Archives May 2025

9th May, 2025, Bengaluru: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) continues to advance its commitment to innovation-driven education through its flagship undergraduate offering — the Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship BBA (DBE). Launched with the vision of preparing future-ready leaders for the digital economy, the programme has seen an overwhelming response from across the country and is emerging as a pioneering model for online undergraduate business education in India.

The program’s inaugural cohort showcases remarkable nationwide impact:

• 1,000+ students representing 29 states and 359 cities
• Diverse age range from 17 to 52 years
• Inclusive representation with 35.2% female learners
• Academic diversity with students from CBSE (68.3%), ICSE (17.1%), and State Boards (12.1%)
• 78+ startup founders  in the first batch spanning from technology, AI, e-commerce, ed-tech, consulting, and sustainability domains

The BBA DBE programme is a comprehensive three-year journey across foundational (certificate), diploma, and degree levels. It offers flexibility for students to engage with the programme based on their academic interests. The curriculum integrates core business subjects, entrepreneurial thinking, and digital capabilities. (can be removed) 

The first year introduces fundamental business disciplines like communication, statistics, accounting, and marketing, coupled with creativity for innovation and practical skills in website development and spreadsheets, featuring a Rs. 250 Venture for initial entrepreneurship.

 Building on this, the second year offers advanced coursework in digital marketing, operations, UI/UX design, and product management, alongside macroeconomics and design thinking, applied in the Do Your Venture-1 module.

The final year concentrates on strategic leadership and digital fluency through digital business models, big data analytics, and corporate finance, including social entrepreneurship and exponential technologies, all culminating in Do Your Venture-2.

Key Features of the programme: 

• Collaborative and community-based learning is emphasized through academic performance-based Learning Pods for peer engagement and support.
• Elected student leaders represent zones and coordinate zonal events to foster academic and community interactions.
• The program enriches learning through regular online academic and co-curricular engagements, offline city meets, and a Campus Immersion Programme connecting digital and in-person learning.

As part of its expanding global engagement, IIMB has partnered with Hiroshima University under the Japan MEXT-funded AGILE COIL initiative, which offers lectures on social entrepreneurship and opportunities for exceptional students to participate in cross-cultural academic exchange in Japan.

With its distinctive combination of academic rigour, practical application, peer leadership, and global exposure, the BBA DBE programme stands as a benchmark in undergraduate business education. Graduates of the complete three-year programme will also be granted alumni status from IIM Bangalore, enabling them to join one of India’s most respected and influential professional networks.

Gurgaon, May 09, 2025 – EZ, known as the “Services Factory of the World,” a leading name in the B2B services industry, has reinforced its commitment to employee well-being by empowering over 20% of its workforce through the Performance Buddy program—a confidential one-on-one counseling support initiative provided by an external team of professionals specializing in mental well-being. The Performance Buddy program offers a safe, unbiased, non-judgmental, and confidential space for employees to engage openly with trained counselors, fostering emotional clarity, mental well-being, and self-awareness as essential drivers of performance.

Employees, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, now prioritize workplaces that focus on mental wellbeing, active listening, and personal growth. This shift reflects a broader generational change where success is defined not only by professional achievement but by emotional support and a holistic work experience. The Performance Buddy program has been integral to helping employees navigate a broad spectrum of personal and professional challenges. These include managing stress, improving work-life balance, resolving interpersonal conflicts, developing self-awareness, and setting self-improvement goals. The program has provided consistent support, empowering employees to show up fully in both their work and personal lives, reinforcing EZ’s belief that performance is not just about meeting KPIs but about empowering people to thrive as whole individuals.

The program has steadily increased in participation, with 80–90% of available monthly sessions being consistently utilized by employees. Approximately 50–55 employees have participated in 300+ sessions since its inception, with a balanced gender distribution—45% women and 55% men. The program has seen growing comfort and trust over time, with employees recognizing it as an integral part of their well-being. Notably, the program facilitates 8 one-on-one counseling sessions per month, thoughtfully scheduled during office hours to seamlessly integrate support into the workday.

“With the Performance Buddy program, we’re reinforcing what we’ve always believed—that real performance comes from real support. Psychological wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s the core of any thriving workplace. By creating space for open dialogue and emotional clarity, we’re helping our people show up as their full selves—resilient, grounded, and ready to lead,” said Joy Sharma, Founder and CEO of EZ.

In line with its broader goal of fostering authenticity and empathy at work, EZ continues to embed emotional well-being into its long-term strategy. The company recognizes that mental clarity and emotional regulation are foundational to personal and professional growth, which in turn drives innovation and business success. Through the Performance Buddy program, EZ aims to create a workplace culture where reflection, emotional wellness, and personal development are not only normalized but actively encouraged.

EZ’s approach to employee support goes beyond the traditional focus on professional output. The program reflects the company’s deeper understanding that personal challenges and professional performance are intrinsically linked. The Performance Buddy program is a natural extension of EZ’s People First philosophy.

Ms. Divya Anand, Head of People at EZ, shares, “The Performance Buddy program complements our efforts to support our people through the everyday ups and downs. It serves as a meaningful step toward individual growth and well-being.” Ms. Melody P Chauhan, Associate Director – Delivery at EZ, adds, “Mental well-being is the foundation of a high-performing team and a successful organization. When employees thrive mentally, they drive innovation, productivity, and growth.”

Beyond the Performance Buddy program, EZ continues to foster a vibrant culture with purpose-driven initiatives that champion innovation, learning, and community. Programs like EZ Fridays, which blend skill-building, creative engagement, and leadership sessions, EZ Hackathons, focused on real-world problem-solving through AI and automation, and the EZ Honor Code, which ensures a fair and inclusive environment, are integral to EZ’s overarching strategy for growth. The company’s flexible work policies, cross-functional exposure, and seasonal traditions, such as Work-from-Wherever Weeks, reinforce a culture of belonging, continuous growth, and trust.

9 May 2025, New Delhi – Culture Circle, India’s biggest marketplace for authenticated hype and luxury fashion, has partnered with global authentication leader CheckCheck to introduce an industry-first dual authentication system in India. This groundbreaking move reinforces Culture Circle’s reputation as the most trusted platform for sneaker and luxury fashion, offering customers guaranteed authenticity, the lowest prices, and the ability to compare prices from thousands of verified sellers.

With this partnership, Culture Circle enhances its AI-powered authentication process by integrating CheckCheck’s globally recognized expertise. Every purchase will now come with a certificate of authenticity, ensuring that buyers receive 100% verified products. As part of this initiative, all KYC-verified sellers on the platform are now required to authenticate their products through CheckCheck before listing, further strengthening the security of transactions.

“Trust is everything in the resale game, and at Culture Circle, we don’t take shortcuts. We already have the biggest collection of authenticated hype and luxury fashion in India, and now, with CheckCheck, we’re offering an extra layer of security for our customers,” said Devansh Jain Nawal, Co-founder of Culture Circle. “This partnership is a game-changer—giving sneakerheads and luxury shoppers the confidence they deserve.”

“CheckCheck has always been about empowering communities to buy and sell with confidence,” said Perry Nguyen, CEO of CheckCheck. “Culture Circle’s commitment to trust and transparency perfectly aligns with our mission. By combining our authentication expertise with their innovative marketplace, we’re raising the bar for sneaker and luxury resale in India and giving buyers the peace of mind they deserve.”

Beyond just security, this collaboration enhances the customer experience by providing authentication certificates as a premium, shareable asset, making each purchase even more special. Culture Circle is now the only platform in India offering this level of authentication assurance, setting a new industry benchmark.

“For sneaker and luxury enthusiasts, authenticity isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation. We’re making sure every buyer gets the real deal, at the best price, with full transparency,” said Ackshay Jain, Co-founder of Culture Circle. “With CheckCheck’s expertise and our advanced AI tech, we’re eliminating any doubts about legitimacy while keeping prices unbeatable.”

Culture Circle is already home to the hottest brands like Nike, Adidas, LV , Balenciaga, Dior, and more, and this latest move solidifies its position as India’s go-to destination for authenticated luxury and hype fashion at the best prices. By doubling down on authentication, transparency, and unbeatable deals, Culture Circle continues to redefine trust in the Indian luxury resale market.

Soumendra Mohanty, Chief Strategy Officer, Tredence

“Building a Viksit Bharat will depend not just on technological innovation, but on how well we prepare our workforce to evolve alongside it. As AI—and more significantly, Agentic AI—reshapes industries, the need for continuous upskilling and cross-skilling becomes critical. These intelligent systems are no longer just tools; they are dynamic partners that can independently adapt, make decisions, and enhance how we work across sectors.

To stay ahead, organizations must invest in holistic capability building—developing not just technical skills, but also strategic thinking, ethical judgment, and emotional intelligence. Empowering employees to experiment with AI in real-world scenarios, creating safe learning environments, and promoting AI fluency across functions are essential steps toward a future-ready workforce.

The future of work is not about humans versus machines—it’s about enabling people to harness the power of AI to solve complex problems, make better decisions, and lead innovation. A truly future-ready workforce will not fear change, but will lead it—with confidence, curiosity, and purpose. This is how we unlock the true potential of our youth and pave the way for India’s leadership in the global knowledge economy.”

This Mother’s Day, celebrate the woman, who’s always put everyone else first, with beauty that puts her at the centre. Skip the last-minute flowers and give her something that speaks to who she is: thoughtful, powerful, and effortlessly radiant. This curated edit of self-care essentials blends innovation, intention, and a touch of everyday luxury – because when it comes to her, only the best will do.

1. Manta Hairbrush

Created with love and science in equal measure, the Manta Hairbrush flexes with your hand and scalp to reduce breakage and keep hair naturally shiny. Lightweight and gentle, it’s the kind of daily luxury that feels like a hug in brush form – ideal for all hair types, especially delicate or post-treatment strands.

2. Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel

For the mum who loves results-driven skincare, this sculpting gel is a powerhouse in a bottle. Infused with plumping hyaluronic acid and the signature dragon’s blood extract, it hydrates, defines and protects the skin – offering a visibly lifted, firmer complexion. A luxurious way to say: “You’re timeless.”

3. Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser

4. Hibiscus Monkey Velvet Spray Squalene

By Mr. Janak Vakharia, CEO – Xpedeon

“On World Technology Day, we celebrate the boundless potential of innovation to transform industries and elevate human progress. At Xpedeon, our evolution from a traditional ERP provider to a global SaaS platform is rooted in a clear vision—to lead the next wave of digital transformation in the built environment. As the ConTech landscape rapidly advances, driven by AI, automation, and real-time data intelligence, we are committed to creating technologies that redefine how construction and engineering projects are designed, delivered, and scaled. The future of ConTech lies in intelligent, integrated systems that drive efficiency, sustainability, and agility, and we are proud to be at the forefront of that movement.”

Mumbai, 9 May 2025 – Magenta Mobility, a leading provider of electric mobility solutions, has launched a proactive initiative to drive the enrollment of its Delivery Executives (DEs) under the e-Shram portal. This step reaffirms Magenta Mobility’s focus on building a secure and supportive environment for its gig workforce.

e-Shram is a national database developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to establish a central platform for workers in the unorganised sector, including those in the gig economy and daily wage earners. Through this registration, workers become eligible for a variety of government-introduced social security and welfare schemes.

For Magenta’s Delivery Executives, e-Shram enrollment provides a formal identity within the gig economy, much like how Aadhaar serves as personal identification. It enables access to essential government schemes, supporting both their financial stability and social well-being. This inclusion brings Delivery Executives under a unified system, opening doors to benefits such as health coverage, life insurance, and other social protection measures that enhance their overall quality of life. Magenta has adopted a structured process to ensure seamless onboarding and maximum participation across its workforce.

“We see e-Shram as an important step in ensuring basic security and recognition for those who form the backbone of last-mile logistics. Our Delivery Executives deserve the same access to welfare as any formal workforce. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to their well-being and aligns with national efforts to strengthen the gig economy.” said Mr. Maxson Lewis, Managing Director and CEO, Magenta Mobility.

This initiative aligns with Magenta Mobility’s broader commitment to supporting its workforce of approximately 2700+ delivery executives across India.

Mohali, Punjab – 9th May 2025 – In a groundbreaking initiative to expand global career pathways for Indian healthcare professionals, LEMPL in collaboration with Charkos Global and Planet Edu, officially launched its German Language Training and Employment Program in Mohali. This pioneering program is aimed at equipping qualified nurses with the essential language skills and cultural training necessary to integrate seamlessly into Germany’s advanced healthcare system.

The centre was formally inaugurated by Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura, Advisor National Skill Development Corporation and NSDC International (NSDCI).  The event was marked by the presence of several eminent dignitaries from the fields of skill development, education, and international recruitment notably, Dr. Parvinder Kaur, Pro-Chancellor, Lamrin Tech Skills University Punjab; Dr. Seema Baliyan and Dr. Shashi Baliyan, Founders and Directors of Charkos Global; Mr. Jakob Scholz, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Charkos Europe; Mr. Mohammed Nazim Ameen, Deputy General Manager of NSDCI; and senior representatives from Planet Edu and LEMPL.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura highlighted the strategic importance of such initiatives, noting that this program reflects the shared vision of empowering Indian nurses with global employment opportunities while supporting international healthcare systems in need of skilled professionals. Mr. Jakob Scholz emphasized that this collaboration represents a commitment to ethical and sustainable workforce mobility. He underscored that Germany, facing a significant shortage of trained healthcare workers, offers Indian nurses an ideal destination to build secure and rewarding careers.

This German Language Training and Employment Program is a fully funded residential course that offers free German language training but also in cultural nuances critical to successful integration into Germany’s professional and social settings. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive employment offers in Germany’s healthcare sector.

This initiative comes at a crucial time when Germany is actively seeking qualified healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand in hospitals, senior care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. By bridging the skills and opportunity gap, this program stands as a model for international workforce mobility and capacity building in healthcare.

Raipur, 9 May, 2025 — A blood donation camp was organized at ITM University on May, 2025, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS). The initiative, held at ITM University Campus from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM, drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff members of the university.

Under the guidance of Mr. Yagvendra Singh, Program Officer NSS and Faculty Coordinator, the camp aimed to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of blood donation. The event also served as a platform for volunteers to actively contribute to the well-being of the community. With the assistance of certified medical professionals and dedicated volunteers, a total of 21 units of blood were successfully collected during the camp.

The initiative offered multiple benefits beyond its immediate impact. Participants underwent a basic health check-up prior to donation, contributing to improved awareness of personal health. Moreover, the collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society strengthened the university’s connection with national humanitarian efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Lakshmi Murthy, Director General, ITM University Raipur stated, “Each drop of blood donated today carries the potential to save a life tomorrow. Events like these are a true reflection of ITM University’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.”

The Blood Donation Camp emphasized key social values such as empathy, solidarity, and service, while fostering a culture of active participation among the youth. Through this initiative, ITM University continues to champion causes that shape responsible citizens and future leaders.