Archives June 2025

Menoveda and Habuild Unite to Transform Midlife Women’s Health Through Yoga and Ayurveda

New Delhi June 2, 2025 — In a significant move to revolutionize women’s wellness in midlife, Menoveda Life Sciences, India’s leading Ayurveda-based menopause brand, has announced a strategic partnership with Habuild Healthtech, the country’s first habit-building platform. This collaboration aims to offer holistic health solutions rooted in Indian wisdom, focusing on the needs of women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Over the next year, the two homegrown brands will jointly roll out a series of initiatives including free yoga programs specifically designed for midlife women, co-created educational content and wellness campaigns, and integrated yoga-Ayurveda routines that promote hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and joint health. Their combined efforts will also amplify the conversation around natural, non-hormonal approaches to menopause care, providing women with accessible and sustainable alternatives to conventional treatments.

Tamanna Singh, Founder of Menoveda, emphasized the brand’s mission, saying, “We’ve impacted over 75,000 lives and counselled 25,000 women through their most vulnerable transitions. This collaboration allows us to go beyond products and into daily practice. Together with Habuild, we’re blending the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with the power of movement to set a new global standard for menopause care—one that is natural, accessible, and deeply rooted in our culture.”

Saurabh Bothra, CEO and Co-founder of Habuild, echoed this sentiment, adding, “At Habuild, we’ve seen firsthand how simple, consistent habits like daily yoga can transform lives, particularly for women in their 40s and 50s. Partnering with Menoveda strengthens our mission by providing not just movement, but a complete ecosystem of care based on sustainable, long-lasting wisdom.”

As part of the collaboration, women will gain access to a free 14-day yoga program, expert lifestyle guidance, and personalized product recommendations grounded in Ayurvedic and yogic science. Through this partnership, Menoveda and Habuild are positioning themselves as Women’s Health Partners for Midlife and Beyond—creating a community built on strength, support, and holistic transformation.

NIAT is Empowering Universities to Deliver NEP-Aligned, Industry-Ready Education

Hyderabad, 2 June 2025 — As India’s education system advances under the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the continued efforts of UGC and AICTE to promote quality and relevance in technical education, the NxtWave Institute of Advanced Technologies (NIAT) is playing a key role in bridging the gap between academia and industry expectations. Through its University Collaboration Model, NIAT is enabling UGC-approved universities across India to provide outcome-based learning, modern infrastructure, and deep industry alignment for their students, in full compliance with UGC and AICTE guidelines. The result is a new national model for skill-based engineering education.

“At NIAT, we’re strengthening universities,” said Rahul Attuluri, Co-founder & CEO of NxtWave & NIAT. “Our role is to bring in everything the industry wants—hands-on skill training, practitioner-led faculty enablement, internships, and placements—while the university continues to own and deliver the core academic program.”

The collaboration begins with curriculum insights. NIAT gathers and synthesises these insights from multiple sources — its 3,000+ hiring partner companies, a community of over 10,000 tech professionals, and cutting-edge in-house R&D and product development. These combined insights are distilled into structured reports and whitepapers, highlighting real-time industry trends, evolving job roles, and skill gaps across domains like AI/ML, cybersecurity, and more. Universities receive these inputs at regular intervals, helping academic councils and boards of studies modernise the curriculum while staying fully aligned with UGC and AICTE regulations.

Faculty upskilling is another cornerstone of the model. NIAT runs industry-led certification programs for faculty, including case-based labs, hands-on code reviews, and access to sandboxed real-world projects. Universities also benefit from NIAT’s network of 10,000+ tech professionals through the onboarding of Professors of Practice—seasoned professionals who co-deliver modules and mentor students.

“To become a globally competent professional, students need not only a degree but also the right skills and aptitude. This integrated program with NIAT delivers both. We’re proud to offer such a transformative education,” said Dr. R.K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune

To power experiential learning, NIAT provides and university integrates an AI-enabled tech platform into its infrastructure. This platform supports project-based learning, live assessments, and real-time feedback, giving students the kind of exposure previously reserved for top-tier industry bootcamps.

“Technical skills aligned with industry needs are essential for today’s students. Our partnership with NIAT ensures they don’t just graduate—they’re prepared to thrive in their careers,” said Farhad Yanapoya, Pro-Chancellor, Yenepoya Deemed University

Modern infrastructure is another focus. NIAT provides universities with a research-backed classroom design playbook—informed by benchmarking top institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, and adapted for the Indian context. The design includes high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, smart AV systems, soundproofing, and collaborative layouts—all built to support tech-enabled, project-based learning. Implementation by universities is supported with detailed bill-of-quantities, vendor templates, and rollout roadmaps—ensuring academic institutions meet both AICTE norms and global standards.

What truly sets the NIAT model apart is its corporate connect. Through partnerships with 3000+ tech companies, NIAT facilitates structured internships, mock assessments, and placement sessions—aligned with actual industry hiring practices. Using data dashboards, every student’s progress is tracked and supported, giving universities deeper insight into career readiness.

“Students today need more than just a degree—they need skills. Through this partnership, students will receive a degree from our university and an industry-ready certification from NIAT. This gives parents the confidence that their child is truly career-ready,” said Dr. Ch.V. Purushottam Reddy, Founder and Chancellor, Chaitanya Deemed University

The model culminates in a powerful dual validation. Students receive a UGC-approved B.Tech degree from the university and an Industry Ready Certificate (IRC) from NIAT, based on their performance in skill tracks, projects, and assessments. This dual credential not only boosts their employability but also aligns perfectly with the UGC/AICTE vision of multidisciplinary, skill-based learning.

“From 2025-26, students at our campus will benefit from a holistic program—receiving a B.Tech degree from Aurora University along with upskilling and industry certifications from NIAT. This model empowers students with both academic credentials and real-world capabilities,” said Dr. Srilatha Chepure, Vice Chancellor, Aurora Deemed University

Importantly, the fee structure is fully transparent. Students pay tuition directly to the university for academic services, and a separate, optional fee to NIAT for the Industry Readiness Program. There is no bundling or crossover, ensuring 100% compliance with UGC, AICTE norms.

“This is what the government wanted education to be,” said Rahul Attuluri, Co-Founder & CEO of NxtWave & NIAT. “And the government bodies like UGC/AICTE are bringing important reforms for change. Aligning with them, we’ve built a model that makes that change real—inside classrooms, with universities, and for students who now have both a degree and a future they can count on.”

IndiaDotcom sets new Benchmark in digital publishing with Google One Tap Integration

In a landmark collaboration that underscores the power of strategic partnerships in digital innovation, IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited (IDPL) — the digital arm of the ZMCL group and one of India’s largest digital news publishers — has recorded over 400,000 user sign-ups within just 20 days of integrating Google One Tap Sign-In across its vast network of websites. This significant milestone is now being showcased as a joint case study by Google and IDPL, highlighting how the seamless, secure One Tap experience can transform user onboarding at scale. The initiative was driven by a shared vision to enhance user authentication, simplify access, and enable deeper personalization — combining IDPL’s content leadership with Google’s cutting-edge sign-in technology to improve retention and build stronger user relationships.

This collaborative rollout marked one of the most expansive deployments of Google One Tap in India’s digital publishing space. With close coordination between Google’s product team and IDPL’s digital strategy team, the integration prioritized user privacy and experience while delivering immediate impact. This partnership with Google has enabled reimagining the user journey — making sign-ins frictionless while equipping us with better audience insights. Google has recognized the rollout as a model for other publishers, emphasizing its effectiveness in driving engagement and delivering value to both users and platforms.

The rollout covered 27 English and Hindi websites and 8 regional language platforms, reflecting IDPL’s editorial diversity and multilingual strength in engaging users from all geographies and demographic segments. From national and hyperlocal news to entertainment, astrology, and lifestyle content, the seamless login experience has played a crucial role in transitioning millions of anonymous visitors into logged-in users—setting the stage for personalized, relevant, and meaningful content journeys.

Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer, ZMCL mentioned “Adopting Google One Tap has revolutionized the way we connect with our audience by combining scale with simplicity and security. This innovation not only fuels our rapid growth but also lays a strong foundation for delivering deeply personalized content and enriching user experiences across our diverse digital portfolio. It exemplifies our ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for meaningful, audience-centric solutions,”

A Strategic move

The adoption of Google One Tap by IndiaDotcom has now helped eliminate friction in the registration process by offering users a secure, single-click login experience, eliminating barriers to entry and streamlining access.This move also enables IndiaDotcom to collect unified behavioral signals, bringing depth to its audience insights and content strategy across news, infotainment, and niche verticals.

Audience Impact: Trust in journalism, growth in Infotainment

Internal analytics from the rollout have revealed a compelling user trend on how a commanding 71% of the new user registrations originated from IndiaDotcom’s news websites, a strong user inclination to engage with trusted journalism when presented with a seamless and secure digital experience. Meanwhile, the remaining 29% came from the platform’s infotainment properties, highlighting the widespread appeal of lifestyle, entertainment, and interest-based content. This dynamic mix of credible news and engaging infotainment reinforces IndiaDotcom’s distinctive position within India’s digital media landscape—where trust, accessibility, and multilingual reach converge to offer users a comprehensive and enriching content experience.

Setting the stage for the future of publishing

The impact of the Google One-Tap integration extends well beyond user numbers. By significantly expanding its authenticated user base, IndiaDotcom is now positioned to:

  • Deliver deeply personalized content experiences based on user preferences and behavior.
  • Enable cross-site user intelligence, allowing for smarter editorial decisions and content recommendations.
  • Strengthen advertiser value propositions with richer data, improved targeting, and measurable audience cohorts.

This milestone also aligns with broader industry trends where publishers are increasingly focused on first-party data ownership, identity resolution, and contextual targeting—critical components in a world rapidly moving away from third-party cookies.

Mr. Sushant Mohan, Chief Editor and Business Manager, IndiaDotcom, highlighted, “Our users want fast, secure, and effortless access to the news and stories they care about. The Google One Tap integration delivers exactly that—removing barriers while building trust. The overwhelming response with 400,000 sign-ups is a testament to how technology and credible journalism together can enhance user experience and loyalty.”

As IndiaDotcom accelerates its innovation roadmap, the success of the Google One Tap integration serves as a powerful testament to what is possible when technology, strategy, and scale come together. It sets a new industry benchmark and signals a shift toward intelligent, user-centric publishing in the Indian digital space. With this success, IndiaDotcom is building relationships, redefining engagement, and powering the future of connected digital journalism.

Sharief Bhai to Launch Flagship Store on Mosque Road, Frazer Town

Bengaluru, 2nd June 2025 — Curefoods is all set to unveil its flagship Sharief Bhai Food Plaza in the heart of Frazer Town, Bengaluru. Located on the iconic Mosque Road, this one-of-its-kind destination is bringing together four distinct Dakhni dining formats under one roof—Roz, Sharief Bhai Biryani, Dastarkhan, and Dawat-e-Falak—offering a comprehensive and immersive culinary experience. With this launch, the Sharief Bhai brand will be expanding to 68 outlets across the country.

Spread across two levels, the store is being designed to offer something for every kind of diner. On the ground floor, Roz by Sharief Bhai will be serving up street-style favourites—Shawarma, grilled meats, kebabs, and beverages—perfect for those looking for a quick and satisfying bite. The same level will also house Sharief Bhai Biryani, staying true to the brand’s roots with traditional slow-cooked biryanis and signature Dakhni fare. Upstairs, the mezzanine floor is being developed into an elevated dining space with Dastarkhan, a fine-dining concept that will showcase distinct Dakhni dishes. Adjacent to it will be Dawat-e-Falak, an intimate chef’s table experience featuring a curated tasting menu, with storytelling woven into every course.

The flagship is coming up just 150 metres from the brand’s original Frazer Town outlet. By opening on Mosque Road—a location synonymous with culinary vibrance and Ramzan festivities—Sharief Bhai is strengthening its connection to tradition while also embracing contemporary formats.

Navaj A Sharief, Founder, Sharief Bhai Biryani, said “Our new Frazer Town flagship store, Sharief Bhai Food Plaza, is a complete experience of Dakhni cuisine, from quick bites at Roz to the exclusive Dawat-e Falak chef’s table. This is our most ambitious venture yet, bringing the richness of our heritage to the heart of Bangalore’s food scene.”

FSSAI delay in issuing licences could leave India’s PET Recycling Industry on the brink of bankruptcy, warns APR Bharat

New Delhi, June 02, 2025: The delay in granting of licences by FSSAI, to the factories set up by recycled PET manufacturers is likely to push a majority of these companies into bankruptcy, the Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat) – APR Bharat, said.

The industry has set up a total capacity of 4 lakh MT at an estimated investment of Rs 7500-8000 crore to produce recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) for generating food-contact packaging material. Companies have adopted state-of-art technology and set up their factories adhering to standards approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

While a handful of them have received the FSSAI nod, as many as 15 plants, which are fully commissioned, are still awaiting clearance from the regulator to commence commercial production.

It is to be noted that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), had in 2022, issued guidelines on the mandatory usage of 30 per cent recycled food-grade plastic content into PET packaging bottles by beverage manufacturers, which were to come into effect from April 1, 2025. In the same year (2022-23), FSSAI came out with guidelines for recycling of post-consumer PET for food contact applications and five licences were issued and r-PET supplies have been used by brand owners since then, providing for a field validation on the use of r-PET, as was also acknowledged by FSSAI.

The revised FSSAI guidelines, which should have been in place at least 2-3 months before 1st April’25, were actually notified only in the last week of May 2025, which has further extended the timelines for licence issuance to more than nine applications pending with FSSAI since Dec’24/Jan’25.

“Following regulatory guidance by MoEFCC and FSSAI in 2022, and based on the understanding that this would give a huge impetus to the demand for r-PET in packaging bottles by beverage manufacturers, the industry started building capacities and a majority of them have been fully commissioned since January 2025. The nine applications pending with FSSAI has resulted in capacities lying idle. A majority of these investments have a significant component of debt and any delay in commencing operations could force these companies into bankruptcy,” Shailendra Singh, Director General, APR Bharat said.

Close to 50 per cent of the new investment is funded through bank debt. “If commercial production does not commence soon then these companies may face a huge fund crunch and may find it difficult to service the loan leading to most of these accounts turning into NPA (non-performing asset),” Singh added.

The r-PET industry is estimated to generate 10,000 new jobs and also benefit the rag picker community of over 2 million people who collect post-consumer PET bottles and send them for recycling.

World Environment Day Sparks Green Travel Movement, Led by Eco-Conscious Millennials and Gen Z

By Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International

“World Environment Day on June 5 is a global call to action—urging us all to embrace sustainable choices in every part of life, including travel. Sustainability is no longer an afterthought in tourism; it’s becoming the core. Today’s travellers—especially millennials and Gen Z—are driven by purpose. They seek destinations untouched by industrialization, where nature and culture thrive in harmony. 

Countries like Spain and Slovakia are leading by example, promoting responsible tourism through eco-certified stays, green trails, and low-impact travel initiatives that protect their stunning natural heritage. This shift is reshaping tourism into a powerful catalyst for environmental care, delivering meaningful experiences while preserving the planet. From reducing paper use to cutting carbon emissions, the travel industry is embracing its role in building a greener future.”

AOC Retains Global Gaming Monitor Leadership

Cairo, Egypt – 02nd June 2025 – AOC, a global leader in display technology, today celebrates its continued dominance in the gaming monitor market. According to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Gaming Tracker based on outgoing stock numbers from the Q4 2024 report, AOC/AGON by AOC has secured the No. 1 gaming monitor brand ranking worldwide (for monitors 144 Hz and above) every year since 2019. In Q2 2024, gaming monitors reached a record‑high 20 percent of total monitor shipments, and AGON by AOC remains at the forefront, driving innovation, peak performance, and player‑centric design.

“Being recognized once again at the top reaffirms our commitment to gamers everywhere,” said Carol Anne Dias, Deputy Sales Director, Middle East & Africa for AOC Monitors, “We will continue to evolve alongside the gaming community, creating hardware and gaming experiences that meet the ambitions of today’s most demanding players.”

Looking ahead to 2025, AGON by AOC is intensifying its focus on player‑first innovation. Partnerships with leading game developers will allow AGON monitors to deliver tailored displays that align with game mechanics. By integrating sophisticated hardware and software solutions, these collaborations will bring new levels of immersion and performance for both esports professionals and gaming enthusiasts.

Across its entire range, AOC GAMING is raising the bar on refresh rates. The mainstream FHD lineup now supports up to 400 Hz for exceptionally smooth visuals, while the premium AGON and AGON PRO series push beyond with QHD at 540 Hz and FHD overclocked to 610 Hz, setting new benchmarks for competitive play.

In addition to refresh‑rate leadership, AGON by AOC is expanding its use of advanced panels and proprietary features to enrich the gaming experience. OLED options—including both QD‑OLED and WOLED—are now available across AOC’s portfolio, delivering richer colors and deeper contrast. Exclusive technologies such as circular polarization reduce eye strain during marathon sessions, MBR+ (Motion Blur Reduction Plus) virtually eliminates ghosting, and Dual Refresh‑Rate Support offers flexible performance modes tailored to different genres.

Carol concluded, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our valued partners, distributors and the team for their unwavering support and trust in our brand. Your continued commitment drives our success and inspires us to strive for excellence every day.”

Leading Real Estate Titans Transforming India’s Infrastructure Landscape

1.Srijan Realty

Srijan Realty has cemented its place as a pioneering real estate developer in Eastern India, with a strong presence in Kolkata, Asansol, and Chennai. With over 12 million square feet delivered across 34 projects and an ambitious pipeline of 25 million square feet under development, Srijan is synonymous with quality construction, customer satisfaction, and innovation. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and retail projects, incorporating modern designs and sustainable practices. Their commitment to timely project delivery and premium amenities has earned them a loyal customer base. Srijan’s developments stand as a testament to their vision of enhancing urban living with world-class infrastructure and smart design solutions.

2. Merlin Group

Merlin Group has expanded its footprint across six states in India and ventured into international markets, making it one of the most diversified real estate brands. Their portfolio includes premium residences, retail spaces, IT hubs, and sports infrastructure. Known for introducing international standards in architectural design, they have consistently set benchmarks in the industry. The group also prioritizes green building initiatives and smart living solutions, ensuring sustainability across projects. With a commitment to excellence, they have successfully delivered numerous landmark developments that redefine urban lifestyles and commercial hubs.

3. Siddha Group

With a legacy dating back to 1986, Siddha Group has built a reputation for affordable luxury homes in Kolkata, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Their commitment to delivering homes with superior design, high-quality materials, and on-time execution makes them a trusted name in Indian real estate. Siddha Group is known for pioneering skywalks and rooftop clubhouses, enhancing community living experiences. Their developments integrate open green spaces, energy-efficient designs, and world-class amenities to create holistic residential environments. Through innovative construction techniques, they continue to offer homebuyers aspirational yet affordable housing solutions.

4. PS Group

For over four decades, PS Group has been a leader in East India’s real estate landscape. Their eco-friendly initiatives and commitment to community-driven living have set them apart in the industry. With a strong focus on sustainability, their projects incorporate rainwater harvesting, solar power, and energy-efficient systems. The group has also been a key driver of modern architecture, blending aesthetics with functionality in all their developments. PS Group’s customer-first approach ensures transparency, trust, and high-quality construction, making them a preferred choice for homebuyers and investors alike.

5. Ambuja Neotia

Ambuja Neotia has revolutionized real estate with landmark developments such as Udayan, the first condoville in India under a PPP model. Their influence extends beyond housing to hospitality, healthcare, and education, making them a holistic development powerhouse. With a focus on building sustainable and smart communities, the group has pioneered mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Their projects emphasize wellness, modern amenities, and innovative design, setting new standards in urban development. Through strategic collaborations and forward-thinking initiatives, Ambuja Neotia continues to shape India’s evolving infrastructure landscape.

Vidyamandir Classes (VMC) bursts into celebration as students shine in JEE Advanced 2025

New Delhi, 2nd June 2025: Vidyamandir Classes (VMC), a name synonymous with academic excellence in engineering entrance preparation, has once again proven its mettle with an exceptional performance in the JEE Advanced 2025 results declared today. With two of its brightest stars, Ujjwal Kesari and Daksh, securing All India Ranks (AIR) 5 and 24 respectively, VMC has marked a moment of pride and jubilation.

This achievement marks one of the best results from Delhi/NCR in recent years, with both Ujjwal Kesari (AIR 5) and Daksh (AIR 24) emerging from Vidyamandir Classes’ flagship Regular Classroom Programs—Ujjwal from the 3-Year Classroom Course and Daksh from the 2-Year Classroom Course. Their phenomenal success highlights the unmatched effectiveness of VMC’s classroom teaching methodology, where structured academic planning, in-person mentorship, and disciplined learning environments consistently produce top-ranking performers year after year.

The institute congratulated its top achievers and celebrated the success with faculty members, mentors, and fellow students across centres. The air was filled with excitement and pride as VMC centres witnessed scenes of celebration, highlighting the culmination of months of hard work, rigorous practice, and unwavering dedication.

Speaking on the occasion, Brij Mohan(Bade Bhaiya), IIT Delhi Alumnus, Co-Founder Vidyamandir Classes, said, “Every year, our students raise the bar, and this year is no different. Ujjwal’s and Daksh’s achievements are a reflection of the focused preparation, our scientifically designed teaching methodology, and the unparalleled dedication of our teaching faculty. JEE Advanced is one of the most challenging exams in the country, and our students continue to shine at the top level. This success reinforces the effectiveness of our academic system and the trust placed in us by thousands of aspirants and parents.”

Over the years, VMC has consistently produced top rankers in JEE Advanced, thanks to its unique pedagogy, experienced faculty, and a learning ecosystem designed to nurture both conceptual clarity and exam temperament. The institute’s success in 2025 is yet another testament to its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The achievers expressed heartfelt gratitude towards their mentors at VMC. “The structured approach, continuous doubt-solving support, and personalised mentoring at VMC played a key role in my preparation journey,” said Ujjwal Kesari, adding that the encouragement and motivation he received kept him focused throughout.

With this success, Vidyamandir Classes not only cements its legacy as a premier coaching institute for IIT aspirants but also sets a strong foundation for future batches to dream big and achieve bigger.

Sinch India Launches ‘Sinch Converse’ to Empower Digital-First MSME’s with Omnichannel Customer Engagement

New Delhi, India, 2nd June 2025– Sinch (Sinch AB (publ) – XSTO: SINCH), which is pioneering the way the world communicates through its Digital Customer Communications Cloud, today announced the launch of Sinch Converse, a strategic platform built to help India’s 60M+ Micro, Small and Medium businesses (MSME) modernize customer communication, accelerate sales, and reduce operational complexity.

As digital becomes the default mode of business in India, MSME’s face increasing pressure to deliver seamless, personalized, and real-time engagement. Sinch Converse adds modern communication capabilities that are easy to use, without investing in a complex tech infrastructure.

“The MSME segment is at the heart of GDP and drives India’s economic engine.  At Sinch, we recognize the urgent need to simplify technology to enable MSME’s”, said Nitin Singhal, Managing Director, Sinch India. “Sinch Converse is not just a product; it is part of our larger mission to democratize access to enterprise-grade communication tools and enable MSME’s to grow without growing their tech stack.”

With Sinch Converse, MSME’s can effortlessly launch, manage, and optimize conversations across WhatsApp, SMS, and RCS from a single, unified dashboard. The platform enables businesses to automate engagement workflows for lead generation, customer support, and re-engagement, while offering a 360-degree view of customer behavior through built-in analytics- eliminating the need for external integrations. With features like real-time responses, FAQ automation, live agent handovers, and in-chat payments and order fulfillment, Sinch Converse empowers MSME’s to drive higher conversions and deliver a truly frictionless customer experience.

“Indian MSME’s are ready for transformation, but they need the right tools which are intuitive” added Singhal. “With Sinch Converse, we are enabling them to grow smarter- with less complexity, less cost, and less dependency. It helps businesses enhance the return at every step of the customer journey by making advanced communication simple, seamless, and impactful.”