Archives May 2025

National; May 16, 2025: Swiggy Limited India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has officially launched its Students Rewards Program, a youth-focused initiative that offers never-before, exclusive discounts and benefits to lakhs of college students across campuses in the country.

The Students Reward Program is currently live in close to 2000 campuses across 200+ cities, from major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, to smaller ones with growing student population like Dehradun, Rajkot, Sonipat and Patiala. The program is set to expand to 4500+ campuses nationwide by July 2025. To unlock the benefits, students need to verify their college email ID via the “Student Rewards” section in the accounts tab of their Swiggy app. Once verified, they will get access to a host of exclusive offers. Students whose colleges are not onboarded can write to swiggyforstudents@swiggy.in with their college specific email address.

 Whether it’s the tech colleges, state universities, private institutions, or media and design colleges, Swiggy is creating a rewards experience that is customized, high in impact and scale,  as well as deeply local and culturally tuned to student life. The program in its pilot phase is getting a lot of love in the form of a large number of sign-ups from colleges such as Kalinga Institute of Technology, Bhubaneshwar; Thapar University, Patiala;  IIT Bombay, BITS Pilani, Goa and many more.

Commenting on the launch, Deepak Maloo, Vice President, Swiggy Food Marketplace said, “The Students Rewards Program is Swiggy’s way of being a part of the lives of students, not just as a convenience platform, but as a trusted companion in their college journey. We understand that for a large number of youngsters living away from home, whether in big cities or smaller college towns, food is often their closest connection to comfort, routine, and home. Swiggy’s new offering is especially designed to cater to students and unlocks specially curated, exclusive perks and access to incredible offers instantly.”

“Whether students are ordering dinner after a long day of lectures, fuelling late-night study sessions, or planning a birthday celebration with friends, Swiggy makes it effortless and affordable. We understand that when you are far away from home, the little things like your favourite meal showing up at the right time, makes all the difference,” he added further.

Yashita Berry, a third year student of VIT mentions “As a student, it is so nice to get some extra discounts. The sign up process was simple and I have already used two of the offers to order my meals”

Built for students between 18 to 25 years of age, the program serves both hostel residents and day-boarders, those who live on campus as well as those who order in between classes or while commuting. The benefits can be availed even while students are at home or on their internships, in a city different from the campus location.

With college students increasingly relying on digital platforms for food, entertainment, and everyday convenience, Swiggy’s Students Rewards Program is designed in line with the needs, habits and pace of today’s youth.

Mumbai, May 16, 2025: The Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, chaired a high-level interaction titled Skill Milan with the heads of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) selected for transformation into National Centres of Excellence under the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation approved by Union Cabinet of 07^th May 2025. During the Skill Milan interaction with five(5) selected NSTIs focused on strategic alignment to guide India’s skilling ecosystem toward future-readiness and global relevance.

The discussion centered on the strategic upgradation of the five NSTIs, with the goal of increasing the availability of qualified instructors. These institutes will be strengthened for instructor training, offering standardized, high-quality. As National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) for skilling, these NSTIs will also address sector-specific skilling needs. Positioned at the forefront of India’s skilling ecosystem, these institutions are a cornerstone of the ?60,000 crore scheme recently approved by the Union Cabinet.

Calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” the Minister emphasized the initiative’s potential to reshape the technical training landscape of India—creating institutions that not only meet today’s workforce demands but also anticipate and prepare for the needs of the future. “These NSTIs will set the pace of skill development in India,” said Shri Jayant Chaudhary. “We must move beyond infrastructure and focus on institutional excellence—by embedding work-based learning, training of high-quality instructors, and close industry collaboration. These Centres should become the anchors of innovation, employability, and global competitiveness in technical training.”

During the discussion, the Minister underlined the importance of building these institutions around real industry needs—through sectoral focus areas such as Automotive, Manufacturing, Textile and new age skills like Artificial Intelligence, EV and advanced manufacturing. The Centres will also aim to support entrepreneurship, research, and lifelong learning, while offering a full vertical pathway from certificate to advanced diploma levels in alignment with the National Credit Framework.

The Hon’ble Minister highlighted the need to maximize industry participation in the upgradation of NSTIs with strong coordination with State Governments to ensure that industry-institution partnerships are locally relevant, sustainable, and aligned with regional economic priorities.

Representatives from the five NSTIs—located in Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana—shared their vision for the upgradation process. They spoke about aligning the curriculum with local industrial clusters, enhancing instructor capabilities through global exposure, and creating Centres for Industrial Collaboration to facilitate on-the-job learning and recruitment partnerships. Several representatives emphasized the importance of residential campuses to attract top faculty and learners from across the country.

The upgraded NSTIs will be provided with academic, financial, and administrative autonomy and will operate under a strengthened governance framework. These institutions are envisioned to serve as hubs of excellence that support the broader ITI network with curriculum redesign, pedagogical innovation and multiple entry multiple exit options to the trainees.

Dr. Murali Krishna CH V, Senior Neuro Phisician CARE Hospitals, Malakpet stated, “Hypertension is often symptomless in its early stages, which is why it’s called the silent killer. However, if left unchecked, it can cause irreversible damage to organs and lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, vision loss, and kidney failure. Awareness and timely management can truly save lives.”

New Delhi, May 16^th, 2025 – Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited (WRTL) is pleased to announce that it has received a Letter of Award (LOA) from a Renewable Energy Generation Company for the design, engineering, procurement, and construction of 94 MW AC Solar PV Plants across multiple locations under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0. The total value of the project is ₹114.22 crore.

This award follows a competitive bidding process, detailed technical proposals, and subsequent negotiations, reflecting WRTL’s strong capabilities in delivering high-quality, scalable solar infrastructure. The Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0, led by the Government of Maharashtra, aims to empower farmers by providing daytime electricity through decentralized solar generation, thereby promoting agricultural productivity and rural energy independence.

India’s renewable energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift, with solar energy playing a central role. The country has already surpassed 97 GW of installed solar capacity as of 2024 and is targeting 280 GW by 2030. This growth is being driven by supportive government policies, falling technology costs, and increasing private sector participation.

“This Letter of Award is more than just a project win- it’s a reaffirmation of the trust our partners place in us,” said Sunil Rathi, Executive Director of Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited. He added, “At WRTL, we don’t just build solar plants- we deliver certainty, speed, and scale. Whether it’s a multi-megawatt utility project or a smaller distributed installation, we approach every assignment with the same precision, passion, and professionalism. Our ability to execute projects of any size with consistency and excellence is what sets us apart- and keeps our clients coming back. Through this project, we are proud to contribute meaningfully to the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0 by enabling clean, daytime electricity for farmers and supporting rural energy independence. This is how we power progress- one megawatt at a time.”

WRTL continues to enjoy the confidence of repeat customers across sectors, thanks to its superior execution capabilities, on-time project delivery, and deep technical expertise. As a globally recognized EPC player, WRTL brings a proven track record of delivering complex solar projects under diverse climatic and regulatory conditions. Its integrated approach- spanning design, procurement, construction, and commissioning- ensures high performance, cost efficiency, and long-term value for clients.

This project further strengthens WRTL’s position as a trusted partner in India’s solar ecosystem and underscores its commitment to delivering climate-resilient infrastructure that supports both environmental and socio-economic development.

Hyderabad: 16^th May, 2025: The Premia Academy, a premium educational institution known for its resilience, responsibility, and love towards its students, achieved a 100% success rate in the 10^th and 12^th CBSE results.  This achievement is proof of holistic learning, passionate teaching, and the relentless spirit of the team Premia. They have announced a scholarship test for admission in the 11^th grade, by which the school wants to provide a holistic learning environment to deserving students.

Grade 10 students of CBSE achieved an excellent milestone in history with a 100% pass rate. The highest percentage among everyone is 97.2%. 26 students achieved distinction. Seven students scored more than 90%. The subject-wise performance percentages are as follows: 96% in Telugu, 96% in English, 98% in Hindi, 99% in mathematics, 94% in science, 97% in social sciences, and 99% in Artificial Intelligence.

12th-grade students also achieved a 100% pass rate, with most among them scoring above 90% in all subjects. The subject-wise percentages are as follows: accountancy scored 90%, economics 90%, business studies 92%, physical education 93%, physics and English core 94%, mathematics 96%, mass media and psychology 97%, and entrepreneurship 98%.

The Premia Academy has announced a scholarship test for grade 11 students on May 17^th, May 24^th  & May 31^st, 2025. They will cover science (MPC& BIPC). The test is going to be conducted at The Premia Academy campus.

The results are outstanding, and the management has received an overwhelming response from students and their parents. The school focuses on not only academic excellence but also instills values, knowledge, skills, builds self-confidence, and helps create wonderful opportunities for future growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sindhuri Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, The Premia Academy, said, it is heartening to receive an overwhelming achievement from the students. The achievement is not just about academic scores, but a reflection of our school’s ethos. Their hard work and perseverance have paid off, and we are too proud. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of parents, and the relentless efforts of our teaching faculty.”

Adding to this, Ms. Trupti Rao, Principal, The Premia Academy, said, “The Premia Academy is standing firm and indomitable in imparting great education. We are extremely delighted with the performance of our students in both the 10^th and 12^th exams. We appeal to students to participate in the scholarship test and grab the wonderful opportunity.

Adding to this, Ms. Sunita Saripally, Head Mistress, The Premia Academy, said, “The remarkable success of our students in the CBSE 10th and 12th grade examinations is a testament to their hard work, the dedication of our experienced faculty, and the supportive learning environment at Premia Academy. We believe in explaining the full potential of every child, fostering both academic rigor and personal growth to ensure they excel in all their endeavors.”

Chennai, 16^th May 2025: MGM Healthcare has successfully performed India’s first Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive procedure conducted through the mouth with robotic assistance, on a 52-year-old woman, providing relief from Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, a condition characterised by severe throat pain and painful swallowing. It was also associated with a nagging neck pain also. The innovative procedure removed grossly elongated styloid processes in the neck (Eagle’s Syndrome) that were impinging on the glossopharyngeal nerve bilaterally, the root cause of her chronic pain not relieved on medications.

Despite undergoing numerous consultations and trying various medications at multiple hospitals, the patient’s condition persisted, leaving her in constant, debilitating pain. This patient from Chennai endured the pain for nearly a year without any cure. However, after the surgery, the patient experienced remarkable improvement. Within hours of the procedure, she reported a dramatic reduction in pain. Her swallowing difficulties were fully resolved. Within 48 hours, the patient was discharged with no further complications.

Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia with Eagle’s Syndrome is rare, and in most cases, the typical approach to treatment would involve conventional surgeries, such as removal of the tonsils to access the parapharyngeal space and reach the styloid processes and the nerves. However, TORS allowed the removal of the styloid bones without the need for external incisions and spared the surrounding tissues and organs, including the palatine tonsils.

The groundbreaking surgery was performed by Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery at MGM Healthcare. In his comments, he said, “The patient had been suffering from excruciating throat and neck pain for nearly a year, despite multiple consultations and various treatments. After a thorough evaluation and advanced imaging techniques, we were able to accurately diagnose the patient’s condition as Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, caused by elongated styloid bones compressing the glossopharyngeal nerve. The challenge was accessing these deep, narrow areas to remove the elongated bones without damaging surrounding structures. This is where Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) proved to be a game-changer. The robot’s articulatory arms allowed us to perform highly precise movements in the parapharyngeal space, which would have been extremely difficult with conventional methods. By performing the surgery through the mouth, we could safely remove the styloid bones, sparing vital organs like the tonsils and important blood vessels, thereby minimising the risk of complications. TORS provided an optimal solution, offering minimal invasion and ensuring a quicker, smoother recovery for the patient.”

He added that TORS has usually been used primarily for tumor removal, especially in the throat and mouth area. However, the ability to perform TORS for a rare condition like Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, caused by Eagle’s Syndrome, marks a significant milestone for MGM Healthcare. This innovative approach, done for the first time in the country, (just a few cases have been reported in literature worldwide with similar techniques) allows the surgeon to precisely access the affected areas and provide relief to a patient who had not found a solution despite multiple attempts at treatment elsewhere. “Our hospital is deeply committed to utilising cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes, and this breakthrough demonstrates our expertise in leveraging robotic-assisted surgery for complex cases. With this success, we continue to uphold our promise to push the boundaries of medical innovation, offering hope and relief to patients without viable treatment options”.

New Delhi, May 16, 2025 In a bold and principled move reflecting national solidarity, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has become the first private university in India to terminate all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has formally ended six academic partnerships with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing recent geopolitical developments that it deems contrary to India’s national interest.

This unprecedented decision includes the immediate termination of student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, dual degree initiatives, and all other forms of academic collaboration with institutions from the two countries. The move comes in response to the pro-Pakistan stance of Türkiye and Azerbaijan during a recent period of heightened Indo-Pak tensions.

Announcing the decision, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, stated, “When our brave armed forces are risking their lives—whether in covert operations, air defence, or patrolling our borders—we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent. Dr. Mittal remarked, “LPU’s mission has always been aligned with the growth and integrity of India, and we will never associate with any institution that undermines India’s sovereignty.”

While diplomacy is the domain of governments, LPU’s action sends a powerful message: the academic world, too, bears a moral responsibility. National security is not safeguarded solely at the borders—it must be defended in every classroom, boardroom, and international collaboration.

Gurugram, Haryana, 16^th May 2025 – Square Yards, India’s largest integrated real estate and mortgage platform, has announced its financial results for FY25, reporting a stellar revenue of INR 1,410 crore (USD 170 million) and EBITDA of INR 46 crore (USD 6 million) on the back of INR 316 crore (~ USD 38 million) gross profit. With these results, the company remains operating cash flow positive and continues its impressive growth trajectory, boasting a 4-year revenue CAGR of 51%.

Key FY25 Highlights:

• Revenue Growth: Square Yards reported a revenue of approximately INR 1,410 crore (~USD 170 million), marking a year-over-year growth of around 40% from INR 1,001 crore in FY24. The company facilitated over 186,000 transactions and achieved a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of INR 59,093 crore (USD 7+ billion) in FY25.
• Operational Excellence: The FY25 demonstrated the potential of operational leverage in the business, with gross profit margins reaching 23%, a contribution margin of 13%, and EBITDA at 3%. Additionally, Square Yards had positive operating cash flow in FY25.
• Continued Growth Projection: With a consistent four-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 51%, Square Yards forecasts robust growth for FY26, targeting revenues of INR 2,000+ crore (USD 240+ million) and aiming for double-digit margins.

Tanuj Shori, Founder and CEO, Square Yards said  “We’ve built Square Yards as a well-diversified asset light platform to play India housing story. Today, we’re twice the size of the nearest Proptech player, three times larger than classified platforms, and seven times ahead of the closest brokerage. With over INR 1,400 crore in FY25 revenue, consistent double-digit EBITDA margins and a 51% CAGR over the last four years, we have established multi category leader with a unique combination of scale, economics and market leadership.  We forecast FY26 EBITDA to grow 4-5x while maintaining over 40% revenue growth. We’re targeting USD 240+ million in revenue and approximately USD 25 million in EBITDA. The operating leverage is clearly playing out, setting FY26 to be a landmark year for Square Yards.”

Q4 sees 32% YoY growth in revenue; showcases operating leverage

Q4 showed a glimpse of the operative leverage in the business with a strong margin profile across all levels. Both Gross Transaction Value (GTV) and Revenues for the quarter rose 32% YoY, while EBIDTA saw a 43% jump during the final quarter of the fiscal year. Annualized revenue (annualizing Q4) stands at ~INR 1,900 crore (~ USD 229 million) and historically Square Yards has consistently achieved its annualized Q4 numbers each year.

Fintech drives growth, PropTech leads in margins; India contribution ~80%

The real estate segment led profitability, delivering ~30% YoY revenue growth with 29% gross margins, aided by the company’s strong B2C positioning. The fintech vertical, which has scaled nearly 30 times over the past four years, continues to anchor growth. As the segment matures, improvement in margins is expected. Meanwhile, the digital products business maintained strong traction, supported by high gross margins of 47%, and is expected to continue delivering above-average growth. In terms of geographical split, India business contributed 83% of overall business while GCC countries contributed 11%.

Industry Leadership and Future Outlook

Square Yards, India’s largest well-diversified, asset-light platform in the housing ecosystem, continues to strengthen its position as a unique combination of scale, operating leverage, and category leadership. Backed by a full-stack, end-to-end solutions model, Square Yards’ integrated capabilities across the entire value chain provide significant value to both consumers and industry stakeholders. Its differentiated approach and robust business fundamentals are expected to drive accelerated and sustainable growth in the coming quarters.

Square Yards is coming on the back of a significant investment phase across the new businesses as well as capacity addition in core businesses. The company forecasts FY26 revenue to surpass USD 240+ million, with EBITDA expected to grow nearly five times to approximately USD 25 million. This outlook reflects continued momentum, with revenue growth projected to remain strong at upwards of 40%.

Noida; 16^th May 2025: Spectrum@Metro, one of Noida’s most vibrant retail and lifestyle hubs, welcomes the iconic coffeehouse chain Barista to its expanding family of premium offerings. Nestled on the ground floor of Phase 2, the new café promises to be more than just a coffee stop—it’s a space designed for moments, memories, and meaningful conversations.

Barista, known for its classic coffee blends and cosy ambience, aims to deliver a refined yet welcoming experience to coffee lovers, mall-goers, and professionals alike. With warm interiors and an inviting menu, the new outlet adds a contemporary edge to Spectrum@Metro’s mission of offering holistic, high-quality lifestyle experiences under one roof.

Speaking on the new addition, Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, said, “We are delighted to have Barista join our diverse mix of premium experiences at Spectrum@Metro. This café is not just a new hangout—it represents our continued commitment to creating engaging spaces for our visitors. From a mid-shopping coffee break to relaxed conversations over a hot brew, Barista adds that perfect pause to every visitor’s day.”

The new Barista café marks another step in the mall’s journey to curate meaningful spaces where community meets convenience. Shoppers can now pair their retail therapy with a signature brew—because great coffee moments are meant to be shared.

Some kitchen appliances are just functional. And then there are those that quietly uplift the entire cooking experience both in form and function. The NYG 784G Built-in Hob belongs to the latter category. It’s the kind of upgrade that doesn’t shout for attention but leaves a lasting impression every time you cook.

Crafted with 8mm thick premium matte grey tempered glass and beautifully rounded edges, it’s a piece that brings both elegance and strength to the countertop. The finish is subtle but stunning – frosted just enough to add depth, and designed to stay timeless even as trends change. This hob complements your kitchen instead of just sitting in it.

Now, let’s talk about firepower. The NYG 784G features four full brass high-efficiency burners, carefully arranged to suit everything from a quick chai boil to elaborate weekend meals. The configuration includes one big triple ring burner, a smaller triple ring for mid-size pans, and two dual ring burners that are perfect for multitasking. Whether you’re simmering a slow curry or searing vegetables on high heat, each flame responds with precision and consistency.

And it’s not only about the heat. It’s also about how safely that heat is delivered. The built-in full flame failure device is a feature you hope to never use, but it’s always there. If the flame ever goes out unexpectedly, gas supply is instantly cut off. It’s that quiet assurance you get while cooking with kids around or simply when life gets too busy. Handling the hob is effortless too. The metal knobs are designed with an ergonomic anti-slip grip that gives you complete control, even when your hands are wet or oily. You won’t find yourself second-guessing the flame intensity : just turn, feel the precision, and get cooking. Then there’s the pan support. Built with heavy-duty cast iron and featuring an integrated flame protector, it holds cookware of all shapes and weights with complete stability. From your smallest tadka pan to the heaviest pressure cooker – it’s got you covered. Beneath all that, a matte black drip tray ensures cleanup is just as easy as the cook itself.

Sized at 78 cm, this built-in hob slots seamlessly into any modern kitchen layout. But it ain’t merely about fitting in. Instead, it’s about standing out in the most understated way. The NYG 784G is for those who want their kitchen to be both beautiful and hardworking. And for those who believe that cooking, much like design, should feel effortless.