30, Apr 2025
Studio Monkey Shoulder Makes a Comeback in India for Year Two
Gurugram, India, 30th April 2025: Studio Monkey Shoulder is once again inviting grassroots music communities from India to apply for a £10,000 grant (₹ 11 Lakh approx.) which will go towards a music project that will spotlight their scene on a global scale.
Last year, Studio Monkey Shoulder supported DJ Delhi Sultanate to transport the BFR Sound System across the country and host Big Bang Festival – a 2 day boutique music & culture festival in the remote Indian jungles of Assam. This year, Studio Monkey Shoulder is back in India to discover empower the grassroots music communities who are innovating in their scenes – from independent record stores to DIY music venues, online radio stations, and beyond, the spaces where people connect, create and discover music are critical to a thriving music ecosystem.
Monkey Shoulder brand will once again join forces with globally acclaimed partners; online radio station, Worldwide FM, as well as its esteemed founder, DJ and broadcaster, Gilles Peterson, to award one India community the fund to bring an original project to life this summer. As well as funding, that community will get to tell their story through a series of films and radio broadcasts produced by Worldwide FM.
“The Studio Monkey Shoulder initiative with Worldwide FM and Monkey Shoulder allowed us to think audaciously and go all out on how we’d like a musical and cultural gathering to be. To be able to bring the sound system of a 5-day journey from Delhi to the tribal village of Nanadisa and hold a massive reggae dance in the jungle where in the end everyone let loose and joined in is stuff dreams are made of” says last year’s India fund recipients, Delhi Sultanate (BFR Soundsystem)
“I’m thrilled to see Studio Monkey Shoulder grow in its second year in partnership with Worldwide FM. It’s been a privilege to work with the communities we supported in 2024, seeing their projects thrive and come to life. I’m excited to uncover more amazing community-driven projects in India and witness the talent that comes with it as the project evolves in year two” says Gilles Peterson.
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30, Apr 2025
Choice Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd Secures New Projects Worth 66.83 Crores
Mumbai, April 30, 2025: Choice Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd, a leading consulting firm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Choice International Ltd, has announced the award of prestigious new contracts totalling approximately ₹67 crores, further strengthening its leadership in driving rural and digital transformation initiatives across India.
The company has been awarded an additional work order worth ₹46.34 crores (Inclusive of GST) by the Office of the Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Bihar, for the computerization of 3576 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Building upon its strong performance during the first phase of the project, Choice Consultancy Services will continue to serve as the System Integrator, leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and service delivery within PACS across the state. Choice team is currently working to digitize more than 9000 PACS across India and more than 4000 PACS in Bihar.
In Karnataka, Choice Consultancy Services has been awarded a work order valued at ₹10.23 crores (Inclusive of GST) by the Office of the Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Karnataka, for the computerization of 878 PACS. As part of this engagement, the company will undertake data digitization, migration, handholding, and support services across grassroots institutions, ensuring seamless digital transformation across rural communities.
Additionally, Choice Consultancy Services has been appointed as the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) by ITI Limited and Tera Software Limited for the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program across West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern region. Valued at ₹10.26 crores (Inclusive of GST), the three-year assignment encompasses project monitoring, evaluation, vendor coordination, progress reporting, and strategic support to strengthen broadband connectivity in some of the remotest regions of the country.
Commenting on these developments, Arun Poddar, CEO of Choice International Ltd, said, “We are proud to deepen our engagement with public sector partners through these important assignments. Our commitment to advancing rural infrastructure and digital connectivity is unwavering, and we remain focused on delivering impact-driven, technology-enabled solutions that empower communities and contribute to India’s long-term growth. These project wins further validate our strategic direction and reinforce our positioning as a trusted execution partner in high-value public sector initiatives.”
These initiatives align closely with the Government of India’s vision to modernize rural institutions, expand digital access, and foster inclusive economic growth. The company’s involvement in these projects reinforces its position as a trusted partner in executing high-impact programs across the nation.
The PACS computerization projects in Bihar and Karnataka are expected to be completed over the next 24 to 30 months, digitally empowering thousands of farmers and rural communities by enhancing access to financial services. The BharatNet PMU engagement will be executed over a period of 3 years, focusing on strengthening rural broadband infrastructure across critical geographies. With these significant assignments, Choice Consultancy Services continues to cement its position as a catalyst for India’s rural digital transformation and remains committed to delivering impact-driven solutions that enable inclusive growth and sustainable development.
30, Apr 2025
Nation’s Progress Depends on Collective Effort: Shobha Karandlaje
Noida. Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (Covey) organized Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) workshop and Micro , Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSME) seminar during this program organized at Gaur Sarovar Portico on Tuesday. During the program, Union Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje as chief guest , SME Joint Secretary Mercy Ipao , CGTMSE CEO Manish Sinha , and Covey India National Board Member Meetu Puri , Covey India Uttar Pradesh Chapter member Ria Raheja and other special guests shared information on government schemes available for MSMEs.
In a developed India, everyone’s development lies in everyone’s togetherness , said Union Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje in the inaugural session of the Women Empowerment Workshop. While beginning the program, Shobha Karandlaje spoke about women entrepreneurship He expressed his views on this. He said that we are happy that women are moving forward in entrepreneurship , the country will develop only if they are encouraged . Our Prime Minister also has a campaign to encourage women in the country. If women have money in the house, the economic condition of the family will be prosperous. During the program, he asked all the entrepreneurs to prepare export quality products. Mercy Ipao made all the participants aware of the SME schemes.
Program directors Meetu Puri and Riya Raheja said that the purpose of today’s program is to provide new opportunities to small and medium businesses to get loans without any guarantee and strengthen their business. They also said that during the program on Tuesday, reputed names from the industry such as Divya Chauhan (Amity University) , Manju Gaur (Gaud Group) , Blossom Kochhar (Aroma Magic) , Ankita Raj (Green Haath) , Alka Kapoor (Modern Public School) , Komal Jain (So Fresh Farms) and Dr. DK Gupta (Felix Hospital) were honored for their excellent work in their fields.
30, Apr 2025
South Indian Bank hosts Season 1 of National Co-lending Summit – SEED
Kochi, April 30, 2025 — South Indian Bank (SIB), one of India’s leading scheduled commercial banks, hosted the inaugural edition of the National Co-lending Summit – SEED (Synergizing Emerging Enterprises Digitally) Season 1 on April 29, 2025, at SIB Tower in Kochi, Kerala.
Organised by the Bank’s Strategic Alliances & Digital Business Department, the summit marks a significant step towards strengthening co-lending partnerships with emerging and established NBFCs and HFCs. This flagship initiative aligns with the Bank’s long-term vision to invite, identify, and engage potential co-lending partners across the Retail, Agriculture, and MSMEs (RAM) segments.
Season 1 of SEED proves to be a powerful platform to explore innovative financing solutions that support inclusive credit access and business growth, particularly for underserved and semi-urban markets. The summit focuses on diverse lending verticals where co-lending can create real impact and scale, on the following; –
- Retail lending – Home Loans (Prime and Affordable Housing Finance), Personal Loans and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, Gold Loans (Agri and Non-Agri), Vehicle Loans (New and Used – Retail and Commercial), Education Loans (Secured and Unsecured)
- Agriculture – Term Loans and Supply Chain Finance
- MSME’s- Loan Against Property (LAP), Commercial Vehicle & Equipment Financing (New and Used), Equated Daily Instalments (EDI)
The National Co-lending Summit – SEED serves to be a nurturing platform for both fintech innovators and lending institutions to co-create smart, scalable, and inclusive financial solutions for Indian borrowers through South Indian Bank.
Many prominent NBFCs/HFCs participated and presented tailored co-lending propositions, along with real-world use cases, to the key decision-makers at SIB. This paves the way to develop faster and quality-driven partnerships and growing the Bank’s topline & bottomline.
30, Apr 2025
Academic-Industry Tie-Up: Osmania University and N Space Tech to Drive Space Research
N Space Tech, a Hyderabad-based Defense and Aerospace startup, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University (UCEOU), to promote collaboration in space research, education, and technology development.
The agreement aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering students and faculty access to facilities, internships, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities. Under the MoA, both institutions will engage in joint research and publications, provide cooperative education experiences in satellite design and communication, conduct skill enhancement programs focused on space technology and exploration, and organize technical exhibitions, conferences, and workshops.
Representatives from UCEOU highlighted the importance of creating a learning ecosystem that enables students to engage directly with real-world technological challenges.
“At N Space Tech, we believe the future of space and defense lies in the hands of the young minds of today, the students, and this collaboration is a step towards empowering this generation to build a brighter future full of great possibilities and opportunities,” said Divya Kothamasu, Co-founder of N Space Tech.
The MoA will remain in force for two years, during which both organizations will collaborate on academic programs, research initiatives, and project-based learning to strengthen students’ practical skills and innovation capabilities.
Known for developing cost-effective, state-of-the-art solutions in satellite communication and the Aerospace and Defense sectors, N Space Tech expressed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers. The company’s mission to make space and defense technologies more accessible aligns with Osmania University’s efforts to support India’s growing ambitions in space exploration and communication.
30, Apr 2025
ZS Releases 2024 India Social Responsibility Report
New Delhi, 30 April 2025: ZS, a global management consulting and technology firm, has released its India social responsibility report for 2024. The report highlights the impact of its initiatives on 85,655 beneficiaries through social programs and strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. With a donation of INR 9.3 crores in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZS collaborated with 20 nonprofit partners to address critical societal challenges in four key areas: healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and environment and sustainability. The firm’s 2,246 volunteers contributed a total of 7,663 hours to programs in these focus areas, demonstrating ZS’s commitment to meaningful Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.
Commenting on the report, Mohit Sood, regional managing principal at ZS, said, “Access to quality healthcare, education and sustainable livelihoods remains a critical challenge. At ZS, we recognize that meaningful transformation requires strategic action beyond mere intent. Through ZS Cares, we leverage our expertise, resources and partnerships to create a tangible impact where it matters most. In FY 2024-25, we enabled healthcare access to over 72,000 individuals, empowered 7,707 students through STEM education, scholarships and mentorship programs, and supported 713 individuals in achieving financial independence. As we continue this journey, our focus remains clear—to improve life and how we live it.
ZS is deeply committed to driving positive social change and empowering communities across India. Through sustained volunteer engagement and strategic partnerships, ZS invests in initiatives that create a lasting impact. We focus on building a brighter future for individuals and communities, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable society.
“The impact created would not have been possible without the dedication of ZSers and the support of our NGO partners,” said Rohit Bhagwat, office managing principal and global ESG working group member at ZS.
He mentioned, “ZS will continue investing in sustainable initiatives that empower people and uplift communities. Together, we are not just supporting change, we are leading it. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, amplifying our impact and shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
30, Apr 2025
Arkade Developers Launches “Fly to Europe” Campaign Marking 39 Glorious Years
Mumbai, 30 April, 2025 — To mark 39 years of excellence in real estate, Arkade Developers Limited, a listed company, has unveiled a unique and exciting campaign— “Fly to Europe”. This special initiative offers clients who book their homes between April 19, 2025, to June 15, 2025, the chance to celebrate Christmas 2025 in Europe, subject to terms and conditions applied.
The campaign showcases a family trip to Europe during Christmas, an amazing experience that most aspire to enjoy. By booking a house, customers can now have their two dreams come true – one of owning a home and the second a lovely international family trip to Europe.
The “Fly to Europe” campaign is valid across select high-end residential projects in Mumbai, including:
- Arkade Nest – Mulund West
- Arkade Rare – Bhandup West
- Arkade Vistas – Goregaon East
- Arkade Pearl – Vile Parle East
Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Arpit Jain, Director, Arkade Developers, said: “Through this campaign, we’re not just offering homes—we’re creating cherished memories and keeping in mind the philosophy of Family First. As Arkade Developers continues to shape urban living in Mumbai, we invite homebuyers to be a part of our legacy, where every home marks a milestone and every milestone deserves a celebration.”
The campaign is being actively promoted across all digital and online platforms. As a personalised touch, Arkade Developers has also designed a customised boarding pass for participating clients, making the journey even more memorable.
30, Apr 2025
Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya with a Click: Instamart to Deliver Precious Coins via Kalyan Jewellers
Chandigarh, April 30 2025: Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, has partnered with Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s most trusted and iconic jewellery brands, marking the jewellery brand’s debut in the quick commerce space. Just in time for Akshay Tritiya, customers can now order certified gold and silver coins directly on Instamart and have them delivered to their doorsteps in minutes. Instamart users can avail the service across all 100 cities including top metros.
Starting April 25, consumers across cities can shop a certified assortment of gold and silver coins on Instamart, making last-minute festive shopping more seamless and stress-free than ever before. The exclusive range includes:
● Gold Coins: 0.5g and 1g (24 Karat, BIS Hallmarked) featuring motifs like the Flower, Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Swastik and Goddess Lakshmi
● Silver Coins: 5g, 10g, and 20g (999 pure silver, certified) adorned with auspicious motifs such as Ganpati, Laxmi, Ganesh Laxmi and more.
Whether it’s for gifting, spiritual rituals, or personal investment, these coins are a symbol of prosperity and auspicious beginnings, perfectly aligned with the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya. But what makes this launch truly special is that it’s not just a festive addition. Post Akshaya Tritiya, Kalyan Jewellers’ gold and silver coins will continue to be available on Instamart as part of their regular assortment, giving consumers year-round access to trusted, quality-assured precious metals with just a few taps.
Amitesh Jha, CEO of Instamart said, “We’re excited to welcome Kalyan Jewellers to our platform ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. With more customers embracing the convenience of quick commerce for festive and traditional purchases, this partnership is both timely and relevant. Our goal is to ensure that customers can access trusted, certified products like gold and silver coins with the same ease as they would groceries or other household purchases.”
With this latest offering, Instamart is reaffirming its position as the go-to destination for not just groceries, but moments of joy, celebration, and tradition, delivered instantly.
Speaking about the partnership, Mr Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers said, “Akshaya Tritiya is a time-honoured tradition, and purchasing gold or silver on this day is considered especially auspicious. Through our collaboration with Swiggy’s Quick Commerce platform, Instamart, we are making it easier than ever to buy Kalyan gold and silver coins. Our offering includes 0.5g and 1g gold coins, along with 5g, 10g, and 20g silver coins – delivered straight to your doorstep in minutes. This provides customers with the flexibility to choose according to their needs, budgets, and convenience. This partnership allows us to integrate the auspiciousness of tradition with the ease and speed of modern living, ensuring the spirit of the festival remains.”
To celebrate this golden partnership, Instamart launched a striking on-ground activation named InstaGold. In Hyderabad, a high-footfall location was transformed with an eye-catching installation, completely covered in chocolate coins wrapped in identical gold foil. But here’s the twist: hidden among them were 5 real gold coins, indistinguishable from the rest. Each participant had just one chance to pick a coin and try their luck. This exciting, interactive experience captured the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya, bringing together tradition, surprise, and a dash of golden fortune in the most delightful way.
30, Apr 2025
Dr Reddy’s and Sanofi Launch RSV Drug Beyfortus in India
Mumbai, India; April 30, 2025 – On the occasion of World Immunization Week, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; hereafter referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”), a global pharmaceutical company, expands its strategic partnership with Sanofi Healthcare India Private Limited (“SHIPL”) to introduce a novel drug, Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), in India. Beyfortus® contains the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, in a prefilled injection used for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season. It is also administered in children up to 24 months of age, who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
Under the arrangement, Dr. Reddy’s will have exclusive rights from SHIPL to promote and distribute Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) in India. This announcement follows Dr. Reddy’s successful exclusive distribution partnership with Sanofi for their portfolio of vaccines in India last year. Dr. Reddy’s is expected to launch Beyfortus® in India in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.
RSV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious respiratory illness for infants. Two out of three infants are infected with RSV during their first year of life and almost all children are infected by their second birthday. In addition to being the most common cause of LRTD such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, RSV is also a leading cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide, with most hospitalizations occurring in healthy infants born at term. In 2019, there were approximately 33 million cases of acute lower respiratory infections globally, leading to more than 3 million hospitalizations, and it was estimated that there were 26,300 in-hospital deaths of children younger than 5 years.
Nitya Padmanabhan, Head of Sanofi Vaccines (India) said, “Bringing Beyfortus® to India is a pivotal step in our mission to protect every child from immunization preventable diseases like RSV. In India, where the disease burden is significant and early protection is critical, this collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s enables us to reach parents and healthcare providers with an innovative solution. Together, we are advancing equitable access to immunization and improving preventive care for numerous children in India.”
M.V. Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, said, “We are happy to extend our partnership with Sanofi in India – this time for a novel drug to address the RSV burden among newborns and infants in India. This partnership highlights our continued efforts to become the ‘partner of choice’ in bringing novel, innovative and trusted drugs to patients. Beyfortus® enables the access of healthcare professionals and parents to an improved drug in the prevention of RSV. Additionally, the launch of Beyfortus® will help us strengthen our immunization portfolio in India.”
Beyfortus® has been approved for use in the European Union, the U.S., China, Japan, and many other countries around the world. In India, Beyfortus® received its marketing authorization approval in June last year from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
29, Apr 2025
IDEMITSU Honda Racing India Riders Begin 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing with Strong Round 1 Showing
Mumbai / Chang International Circuit, Buriram (Thailand), 29 April 2025: The riders of IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team took on the challenge of Round 1 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, held at the legendary Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. Today marked the conclusion of Round 1, bringing an intense and action-packed weekend to a close.
The Indian duo, Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves, completed today’s race with determination and consistency in the fiercely competitive Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.
Kavin Quintal, the 19-year-old rider started the 10-lap race from the 23rd grid position for race 1. He finished at 19th position with a total time of 19:06.659. In race 2, he fought back stronger and despite the tough competition, Kavin showed resilience and strategic race craft, managing to maintain his position. He finished at 13th position after a hard-fought race today, crossing the chequered flag with a total time of 19:07.972 and his fastest lap was recorded at 1:53.676.
Meanwhile, Johann Reeves started from 29th on the grid in his debut season at the ARRC. In race 1, he put an intense fight, maintaining consistent lap times and gaining valuable experience on the demanding circuit. Johann finished at 15th position in the race 1 with a total time of 19:05.726. In race 2, Reeves held his ground and finished the race at 18th place with a total time of 19:11.232 and his fastest lap was 1:53.861.
Kavin earned 3 points in race 2 while Johann bagged 1 point in race 1, bringing their cumulative team total to 4 points for this season in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.
Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said “Today’s race at Chang Circuit was tough right from the start. The technical layout demanded full concentration. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I managed to fight my way up to 13th. While there’s still a lot to learn, I am proud of the progress. This wraps up Round 1, and I am more motivated than ever to come back stronger for the next one.
Johann Reeves added, “Today’s race at Chang Circuit was a real test. Starting 29th, I gave it everything and finished at 19th. I am glad to garner some points for the team in the race 1. The competition is tough and the track unforgiving, but there’s a lot to take forward. Round 1 is done and I am feeling motivated and ready to push even harder in the next one”
