Archives 2025

From depositors’ standpoint, a rate cut will create concerns about declining returns on fixed deposits and other interest-bearing savings. A 25-bps reduction in the repo rate would likely push banks to trim deposit rates in the coming months, making it harder for savers to earn meaningful returns. While lower rates may support broader economic growth, affluent investors and family offices often redirect capital toward higher-return products such as real estate–focused Category II AIFs to preserve real yields, thereby improving fundraising momentum for these funds. A lower interest-rate environment also reduces the cost of capital for developers and strengthens project viability, which in turn expands the opportunity for AIFs.

New Delhi, Nov 29: The 3 months festival ‘Chanderi Eco Retreat and Fest’ is commencing from November 28th at the famous tourist destination of Chanderi. It is being organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, in collaboration with the District Administration and Sunset Desert Camp. To promote Chanderi as a premier cultural and heritage destination, Madhya Pradesh Tourism also hosted a Fashion Show, with Fabindia as the opening brand.

The festival was inaugurated by the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav via a video message. Union Minister of Communication and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Ashoknagar Collector Shri Aditya Singh, Deputy Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Yuvraj Padole, MD of Fabindia William Bissell, and CEO of Tata Taneria Ambuj Narayan. This was followed by the much-anticipated Fashion Show, featuring multiple other brands like Taneira, Itokri, Noize Jeans, and Zee’s by Tajwar which celebrated the artistic legacy and textile mastery of Chanderi’s handloom heritage.

During the event keynote, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communication of India said, “Chanderi is a true marvel of our heritage, a place that has warm hearts and is the embodiment of the power the live art of handloom holds. It is full of history; there are instances written in Sanskrit that chronicle its past. It is essential that this profound cultural legacy reaches every corner of the globe, and we are proud that Fabindia echoes the beauty of Chanderi handloom across the world like nobody can, ensuring this artistry is both preserved and celebrated.”

A grand fashion and music ceremony dedicated to Chanderi’s traditional weaving and its unique heritage—“Threads of Time: The Chanderi Saga”—was organized at the tent city after the inauguration ceremony. Fabindia had the honour of presenting a specially curated collection inspired by the exquisite textures, motifs, and weaving traditions of Chanderi. The showcase underscored Fabindia’s commitment to enabling India’s artisanal communities and preserving the cultural craft ecosystem through contemporary design.

While addressing the audience at the event, William N. Bissell, Managing Director, Fabindia Ltd. said, “It is a privilege for Fabindia to be part of Chanderi’s artistic journey—a priceless heritage that reflects India’s timeless craftsmanship, grace, and tradition. For over twenty-five years, our association has been built on respect, collaboration, and a shared love for the loom. The dedication of Chanderi’s weavers continues to inspire us as they preserve and elevate this exquisite art form on the global stage. With the active participation of the younger generation, we are confident that Chanderi’s legacy will continue to thrive, carrying India’s pride and artistry to new heights with every weave.”

Along with art and cultural activities, tourists can enjoy thrilling activities at the tent city, including a Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, ATV Rides, Zipline, and Air Gun Shooting. The festival will feature evening cultural programs, DJ Nights, Live Bands, and a Light and Sound show, which will showcase the historical story of Chanderi.

Chanderi is one of Madhya Pradesh’s proudest cultural treasures — a place where history, craftsmanship, and living tradition come together in the most extraordinary way. ‘Threads of Time: The Chanderi Saga’ is more than an event; it is an immersive celebration of the soul of Chanderi and the unmatched skill of our artisans. By showcasing this timeless weave, we aim to highlight Chanderi not just as a fabric but as a world-class destination for heritage, culture, and creativity. Madhya Pradesh Tourism is delighted to support initiatives that bring global attention to our state’s rich legacy, and we invite travellers from across India and the world to experience the magic of Chanderi for themselves. – Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board

The first day marks the beginning of a vibrant five-day celebration, which will include naturopathy sessions, weaving workshops, buyer–seller interactions, sound meditation, heritage walks, light & sound shows, yoga sessions, cultural programs, laser shows, musical performances, and a series of curated heritage experiences across Chanderi.

Pune, Nov 29: Affordable Robotic and Automation Limited (ARAPL) (BSE: 541402 | NSE: AFFORDABLE), India’s first listed robotics company, today announced its strongest order position to date, with the confirmed order book exceeding crore as of 25 November 2025, compared with  at the end of November 2024. Current orders come from marquee clients including Bajaj, the Mahindra & Mahindra Group, and other Tier-1 OEMs in the automobile sector, as well as real estate customers such as Rustomjee, Sankrit, and Avni.  Notably, 80% of these orders are from repeat customers and are slated for delivery before March 2026. The company also noted a robust order pipeline, expected to convert over the coming months. 

During the first half of FY26, ARAPL executed  of orders, underscoring its execution strength and scalable manufacturing capabilities.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Milind Padolee, Chairman, ARAPL, said;
“Crossing the  mark is a defining milestone for ARAPL. It reflects both the growing maturity of our business and the accelerating demand for automation. With India advancing toward smart manufacturing and urban mobility solutions—and with the US opening a new pathway for scale ARAPL is well-positioned to deliver on its long-term growth ambitions.”

With a strong backlog and consistent execution progress, ARAPL expects to sustain its growth trajectory and deliver improved margins over previous years. The robust pipeline is also expected to provide a strong start to the next financial year and support project continuity beyond FY26.

Strengthening Presence in the US Market;

ARAPL’s strategic expansion into the US through its brand HUMRO, launched last year, continues to reinforce its international order book. Recent US orders highlight the increasing acceptance of Indian-built automation solutions in advanced markets, particularly as global supply chains diversify.

Humro Division Enhances Forward Visibility;

ARAPL’s Humro robotics division has commenced order bookings as its Proof-of-Concept deployments—supported by robots already shipped to the US—reach completion. The division has secured orders for 8 robots under the RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service) model, valued at, with an expected IRR of approximately 65%. While still an emerging segment, rising inquiries especially from US technology integrators—are further strengthening ARAPL’s forward order visibility.

Progress is never a competition between genders. Complement — not compete: Smt Hari Chandana, District Collector

Hyderabad, Nov 29: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI) hosted the FTCCI Women’s Leadership Summit 2025, a full-day conference at its Red Hills premises in Hyderabad.

Smt. Harichandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector, graced as the chief guest and inaugurated the summit. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “If there is one truly transformative opportunity for the future, it is educating a girl child and giving her the platform she deserves to rise. But equally important is educating our boys — teaching them to respect every girl at home, in school, and in society. Real change begins within families. When we stop differentiating between sons and daughters, we begin shaping a world that is fairer, stronger, and more humane.

Progress is never a competition between genders. We are meant to energise each other, rise together, and complement — not compete. The true success of any society or nation lies in equality, acceptance, and shared growth. One sincere mindset shift, one conscious step at a time, can change the world — and that first step always begins at home.”

During a panel discussion on ‘Leadership Competency Development’, moderated by Ms Aruna Ravi Kumar, the state’s first woman broadcast journalist, panel member Ms Vanita Datla, former Chairperson of CII Telangana, shared her powerful Six-Up Formula for leadership. She explained that she picked up this model nearly 15 years ago at a leadership summit in Japan, and that it stayed with her consciously or subconsciously, shaping the leader she is today. Vanita Datla’s Six-Up Formula emphasises a holistic approach to growth and influence. She urges women to Show Up by being present and making their presence count, Speak Up by expressing their views fearlessly even when opinions may not be welcomed, Look Up to role models by adopting good traits and continually improving themselves, Team Up by building strong teams and nurturing a reliable support system around them, Not Give Up by pursuing goals relentlessly because winners never quit, and finally Lift others, as true leadership lies in creating future leaders, not followers.

Vanita Datla highlighted a hard-hitting reality, stating that India has the dubious distinction of having the world’s largest number of highly qualified homemakers—educated, skilled women, confined within four walls and unseen in the workforce.

She added that women often need to work twice as hard as men to stay afloat as leaders. Another panellist, Ms Anandita Mookerjee Sinha, Client Communications Leader – ET, spoke about overcoming stereotypes, judgment and sarcasm, stating that women determined to rise in leadership must convert obstacles into opportunities.

Moderator Ms Aruna Ravi Kumar shared her personal experience of being denied a mobile phone that all her male colleagues received, explaining how she had to prove her worth before being allowed one. She reminded the audience that success and failure have no gender.

Dr Ch. Preeti Reddy, Vice Chairman, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, who was the guest of honour, spoke about the equal treatment she received from her family, calling her in-laws her parents and explaining how her father-in-law, former Minister Malla Reddy, supported her as he would a son. She urged participants to develop knowledge, read widely, command respect, avoid gossip and remain productive.

Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI, emphasised humanity over gender, stating that whether men or women, all are human beings and must work beyond gender bias with humanness.

“When women rise, economies rise. Our responsibility is not to wait for the gap to close — but to close it ourselves.” Speaking as Chairperson, Dr Tasneem Shariff said

She posed sharp, thought-provoking questions that shook the room:
“Why does 50% of the world’s talent get only 7% of Fortune 500 CEO roles?
Why do women add $13 trillion to global GDP yet receive less than 4% of venture funding?
And why must the world still wait 132 years to close the gender gap — is the delay in the data, or in our decisions?”

Tasneem underscored that while discussions often dwell on challenges, solutions already exist. More than ₹50,000 crore worth of credit schemes in India are earmarked for women. MUDRA Yojana alone funds over 70% women borrowers. States offer tax incentives, stamp duty waivers, subsidised loans, and 0–6% interest credit for women-led MSMEs.

The Summit was envisioned as a dynamic platform to champion women’s leadership, recognise their expanding impact across sectors, and nurture the next generation of purpose-driven women leaders. The day-long conference brought together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, professionals, innovators and changemakers from Telangana and across India, and covered themes such as Leadership Competency Development, Personal Growth, Health, Wellness & Self-Confidence, Strategies for Overcoming Challenges & Personal Branding, Advocacy for Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces, Financial Resilience for Women Founders, and Technology, Innovation & Leadership.

The Summit featured a stellar lineup including Ms. Vanitha Datla, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, Elico Ltd; Ms. Khushboo Hoda, Head – Health & Wellness, Volvo Group India; Ms. Tanya Chaitanya, CEO, Her Circle & President – Digital & Diversity Initiatives, Reliance Industries Limited; Graybox Strategy & Society for Animal Aid; Ms. Nisary Mahesh, Founder & CEO, HerMoneyTalks; Ms. Deepti Akki, Director – Basketball, Federation Sports & Fitness Management Consultant; Ms. Michelle Dominica, Head – India CSR & Administrative Services, Viatris; Ms. Radhika Yuvraj Iyengar, Country Director, Women in Tech India & Senior Director – Data Strategy & Personalisation, Credera; Ms. Aninditha Sinha and Ms. Rashi Srivasthava among others. A special stand-up comedy segment by Ms Sushma Chitta, Senior Manager – Product Content at ServiceNow and an award-winning stand-up comedian, added an engaging and refreshing close to the deliberations.

Mumbai, Nov 29: Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd (TLV) a leading publishing house and trusted provider of educational resources, recently hosted an engaging and informative webinar featuring senior sports journalist Mr. Taus Rizvi, focusing on the crucial importance of sports in children’s physical and mental development. The online session reached parents and educators across India, highlighting how physical activity contributes to holistic education and the vast career potential in athletics.

The webinar delved into important topics, including the profound impact of sports on fostering essential life skills, character building, and improving mental well-being in children. A key focus was the government’s new policy making sports compulsory in the curriculum, signalling a national shift towards prioritising physical education. Mr. Rizvi also addressed India’s pressing challenge of sedentary lifestyles among children, providing practical guidance on combating this issue through active participation in sports. He also offered advice on balancing academics with sports and the optimal timing for enrolling children in sports academies.

Dilip Gangaramani, Founder, Director, and CEO of Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd, emphasised the company’s commitment to comprehensive child development. “Our mission at Target Learning Ventures is to promote education that extends beyond the classroom. Sports are not just extracurricular activities; they are fundamental to holistic growth. This session, featuring Mr. Rizvi’s expertise, helped us empower parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their children’s future, aligning with the spirit of the new national education policy.”

Mr. Taus Rizvi, Senior Sports Journalist, Motivational Speaker & Sports Consultant, shared his perspective on the session’s success. “I want to thank Target Learning Ventures for organising this webinar. It was inspiring to connect with parents and educators. It is crucial for parents and educators to understand the importance of early sports involvement in a child’s overall health, discipline, and academic achievement. I hope the guidance shared will motivate more families to integrate physical activity as a core component of their children’s upbringing.”

Target Learning Ventures continues to champion initiatives that promote holistic education by integrating academic excellence with overall personal growth.

Mumbai, Nov 28: Spykar, India’s top homegrown denim and fashion brand, announces its availability on Knot Now, a rapidly growing lifestyle and fashion commerce platform. This will enable their customers in Mumbai and Thane to get their favourite styles in 60 minutes with its quick delivery feature. In line with their Daur Apna Hai campaign, this association marks a strategic step in strengthening the brand’s digital footprint and making its trend-forward collections even more accessible.

With the launch of 60-minute delivery, Spykar and Knot Now are redefining convenience. Customers will benefit from quicker delivery alternatives for last-minute plans, urgent styling needs, or impulsive wardrobe updates from Spykar’s trendy collection across categories from the convenience of their home.

Sanjay Vakharia, Co-founder and CEO of Spykar, shared,

 “This collaboration resonates with our focus to cater to young India. By leveraging Knot Now’s dynamic ecosystem, we aim to expand reach, deepen engagement, and strengthen its community of trend-forward consumers.”

Spykar is among the first few premium brands to enlist on Knot Now.  When paired with effective last-mile logistics and real-time order tracking, the 60-minute delivery guarantee delivers a high-end, upscale shopping experience straight to the customer’s house.

Hyderabad, Nov 28: The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Hyderabad is set to present “Mystical Mélange”, an Indo–French culinary and cultural evening, to be held at the Phoenix Arena, HITEC City, on November 29.

A culinary showcase curated by over 70 third-year students is an annual event that showcases their Hotel Management skills, featuring more than 40 culinary delights to delight over 400 guests, including VIPs, Parents, and others.

The event aims to spotlight a rare blend of French gastronomy and Indian culinary artistry, bringing together prominent stakeholders from the hospitality and cultural sectors.

Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Government of Telangana, will attend the event as the Chief Guest. Senior hoteliers, hospitality leaders, and dignitaries from across Hyderabad are also expected to participate, underscoring the significance of the occasion for the city’s hospitality landscape.

IIHM extended a special acknowledgement to Mr Suresh Chukapally, Chairman Emeritus, Phoenix Group Hyderabad, whose support as Venue Partner has played a key role in hosting the evening.

Adding to the event’s Indo–French connection, Mr Pascal Loreau, Deputy Consul and Head of the Bureau de France, will also be present, bringing diplomatic prominence to the celebration.

Commenting on the show, Dr Suborno Bose, the Chairman of IIHM Hotel School, a veteran in the hospitality space, said, “Hospitality is not just an industry; it is a celebration of human connection. At IIHM, we are committed to nurturing professionals who lead with skill, compassion, and global vision. Our mission is to create world-class hospitality leaders who can stand tall anywhere in the world. Excellence in education is not an act for us—it is a daily discipline.”

“The future of hospitality will belong to those who combine service with innovation. IIHM continues to shape young minds to become global ambassadors of India’s hospitality excellence.”

The food festival is being organised under the Guidance of Chef Sanjay Kak, the Culinary Director of IIHM Hotel School and Mr Earnest Immanuel, the campus Director of IIHM Hyderabad. The students are organising this Food Festival.

According to them, festivals like these and others make the students job-ready. The future of hospitality will belong to those who combine service with innovation. IIHM continues to shape young minds to become global ambassadors of India’s hospitality excellence.

The evening will feature a curated Indo–French menu designed and executed by IIHM’s student chefs, showcasing a harmonious blend of flavours and techniques. Guests will be treated to Brochettes du Chef, the institute’s signature Indo–French grilled skewers, along with a Fresh Pasta Live Station offering classic sauces prepared with refined French flair. The menu also includes Chicken Tikka Vol-au-Vents, where flaky French puff cups are filled with warm Indian-inspired flavours, and Aubergine Parmesan au Four, an elegant oven-baked eggplant dish infused with European notes. With its rich gastronomic spread, cultural exchange, and high-profile participation, “Mystical Mélange” is poised to be one of Hyderabad’s most notable culinary events of the season.

From Mother’s Trust to Baby’s Love: Himalaya BabyCare Celebrates its Leadership as a Brand ‘Loved by Babies’

Hyderabad, Nov 28: Himalaya BabyCare celebrates its position as a brand ‘loved by babies’ with a heartwarming new campaign that puts babies at the front and centre of its story. Titled “Prescribed by Doctors, Trusted by Moms, and Loved by Babies,” the campaign highlights the brand’s unique strength of being loved by babies, trusted by mothers, and recommended by doctors.  Built on this strong foundation of trust, the campaign reaffirms Himalaya BabyCare’s leadership in the category through a playful and emotionally resonant narrative which captures the innocent yet powerful voices of babies, placing them at the heart of the brand’s message of trust and care. Using creative visualization, the film imaginatively gives a voice to babies, expressing what parents already believe—making the narrative both heartwarming and symbolic.

The film playfully steps into a press conference setting after an ‘All India Tiny Talk Summit’ where reporters gather to interview the most honest opinion-holders in the world: babies. When asked about their favourite influencer, one baby sweetly answers, “Maa,” reminding us that a mother will always be a child’s first and most trusted guide. Another baby, when asked whose advice they rely on, responds with “Doctor,” reinforcing the trust parents place in pediatricians.

The campaign cleverly culminates with a simple yet impactful message that while trusted by moms and prescribed by doctors, Himalaya BabyCare is a brand loved by babies, conveyed in a humorous, endearing, and warm tone.

Speaking on the campaign, Mr Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Himalaya Wellness Company, said:

“At Himalaya BabyCare, our journey has always been guided by the belief that babies come first. This campaign beautifully captures that sentiment by giving a voice to the very ones we care for the most—babies. Being loved by babies is the highest form of trust we could earn, and it is made possible by the confidence mothers and doctors place in our products. This campaign reinforces our belief that babies are our top priority, and safety is at the forefront when we design products to meet their specific needs. At Himalaya BabyCare, we remain committed to delivering Nature’s best for babies and a worry-free experience for moms—continuing our journey of nurturing babies with care and confidence.”

The campaign has been adapted across eight languages English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali, ensuring that the message resonates deeply with parents across India. Adding to the innovation, the film leverages AI to create talking babies, amplifying the sweetness and humor of the narrative.

As India’s most trusted baby care partner, Himalaya BabyCare continues to contemporize Ayurveda to create products that are gentle, safe, and effective earning the trust of doctors and moms over the years.

The campaign #Himalaya BabyCare, ‘Prescribed by Doctors, Trusted by Moms, and Loved by Babies’ is launched across Himalaya BabyCare’s digital and social media platforms.