Archives May 2025

Bengaluru| Mumbai, 28 May 2025: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, announced the winners of SIGHT 2.0, the second edition of SIGHT (Sustainable Innovations for Growth and Human Transformation) at its Thiruvananthapuram campus, continuing with its efforts towards playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and thought leaders. SIGHT is a technical expo and annual competition, tailored for final-year college students at professional colleges across India.

The competition, which captured the attention of budding innovators and turned out to be a beacon for sustainable solutions and transformative ideas, saw team Oillovators from the Institute of Engineering & Management (IEM), Kolkata winning the first prize with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, certificates and mementos. The second prize, comprising a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, certificates and mementos, was bagged by team Seakers from Dr Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the third prize was bagged by team Neo Sustain from R.M.K. Engineering College, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu and the team won a cash prize of Rs 10,000, certificates and mementos. Sheffi Anwar, General Manager – Business Operations & Workplace Management, UST, presented the awards to the winners.

Organised by COLOR GOLD members of UST, SIGHT 2.0 received more than 1000 registrations from over 300 professional colleges across India.  The competition, which combined the creativity, intellect, and technical prowess of the students, aimed at providing a fillip to sustainable innovations that foster growth and usher in positive human transformation. Color Gold, the organising team, is a part of UST’s award-winning employee engagement programme COLORS that connects the company’s employees across all global locations. 

As registrations poured in, the best projects were selected for the first round, and abstracts were evaluated to shortlist the top 500 entries. The second round narrowed into 280 entries, which marked the midway point in the development of their projects, providing a glimpse into the progress and potential of each endeavour. The scrutiny was rigorous, ensuring that only the most promising ideas advanced to the final round. Fourteen outstanding teams were selected for the grand finale round after assessing their technical acumen and commitment to sustainable solutions that address real-world challenges. The final round was based on the innovation and ingenuity of the teams.

“It is encouraging to note that SIGHT 2.0 turned out to be bigger than the opening edition. With more than 1000 project entries from 300 professional colleges across India, it has been evident that the new generation of students possessed amazing technical acumen and an innovative mindset, and also held aloft a commitment towards sustainable solutions that could address real-world challenges. It was a joy watching the youngsters push forward creative ideas, and I applaud all who participated. I specially congratulate the winning teams and look forward to seeing their works trigger the transformation of lives around us,” said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer, and Global Head of Center Operations, UST.

The overwhelming response from colleges and students has reaffirmed the significance of programs like SIGHT2.0. The participants have expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the immense value it has added to their academic journeys. For these students, SIGHT 2.0 is not just a competition but a platform that empowers them to explore, create, and contribute to a better future. SIGHT 2.0 is not merely a competition; it is a testament to the potential that lies within our educational institutions. UST, through initiatives like these, continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and thought leaders. The ripple effect of SIGHT will undoubtedly extend far beyond the competition, and it will permanently alter the landscape of technological innovation.

Bengaluru, India – May 28, 2025 – Ajax Engineering Limited, India’s leading concreting equipment manufacturer, announced its audited financial results for the fourth quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2025.

FY25 Financial Highlights (All numbers are in Indian rupees in Crores except margins) 

Quarterly Financial Highlights (All numbers are in Indian rupees in Crores except margins) 

Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, Managing Director & CEO, Ajax Engineering Limited said, “FY25 has been a year of resilience and strategic progress. Despite external challenges, including the regulatory shift from CEV-4 to CEV-5 emission norms and slower infrastructure execution, we delivered robust growth, crossed the ₹2,000 crore revenue milestone, and maintained profitability. Our leadership in the Self-Loading Concrete Mixer (SLCM) segment remains strong, with a 75% market share, while our non-SLCM and Spares businesses continue to gain momentum. 

Our strategic investments, such as a dedicated B2B channel for non-SLCM sales and leadership enhancement initiatives, are laying the foundation for the next phase of growth. We’re also excited about the upcoming launch of our Adinarayanahosahalli plant in H2 FY26, which will add further capacity and product flexibility.”

Mr. Tuhin Basu, Chief Financial Officer, Ajax Engineering Limited added, “We have delivered a healthy performance in Q4 and FY25 with revenue growth across several key business areas – our SLCM and non-SLCM segments grew at 18% YoY; the Spare Parts and Service revenue rose 33% YoY and revenue from exports increased 29% YoY. Our EBITDA has grown by 15% YoY.

We remain committed to balancing growth with financial prudence. Our strong cash position and lean working capital ensure we are well positioned to invest in capacity, innovation, and expansion. Despite margin pressures this year due to capability building, we expect profitability to normalize as our investments start delivering results.”

Strategic Updates

• Launched CEV-5 compliant models ahead of time: Ajax ramped up CEV-4 inventory ahead of the June 2025 deadline and simultaneously launched CEV-5 compliant models.  CEV-5 machines contributed ~1/3rd of Q4 sales.
• Product Innovation: Ajax remains the only Indian company to have developed an in-house Slip-Form Paver and commercial 3D Concrete Printer.
• Dealer Network: Expanded to 51 domestic dealers and 26 international distributors across 48 countries.
• New Facility Launch: The upcoming Adinarayanahosahalli plant is on track for commissioning by Q2 FY26, with commercial production starting in H2 FY26
• B2B Channel Expansion: The company is scaling its non-SLCM portfolio through a new B2B go-to-market strategy aimed at institutional buyers.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, who led the opening yoga session. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Harit Yoga is not just an exercise, but a lifestyle. It encourages a deeper connection with our body, mind, and the environment. Through this initiative, we hope to nurture mindfulness and ecological awareness in every participant.”

Ms. Samantha Kochhar, Managing Director, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies,, emphasized the importance of wellness in the creative industry. She remarked, “At BKCCAD, we believe creativity blossoms in a healthy, conscious body. Harit Yoga is a timely reminder that balance and self-care are essential companions to artistic expression.”

Representing FHRAI, ayal SwaMs. Pmi, Assistant Secretary General, highlighted the significance of wellness within the hospitality sector. She noted, “With increasing stress and lifestyle-related issues, initiatives like Harit Yoga play a key role in encouraging hospitality professionals to prioritise their well-being and that of their guests.”

Riyadh – May 24, 2025: His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launched the “Saudi Summer” program under the theme “Colour Your Summer” at a workshop event organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The event brought together over 120partnersfrom across the Saudi tourism ecosystem, including representatives from the public and private sectors. The workshop enhanced collaboration across the Saudi tourism ecosystem for the upcoming summer season, unifying efforts to achieve the program’s goals and maximizing its economic and tourism impact.

The Saudi Summer program runs from May to September 2025 and offers six distinct destinations from the moderate-climate coastal escapes of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the cool, scenic highlands of Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer. Key event highlights include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh from July to August, and the dynamic Jeddah and Aseer Seasons, packed with diverse activities and promotions.

His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry. This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing over SAR 300 million in preparation for what promises to be an incredible 2025 summer season. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi’s destinations continue to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a dynamic domestic tourism scene.”

He added: “The summer season is more than just a busy period; it is a chance for the tourism sector to reach new heights and deliver extraordinary results. It is an opportunity to embrace innovation, seize growth, and make a lasting impact. This year, we are aiming to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries, as well as to achieve SAR 73billion in overall tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences all year long.”

Detailing the scale and collaborative efforts behind the Saudi Summer 2025 program, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Saudi is transforming the way the world views summer travel. In partnership with over 120 stakeholders, this summer will unveil more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences and over 250 special offers. From the pristine islands of Shebara and Umhat along the Saudi Red Sea, iconic new luxury resorts like St. Regis and Desert Rock, and five stunning new beaches in Jeddah, alongside the refreshing mountain retreats of Aseer, Taif, and Al-Baha with their unique charm and diverse activities – Saudi is transforming every visit into a vibrant highlight reel of summer.

“To ensure seamless travel, we are enhancing air connectivity with over one million additional airline seats to key summer destinations. And with the much-anticipated return of Aseer Season in an exciting new format, this summer promises to be unlike any other, a celebration of Saudi’s natural beauty, cultural richness, cool climate, and boundless ambition.”

Commenting on the organisation’s performance, Rushabh Gandhi, Managing Director & CEO, IndiaFirst Life, said, “FY-2025 has been a strong testament to our discipline, focused execution, agility, and #CustomerFirst approach. Our innovative thinking elevated us from being a predominant Bancassurer to a multi-channel distribution organisation. While we clocked a y-o-y growth of 4%, we are immensely proud of an industry-leading 78% y-o-y growth in Q4. We are committed to maintaining this high growth trajectory.”

Mumbai, 27th May, 2025 – Essensai067, the renowned community-first retail enclave, proudly announces the launch of the signature in-house brand Barnhouse— a revolutionary culinary atelier where sustainability, mindful eating, and gastronomic delight converge in perfect harmony. Barnhouse is located in the heart of Whitefield, Bengaluru, within the Essensai067 cultural hub. Barnhouse’s menu celebrates fresh, seasonal, farm-to-fork ingredients with globally inspired vegetarian dishes.

Barnhouse is more than just a restaurant; it is a sanctuary for those who seek nourishment for both body and soul. Here, fine dining is redefined through a lens of environmental stewardship and wellness, offering a holistic experience that goes beyond the plate.

Sustainability Meets Culinary Craft: At the heart of Barnhouse is a zero-waste kitchen, where every ingredient is used thoughtfully, ensuring nothing is carried over to the next day. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability is further underscored by in-house hydroponics—an innovative, soil-less, and water-efficient farming method that delivers fresh, pesticide-free produce year-round. Each dish is meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional flavor and nutrition, using ingredients chosen for their wellness benefits and balance.

Barnhouse’s architecture is a tribute to nature and artisanal heritage. Constructed with untouched quarry rocks, handcrafted wooden furniture, and Red Agra sandstone tiles, the space radiates a grounded, timeless elegance. The signature pizza oven, built with traditional Achikal bricks, blends age-old techniques with modern functionality. Passive cooling, abundant natural light, and lush greenery create an environment that is both sustainable and serene.

“At Essensai067, we believe that food is a powerful connector— As a community-first enclave where food, fashion, art, and music converge, Essensai067 is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and creative expression. Barnhouse is our vision of what dining should be—a celebration of sustainability, flavor, and togetherness. We invite our guests to experience food in its purest form, connect with each other, and become part of a community that values both the earth and the joy of sharing a meal,” said Haresh M Mirpuri, Founder of Essensai067 & Barnhouse.

True to the ethos of Essensai067, Barnhouse is designed to welcome everyone—children, the elderly, guests with disabilities, and even pets. The space goes beyond accessibility, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort for all.

Chandigarh, May 27, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Gateway hotel in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Nathdwara offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for pilgrims and tourists. This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy to expand in key spiritual hubs. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Madan Singh Chauhan for this project.”

The 101-key Gateway Nathdwara, Rajasthan, spanning over 6 acres, offers a serene retreat in the heart of the destination. Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences at the all-day dining restaurant, and specialty restaurant. The hotel will feature extensive banqueting facilities, including over 8,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space as well as an outdoor lawn spanning 10,000 sq. ft. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Mr. Madan Singh Chauhan said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Nathdwara. This hotel will enhance the hospitality landscape of the temple town.”

Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Nathdwara is a prominent pilgrimage and tourist destination. While deeply spiritual, the town also draws visitors with its rich cultural heritage, serene surroundings, and traditional Rajasthani hospitality.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 31 hotels in Rajasthan including 8 under development.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global entrepreneurship, startup accelerators have emerged as pivotal enablers of innovation and growth. These structured programs go far beyond seed funding — they offer access to strategic mentorship, investor networks, market insights, and critical operational support that help early-stage ventures navigate their most formative phases. For technology startups in particular, accelerators play a crucial role in fast-tracking product development, refining business models, and unlocking new market opportunities.

Below are the top 4 accelerators fueling tech-based startup success:

India Accelerator

IA is India’s premier startup factory with multiple sub-brands that enable the start-up ecosystem in India – India Accelerator supports the early stage startups  with funding, mentorship and other benefits; Finvolve is a multi-theseis growth and late stage fund that empowers startups across their growth journey—from pre-seed to pre-IPO—through capital, strategic support, and ecosystem access. IA Spaces enables start-ups across 10+ cities in India with access to co-working hubs and Third Place, which acts as India’s premium Business Cafe. IA is the recipient of the “Best Accelerator of the Country” award from Start-up India in 2022. Our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting upcoming founders has consistently positioned us at the forefront of the Indian start-up ecosystem.

Y Combinator

Y Combinator, often referred to as YC, is one of the most prestigious and influential startup accelerators globally. Known for its highly competitive application process, Since 2005, YC has invested in nearly 3,000 companies including Airbnb, DoorDash, Stripe, Instacart, Dropbox, and Coinbase. They offer funding, mentorship, and a robust network of alumni to help startups succeed. The combined valuation of YC companies is over $300B. YC has programs and resources that support founders throughout the life of their company

Techstars

Techstars is a global accelerator program with a strong presence in major tech hubs worldwide. It is an investment and innovation group that connects entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and city governments to solve challenges across industries and geographies. We pioneered the accelerator program model in 2006 working toward our vision of a connected global economy of innovation. Alumni include SendGrid, Sphero, and ClassPass.

500 Global

Founded in 2010, 500 Global is a venture capital investment firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm prefers to invest in media, consumer services, computer hardware, software, commercial services, software-as-a-service, mobile, fintech, big data, internet of things, e-commerce, agricultural technology, and audio technology sectors across the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, and India. They focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth.

National; May 27, 2025: Swiggy Limited (NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has launched its Corporate Rewards Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to bring added value, convenience, and delight to working professionals across the country. The company shared that it has rolled out the Corporate Rewards Program across 7000 companies in India. Swiggy has received a great response for this program and is in the process of expanding it to 15,000+ organizations across India by the end of 2025. Through this program, employees of the partner companies can access a range of exclusive offers by verifying their official work email address on the Swiggy app. The Corporate Rewards Program is currently live in companies across top 10 corporate hubs in the country including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Noida, Pune and Kolkata. Swiggy will be adding more benefits and perks to the Corporate Rewards Program in the coming weeks.

In line with Swiggy’s broader strategy to cater to specific consumer segments, the Corporate Rewards Program focuses on enhancing the food ordering and dining experience for India’s corporate workforce. The offers include Swiggy One membership at discounted price, flat discount of Rs. 125 to Rs. 200 on food delivery orders, flat 20% off on large/ party orders on the food delivery app, as well as flat discount of upto Rs. 2000 on Swiggy Dineout. Once a user verifies his/her corporate email ID in the dedicated “Corporate Rewards” section within the Swiggy app, they are granted access to a suite of curated benefits that are tailored to the needs of the corporate employees and enables them to have a great time while at work or off it. So, whether it is busy workdays, team lunches, office parties, or late-night work sessions as well as for a great evening out with loved ones, the perfect weekend plan or the feast that one may want to order in on a special day, Swiggy’s Corporate Rewards Program offers a host of benefits for all its users.

With its intuitive access, expansive corporate network, and compelling offers, the Corporate Rewards Program positions Swiggy as not just a food delivery platform, but a reliable companion for India’s urban professionals. Swiggy’s Corporate Rewards Program is currently running across a range of industries including Consulting, E-commerce, Banking/ Finance, IT/ Software/ Technology, Manufacturing/ Heavy Industries, VCs, FMCG Companies, Automobile/ Auto Ancillary, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Telecom, Energy/ Oil & Gas and Utilities, Retail, Education, Media and Entertainment, Aerospace/ Defense, Hospitality/ Travel and Tourism, Agritech/ Agriculture, Mining and Natural Resources.

Commenting on the launch, Deepak Maloo, Vice President-Food Strategy, Customer Experience and New Initiatives, said, “The Corporate Rewards Program reflects Swiggy’s commitment to offering an enhanced, hyper-relevant, lifestyle-integrated experience for working professionals across age groups. Whether it’s a working professional looking for reliable lunch options during a busy day, a team celebrating a successful project, a late-night worker seeking comfort food after hours, planning a weekend get together with friends, or hosting a group of friends on a match day, Swiggy’s Corporate Rewards Program makes the experience more rewarding and cost-effective. With exclusive offers designed for those with busy schedules, we’re helping people save time, save money, and still eat well — no matter where work takes them.”

The sign-up process for this program is seamless and designed with user convenience in mind—requiring just a few steps to verify a work email and instantly access all associated perks. The launch of this program builds on the success of Swiggy’s recently announced Students Rewards Program and marks another step in Swiggy’s effort to build a targeted, meaningful ecosystem of benefits around specific user communities. While the Student Rewards offering was created to meet the needs of collegegoers living away from home, the Corporate Rewards Program addresses the rhythm of the modern workplace—fast-paced, digitally connected, and always on the move.

“Our students’ success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We’re proud of their achievements and confident they’ll excel in their future endeavors.,” said Hareesh PK, Founder, Arjunaa Academy for Achievers.

“The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our teaching methods and the commitment of our faculty. We’re committed to helping students achieve their goals,” he added

“I’m thrilled with my score and grateful to Arjunaa Academy for their guidance and support. Their faculty and resources helped me stay focused and motivated,” said student Lakshmi Pooshan.