Archives March 2025

Mumbai, March 17, 2025 – Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC, focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has expanded its product suite with the launch of its Commercial Vehicle (CV) Secured Loan Business. This new offering aims to bolster the essential logistics and supply chain sectors, by enhancing transportation capabilities for CV operators. The loan covers Small, Light, and Intermediate & Heavy Commercial Vehicles from all major manufacturers, supporting both new and used vehicle purchases. Customers will also benefit from flexible, structured payment and repayment options.

As part of this launch, PFL has also introduced a technology solution aligned with its risk-first approach. The solution focuses on reducing the documentation process for customers, enabling faster turnaround time and a seamless onboarding experience. By integrating with various technology partners, the company has developed assessment framework with validation from verified sources.

With a strong focus on Bharat’s tier 2 and tier 3 markets, PFL plans to initially enter 68 locations across 12 states in the first phase, with further plans to expand to 400 locations across 20 states through a hub-and-spoke model in the next phase. CV loans will be offered through direct-to-customer, dealers, and channel partners. The company has onboarded industry professionals to provide tailored financial solutions and enhance customer experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, Managing Director & CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp, said “Commercial transport sector continues to be the backbone of our growing economy. Our new Commercial Vehicle Loan directly facilitates the financial needs of transporters with streamlined processes and hassle-free documentation. It also adds clear strength to the bouquet of our secured businesses.”

India’s booming e-commerce sector, rapid industrial growth, and ambitious infrastructure development have fueled a rising demand for both new and used commercial vehicles nationwide. The used commercial vehicle segment, projected to form a significant part of PFL’s Commercial Vehicle loan portfolio, stands as a cornerstone of this initiative, driving affordability and opportunity across the transport and logistics ecosystem.

Adopting a strategic, risk-first approach, PFL not only facilitates quicker loan disbursements but also ensures that fleet owners and transporters can expand their operations with confidence and stability. The company continues to focus on simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences, which are its top priorities.

Jewar, March 17, 2025 — Noida International University (NIU), a NAAC A+ accredited institution, successfully organized an Educators Meet & Felicitation Ceremony in Jewar, highlighting the university’s academic excellence, global outreach, and student-centric environment. The event, attended by over 70 educators and dignitaries, highlighting NIU’s commitment to providing world-class education and a safe campus for students, especially girls.

The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Akash Sharma, Director, Admission & Outreach, NIU, along with guest of honor Prof. Vinod Nagar, Professor, School of Education, NIU, who graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, shed light on the university’s achievements and its growing global presence. They were joined by distinguished guests Bhanu Pratap Singh, Ankur Sharma, Tarun Pratap Singh, and Mukesh Bhardwaj, who also addressed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Akash Sharma highlighted that NIU is home to students from over 60 nations, offering a multicultural environment with cutting-edge courses in Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and other global disciplines. He further stressed the university’s focus on ensuring a safe and inclusive space for female students, making it one of the preferred destinations for higher education. He also emphasized the role of educators in shaping future generations and applauded the collective effort in making NIU a center of academic and research excellence.

Mumbai, March 17, 2025: The Saraswati Devi Memorial Cup 2025, organized by SanRaj Family Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (SanRaj Group), united 24 teams and over 500 players from the Jaiswal community from Maharashtra for an electrifying tournament at the Saraswati Sports Complex, Malad West, Mumbai on March 15-16, 2025. Sponsored by Chandrakant Gupta, Sandip Gupta, and Rajdip Gupta, the event provided a competitive platform for the community to showcase their passion for cricket, while also celebrating culture and unity as the community comes together.

The tournament featured intense matches, standout performances, and enthusiastic community participation, with 16 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams competing. Cricket fans, friends, and families of the participants witnessed the colourful cricket festival live, as the entire event was streamed on the Cric29 YouTube channel, ensuring that every thrilling moment reached a wider audience. The cricket fest was followed by Holi celebrations on March 16 that further added to the excitement, with players and spectators coming together in a vibrant display of joy and unity.

Rajdip Gupta, Co-Founder – SanRaj Group said, “The Saraswati Devi Memorial Cup holds a special place in our hearts. Sports and culture have always been two strong pillars of our journey, and there is no better way to give back to our community than by providing young athletes from the Jaiswal community a platform to showcase their talents. It is incredibly fulfilling to see people from across the state come together to support and participate in this vision. Witnessing the enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and passion throughout the event has been truly rewarding, as we proudly dedicate this tournament to our grandmother, Saraswati Devi.”

SanRaj Group takes immense pride in owning and managing cricket franchises that reflect their strategic vision and deep passion for the game. Through Chennai Singams in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL T-10) and North Mumbai Panthers in the T20 Mumbai League, along with several Mumbai Cricket Association-affiliated clubs under the SanRaj Group, they have built a strong reputation within the cricketing world. By leveraging innovative strategies and inculcating a competitive spirit, their focus extends beyond team performance—the group remains committed to creating a lasting impact on the broader cricket community. This dedication drives them to elevate the sport, inspire future generations, and solidify cricket’s enduring legacy.

By-Raveendra Bhat Area Sales Director, Water Utility INDO Region

14 March 2025: “The measures outlined in the Tamil Nadu State Budget 2025-26 reflect the government’s commitment to sustainability, inclusive growth and water security. The budgetary allocation of Rs 675 crore for the modernization of drinking water projects in the state is noteworthy as water is at the heart of the way communities, businesses and governments function. It is also a move that reflects that the government is in tune with the current needs of stakeholders in the water technologies space. The launch of drinking water projects in Erode, Mayilatudhurai, Thiruvallur and other districts of Tamil Nadu is equally commendable. These projects will significantly enhance the quality of life of people and take them closer to a water-positive future. The state government’s thrust on drinking water projects is thus welcome. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence for advanced pump motor technologies in Coimbatore is also a step in the right direction. As a leading provider of pumps for the Indian and international markets, we at Grundfos believe it will serve as a veritable ground for Research and Development and also encourage collaboration towards building products that match world-class standards.”

Hassan, March 17, 2025: Brigade PU College, Hassan kicked off it’s pursuit to new academic heights with orientation & felicitation program for 2nd PUC parents & students.

Hareesh PK, CEO & Founder of Arjunaa Academy for Achievers (AAA) motivated the students by citing several case studies of people who have reaped massive returns by investing their time & energy in education.

He also spoke about several challenges that a student commonly encounters during the preparation & equipped students with right solutions to overcome these challenges.

“The heart of an institution is a highly qualified & dedicated faculty team” said Mr. Vijay Shankar, Principal and Trustee of Brigade PU college and introduced the entire teaching & non-teaching staff to the students & parents..

A brief outline of the academic plan for entire year was presented & competitive training for 2nd PUC was inaugurated with a book launch ceremony, unveiling the competitive books that students would be solving during the academic year.

Mr. Sreekanth PK, Director of Arjunaa Academy encouraged the Olympiad toppers of 1st PUC by felicitating them.

Students in Tier 3 and 4 cities often face limited access to quality education, making it difficult for them to compete in national-level competitive exams. To address this gap, the Himachal Pradesh Government has joined hands with Crack Academy to offer students expert mentorship, personalized coaching, and financial assistance, ensuring that they have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.

Through this collaboration, the academy, under its initiative “Mere Shehar ke 100 Ratan” will provide free coaching to 6,800 meritorious students. Additionally, significant concessions will be offered to thousands more, making exam preparation more affordable. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive exams and secure promising career opportunities. The academy also ensures that students receive well-researched, structured study materials designed to align with the latest exam patterns.

Beyond financial support, Crack Academy is also expanding its infrastructure, setting up 90+ coaching centers further enhancing learning resources for students. By empowering students with competitive exam readiness, Crack Academy is breaking barriers and transforming the future of education in smaller cities, ensuring that talent and ambition are no longer limited by location or financial constraints.

While the Parliamentary Standing Committee has perceptively identified the opportunities for improvement—such as ongoing training of CDSCO officials, the implementation of a fully digitized, time-bound, and trackable licensing system, minimizing frequent and delayed queries, lateral entry from the industry and the establishment of an industry advisory board to streamline operations—certain aspects must also be considered:

 1. The centralization of intricate matters within CDSCO is largely due to the concentration of expertise at the organization.

 2. The preference of some companies for Vietnam and Malaysia as manufacturing destinations stems from a variety of factors beyond just CDSCO’s regulatory processes, such as policies, tax regimes, etc.

 3. In one of its earlier comments the committee had spoken of understaffing in CDSCO. This is correct and this understaffing is more acutely felt since all classes of devices have recently come under a mandatory licensing regime.

The honourable committee’s proposal to create a dedicated support team to assist applicants with queries—akin to a chaperone service—would be particularly beneficial, especially for startups, and should be taken up.

In its role as a regulator, CDSCO should continue to champion industry quality and ethical standards thus contributing to the sector’s enduring growth and global positioning.

Almora: The spirit of Holi in Almora was elevated to new artistic heights this year with the soulful renditions of classical ragas in special baithaki (sitting) sessions held across the town. These gatherings brought together renowned artists who mesmerized audiences with traditional bandis (compositions) in Raag Pilu, Kafi, Jangla, Desh, and Bhairavi, making the festival an unforgettable experience.

Almora, known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage, witnessed an overwhelming response to these classical Holi sittings. Various locations hosted these events, where the blend of classical music and Holi festivities created a mesmerizing atmosphere. The audience, comprising locals and visitors alike, was spellbound by the melodic beauty of bandis that have been passed down through generations.

Eminent classical musicians took center stage, bringing alive the true essence of Holi through Dhrupad, Khayal, and Thumri compositions. The performances, enriched with traditional taans and sargams, captured the festive mood while upholding the sanctity of India’s classical music traditions.

Speaking about the same Dr. Anil Sanwal renowned artist, said, “These baithaki sittings are a testament to Almora’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich musical heritage. Classical music has always been an integral part of Holi celebrations in this region, and we are proud to carry forward this tradition.”

Another artist Deep Joshi said , “As colors filled the air, so did the deep and evocative notes of these ragas, creating a surreal experience for all present. With such initiatives, Almora continues to be a beacon of India’s rich cultural tapestry, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the timeless beauty of classical music.”

Delhi / Bathinda, 15 March 2025:

Guru Kashi University (GKU) is set to host the much-anticipated Explorica Youth Fest 2025, a grand celebration of youth talent, cultural diversity, and academic excellence. Scheduled to take place from March 17 to March 19, 2025, this three-day extravaganza will bring together students from across India and international institutions for a vibrant showcase of performing arts, music, and intellectual exchange.

Adding to the fest’s prestige, Hon’ble Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, will attend as the Chief Guest on March 18, 2025. During his visit, he will preside over the prize distribution ceremony, recognizing and rewarding students for their exceptional performances in various competitions.

In a landmark announcement, the event will also witness the formal collaboration between Guru Kashi University (GKU) and Heritage Community College, Canada. This partnership will provide GKU students with the opportunity to enroll in a Canadian diploma program via distance learning, allowing them to earn both a GKU degree/diploma and a Canadian diploma. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance employment prospects for students in both India and Canada.

Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, S. Gurlabh Singh Sidhu, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Heritage Community College is a monumental step toward providing our students with international exposure and career-enhancing opportunities. By earning a dual qualification, they will be better prepared for the global job market.”

The Explorica Youth Fest 2025 boasts an exciting schedule featuring international and regional cultural performances, engaging competitions, and inspiring speeches. Traditional performances such as Yakshagana, Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Gidha, and Bhangra will be among the highlights, along with a special performance by renowned Punjabi singer and actor Gurwinder Brar.

With thousands of students, faculty members, and dignitaries in attendance, Explorica Youth Fest 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of talent, innovation, and global academic collaboration.

New Delhi, March 15, 2025:

CEPT University has recently announced the courses for the summer 2025. The course is open to all students who have passed 12th or equivalent examination as well as professionals. They will be registered based on how relevant their education is to the course they have chosen. Online registration from interested students will begin on March 19, 2025, 12 noon and will be accepted till March 21, 2025, 6 pm.

Registration for the summer course commencement dates is open till May 19, 2025 for students studying online and travel in India/abroad and May 26, 2025 for students studying on-campus at CEPT. Information on registration and courses is available on https://sws.cept.ac.in/

CEPT University was an early adopter of the novel Summer and Winter Schools in India, a concept prevalent in European educational systems. These biannual terms – Summer and Winter – offer two to four week intensive courses that provide students with significant interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

The core objective of the SWC is to foster peer learning, exchange of ideas and providing a platform for students to take courses of their interest, beyond their academic stipulations. As a result, CEPT University encourages students from across all universities and across academic disciplines to enrol into these programs. To ensure that these courses are impactful, they are taught by professionals, academicians, artists, and experts from across India and abroad.

This year, through the Summer 2025 term, CEPT University is offering a diverse array of courses ranging from studying urban development in cities such as Paris to understanding urban resilience in Bhutan. Some of the other unique courses include Decoding Mechanics, Preserving Night-Time Darkness Through Lighting Design; Imagined Landscapes: A Cinematic Mapping of Paris, etc.

Students can choose from approximately 50 diverse courses, including on-campus, online, and travel-based options, both within India and internationally.

SWC’s travel-based courses are highly sought after for their immersive, experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and architectural landmarks. This year, students can journey to Japan to witness the fusion of culture, tradition, and innovation in its built environment. For those with a creative bent, “Oceanic Tales” in the Andaman Islands offers a unique blend of underwater filmmaking and insights into design’s role in ecosystem and species conservation.

Emphasising on the impact of these courses, Prof Chirayu Bhatt, Dy Provost (Academics) said, “CEPT’s SWC program is designed to empower students. Through peer learning, they gain diverse perspectives, and by accumulating credits, they enhance their academic flexibility. The interdisciplinary nature of our courses allows students to explore new fields and expand their intellectual horizons, all while experiencing innovative teaching methods.”