Archives May 2025

9th May, 2025, Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is set to welcome students of its pioneering Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) programme for a two-day Campus Immersion on 9th and 10th May 2025, at the IIMB campus located in Bannerghatta Road. This marks the first in-person assembly of learners from across India enrolled in the online undergraduate programme in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship. For the detailed schedule of BBA (DBE) Campus Immersion 2025, please click here.

Conceived as more than a conventional event, the immersion has been designed to provide participants with a comprehensive and enriching residential experience at the IIMB campus. Students will reside overnight in the Institute’s hostels, affording them a real glimpse into campus life and the culture that shapes the IIM Bangalore legacy.

The meticulously curated agenda blends academic engagement with personal as well as professional development. Attendees will be introduced to the campus through guided tours, community meals at the Management Development Centre (MDC) and informal networking opportunities. These activities are expected to foster meaningful connections among students as well as between learners and faculty.

Integral to the programme are the Career Development Sessions, aimed at equipping students with strategic insights into the job market, personal branding and long-term career planning. These sessions will be complemented by panel discussions and talks featuring industry leaders and subject matter experts, offering practical perspectives on entrepreneurship, digital innovation and leadership in a rapidly evolving business environment.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the immersion is the interactive session with the Director, Deans and senior faculty of IIM Bangalore. This forum will offer attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the institutional leadership and understand the vision that underpins the BBA (DBE) programme.

Beyond academic enrichment, the immersion seeks to instil a sense of belonging of the BBA (DBE) students with the broader IIMB community. For students who have, until now, experienced the programme in a completely digital format, this on-campus engagement represents a powerful moment of connection – reinforcing values of collaboration, intellectual curiosity and shared purpose.

Mumbai- 9^th May 2025: Aerem Solutions and OMC Power have entered into a strategic partnership to unlock ₹200 crore in financing for rooftop solar solutions targeted at India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration is designed to scale solar adoption among MSMEs by providing access to affordable finance, supporting India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Under this agreement, Aerem through its NBFC, will enable credit facilities of ₹200 crore to OMC Power’s customers, enabling MSMEs to invest in energy-efficient solar systems with easy financing solutions. This initiative reflects both companies’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth and promoting clean energy practices, especially in underserved regions such as Uttar Pradesh.

Mr Vikesh Agrawal, Co-founder and COO, Aerem Solutions stated, “At Aerem, we are committed to catalyzing India’s journey to a greener and low-carbon economy. This ₹200 crore credit partnership is a key step in that direction. MSMEs are central to India’s Net Zero ambitions, and by empowering them with easy access to solar financing, we are integrating sustainability into the core of our financing strategy”.

Mr Rohit Chandra, Managing Director and CEO, OMC Power said, “This partnership marks a major milestone in enabling MSMEs to embrace clean energy. At OMC, we believe that democratizing access to sustainable solutions is essential to India’s Net Zero future. Our collaboration with Aerem brings together complementary strengths to create real impact at the grassroots level. This initiative is expected to significantly expand the footprint of distributed solar solutions across MSMEs, supporting energy cost savings, business competitiveness, and environmental stewardship.”

The partnership combines Aerem’s expertise in climate-focused financing with OMC Power’s deep operational presence and understanding of grassroots energy needs. Together, the two companies aim to remove financial barriers and accelerate distributed solar deployment for MSMEs across India.

New Delhi, 9th May 2025: Archies, a leader in social expression industry, has launched its campaign for Mother’s Day #MaaKehtiThi, a touching tribute to the women who have nurtured, guided, and shaped us with their unconditional love and timeless wisdom.

Rooted in nostalgia and built on the simple yet powerful things our mothers used to say, the campaign aims to celebrate every form of ‘Maa’, from grandmothers and aunts to single fathers and mentors, by inspiring people to express their gratitude and emotions in meaningful ways.

Through #MaaKehtiThi, Archies continues its legacy of building emotional bridges by encouraging people to honour the woman who taught them life’s most important lessons with love, warmth, and a card that speaks from the heart.

“As a brand that stands for emotional connections, we understand the profound role a mother plays in shaping our lives,” said Varun Moolchandani, Executive Director, Archies Limited. “With #MaaKehtiThi, we are not just celebrating Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating every saying, scolding, story, and sacrifice that has left a lifelong imprint on us. We hope this campaign evokes nostalgia and encourages people to take a moment and say, ‘Thank you, Maa.’”

Adding a deeper dimension to the campaign, Archies will be hitting the streets to capture real, unscripted reactions from people about what Mother’s Day means to them. This offline activity will help bring forward raw and heartfelt moments, further strengthening the brand’s emotional bond with its audience.

A social media collaboration with Zouk has been rolled out for a special Mother’s Day Giveaway, built around the heartwarming theme of “A Bagful of You.” The campaign, inspired by Zouk’s latest initiative featuring brand ambassador Kriti Sanon, highlights how bags are more than just accessories—they are an extension of one’s identity. Just like a bag carries everything you need, it also mirrors your personality, making it the perfect metaphor for celebrating mothers. Set to go live on May 10th, the giveaway will see three winners announced after 15 days, each receiving products worth ₹1,000 from both participating brands. To enhance reach and engagement, an influencer will be creating user-generated content in the form of a reel, adding a personal and authentic layer to the initiative

With #MaaKehtiThi, Archies aims to spark heartfelt conversations, revive cherished memories, and inspire people to express the unspoken, making this Mother’s Day truly unforgettable.

Ram Meenakshisundaram, Chief Technology Officer, Virtusa

On National Technology Day 2025, we celebrate the power of technology to build a more sustainable and responsible future. At Virtusa, we focus on harnessing cutting-edge innovation to solve today’s most pressing business and environmental challenges. Platforms like Helio and solutions like Accello exemplify this—enabling smarter, AI-led decision-making and driving operational transformation across industries. By advancing capabilities in AI, cloud, and data analytics, we empower organizations to enhance efficiency and sustainability. We remain committed to using technology as a force for positive change and a catalyst for long-term impact.” 

Chennai, May 9, 2025:Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai, has reaffirmed its leadership in comprehensive cancer care with the launch of a dedicated Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit, inaugurated on World Thalassaemia Day. This milestone further strengthens APCC’s ability to deliver holistic cancer care—from cutting-edge radiation therapies such as Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation (TMLI) to advanced hematology and transplant services—offered collaboratively by multidisciplinary teams in one integrated centre.

The BMT unit was officially inaugurated by Dr. TRB Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu. He was joined by senior leadership from Apollo Hospitals, including Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President, Group Oncology and International, and Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director, Group Oncology and International. Other dignitaries present included Dr. Jose Easow, Director – Medical Oncology, Hematology & BMT, Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, and Mr. Karan Puri, Chief Executive Officer, APCC, along with senior clinicians from the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.

This launch places APCC among a select group of global centres offering Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation (TMLI)—a state-of-the-art conditioning regimen for bone marrow transplantation. Unlike traditional Total Body Irradiation (TBI), which affects the entire body including vital organs, TMLI precisely targets marrow and lymphoid tissues while sparing healthy organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. This targeted approach significantly reduces treatment-related toxicity and improves clinical outcomes for patients, especially those battling leukemia and lymphoma

Chief Guest Dr. TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing healthcare, stating, “Tamil Nadu continues to foster an enabling ecosystem that encourages innovation, public-private collaboration, and equitable access to advanced treatments. Our focus on cancer detection, HPV vaccination, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like robotic surgery and AI diagnostics in the state underlines this commitment. Institutions like Apollo Proton Cancer Centre not only set global benchmarks in cancer care but also mirror the transformative potential of our healthcare model. I congratulate the Apollo team and clinical specialists for bringing pioneering treatments like BMT and TMLI to Tamil Nadu, further strengthening the state’s position as a global healthcare destination.”

Dr. Jose Easow, Director – Medical Oncology, Hematology & Blood and Marrow Transplantation at APCC, said, “With the integration of  BMT services with TMLI and precision radiation, APCC is creating an unparalleled, patient-centric ecosystem for hematologic cancer treatment. TMLI allows us to deliver targeted conditioning with significantly reduced toxicity, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for transplant patients. This integration reflects our commitment to providing world-class, evidence-based care in India.”

Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President, Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said, “With the integration of Bone Marrow Transplant services and advanced radiation therapies like TMLI, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre reaffirms its commitment to delivering end-to-end comprehensive cancer care with global standards. Our commitment is not just about adding capabilities—it’s about ensuring that every patient, regardless of complexity, has access to personalized, cutting-edge treatment under one roof. It also reflects our unwavering vision to make India a destination for world-class personalised  oncology care.”

Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “By combining advanced BMT and TMLI, APCC is redefining care standards for complex blood cancers. Our organ-sparing approach enhances not only outcomes but also recovery and resilience post-transplant. It’s not just about technology—it’s about bringing compassionate, curative care closer to patients.”

The burden of blood-related disorders in India is alarming. According to Studies, India records over 10,000 new cases of childhood leukemia annually and is home to the largest number of children with thalassemia major—around 100,000. Around 3% to 4% of Indian population are carriers of thalassemia, while in Tamil Nadu, the incidence is estimated to be 4%. (Source Link) 

Despite BMT being the only curative treatment for several of these conditions, accessibility remains a concern. The establishment of a high-end BMT program within APCC bridges this critical gap. With the introduction of BMT and advanced TMLI radiation, APCC is now India’s most comprehensive and technologically integrated cancer centre, addressing both curative and quality-of-life dimensions of cancer care.

Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of making Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) accessible across India. In 2023, Apollo Cancer Centre in Chennai was recognized for treating the highest number of 127 BMT patients out of which  24 thalassemia-affected children benefitted under the Tamil Nadu CM’s Health Scheme, offering BMT at zero cost to underprivileged families. In 2024, its Hyderabad centre launched the first outpatient BMT service in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, enabling day-care transplant support for stable blood cancer and thalassemia patients.

During an industry interaction with Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Commerce and Industry Minister, the President of PHDCCI, Mr Hemant Jain, lauded the signing of historic forward looking agreement and presented recommendations to unlock the transformative potential of the FTA.

India-UK trade and investment relations have strengthened over the years as total (merchandise and services) trade stood at over USD 60 billion in FY 2024-2025 and India received around USD 1.2 billion in FDI in FY 2023-2024, said Mr Hemant Jain.

Mr Hemant Jain highlighted that this landmark trade deal is poised to accelerate the total trade to over USD 120 billion by 2030, with elimination of tariff on 99% of Indian exports to the UK including key high growth sectors such as textiles, footwear, leather products, pharma and auto parts, among others.

Additionally, the agreement will further improve trade facilitation, streamline trade processes and enhance global competiveness as the agreement not only address tariff issues but also eases provisions related to non-tariff barriers, said Shri Hemant Jain.

Mr Jain further appreciated the groundbreaking social security agreement ‘Double Contribution Convention’ that exempts Indian professionals from social security contributions for three years,  enhancing labor mobility, financial gains and reducing costs for Indian service providers deploying workers to the UK.

This ‘game changer’ agreement represents a significant opportunity for small and medium enterprises by enhancing market access, simplified regulatory environment, improved business mobility, fostering innovation, and generating millions of jobs, said Shri Jain.

PHDCCI suggested linking of the India–UK FTA with the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM), aligning NMM incentives  (PLI schemes) with FTA opportunity sectors, launch support schemes to help exporters align with UK’s evolving ESG norms and prioritize high-potential sectors (e.g., apparel, auto components, seafood, ICT services) with tailored technology, finance and labour frameworks for the UK market.

This comprehensive FTA will amplify India’s manufacturing capabilities, boost exports, catalyse investments, enhance global competitiveness, positioning India as a global manufacturing export hub, said Shri Jain.

White Lotus Connect Private Limited, a distinguished name in the Indian fintech landscape, has announced the launch of its innovative new platform, ClearDebt™. Headquartered in New Delhi, ClearDebt aims to revolutionize financial freedom for millions of Indians, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic alliances with all major banks and financial institutions across the country.

The overdue loan and write-off market in India represents a massive and continually growing challenge, with Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and written-off accounts amounting to billions of rupees. As more individuals face financial distress due to overdue loans, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that can simplify and streamline financial recovery and empowerment.

ClearDebt emerges as a robust digital ecosystem designed to alleviate the financial burden for countless individuals by offering them a transparent, efficient, and empowering pathway towards financial stability.
By fostering financial literacy and promoting responsible financial management, ClearDebt strives to assist individuals in regaining control of their financial futures.

“Our advanced technology and strong alliances with leading banks and financial institutions provide us with a unique advantage in offering customized solutions that address the evolving needs of our users. ClearDebt aims to establish itself as a trusted platform dedicated to enhancing financial stability and prosperity for countless individuals,” stated Akshit Chhabra, the Director of White Lotus Connect Private Limited.

ClearDebt ensures accessibility and convenience for users nationwide, providing them with streamlined access to expert resources, personalized financial guidance, and innovative solutions tailored to diverse needs.

White Lotus Connect Private Limited, known for its excellence and leadership in the fintech space, has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the launch of ClearDebt.

The company’s strategic partnerships with prominent banks and financial institutions bolster its credibility and enhance its capacity to offer a comprehensive range of financial tools and resources to individuals seeking financial freedom.

As ClearDebt aspires to positively impact millions of individuals across India by 2027, its forward-thinking approach, strategic alliances, and relentless pursuit of excellence are set to establish it as a trusted and influential platform in the country’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. With the potential to transform the lives of countless Indians, ClearDebt is poised to redefine financial empowerment and pave the way for a brighter, financially secure future.

For more information, consumers can visit www.cleardebt.in.

TSCS Team meets Telangana Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma and requests for his support towards Thalassemia Eradication

Hyderabad, May 8, 2025: Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) celebrated World Thalassemia Day meeting Telangana Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma and requesting his support towards the eradication of Thalassemia in Telangana. The rest of the day was marked with vibrant and impactful programmes at TSCS – Shivrampally, bringing together patients, families, healthcare professionals, and supporters to raise awareness and advocate for improved care and prevention of thalassemia.

Aligned with the Thalassemia International Federation’s 2025 global theme, “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients,” the event highlighted the importance of community involvement and patient-centric strategies in combating thalassemia.

The event day began with an awareness walk that witnessed enthusiastic participation from patients, caregivers, and volunteers. This was followed by cultural performances showcasing the talents of thalassemia patients, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President – TSCS, emphasized the society’s commitment to improving the lives of those affected by thalassemia. “Our focus remains on empowering patients and advocating for better prevention and treatment strategies through education, collaboration, and community engagement,” he stated.

Special guest at the event, Ms. Ragini Shinde, singer and Indian Idol contestant, was warmly welcomed by the TSCS board members. Ragini who is also a bone marrow donor for her brother who is also a Thalassemia Major, also took part in the cultural segment, inspiring attendees with her performance and words of encouragement.

One of the event’s key highlights was a panel discussion on the Management, Prevention, and Cure of Thalassemia featuring insights from renowned experts Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President – TSCS, Dr. Suman Jain, CEO and Secretary, TSCS, Mrs. Ratnavalli Kottapalli, Vice President – TSCS, Mr. Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary, TSCS, Dr. Geeta Kolar, Consultant Hematologist, , Dr. Azra Fathima, Clinical Psychologist, Ms. Ragini Shinde, Singer & Indian Idol Fame and Ms. Sonal Shivani, Thalassemia Warrior & Physics Teacher. The panel addressed critical topics ranging from early diagnosis and genetic counseling to advancements in treatment and the importance of continuous awareness programs.

TSCS continues its mission to support and advocate for the thalassemia community, urging both public and private stakeholders to collaborate in building a future free from the burden of this genetic disorder.

Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) Commemorates World Thalassemia Day.

Mr. DasGupta, a Partner since 2020, now leads Odgers Berndtson’s Consumer & Retail Practice in APAC, driving strategic growth for the region.

New Delhi, 8th May 2025 – Odgers Berndtson, a leading global executive search firm has appointed Kaushik DasGupta as the new Lead of Consumer & Retail Practice across the Asia-Pacific region. This move marks a significant step in the firm’s efforts to strengthen its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets across the world.

Kaushik has been a part of Odgers Berndtson since 2020 as a Partner focussing on Consumer, Media, and Retail sectors. With over 20 years of experience in executive search, he has successfully led CXO-level mandates across industries including FMCG, Consumer Durables, Media, and Retail. His contributions have been integral to the firm’s growth and success in India and the broader region.

In his new role as Partner & Lead for APAC, he will now be responsible for shaping and scaling the Consumer & Retail Practice throughout Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on client engagement, enhancing market reach, and building long-term partnerships. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and delivering enhanced value to clients in the APAC consumer sector.

“The consumer sector is a key focus as part of our growth plan in APAC,” said Mark Braithwaite, Managing Director APAC at Odgers Berndtson. “Kaushik’s industry expertise and deep understanding of the consumer landscape will not only enhance our capabilities but also accelerate our growth trajectory in the region.”

“Kaushik’s leadership has been instrumental in building the consumer practice of Odgers Berndtson in India. His enhanced role testifies to our capabilities in the APAC region and will accelerate our expansion.” says Dr. Prasad Medury, Managing Director India, Odgers Berndtson.

Mr. Kaushik DasGupta stated that, “I am truly excited about this opportunity. The consumer and retail sector in Asia-Pacific is undergoing a dynamic phase, with significant momentum, innovation and transformation across all areas. I look forward to working closely with our clients and our teams across the region, to help shape leadership teams that drive exponential growth for their brands.”
This appointment is a testament to Odgers Berndtson’s continued investment in exceptional talent and its commitment to reinforcing its leadership in the executive search space.

Chennai, May 8, 2025: In a landmark surgical achievement, a multidisciplinary transplant team at MGM Healthcare successfully performed a complex renal re-transplant on a 12-year-old child from Lucknow, born with a rare vascular condition—classified as a V4 venous anomaly—that involved the absence of major abdominal veins and vein networks from birth.

The child had previously undergone a kidney transplant but had experienced graft failure and is waiting for the re-transplant. However, the absence of the usual venous drainage system presented a major surgical challenge. Demonstrating remarkable innovation, the surgical team identified and reused the venous pathways from the earlier transplant to ensure safe and effective placement and blood flow (perfusion) of the new graft. The old kidney graft was carefully removed while preserving the existing venous structures to facilitate the second transplant. The child is recovering well, demonstrating early graft function with no vascular or urological complications.

The surgery was led by Dr. Anil Vaidya, Chair and Director, Institute of Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant, MGM Healthcare, with support from a multidisciplinary team that included Dr. Sukanya Govindhan, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist; Dr Senthil Muthuraman, Senior Consultant in Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant; Dr. Ram Gurajala, Interventional Radiologist; and anaesthesiologists: Dr. Dinesh Babu and Dr. Nivash Chandrasekaran.

In his comments, Dr. Ram Gurajala said, “A V4 venous anomaly is a rare condition where a child is born without the major veins (inferior vena cava and major iliac veins) in the belly and lower body that return blood to the heart. This makes surgeries like kidney transplants extremely difficult, as the usual pathways for blood flow are missing. However, we navigated this anatomical challenge by identifying and utilising the previously used venous outflow pathways, ensuring safe and effective graft placement and blood flow. This successful outcome brings renewed hope and quality of life to this young patient and family. It also paves the way for children with complex vascular anomalies—once considered unsuitable for transplantation—to be given a second chance through advanced surgical approaches.”

Dialysis is typically performed through either a fistula or venous access, but when these options are absent, a dialysis catheter can be placed. However, since the child had no patent veins that could be accessed from the groin or neck, the catheter was placed through a trans-lumbar approach (gaining access to the body through the lower back) into the inferior vena cava (IVC) above the kidney. This allowed the team to successfully dialyse the child for several months prior to the renal transplant. With the successful completion of the re-transplant, and the new kidney functioning well, the dialysis catheter is scheduled to be removed in a month.

Professor CM Thiagarajan, a senior nephrologist who was treating the child initially, said, “This case exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can redefine what’s possible in paediatric transplantation.”