Archives June 2025

New Delhi, June 3, 2025: Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its newest property, Cygnett Park Itanagar, in the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. The strategically located property, just 800 meters away from the Donyi Polo, Arunachal Pradesh Airport, will mark Cygnett’s second hotel in Itanagar and is scheduled to open less than two years from now.

With this new signing, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of the first branded hospitality chains to establish a presence in the region is steadily moving toward a 600-key footprint in Northeast India. The group currently operates four hotels in the region, with eight additional properties in various stages of development and pre-opening.

“The Indian government is committed to the development of Northeast India. The union government has made a significant investment in infrastructure projects, including national highways, the railway network, and telecommunications, in the region. The corporate world is looking at the Northeast with optimism, which has also created positive business sentiments. We expect a balanced demand for our new property, from leisure, business, MICE to a robust wedding segment,” said Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, founder & managing director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Cygnett Park Itanagar boasts excellent connectivity while being embraced by the serene natural beauty of Itanagar’s landscape. The city has several important tourist sites, including Ita Fort, Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, Ganga Lake, and Gompa Mandir.

The 100-keys property spread out in two acres will features over 6,000 sq. ft. of versatile banqueting space, accompanied by an adjoining lawn. The other amenities of Cygnett Park, Itanagar include a club lounge, Roof top Speciality restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym and recreation zones.

“Cygnett Park Itanagar will be a refreshing urban resort designed with contemporary aesthetics, sustainable architecture, and five-star amenities. True to the Cygnett Park brand ethos: Green, Refreshing, and Wellness-focused; this property aims to offer a rejuvenating stay for the modern traveller,” added Mr. Sarkar.

As Cygnett Hotels & Resorts moves ahead with its target to establish itself as a 100-plus strong hotel group in the coming years, the hospitality chain is expected to open 10-12 properties across the country annually.

Mumbai, 3^rd June, 2025: In a move that signals growing ties between India and the Philippines, the Philippine government has introduced visa-free entry for Indian nationals, allowing them to visit the country for up to 14 days. While the circular is part of the country’s broader push to promote tourism, it also carries significant implications for the thousands of Indian students exploring medical education opportunities in the Philippines.

With its beautiful beaches, rich history and culture, and friendly people, the Philippines is fast becoming a favoured alternative to mainstream Indian tourist favorite destinations such as Thailand, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, particularly as visa regulations for Indian travelers are relaxed by more Southeast Asian countries. The new move not only further solidifies the Philippines position in the tourism sector but also facilitates travel by Indian families to visit the country as a possible destination for higher studies.

Known for its English-speaking academic environment, globally recognised MBBS programs, and affordable tuition fees, the Philippines has long been a leading destination for Indian medical aspirants. The new visa exemption now streamlines access, allowing students and their families to travel, visit campuses, interact with faculty, and experience the educational infrastructure firsthand, all without the hurdle of visa processing.

Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy said, “This is a welcome move that eases access to the Philippines not just for tourists, but also for families evaluating the country for higher education. It allows parents and students to gain clarity and confidence by experiencing the academic environment in person. When a country opens its doors wider, it deepens trust and that’s invaluable when it comes to something as life-shaping as medical education.”

The Philippines is home to over 60 recognised medical institutions and has steadily built a reputation among Indian students for its supportive learning ecosystem and career-ready curriculum. With the tourism policy now dovetailing with educational interests, the country is well-positioned to attract even more students seeking quality international medical training.

As global demand for healthcare professionals grows, the Philippines continues to stand out — not just as a scenic destination rivalling traditional hotspots, but as a nurturing ground for the next generation of doctors.

Kolkata, June 3, 2025: Srijan Realty, Kolkata’s leading real estate developer has collaborated with Mukti, a well-known NGO, to transform the housing needs of the vulnerable communities of Sundarbans with the recent CSR initiative #EkGharAisaBhi. With this initiative, Srijan aims to create disaster-resilient homes for the vulnerable communities frequently affected by natural calamities.

The Sunderbans, has been facing recurring challenges from natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and tidal surges which often devastate homes and livelihoods. Despite such hardships, the community’s resilience and determination to rebuild their lives remain unwavering.

With #EkGharAisaBhi have constructed disaster-resilient homes in Purbasridharpur village located in the Mathurapur-II block of South 24 Parganas. These homes are designed to withstand cyclonic winds up to 150 km/h and floodwaters up to 15 feet ensuring the safety of residents during extreme weather events using eco-friendly and sustainable construction techniques that are cost-effective and replicable across other cyclone-prone areas in West Bengal and other parts of India.

Key objectives of the initiative include:

• Ensuring access to safe shelter for every individual in vulnerable villages
• Safeguarding lives and livelihoods from cyclonic destruction
• Promoting sustainable and eco-conscious building methods
• Offering cost-effective housing solutions with uncompromised safety
• Creating livelihood opportunities through training and capacity building for local residents
• Developing a replicable disaster-resilient housing model for wider implementation

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Keshav Agarwal, Director, Srijan Realty, said, “The people of the Sundarbans have shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. Through #EkGharAisaBhi, our goal is to offer not just homes, but hope that stands strong when everything else gives way. We believe in development that uplifts and protects, and we are grateful to Mukti NGO for walking alongside us on this journey. Recognition from the Times Business Awards, WB 2025, only strengthens our resolve to scale this effort further.”

Srijan Realty’s commitment to the society goes beyond this initiative, with ongoing efforts in education, healthcare and environmental conservation. The #EkGharAisaBhi project reflects the company’s dedication to make a positive impact on society and contribute to the resilience of communities in the Sunderbans.

Chandigarh, 03 June 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced it has entered interline partnerships with four major airlines from emerging markets, significantly enhancing connectivity to Europe, particularly the Baltic region and parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The partnerships will provide Air India guests seamless travel options to 16 more destinations across 6 countries in these regions, while providing easier access to India to the passengers of the respective partner airlines.

Air India signed these interline agreements with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi.

The new partnerships further strengthen Air India’s position as a global connector, enabling a passenger to travel across continents with a single-ticket itinerary that combines Air India flights with those of its partner airlines as well as coordinated baggage allowance & handling.

Convenient one-stop connectivity through the 4 partner airlines:

• airBaltic: Provides access to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) via Air India’s European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, Milan-Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, or Dubai.
• Bulgaria Air: Provides access to Sofia via Air India’s gateways at London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, and Tel Aviv, supporting travel to the vibrant Eastern European city. Air India guests can also take further onward connections from Sofia to other Bulgarian cities of Varna and Burgas.

• Cyprus Airways: Provides access to Larnaca (Cyprus) via Air India’s European gateways at Paris, Milan, and Dubai, opening one of the Mediterranean’s key cultural and economic hubs for Indian travellers.

• Uzbekistan Airways: Provides access to Tashkent from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa-Mopa (GOX), as well as further onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.

Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities to the customers of its four artner airlines, including but not limited to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi.

“These four new interline partnerships significantly enhance Air India’s global reach and open seamless pathways to vibrant cities across some of the most important emerging markets of today,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “Our partnerships with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, bring more travel options and smoother journeys for our growing base of customers worldwide as well as reinforce India’s rising status as a key global aviation hub.”

INDIA — June 3, 2025 — Altimetrik, a pure-play digital business company, has been recognized as a “Major Contender” in Everest Group’s inaugural Banking and Financial Services (BFS) IT Services Specialists PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.

Altimetrik’s Digital Business Methodology (DBM) and AI-first solutions have proven to be a valuable approach for financial institutions seeking scalable digital solutions focused on customer outcomes. The Everest Group assessment evaluated 30 specialist IT service providers based on their market impact, vision, and capability, positioning Altimetrik among the top service providers in this space.

“Altimetrik’s use of its Digital Business Methodology (DBM) and its approach to co-developing scalable digital solutions have supported transformation initiatives within banking and financial services,” said Pranati Dave, Practice Director at Everest Group. “Clients have noted its ability to rapidly build Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and show early indicators of business value, particularly in areas such as compliance, payments modernization, and generative AI. These strengths, along with its engineering capabilities and a balanced focus on both horizontal technologies and domain-specific needs, have contributed to Altimetrik’s recognition as a Major Contender in Everest Group’s inaugural Banking and Financial Services (BFS) IT Services Specialists PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.”

Altimetrik’s key strengths highlighted in the assessment include:

• Strong digital product engineering capabilities
• Ability to rapidly deliver measurable customer outcomes through short sprints
• Balanced mix of horizontal and industry-specific accelerators tailored to BFS needs
• Strategic focus on high-value transformation engagements
• Experience working with diverse BFS clientele including banks, payment processors, and FinTechs

“Financial institutions are leading the way in digital business, with AI accelerating change across the sector — from modernizing legacy systems to enabling smarter decision-making, hyper-personalization, and real-time operations,” said Raj Sundaresan, CEO at Altimetrik. “This recognition from Everest Group validates our engineering-led, AI-first approach to helping BFS clients address compliance, security, customer experience, and operational agility. By combining deep domain expertise with advanced data and AI capabilities, we not only accelerate innovation but also ensure measurable value from AI investments. Our success in areas like platform modernization, intelligent client onboarding, and real-time payments implementation reflects our commitment to building AI-first, scalable, high-impact solutions that drive digital solutions at speed and scale.”

Altimetrik’s AI-focused, data driven, collaborative, and agile methodology has proven particularly effective in the BFS sector, with case studies highlighting significant improvements in operational efficiency. In one client engagement, Altimetrik reduced commercial client onboarding time from over 60 days to just two days, while another implementation improved payment transaction processing speed 20 times over.

The company continues to invest in technology capability centers focused on AI, product engineering, data engineering, analytics, quality engineering, and DevSecOps to further enhance its offerings to BFS clients.

Hyderabad,3June,2025 — Bower School of Entrepreneurship, the pioneering institution transforming entrepreneurship education, successfully conducted its flagship event, Founders’ Arena, a launchpad for India’s Young Startup Talent at Bower campus, in the middle of Hyderabad Tech Park today. An innovative pitch competition, it included startup mentors, innovation leaders, and investors as jury members, and witnessed innovative pitches from a diverse set of 100+ individuals from across sectors, including EdTech, FinTech, sustainable products, social innovation and many more.

The Founders’ Arena tested the mettle of early-stage entrepreneurs, along with students and enthusiasts to test their ideas, receive feedback and build meaningful connections in India’s growing innovation ecosystem. Divided into three leagues — Junior (Under 18), Open (18-30) and Pro (30+ or MVP ready) — the pitching competition democratized opportunities irrespective of age and experience, assisting individuals with raw concepts & prototypes to revenue-generating ventures in their entrepreneurial journey. Each participant received a time of 7 minutes for pitching, followed by live Q&A and feedback from the juror panel.

Mr. Pavan Allena, Founder of Bower School of Entrepreneurship & serial entrepreneur, shared his insights on Founder’s Arena by saying, “One of the things most early-stage founders are looking for is validation to know if their idea can work. And the best way to get that is not just from users, but also from fellow founders and investors. That’s why we built Founders’ Arena to create a safe but serious platform to test, pitch, and grow.”

Before the event, Bower School of Entrepreneurship received 200+ applications in under two weeks, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship among young Indians. It also emphasizes the inclusive format of Founders’ Arena that goes beyond established ventures, to include high-potential thinkers who are often left out of traditional startup showcases. This notion was a focus at the event, where jurors offered a meaningful feedback loop to pitchers, offering live critique, mentorship and referrals to incubators and accelerator programs. 

In the Junior League (U-18), Noah Anis Nathani (1st) and Taswika Gujjari (2nd) were rewarded with the top 2 spots in the Grades 3-6 vertical and were rewarded with cash prizes of INR 15,000 and INR 10,000 respectively. Kshema Girish and Daksha Valleri were deemed the two best pitchers for Grades 7-12, and received cash prizes of INR 15,000 and INR 10,000 respectively. For the Open League (Aged 18-30), Lakshmi Narayanan from Sai Lakshmi Bio-Fuel was deemed the no.1 pitcher, followed by Kartekiya & Hasini from DTaaS (Drone Tech as a Service). The winners of the Open League were rewarded with cash prizes worth INR 50,000 and INR 25,000 respectively. The Pro League (30+ or MVP ready) vertical witnessed Rajesh & Anjali Gupta clinch the top spot for Lasarkaali, the world’s first IDA-approved ingestible for clinical oral nutrition and also received a cash prize worth INR 50,000. The runners-up spot was won by Girijakanth from Tamata, a fresh produce delivery venture based in Hyderabad, who received cash prizes worth INR 25,000.

The event also marked a significant aspect for the participants, being empowered with visibility, validation and resources that will accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. Beyond a single-day event, the Founders’ Arena also highlighted Bower’s core mission of entrepreneurship-first education with a multi-stage learning pathway irrespective of age or experience. At present, Bower offers entrepreneurship education in three verticals — Seed (for students in Grades 3-10), UG Program (full-time 3-year undergraduate program) and LEAD (working professionals transitioning to entrepreneurship). Bower is also building India’s most comprehensive pipeline to develop, mentor, and launch founders starting as early as school, assisting them in becoming IPO-ready ventures.

June 3rd, 2025: Eminent soil scientist Rattan Lal has been appointed the Global Ambassador of regenagri, the world’s foremost regenerative agriculture standard. The recognition honours Lal’s decades-long contributions to the fields of soil science and regenerative agriculture.

As the Global Ambassador of regenagri, Lal will continue to promote regenerative agriculture practices and its benefits—to the soil, to nature, and to the livelihoods of farming communities. Additionally, he will promote the regenagri initiative and participate in discussions on regenagri’s efforts in advancing regenerative agriculture. He will also guide the regenagri team on its standards-development program.

“Regenagri stands for innovative farming systems, which transform agroecosystems into a part of the solution to restore degraded soils, mitigate climate change, strengthen biodiversity, improve the environment and advance Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations while producing safe, healthy, accessible and nutritious food for all,” said Professor Rattan Lal.

Lal is a Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science and Director of the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration (Lal Carbon Center) at The Ohio State University. Previously, he has also served as the President of the International Union of Soil Sciences, and of the Soil Science Society of America.

A recipient of the World Food Prize (2020), Japan Prize (2019), Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024), World Agriculture Prize (2018), M.S. Swaminathan Award (2009) and the Borlaug Award (2005), Lal is widely recognized as a pioneer in soil-centric agricultural management to improve food security globally, and in developing climate-resilient agriculture through soil carbon sequestration, sustainable intensification, enhancing use-efficiency of agroecosystems, sustainable management of soils, and soil health.

“We’re thrilled to have Professor Rattan Lal join us as regenagri’s global ambassador. At a time when restoring soil health on a global scale is more pressing than ever, Prof Lal’s wealth of scientific knowledge will be key to further drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture through regenagri’s robust standards,” said Franco Costantini, CEO, regenagri.

India, 3rd June, 2025: Meghavi Wellness Spa, India’s leading chain of premium wellness destinations, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Fastest Growing Indian Company Excellence Award’ by the International Achievers Conference (IAC). The award was presented during the National Seminar on “Individual Achievements & National Development – Atmanirbhar Bharat” held in New Delhi on May 31, 2025.

The accolade was presented by Mr. Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, recognizing Meghavi Wellness’s outstanding growth, strategic leadership, and consistent contribution to India’s wellness economy.

With a growing footprint across metropolitan and Tier 2 cities, Meghavi Wellness has redefined the modern spa experience by blending ancient healing traditions with scientifically backed therapies, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a service-first philosophy. This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the brand’s mission to deliver accessible luxury and holistic well-being to its clientele.

“This honour is more than an award, it’s a reflection of our belief that wellness has the power to transform lives. Meghavi was born with a mission to make authentic, holistic care a part of every Indian’s lifestyle. As we scale with purpose, this recognition fuels our resolve to lead with empathy, elevate industry standards, and redefine what wellness truly means for modern India,” said Megha Dinesh and Prashant Jain, Co-Founders, Meghavi Wellness Spa.

This achievement comes at a time when the wellness industry is poised for exponential growth, with Indian consumers increasingly seeking integrated self-care and preventive health solutions. Meghavi Wellness is leading the charge, continuously innovating and expanding to meet the evolving needs of modern India.

As the brand sets its sights on new geographies and service innovations, this award marks a pivotal moment in its journey, recognizing not just rapid growth, but purposeful impact.

Chennai, June 03, 2025: TVS Supply Chain Solutions North America (NA) Earns “Partner-level status” recognition for 2024 in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. The Partner-level status is Deere & Company’s highest supplier rating. TVS SCS NA was selected for this honor in recognition of its dedication to providing outstanding quality, its commitment to continuous improvement, and its focus on supporting John Deere’s business objectives.

This marks the second consecutive year TVS SCS NA has achieved Partner-level status, reflecting the strength of the company’s ongoing relationship with John Deere and its ability to deliver best-in-class supply chain solutions.

“Achieving Partner-level status for the second consecutive year is a significant accomplishment,” said Brad Dyer, Chief Commercial Officer at TVS SCS North America. “It demonstrates our team’s dedication to excellence and our ongoing commitment to providing innovative, high-quality supply chain solutions. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with John Deere.”

“This award highlights the strength of our collaborative efforts with John Deere,” said Eric Flint, Global Account Manager at TVS SCS North America. “Our focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement has enabled us to deliver results that create long-term value. We’re excited to continue driving success together.”

Suppliers participating in John Deere’s Achieving Excellence Program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, delivery, value creation, and relationship management. John Deere created the program to recognize and encourage outstanding supplier performance.

Superkicks, India’s premier destination for global sneaker and streetwear culture, is heading to its home base, the Pink City, for the very first time with its much-anticipated Garage Sale. After successful runs in cities like Surat, Delhi, and Bangalore, the Jaipur edition promises jaw-dropping deals, cult-favorite silhouettes, and exclusive finds—all under one roof.

From iconic styles to once-sold-out grails, the Garage Sale is a rare opportunity to snag up to 80% off on coveted sneakers, apparel, accessories, and more from top international and homegrown brands. Whether you’re a collector, a casual enthusiast, or someone simply looking for the next stylish steal, there’s something for everyone.

But that’s not all. To keep the good vibes going, Umami Brew will be serving up their signature craft brews, so you can sip and shop in style.