Archives May 2025

Bhubaneswar : Dabur Glucose, the leading instant energy drink from the House of Dabur, announced the launch of a mega Campaign ‘Energize India’ to promote young sporting talent and drive awareness about the importance of energy and stamina among young athletes in major sports academies across India.

As part of the campaign, Dabur Glucose conducted a special awareness session on energy and stamina management at the Bharat Bhusan Cricket Academy in Bhubaneswar, featuring renowned expert in the field. This session provided valuable insights and strategies to help athletes optimize their performance and achieve their full potential. Dabur also felicitated top athletes of this academy.

“We are delighted to launch our ‘Energize India’ campaign to promote the importance of energy and stamina among young athletes and provide them with the necessary energy to excel in their respective sports. As a brand, Dabur Glucose is a perfect fit for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and people who lead an active lifestyle. The product is designed to provide an instant energy boost, which is essential for individuals engaged in physical activities,” Dinesh Kumar, Manager, Corporate Communication, Dabur India Ltd. said.

The energy sessions, conducted by Coach Manoj Jena, focused on educating young athletes about the importance of proper nutrition and hydration to ensure optimal performance. The session also included tips and techniques to improve stamina and endurance, which are crucial for any athlete.

“Dabur Glucose has always been committed to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among our youth. This partnership with young athletes is another step forward towards achieving this goal. With its refreshing taste and instant energy boost, Dabur Glucose is the perfect choice for young athletes to stay energized and perform at their best,” Mr. Kumar added.

Chennai, 22 May 2025– Young India’s millennials and GenZ are powerful drivers in India’s outbound travel growth story. Industry insights suggest that, Indian millennials place a high priority on travel in their spending habits. In a focused initiative to leverage this high-growth segment, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel foreign exchange services provider has appointed Bollywood’s youth icon Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador.

Kartik Aaryan is known for his charismatic persona and strong connection with India’s youth. His significant fan-base, aspirational image yet relatability especially among millennials and GenZ makes him a key influencer. He embodies the spirit of India’s new-age traveller, making him an ideal choice to represent the innovative and agile India ka Forex Specialist – Thomas Cook.

The partnership commences with a campaign for Thomas Cook’s recently launched Borderless Travel Card – a game-changing, multi-currency product designed to provide travellers with a seamless, secure and smooth experience at every stage of their journey – anywhere in the world.

The film featuring Kartik, while indicating the numerous forex related challenges faced by India’s travellers, highlights Thomas Cook’s Borderless Travel Card as an ideal solution. This is presented in a fun and relatable conversation between two friends planning their upcoming holiday. While the friend struggles with managing multiple credit and debit cards, lounge access cards, international SIM cards and currency, Kartik proudly flaunts his Thomas Cook multicurrency Borderless Travel Card – as his one-stop-solution that addresses significant challenges while on an international trip.

The campaign will be amplified across multiple platforms including digital, CTV (connected TV) and social media, ensuring high reach and engagement.

Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “We are truly bullish on our prepaid card business and building on the success of our portfolio that includes Study Buddy (for students) and EnterpriseFX (for business travellers), we have just launched our multicurrency Borderless Travel Card for India’s rapidly growing leisure segment. Our data/research reflects significant opportunity from Young India and we are already witnessing an encouraging uptick in demand from the segment. We have hence strategically tied up with Kartik Aaryan, Bollywood’s young icon, as we believe he is the perfect fit to inspire and address this powerful young segment. We are very excited to launch a fun and engaging campaign with Kartik as the protagonist, to showcase the multiple benefits of our Borderless Travel Card and inspire strong growth from Young India.

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, said, “I am excited to work with Thomas Cook India – a brand that is synonymous with not just pioneering travel but also innovative and youthful agility, and the Borderless Travel Card represents this and more. As an avid traveller, I have also gone through some of the struggles of buying and using forex while holidaying abroad. This card is a game-changer for India’s travel-hungry youth and I personally endorse this card as a smart, seamless, secure and highly convenient solution for Indian travellers. The card offers unique benefits of multi-currency support, worldwide acceptance and exclusive travel benefits. The bright youth of India are surely going to opt for this multifunctional card on their next international trip.”

Gurgaon, May 22, 2025 — In a landmark moment for youth empowerment and skill development in Haryana, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini Ji visited the iMpower Academy for Skills, operated by the M3M Foundation, at Pattikalyana, Samalkha (Panipat). The visit, which coincided with the inauguration of the Rishikulam Wellness Center by Shri Madhav Sewa Trust, marked a significant endorsement of the Foundation’s mission to build a self-reliant and skilled generation.

The Chief Minister was welcomed in the esteemed presence of Shri Pawan Jindal, President, Shri Madhav Sewa Trust; Shri Basant Bansal, Chairman, M3M Group; and Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation. The Rishikulam Wellness Center, an initiative by Shri Madhav Sewa Trust, is a commendable step toward advancing holistic healthcare and community well-being in the region.

In his address, Hon’ble CM Shri Saini stated “Vocational and technical education is the backbone of a strong workforce. Initiatives like iMpower not only uplift underprivileged youth but also ensure they are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the economy. I commend M3M Foundation for building such a powerful model, and I see great potential in replicating it across Haryana”.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee of M3M Foundation, on the occasion expressed “Visiting the iMpower Academy today was truly inspiring. Interacting with the students and witnessing their confidence reaffirmed my belief that skill development is the most powerful tool for empowerment. The Foundation remains committed to opening up livelihood opportunities and shaping a generation of self-reliant, future-ready youth. This is the kind of impact that fuels our vision for a stronger, more inclusive India”.

During his visit to the iMpower Academy, Shri Saini interacted personally with the trainees, explored classrooms and advanced training laboratories, and commended the world-class infrastructure. Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee of M3M Foundation, briefed CM Shri Saini Ji on the various skill development initiatives and planned engagements at the centre, outlining the Foundation’s vision for empowering youth through industry-aligned training. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and hands-on learning tools, the academy is one of the finest in the region. The Chief Minister appreciated the Foundation’s efforts in delivering industry-relevant training, livelihood generation, and youth empowerment, all contributing toward the vision of a self-reliant India.

A key highlight of the visit was the enrolment of over 450 trainees currently undergoing training in various trades. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction at the Academy’s success in placing students within just three months of training—underscoring the program’s effectiveness and industry alignment. Shri Saini was joined by prominent dignitaries including Shri Manmohan Singh Badana (MLA, Samalkha Constituency), Shri Mahipal 

Singh Danda, and Shri Pawan Jindal (RSS Head, North India)—all of whom praised M3M Foundation’s visionary approach to skill-led rural transformation. The visit is a powerful testament to the synergy between government leadership and development-focused organizations like M3M Foundation, united in their goal to empower the youth and build an economically resilient Haryana.

Hyderabad, 21 May 2025: In its mission to offer the best entertainment experience to customers, Dish TV is raising the bar once again. After the successful launch of its flagship product last year, Dish TV now brings the all-new Smart+ experience for Android TVs.

This new offering is powered by a smart device that brings live TV channels and popular OTT apps together on one screen. It’s designed to work smoothly with Android and Google TVs, turning your regular TV into a smart entertainment hub. The unified interface makes it easy for viewers to explore and enjoy both live TV and streaming content—all in one place.

With the Smart+ device, you don’t need multiple remotes anymore. You can switch between TV channels and OTT apps using just your TV remote, making the whole viewing experience simpler and more convenient. No more changing input sources or devices—everything you need is now available in one seamless setup.

The device also offers useful features like creating a list of favourite channels, setting reminders for your shows, and parental controls for safe viewing. The easy-to-use interface helps you find content quickly, without having to remember channel numbers. You can also see previews of upcoming shows through handy thumbnails and banners.

Compact and portable, the Smart+ device fits easily into any home entertainment setup. It’s lightweight, sleek, and easy to carry—perfect for modern households. More importantly, it gives you a smarter and more personal way to explore and enjoy content.

Mr. Manoj Dobhal, CEO & Executive Director, Dish TV India Ltd., said, “As part of our ongoing commitment to drive innovation in the entertainment industry, we are proud to introduce the Smart+ Device. This product marks a significant advancement in the seamless integration of traditional television and OTT services, catering to the evolving needs of today’s digital consumer. We are confident that this integration represents the future of entertainment. With the launch of the Smart+ Device, we are enhancing both convenience and accessibility while reinforcing our leadership in delivering integrated, next-generation solutions for our customers.”

 The Smart+ device will be available on Dish TV’s official website, Flipkart, and all major retail outlets. It’s your all-in-one solution for enjoying TV channels and OTT apps—brought together in one easy, smart, and seamless experience.

Gujarat Gas (GUJGA) reported decline of 4% YoY and 2% QoQ in total sales volume to 9.3mmscmd in Q4FY25 (PLe 9.7mmscmd). However, due to lower mix of industrial volume, EBITDA/scm of Rs5.4 beat our estimates of Rs4.7. EBITDA stood at Rs4.5bn (-24% YoY, +18% QoQ, PLe: Rs4.1bn, BBGe: Rs4.1bn) and PAT of Rs2.2bn (-30% YoY, +30% QoQ, PLe: Rs2.4bn, BBGe: Rs2.4bn). For the full year, EBITDA stood at Rs18.8bn, flat YoY while adj PAT stood at Rs11.5bn, +4% YoY. We build in 6% CAGR volume growth over FY25-27E and an EBITDA of Rs5.6/scm. Considering 1) the ongoing poor demand of building materials and 2) economics in favor of propane vs gas, we believe that the company is richly valued, trading at 24.7x FY27 EPS of Rs18.6. Downgrade to ‘Sell’ with a TP of Rs372 based on 20x FY27 EPS. 

• Total volume decline YoY/QoQ: Total sales volume stood at 9.3mmscmd (-4% YoY, -2% QoQ, PLe 9.7mmscmd). CNG segment grew by impressive 11% YoY while PNG-domestic segment grew by 4.7% YoY. Industrial volume shrunk by 13% YoY. For the full year, total sales volume stood at 9.6mmscmd, +3% YoY. While CNG has been growing steadily, concerns remain on industrial segment due to demand of end user industry as well as cost economics vis-a-vis alternate fuel. We build-in 6% CAGR in total sales volume during FY25-27E.
• Lower industrial vol aids margin: Industrial/commercial sales volume stood at 56% of total sales volume in Q4FY25 vs 61% in Q4FY24 and 59% in Q3FY25. As industrial volume is the least remunerative in terms of EBITDA/scm, this boosted overall EBITDA/scm from Rs4.4 in Q3FY25 to Rs5.4 in Q4FY25. For the full year, EBITDA/scm stood at Rs5.4 vs Rs5.5 in FY24. We build in EBITDA/scm of Rs5.6 for FY26E as well as FY27E.
• Concall Highlights: 1) gas prices at Morbi are Rs3-3.7/scm higher than propane, 2) sourcing: APM 25%, short-term 40%, rest long term, no HH, 3) expect 12% growth in CNG going forward- 2 lakh vehicles added in FY25, 4) Morbi vol currently at 2.6-2.7mmscmd and is unlikely to grow in Q1FY26 due to poor demand and high gas prices vs propane, 5) capex of Rs7.4bn done in FY25 and guidance of Rs10bn in FY26, 6) guidance of Rs4.5-5.5 EBITDA/scm, 7) other expenditure in the quarter included ~Rs300mn of one-offs like inventory, physical verification of assets, higher CSR expense etc, 8) non-Morbi industrial volume grew by 9% YoY in Q4, 9) CNG vol inside Guj grew by 8% YoY and 28% YoY for outside Gujarat region during the quarter, 10) addition of ~60-70 CNG stations in FY26.

Date: 21 May 2025

Organized by: Amity University Haryana | Amity Academic Staff College | CEMCA | Association of Indian Universities (AIU) | Academic and Administrative Development Centres

In alignment with the transformative goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a Five-Day Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Empowering Higher Education Institutions in Technology-Enabled and Blended Learning” was inaugurated on 19th May 2025. The programme is a joint initiative by Amity University Haryana, Amity Academic Staff College, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and Academic and Administrative Development Centres. The FDP witnessed participation from over 500 plus faculty members representing institutions across India and abroad.

The FDP aims to strengthen faculty capabilities in integrating Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) and Blended Learning (BL) into higher education curricula. Key focus areas include the use of MOOCs, OERs, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Institutional Blended Learning Policies (IBLP) and strategies to boost academic collaboration and graduate employability.

Prof. (Dr.) P.B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Amity University Haryana, during his Inaugural Address, reflected on the evolution of education from the blackboard era to the digital age. Prof Sharma emphasized that technology has democratized access to knowledge and is transforming teaching, research and community engagement and he called for the ethical and responsible use of digital tools to nurture morally conscious and future-ready learners.

Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar, respected Pro Vice Chancellor, highlighted the shift towards blended and asynchronous learning models. Prof Madhukar underscored the importance of culturally inclusive, interactive content and the integration of AI and digital platforms to enhance student experience.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Professor at the Amity School of Liberal Arts and Deputy Director, Amity Academic Staff College, emphasized the need to empower both educators and students to navigate digital learning ecosystems with confidence, aligning pedagogy with real-world challenges. She also highlighted the importance of fostering critical thinking, adaptability and digital literacy as core components of 21st-century education

Dr. Ranjana Parihar, Joint Secretary, AIU, in her Special Address, stressed the importance of lifelong learning for educators. She reaffirmed AIU’s commitment to supporting faculty development in line with NEP 2020 and the changing dynamics of global education.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, CEMCA, described the integration of technology into education as both essential and inevitable. He advocated for a paradigm shift in teaching roles from knowledge dispensers to facilitators enabling learner autonomy, flexibility and multidisciplinary engagement.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Ravi Manuja, Registrar, Amity University Haryana, who expressed gratitude to all participating institutions, dignitaries and attendees. He highlighted the collaborative efforts behind this initiative and the significance of continuous engagement in reshaping the future of education.

The inaugural session marked a significant step toward building institutional capacity, fostering innovation and cultivating a culture of digital fluency and collaboration in Indian higher education.

London (UK), May 21, 2025: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size (250cc-750cc) motorcycle segment, today announced an exclusive collaboration with an iconic London-based jewellery and lifestyle brand, The Great Frog. The partnership brings together the distinctive worlds of motorcycling and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired jewellery through a custom-inspired chopper motorcycle, a limited edition handcrafted sterling silver ring, and an exclusive apparel collection.

The collaboration will debut at The Bike Shed Moto Show in London between May 23 – 25, where the custom motorcycle, built in close collaboration with The Great Frog – will be unveiled to the motorcycling community and enthusiasts in the city. This unique engagement is rooted in a shared philosophy – a celebration of authenticity, rebellious spirit, and pure craftsmanship.

At the heart of the collaboration is a specially commissioned custom Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, a motorcycle known for its laid-back cruising capability and elegant design. Inspired by The Great Frog’s rich heritage in handcrafting silver jewellery and its deep association with music and motorcycle subcultures, the motorcycle blends bespoke design details with raw attitude.

Accompanying the motorcycle is a limited edition sterling silver ring, handmade in London by The Great Frog’s artisans and, a limited edition range of collaborative apparel that embodies the character and design ethos of both Royal Enfield and The Great Frog that will be sold exclusively at the Great Frog stores in London, Los Angeles and New York city.

Speaking on this unique collaboration, Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer, Royal Enfield, said,  “This collaboration with The Great Frog is a celebration of our mutual love of craftsmanship and motorcycling culture. The custom-built Brit chopper on the Super Meteor 650 is a true work of art – handcrafted, raw, and full of character. We’re thrilled to showcase it at Bike Shed London for enthusiasts around the world.”

“Both TGF and Royal Enfield have stood the test of time have drawn upon their heritage to come together to distill this lineage and create a modern day interpretation of the early Brit chopper, rather than slavishly copying the past, we took the same ethos of those before us but with today’s technology. We’re proud of what we’ve created and can’t wait for the world to see it”, says Reino Lehtonen-Riley, Creative Director & Head Designer – The Great Frog.

Mumbai, 21^st May 2025 — In a time when people need quick, simple, and reliable ways to access money, FINQY®, one of India’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, has brings an offering that could change the way Indians borrow — introducing Car Par Loan.

This innovative product lets you unlock up to 200% of your car’s current value — without having to sell it. It’s quick, it’s digital, and it’s built for working professionals, small business owners, and everyday consumers looking for smarter liquidity solutions.

A Smarter Way to Borrow — Without the Usual Hassle

Car Par Loan stands out because it makes the borrowing process easier and more transparent:

• High Loan Value: Banks & NBFCs offer up to 200% of your car’s market value — based on their eligibility criteria.
• Instant Car & Loan Value: See real-time market value of your current vehicle and the loan amount you’re eligible for, instantly.
• 100% Digital, Instant Soft Approval: No paperwork, no branch visits. Apply, upload documents, and get your loan eligibility check or a soft approval, instantly.
• Flexible Use: Whether it’s a family emergency, business need, or education expense — use the funds any way you like.
• Safe & Transparent: No hidden charges. Clear repayment terms with reputed lenders. 100% ownership of your car stays with you.

Putting the Customer in the Driver’s Seat

“Car Par Loan is more than just a product — it’s about giving people control over their finances without the stress or confusion,” said Manish Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of FINQY®. “We’ve made borrowing simple, fast, and friendly — everything traditional business finance isn’t.”

Designed for Today’s India

• Loan Tenure: Up to 84 months
• Eligibility: Salaried, self-employed, and business owners
• Available Across India via FINQY’s growing Auto Loan partner network

New Delhi, 21^st May 2025: Indian glove manufacturers are calling for the prompt implementation of the Medical and Surgical Gloves (Quality Control) Order (QCO), which has now been in the public domain for 60 days following its submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement. The QCO, introduced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, mandates Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for all medical and surgical gloves—both imported and domestically manufactured.

While the industry welcomes and appreciates the government’s decisive step toward protecting public health and supporting the domestic glove manufacturing sector, stakeholders are increasingly concerned over delays in enforcement.

Manmohan Gulati, Secretary of the Indian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (IRGMA) said, “The 60-day WTO consultation period, which allows member countries and stakeholders to provide feedback, has now concluded. However, in the absence of formal notification, incidents of regulatory violations and illegal dumping of substandard gloves have continued to rise.”

Anindith Reddy, Managing Director of Enliva – Wadi Surgicals,stated that,“The formal implementation of the QCO will be a breakthrough for domestic manufacturers which have been struggling to compete against the influx of low quality, non-compliant gloves. With the notification of QCO, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified gloves will be prohibited. The timely implementation of the QCO is critical not only to curb the influx of low-quality imports but also to strengthen India’s Make in India initiative by ensuring fair competition and promoting high-quality domestic production.”

 The QCO is poised to address a major loophole exploited through the import of illegal, substandard gloves by mandating strict compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and ISI certification on all gloves, both imported and domestically manufactured. Industry estimates that the new QCO will directly impact the average annual import of ₹450–500 crore worth of such illegal products, thereby ensuring only safe, certified gloves enter the Indian market. The industry, while supportive of the regulation, is keenly awaiting the final notification and enforcement mechanism. The Indian Glove manufacturing industry urges for a timely implementation of the QCO to protect public health from the risks posed by poor-quality medical gloves.

Bangalore, India 21st May 2025—AI literacy tops the list of the 15 fastest-growing skills professionals need to stay competitive in today’s environment, according to a new LinkedIn report. Designed to meet the needs of audit professionals who are facing an evolving tech and compliance landscape with AI at the forefront, ISACA has introduced the ISACA Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) certification—the first advanced audit-specific artificial intelligence certification designed for experienced auditors.

The certification showcases IT audit professionals who can navigate the complexities of AI, demonstrating they have the skills to respond to risks, identify opportunities, and ensure compliance while safeguarding organizational integrity. Built on ISACA’s trusted expertise in IT audit and the rigorous standards behind renowned credentials like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) from ISACA, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) from Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this certification validates expertise in conducting AI-focused audits, addressing AI integration challenges, and enhancing audit processes through AI-driven insights.

In addition to being able to audit systems that utilize AI, IT audit professionals can leverage AI tools and techniques to streamline audits, reduce manual effort, and boost operational efficiency for faster, more accurate decision-making, while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, compliance and innovation.

Those with an active CISA from ISACA, CIA from IIA, and CPA from AICPA are eligible to pursue the AAIA, which covers the key domains of AI governance and risk, AI operations, and AI auditing tools and techniques.

“ISACA is proud to have served the global audit community for more than 55 years through our audit and assurance standards, frameworks and certifications, and we are continuing to help the community evolve and thrive with the certifications and training they need in this new era of audits involving AI,” says Shannon Donahue, ISACA Chief Content and Publishing Officer. “Through AAIA, auditors can demonstrate their expertise and trusted advisory skills in navigating AI-driven challenges while upholding the highest industry standards.” 

Exam preparation options include the AAIA Review Manual, as well as the AAIA Online Review Course and Questions, Answers, and Explanations Database (QAE), both of which allow one year of access to allow for time to fully prepare for success on the exam.

An Expanding Set of AI Resources, Training, Credentials

A recent survey from ISACA found that 85 percent of digital trust professionals, including auditors, say they will need to increase their skills and knowledge in AI within two years to advance or retain their job, and 94 percent say AI skills will be important for digital trust professionals to have. With this in mind, ISACA also has recently released a range of AI courses and resources, including Introduction to AI for Auditors and Auditing Generative AI courses, and an Artificial Intelligance Audit Toolkit. This also includes another new AI certification in Q3—the Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM) credential, which can be earned by CISMs and CISSPs.