7, Jun 2025
Optometry Students at ITM Institute of Health Sciences Gain Hands-On Training with Shamir Lens Workshop
Navi Mumbai, 7 June 2025 – Optometry students at ITM’s Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) participated in an insightful and interactive dispensing workshop conducted by Shamir Lens, a global leader in innovative lens technologies. The students benefited from hands-on experience in modern dispensing techniques and technologies that integrate the theory with practice.
Topics addressed in the workshop included important component aspects of dispensing such as lens selection, lens fitting, and lens adjustments. Shamir’s exhibition team introduced their latest lens designs and tints; thus, students received a balanced, thorough review of the wide range of choices for lenses in today’s optical market.
One of the key highlights of the session was a live demonstration of Spark 4, Shamir’s state-of-the-art digital measurement tool. Students had the opportunity to witness how eye care professionals use this high-tech tool to fit lenses with great precision and speed, a skill that’s becoming more and more crucial in today’s optometry field.
“It was a highly productive and engaging session for our students,” said Dr. Sankalp Rao, Director at ITM IHS. “Workshops like these not only enhance practical learning but also expose students to the latest industry innovations, preparing them to deliver high-quality eye care in the future.”
This partnership of ITM Institute of Health Sciences (Institute) with Shamir Lens demonstrates the institute’s dedication to industry exposure in its academic program and ensuring its students leave with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the world of optometry.
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- By Neel Achary
7, Jun 2025
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal Welcomes UP Government’s Power Sector Reform
Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Ltd., has lauded the Uttar Pradesh Government’s progressive move to privatize two state-run electricity distribution companies – Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd. (PuVVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd. (DVVNL).
Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Agarwal called the move a “very good step,” emphasizing that such reforms have historically led to improved outcomes in the power sector. “Wherever this has been done, better results have been achieved. This reduces electricity wastage and improves supply,” he wrote.
Mr. Agarwal further added that privatization helps ensure affordable and reliable electricity for consumers, reduces financial burden on the government, and improves the operational health of distribution companies.
“This reform is beneficial for all stakeholders, the government, the industry, and most importantly, the people,” he stated.
The power sector reforms in Uttar Pradesh have attracted significant interest from leading industry players, including Adani, Greenko, Tata, and Torrent Power, marking a notable shift towards efficient and sustainable electricity distribution.
7, Jun 2025
Central Bank of India announces acquisition of 24.91% stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited & 25.18% stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited
Mumbai, June 7, 2025: Central Bank of India acquired 24.91% equity stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL) and 25.18% equity stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL), marking the Bank’s strategic entry into both the life and general insurance sectors.
Necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and Competition Commission of India (CCI) were obtained prior to completion of share transfer.
Key Highlights of the Transaction:
| FGIICL (General Insurance) | FGILICL (Life Insurance) | |
| Target Entity | Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL) | Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL) |
| Nature of Business | General Insurance | Life Insurance |
| Equity Stake Acquired | 24.91% | 25.18% |
| Completion Date | June 4, 2025 | June 4, 2025 |
Pursuant to this transaction, Central Bank of India will be classified as a promoter in both Future Generali India Insurance & Future Generali India Life Insurance.
FGIICL, established in 2006 and based in Mumbai, is a prominent player in India’s general insurance sector. With a presence in over 150 locations nationwide, the company offers a wide array of insurance products across retail, commercial, rural, and personal segments, serving both individuals and corporate clients.
FGILICL, also incorporated in 2006 and headquartered in Mumbai, has a robust network spanning more than 1,300 locations across the country. The company delivers a broad spectrum of life insurance solutions, catering to the needs of both individual and group customers.
This acquisition underscores Central Bank of India commitment to creating long-term value for its stakeholders by expanding into high-potential financial services verticals. The Bank aims to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the fast-growing Indian insurance industry through acquisition.
7, Jun 2025
Genpact Acquires XponentL Data to Accelerate AI-Led Innovation
New Delhi, – June 7, 2025 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global advanced technology services and solutions company, today announced it has acquired XponentL Data, a data products and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider. XponentL brings differentiated domain-led data strategy, design, and engineering capabilities; deep industry experience; and strategic partnerships. This acquisition builds on Genpact’s pivot to data, AI, and other advanced technologies, further enhancing Genpact’s ability to help clients across the lifecycle of AI transformation, from strategy through implementation.
In addition to being a Databricks partner, XponentL adds robust training and capabilities across numerous leading data platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft. The company also brings proven industry- and process-specific solutions that accelerate time to business value.
“We believe the future belongs to companies that deploy AI at speed and scale – on a bedrock of data expertise,” said Balkrishan ‘BK’ Kalra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Genpact. “At Genpact, we have been steadily pivoting to an AI-first future, and today’s acquisition is another proof point of our commitment to deliver client value through innovative solutions. XponentL’s robust intellectual property will further strengthen how Genpact can help clients harness the full value of their data. We are incredibly excited to welcome XponentL Data to the Genpact team.”
“Genpact and XponentL share a vision to unlock the power of data for our clients – this opportunity allows us to take it to the next level,” said Tom Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer, XponentL Data. “Genpact’s domain, process, and technology leadership, global footprint, and extensive client base will help scale our solutions together to drive greater impact for our clients.”
The combination further positions Genpact to help clients with data and AI transformation, creating a foundational intelligence capability to drive operational efficiency and business growth in the agentic AI era. The acquisition will fuel Genpact’s Service-as-Agentic-Solutions and the Genpact AI Gigafactory by bringing comprehensive domain solutions in Life Sciences and Healthcare, as well as deep expertise with enterprise data and AI strategy, architecture, and engineering talent.
“XponentL Data has been a pioneer in applying intelligent agents and modern data architectures on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to drive real-world impact. Their acquisition by Genpact—a global leader in digital transformation and operational excellence—creates a unique combination of innovation and scale,” said Michael Hartman, Senior Vice President, Americas Industry, Databricks. “We’re excited to support this next chapter as they help enterprises operationalize AI and drive measurable business value.”
XponentL is headquartered in Pennsylvania and operates globally. Johnstone will continue to lead the XponentL business and all XponentL employees will join Genpact.
7, Jun 2025
GlobalGyan Launches ‘Sarathi Leadership Program’ to Accelerate Mid-Level Managers into Future CXO Roles
Mumbai, 7 June 2025: GlobalGyan Leadership Academy has opened enrolments for the 2025 edition of its flagship executive education initiative, the Sarathi Leadership Program. This transformational journey is crafted to help mid-level managers step into strategic leadership and prepare for CXO roles. Tailored for professionals with over 10+ years of experience, Sarathi bridges the critical gap between operational execution and enterprise-level leadership.
Unlike traditional programs that lean heavily on theory, Sarathi offers a deeply experiential and practical approach to leadership development. Through immersive learning labs, real-time simulations, and mentoring from some of India’s most respected leadership coaches, the program builds strategic clarity, emotional resilience, and the ability to lead transformational change across complex business environments. Sarathi empowers participants to think and act like senior leaders, enabling a shift from managing functions to leading businesses.
The program is structured into four progressive phases: Pre-Immersion, Strategic Leadership Accelerator, Executive Influence Studio, and Post-Immersion Coaching. A cornerstone of the experience is two in-person, three-day immersion labs, where participants engage in live case explorations, strategic decision-making, and the acclaimed Game of Stones simulation designed to sharpen leadership judgment under uncertainty.
What sets Sarathi apart is its faculty of high-impact leadership coaches, including Srinivasa Addepalli, Chandramoulee P., Abhishek Kumar, and Suman Addepalli — seasoned experts who have delivered leadership development programs at top corporates like Mahindra group, HUL, ITC, and the Aditya Birla Group. Their real-world experience enables participants to gain actionable insights and mentorship grounded in business realities.
“Today’s mid-level leaders are often caught in the gap between execution and strategy, highly capable, yet not always equipped with the perspective or tools to influence at the enterprise level. Sarathi was created to fill that void. This is not just a training program. It’s a platform designed to elevate professionals from functional expertise to strategic leadership, helping them confidently step into CXO roles.” said Srinivasa Addepalli, Director, GlobalGyan Leadership Academy.
7, Jun 2025
Technology Leaders Face High Stakes in the AI Race, finds new KPMG International Report
7 June 2025: KPMG International has released its latest flagship study, “The Intelligent Tech Enterprise: A Blueprint for Creating Value Through AI-Driven Transformation,” revealing that while 88% of tech leaders believe AI adoption is key to competitive advantage, only 47% are currently seeing significant ROI from their investments.
The report, based on insights from 1,390 global executives which included 183 respondents from the technology sector. These leaders shared their experiences and perspectives on overcoming barriers to AI adoption, from dismantling legacy systems to addressing organizational inertia. We also tapped into our own experiences from helping KPMG clients on more than 500 AI engagements that outlined a clear, three-phase blueprint for technology companies to realize meaningful value from AI in three phases: Enable, Embed, and Evolve.
Sharing his views, Purushothaman KG, Partner and Head Technology Transformation, KPMG in India said “India’s tech ecosystem is uniquely positioned to leapfrog into the intelligent enterprise era, with 81% of technology firms planning to systematically integrate AI into their products and services within the next 12 months. The strategic integration of AI can redefine our global competitiveness, as 63% of enterprises are set to increase AI spending by more than 10% in the coming year. However, realizing AI’s full value requires a concerted effort—underscoring the importance of robust governance frameworks, talent development, and embedding AI into core business operations. Organizations that proactively embrace these imperatives will not only drive innovation but also set new benchmarks in delivering value and efficiency.”
Here are the key highlights
- Technology companies face the biggest opportunities and threats from AI, with many playing a pivotal dual role, as users of AI and providers of AI to all other sectors. They now hold the pole position in the race towards an intelligent enterprise and set the pace for others to follow, but risk obsolescence at every turn.
- AI also threatens their current business models as software development costs plummet, AI-native startups emerge and agents make it possible to deliver “service- as-software” (new SaaS)
- Technology executives need to solve at least three AI challenges in parallel. First, they must master the use of available AI tools to boost productivity in their own organisation. Next, they need to embed AI into their products and services faster and better than their competitors. Finally, executives must prepare to adapt their business model to a world where all their customers and suppliers have adopted AI, while considering the role that agents will play in the near future
- 88% believe that technology companies that embrace AI will develop a competitive edge over those who do not
- 85% will increase the percentage of global budget spent on AI
- 68% expect a moderate to very high ROI from AI investments of 10% or more
- 63% are aiming to increase AI investments by more than 10% in the coming year
- 60% are seeking to improve efficiency
- 51% of technology companies are systematically incorporating AI into products and services enabling continuous innovation, tailored solutions and market differentiation, with 81% planning to do so in the next 12 months, signaling a strong commitment to embedded AI as a core driver of business value. This is the opposite of most other sectors where the focus is largely on improving efficiency
- Top 5 GenAI opportunities for technology firms:
- Performance optimization
- Customer relationship management
- Operations execution
- Code generation
- Supply chain resource allocation
- Data governance
- Intelligent analytics
- Supply chain optimization
- Quality assurance
- Digital assistants & automation
The report suggests five key actions for AI success:
- Architect a coherent, AI-centric vision and strategy
- Build trust and ethical AI frameworks
- Supercharge AI product intelligence
- Scale AI operations with next-gen infrastructure and data
- Evangelize AI internally to power workstream transformation
7, Jun 2025
AI-Powered Travel Tech Startup The Tarzan Way Raises ₹2 Cr in Seed Round from Inflection Point Ventures
Noida, 7th June 2025– The Tarzan Way, an AI-powered travel tech platform redefining how the world travels, has raised ₹2 crore in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilised for product development (35%), operational streamlining (25%), marketing (20%), HR and admin (15%), and miscellaneous expenses (5%). The round also saw participation from Your Trips Limited (UK-based travel company), Prateek Maheshwari (Founder at PhysicsWallah) and other angel investors.
Founded in 2020 by Shikhar Chadha and Shivank Tripathi, The Tarzan Way is an intelligent travel companion that enables users to design hyper-personalised, authentic holiday experiences across the globe in just a few clicks. The company is driven by the mission to simplify and elevate travel through technology.
Both founders bring complementary skills and a shared passion for travel innovation. Shikhar and Shivank aim to break the clutter in the travel industry by combining deep tech with human-centric storytelling, enabling each trip to be memorable and meaningful.
Ankur Mittal, Co- Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “As more people venture out to explore the world, the demand for experiential travel — journeys that are immersive, personalized, and meaningful — is rapidly rising. Yet, most travellers still rely on traditional travel agencies that offer rigid plans, or they find themselves overwhelmed trying to plan it all on their own. Tarzan Way bridges this gap by using AI and technology to create smart, tailored travel experiences that act as a true companion throughout the journey — making every trip not just a getaway, but a story worth remembering.”
The startup operates on a global scale and is fast emerging as a go-to platform for immersive travel experiences. The fresh funds will be deployed towards product development, operational efficiency, marketing, and team building, alongside the launch of its new “Exploration App.”
What makes The Tarzan Way stand out is its hyper-personalised itineraries, AI-backed booking engine, 24×7 live concierge support, and one-click booking experience. Their platform integrates local flavours and authentic experiences with tech-powered efficiency.
“Our passion lies in creating memories that last. We don’t just plan trips; we help people craft stories that stay with them forever. That’s the core spirit behind The Tarzan Way,” said Shikhar Chadha, Co-founder, The Tarzan Way.
In terms of performance, the company has witnessed a 300% YoY revenue growth and 70% MoM user growth. With 35K+ social followers and over 10M content views, it has already clocked ₹13.5 Cr in gross value of bookings.
The Indian travel & tourism sector contributed over $199B to the GDP in 2023 and is projected to touch $512B by 2028. The space is primed for disruption, especially with the rise of AI and experiential travel.
7, Jun 2025
IGP Cake Fest Brings Together Bakers and Cake Lovers for a First-of-its-Kind Celebration
Mumbai, 07 June 2025: IGP, a global D2C multi-category gifting platform, is set to host the country’s most indulgent event — the first-ever IGP Cake Fest — on Sunday, June 8, from 2 PM to 8 PM at Versova Social, Mumbai. This one-of-its-kind, community-led celebration will bring together bakers and dessert lovers for a high-energy experience that blends cake, culture, and creativity.
The festival aims to spotlight India’s freshest baking talent by crowning the best local bakers, creating iconic cake moments, and turning dessert into a full-blown cultural experience. Central to the event is “Battle of the Bakers” ,where one standout baker will win a grand prize of ₹1 lakh and the opportunity to feature their cake on igp’s D2C website which has a global customer base of over 5 million. The celebration will feature celebrity chef Natasha Gandhi as the headline judge – top finalist for Masterchef India. Attendees and cake lovers will also cast live votes to determine the Popular Choice Award, recognizing the crowd’s favorite creation.
Adding to the flavor of the day will be a stand-up performance by the much-loved comedian Shreeja Chaturvedi. The event promises a lively atmosphere with dessert tastings, live cake showcases, engaging games, photo ops, and branded giveaways.
The IGP Cake Fest isn’t just a fun competition; it’s a powerful testament to IGP’s position as a leading brand in cakes across India. More than an event, it serves as a vibrant platform for emerging bakers, creators, and dessert enthusiasts to connect, create, and be celebrated. It reflects IGP’s commitment to building communities around food and reinforces its role in shaping the future of India’s cake and gifting culture.
Commenting on the launch of Cake Fest, Tarun Joshi, Founder & CEO of IGP, said, “IGP has emerged as a leading platform in the cake category in India, delivering joy through thousands of celebrations every day. With Cake Fest, we’re creating a vibrant space for bakers and dessert lovers to connect, express, and be discovered. It’s a natural extension of our belief in celebrating people and their passions — and a step towards building a joyful, inclusive culture around cakes.”
7, Jun 2025
RBI’s 100 bps Rate Cut Boosts Housing Demand, Eases EMI Burden for Homebuyers
Mr. Amit Goyal, Managing Director, India Sotheby’s International Realty
The third consecutive rate cut by the RBI, amounting to a cumulative reduction of 100 basis points, is expected to have a meaningful impact on the borrowing landscape. This is particularly beneficial for big-ticket borrowers, especially those availing home loans. A 1% reduction in interest rates can lead to a noticeable drop in monthly EMIs, easing the financial burden for existing borrowers. For new borrowers, the lower interest rate not only improves affordability but also enhances their loan eligibility, enabling them to access higher loan amounts without increasing their monthly outgo. This move is likely to keep the strong housing demand momentum strong , especially in the mid and premium segments.
7, Jun 2025
World Brain Tumour Day- 8th June 2025
When it comes to brain tumours, the word “benign” can be misleading. One of the most common types — meningiomas — may grow slowly, but they can still cause serious and lasting neurological damage if left untreated. A meningioma is a typically slow-growing, extra-axial tumour that arises from the meninges, the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord. These tumours account for 30–40% of all primary brain tumours in adults, with a strong prevalence among women aged 40 to 70 years.
“Meningiomas are often labelled harmless, but that’s not always the case,” explains Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from the Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.
Origin and Risk Factors: Meningiomas originate from arachnoid cap cells and are most often benign (WHO Grade 1). However, some can behave more aggressively — Grade 2 (atypical) and Grade 3 (anaplastic/malignant) — with faster growth and higher recurrence risk. Their development has been linked to NF2 gene mutations, hormonal influences (especially in women), and prior radiation exposure to the brain.
While many meningiomas are found incidentally on imaging, symptomatic tumours can cause a range of issues depending on their size and location. These include:Chronic headaches, Seizures, Vision problems, Limb weakness or sensory changes, Cognitive decline or personality changes, Loss of coordination, Cranial nerve deficits. Diagnosis typically involves a contrast-enhanced MRI of the brain. A CT scan may also be used, particularly to evaluate bone involvement.
Treatment of choice is surgical excision, which includes removal of the tumour, surrounding dura, and affected bone if needed. This approach greatly reduces recurrence risk.
Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals adds, “The good news is, most meningiomas, once completely removed, do not come back. The key is not to delay. If you’re experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, don’t brush them off — get evaluated. At Apex Group of Hospitals , our focus is not just on removing the tumour, but also on preserving function and quality of life. Using cutting-edge tools and surgical precision, we ensure safe outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.With advances in neurosurgery and imaging, most patients recover fully and lead normal lives post-treatment. However, early detection remains the most powerful tool in managing these common yet potentially serious brain tumours.”
