Category Archives: News

Granules India Earns Gold Rating in First-Ever Corporate-Level EcoVadis Assessment Ranks in the 5% Globally Across All Industries

Mumbai, India – May 7, 2025: Granules India Limited, a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company committed to sustainable and responsible healthcare, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis in its inaugural corporate-level assessment. This places the company in the 97th percentile, among the top 5% of all companies assessed globally across all industries.

 EcoVadis is one of the world’s trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, assessing companies on environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This recognition affirms Granules’ robust sustainability practices and transparency in its business operations.

 The company’s first-ever corporate-level submission to EcoVadis builds on years of operational and environmental excellence across its manufacturing footprint. The rating reflects the company’s purpose-driven transformation journey — Healing lives responsibly through pioneering green science — and aligns with its broader sustainability goals, including science-based climate targets, greener chemistry platforms, and safer workplace practices.

  “This Gold rating is more than a recognition — it’s a reminder that we are choosing to grow differently by placing sustainability at the heart of our progress,” said Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India. “It is a moment of pride, but also one of responsibility to continue raising the bar as we build a more resilient and responsible future.”

 Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, added: “We deeply value the trust and partnership of our customers and suppliers. This milestone is a shared win — a testament to what’s possible when we act together with ‘One Planet, One Purpose’.”

Jaipur Rugs and Gurjeet Singh Celebrate Creative Visionaries in Powerful Dreamers Launch

India – [7th May, 2025] – Jaipur Rugs, India’s leading voice in ethical luxury and handmade craftsmanship, proudly announces the launch of Dreamers—a bold, genre-defying art collection created in collaboration with acclaimed textile artist Gurjeet Singh. Dreamers is more than a collection of rugs and wall art—it is a movement stitched together by emotion, memory, identity, and the lived experiences of India’s rural artisans.

 Rooted in villages across Rajasthan and echoing within the walls of Jaipur Jail, Dreamers turns traditional hand-knotting into an act of storytelling. Each piece in the collection emerges from intimate conversations, hushed moments shared over looms, and the emotional landscapes of those too often left unseen. Together, Jaipur Rugs and Gurjeet Singh have created a body of work that weaves together personal truths with bold visual language—daring viewers to feel, not just admire.

 What Lies Beneath: Craft as Confession
The artworks in Dreamers span themes of gender, caste, queerness, and generational trauma. Through surreal, abstract, and emotionally raw visuals, the collection offers a deeply layered view into the worlds of those who live between tradition and transformation.
• “Bahu Mukhiya” reveals the fractured roles rural women must play—praising, surviving, and suppressing their own truths under societal expectations.
• “The Portraits of Boogli and Her Mother” tenderly reflect the quiet strength of women denied the freedom to dream, and the generational friction between duty and defiance.
• “I Like to Wear Both” boldly celebrates gender fluidity and self-expression through surreal imagery, challenging the norms that bind identity.
• “Black Sun”, created after the Indian High Court’s rejection of same-sex marriage, becomes a haunting symbol of dimmed identity and deferred hope.
• Works such as “I Want to Go Home” and “The Heaviness Within” were born in Jaipur Jail, shaped by the emotional echoes of confinement, and offer a raw portrait of pain, resilience, and longing for liberation.

 These are not decorative objects—they are visual essays. Each piece is meticulously crafted using ancient hand-knotting techniques, with knot counts reaching over 600,000 knots, and production timelines spanning up to 145 days. Every artwork carries the signature of its artisan—centering creators like Pushpa, Pinki, Boogli, Rais, Nishrat, and Gajanand as central storytellers, not silent technicians.

 Reimagining the Role of Artisan: From Hands to Voices
Where most collaborations position artisans as nameless contributors, Dreamers insists on visibility. Artisans are honored as co-creators, each piece infused with their individual experiences, thoughts, and truths. In this collection, weaving becomes an act of authorship—where trauma, silence, and joy are given space to exist without translation.

 “This is what the future of handmade craft must look like,” says Rutvi Chaudhary, Director of Jaipur Rugs. “It’s no longer just about the object—it’s about dignity, ownership, and the storytelling power of those whose voices have long gone unheard.”

 The Dreamers collection also includes sculptural portrait heads, created from fire-damaged rugs that were once destined for disposal. Transformed into monumental forms using remnant materials, folk motifs, beads, and buttons, these heads tell stories of survival, environmental responsibility, and emotional reinvention—demonstrating that beauty, like people, often rises from the ashes.

 A New Language of Luxury: Emotional, Ethical, Human
With Dreamers, Jaipur Rugs continues to redefine what luxury means—not perfection, but purpose. Not distance, but depth. These artworks challenge viewers to confront not only the aesthetic, but the emotional labor, the humanity, and the suppressed voices that shape each piece.

General Mills India Named Among GBS Employers for Third Year in a Row

India, Mumbai, 7th May 2025: General Mills India Center (GIC), the Mumbai-based Global Capability Center of US-headquartered General Mills Inc., has been recognized as one of Everest Group’s Top GBS Employers™ 2025—marking its third consecutive appearance on the prestigious list.

Ranked among 400+ Global Business Services (GBS) organizations across India, the Philippines, and Poland, GIC stood out for its excellence in compensation, work environment, career development and inclusion —key parameters that align with Everest Group’s evaluation and resonate strongly with both current and prospective employees.

This recognition reaffirms General Mills India Center’s position as an employer of choice in a highly competitive talent market and reflects its strategic focus on employee experience, retention, and growth.

Speaking on this achievement, Monika Potharkar, General Mills India Center site lead and director of financial shared services added, “This recognition by Everest Group for the third consecutive year is a powerful testament of how we’re redefining what it means to be a Global Capability Center. At General Mills India Center, we’re shaping global operations, backed by talent that thrives on purpose, innovation, and growth. Our focus on leadership development, meaningful career paths, and a culture of belonging has helped us build not just a workplace, but a destination for high-performing talent in India’s GBS ecosystem.”

GIC is proud to foster a culture of belonging and these efforts, along with a culture of open communication and community involvement, have contributed to the GIC also being recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.

General Mills India Named Among GBS Employers for Third Year in a Row

India, Mumbai, 7th May 2025: General Mills India Center (GIC), the Mumbai-based Global Capability Center of US-headquartered General Mills Inc., has been recognized as one of Everest Group’s Top GBS Employers™ 2025—marking its third consecutive appearance on the prestigious list.

Ranked among 400+ Global Business Services (GBS) organizations across India, the Philippines, and Poland, GIC stood out for its excellence in compensation, work environment, career development and inclusion —key parameters that align with Everest Group’s evaluation and resonate strongly with both current and prospective employees.

This recognition reaffirms General Mills India Center’s position as an employer of choice in a highly competitive talent market and reflects its strategic focus on employee experience, retention, and growth.

Speaking on this achievement, Monika Potharkar, General Mills India Center site lead and director of financial shared services added, “This recognition by Everest Group for the third consecutive year is a powerful testament of how we’re redefining what it means to be a Global Capability Center. At General Mills India Center, we’re shaping global operations, backed by talent that thrives on purpose, innovation, and growth. Our focus on leadership development, meaningful career paths, and a culture of belonging has helped us build not just a workplace, but a destination for high-performing talent in India’s GBS ecosystem.”

GIC is proud to foster a culture of belonging and these efforts, along with a culture of open communication and community involvement, have contributed to the GIC also being recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.

Is Your DNA the Key to Beating Cancer? Exploring the Role of Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

By-Dr Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh, Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Centre, Ranchi

Despite remarkable advancements in medicine, cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, with each patient responding differently to therapy. While lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to its development, our DNA holds crucial insights about cancer risk, progression, and treatment effectiveness.

Advances in genetic testing are now revolutionizing cancer care, helping to predict risk, tailor treatments, and even prevent cancer before it starts. But how exactly does genetic testing work, and can it truly be the key to beating cancer?

What Is Genetic Testing in Cancer Care?

Genetic testing analyzes a person’s DNA to identify mutations or inherited traits that may increase cancer risk. These tests can be performed on:

• Germline DNA– The genes inherited from parents, which can indicate a hereditary risk for cancer.
• Tumor DNA– Genetic changes in cancer cells that help determine treatment options.

By identifying specific mutations, doctors can take a more personalized approach to prevention, early detection, and treatment, improving patient outcomes.

How Can Genetic Testing Help in Cancer Treatment?

Identifying High-Risk Individuals

• Some people carry genetic mutations that predispose them to cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer or MLH1 and MSH2 for colorectal cancer. Knowing this allows for early screenings and preventive measures.

Personalized Treatment Plans

• Genetic testing helps doctors choose targeted therapies that are more effective for a patient’s specific cancer type. For example, HER2-positive breast cancer responds to targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), while lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations may benefit from specific inhibitors.

Predicting Treatment Response

• Certain genetic markers can indicate whether a patient will respond well to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation, helping to avoid ineffective treatments and reduce side effects.

Guiding Family Health Decisions

• If a person carries a hereditary cancer mutation, family members can also be tested, allowing them to take proactive health measures such as increased screenings or lifestyle changes.

Types of Genetic Tests in Cancer Care

There are different types of genetic tests, depending on their purpose:

• Predictive Genetic Testing– Identifies inherited gene mutations that increase cancer risk before any symptoms appear.
• Diagnostic Genetic Testing– Helps confirm a cancer diagnosis by identifying specific mutations in tumor cells.
• Pharmacogenomic Testing– Determines how a patient’s genes affect their response to medications, ensuring the most effective treatment is chosen.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing isn’t necessary for everyone, but it may be recommended if:

• You have a strong family history of cancer(such as multiple relatives with the same type of cancer).
• You were diagnosed with cancer at a young age(such as breast or colorectal cancer before 50).
• You have an unusual or rare cancer(like male breast cancer or multiple types of cancer).
• Your ancestry is linked to higher genetic risk(e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish descent has a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations).

The Future of Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

With advancements in genomic medicine, genetic testing is expected to become even more precise, accessible, and impactful. Researchers are exploring gene-editing technologies like CRISPR to correct faulty genes, and ongoing studies continue to expand our understanding of how genetic mutations drive cancer progression.

Final Thoughts: Is DNA the Key to Beating Cancer?

While genetic testing isn’t a cure for cancer, it is one of the most powerful tools available for early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment. By unlocking the secrets within our DNA, we move closer to a future where cancer is not just treatable, but preventable. If you have concerns about hereditary cancer risk, consulting a genetic counselor could be the first step toward a proactive and personalized approach to your health.

Hungama OTT Marks New Chapter With Rebranding and Unveiling of 24-Show Slate at Exclusive Success Party

Mumbai, 07th May 2025 – Hungama OTT, one of India’s most popular digital entertainment platforms, formerly known as Hungama, hosted an exclusive success party on 05th May 2025 at Luuma House, Juhu, to mark a bold new chapter in its journey. The event celebrated the brand’s dynamic rebranding to ‘Hungama OTT’, the expansion of the Hungama OTT app—now available on smart TVs and connected devices, and the unveiling of a bold new content slate featuring 24 original shows across diverse genres, reaffirming its commitment to compelling storytelling. The celebration brought together key figures from the entertainment industry, including Monalisa, Amruta Khanvilkar, Divya Agarwal, Tina Dutta, Gulki Joshi, Yukti Kapoor, Akanksha Puri, among others, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s growth journey.

The celebration highlighted Hungama OTT’s impressive run since its September 2024 content showcase. Many of the shows announced then, such as Flight Attendant, Checkmate, Personal Trainer, Red Room, Pyramid, Pati Patni aur Padosan, Hasratein 2, and Khadaan, have emerged as fan favourites, trending across platforms and garnering critical acclaim. Continuing that momentum, the 2025 slate introduces fresh originals such as Mona ki Monohar Kahaniyaan, Judwa Jaal, Rose Garden, Chakravyuh, Badass begum, Blind Game, Balance show, Hungama Hone Do, Shaadi Ki Uss Raat, Takshika, Girl Scams, Room Service, Bollywood Murder, Hasratein season 3, and Ratri Ke Yatri season 3, promising an eclectic mix of thrillers, dramas, romances, and experimental formats. With the introduction of the Hungama OTT TV app, viewers can now experience this content on a more personalized, intuitive platform, bridging tech and storytelling.

Neeraj Roy, Founder & Managing Director, Hungama Digital Media, said, “Hungama OTT is focussed on delivering compelling and engaging shows with a strong commitment to storytelling. We’re launching an ambitious slate of 24 original shows in a year spanning drama, thrillers and more. while we’ve always been on your phones, we’re now coming into your living rooms. With a new Hungama OTT TV App, we’re bringing our content to the big screen offering a deeper, more immersive viewing experience. This is not just growth, it’s a bold leap into the future shaped entirely around our core audience.”

AIMIL Animal Health celebrated World Veterinary Day 2025 with nationwide virtual Continuing Veterinary Education (e-CVE) program

New Delhi, 6th May 2025

AIMIL Animal Health, the veterinary division of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd, observed World Veterinary Day 2025 by organizing a large-scale virtual Continuing Veterinary Education (e-CVE) program. The online event was attended by over 3,000 participants which includes veterinary students, clinicians, research scholars, practicing clinicians, para vets, the Field staff and members of Allied profession. from across India and abroad, to explore the role of holistic and herbal approaches in animal healthcare.

The session was inaugurated by Dr. Sujit Kumar Dutta, Joint Commissioner at the National Livestock Mission, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. In his keynote address, Dr. Dutta highlighted the importance of adopting integrative veterinary practices and acknowledged AIMIL’s contribution to promoting Ayurveda-based animal care. “Initiatives like this are crucial in encouraging young professionals to consider sustainable and holistic models of veterinary treatment,” he said.

The event featured presentations by several experts from diverse fields within veterinary science. Dr. Narayan Dutta of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) discussed the link between nutrition and animal productivity. Mr. Venkat Gollapudi, Project Head at AIMIL, shared the company’s ongoing projects in veterinary research. Dr. N.K. Mahajan focused on liver and kidney issues in poultry, while Dr. Vikas from CGS Hospital, Gurugram, presented on herbal treatments in canine care. Dr. Daniel Mateuta Sirbu Daniel , the international speaker from UAE spoke on integrative care for exotic species. Dr. K. Raj Kumar of RIVER, Pondicherry, addressed advancements in companion animal care, and Dr. Ujjwal Kr De (IVRI) outlined approaches for managing mastitis in cattle. Dr. Jaya Krushna Das from OUAT, Odisha, provided insights into livestock reproductive health.

At the helm of this initiative was Dr. Ikshit Sharma, Executive Director of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, whose visionary leadership continues to guide AIMIL’s mission to enhance the well-being of animals and improve the livelihood of farmers and common individuals in the animal husbandry sector. Dr Sharma said the company aims to combine traditional systems of medicine with modern veterinary science. He spoke about the need for herbal veterinary alternatives that align with the One Health approach of the World Health Organization. He also noted the potential of phytobiotics and other non-antibiotic solutions in managing animal health.

The program received registrations from more than 3,000 participants, with 55 percent being veterinary students and the rest comprising field veterinarians, para-vets, and practitioners. Students from 47 veterinary colleges took part in academic activities, including a national quiz competition with 579 entries, 200 poster presentations, 51 thesis submissions, and 89 clinical case studies. Selected entries were awarded prizes, and all participants received appreciation hampers.

The Participants & prize winners of the various contests were appreciated by Honorable Founder and Managing Director of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, Shri K K Sharma. The program was coordinated by Dr. Anil Kr Sharma and Dr. T.S. Easwari, Vice President at AIMIL, while Dr. Rajan Handa, General Manager, AIMIL Animal Health, delivered the vote of thanks. The organizers noted that veterinary health is a shared responsibility and called for stronger collaboration across the sector.

AIMIL Animal Health is known for its research-based herbal veterinary formulations used in the care of poultry, livestock, and companion animals. The division’s recent technology transfer from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute for a cattle feed supplement is expected to support further innovation and led to further product range expansion in livestock nutrition,poultry feed supplement, pet food and aquaculture.

Viva ACP Launches Bricklyn – Where Timeless Strength Meets Modern Innovation

Viva, Asia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of aluminium composite panels (ACP), has been at the forefront of innovation in the cladding industry since 2003, continuously pushing boundaries with cutting-edge technology and design. We are proud to introduce Bricklyn, an exciting new addition to our Santa Fe series. Inspired by the enduring strength of traditional bricks and reimagined with a contemporary twist, Bricklyn is a fusion of heritage and modernity, bringing together classic construction aesthetics with advanced engineering.

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic energy of Brooklyn and the ingenious stacking design of Jenga, Bricklyn reinvents the timeless appeal of bricks into a stylish and durable ACP series. Designed to offer both structural integrity and aesthetic versatility, it creates visually striking façades while ensuring long-lasting performance. Each panel seamlessly fits together, forming walls that exude strength while allowing creative freedom in design.

Bricklyn is available in a stunning palette, ranging from beautiful soft muted tones to deep, rich hues, allowing architects and designers to craft elegant and dynamic exteriors. Whether creating a warm, earthy look or a bold, modern statement, this versatile colour selection enhances the visual appeal of any structure while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

Crafted using Stucco Textures and Synchro Technology, Bricklyn is engineered for durability and resilience, making it an ideal choice for contemporary architectural projects. With a 15-year warranty, this series guarantees quality and longevity, reinforcing Viva ACP’s commitment to excellence.

Bricklyn is more than just a cladding solution; it is a celebration of tradition, technology, and transformative design. With this latest innovation, Viva ACP continues to set new benchmarks in architectural possibilities, enabling designers and architects to bring their boldest visions to life.

Shriram Mobility Bulletin, May 2025

Hyderabad, May 6th, 2025: The Shriram Mobility Bulletin released today reveals that truck rentals remained largely flat in April 2025, despite a 5-10% hike in toll charges across various routes. A rise in goods movement, coupled with movement of summer fruits contributed to a subtle positive undercurrent in the freight market.

Truck rentals on most key trunk routes remained unchanged. The Delhi–Chennai–Delhi corridor saw a sharp MoM increase of 2.5%, while the Delhi–Bengaluru–Delhi route recorded a decline of 1.6%. On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, truck rentals posted healthy growth — with the Kolkata–Guwahati–Kolkata route rising 14%, and the Mumbai–Chennai–Mumbai corridor up 8%.

Rural demand and improved connectivity led to a 12% MoM rise in two-wheeler sales. Bus sales grew 4%, continuing momentum from March’s all-time high. E-rickshaws with carts saw the strongest YoY growth at 77%. However, lower-than-expected government infrastructure spending impacted monthly commercial vehicle sales: tractors declined 13%, construction equipment 9%, and earth-moving equipment 19% MoM.

The electric vehicle (EV) segment showed mixed signals. While EV three-wheeler sales rose by 5% MoM, EV two-wheeler sales dropped sharply by 30%, and EV car sales declined by 4%. Despite these short-term setbacks, YoY comparisons were robust: EV cars grew by 58%, three-wheelers by 49%, and two-wheelers by 40%.

Mr. Y S Chakravarti, CEO and Managing Director, Shriram Finance Ltd. said, “Truck rentals remained subdued during April despite a 5 to 10% increase in toll charges from April 1. The undercurrent however turned slightly better as the just concluded Rabi season was good. With the summer heat waves predicted, trucking activity could get slightly impacted.”

Petrol consumption declined by 2% in April, whereas diesel consumption increased by 2% MoM, driven by higher industrial, mining, and commercial activity. FASTag transaction volumes grew by 0.9%, while the transaction value edged up by 0.03% MoM.

Salaam Namaste Receives National Award at WAVES 2025

Noida: During the 8th National Community Radio Sammelan held in Mumbai as part of WAVES 2025, the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards were announced. Community radio station Salaam Namaste received the Third Prize for Most Innovative Community Engagement. The award was presented for the radio program “Maid Didi”.Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, presented the trophy, certificate, and cash prize to Barsha Chabaria, Station Head of Salaam Namaste, during the event.

Barsha Chabaria stated that Salaam Namaste is the first community radio station in Uttar Pradesh to have received the national award four times. This year, it is also the only community radio station from the state to be honored. She explained that the “Maid Didi” program is aimed at connecting domestic helpers with new skills and training, helping them gain social recognition. The program was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.The award ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan and Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar, Vice Chancellor of IIMC.

Expressing his pride on Salaam Namaste’s achievement, IMS President Rajeev Kumar Gupta said that this success of Salaam Namaste Community Radio is not only a matter of pride for the institution but also reflects its commitment and dedication to society. Vice President Chirag Gupta added that they are proud of the unique identity their radio channel has created at the national level in the field of community engagement. This achievement is an inspiration for the entire IMS family, and they will continue to support such innovative efforts.

Professor Dr. Vikas Dhawan, Director General of the institution, congratulated the team of Salaam Namaste, saying that this accomplishment reflects the institute’s social commitment and values. He praised the platform for consistently empowering the voice of the common people and expressed his confidence that the team would continue to work with the same enthusiasm and energy.