Archives June 2025

The Real Pizza Company Launches India’s First Outlet in Bangalore

Bangalore, 2 June 2025 – The Real Pizza Company, a renowned UK-based pizzeria known for its handcrafted, stone-baked pizzas, has officially launched its first outlet in India at Prestige Tech Park, Marathahalli, Bangalore. This marks the beginning of a flavorful new journey as the brand brings its celebrated British pizza experience to Indian food lovers.

Founded in 2012, The Real Pizza Company has built a strong following in the UK through its commitment to quality, authenticity, and traditional pizza-making techniques. With fresh dough prepared daily, rich tomato sauces, and real stone ovens, the brand offers a truly artisanal experience that now arrives in the heart of Bangalore. Partnering with Franchise India as its master franchise developer, The Real Pizza Company is set to expand its footprint across the country.

Bhaskar Ray, Partner at The Real Pizza Company, added: “We aim to create a one-of-a-kind experience where young Indians and families can enjoy handcrafted, stone-baked pizzas in a lively, welcoming setting. By staying true to traditional pizza-making methods and using only premium ingredients, we’re confident that The Real Pizza Company will offer a fresh and memorable alternative in India’s growing QSR landscape.”

Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India, shared his excitement about the launch ’‘The Real Pizza Company brings authentic, globally loved flavors to India’s food scene. It’s a brand rooted in craftsmanship and quality, and we see great potential for growth across major Indian cities. Our vision is to help passionate entrepreneurs tap into this opportunity while offering customers a unique, wood-fired pizza experience.”

The menu features some of the brand’s most loved 12-inch pizzas that have become favorites in the UK, including Ham & Mushroom, Sgt Pepperoni, American Hot, BBQ Chicken, Meat Feast, and the spicy-sweet Sgt. Bee Sting. Each pizza is handcrafted with premium ingredients and baked in real stone ovens to deliver an unmistakable taste and texture that sets The Real Pizza Company apart.

The Real Pizza Company is actively seeking Master Franchisees, Regional Developers, and Unit Partners across metro, Tier 1, and Tier 2 cities in India. With its strong brand recognition, authentic wood-fired pizza offerings, and a proven business model, The Real Pizza Company presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the high-growth premium QSR segment. With a scalable, turnkey franchise model backed by extensive operational and marketing support, the brand is poised for aggressive expansion. Franchise formats include dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and cloud kitchen models, catering to a range of investment levels and location types.

Lava Bold N1 Pro Goes Live on Amazon

New Delhi, June 02, 2025: Lava International Limited, the leading homegrown smartphone manufacturer, is set to go live with the Bold N1 Pro, a smartphone designed to bring premium performance and cutting-edge features to the budget segment. The Bold N1 Pro, launched recently under the Bold series, will be available exclusively on Amazon India from June 02, 2025, at 12 PM.

Built for users who demand more, the Bold N1 Pro combines a powerful UNISOC T606 Octa-core processor with 4GB+4GB# RAM and 128GB storage (expandable to 256GB) for smooth performance and ample space. It features a 50MP AI triple rear camera with LED flash and an 8MP front camera with screen flash for stunning photos. The 6.67-inch HD+ punch-hole display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, while the 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging keeps you going all day. Finished in premium Titanium Gold or Stealth Black with IP54 dust and water resistance, the phone also offers side fingerprint and face unlock security. Plus, Lava provides Free Service at Home and a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

Get ready to experience a new standard in affordable smartphones. The Bold N1 Pro goes for sale exclusively on Amazon India from today 12 PM onwards. Hurry up and be among the first to own the ultimate blend of power, style, and value!

Future Generali India Insurance Champions India’s Largest Corporate Pride Walkathon

Mumbai: June 02, 2025: In a resounding celebration of solidarity, inclusion, and advocacy, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGII) marked the beginning of Pride Month with a landmark initiative ‘Walk with Pride’ – organised on 1st June 2025, with a symbolic flag-off at the scenic Bandra Fort in Mumbai.

The purposeful three-kilometre walk, which was led by the Managing Director and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, Mr. Anup Rau, was far more than a ceremonial event. For every participation in the walkathon, FGII pooled in a contribution to the NGO, The Humsafar Trust, towards championing healthcare for the LGBTQIA+ community. Rooted firmly in the organisation’s unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), the initiative harnessed the collective energy of the LGBTQIA+ community, corporate allies, and advocates to amplify voices and champion the right to safe, dignified, and affirming healthcare.

Over 500 participants, comprising LGBTQIA+ members, corporate supporters, FGII employees and prominent personalities — came together in a vibrant expression of unity, inclusion, and allyship. The event stood as a powerful testament to FGII’s belief that every individual deserves to live and work with dignity, authenticity, and acceptance.

As the global DEI landscape evolves with growing emphasis on LGBTQIA+ equality, ‘Walk with Pride’ was not simply a symbolic gesture, it was a movement that echoed the principles of visibility, respect, and equality.

Speaking on the occasion, Ruchika Varma, Chief Marketing, Customer and Impact Officer, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, said, “At Future Generali India Insurance, we view inclusion not as a corporate obligation but as a fundamental responsibility. ‘Walk with Pride’ is not merely a symbolic initiative; it is our earnest expression of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. It represents our unwavering belief that diversity must be embraced not only in words but also through tangible action. We are proud to ‘Walk with Pride’, not just during the Pride Month, but every day, in everything we do.”

Taking pride in the first-of-its-kind Corporate Pride Walk, Actor and Philanthropist Mandira Bedi said, “It’s been nearly seven years since the annulment of Article 377, and as a country, we have certainly made progress. Today, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are beginning to live more openly, and society has grown more accepting. But we still have a long way to go. True change will come only when they have equal access to employment opportunities and quality healthcare – because living with dignity is not a privilege, it’s a fundamental right. I commend organisations like Future Generali India Insurance for leading the way by building inclusive workplaces and creating solutions that truly reflect the needs of the community.”

According to Sushant Divgikar, Actor, Singer, Human Rights Activist, “Gone are the days when people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community were made to feel different and alone in their journey. Today, people are not afraid to come out in the open and the society has also become more accepting. It is important to feel proud about what you are and not allow anyone to judge or decide what is right for you.”

On this momentous occasion, distinguished transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, who attended the event, said: “Today’s vibe at “Walk With Pride’ at India’s largest corporate Pride Walkathon is very refreshing. There’s an air of positivity, which is infectious. And, I feel, this very spirit is embracing in itself for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Meaningful progress begins when we move beyond gender biases and wholeheartedly recognise and respect every individual for their true self.”

In Indore, Alstom’s advanced metro train and CBTC signalling technology transform urban mobility as revenue service commences

02 June 2025 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, celebrates the commencement of the revenue service of Indore Metro featuring Alstom’s Movia metro trains and advanced signalling solution to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility to the Indore commuters. The Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Super Priority Corridor with Alstom-built trains on 31 May followed by the revenue services initiated on 1 June 2025.

Alstom has designed and built these trains in India at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Savli, Gujarat. The first trainset was built in record time of 14.5 months from its Notice to Proceed (NTP) and was delivered to Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) in August 2023. These ultra-modern, light-weight trains will operate at a top speed of 80 km/h, across the 31.5 km line in Indore with 29 stations. These trains have a capacity for 50 seated and 300 standing passengers. Over six million residents of the city are expected to benefit from the Indore Metro Rail Project, directly and indirectly.

In a combined order for both Indore and Bhopal metro projects, Alstom’s scope included designing, manufacturing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning 52 standard gauge Movia metro passenger trainsets of 3-car configuration each, with 15 years of comprehensive FlexCare Perform maintenance services to ensure the highest fleet availability and reliability. Alstom is also providing the latest generation of Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, and train control and telecommunication systems; each with seven years of comprehensive maintenance. 25 of the 3-car trainsets will be operating on Indore’s metro line. So far, 14 trainsets have been delivered to Indore and 8 to Bhopal metro.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director – Alstom India said, “We are thrilled to see the people of Indore experience world-class rail solutions with the revenue service commencement of the Indore metro. Alstom’s signalling and rolling stock solutions supplied for the first-ever metro services will not only ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable mass transport, it will contribute to the overall city infrastructure modernisation in a significant manner. We look forward to continuing contributing to the mass transportation needs of Madhya Pradesh in rail mobility space.”

Part of Alstom’s market-leading Metropolis metro solutions, the Movia metros for Indore offer the latest technology combined with proven and reliable components.  The air-conditioned cars are developed with a strong emphasis on eco-design to eliminate hazardous substances, providing a safer environment for passengers. The trains are powered with modern energy-efficient traction systems with regenerative braking, making them a sustainable alternative to other modes of transport, thus reducing energy consumption. Features such as ambient lighting and smart light solutions further help in saving energy.

Train Control and Management System (TCMS) has been adopted with an automatic track inspection system, embedded to ensure accurate and high-speed data transmission. Highest standards of safety and security are ensured with continuous CCTV surveillance and a direct communication channel with the train operator and the control centre, in case of distress. The intelligent CCTV features also include unattended object identification and empty train detection (passenger counting in emergency evacuation). The trains also have dedicated wheelchair space for passengers with reduced mobility.

Alstom stands at the forefront of urban mobility with its market-leading Metropolis metros, serving over 80 customers worldwide, including numerous global cities such as London, Delhi, Stockholm, Mumbai and Singapore. A leader in CBTC with over 30 years of expertise and 190 metro lines in 32 countries, Alstom introduced Urbalis Forward for Indore. This system will help the operator meet passenger demand, maximise throughput, and enhance efficiency, ensuring fluid and connected travel experiences for passengers.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives Partners with Essens Spa – A Wellness and Beauty Sanctuary for All Ages

India, 2nd June, 2025 – Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives is excited to introduce Essens Spa, a newly launched wellness sanctuary designed for all ages. This transformative space blends Maldivian healing traditions with modern wellness therapies, offering an immersive journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal for adults, teens, and children alike.

Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage and the tranquil beachfront of Kanifushi Island, Essens Spa is a haven of holistic wellbeing, created to nourish the mind, body, and soul. From signature spa rituals for adults to dedicated treatments for teens and children, every experience at Essens Spa combines authenticity, care, and innovation.

“We are thrilled to partner with Essens Spa to enhance the wellness experience for our guests”, said Mr. Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. “Essens Spa brings together family-friendly treatments, modern techniques, and the timeless beauty of Maldivian wellness, offering something for everyone—from adults seeking relaxation to teens and children discovering the joys of wellbeing.”

Essens Spa offers a comprehensive wellness program with immersive spa journeys, yoga and detox sessions, healing rituals, and salon services. Signature treatments include the Essens Spa Journey, a 150-minute indulgence with a coconut scrub, full-body massage, traditional haircare ritual, and a coconut milk bath, all using locally sourced Maldivian ingredients to promote renewal.

For younger guests, the Kids Spa Experience offers playful treatments, while teen wellness rituals support youthful skin, growing bodies, and emotional balance.

As the only spa in the Maldives’ premium segment to offer ELEMIS BIOTEC facials, Essens Spa sets a new standard in skincare with advanced therapies such as ultrasonic peels, microcurrent sculpting, and LED light therapy. 

Essens Spa also features Ayurvedic treatments, couples’ massages, and salon services including haircuts, styling, and luxurious treatments. The Healing Touch Massage, using warm Maldivian sand compresses, provides a deeply restorative experience. 

Essens Spa embodies a vision to deliver world-class wellness infused with the soulful touch of Maldivian tradition. It is more than a spa—it is a serene haven where guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, guided by healing hands and authentic hospitality. 

Essens Spa at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives: A journey of beauty, balance, and wellbeing—for every guest, at every age.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V Variants

Bangalore, 02nd June 2025: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the introduction of the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive avatar/grade. Equipped with an advanced 48-Volt system, the new Neo Drive Variants offer improved fuel efficiency, enhanced driving performance, and greater comfort—delivering a more refined experience in urban settings and off-road conditions.

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has set the benchmark in the premium SUV segment, celebrated for its bold design, formidable performance, and unmatched all-terrain capability. Over the years, the SUV has built a strong and loyal following, from urban adventurers to hardcore off-road enthusiasts. Together with its stylish and feature-enhanced counterpart, the Legender, the Fortuner embodies Toyota’s core values of Quality, Durability, Reliability, and a relentless focus on customer-centric innovation.

Speaking on the introduction of the Fortuner & Legender Neo Drive 48V variants, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling, both the Fortuner and Legender rise to meet these expectations with their bold design, powerful performance and comprehensive features, catering seamlessly to the needs of diverse users.

Now, the introduction of the new Neo Drive 48V grade in both models marks yet another milestone in our journey. As segment first, it underscores our commitment to delivering ever-better cars that align with evolving customer lifestyles, while also reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach toward carbon neutrality. Through practical, future-ready mobility solutions, we strive to enhance customer value and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable tomorrow.”

NEW 48V TECHNOLOGY – Aimed to offer better fuel economy and lower emissions, the Neo Drive variants come equipped with Toyota’s powerful 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine now paired with a 48-Volt system, featuring a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This hybrid assist delivers smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation, and improved efficiency. 

Similar to one of the features of a hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration, efficiently regenerating braking energy which would otherwise be lost, whilst also adding additional braking performance. The new Smart Idle Start-Stop function further improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by switching off the engine when stationary.

Moreover, the enhanced efficiency and driving performance do not compromise payload capacity, outstanding durability and its mighty off-road performance, thus guaranteeing to be a formidable mobility provider for diverse needs.  Additionally, the Multi-Terrain Select system intelligently adjusts throttle response, braking, and traction control to optimize performance across various terrains.

STRIKING AND DOMINANT EXTERIOR: 

While the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful appeal for those who venture off the beaten path, the Legender delivers a more dynamic and premium presence with its striking dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps, and sleeker fascia. Both models feature dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and ergonomic seating for enhanced long-distance comfort.

SAFETY IS PRIORITY: 

Like all Toyota offerings where safety continues to be a hallmark, the Fortuner and Legender too offer a host of features that include: seven airbags, ABS , Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, TRC (Traction Control System), Child Restraint System, Front Row Seatbelts with Pre-Tensioner + Force Limiter, Speed Auto Lock with Emergency Unlock amongst host of other essentials. 

AWESOME OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE:  

To offer peace of mind, the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants are backed by a range of tailored finance solutions. Customers can benefit from up to 8-year funding plans with low EMIs, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance, and pre-approved options for Value-Added Services such as extended warranty and Toyota Genuine Accessories. This is complemented by five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customizable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants are open from June 02, 2025, with deliveries beginning from 3rd Week of June. 

Customers can place bookings online at www.toyotabharat.com or visit their nearest Toyota dealership. For further details, please visit the official Toyota website or contact authorized Toyota showrooms across India.

Ritu Srivastava, Co-Founder of TheLightbulb.AI named winner of Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge 2025

Bengaluru, India – 02 June 2025 – Ritu Srivastava, Co-Founder of TheLightbulb has been named the winner of the Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge 2025 at an awards ceremony held at Bangalore’s Oberoi Hotel, attended by former Minister of Education of India, Smriti Irani. The national competition celebrated India’s most promising women-led tech startups and offered equity-free grants from Prosus, a leading global investor in technology. As the winning female founder, Ritu was awarded an equity-free grant of US$50k.

TheLightbulb, a full-stack emotion AI platform that uses visual AI and conversational AI to generate real-time emotion and engagement analytics for digital user interactions, earned the first prize from over 120 applicants and seven finalists. The second-place award went to Shailja Mittal, Founder of RxMen, a men’s health platform using AI for root-cause-based treatment, and the third-place award was shared by Mansi Jain, CEO of Digital Paani, an IoT platform for wastewater treatment, and Ankita Garg, Co-Founder and COO or Varaha ClimateAg, a carbon removal startup.

The other top finalists included: Annu Talreja, Founder of AccaciaHanit Awal, Co-Founder of Darwix AI; Mansi Jain, CEO of Digital Paani; and Akanksha Hazari, Founder and CEO of LoveLocal.

The Tech FoundHER Challenge, launched earlier this year on International Women’s Day, is a new program from Prosus addressing the global disparity in venture capital funding, where less than 5% goes to female-founded startups. Research from Springboard Enterprises shows women-led companies deliver 35% higher ROI—making it both an equity and business imperative.

Prajna Khanna, Global Head of Sustainability at Prosus Group, said: “We launched this challenge to spotlight and support women building game-changing solutions in tech. The quality of innovation we’ve seen is inspiring—and this is just the beginning.”

Winners were selected by an esteemed judging panel, including: Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner of Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund; Apurva Dixit, Investor at Blume Ventures; Ronak Sandil, Director of Investments and Corporate Development at Amazon; Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital; Martin Tshopp, CEO, Prosus Ventures; and Priyanka Chopra, CFO, Prosus Ventures.

To apply, companies were required to have at least one female founder in a leadership role, be at the pre-Series A to Series B growth stage and be revenue-generating while showing show market validation. Applications were assessed based on criteria related to innovation, market potential, scalability, and impact.

Prosus was proud to partner with women founded companies, Encubay and Vaia Climate, on this important initiative.

PVR INOX brings Rekha & Muzaffar Ali’s Timeless Classic Umrao Jaan in a Breathtaking 4K Restoration back on the Big Screen

National, 2nd June : PVR INOX, India’s foremost, largest, and most premium cinema chain, invites audiences to step back into the gilded courtyards of 19th-century Lucknow, as the cinematic treasure Umrao Jaan returns to theatres in a resplendent 4K restoration.  The 4k restoration of the film has been done by NFDC- NFAI. The producers of the film are S.K.Jain & Sons and Integrated Films. Directed by the visionary Muzaffar Ali and headlined by the inimitable Rekha, the film is all set to reclaim its place in the cultural imagination through an immersive big-screen revival beginning June 27th.

To mark this momentous re-release, Muzaffar Ali is also unveiling a limited-edition coffee table book that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the making of Umrao Jaan. Featuring never-before-seen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry, and personal anecdotes from the set, the book is both a collector’s item and a deeply reflective tribute to the film’s artistic vision. Designed for cinephiles, students of cinema, and lovers of culture alike, the book will be released simultaneously with the theatrical revival.

A lyrical exploration of love, loss and longing, Umrao Jaan has etched its legacy as one of Indian cinema’s most visually and emotionally evocative works. Rekha’s portrayal of the courtesan-poetess stands as one of the finest performances in film history — a portrayal that earned her the coveted National Film Award for Best Actress. With music by Khayyam and verses by Shahryar, the film’s ghazals—Dil Cheez Kya Hai, In Aankhon Ki Masti, and Justuju Jiski Thi—still echo in the hearts of generations.

Now meticulously restored for today’s audiences, this edition of Umrao Jaan retains the soul of the original while enhancing its visual elegance and sonic depth. The film returns as part of PVR INOX’s Timeless Classics initiative, which curates landmark films that have shaped Indian cinema’s artistic legacy.

Reflecting on the re-release, Muzaffar Ali shared, “Umrao Jaan was not just a film—it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. Through her pain, poetry, and grace, we tried to resurrect the elegance of an era where love and longing spoke in verse. I had actors who brought a lot of heft to their characters, and then there was Rekha, who lived Umrao Jaan and truly immortalised it. I am thrilled that the film is back on the big screen for a whole new generation to discover a time and culture that’s very much a part of our being.

Rekha, Veteran Indian Actress reminiscing about the film, said, “Umrao Jaan is not just a film I acted in — she lives within me, breathes through me, even now. At the time, none of us could have imagined the timelessness of the film, the way it would gently etch itself into the soul of Indian cinema. To see it return to the big screen is like watching an old love letter being opened by a new generation. My heart is full.”

Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX, said, “Umrao Jaan is cinematic poetry in its truest form — a timeless tale of love, longing, and culture. We are honoured to bring this iconic film back to the big screen in a 4K restored version, offering audiences the chance to experience Muzaffar Ali’s masterpiece as it was originally envisioned. Re-release of a film like Umrao Jaan is a celebration of cinema, and all that makes community viewing a great experience. Through our Timeless Classics initiative, we are proud to celebrate landmark works of Indian cinema — films that not only define eras but continue to inspire, resonate, and shape our shared cultural memory.”

Umrao Jaan has been restored under the National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. MD NFDC, Shri Prakash Magdum adds, “To restore Umrao Jaan, NFDC-NFAI has been working for almost a year in collaboration with Muzaffar Ali, the director of the film. He was instrumental in locating the original negatives of the film, which should have been the best source of restoration. Due to the condition of the negatives and the fragile nature of celluloid, the film was restored using a 35mm release print which had been preserved at NFAI for decades. This has been the case with many recent restorations of Indian films, where the only good source survives in the National Film Archive of India. The colour grading of the 4K restoration was supervised by Muzaffar Ali himself, and I am sure the film lovers would enjoy this restored cinematic gem nationwide in cinemas.”

Screenings will begin across select PVR INOX cinemas in multiple cities from June 27th, with tickets available at www.pvrcinemas.com and the PVR INOX app.

Prepare to be transported once more into the world of Umrao Jaan — where music dances through candlelit halls, love lingers in every glance, and poetry seeps through every shadow.

Mumbai’s Slum Teens Use ‘Gandhigiri’ for Tobacco Awareness

Mumbai, June 2, 2025: This World No Tobacco Day, witness an extraordinary movement led by over 70 adolescent changemakers from the slums of Mumbai. Dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, Munna Bhai, and Circuit, these young leaders are taking to the streets with a powerful message rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence) — using nukkad nataks (street plays) to challenge the deceptive marketing tactics.

These performances are a direct response to the World Health Organization’s 2025 theme for World No Tobacco Day. Through compelling street theatre in 20 underserved communities across Mumbai, the young crusaders are raising awareness about how children and youth are targeted by flashy, misleading advertisements and marketing tricks.

Navin, 15, a Grade 9 Government School student, shares: “Growing up, I saw tobacco all around me in my community. The advertisements were so flashy and tempting. Even I found them interesting. But when a Didi from Salaam Bombay Foundation visited our school, she explained the ill-effects of tobacco. That session broke our ignorance. My friends and I decided that we must raise awareness amongst our community as well. We chose the path of Gandhigiri and Ahimsa, using street plays to raise our voices and educate those around us.”

These plays are not just performances; they are acts of adolescent-led change, education and honed life skills.

Tshering Bhutia, Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President of the Preventive Health Education Programme at Salaam Bombay Foundation, expressed her pride in the students:

“These nukkad nataks are entirely student-led. We are incredibly proud of these young leaders who are turning awareness into action. They are stepping up with purpose, performing powerful dramas that spark conversations and promote healthier choices across their communities.”

Delta Signs Strategic Renewable Energy Pact to Accelerate Net-Zero Vision

BENGALURU, June 2, 2025 – Delta Electronics India, a prominent player in energy and power management solutions in India, has signed a future-oriented Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to significantly scale up its renewable energy usage, marking a major step toward decarbonizing its operations. Facilitated by Ventus Energy Consultancy Private Limited, this strategic transition is projected to reduce Delta’s carbon footprint by approximately 6979 metric tons annually.
Under the agreements, Delta will source a combined 9.6 million units of wind-generated power annually to power its manufacturing and operational facilities in Tamil Nadu. This transition is expected to significantly reduce the company’s dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity and cut approximately 6,979 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, as per conservative industry estimates.
Benjamin Lin, President of Delta Electronics India, said, “At Delta, we believe in leading by example. Integrating renewable energy into our operations aligns our growth with India’s climate goals and accelerates our global net-zero vision. Collaborations like these are key to building a resilient and responsible energy ecosystem.”
The electricity will be sourced from wind farms located in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Tiruppur, and supplied via TANGEDCO’s grid under a 12-year agreement.
 
Delta’s ESG initiatives are deeply embedded into its business operations. Delta’s energy-efficient products enabled global electricity savings of over 45.5 billion kWh between 2010 and 2023—resulting in 23.84 million tons of CO₂ emissions avoided. In 2023 alone, the company achieved a 39% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its 2021 baseline.
Mr. Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director, Delta Electronics India, stated “Sustainability is central to Delta’s purpose. These PPAs are more than transactions—they are part of a long-term strategy to decarbonize our operations and contribute meaningfully to India’s green transition. They also reaffirm our commitments under global frameworks like RE100 and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).”
Delta has also built 35 certified green buildings and operates two net-zero certified data centers globally. It continues to invest in net-zero factories, smart grids, energy storage, and renewable integration, particularly in its Indian operations.
Supporting India’s Green Industry Ecosystem
 
By collaborating with Ventus Energy Consultancy. Delta is promoting a cross-industry model for renewable energy partnerships. The move supports India’s national commitment to 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030 and the broader transition toward decentralized, sustainable energy systems.
Ms. Rachna Kango, Senior Director – ESG & Strategic Marketing, Delta Electronics India, stated, “Delta is proud to partner with forward-looking enterprises like Ventus Energy Consultancy to acceleratethe  clean energy transition. These collaborations reflect our belief in inclusive, stakeholder-driven sustainability and demonstrate how ESG goals can be met through innovative and region-specific energy solutions.”
P. Vijayabaskaran, Director, Ventus Energy Consultancy, said, “With over 15 years of experience in renewable energy and a portfolio managing 750+ MW of wind and solar assets across Tamil Nadu, Ventus Energy Consultancy is proud to support Delta Electronics in its journey toward industrial decarbonization. As Delta’s renewable energy demand grows, we are committed to enabling this scale-up through strategic power procurement and regulatory alignment.”
Delta’s roadmap includes expanding renewable sourcing across its Indian facilities, exploring smart grid innovations, and implementing real-time energy monitoring powered by Delta’s own automation and IoT technologies. With 81,000+ employees73 R&D centers, and 55 manufacturing sites globally, Delta continues to lead by embedding sustainability into its growth strategy. This collaboration strengthens Delta’s RE100 pathway while reinforcing Ventus’s role as a trusted sustainability partner in India’s energy transition.