline expansion after reaching a 7–8% market share in e-commerce. The guidance we received was clear: go deep, achieve market leadership online before thinking offline. That principle—focus before scale—has guided us ever since.”

“InnoWin Day is being launched today to ensure we bring all the right resources – capital, customers, and conversations, to our innovators We recognise that these innovators have large-scale solutions that need the support of a wider ecosystem to scale” said Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation.

IIM Bodh Gaya’s 7th Annual Convocation (2025)

IIM Bodh Gaya is set to host its prestigious 7th Convocation Ceremony on April 5, 2025, marking a momentous occasion as 471 students from the MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management) and MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) programs prepare to receive their degrees. This year’s convocation is particularly special as it witnesses the graduation of the first batch of MBA (Digital Business Management) and MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) students, reflecting the institution’s commitment to offering specialized programs aligned with industry evolution.

 The MBA program, which continues to be a flagship course, has 310 graduates this year, including 34 students from the 2024 batch who completed their student exchange program in several foreign universities and schools abroad. The MBA (Digital Business Management) program is designed to develop professionals equipped with expertise in digital strategy, analytics, fintech, and business transformation—critical competencies in today’s rapidly digitizing global economy. The MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) programme addresses the growing demand for healthcare management professionals, focusing on hospital administration, public health policies, and healthcare innovations. This year, 91 MBA (Digital Business Management) and 70 MBA (Healthcare & Hospital Management) students will be conferred their degrees, marking a milestone in the institution’s academic offerings.

 The convocation ceremony will bring together esteemed dignitaries, faculty, and families to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students. Shri Arun Kumar Singh (Chairman & CEO, ONGC) will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Janmejaya Sinha (Chairman, Boston Consulting Group India) as a Member of the Board of Governors, IIM Bodh Gaya. The event will feature keynote addresses inspiring graduates as they step into the next phase of their professional journeys. The ceremony will also include the formal conferral of degrees and awards, recognizing the academic dedication and perseverance of the students.

Mission Accepted: Tom Cruise Headlines CinemaCon with The Final Reckoning

Making a grand return to CinemaCon, Tom Cruise lit up the stage at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum which marked his first appearance post-pandemic. This time, he brought with him an exclusive first look at Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the epic conclusion to the franchise that has redefined action cinema for nearly three decades, marking a thrilling moment for fans and industry insiders alike.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marks the epic conclusion to the franchise that began nearly three decades ago. The film picks up after Dead Reckoning, where Ethan Hunt faces a rogue AI known as The Entity.

On stage, Cruise praised McQuarrie, recalling how he had secretly brought him in to refine Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol without informing the team. “He’s the hero of that film and put Skydance on the map,” Cruise remarked. He continued, “Because of Christopher McQuarrie, we delivered Top Gun: Maverick and two Mission: Impossible films during pandemic shutdowns and strikes. You’re a modern-day Thalberg and an asset to every studio you serve.” Cruise then honoured McQuarrie with CinemaCon’s Director of the Year Award.

Reflecting on his journey, McQuarrie credited Cruise for believing in him when no one else would. “Tom, I’m here because of your vision and trust,” he said, adding that Cruise pushed him beyond his own limits. As he introduced the trailer, Cruise expressed gratitude to former Mission: Impossible producer Paula Wagner, ex-Paramount chief Sherry Lansing, and all directors who contributed to the franchise, including Brian De Palma, Brad Bird, J.J. Abrams, and John Woo.

The trailer of Mission Impossible 8 itself promises high-octane action, with Henry Czerny’s Kittridge ominously stating, “If we want to bring the world back to the brink, we have to deal with him.” It features Cruise performing jaw-dropping stunts, including crawling on a flying biplane and jumping off an aircraft carrier. Nuclear missiles are also in play, raising the stakes like never before.

Adani Group Celebrates Sustainability Success at IAA Olive Crown Awards 2025

5 April 2025, Ahmedabad: The Adani Group, India’s largest and fastest-growing integrated infrastructure conglomerate, shines at the IAA Olive Crown Awards by winning 4 gold awards across different categories. The Group was honored with the award for the Corporate Social Crusader of the Year, the Green Advertiser of the Year and the Pankha film was crowned with two gold awards for being the best film in the categories TV/Cinema (Corporate) and Digital by the Olive Crown Awards, which solely recognizes and celebrates creative excellence in communicating Sustainability.

 Established in 1938, the International Advertising Association (IAA) is the only global association that represents Marketers, Advertisers, Advertising agencies, and the Media. It comprises 56 Chapters with members from 76 countries, including the top 10 economies in the world, and is headquartered in New York.

 Mr Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Group, said, “Our green initiatives demonstrate our businesses’ critical role in safeguarding the planet for future generations. The Corporate Social Crusader of the Year award is a testament to our unwavering commitment. It underscores the positive impact of the Adani Group’s dedication to clean energy in enhancing the quality of life for millions of Indians. Our commitment to renewable and sustainable energy is a cornerstone of our broader efforts. We are deeply honored.”

 Mr Aman Kumar Singh, President & Head of Strategy and Chairman’s Office & Group Head – Corporate Brand Custodian, said, “Winning these awards is a moment of immense pride for the Adani Group. This recognition is a tribute to the hard work and unwavering spirit of all Adanians. This film goes beyond the scale, size and speed of the Adani Group, highlighting the profound impact the Group is creating in the lives of common people. The film not only celebrates the indomitable spirit of ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ (#AdaniHKKDH) of today’s India and Indians but also reflects Adani’s steadfast commitment to building a bright future for all.”

 The award ceremony was held in Mumbai, with the Hon. Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, Shri Rahul Narwekar, as the guest of honour. Mr Ajay Kakar, Head – Corporate Branding, Adani Group, received the award on behalf of the Group celebrating this remarkable milestone.

Ratna Pathak Shah Explores the Art of Storytelling with FLO Hyderabad Audience

Hyderabad, April 05, 2025: Renowned actor, theatre artist, and art enthusiast Ratna Pathak Shah addressed members of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) on Friday at ITC Kohenur, Madhapur, on the topic ‘Crafting Characters, Shaping Stories.’

In her opening remarks, Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of the FLO Hyderabad chapter, emphasized the power of storytelling, stating that it transcends cultural and age barriers, fosters connection, empathy, and understanding, and shapes our perception of the world and our place within it.

“This year, FLO is embarking on a journey to bring the powerful story of Dokra Art from Adilabad to the forefront. It is a key initiative for us. We aim to revive the 4,000-year-old Dokra metal casting craft by supporting artisans through awareness, design intervention, and market linkages,” said Prathibha.

“We are not merely preserving this tradition; we are evolving it. By working closely with artisans from Ushegaon, Jamgaon, and Keslaguda, we are transforming Dokra from traditional temple idols to functional, contemporary designs that blend heritage with modern utility,” she added.

Prathibha expressed gratitude to the district administration, especially Sri Rajarshi Shah, I.A.S., District Collector & Magistrate, Adilabad District, and Smt. Khushboo Gupta, IAS, Project Officer, I.T.D.A., for their invaluable support in this initiative.

A complete collection of Dokra craft products was showcased during the session.

Ratna Pathak Shah unveiled a specially curated memento featuring Telangana’s ancient Dokra craft. Two artisans, Shri Bhujanga Rao and Smt. Girijha Bai, were invited to be part of the launch.

Following this, Ratna Pathak Shah engaged in a conversation with Prathibha Kunda.

“I am overwhelmed by my introduction today. Many awards were mentioned, but I don’t even remember them. I don’t like attending award functions because they create differences between people,” she remarked.

When asked about the impact of storytelling in her life, she shared, “I grew up in a family of storytellers, so the skill came naturally to me. I never wanted to be like my friends; I wanted to be different and special. Ironically, I hated the idea of being an actress, but I ended up becoming one. Acting gives you the rare opportunity to experience various professions without actually studying them.”

“I communicate well and express my thoughts clearly. This clarity has made me impactful,” she added.

Criticizing ineffective communication, she said, “Many people beat around the bush and fail to make a point. They make more noise than sense. Say what you want to say, but say it differently. That’s how you truly connect with people.”

Discussing the importance of scriptwriting, she stated, “A script makes a huge difference. It is the most crucial aspect of storytelling. Writing a good script is not easy; it takes time, effort, and energy.”

Speaking about the theatre group she co-founded with her husband, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna highlighted the entrepreneurial challenges of theatre. “Unlike film, theatre is a challenging task. We decided to stay small but make a big impact. We have always preferred venues that don’t require extensive infrastructure support. Theatre is a great way to communicate new ideas. You can look into your audience’s eyes and perform—that’s the beauty of theatre. Human contact is always needed, wanted, preferred, and celebrated. Theatre will survive,” she affirmed.

Ratna also spoke about home businesses, emphasizing that handcrafted products hold more value than mechanized ones. “Artisans, craftsmen, and women pass on their skills from generation to generation, making their work invaluable.”

Addressing the theme of change in society, she referenced the film Thappad, which explores the impact of domestic violence. “Changing attitudes is the most difficult challenge,” she observed.

Recalling her journey with handloom fabrics, she said, “I grew up in a family full of women who loved sarees. My love for handlooms began when I developed an aversion to wearing nylon fabrics. The feel of nylon against my skin put me off, and that’s when my connection with handwoven fabrics started.”

She encouraged the audience to support handmade products over branded ones. “Handwoven fabrics combine functionality and beauty in a way that mechanized textiles cannot. I never buy branded products because they lack Indianness. Printed products are mere copies, while craftsmen struggle to survive.”

She stressed the importance of instilling a love for arts and crafts from a young age. “Children must be taught about arts and crafts in schools. That is how we integrate art into everyday life.”

In her closing remarks, Ratna Pathak Shah left the audience with a thought-provoking message: “Don’t pull the ladder up after you’ve reached the top.”

Minister Riyas to Grace Inaugural Ceremony of EMAK Silent Heroes Awards 2025

Kochi, 05-April-2025: The seventh edition of The Silent Heroes Awards, organized by the Event Management Association – Kerala (EMAK), will be held on the 9th and 10th of April at The Leela Raviz Ashtamudi, Kollam. The event will be inaugurated by Minister for Public Works and Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas, with distinguished business and industry leaders. B. Ravi Pillai, Founder and Chairman of RP Group, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in this edition. This annual event featuring B2B expo, panel discussions and live performances, recognizes, and awards the sustainable efforts of event management agencies and professionals across Kerala.

The Silent Heroes Awards 2025 will feature Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals across 60 categories, categorized into five main award sections: Event Decor and Production, Technical Support & Solutions, Entertainment Design, Venue and Catering Solutions, and Personalized Solutions.

“Through this event we want to celebrate Kerala’s event management industry and bring industry leaders together to share their ideas and insights,” said Raju Kannampuzha, President, Event Management Association Kerala.

EMAK was established with the mission of uniting event management agencies in Kerala under a single platform. It is affiliated with the apex organization, the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA).

Representatives from EMAK such as Raju Kannampuzha- President, Gincy Binny – Secretary, Bahanan K Areeckal – Treasurer, Jubin J John – Vice President and Joel John – Convenor attended the press conference held in Ernakulam press club.

World Security Day 2025: Prioritizing Cyber Resilience in the Age of AI

April 4, 2025 — As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, World Security Day 2025 serves as a timely reminder of the critical importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks across industries. With global systems becoming increasingly interconnected and AI adoption accelerating, the stakes for securing data, infrastructure, and trust have never been higher.

This year’s theme, “Securing the Future: AI, Trust & Resilience,” underscores a growing consensus: security must be proactive, not reactive. It’s no longer enough to bolt on cybersecurity after innovation—security must be deeply embedded into the DNA of digital transformation.

A powerful reflection of this ethos comes from Mr. Anji Maram, Founder & CEO of CriticalRiver, who emphasized the inseparable link between AI and cybersecurity:

“In a world racing toward AI, cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought—it must be foundational. At CriticalRiver, we’re building Fortified AI: air-gapped, policy-driven, and resilient by design. By embedding security at every layer, we empower our customers to harness AI confidently, without compromising trust, compliance, or control.”

From safeguarding critical infrastructure to protecting consumer data, cybersecurity has become a key pillar of national and corporate strategy. Governments, tech leaders, and innovators are aligning on the urgent need to build resilient ecosystems where technology can thrive securely.

World Security Day 2025 is more than a commemoration—it’s a call to action for leaders, organizations, and individuals to treat security not as a constraint but as an enabler of trust and sustainable growth in the digital era.

On the Frontlines of Care: Granules India Brings Breast Cancer Screenings to Women Officers

Mumbai, 4th April 2025: As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Granules India Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company based in Hyderabad in collaboration with AIG Hospitals, successfully conducted a Breast Health Screening and Awareness Camp for women police officials at the Telangana State Police Headquarters. This initiative underscores Granules India’s commitment to addressing gaps in women’s healthcare, with a particular emphasis on early detection for prevention of breast cancer.

 Women police officers dedicate their lives to safeguarding communities, often putting their health on the back burner. With demanding and high stress working hours, they often struggle to prioritize preventive healthcare. Recognizing this, Granules India’s ‘Breast Health Express’ initiative raised awareness about breast health, empowering them with knowledge of regular self-examination and cancer screening services while promoting the importance of early detection. The camp offered breast health screenings and awareness sessions for 100 women police officials.

 Since its launch in September 2024, the mobile screening unit has conducted 18 camps, screening over 1,000 women and reaching more than 2,000 individuals through educational sessions. The initiative brings together the collective efforts of Granules India Ltd, AIG Hospitals, Asian Medical Foundation, and UC Breast Foundation. This multi-organizational approach integrates medical expertise, state-of-the-art mobile unit with mammography and ultrasound capabilities and facilities for essential health checks such as haemoglobin and blood pressure, and community outreach to enhance healthcare accessibility for women in underserved communities.

 Dr Jitendra IPS, Director General of Police, Telangana State, lauded the initiative, stating, “One of the biggest challenges with breast cancer is late detection. However, women in demanding professions like law enforcement often prioritize duty over personal health, leading to delayed screenings. Early detection drastically improves treatment success and recovery. I strongly urge every woman above 40 to undergo a breast cancer screening annually or at least every alternate year. This initiative by Granules India and AIG Hospitals is a commendable step in ensuring our women officers receive the preventive healthcare they deserve. By prioritizing early detection, we can safeguard the health and well-being of women across Telangana.”

 Dr. Pragnya Chigurupati, Consultant Breast Oncologist at AIG Hospitals and Founder of UC Breast Foundation, highlighted the urgency of breast cancer awareness, stating, “India, more so Telangana, continues to witness an alarming rise in the number of breast cancer cases. ‘Breast Health Express’ aims to bring early detection closer to the homes of women via mammogram and ultrasound screening. Through the UC Breast Foundation, we would be able to provide financial assistance to those women who need treatment for breast issues.”

 Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director of Granules India Ltd, has been a key driving force behind the company’s CSR efforts, ensuring that initiatives like Breast Health Express focus on making breast cancer prevention accessible to all women. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Granules India’s vision for community health and well-being.

Wadhwa Wise City Shines at Real Estate Business Excellence Awards with Top Township Honour

Mumbai, 4th April 2025: The Wadhwa Group’s flagship Township project, Wadhwa Wise City, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Best Integrated Township’ Award at the 12th Edition of the Real Estate Business Excellence Awards 2025, presented by CNBC-TV18. The event, known for recognizing trailblazers and transformative projects in the Indian real estate landscape, saw an illustrious gathering of industry leaders and dignitaries.

Expressing his gratitude on this occasion, Mr. Navin Makhija, Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group said “Wadhwa Wise City is a vision that encapsulates smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban living within Nature. This recognition reinforces our commitment to crafting future-ready townships that deliver long-term value to our customers. We are thankful to our partners, patrons, and teams who have contributed immensely to this journey.”

Wadhwa Wise City, located in the flourishing region of Panvel, has set a new benchmark in integrated township planning with its sustainable design, superior connectivity, abundant open spaces, Superior Air quality Index and community-centric amenities—making it one of the most aspirational destinations for modern living.

MediBuddy Empowers Individuals with ReclaimYourHealth Initiative for a Fitter Future

National, 04 April 2025: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, today announced the launch of its latest campaign, #ReclaimYourHealth, to mark World Health Day. This innovative initiative uses humour and relatable content to highlight the stark contrast between the healthy habits of the past and today’s sedentary, technology-driven lifestyle.

Modern lifestyles often leave our bodies struggling—sedentary habits, poor diets, and limited fresh air have replaced the active and wholesome ways of the past. Through witty dialogue and visually striking contrasts, the campaign delivers a powerful yet simple message: reclaiming your health doesn’t require drastic measures, just a return to the basics.

#ReclaimYourHealth presents an entertaining yet educational video series featuring personified organs sharing their experiences in contemporary language. With scenarios such as a heart doing a TikTok dance versus slumped in a chair and lungs taking deep breaths in nature versus constricted by phone screen glow, the campaign highlights vital but often overlooked aspects of everyday health.

Health isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a family issue that impacts communities and ultimately affects society at large. While modern conveniences have improved many aspects of life, the campaign encourages viewers to reconsider the health trade-offs we have unconsciously accepted.

Speaking about the campaign, Saibal Biswas, SVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Partnerships, MediBuddy, said, “Reclaiming your health doesn’t require complex interventions—just simple choices like moving more, eating better, and breathing fresh air. Knowledge is power, and every mindful, conscious decision brings us closer to a healthier life. This World Health Day, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s shift our focus from temporary fixes to lasting, meaningful change. Let’s reclaim our health.”