Archives June 2025

Amit Agarwal

“Your greatest power as an entrepreneur lies not in your balance sheet, but in your mindset.”

This statement captures a truth that many leaders often overlook. As an entrepreneur leading ventures across logistics (Amit Transport Corporation), real estate (Bluetick Realcon), and community initiatives (as Secretary at MATES), I have come to understand that the real game-changer in business is not just strategy, funding, or networks. It is personal mastery.

Unlocking your inner superhero is not about external success. It is about cultivating discipline, resilience, and self-awareness. These are the qualities that allow you to lead with greater clarity and impact in a world full of complexity.

Know Yourself: The Foundation of Mastery

Entrepreneurs operate in high-pressure environments where decisions are frequent and demanding. In the midst of constant motion, self-awareness becomes the anchor. Personal mastery starts with understanding your strengths, limitations, values, and purpose. A clear sense of self helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence and ensures that your choices reflect what truly matters. When your actions align with your inner values, you begin to build businesses that are not only successful but also sustainable and meaningful.

Design Your Time and Energy, Not Just Your Calendar

Time is limited, but energy can be managed and renewed. Learning to work with your energy levels can transform the way you lead. For me, mornings are a non-negotiable part of my routine. I begin each day with yoga, meditation, and exercise. This practice sharpens my focus, supports my mental clarity, and prepares me to lead effectively. Structuring your day around your energy rhythms and incorporating restorative habits helps you maintain high performance without burnout.

Lifelong Learning: The Real Competitive Advantage

In a rapidly changing world, staying curious is a must. For entrepreneurs, continuous learning is not just beneficial. It is essential.

I make it a priority to explore new developments in logistics, monitor trends in real estate, and read widely across disciplines. This habit keeps my thinking fresh and allows me to bring new ideas into my businesses.

When you embrace a learning mindset, you encourage innovation and adaptability. These qualities are vital for thriving in dynamic markets.

Lead with Integrity, Serve with Impact

True leadership is reflected not only in how you perform but also in how you influence others. Personal mastery is about showing up with integrity, clarity, and purpose. When your values guide your decisions, your leadership becomes consistent and inspiring. Whether it is working with clients, leading teams, or contributing to your community, the impact of your actions becomes long-lasting.

I strive to make decisions that prioritize long-term value. Success, in this context, is not just about profits but about the positive difference you make in the lives of others.

Conclusion: The Hero Is You

Every entrepreneur has the potential to unlock their inner superhero. Personal mastery is a journey that requires intention and commitment.

It empowers you to navigate uncertainty with calm, to lead with authenticity, and to create businesses that stand for more than just numbers. In the end, what truly defines you is not the size of your success but the strength of your values and the lives you uplift.

Take the first step today. Start building the habits that sharpen your mindset and help you grow into the leader you were always meant to be.

About the Author

Amit Agarwal is an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader who focuses on building resilient organizations and helping individuals reach their full potential. His bestselling book, “Unlock Your Inner Superhero,” is available on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/8Arcwbs.

To explore more of his work, visit www.amitagarwal.one.

“One of the biggest challenges The Citi Residenci Hotels faced was that while it was fast gaining traction with guests and expanding its footprint, its internal systems lagged, and its distribution complexity grew. Our solutions have efficiently streamlined internal processes for them, eliminated discrepancies, removed errors and ensured their operations run like clockwork! We empower our clients to stay agile in a highly competitive hospitality market without burdening them with added layers of complexity or manual effort,” said Shoaib Ali – National Sales Head India, STAAH.

UGRO CAPITAL EMPOWERS OVER 135,000 MSMES, RELEASES SOCIAL IMPACT REPORT CAPTURING GROWTH, INCLUSION & SUSTAINABILITY

Mumbai, June 30, 2025: UGRO Capital Limited, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, today released the third edition of its Social Impact Report, demonstrating how targeted credit drives measurable economic, social and environmental outcomes for India’s most dynamic yet underserved businesses. Produced in partnership with Dun & Bradstreet India, the report reflects UGRO’s expanding reach, serving over 135,000 MSMEs through 200+ branches nationwide and underscores its commitment to a sustainable, inclusive MSME ecosystem.

Over the past three years, UGRO Capital has grown its customer base from just over 23,000 in March 2022 to more than 135,000 by January 2025, boosting its Assets Under Management nearly four-fold from ₹2,932 Crore to ₹11,067 Crore while deepening financial inclusion across India’s heartlands. Notably, 78% of these borrowers are first-generation entrepreneurs tapping formal credit for the first time, and women-led enterprises have surged to 74%  of total portfolio. 9% of UGRO’s portfolio is one woman owners. Beyond metros, AUM in Tier 3+ geographies climbed from ₹1,144 Crore to ₹2,596 Crore, reflecting a strong focus on rural and small-town growth. In line with its ESG framework, UGRO channelled ₹642 Crore to 3,369 green-sector MSMEs spanning renewable energy, WASH, and sustainable manufacturing and 42% of borrowers invested in energy and waste-efficiency initiatives.

Talking about the report, Mr. Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director of UGRO Capital, said, “This report is more than just numbers, it reflects our purpose. MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy, yet 75% rely on informal credit. This report validates our mission to democratize access to finance through data-led innovation. It also brings to life our campaign belief – MSME Accha Hai and now invites every Indian to show their support through #BharosaMSMEpar. Our emotion became evidence; now it becomes action.”

Ms. Irem Sayeed, Chief Credit Officer, UGRO Capital, added, “Our ESG-led lending framework ensures growth that is both inclusive and resilient. From clean-energy enterprises to women-led ventures, every loan becomes a lever for change. The 42% rise in women’s employment within our borrower network shows the multiplier effect of thoughtful financing.”

The report reaffirms UGRO’s alignment with 11 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work, gender equality, clean energy, innovation, and climate action. Its embedded ESG screening protocol ensures responsible disbursals without compromising growth momentum. The research—combining telephonic and in-person interviews across 200+ branches in metro and Tier 2/3 centers was enriched by platform analytics and public financial disclosures to ensure robustness and representativeness.

The launch of this Impact Report also aligns with UGRO Capital’s #BharosaMSMEpar campaign, a nationwide call for every Indian, from consumers to policymakers, to pledge support for MSMEs. Because when Indians back these businesses with their trust, they power a billion dreams.

Gurgaon, June 30, 2025: Mumbai’s beloved brand, 99 Pancakes, famous for its innovative dessert offerings, has marked its footprints in Delhi-NCR, with its first outlet at Baani Square in Gurgaon. The launch of this outlet signifies the brand’s continued expansion across India. The QSR chain is prominently present in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Shirdi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Varanasi etc.

The new outlet at Gurgaon continues the brand’s mission of making international dessert experiences accessible to Indian consumers. With a youthful, vibrant atmosphere and a focus on quality and consistency, 99 Pancakes caters to a broad audience from all across age groups.

To celebrate the launch, 99 Pancakes rolled out an exclusive limited-time offer for its customers. From June 27th to 29th, 2025, patrons who visited the outlet enjoyed 6 Mini Pancakes and a Classic Waffle for just ₹99.

99 Pancakes offers a diverse 100% vegetarian menu that includes Pancakes, Waffles, Shakes, Waffle Cakes, Crepes, Macrons etc, and a variety of hot and cold beverages – all crafted with premium ingredients and served with an innovative twist.

The brand has also earned recognition for its creative collaborations with top names such as Nutella, KitKat, Epigamia, and MyFitness Rage Coffee, Cartoon Network, bringing customers a menu that is constantly refreshed with exciting new flavours and combinations.

Commenting on the launch, Vikesh Shah, Founder of 99 Pancakes, said, “We are thrilled to bring 99 Pancakes to Delhi-NCR, where Gurgaon is the perfect market for us to begin this journey. This area has a dynamic food culture with an appetite for fresh and creative offerings. We have an aggressive expansion strategy for the Delhi & NCR market and will soon be opening up new outlets in different formats”.

99 Pancakes continues to expand at a fast pace, driven by customer demand for premium yet affordable desserts. The Gurgaon store is another step forward in fulfilling the brand’s vision of making delicious sweet treats available to a wider audience across India.

Two B.Tech CSE students from Galgotias University – Madhav Sharma and Ansh Kalra loved the magic of play – ended up redefining the experience of toy shopping. Driven by the passion to enhance the process of shopping and make it more engaging and enjoyable for both parents and children, came up with a unique idea of toy selection – ToyVista.

A Breakthrough Idea, Brought to Life

Madhav and Ansh learned to harness Apple’s powerful ARKit and RealityKit frameworks during their time at Galgotias University’s iOS Development Center. With enriching guidance and support from industry experts and mentors, they developed an app that lets users see realistic 3D models of toys in their homes before making a purchase. Do you want to know if a toy would go well with a favourite teddy bear or fit on the bookshelf? You may see it in real time on ToyVista.

Immersive Shopping with a Personal Touch

In addition to their creative instincts, the two tech-savvy founders of ToyVista envisioned the app as a fresh, engaging toy store experience — one that was as fun as it was functional. Every feature was thoughtfully tested with real families, ensuring the app met the needs of both children and parents. The result? A playful and intuitive interface that transforms toy shopping into a shared journey of discovery, making the app feel less like technology and more like magic. This vision is perfectly aligned with the mission of Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, who champions student innovation and encourages solutions that make a tangible, positive impact on society.

A Launch That Sparked a Startup

ToyVista was developed entirely at Galgotias’ iOS Development Center in order to transform the ecommerce into an immersive experience. The app is deployed under Lunisight Techno Pvt. Ltd., a startup incorporated by the student developers themselves. In addition to their achievements, they saw ToyVista as a model for other students who aspire to develop significant goods at the nexus of creativity and imagination.

ToyVista serves as a powerful reminder that, with the right ecosystem of learning and support, even a college project can evolve into a product that delights real-world users. This achievement perfectly reflects Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University mission of empowering students to innovate fearlessly and create solutions that make a meaningful impact on society.

Eastern India Chartered Accountants Students Association(EICASA) of Eastern India Regional Council(EIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) , Kolkata, West Bengal, India Recognized by World Book of Records for Largest Ethics Lesson on the Role of Ethics in the Accounting Profession and its impact on Global Financial Transparency involving 5030 Participants at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata, India on 29th June 2025.

The record certificate has been formally presented to EICASA of EIRC of ICAI Chairman CA. Mayur Agrawal , CA Vishnu Kumar Tulsyan, Chairman, EIRC, CA. Sanjib Sanghi, Council Member ICAI, in presence of Aditya Kumar Maheshwari, Treasurer EIRC, CA. Hari Ram Agarwal, Secretary, EIRC, CA. Bisworanjan Sutar, Member EIRC ,CA. Ravi Kumar Patwa, Council Member ICAI,CA. Arpit Jagdish Kabra, Council Member ICAI by Mr. Rajesh Shukla and Dr. Rajeev Shrivastava, esteemed officials from World Book of Records.

On Being included by World Book of Records, UK, Eastern India Chartered Accountants Students Association (EICASA) of Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was congratulated by members of the Central Working Committee and other dignitaries from international scenarios.

Aaj Ki Adalat: Interaction with Board of Studies – Operations, ICAI

In a session uniquely staged as a courtroom, “Aaj Ki Adalat” brought academic governance under the spotlight, as students posed candid questions to the Board of Studies – Operations. Presided over by CA (Dr.) Debashis Mitra, Past President, ICAI, and featuring CA (Dr.) Rohit Ruwatia, Chairman, Board of Studies (Operations), ICAI and CA Sanjib Sanghi, Vice-Chairman, Board of Studies (Operations), ICAI the session addressed concerns ranging from syllabus structure and articleship to global opportunities and student life balance.

With transparency and conviction, the panel clarified misconceptions, reaffirmed ICAI’s global standing, and highlighted student-centric initiatives that keep the CA journey dynamic and relevant. The interactive format fostered dialogue, trust, and applause from students, strengthening the bond between the Institute and its future professionals.

The session was a testament to the spirit of RRR Returns 2025 — to Reskill, Resolve, and Rejoice — upholding dialogue, reform, and accountability at the heart of the profession.

Dr. Deepak Vohra- the former Indian diplomat and Special Advisor to developing nations.

You can’t stop an idea whose time has come. And that idea… is India.”

Attended a fiery, thought-provoking session by Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra – and let’s just say, it wasn’t just a talk, it was a wake-up call.

Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam is not only hard work but also knowing who to turn for your guidance. With lakhs of aspirants coming every year for this prestigious examination and only a small fraction of them being on the final list, the availability of an efficient coaching institute can help you in so many ways. It’s not just about providing you with actionable study schedules, but also providing a mentor, and being surrounded by an inspiring community. The right UPSC coaching centre can heavily influence and determine the course of your UPSC preparation.

Here are 5 go-to coaching institutes in India that have built a solid reputation for helping aspirants succeed.

1. NextIAS

NextIAS stands out as one of India’s leading coaching institutes for UPSC exam prep. It provides everything needed to prepare for Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test. The institute puts a lot of focus on clear concepts and thorough syllabus coverage. It also helps students build strong answer-writing skills. With options like classroom teaching, online live sessions, and postal courses, it serves students from all over the country. Major centres include Delhi, Jaipur, and Prayagraj.

NextIAS stands out because it focuses on building both knowledge and confidence. It provides complete support with things like mock interviews, peer discussions, and mentorship programs. The institute keeps delivering top results, including successful selections in CSE 2024. This shows its strong academics and its focus on students making it a go-to choice for those preparing for the UPSC exams.

2. ClearIAS

If you want a flexible, online-first option at a competitive price, ClearIAS is a standout choice. Founded by UPSC coach and author Alex Andrews George, ClearIAS offers a comprehensive Prelims-cum-Mains (PCM) program that is popular with professionals and others who prefer a self-paced learning experience.

ClearIAS offers a complete ecosystem for UPSC preparation, including 700+ hours of recorded expert classes, updated current affairs modules, mock test series, and personalized mentorship. Their study materials are crisp and easy to understand, which is always helpful, especially when working through a wide syllabus like UPSC.

3. Yojna IAS

Yojna IAS is showing up as a trustworthy and dependable choice for aspirants looking for a more systemic and cheap coaching institute. They offer tailored courses like the GS Foundation Course and modules specifically for CSAT aspirants at different stages of preparation.

By maintaining smaller batch sizes, providing mentorship, online lectures and an E-library facility, Yojna IAS fosters an environment where students get the attention they need. The schedule flexibility, as well as access to revision content, provides great value to students who are juggling college or work in addition to the UPSC preparation.

4. Drishti IAS

Drishti IAS has been a household name for many years among UPSC aspirants, especially since the institute offers a bilingual course in Hindi and English. Drishti IAS is known for its clear coverage of syllabus and extensive study material, providing clarity and a path for students to prepare for both Prelims and Mains.

Besides academics, the Institute encourages personality developments, confidence-building, and regular interaction with successful candidates. Moreover, students benefit from the Drishti Learning App which allows them to remain engaged digitally with interactive quizzes and up-to-date current affairs material.

5. Vision IAS

Vision IAS is famous because of its test series that many top scorers recommend. Its programs to improve answer writing and its system of detailed feedback help students adjust their responses to fit what UPSC expects. The institute provides both in-person classes and updated online options to keep you in sync with the current UPSC trends.

Their regular current affairs modules, real-time doubt sessions, and event-based interactive webinars create a fun and interactive learning environment. For students who would like continuous and empirical insights into their progress along the way in the course of the year, Vision IAS is a good choice.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right UPSC coaching institute depends on your personal learning style, budget, and where you are in your preparation journey. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the discipline of classroom teaching, these five institutes have proven their ability to guide aspirants with clarity, consistency, and care.

Remember, cracking UPSC is not just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart, with the right mentors by your side.

India, 30th June 2025 – Due to an overwhelming and unprecedented public demand, EVA Live is thrilled to announce a second, highly anticipated concert for multi-Grammy award-winning music icon Enrique Iglesias in Mumbai, India. Following a record-breaking sell-out of the first show within just a few hours, this newly added performance will take place on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC.

The initial concert, scheduled for Thursday, 30th October 2025, at MMRDA Grounds, BKC witnessed an extraordinary and historic response from fans across the subcontinent, with all tickets being completely allocated within mere hours of going on sale. This monumental sell-out underscores Enrique Iglesias’s enduring popularity and the fervent passion of his Indian fanbase, welcoming him back after a thirteen-year hiatus. Tickets for the show are exclusively available on District App.

“I’ve missed performing in India, the fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world,” says Enrique Iglesias. “Since my first show back in 2004, the love has always been unreal. I can’t wait to get back to Mumbai and bring them this new show.”

Deepak Choudhary, Founder & Managing Director, EVA Live states, “The response to Enrique Iglesias’s first Mumbai show has been nothing short of phenomenal and truly historic. The sheer speed at which tickets were snapped up is a testament to his immense and unwavering appeal in India, confirming the unparalleled excitement for his return. We are incredibly excited to be able to accommodate more of his devoted fans by adding a second date, ensuring that even more individuals have the opportunity to experience what promises to be an unforgettable, world-class musical spectacle.”

With the addition of this second date, the two concerts in Mumbai are projected to welcome a staggering total footfall of over 50,000 attendees, solidifying Enrique Iglesias’s return to India as one of the most significant and anticipated musical events of the decade.

This newly announced performance on 29th October 2025, provides an opportunity for the scores of fans who were unable to secure tickets for the initial date to witness one of pop music’s most influential singer-songwriters of our current times live.

Exclusive presale for Mastercard cardholders will begin from Sunday 29th June 12PM IST to 4PM IST on District App. Following the pre-sale, general ticket sales will begin Sunday on 29th June at 5PM IST. Mastercard cardholders can look forward to exclusive priceless experiences with event tickets, city experiences and artist moments.

Murthy’s business acumen and decades of experience will guide Covasant as it navigates the global Enterprise AI landscape

Phaneesh Murthy

India: Covasant Technologies, an emerging leader in Enterprise AI and Agentic AI-led services as software, today announced that tech industry icon Phaneesh Murthy has joined its Advisory Board as a Non-Executive Director. This appointment reinforces Covasant’s ambition to lead the enterprise AI era through innovative AI and emerging tech solutions, guided by seasoned strategic leadership to scale responsibly and globally.

Murthy, renowned for scaling both Infosys and iGATE into billion-dollar powerhouses, now joins Covasant’s Advisory Board to help power the company’s vision for disruptive growth in Enterprise AI. His appointment marks a significant endorsement of Covasant’s aspiration to challenge the traditional IT services model and define the future of enterprise automation, particularly in the evolving field of Agentic AI.

“For decades, the IT industry’s brilliance was in its ability to scale human expertise. We’ve now reached a turning point. The goal today is to empower that expertise with true efficiency and autonomy, powered by AI,” said C. V. Subramanyam, Chairman and Managing Director, Covasant Technologies. “Phaneesh joining us is a landmark moment because he’s one of the architects of that first IT wave. He sees clearly where the next wave is headed, and it signals a fundamental shift in how value will be created in this industry for the next decade. We’re thrilled to have him on board and are certain that his business acumen, and his wealth of experience will be instrumental in shaping our strategic direction, driving innovation, and solidifying our position as a trusted leader in Agentic AI that delivers tangible business impact for enterprises.”

Murthy’s career has been defined by identifying and capitalizing on the “next big thing” in technology services. His move to a focused, nimble and specialized firm like Covasant is an indicator of where enterprise value will be created next. Murthy will be instrumental in shaping Covasant’s global expansion, particularly in key verticals like healthcare, BFSI, manufacturing, and media and communication. 

“The industry is flooded with AI hype. Everyone has a chatbot!,” said Phaneesh Murthy. “But very few are building what Covasant is: autonomous AI agents with human in the loop, that can actually run a supply chain, manage a financial audit, or solve other real-business challenges across domains, flawlessly. They’re not just building better tools; they’re building a new kind of workforce, with guardrails to ensure AI stays compliant while delivering value. Their ‘Services-as-Software’ model is the most logical evolution of the global services industry. I’m here because I believe Covasant has the vision and the DNA to lead it. This is about building the next great enterprise technology company, not just another services firm,” added Murthy.

Mumbai, June 2025: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to introduce Peter Sethi as the newly appointed Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. With an impressive career spanning over sixteen years in the hospitality industry, Peter brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished reputation for elevating food and beverage operations to new heights.

With extensive experience across several esteemed hospitality brands, Peter’s journey reflects his exceptional ability to lead and innovate within diverse dining destinations. Most recently, he served as the Director of Restaurants and Bars at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Prior to this, he held key positions across renowned hospitality establishments including Marriott International, Accor Hotels, Essar Group, Hyatt Hotels and The Taj.

In his new role, Peter along with the Director of Food & Beverage will ensure ways to refine dining concepts, optimize operations and craft unique guest experiences that align with the hotel’s commitment to luxury and exceptional service. Under Peter’s leadership, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is poised to reach new heights of culinary excellence.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is thrilled to welcome Peter Sethi and look forward to his contributions in furthering the hotel’s growth and success.