Archives June 2025

New Delhi, India – ServDharm, one of India’s most cherished devotional and spiritual lifestyle brands, is excited to announce its global expansion into the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia. This international rollout marks a significant milestone in the brand’s mission to bring authentic pooja essentials and devotional products to Indian communities across the world. Customers abroad will now be able to access ServDharm’s complete collection through both online platforms and select ofline retail partnerships.

The global offering includes ServDharm’s acclaimed range of Chalisas, such as the Hanuman Chalisa, Shiv Chalisa, Sai Baba Chalisa, and Shanidev Chalisa. Devotees will also find an array of intricately designed god idols including Hanuman Murti, Lord Kuber, Ram Darbar, and Radha Krishna, along with sacred items like Mata Ki Chunri and other pooja essentials. These products, which have gained

immense popularity in India for their authenticity and quality, are now being made available to spiritual seekers around the world.

Speaking on the global launch, Gagan Dhawan, Co-Founder of ServDharm, said, “With this global launch, we are not just expanding our business we are expanding our spiritual mission. Our vision is to make sacred, high-quality devotional products easily accessible to Indians living abroad, helping them stay connected to their roots and celebrate traditions wherever they are.”

The decision to go global was fueled by growing demand from the Indian diaspora, who often find it difficult to source genuine and aesthetically presented spiritual products overseas.

ServDharm’s expansion is a response to that need, aiming to bring the purity and reverence of Indian rituals into homes across continents by it’s Co-founders, Mr. Gagan Dhawan, Ms. Heavena Singha and Mr. Ravi Dutta.

In addition, ServDharm will offer attractive discounts on bulk orders, making it easier for temples, spiritual groups, and families to stock up on essential items for various occasions.

The launch is scheduled to begin by next month, with the exact date of the products to be available for purchase is yet to be announced shortly. Devotees and customers can look forward to the same devotion, craftsmanship, and quality that ServDharm is known for now delivered globally.

Navi Mumbai, 7 June 2025 – Optometry students at ITM’s Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) participated in an insightful and interactive dispensing workshop conducted by Shamir Lens, a global leader in innovative lens technologies. The students benefited from hands-on experience in modern dispensing techniques and technologies that integrate the theory with practice.

Topics addressed in the workshop included important component aspects of dispensing such as lens selection, lens fitting, and lens adjustments. Shamir’s exhibition team introduced their latest lens designs and tints; thus, students received a balanced, thorough review of the wide range of choices for lenses in today’s optical market.

One of the key highlights of the session was a live demonstration of Spark 4, Shamir’s state-of-the-art digital measurement tool. Students had the opportunity to witness how eye care professionals use this high-tech tool to fit lenses with great precision and speed, a skill that’s becoming more and more crucial in today’s optometry field.

“It was a highly productive and engaging session for our students,” said Dr. Sankalp Rao, Director at ITM IHS. “Workshops like these not only enhance practical learning but also expose students to the latest industry innovations, preparing them to deliver high-quality eye care in the future.”

This partnership of ITM Institute of Health Sciences (Institute) with Shamir Lens demonstrates the institute’s dedication to industry exposure in its academic program and ensuring its students leave with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the world of optometry.

Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Ltd., has lauded the Uttar Pradesh Government’s progressive move to privatize two state-run electricity distribution companies – Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd. (PuVVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd. (DVVNL).

Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Agarwal called the move a “very good step,” emphasizing that such reforms have historically led to improved outcomes in the power sector. “Wherever this has been done, better results have been achieved. This reduces electricity wastage and improves supply,” he wrote.

Mr. Agarwal further added that privatization helps ensure affordable and reliable electricity for consumers, reduces financial burden on the government, and improves the operational health of distribution companies.

“This reform is beneficial for all stakeholders, the government, the industry, and most importantly, the people,” he stated.

The power sector reforms in Uttar Pradesh have attracted significant interest from leading industry players, including Adani, Greenko, Tata, and Torrent Power, marking a notable shift towards efficient and sustainable electricity distribution.

Chandigarh, June 07,2025: Mining Major Vedanta Ltd. plans to deploy funds from the ₹5000 crore raised through its unsecured non-convertible debenture (NCD) issue to pay-down a high-cost private credit facility of ₹3,400 crore, potentially reducing its annual interest burden by at least ₹350 crore, according to a person familiar with the matter. The remaining funds will likely be used for ongoing Capex requirements, general corporate purposes, and repayment or prepayment of existing debts, the person added.

The NCD offering, which closed on June 4, was oversubscribed with bids worth ₹6,555 crore, indicating a 60% oversubscription over its base issue size of ₹4100 crore. This prompted the company to exercise its greenshoe option of ₹900 crore, raising a total of ₹5000 crore.

The issuance attracted heavy demand from all categories of investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies, infrastructure finance companies, corporates, and NBFCs. Among the key investors who were ICICI Prudential MF, Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, Kotak Mahindra MF, HSBC MF, Axis MF, Star Health Insurance, Reliance Insurance, Aseem Infrastructure Finance, Alpha Alternatives and Larsen and Toubro among others, said the person quoted above, adding that the unsecured NCDs have a coupon rate of 9.31% for the 2.5 years series, 9.45% for the 3 year series and 8.95% for the 2 year series.

Vedanta cited strong earnings, free cash flows and ongoing growth projects, coupled with a strong balance sheet to its potential investors.

This is the second unsecured NCD issuance by the company in 2025. In Feb 2025, the company raised Rs 2,600 crore via unsecured non-convertible debentures at a 9.40-9.50 per cent coupon rate, attracting institutional investors, including ICICI Prudential, Kotak, Nippon, Aditya Birla Sun Life, and Axis.

The NCD issuance has received a rating of ‘AA’ from CRISIL, which has placed it on ‘Rating Watch with Developing Implications’. While doing so, the rating agency has cited expected improvement in Vedanta’s FY26 EBITDA, promoter’s commitment to deleveraging, material reduction in refinancing risk at Vedanta Resources, the company’s presence in diverse commodities, and the company’s financial flexibility.

The rating agency noted in its rationale that Vedanta’s EBITDA is expected to improve further in fiscal 2026, despite a moderation in prices by 5-10%, with expected completion of ongoing capital expenditure (capex) for capacity increase and operating efficiency improvement, especially in the aluminium business. “The expected increase in Ebitda will support the ongoing capex as well as scheduled debt repayment over the medium term,” the rating agency said.

CRISIL expects Vedanta’s strong asset base and multi-commodity presence to aid in growth.  “The company has strong asset base along with prudent capital allocation and is undertaking growth and efficiency improvement capex in multiple segments, especially in aluminium and zinc. This will further support margin profile and Ebitda levels over the medium term. The expected increase in annual Ebitda will support increased cash accrual necessary to support ongoing capex and debt reduction. Given the volatile nature of commodity prices, sustenance of continued ramp up in Ebitda to expected annual levels will be a key rating sensitivity factor,” the rating agency had said in its report.

Mumbai, June 7, 2025: Central Bank of India acquired 24.91% equity stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL) and 25.18% equity stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL), marking the Bank’s strategic entry into both the life and general insurance sectors.

Necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and Competition Commission of India (CCI) were obtained prior to completion of share transfer.

Key Highlights of the Transaction:

Pursuant to this transaction, Central Bank of India will be classified as a promoter in both Future Generali India Insurance & Future Generali India Life Insurance.

FGIICL, established in 2006 and based in Mumbai, is a prominent player in India’s general insurance sector. With a presence in over 150 locations nationwide, the company offers a wide array of insurance products across retail, commercial, rural, and personal segments, serving both individuals and corporate clients.

FGILICL, also incorporated in 2006 and headquartered in Mumbai, has a robust network spanning more than 1,300 locations across the country. The company delivers a broad spectrum of life insurance solutions, catering to the needs of both individual and group customers.

This acquisition underscores Central Bank of India commitment to creating long-term value for its stakeholders by expanding into high-potential financial services verticals. The Bank aims to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the fast-growing Indian insurance industry through acquisition.

New Delhi, – June 7, 2025 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global advanced technology services and solutions company, today announced it has acquired XponentL Data, a data products and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider. XponentL brings differentiated domain-led data strategy, design, and engineering capabilities; deep industry experience; and strategic partnerships. This acquisition builds on Genpact’s pivot to data, AI, and other advanced technologies, further enhancing Genpact’s ability to help clients across the lifecycle of AI transformation, from strategy through implementation.

In addition to being a Databricks partner, XponentL adds robust training and capabilities across numerous leading data platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft. The company also brings proven industry- and process-specific solutions that accelerate time to business value.

“We believe the future belongs to companies that deploy AI at speed and scale – on a bedrock of data expertise,” said Balkrishan ‘BK’ Kalra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Genpact. “At Genpact, we have been steadily pivoting to an AI-first future, and today’s acquisition is another proof point of our commitment to deliver client value through innovative solutions. XponentL’s robust intellectual property will further strengthen how Genpact can help clients harness the full value of their data. We are incredibly excited to welcome XponentL Data to the Genpact team.”

“Genpact and XponentL share a vision to unlock the power of data for our clients – this opportunity allows us to take it to the next level,” said Tom Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer, XponentL Data. “Genpact’s domain, process, and technology leadership, global footprint, and extensive client base will help scale our solutions together to drive greater impact for our clients.”

The combination further positions Genpact to help clients with data and AI transformation, creating a foundational intelligence capability to drive operational efficiency and business growth in the agentic AI era. The acquisition will fuel Genpact’s Service-as-Agentic-Solutions and the Genpact AI Gigafactory by bringing comprehensive domain solutions in Life Sciences and Healthcare, as well as deep expertise with enterprise data and AI strategy, architecture, and engineering talent.

“XponentL Data has been a pioneer in applying intelligent agents and modern data architectures on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to drive real-world impact. Their acquisition by Genpact—a global leader in digital transformation and operational excellence—creates a unique combination of innovation and scale,” said Michael Hartman, Senior Vice President, Americas Industry, Databricks. “We’re excited to support this next chapter as they help enterprises operationalize AI and drive measurable business value.”

XponentL is headquartered in Pennsylvania and operates globally. Johnstone will continue to lead the XponentL business and all XponentL employees will join Genpact.

Mumbai, 7 June 2025: GlobalGyan Leadership Academy has opened enrolments for the 2025 edition of its flagship executive education initiative, the Sarathi Leadership Program. This transformational journey is crafted to help mid-level managers step into strategic leadership and prepare for CXO roles. Tailored for professionals with over 10+ years of experience, Sarathi bridges the critical gap between operational execution and enterprise-level leadership.

Unlike traditional programs that lean heavily on theory, Sarathi offers a deeply experiential and practical approach to leadership development. Through immersive learning labs, real-time simulations, and mentoring from some of India’s most respected leadership coaches, the program builds strategic clarity, emotional resilience, and the ability to lead transformational change across complex business environments. Sarathi empowers participants to think and act like senior leaders, enabling a shift from managing functions to leading businesses.

The program is structured into four progressive phases: Pre-Immersion, Strategic Leadership Accelerator, Executive Influence Studio, and Post-Immersion Coaching. A cornerstone of the experience is two in-person, three-day immersion labs, where participants engage in live case explorations, strategic decision-making, and the acclaimed Game of Stones simulation designed to sharpen leadership judgment under uncertainty.

What sets Sarathi apart is its faculty of high-impact leadership coaches, including Srinivasa Addepalli, Chandramoulee P., Abhishek Kumar, and Suman Addepalli — seasoned experts who have delivered leadership development programs at top corporates like Mahindra group, HUL, ITC, and the Aditya Birla Group. Their real-world experience enables participants to gain actionable insights and mentorship grounded in business realities.

“Today’s mid-level leaders are often caught in the gap between execution and strategy, highly capable, yet not always equipped with the perspective or tools to influence at the enterprise level. Sarathi was created to fill that void. This is not just a training program. It’s a platform designed to elevate professionals from functional expertise to strategic leadership, helping them confidently step into CXO roles.” said Srinivasa Addepalli, Director, GlobalGyan Leadership Academy.

7 June 2025: KPMG International has released its latest flagship study, “The Intelligent Tech Enterprise: A Blueprint for Creating Value Through AI-Driven Transformation,” revealing that while 88% of tech leaders believe AI adoption is key to competitive advantage, only 47% are currently seeing significant ROI from their investments.

The report, based on insights from 1,390 global executives which included 183 respondents from the technology sector. These leaders shared their experiences and perspectives on overcoming barriers to AI adoption, from dismantling legacy systems to addressing organizational inertia. We also tapped into our own experiences from helping KPMG clients on more than 500 AI engagements that outlined a clear, three-phase blueprint for technology companies to realize meaningful value from AI in three phases: Enable, Embed, and Evolve.

Sharing his views, Purushothaman KG, Partner and Head Technology Transformation, KPMG in India  said “India’s tech ecosystem is uniquely positioned to leapfrog into the intelligent enterprise era, with 81% of technology firms planning to systematically integrate AI into their products and services within the next 12 months. The strategic integration of AI can redefine our global competitiveness, as 63% of enterprises are set to increase AI spending by more than 10% in the coming year. However, realizing AI’s full value requires a concerted effort—underscoring the importance of robust governance frameworks, talent development, and embedding AI into core business operations. Organizations that proactively embrace these imperatives will not only drive innovation but also set new benchmarks in delivering value and efficiency.”

Here are the key highlights

• Technology companies face the biggest opportunities and threats from AI, with many playing a pivotal dual role, as users of AI and providers of AI to all other sectors. They now hold the pole position in the race towards an intelligent enterprise and set the pace for others to follow, but risk obsolescence at every turn.
• AI also threatens their current business models as software development costs plummet, AI-native startups emerge and agents make it possible to deliver “service- as-software” (new SaaS)
• Technology executives need to solve at least three AI challenges in parallel. First, they must master the use of available AI tools to boost productivity in their own organisation. Next, they need to embed AI into their products and services faster and better than their competitors. Finally, executives must prepare to adapt their business model to a world where all their customers and suppliers have adopted AI, while considering the role that agents will play in the near future
• 88% believe that technology companies that embrace AI will develop a competitive edge over those who do not
• 85% will  increase the percentage of global budget spent on AI
• 68% expect a moderate to very high ROI from AI investments of 10% or more
• 63% are aiming to increase AI investments by more than 10% in the coming year
• 60% are seeking to improve efficiency
• 51% of technology companies are systematically incorporating AI into products and services enabling continuous innovation, tailored solutions and market differentiation, with 81% planning to do so in the next 12 months, signaling a strong commitment to embedded AI as a core driver of business value. This is the opposite of most other sectors where the focus is largely on improving efficiency
• Top 5 GenAI opportunities for technology firms:

• Performance optimization
• Customer relationship management
• Operations execution
• Code generation
• Supply chain resource allocation
• Data governance
• Intelligent analytics
• Supply chain optimization
• Quality assurance
• Digital assistants & automation

The report suggests five key actions for AI success:

1. Architect a coherent, AI-centric vision and strategy
2. Build trust and ethical AI frameworks
3. Supercharge AI product intelligence
4. Scale AI operations with next-gen infrastructure and data
5. Evangelize AI internally to power workstream transformation

Kolkata, 7th June 2025: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Techno India University, West Bengal, in association with the Millennium Institute of Energy & Environment Management (MIEEM), Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), Centre for Research in Materials Management (CRIMM), and the Federation of Small and Medium Industries (FOSMI), convened the Global Summit on “Wealth from the Blue: Opportunities and Challenges” — a landmark event to spotlight the promise and responsibility of the Blue Economy.

Held at the Techno India University campus in Kolkata, the summit attracted national and international dignitaries, academic leaders, policy influencers, and industry experts for a multi-disciplinary dialogue on sustainable ocean resource utilization and its economic potential. The event marked a historic moment with the launch of the Centre of Excellence on Blue Economy, envisioned as a national leader in fostering innovation, research, and collaboration across the aquatic economy spectrum. The inaugural session began with a welcome address and ceremonial lamp lighting was graced by Prof. Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, who inaugurated the event and unveiled the digital plaque for the Centre of Excellence.

June 7, 2025; Gurugram: AIPL Business Club hosted week-long celebration from 29th May to 4th June promoting awareness around sustainability, waste reduction, and eco-conscious living. The activities were designed to promote awareness about sustainable living, encourage mindful environmental practices, and engage both employees and visitors in fun, impactful activities that support a greener tomorrow.

The Environment Week celebration featured a series of engaging and meaningful activities aimed at spreading awareness about sustainability and responsible living. Key highlights included tote bag upcycling, banner hand printing, waste segregation awareness, and a collaborative Wall of Love for the Environment to encourage personal eco-pledges. Visitors also explored a display of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and contributed to a cloth collection drive to support canopy-making for street vendors. A special session on Environment and Sustainability was held by Ms. Vijayata, Green Society of India who shared practical insights on environmental action, with a special focus on this year’s theme, Combatting Plastic Pollution.

As an added highlight, a dedicated wall space was provided to employees and visitors to create their own collaborative mural, centered around themes of environment and sustainability. This interactive initiative aimed to serve as an immersive and creative expression of green consciousness.

AIPL is redefining real estate by embedding sustainability into its very foundation. Whether it’s Grade-A office complexes, IGBC-certified commercial buildings, or well-planned residential and retail spaces, each project mirrors a deep commitment to eco-conscious development. For AIPL, green practices aren’t an add-on; they’re a mindset. Every space is created to be resource-efficient, environmentally responsible, and in line with a more sustainable future.