Archives May 2025

May 15, 2025: GP Eco Solutions India Limited, a leading manufacturer of Solar Inverter and Storage Solutions announces its H2 & FY25 results for the half-year ended March 31st 2025.

FY25 Compared with FY24:

• Total Income for the FY25 stood at Rs. 247.44 Crore against Rs. 138.68 Crore in FY24 with growth of 78.43% (Y-o-Y).
• Revenue from Operation has increased to Rs. 246.43 Crore in FY25 from Rs. 138.44 Crore in FY24, registering a growth of 78.00 % (Y-o-Y).
• The Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization stands at Rs. 16.88 Crore in FY25, as against Rs 12.30 Crore in FY24, with an increase of 37.24 %.
• Profit Before Tax (PBT) is Rs. 14.06 Crore for FY25 as compared to Rs 9.96 Crore in FY24,

registering a growth of 41.16% (Y-o-Y)

• Profit After Tax (PAT) is Rs. 10.46 Crore in FY25 as against Rs. 7.33 Crore in FY24, registering a growth of 5.02 % (Y-o-Y).
• Earnings per share (EPS) for FY25 is Rs. 8.85, against Rs. 8.68 in FY24.

H2FY25 Compared with H1FY25:

• The Total Income stood at Rs.163.59 Crore in H2FY25 as against Rs.83.84 crore in H1FY25 with growth of 95.12%.
• Revenues from operations stood at Rs.163.12 Crore in H2FY25 as compared to Rs. 83.30 crore in H1FY25 with growth of 95.82%
• The Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (Core EBITDA) stands Rs.9.17 crore in H2FY25, as against Rs7.71 Crore in H1FY25 with an increase of 18.94%.
• Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs.7.45 Crore for H2FY25 as compared to Rs6.60 Crore in

H1FY25 with an increase of 12.88%

• Profit After Tax (PAT) reported stood Rs.5.57 Crore in H2FY25 as against Rs.4.89 Crore in

H1FY25 with an increase of 13.87%

• Earnings per share (EPS) for the six months stood at Rs. 4.84.

Business Highlights:

• Setting up 1.2 GW Solar Module Factory: Solar module plant to boost domestic manufacturing and support India’s clean energy growth.

Mr. Deepak Pandey, Founder and Managing Director said “FY25 has been a defining year for GP Eco Solutions. With a remarkable 78% surge in operational revenue, we’ve not only accelerated our top-line growth but also strengthened our foundation for sustainable profitability. The rise in EBITDA and PBT reflects the disciplined execution of our long-term strategy and the trust of our customers in our clean energy solutions. As India’s renewable energy landscape evolves, we are well-positioned to lead with innovation, agility, and a strong commitment to delivering value to all our stakeholders.”

Mumbai, 15 May 2025 – ITM Business School’s exceptional final placement achievements have set a new industry record of career success. This year, the institute has delivered an astonishing 96% placement rate, while 254 renowned companies have participated in the placement process, keeping it miles ahead  in their pursuit of  industry-linked education and results-triggered training .

Multitude of industries and top-notch brands such as Fintech, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) (26%), Manufacturing (17%), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) (12%), Retail Sector (9%), Real Estate (9%), Consultancy Services (7%) and others(20%). made a successful round in the placement season which clearly shows the multi-sectoral confidence of the employers in the institution’s students.

Piyush Lalwani from MBA-Marketing stated that, “The Structured Placement Preparation program by the Talewind Department was instrumental in helping me secure a role at Godrej & Boyce, enhancing my skills in communication, aptitude, and industry tools like Excel, Tableau, and Power BI. Comprehensive training and mock sessions boosted my confidence and preparedness for every stage of the placement process.”

The maximum remuneration of which ₹16 LPA was the highest offered package, and ₹8.5 LPA was the average package. These statistics not only reflect the institute’s seriousness in imparting quality education and grooming all-around students but also denote the preparation of students for corporate roles in different sectors. The leading hiring companies were Deloitte, Ernst & Young, TCS, Federal Bank, Flipkart, Vodafone Idea, MakeMyTrip, UltraTech Cement, Nykaa and several others.

“We are not just preparing students for jobs—we’re shaping professionals who are ready to lead with purpose and performance. This year’s placement success is a testament to our students’ resilience, our faculties’ dedication, and the deep-rooted partnerships we’ve built with leading recruiters.”- said Dr. Lakshmi Mohan, Pro Vice Chancellor- ITM Skills University.

Another student from MBA-Marketing, Sachi Jain stated that, “The industry-focused curriculum at ITM Business School, combined with guest lectures and mentoring sessions, sharpened my skills and real-world understanding. This holistic preparation helped me secure a role with the Federal Bank as a Probationary Officer – Sales & Client Acquisition.”

Siva Ravi Teja Vutukuri, a notable alumni, working as Global P&O Experience and Operations Manager at  Lipton Teas & Infusions said, “As someone working in HR, I look for candidates who excel in their studies, have real-world experience, and can adapt . ITM catches my eye with its extended internship program that gets students ready for the industry right away. The practical training helps connect classroom learning to actual work. ITM keeps its courses up-to-date, so students stay in tune with what’s happening in the field. This well-balanced approach makes ITM grads sought after in today’s job market.”

This final placement season emphasizes ITM’s steadfast promise of blending educational concepts with real market principles of business. Via expert guidance, practical projects, and professional interactions, students acquire the skills and self-assurance to excel in the chaotic atmospheres of work. This milestone marks that ITM moves the mission of developing competent and influential leaders throughout the sectors

Joint families are more than just a household. They are a way of life that fosters shared values, deep bonds, and lifelong memories. From learning the art of compromise to finding strength in unity, growing up in such close-knit families teaches lessons that shape who we become. On International Family Day, &TV artists reflect on the deep-rooted values instilled in them while being raised in joint families. These include Smita Sable (Dhaniya, Bheema), Sonal Panwar (Malaika, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabhi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Smita Sable, aka Dhaniya from Bheema, shares, “Growing up in a joint family of twelve taught me the true meaning of unity and sharing. Our mealtimes were split into two rounds because we could not all fit at the table together, but those meals were the heart of our day. They were filled with laughter, stories, and a sense of belonging. That environment taught me how important it is to relate to those around you. Even today, on the sets of Bheema, I make sure to eat with my co-actors. We laugh, we bond, and it feels just like home. I firmly believe that togetherness strengthens every bond and that’s a value I carry with me wherever I go.”

Sonal Panwar, aka Malaika from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, adds, “Life in a joint family was my first school of values. My cousins were my best friends; we played, fought, and celebrated every moment together. Whether it was playing cricket in the lanes or sleeping under the stars during power cuts, those moments taught me that joy multiplies when shared. Even now, that sense of belonging drives me. In Mumbai, I have found friends who feel like family, and I am always available for them. On set, too, we play games and look out for each other. Being raised in a joint family taught me how to nurture relationships, and that’s a lesson for life.” Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reflects, “Joint family life gave me a foundation of unconditional support. Sure, we fought over things like the TV remote or who got the last snack, but when it came to being there for one another, we stood as one. That experience taught me to be a dependable presence for the people I love. Today, I apply those values in every relationship, be it family, friends, or colleagues. If someone close to me needs help or support, I show up, no questions asked. That spirit of solidarity, loyalty, and love is the legacy of my joint family upbringing.”

Watch Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM—Monday to Friday, only on &TV!

15^th May, 2025: In an inspiring initiative to foster empathy, dialogue, and deeper understanding, Stonehill International School organised a ‘Human Library’ as part of its annual Literature Festival – Stonehill Lit Fest 2025 that was a week-long celebration of books, literature and storytelling.

Drawing from a movement that started in 2000 at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark – The Human Library Organization, the Human Library in Stonehill invited staff members to become ‘human books’ sharing their personal stories with students in small group settings, aligning with the theme of the Lit Fest  – ‘I am a Story. You are a Story. We are a Story’.

This experience nurtured open-mindedness, communication skills, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse journeys that shape who we are, among students.

The event provided students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with the lived experiences of teachers and staff — from tales of overcoming adversity and navigating cultural shifts, to humorous anecdotes and reflections on life’s unexpected turns; from adopting an abandoned pet to being a motorbike enthusiast!

Each of the 12 sessions every day allowed students to ‘borrow’ one human book based on their interest.  Students asked questions, and learned not just through facts, but through feelings and firsthand accounts.

The event highlighted the power of storytelling as a bridge across generations and backgrounds. Aayaan (Grade III), said, “I liked the Human Library book which spoke about us being ourselves and overcoming our fear”.

What turned out to be one of the most impactful events of the Human Library, was the inclusion of the school’s support staff such as drivers and gardeners as storytellers. To bring out the richness of their experiences, the personal accounts were translated, allowing students to access stories in multiple languages. This emphasized not only inclusivity but also the value of communication beyond linguistic boundaries.

Vijay Kumar, a support staff at Stonehill, narrated his journey from being a farmer to becoming a gardener at the school. “I truly enjoyed telling my story to students. From farming to working at Stonehill, every step has taught me something valuable. I feel proud and happy to be where I am today,” he said.

“I learnt what the Support staff do when they are here in school. I liked how the support staff had a chance to express themselves about how they feel. We often don’t see the support staff and without them the school wouldn’t be able to function,” said Jonathan (Grade III).

MUMBAI, India– May 15, 2025: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming continues to set the stage ablaze with its high-octane dance reality series – Realme Hip Hop India Season 2. This week, the legendary Dharmesh Sir is back to infusing his swift moves as the guest judge, injecting his signature moves and infectious energy back to the dance floor. With the pressure peaking, the hunt for India’s next hip hop superstar heats up— the second finalist will be revealed, setting the stage for an epic finale. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping performances, dramatic moments as the journey intensifies!

This week’s promo opens with a shocking twist — Remo D’Souza announces that the grand finale will feature a showdown of the Top 4, leaving the contestants stunned. As the news sinks in, the atmosphere grows thick with tension, emotions run wild, and rivalries hit breaking point. As the announcement of the second finalist hangs in the balance, it now carries the weight of a dream. Just when the stakes couldn’t feel higher, Dharmesh Yelande steps off the judges’ panel and onto the stage, unleashing a powerful performance that leaves everyone speechless: Who will rise, who will fall, and who will dance their way to the top? Don’t miss what’s next!

From electrifying face-offs and surprise appearances to unforgettable musical moments, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to raise the bar. Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

Himachal Pradesh; 15th May 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Crack Academy, is set to conduct the state’s biggest scholarship examination – “Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratan” – on May 20, 2025. The aim is to identify and reward academic brilliance among students from every corner of the state, creating equal opportunities for all.

Over 6 lakh students are expected to participate in this landmark exam, which will be conducted across 3,500+ examination centres, including 2,800 government schools. All Government Senior Secondary Schools, Government High Schools, and affiliated private schools are being designated as test centres, ensuring maximum accessibility and outreach across Himachal Pradesh.

This ambitious scholarship drive is being undertaken by the state government to democratize access to quality coaching and provide a platform for talented students—especially those from underrepresented or remote areas. The top 100 students from each of the 68 constituencies will be awarded full coaching scholarships by Crack Academy, amounting to a total of 6,800 full scholarships. Additionally, the next 200 students per constituency will receive a 75% concession, while the following 500 students will get a 50% concession.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed how this initiative will benefit talented students across the State. He launched the ‘Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna’ programme in March 2025, which aims to provide free coaching for various competitive examinations to 6,800 students across Himachal Pradesh.

“This initiative is a massive step toward educational upliftment and social inclusion,” said Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO, Crack Academy. “We are honoured to support the Government of Himachal Pradesh in its mission to unlock the academic potential of students across the state. This exam isn’t just about ranks—it’s about recognising dreams, regardless of background.”

With its scale and intent, “Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratan” is set to become a milestone in the educational journey of Himachal Pradesh. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to making quality education accessible and equitable for every aspiring student in the state.

NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), one of India’s top-ranked universities, is inviting final applications for its undergraduate programs for the academic year 2025. Students who have recently completed their Class 12 exams and are exploring career options in Engineering, Law, Commerce, Pharmacy, Management, or Analytics can apply through the university’s dedicated entrance exams.

The NPAT, NCET, NLAT, and MST entrance exam registration closes on May 26, 2025.

The NMIMS NPAT (National Test for Programs After Twelfth) is the entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate programs in Commerce, Economics, Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, and Marketing. These programs are offered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh campuses.

Programs in Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, and Management are available exclusively at the Mumbai campus.

The NCET (NMIMS Common Entrance Test) is the gateway to Pharmacy and Engineering programs at NMIMS. The five-year dual degree B Pharm + MBA (Pharma Tech) program offered in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Shirpur, combines pharmaceutical sciences with essential business management fundamentals. The School of Technology Management and Engineering offers B.Tech and MBA Tech degrees with specialisations in AI, Cybersecurity, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Engineering.

Placement outcomes for Engineering and Pharmacy graduates have been strong. Engineering students have received packages up to ₹30 LPA, with an average of ₹11 LPA, and are placed at companies such as EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, and Goldman Sachs. Pharmacy students have received offers up to ₹21 LPA, with an average package of ₹10 LPA, from companies such as Sun Pharma, Zydus Life, Merck, Cipla, and Glenmark.

The MST (Mathematics and Statistics Test) is the entrance exam for students interested in careers in data science, statistics, and analytics. It is the gateway to programs offered by the Nilkamal School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics & Analytics (NSOMASA), Mumbai. Graduates have been placed at companies such as Amazon, KPMG, Unilever, HDFC, and CRISIL, with top offers up to ₹22 LPA and average packages at ₹19 LPA.

The NLAT (NMIMS Law Aptitude Test) is for admissions to the School of Law. The school offers a five-year integrated Law and Management program, covering core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and business subjects like Finance and Management. Graduates have been placed at leading firms such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal, and HDFC Bank, with average packages at ₹10 LPA and top offers at ₹19 LPA.

How to Apply

To register for the NMIMS entrance exams (NPAT, NCET, MST, NLAT), follow these steps:

1. Visit the official NMIMS application portal: https://apply.nmims.edu/
2. Fill out the application form with the required details.
3. Verify your email ID and mobile number.
4. Log in again using your registered email ID and password.
5. Select your entrance exam (NPAT, CET, LAT, MST), preferred school(s), program(s), and campus(es). You may apply to multiple programs and exams.
6. Pay the registration fee.
7. Schedule your exam based on your preferred date and centre. Please note: Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Orlando, FL / Bengaluru, India, May 15, 2025 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and artificial intelligence, today announced the launch of Qlik Open Lakehouse, a fully managed Apache Iceberg solution built into Qlik Talend Cloud. Designed for enterprises under pressure to scale faster and spend less, Qlik Open Lakehouse delivers real-time ingestion, automated optimization, and multi-engine interoperability — without vendor lock-in or operational overhead.

This marks a major step forward in the evolution of modern data architectures. As organizations accelerate AI adoption, the cost and rigidity of traditional data warehouses have become unsustainable. Qlik Open Lakehouse offers a new path: a fully managed lakehouse architecture powered by Apache Iceberg that delivers 2.5x–5x faster query performance and up to 50% lower infrastructure costs, while maintaining full compatibility with the most widely used analytics and machine learning engines.

“Performance and cost should no longer be a tradeoff in modern data architectures,” said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. “With Qlik Open Lakehouse, enterprises gain real-time scale, full control over their data, and the freedom to choose the tools that work best for them. We built this to meet the demands of AI and analytics at enterprise scale — without compromise.”

Qlik Open Lakehouse is built from the ground up to meet the scale, flexibility, and performance demands of modern enterprises — without the tradeoffs. It combines real-time ingestion, intelligent optimization, and true ecosystem interoperability in a single, fully managed platform.

• Real-time ingestion at enterprise scale: Ingest millions of records per second from hundreds of sources — including cloud apps, SaaS, SAP, and mainframes — directly into Iceberg tables with low latency and high throughput.
• Intelligent Iceberg optimization, fully automated: Qlik’s always-on adaptive Iceberg optimizer handles compaction, clustering, and pruning automatically, delivering up to 5x faster queries and 50% lower storage costs — no tuning required.
• Open by design, interoperable by default: Access data in Iceberg tables using a variety of Iceberg-compatible engines, including Snowflake, Amazon Athena, Apache Spark, Trino, and SageMaker — without re-platforming or reprocessing.
• Your compute, your cloud, your rules: Runs natively in your AWS VPC with Bring Your Own Compute (BYOC), giving you full control over performance, security, and cost.
• One platform, end to end: From ingestion and transformation to governance, data quality, and FinOps visibility, Qlik provides a unified lakehouse experience — no patchwork, no handoffs.

“Enterprises are increasingly adopting lakehouse architectures to unify data across on-premises and cloud environments,” said Matt Aslett, Director of Research, Analytics and Data at ISG Software Research. “Qlik Open Lakehouse, which leverages open standards such as Apache Iceberg, is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for real-time data access and multi-engine interoperability, enabling enterprises to harness the full potential of their data for AI and analytics initiatives.”

As AI workloads demand faster access to broader, fresher datasets, open formats like Apache Iceberg are becoming the new foundation. Qlik Open Lakehouse responds to this shift by making it effortless to build and manage Iceberg-based architectures — without the need for custom code or pipeline babysitting. It also runs within the customer’s own AWS environment, ensuring data privacy, cost control, and full operational visibility.

“Qlik Open Lakehouse initiative is a significant development we’re keenly watching,” shared David Navarro, Data Domain Architect at Toyota Motor Europe. “Large corporations like ours urgently need interoperability between diverse business units and partners, each managing its own technology stack and data sovereignty. Apache Iceberg is emerging as the key to zero-copy data sharing across vendor-independent lakehouses, and Qlik’s commitment to delivering performance and control in these complex, dynamic landscapes is precisely what the industry requires.”

Qlik Open Lakehouse is available now in private preview and is scheduled to be generally available in July 2025. Private preview is limited — early access is encouraged for teams looking to modernize ahead of GA. To learn more and request early access, visit our website or connect with us at Qlik Connect, May 14–17 in Orlando.

National, 15th May 2025: Third Bracket, a next-gen smart hiring platform, today announced that they have raised close to Rs. 5 crore in seed funding from a group of HNIs at a substantial valuation. The investment will fuel the venture’s mission to transform hiring through advanced AI capabilities, radically improve speed-to-hire and bring significant efficiencies to recruitment. Besides accelerating product innovation, expanding the AI engine that powers smarter, bias-free hiring, the funds will be used to scale operations to meet the growing demand from enterprises.

In his comments, Chhandan Chakraborty, Co-Founder, Third Bracket, said, “We didn’t start Third Bracket to just tweak the hiring process—we started it to rebuild it from the ground up. Talent is a company’s biggest differentiator, yet the way we hire is still riddled with inefficiencies, bias and guesswork. This funding allows us to double down on our vision of intelligent, inclusive and fast hiring—designed for modern teams. We’re not here to match résumés to job descriptions—we’re here to ensure every hire is the right hire while saving time and cost involved in talent acquisition.”

In under a year, the venture has gained traction in high-growth sectors such as FinTech and IT, partnering with a mix of unicorn start-ups and mid-sized enterprises to solve critical talent acquisition challenges.

Delhi NCR, 15^th May 2025– Naptapgo, a pod hotel startup redefining affordable hospitality, Naptapgo secures ₹2 Cr funding in Pre-Seed round from Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be used to drive growth across key areas like franchise development, marketing, technology enhancements, and developing innovating techniques to enhance customer experience. This strategic investment will accelerate Naptapgo’s expansion across urban and religious hubs, strengthening its commitment to offering clean, affordable, and flexible accommodations at affordable price.

Naptapgo is pioneering a new hospitality model by providing affordable luxury through compact, efficient spaces. The startup operates in the NCR business city vertical and will expand to religious cities like Katra and Amritsar in FY26, aiming to reach 20 properties by FY27. Its innovative approach, including flexible check-ins, hourly stays, and sustainability-driven operations, sets it apart in the competitive hospitality market.

Founded by Nitin Malhotra (Founder & CEO) and Himanshu Shukla (Co-Founder & VP Ops), Naptapgo is backed by their extensive industry experience. Nitin, an MBA graduate from Symbiosis and incubated at IIML, previously founded 247around (acquired) and held leadership roles at Texas Instruments and ST Microelectronics. Himanshu, also incubated at IIML, brings deep hospitality expertise from his tenure at Chaayos, Taj, and Jaypee Resorts, supported by his hotel management background from IHM Lucknow. Together, they aim to disrupt the hospitality industry with innovative, guest-centric solutions.

Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO, IPV, says ‘The hospitality industry is at its peak with globalisation and digital connectivity, yet customer satisfaction has not kept pace. Over the time, hotel prices have surged while service standards have remained stagnant. NapTapGo is changing this by offering an innovative pod-hotel experience at an economical price without compromising on quality. Its accessibility and affordability for luxury spaces connects with millions of travelers seeking short-stay accommodations. At IPV, we believe NapTapGo is poised to tap into a massive market of travelers looking for smart, cost-effective lodging solutions”

Naptapgo’s rapid expansion is fueled by its unique operational model. Currently active in NCR, the startup plans to launch properties in Gurgaon, Bangalore, Mumbai, Katra and Amritsar, with a goal of 20 properties by FY27. The company’s ability to achieve 65% direct bookings through its website and WhatsApp channel underscores its customer-centric approach and operational efficiency.

A key strength of Naptapgo lies in its affordable luxury model, combining strategic location focus, compact efficiency, and flexible stay options through strong technology plugins. The company’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence ensures an optimized guest experience while maintaining cost efficiency. This innovative model has earned Naptapgo accolades such as “Franchisable Concept of the Year 2024” and “Best Booth of the Year 2024.”

Nitin Malhotra & Himanshu Shukla, Co-Founders of NapTapGo, says, “We have had an incredible journey with the IPV team, receiving constructive feedback that has strengthened our business framework. At Naptapgo, our goal is to be a significant player in the $1300 billion global hotel market, starting with India, and to redefine the perception of the Indian affordable hotel segment. Customer experience remains our key differentiator as we strive to create value for both our franchises and shareholders.”

Naptapgo has garnered significant industry recognition, including a strategic investment from Government of India PSU Balmer Lawrie and a notable endorsement from Anand Mahindra, who highlighted how the startup addresses the affordable hospitality challenge.

The Indian hotel industry is valued at $30 billion and is projected to grow to $55 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 10.8%. Globally, the market is worth $1300 billion, presenting a substantial opportunity for Naptapgo as it scales its innovative hospitality model.