15, May 2025
New Relic Announces Manivannan Govindan as Senior Director of Enterprise Sales, Asia
Bangalore India – May 15, 2025 — New Relic, the Intelligent Observability company, announced the appointment of Manivannan Govindan as Senior Director of Enterprise Sales, Asia. Govindan brings 25+ years of monitoring and observability sales experience to the role, where he has driven significant value at several organisations including Cisco, Amazon, and CA Technologies.

Manivannan Govindan
Based in Singapore, Govindan will join a dynamic and highly experienced regional leadership team. This includes Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan Simon Lee, Group Vice President of Customer Adoption Rob Newell, recently appointed Senior Director of Enterprise Sales for Australia and New Zealand Denis Maguire, as well as other key senior leaders driving strategic growth and customer success across the region.
“Asia is a very promising market for New Relic. There is tremendous growth potential across traditional enterprises looking to modernise, as well as digital natives requiring scale and agility,” said New Relic Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan, Simon Lee. “With extensive experience in the Asian observability market, I couldn’t be more excited to have Manivannan join the team and take our Asian business to new heights, while delivering real value for our customers.”
Businesses in the Asia Pacific region are turning to observability tools to improve operations, reduce cloud spending, and deliver better customer experiences. According to Gartner, worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to total $723.4 billion in 2025, up from $595.7 billion in 2024. Gartner also predicts that 90% of organisations will adopt a hybrid cloud strategy by 2027, presenting a challenge in synchronising data across hybrid cloud environments. The New Relic Intelligent Observability Platform enables businesses to optimise operations by addressing rising cloud costs and tool proliferation, while improving customer experiences.
“Customers in Asia are rapidly driving digital transformation and adopting multi-cloud and containerised applications, while retaining complex backends in hybrid architectures,” said New Relic Senior Director of Enterprise Sales Asia, Manivannan Govindan. “New Relic is uniquely positioned to help Asian enterprises achieve visibility across their entire IT estates, ultimately helping them reduce complexity while ensuring the availability and performance of their digital services. I couldn’t be more excited to join the team and help demonstrate the power of the New Relic Intelligent Observability Platform.”
Govindan’s appointment comes after a series of innovations and enhancements. This includes New Relic’s reimagined Partner Program, which has been designed to fuel business growth for its partner ecosystem with stronger incentives for partners, as well as new and simplified certifications and enhanced training. In addition, 20+ innovations and integrations that leverage AI-strengthened intelligence and insights to drive business uptime were recently announced across the New Relic Intelligent Observability Platform.
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- By Neel Achary
14, May 2025
Goyal Salt’s FY25 PAT grown by 40.11% to Rs 13.24 crore
Jaipur, May 14, 2025: Goyal Salt Limited, leading FMCG player which specializes in salt, has announced its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025.
| Particulars | FY25 | FY24 | YoY (%) | |
| Net Revenues | 129.97 | 117.74 | 10.39% | |
| EBITDA | 11.94 | 7.45 | 60.27% | |
| PAT | 13.24 | 9.45 | 40.11% |
FY25 Financial Highlights
- Total Income in FY25 was at ₹ 129.97 crore, as compared to ₹ 117.70 crore in FY24, up by 10.39%
- EBITDA was at ₹ 11.94 crore as compared to ₹ 7.45 crore in FY24; registered a growth of 60.27%
- PAT was at ₹ 13.24 crore as compared to ₹ 9.45 crore in FY24, increase of 40.11%
Operational Highlights
- Company had inaugurated India’s largest natural salt plant in salt capital of India, Gandhidham in the month of April, 2025
- Total capacity of the company is 2,200 MT per day and 6,60,000 MT per year
Commenting on the performance, Mr. Pramesh Goyal, Managing Director said, “We are delighted to report all time high net revenues of ₹ 129.97 crore for the year.
The Gandhidham plant is expected to increase Goyal Salt’s production capabilities and more than double its turnover in two years to ₹ 275 crore. The Gandhidham facility is a landmark achievement towards strengthening our operations and expanding presence to western and eastern markets in the country. With such plant capacity enhancement, we are poised to boost our market share, consolidating our leadership role in the industry.
With the new capacity on board the company will have full utilisation in FY27 and with both volume and price growth due to branding efforts in both Northern, Western and Eastern markets the company is going to achieve higher revenues with the current expanded capacity.”
14, May 2025
Sonal Panwar: Acting Found Me Before I Found It

Sometimes, destiny scripts the best stories and for &TV’s young and talented actor Sonal Panwar, it could not be truer. Today, she is winning hearts as Inspector Malaika in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, a tough, disciplined, and level-headed police officer who is known for her values and serves as the rare voice of reason in the quirky Singh household. Looking back at how her acting journey began, Sonal Panwar aka Malaika shares,“Acting, quite literally, happened to me by chance. A few years ago, a friend who was directing an episode for a crime show called me last minute to fill in for a role. At that point, becoming an actor was not even on my radar. I was just helping out. But the moment I stepped onto the set, something clicked. The buzz of the camera, the lights, the team working coordinated, it all felt surreal. People are getting your makeup done, offering you water, and everyone is so focused. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this is what being an actor feels like?’ That spontaneous moment changed everything for me.” But the road ahead was not all glamorous. She adds, “Of course, the journey was not as dreamy as that first day. I had to audition relentlessly before anything substantial came my way. Eventually, I landed a role in a web series alongside one of my favourite actors, Richa Chadha. I will be honest—I was more of a fangirl on set than a co-actor! But those early experiences taught me a lot and gave me the confidence I needed to take on bigger roles.
Speaking about her experience joining Happu Ki Ultan Paltan and stepping into the shoes of Malaika, Sonal recalls, “My journey to this show was extremely smooth. It genuinely wanted to come home. I already knew most of the cast and crew because I had worked with them on another show from the same production house. Although I joined the show later and replaced another actor in the role, the transition was seamless thanks to the support and guidance of my director and co-actors.” For Sonal, Inspector Malaika is more than just a character, “I love being part of this show and playing Inspector Malaika. For me, she is not just another role, she reflects grit, groundedness, and girl power. Playing Malaika is empowering. She is bold, fair, speaks her mind, and knows how to stand tall in the middle of household madness.”
14, May 2025
ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL Leads dollar550K Seed Round in LUZO – Powering the Future of Tech-Enabled Wellness
May 14th, 2025: ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL Inc. has led a $550K seed funding round in Salonsurf Ventures, the company behind LUZO, a curated marketplace for salons, spas, and wellness clinics.The round includes participation from several investors, notably including the Founders of Swiggy Dineout and Orra.
Founded by Anurav Dave, Nikhil Kalwani, and Maan Jetley, LUZO is building a digital platform that streamlines the way consumers discover and book beauty and wellness services. The platform addresses the growing demand among India’s urban consumers for high-quality, convenient, and tech-enabled experiences.

With over 65% of India’s population under 35 and increasing awareness around self-care, there is a rising preference for premium grooming services. LUZO responds to this shift by offering a seamless way to explore, compare, and book curated services across verified providers.
Harsh Deordhar, Principal at ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL added, “LUZO’s model is grounded in clear market demand, user-first design, and efficient execution. The beauty and wellness space in India is undergoing a digital transformation, and LUZO is well-positioned to play a defining role in shaping its evolution.”
The capital raised will be used to strengthen LUZO’s technology infrastructure, expand its partner network in Tier-1 cities, and increase brand visibility among its target audiences.
Anurav Dave, Co-founder of LUZO further added, “Our goal is to make luxury wellness more accessible and frictionless. This investment supports our next phase of growth as we expand our reach and enhance user experience through technology.”
ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL continues to invest in ventures driving cultural and consumer change, with LUZO representing a step forward in building the digital future of beauty and wellness.
14, May 2025
LuxeGlamp expands to UAE with Landmark Eco-Tourism Project in Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain / New Delhi – 14 May 2025: Luxeglamp Eco-resorts, the pioneers of luxury glamping in India, has opened its first overseas glamping destination at Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company has announced the commencement of operations of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the UAE’s first dedicated eco-tourism glamping resort.
The project, the foundation stone for which was laid by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al Quwain, signaling the emirate’s shared commitment to responsible and future-forward tourism, is located in the heart of the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, offering ten glass-domed suites, each spanning nearly 1,000 square feet.
Antony Thomas, Founder and CEO of LuxeGlamp, said, “LuxeGlamp UAQ is a celebration of what Indian eco-luxury hospitality can achieve globally. We’re proud to share our nature-first design philosophy with the world. A highlight of the destination is Luxe Bistro. This stunning glass-domed fine-dining restaurant delivers a fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, crafted with local and sustainable ingredients”.
Spread over 50 acres and with a build-up area of 3 acres is a first-of-its-kind project in the region, LuxeGlamp UAQ merges luxury hospitality with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, redefining conscious travel in the Middle East. It is designed to offer a sustainable and luxurious glamping experience, becoming the regions most significant eco-tourism venture. These panoramic domes are meticulously designed to blend into the mangrove ecosystem and offer guests private plunge pools, wooden decks, saunas, and hammocks—all with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and surrounding mangroves.
The resort features
Sustainability Highlights:
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- 100% eco-conscious design: no permanent structures, no piling, and zero soil disturbance
- Solar-powered operation across the property
- Structures made from recyclable materials including tempered glass and aluminium
- Use of sustainable bamboo for 80% of wood applications
- No single-use plastics
- Interiors feature elegant Balinese design fused with local cultural elements
Founded by Indian entrepreneur Antony Thomas, LuxeGlamp has become a recognized name in India for its award-winning, eco-sensitive glamping retreats in India at Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala. With the launch of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the brand proudly steps onto the global stage, showcasing Indian innovation in sustainable tourism.
14, May 2025
Pune’s Billabong High International School Amanora Toppers Shine with an Impressive 95.6% in CBSE 2025 Results
Pune, [14th May 2025 ] – Billabong High International School, Amanora, is delighted to announce the outstanding performance of its first cohort of Grade X students in the CBSE Board Examinations 2025. With a focus on personalized learning, the school continues to nurture learners who excel both academically and beyond, preparing them to meet the challenges of the future.
Billabong High International School remains committed to fostering creative thinkers through a dynamic curriculum and a global perspective. The school’s neuroscience-based curriculum, combined with personalized attention, ensures that learners not only excel academically but also develop critical life skills.
Ms. Aditi Mukherjee, School Leader of Billabong High International School, Amanora, expressed her pride in the learners ‘ accomplishments, “The journey to this day has been filled with anticipation and effort, and our learners have truly risen to the challenge. Educating this batch was not just an academic endeavour but a shared journey of growth and discovery. We pushed them to see their potential, encouraging them to set goals and strive relentlessly towards them. Today, their hard work has paid off, and they have made us immensely proud.”
The school’s tailored approach to education has led to impressive outcomes, with Tamizh Inniyan emerging as the Grade X topper with 95.6%. Other high achievers include Ayushman Suryawanshi (94.80%), Arika Vitthal Gangi (94.0%), and Siddhanth Deepak Nair (90.60%).
Outstanding Academic Achievements Highlighting Excellence in Information Technology
● Ayushman Suryawanshi demonstrated exceptional proficiency by scoring a perfect 100 in Information Technology.
● Arika Gangi also showcased a remarkable performance, securing an impressive 99 in the same subject
School Topper Tamizh Inniyan shared, “I am deeply grateful to my school, principal, teachers, and parents for their constant support in helping me get great results in board exam. My school provided the perfect environment to grow academically and personally. My teachers guided me patiently, always encouraging me to give my best. My parents stood by me with love, motivation, and strength throughout the journey. Balancing studies with sports kept me disciplined, focused, and energized. This journey was not easy, but the support around me made it meaningful and enjoyable. Thank you all for being part of my success—I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Billabong High International School’s success is a testament to the collective effort of the learners, teachers, and the school community. This year’s exceptional CBSE results underscore the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing not just academic achievers but well-rounded, future-ready leaders.
14, May 2025
Farmley Completes dollar40 Million Series C Fundraise Led by L Catterton
Chandigarh, May 14, 2025 – Farmley, a rapidly-growing healthy snacking brand in India, today announced that it has completed a $40 million Series C fundraise led by L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm. Existing shareholders such as DSG Consumer Partners also participated in the fundraise. The investments position Farmley to further scale the briskly-evolving dried fruits and nuts segment of the country’s healthy snacking market.
The dried fruits and nuts segment of India’s healthy snacking market is expected to expand by around 14% annually over the next six years to cross $8.5 billion by 2031 on the back on secular tailwinds. These include consumers’ increasing propensity to swap unhealthy snacks for healthier ones, as well as eat these snacks not only when they feel peckish, but also to meet other needs such as post-workout nourishment and small meal replacement. Consumers are also increasingly opting for branded snacks that offer consistent quality via organized sales channels with better hygiene standards than unorganized ones, just like they have in other packaged food categories.

Farmley has become the fastest-growing brand in its category by offering a diverse portfolio of wholesome, better-for-you snacks via its omnichannel distribution network. Seeking to redefine the future of healthy snacking through innovative products, the company crafts indulgent yet guilt-free snacks based on the goodness of dried fruits and nuts. These include India’s widest range of flavoured makhanas, as well as trail mixes, date bites, and seeds which have garnered market-leading advocacy rates.
Underscoring Farmley’s growing appeal, its revenue has risen by approximately 55% annually over the past two years to reach around INR 370 crore in FY25. Significantly, the company has generated such momentum while also achieving profitability, attesting to its financial discipline. Moreover, its unique farm-to-palm model empowers farmers, promotes sustainable practices, and delivers exceptional quality to its customers.
Commenting on the investment, Farmley Co-Founders Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal said, “We are committed to reimagining snacking for the modern Indian consumer, transforming what was once considered mere convenience food into a wholesome delightful experience. We are thrilled to partner with L Catterton as its differentiated combination of global and local insights into our industry, as well as proven operating capabilities will be instrumental as we continue revolutionizing the healthy snacking landscape in India. Our roadmap includes penetrating untapped regional markets, developing cutting-edge product formulations that blend nutrition with exceptional taste, and leveraging advanced food technology to create snacks that truly nourish both the body and the palate.”
L Catterton Partner and Head of India Anjana Sasidharan added, “Farmley has been able to astutely capitalise on long-term consumer trends with its better-for-you positioning and high-quality products which resonate with customers. Its robust dried fruit and nut sourcing capabilities, prolific new product development engine, and strategic partner status across key sales channels have been vital drivers of the company’s growth in its category. We are excited to collaborate with the talented team at Farmley to further realise the company’s potential by drawing on our experience in building multiple food brands across the world.”
L Catterton has significant experience building brands in the packaged food sector across the world. Current and past investments in the space include Cholula Hot Sauce, Ferrara Candy Company, Goodles, Kettle Foods, Kodiak, Little Moons, NotCo, Planted, and Plum Organics.
14, May 2025
Oxford International Digital Institute Named ‘Rising EdTech Organisation of the Year’ at Ed-Falcon Global Awards 2025
14th May 2025: Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) has been recognised as the ‘Rising EdTech Organisation of the Year’ at the prestigi
ous Ed-Falcon Global Awards 2025, held during the EdTalk World Conference in New Delhi recently. The award was presented by Dr Maria Efstratopoulou, Head of the Department of Special Gifted Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, to Ratnesh Mishra, Regional Director Oxford International Digital Institute South Asia. The award recognises OIDI’s contribution to digital education and its efforts to make education more accessible to learners everywhere.
The award recognises OIDI’s innovative work in the field of digital education, particularly through its AI-powered platforms such as the Oxford English Language Level Test (OELLT), the Spotlight language placement test, and the blended higher education programmes offered through the Oxford International Pathway College (OIPC). These initiatives have enabled learners worldwide to demonstrate English proficiency remotely, undergo personalised assessments for accurate course placement, and prepare effectively for university studies, resulting in strong academic outcomes.
Speaking on the recognition, Ratnesh Mishra of Oxford International Digital Institute said – “We are proud to be recognised for pushing the boundaries of what digital education can offer learners around the world. At OIDI, we believe in creating meaningful, technology-driven solutions that expand global learning opportunities. This recognition motivates us to continue building inclusive, accessible, and high-quality pathways for learners around the world.”
The Ed-Falcon Global Awards, held annually in conjunction with the EdTalk World Conference, acknowledge exceptional contributions to education across multiple categories, with a particular focus on innovation, scalability, and impact. The two-day event brought together leading professionals from academia, government, and the EdTech industry to discuss the future of education and share insights on emerging trends.
14, May 2025
Career Transition and Salary Growth Drive 60% of Working Professionals to Pursue Finance Certifications
A recent study exploring upskilling trends among finance professionals conducted by Zell Education has revealed a significant shift in how mid-career individuals are approaching continued learning. The report highlights that a growing majority of finance learners today are working professionals seeking to future-proof their careers in an evolving economic landscape shaped by digital transformation, regulatory changes, and emerging financial technologies.
According to the study by Zell Education, 60% of individuals currently pursuing finance certifications are working professionals, while 40% are fresh graduates. This shift signals a strong motivation among mid-level talent to sharpen their skills, pivot into new roles, or seek career advancement. The most in-demand certifications among this group include ACCA, CFA, and CPA programs that offer global relevance and technical depth. Learners are increasingly prioritizing structured, mentor-led programs over self-paced formats, citing better guidance and outcomes.
The motivations behind this surge in upskilling are multifaceted. Career transition and salary growth emerged as the top two drivers. Professionals are not just looking to climb the corporate ladder within their current roles but are also exploring lateral moves into high-growth sectors. Notably, industries such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), fintech, consulting, and startups are witnessing a marked increase in demand for certified finance talent.
The study also found that nearly 45% of professionals who complete a certification experience tangible career benefits—be it a promotion, a role change, or a salary hike within a year of completion. This figure underscores the strong return on investment that continued learning offers, especially in a domain as dynamic as finance.
Despite these positive outcomes, challenges persist. Time constraints and lack of employer support are the most commonly cited hurdles faced by working professionals pursuing certification programs. However, there is encouraging movement on the corporate front, with a growing number of companies beginning to sponsor upskilling initiatives, indicating a broader recognition of the importance of workforce development in finance.
“Today’s finance professionals are not just looking to move up the ladder—they’re looking to pivot into high-growth areas like ESG investing and fintech. This study confirms a shift in mindset from job security to skill-based agility”, said Pratham Barot, CEO & Founder, Zell Education.
The average age of professionals opting for finance certifications lies between 26 and 30, reflecting a critical career phase where individuals are weighing long-term growth against evolving industry demands. Additionally, new areas such as ESG investing and fintech are gaining popularity, pointing to a shift in the competencies professionals now consider essential for the future.
14, May 2025
APM Terminals Pipavav Concludes Second Edition of Future Leaders Program with Maersk Training and Gujarat Maritime University
Ahmedabad, India – Building on its mission to shape India’s maritime future through innovation and skill development, APM Terminals Pipavav (GPPL), in partnership with Maersk Training and Gujarat Maritime University (GMU), has concluded the second season of the Future Leaders – Foundation Program. This initiative is a key milestone in equipping India’s next generation of maritime professionals with the right mindset, global exposure, and future-ready capabilities.

Held over five days at GMU’s GIFT City campus, the program combines cutting-edge immersive learning with industry mentorship. It’s a direct outcome of the tripartite MoU signed at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 and reflects GPPL’s continued alignment with the Government of India’s Skill India and Maritime India Vision 2030.
This year, 36 participants underwent an intensive curriculum delivered by global subject matter experts. The sessions covered everything from virtual reality-based port and shipboard simulations to legal case studies, sustainability challenges, and supply chain management using Maersk’s renowned “Farm to Fridge” model. Participants also honed their teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities through scenario-based exercises and collaborative problem-solving modules.
The program serves as a launchpad for the upcoming Virtual Reality Centre of Excellence (VR CoE) at GMU—India’s first immersive learning hub designed for the maritime, logistics, and heavy industry sectors. Backed by Maersk’s global training ecosystem, the CoE will offer high-impact leadership and safety training using advanced simulations. It aims to upskill students and young professionals with global best practices and create pathways for international collaboration across Maersk CoE locations in Japan, Saudi Arabia, the US, and Taiwan.
This initiative strengthens GPPL’s long-term commitment to developing a competitive and sustainable maritime workforce. It is also a testament to Gujarat’s growing role as a maritime education and innovation hub. Through strong industry-academia collaboration, the program is helping bridge the skill gap and prepare India’s youth to lead on the global maritime stage.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Mr. Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pipavav, said: “This program is more than an academic exercise. It’s a platform where the future of India’s maritime sector takes shape—young, curious minds are exposed to innovation, global practices, and sustainability. We are immensely proud to see the second season conclude successfully and remain committed to equipping India’s youth with the right tools to lead tomorrow’s maritime transformation.”
The second edition concluded with an engaging closing ceremony at Gujarat Maritime University, graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Sanjeevi Shanthakumar (Chancellor, GMU), Dr. Tanuja Kaushik, Dr. Abhay Singh Thakur, and facilitators from Maersk Training including Capt. Jaspreet Singh Puri, Porchelvan Arun, and Pricilla Stephen. Their collective guidance and participation marked the successful culmination of a high-impact learning journey.
Strategically aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India Mission, the program highlights how strategic collaboration between industry and academia can drive meaningful talent development for the maritime sector.