17, Apr 2025
HDFC Bank Parivartan covers 298 border villages under rural development initiatives
Hyderabad, April 17, 2025: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, under its CSR arm Parivartan, has covered 298 border villages across the country under its rural development initiatives. These clusters of villages are located in border areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Bank plans to extend its reach to 150 additional border villages in the years to come. These initiatives are aligned with national development goals outlined in the Centre’s Border Area Development Programme and Vibrant Villages Programme.
Border area villages along the northern and northeastern Himalayan regions and the western desert stretches often grapple with unique challenges including difficult terrain, restricted access to essential services and economic vulnerabilities due to their remote locations. Parivartan has impacted the lives of approximately five lakh individuals in these areas through targeted need-based interventions.
The Bank implements two key types of projects in these areas:
1) Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP): This approach focuses on clusters of 15-20 contiguous villages over a span of 36-48 months. It integrates multiple aspects, including rural development, education, skill development, financial inclusion, health & hygiene, and natural resource management.
2) Focused Development Programme (FDP): This initiative targets specific areas of intervention, achieving concentrated impact in one sector.
HDFC Bank’s Parivartan initiative is committed to strengthening rural communities across border areas such as Lower Dibang Valley and Shi Yomi in Arunachal Pradesh; Baksa and Udalguri in Assam; Kishanganj, West Champaran and Madhubani in Bihar; Banaskantha, Kutch, and Patan in Gujarat; Ladakh; Chandel in Manipur; East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya; Fazilka and Pathankot in Punjab; Barmer in Rajasthan; Gyalshing West and Pakyong in Sikkim; Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh; and Chamoli in Uttarakhand.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, DMD, HDFC Bank said, “We are committed to creating meaningful impact in India’s border villages by providing access to technology-enabled education, improved agricultural productivity, renewable energy, and livelihood opportunities. By aligning with national development goals, we collaborate with local communities, NGOs, and government bodies to build stronger, self-reliant, and vibrant communities that contribute to India’s economic and social fabric.”
“A holistic approach to rural development is not merely desirable, but an absolute necessity, especially in border areas.” said Nusrat Pathan, Head – Corporate Social Responsibility at HDFC Bank. “We ensure that progress in one sector reinforces and amplifies positive outcomes in others, thereby maximising the impact of our interventions.”
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- By Bhumika Lenka
15, Apr 2025
EThames Business School and KPMG in India Collaborate on Academic Programmes
Hyderabad, April 15, 2025 – EThames Business School (EBS) a Hyderabad based futurinstic business management school today announced that it is teaming up with KPMG in India to offer a suite of forward-thinking, industry-relevant academic programmes that bridge the gap between education and professional practice, preparing students to excel in the ever-evolving business landscape.
As part of this collaboration, KPMG in India, as an academic partner, will help in the delivery of the following programmes offered by EThames Business School (EBS). These include B.Com (Taxation), B.Com (Financial Accounting), BBA (Business Analytics), BBA (Financial Markets and Investment Banking), BCA (Data Science and AI), and BCA (Cyber Security).
These programs combine EBS’s academic excellence with KPMG in India industry expertise, thereby providing students with practical, real-world insights and a good blend of academic rigor and practical applications. Additionally, students enrolling for these programmes, will also have access to hands-on learning experiences, valuable insights and skills, mentorship from experts, directly relevant for their future careers.
“The job market today is constantly evolving, and it is essential for young professionals to stay up to date with the latest trends and skills to stay relevant,” said Narayanan Ramaswamy, Partner and Head of Education and Skill Development, KPMG in India. “Our future-ready programmes, developed in collaboration with EThames Business School, are designed to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow and propel their career forward. With a curriculum that covers emerging industry trends, practical skills, and real-world applications, we believe, this dynamic approach can equip students with the critical thinking and technical abilities needed for long-term success in a competitive global workforce,” added Ramaswamy
One-third of the global workforce will be from India in the future. Job requirements will change, and Ethames is sensitive to marketing requirements. In a connected world today, content is abundantly available, but what is missing is context. You know about swimming; you talk about it as a professional. But you don’t know swimming unless and until you get into the swimming pool. That is the context I was referring to. It is a win-win association, he said. This is the first time in this region that we have entered into a partnership with an institution. We have always been associated with universities, he stated. We not only define teaching, curate content, and curriculum provide 360-degree expertise. We bring the best of KPMG to this partnership, he said.
“This partnership with KPMG in India is a game changer for our students, who will be entering the globally competitive job markets equipped with the knowledge and skills that align with cutting-edge industry expectations,” said Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman, Ethames Business School. “Our courses have been designed to prepare the students for the jobs of tomorrow in the post-Gen AI world. Students can gain a competitive edge through a curriculum that covers emerging trends, real-world applications taught by experienced industry experts and mentored by professionals from KPMG in India. This dynamic instructional approach bolsters our graduates towards becoming world-class professionals, ready to meet the challenging needs of GCCs,” says Gadiraju.
By harnessing combined strengths, this collaboration aims to pave the way for high-quality and advanced education that aims to foster innovation, leadership, and critical thinking, making students professionally ready for a career in a competitive global workforce.
14, Apr 2025
United Way Bengaluru Partners with Marvell to Drive Community Development in Bagepalli Taluk through ‘Rural Rising’ program
Bengaluru April 14, 2025: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) collaborates with Marvell’s CSR support to implement ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural development program in the Bagepalli, Chikballapura district, Karnataka. The partnership is driven by a collective vision to uplift the communities with a commitment to enhancing education, health and sanitation, livelihood, and the environment.
The ‘Rural Rising’ program, now in its second year of implementation in Bagepalli has improved the quality of early child care and development services, supported school infrastructure, promoted drinking water, improved the health and sanitation standards and livelihood enhancement resources such as solar lights, and E-bikes to Public Health Centres (PHCs) to improve National Health Mission services. Distinguished delegates and community leaders graced the occasion, including Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Country Head, Ms. Bharathi Kanuj, CSR Head, Mr. Ganesh Karnatakam, Finance Controller and Mr. Anshuman Ray, Head -Human Resources from Marvell India, Venkata Sudhakar Namala, Sr. Vice President, United Way Bengaluru, representatives of Gram Panchayats, and the local community.
Under the program, several key interventions have been implemented to ensure quality education- 3 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been constructed to create a safe and conducive environment for children (0-6 years), pregnant and lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. Additionally, a total of 17700 sanitary napkins have been distributed along with 8 incinerators installation in two years, toilet refurbishment has been undertaken at 6 government schools and 5 Water ROs of 50 LPH each have been installed in schools and 6 community RO units to ensure access to safe drinking water.
Further, recognizing the significance of clean energy, 428 solar streetlights are installed to promote sustainable energy practices across 3 Gram Panchayats. Rural Rising has also extended mobility support by providing 9 e-bikes to Public Health Centres (PHCs) and 1 basic life support ambulance vehicle to Taluka hospital, Bagepalli.
‘Our commitment to rural development is rooted in the belief that education, income stability, clean energy, and access to safe drinking water are the key pillars for transforming communities. Our partnership with United Way Bengaluru towards the ‘Rural Rising’ program is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainable change for rural communities and building a more self-sufficient future for the community’, said Navin Bishnoi, AVP and Country Manager, Marvell India .
‘A key feature of the Rural Rising flagship program lies in the ‘collaboration’. By working with local authorities and involving community members, the program ensures that local voices and needs are included in the development process. This approach helps identify key issues and priorities, creating an implementation plan that matches the community’s specific needs’ said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, of United Way Bengaluru.
11, Apr 2025
Consumer-Focused Shift: Univision Foods Rolls Out ‘Tauffa’ and ‘Nut n Berry’ in B2C Push
Gurugram, April 11, 2025 – Univision Foods, a fast-growing name in the FMCG sector focusing on dry fruits segment, is making a significant expansion from B2B to the B2C market with the launch of its own brands, Tauffa and Nut n Berry. Known for its commitment to high-quality, accessible nutrition, Univision has built a strong presence in the industry with a focus on stringent quality standards, unique packaging and consumer trust. The company is now set to revolutionize the direct-to-consumer space with sharp pricing strategies and superior product quality, ensuring premium dry fruits is available to every household.
Univision launched Tauffa as a pilot project in January this year, which surpassed hopes, yielding over ₹10 million in sales in only three months. Tauffa has been able to satisfy a broad customer range with 15 SKUs, offering reasonable top-quality solutions for daily domestic requirements. The product range has cashews, almonds, raisins, pistachio, walnut, anjeer, munakka, dates, trail mix and seeds mix.
Tauffa comes with a3-layer zipper pouch packaging, with proper vacuum and nitrogen flushing to ensure the freshness of the products, which aesthetically gives a premium feel. The brand is available through quick commerce platforms such as Swiggy-instamart, Blinkit and market placed platforms – Amazon and Flipkart. Tauffa is also available in modern trade and general trade markets in Eastern U.P, Delhi/NCR and Guwahati.
Conversely, as a luxury brand distributed mostly through fast commerce sites and high-end retail stores, Nut n Berry will appeal to urban customer base. Initially debuting with 5 SKUs, Nut n Berry seeks to redefine the high-end dry fruit market.
On venturing into the B2C market, Chaudhary Dev Pratap Singh, Founder of Univision Foods says, “Having established ourselves in the B2B space, we are now venturing into the B2C market with Tauffa and Nut n Berry. Our goal is to reach consumers across the country with premium-quality products that stand out in the industry.”
11, Apr 2025
From Freezer to Fridge in Minutes: Whirlpool Redefines Speed with Convertible Innovation
New Delhi, 11 April 2025 – Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation and a pioneer in home appliances, is pleased to announce a significant technology upgrade & the best innovation in refrigeration technology – India’s fastest convertible refrigerator. Whirlpool’s IntelliFresh Pro range of top mount (frost-free) refrigerators offer a smarter way to store extra food; it converts its freezer to a fridge in just over 10 minutes!
Today’s consumers seek smart, time-saving solutions, and in the world of refrigerators, convertibility has become the latest must-have feature. But in real-world use, speed is what truly matters. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, preparing for a festive celebration, or accommodating last-minute guests, waiting for hours for a freezer-to-fridge* conversion is no longer an option. Inspired by this consumer insight, Whirlpool has enhanced the Intellifresh Pro Range of top-mount frost-free refrigerators so that the freezer converts into a fridge in just over 10 min —providing extra storage space, instantly!
India’s fastest convertible refrigerator range from Whirlpool is designed to deliver holistic food preservation, with 2X longer Vitamin retention and Microblock technology that prevents up to 99% bacterial growth—helping keep food fresher and safer for longer.
Powered by Whirlpool’s proprietary 6th Sense Technology, the convertible range is engineered to provide unparalleled adaptability. With 10 unique and relevant cooling modes, consumers can customize their refrigerator settings to suit their lifestyle – from storing fresh groceries to hosting a party or preserving seasonal delicacies.
Unmatched Features for Modern Homes:
- India’s Fastest Conversion: Converts from freezer to fridge* in just 10 minutes
- 10-in-1 Convertible Modes: Personalized cooling solutions for every need
- 6th Sense Technology: Unique 6th Sense technology intuitively senses and manages the temperature, humidity & air
- circulation to give you perfect comfort at pressing a single button.
- Premium Aesthetics: Seamless interiors and elegant exteriors for a stylish kitchen
- Best-in-Class Convenience: Spacious design, toughened glass shelves, and smart storage solutions
Commenting on the technology upgrade to the Intellifresh Pro Top Mount refrigerators – India’s fastest convertible range, Mr. Nakul Tewari, Vice President-Marketing, Whirlpool of India said, “We are excited to enhance the IntelliFresh Pro range of convertible top mount (Frost-Free) Refrigerators to deliver instant conversion from freezer to fridge, now in just over 10 min! India’s fastest convertible refrigerator now delivers even greater convenience and versatility. This upgrade reflects Whirlpool’s ongoing commitment to innovation and providing consumer-centric solutions”
11, Apr 2025
Hack-O-Mania 25: A Groundbreaking 30-Hour Hackathon at NMIMS Chandigarh
Chandigarh, 8th April 2025 — The much-anticipated Hack-O-Mania 25, a dynamic 30-hour inter-university hackathon, successfully concluded on April 5, 2025, at the School ofTechnology Management and Engineering, NMIMS Chandigarh. The event brought together bright minds from top universities across India and provided a platform for undergraduate students to demonstrate their skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Full Stack Development.
Focused on addressing real-world challenges through technology, Hack-O-Mania 25 featured four compelling problem statements:
1. Predictive Maintenance Systems for Smart Cities
2. AI-Powered Legal Document Analysis with Fraud Detection
3. AI-Based Traffic Optimization and Navigation
4. Personalized AI-Driven Learning and Assessment Systems
The event attracted participants from prestigious institutions such as Thapar University, UIET Panjab University, Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chitkara University, Amity University, and Chandigarh University. The students worked relentlessly to develop innovative technological solutions, showcasing their problem-solving prowess and technical acumen.
The distinguished panel of judges included Dr. Kundan Munjal, Chief Operating Officer of Zenmonk Tech Ltd., Mohali, alongside Mr. Harindar Singh and Mr. Harsh from Infosys.Projects were assessed on five core criteria: Innovation (25%), Technical Implementation (30%), Feasibility and Scalability (20%), Presentation and Communication (15%), and User Interface/User Experience Design (10%). The coveted first-place title was awarded to Team Hustlers Hive, with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a trophy, and certificates. The first and second runner-up teams were awarded a combined ₹13,000 and certificates for their exceptional contributions. Every participant received e-certificates in recognition of their efforts.
dditionally, winners and runners-up were given internship opportunities, exclusive branded merchandise, and other exciting prizes, with Verka serving as the official Community Partner for the event.
The success of Hack-O-Mania 25 underscores NMIMS Chandigarh commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the field of technology. The hackathon served as a powerful platform for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, creating a lasting impact on the participating students and setting a high benchmark for future student-led tech events.
11, Apr 2025
Strength Meets Compassion: The Mystical Union of Hanuman and Krishna Through Devotion
By-Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar Ji, Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Bhagavat) Kathavachak and Spiritual Orator
Hanuman Jayanti is the birth day of Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength, loyalty, and dedication. It occurs on the Chaitra Poornima, reminding us to introspect, to find the courage in righteousness, and tread the path of virtue. His devotion to Lord Ram reminds us of the authority of selfless service and blind faith. On this holy day, hearts look within, prayers ascend, and the spirit is brought back to remembering what it means to live for purpose and for devotion.
In the Shri Krishna Charit Manas, Jagadguru Shri Priyadarshi Ji Maharaj makes known Krishna’s message of surrender, selfless service, and deep devotion. The 5 Bhaavs (emotions/relations) through which we can connect with Shri Radha Krishna is also explained. One of the ways is ‘Daas Bhaav’. Hanuman ji is devoted to Shri Ram through this bhaav and foremost server Him as a servant. With every breath, Hanuman ji is unflinchingly devoted to Lord Ram. Through the Manas, Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar ji Maharaj preaches about all these 5 ‘Bhaavs’ and urges us to for a connection through any one of them.
Both point us in the direction of the same light: to serve with humility, to love without attachment, and to act without ego. Krishna through the Gita; Hanuman through his actions. Their existence is a lesson, reminding us that the path to the divine is cut through humility, valour, and the stillness of the soul.
11, Apr 2025
Arihant Academy Scales Up in Mumbai, Acquires Carmel Classes for USD 1.2 Million
Mumbai, India, 11th April 2025: Arihant Academy, a NSE listed education company, today announced that it has successfully acquired 100% stake in Carmel Classes and Carmel Tuitions in a deal valued at USD 1.2 million. Through this consolidation, Arihant Academy further strengthens its capabilities and expands its reach across Vasai and overall Mumbai.
The deal covers substantial infrastructure of almost 30 Carmel classrooms that will be added to Arihant’s portfolio along with a student base of over 2000+; thus, bolstering Arihant Academy’s reach and market share. Furthermore, these coalitions will boost a diversified course offerings and incorporate a wider range of curricula and subjects for Std. VIII, IX & X across State Board, CBSE and ICSE Divisions, Std. XI & XII – Commerce division along with professional courses such as CA & CS and IELTS English test. The acquisitions will further reinforce Arihant’s market leadership in the city’s education sector.
Speaking about the acquisitions, Mr. Anil Kapasi, Co-founder of Arihant Academy, expressed his enthusiasm, “The strategic integrations mark a significant milestone in our journey. Carmel Classes under the leadership of Shibu Sir, have built a strong reputation over the years, and we are honored to carry forward their legacy. With these coaching giants coming together, we plan to take the education system to the next level. Both the teams are fuelled by the desire to give the best education to our students not only in the form of facilities but also faculties. By combining our expertise, resources, and technology-driven education methods, we aim to enhance the learning experience for all students.”
Mr. Shibu Nair, the esteemed founder of Carmel Classes, said, “Since our inception in 1994, our goal has been to nurture students with quality education. Joining hands with Arihant Academy ensures that our students will now have access to advanced digital learning platforms, experienced faculty, and a vast academic network. I am confident that this collaboration will bring the best opportunities for our students.”
11, Apr 2025
Infrastructure Innovation Rewarded: Persistent Wins Google Cloud APAC Partner of the Year 2025
April 11, 2025 Santa Clara, CA and Pune, India
Persistent Systems, a global leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, announced today that it has received the 2025 Google Cloud Infrastructure Modernization Partner of the Year Award for Asia Pacific. This prestigious recognition highlights Persistent’s achievements in helping enterprises seamlessly transition to Google Cloud, enabling cost optimization, scalability, and advanced AI-driven analytics to accelerate business growth.
Persistent was selected for this award based on its successful execution of one of the largest Google Cloud migrations globally, helping a leading e-commerce platform transition 6,000+ microservices, 100+ PB of data, and large-scale AI/ML workloads to Google Cloud. Given the scale and complexity of migrating highly interdependent applications, data pipelines, and databases, Persistent ensured uninterrupted services for the e-commerce platform with zero downtime. The migration improved scalability, reduced cloud costs by 30%, and enhanced platform performance, empowering 100 million small businesses across India’s digital economy.
In 2025, Persistent solidified its position as a leading cloud transformation partner, driving innovation through large-scale migrations, AI-driven insights, and cloud-native solutions. Building on its strategic partnership agreement with Google Cloud, this recognition reaffirms Persistent’s commitment to helping businesses across industries modernize their infrastructure, optimize operations, and unlock new growth opportunities on Google Cloud.
Vijay Verma, Chief Revenue Officer – Service Lines, Persistent
“For over a decade, Persistent has partnered with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to help clients overcome challenges and achieve their business goals. Our deep expertise and strong relationship with GCP allow us to develop effective strategies for migration and maintenance, driving accelerated growth. We’re excited to have collaborated with India’s leading e-commerce platform on a significant cloud transformation project—an exhilarating journey of large-scale migration.”
Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem, Google Cloud
“Google Cloud’s Partner Awards recognize partners who have created outsized value for customers through the delivery of innovative solutions and a high level of expertise. We’re proud to announce Persistent as a 2025 Google Cloud Partner Award winner and celebrate their impact enabling customer success over the past year.”
11, Apr 2025
The Wait is Over: Warehouse by Mudita’s Epic Designer Sale Lands in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, India (Date) – Get ready, Hyderabad! The most anticipated luxury fashion exhibition of the year is making its way to the City of Nizams. Warehouse is bringing its legendary Sale to Hyderabad on 24th April, 2025 at Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills. The country’s most loved designer sale is opening its doors for one day only—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this.
If you love designer wear and want to shop at a fraction of their price, this is your golden ticket. Shop bridal lehengas, dreamy sarees, festive outfits, trousseau must-haves, and summer wedding essentials—all from 40+ of India’s top designers at upto 70% off!
Expect stunning finds from Rohit Bal, Anushree Reddy, Masaba, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, S&N By Shantnu Nikhil, Dhruv Kapoor, Papa Don’t Preach By Shubhika, Vikram Phadnis, Elisha Wadhwani, Tasva By Tarun Tahiliani, Rococo By Raghvi, Shaveta & Anuj, Nitin Bal Chauhan, Abraham & Thakore, Varun Nidhika and many more. Whether you’re a bride, groom, wedding guest, or just someone who loves a good fashion steal—this is your chance to own luxury at less.
But the excitement begins even earlier for the truly discerning luxury enthusiasts! Warehouse has a special VIP Hour from 10 AM to 11 AM on 24th April. This exclusive window, requiring prior registration, offers a first look at the entire collection. Imagine having an hour of unhurried browsing, the first pick of the most coveted pieces, and the chance to shop the absolute best deals before anyone else. For those who appreciate exclusivity and the thrill of discovering the best, must-have items, the WH VIP Hour is an unmissable opportunity to elevate your Warehouse experience.
