Archives July 2025

India, 22 July, 2025: Amazon India today announced the fifth edition of its flagship Machine Learning (ML) Summer School (MLSS), reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent and bridging the ML skill gap in India. The 2025 edition aims to enroll 3,000 of India’s brightest students, selected through a qualifying assessment. Registrations will be open from July 21 to 31, 2025 and the program will commence in August 2025. Delivered virtually over four weekends, this immersive and free learning experience includes eight expert-led modules on core topics such as Supervised and Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, LLMs, and more. Each session includes a live Q&A with Amazon scientists, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of core ML topics.

Since its inception in 2021, the program has trained close to 10,000 students through a blend of hands-on training, and real-world applications, and guidance from Amazon’s top ML scientists. Following its success in India, the program expanded  globally – launched in Australia in 2023, and recently introduced in the EMEA region under the name “Amazon Science Campus.” These international editions have been tailored to meet the unique needs of students across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reinforcing Amazon’s long-term vision of fostering future-ready talent in machine learning and science worldwide.

“At Amazon, we believe that true innovation begins with access to knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity,” said Rajeev Rastogi, Vice President, Machine Learning at Amazon. “The ML Summer School is more than just a training program – it’s a launchpad for aspiring talent to build, experiment, and grow in the evolving world of AI and ML. As we launch the fifth edition in India, we remain committed to democratizing machine learning education and empowering students to become the next wave of ML leaders.”

The program curriculum aligns with industry trends and university coursework, making it accessible for students across different levels of ML proficiency. Upon completion, students will have developed solid foundations in cutting-edge ML applications, preparing them for high-impact roles in the ML space.

A recent AWS commissioned Access Partnership study, “Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future”, AI-skilled workers in India can see salary increases of up to 54%, with 93% of employers prioritizing AI-trained talent. Yet 79% struggle to find the right talent. The report also highlighted a significant training gap, as 91% of Indian employers lacked clarity on how to implement AI learning programs internally. Amazon’s ML Summer School helps address this gap by offering accessible, high-impact training designed to align with industry demand. The curriculum reflects real-world needs and was carefully crafted by Amazon ML scientists based on evolving global trends.

Naman Bansal, a participant from the MLSS 2024 batch, shared his experience, “I attended the Amazon Machine Learning Summer School Program lin 2024. I found the program very informative and helpful for students aspiring to build a career in ML. The course material built up the topics from the basics and helped clarify the minute nuances of the concepts. Personally, I found the session on Causal Inference very interesting – it was intuitive, practical, and how such theoretical concepts are really applied in the industry was was insightful. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to engaging more with Amazon in the future.”

The program is open to engineering students graduating in 2026 or 2027, enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees from any recognized institute in India. Eligible students will be required to take an assessment, and the top 3000 scorers will gain access to the ML Summer School.

Amazon applies Machine Learning across its business including improving the accuracy of search results, personalizing product recommendations, and optimizing delivery routes. The use of machine learning also spans demand forecasting, fraud detection, language translation, Alexa’s speech recognition, and recommendation systems—showcasing the transformative potential of ML when applied at scale. With the fifth edition of ML Summer School, Amazon India continues to invest in building an inclusive, future-ready workforce, while inspiring the next generation of  technologists and innovators.

Kolkata Centre for Creativity Organizes 2nd All Bengal Rapid Chess Tournament for visually challenged and hearing-impaired people

To observe International Chess Day, Kolkata Centre for Creativity in association with Kolkata District Chess Association and Lake Youth Club, organised 2nd All Bengal Rapid Chess Tournament for visually challenged and hearing-impaired persons on Sunday, 20th July, 2025 at KCC, Anandapur, E.M. Bypass, Kolkata. 64 Visually challenged and 33 Hearing Impaired people participated in this tournament from all over Bengal.

After 5 rounds of play, the ranking was as follows:-

VISUALLY CHALLENGED:-

1st – Sanjib Kar

2nd- Sougata Chowdhury

3rd- Ganesh Kisku

Woman 1st – Sulata Mondal

HEARING IMPAIRED:-

1st – Ankit Ganguly

2nd – Sk. Reazur Rahman

3rd – Arijit Goswami

Woman 1st – Sabana Yesmin

The Prize was distributed by Dr. Saikat Maitra, Ex-Vice Chancellor of MAKAUT.

IPM India receives global certification acknowledging fair pay and commitment to equal growth opportunities for its global workforce

 July 21, 2025: Philip Morris International Inc.’s (PMI) India affiliate IPM India has received a global certification for its achievements in fostering a culture of fairness in the workplace – placing the company among the top organizations globally providing equal pay and growth opportunities for employees. The EQUAL-SALARY Foundation recognized PMI for paying all employees equally for equal work everywhere it operates. This marks the third time that IPM India has been awarded for its equal pay policies since 2019.

The certification demonstrates that IPM India champions equal pay and has established robust and transparent policies that empower every employee to excel and seize equal opportunities for growth and success.

This year, in addition to recognizing fair pay, the certification acknowledges IPM India’s enduring commitment to equal opportunities that enable employees to thrive, grow, and drive change, creating a culture that attracts the best talent.

Commenting on the recognition, Navaneel Kar, Managing Director, IPM India said, “We are honoured to receive the recognition from EQUAL-SALARY Foundation. The certification is a testament to our dedication to equality and fairness- fostering a collaborative and employee centric workplace. We believe organizations with diverse teams and equitable cultures enable innovation & meaningful transformation. We are committed to providing an environment, where our people are rewarded fairly and empowered to reach their full potential, connecting to their purpose, driving positive change.”

“Providing fair and equal remuneration to men and women is our top priority”, added Kingshuk Das, Director, People & Culture, IPM India. “Building talent is fundamental to business success and we are committed to providing the right tools and equal opportunities that supports employees to cocreate their own path. At IPM India, we are constantly adopting best practices where personal situations are understood, differences have value and all people are treated with equity and respect.”

Lisa Rubli, co-CEO of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, commented, “PMI’s third global EQUAL-SALARY certification is a landmark achievement. It represents more than a commitment to equal pay for equal work between women and men. It reflects a deep, ongoing effort to build fairness and equal opportunity into every stage of the employee experience. Through rigorous salary analysis and qualitative audits, PMI has demonstrated a culture of openness, accountability, and continuous improvement. This recertification is not only a recognition of what has been achieved for over 83,000 PMI employees around the world, it is a call to the business world to do more.”

Valid for three years, the Equal Pay and Opportunities certification provides independent, third-party verification that IPM India pays all employees fairly and objectively for the same job or a job of equal value. The EQUAL-SALARY Foundation has certified companies in 90 countries, involving almost half a million employees.

PMI has been featured among top 10 companies in the WSJ Management Top 250 Annual Company Ranking. In addition to being recognized by the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, IPM India has received Great Place to Work certification for four consecutive years and Top Employer recognition for five consecutive years.

India, July 21, 2025 – Goa is a kaleidoscope of experiences, where every moment is a reflection of the soul and the free spirit that defines it. After all, there is no other place that makes you feel the way Goa does. In perfect harmony with this spirit, Hyatt has launched the ‘Come Meet The Goa You’ campaign, showcasing its five distinct brands and properties in Goa – Grand Hyatt Goa, Alila Diwa Goa, Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa, Hyatt Place Goa Candolim Goa and Ranil Goa– a JdV by Hyatt Hotel. Each property is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience for diverse types of travellers.

With Hyatt, ‘The Goa You’ could mean waking up to the sound of waves at Grand Hyatt Goa or savouring local flavours at Alila Diwa’s award-winning restaurants. It could be dancing your way through Baga’s lively nights at Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, or soaking in the cultural energy of Candolim at Hyatt Centric. Perhaps it’s the convenience of Hyatt Place, perfectly positioned for both business and leisure travellers. Whatever ‘The Goa You’ means to you, Hyatt invites you to come and experience it, with a range of curated stays, dining, and experiential activities designed to make your Goa trip – and the self-discovery that comes with it – truly unforgettable.

According to recent estimates by the state tourism department, Goa saw a remarkable increase of over 10% in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The ‘Come Meet The Goa You’ campaign is designed to tap into this growing interest, inviting travellers to discover the multifaceted charm of Goa through Hyatt’s lens.

“Everyone loves Goa and the way that only Goa makes them feel. All our guests have interesting stories of Goa where time stands still and people forget the clock, where people rediscover their adventurous side, where the journey inward meets the beauty around. With ‘Come Meet The Goa You,’ we invite travellers to rediscover this part of their personality that only Goa rekindles. After all, its easy to forget the important stuff as life takes over. And Hyatt is an integral part of the Goa experience with five distinct properties allowing travellers to weave the essence of Goa into their unique stories” said Deepa Krishnan, Head of Marketing, India and Southwest Asia at Hyatt. “At Hyatt, we’re committed to creating spaces that inspire, connect, and transform – and we can’t wait to welcome you to Goa.”

Discover the best of Goa at Hyatt’s five properties, each offering a unique and enriching experience tailored to the diverse needs of travellers today, from luxurious escapes with culinary masterclasses and yoga sessions at Alila Diwa, to resort-style luxury with aerial yoga and horticulture tours at Grand Hyatt Goa. Travellers can also enjoy farmhouse breakfasts and DIY bloody Mary bars at Ronil Goa or experience the vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa. Meanwhile, Hyatt Place Goa Candolim offers a perfect blend of convenience and comfort, with VR gaming experiences and delicious meals.

Mumbai, 21^st July 2025:  In a groundbreaking move towards future-ready education, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), in collaboration with TeamLease EdTech, has launched Maharashtra’s first undergraduate degree program in Business Artificial Intelligence (AI). This industry-aligned BSc in Business AI program is the first of its kind to integrate core business acumen with practical AI skills and on-the-job training.

This unique course aims to bridge the growing talent gap in business and technology by preparing students to understand, implement, and lead AI adoption within organizations. With a strong focus on practical learning, AI tool mastery, and project-based implementation, the curriculum is tailored to meet the evolving demands of digital-first enterprises.

“India needs professionals who can think like business leaders and operate like data scientists. The BSc in Business AI is our bold response to that need,” said Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO of TeamLease EdTech. “This is not just a course—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of AI-literate business professionals.”

The program includes multiple firsts in the state and the country:

• First BSc in Business AI to be launched in Maharashtra
• First degree program to offer academic credit for on-the-job training and project-based learning
• First initiative by HBSU to offer a career-integrated course aligned with industry demand

Through this initiative, HBSU becomes the first university in Maharashtra to launch a degree course in Business AI, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and employability.

“At HBSU, we are committed to offering forward-thinking, employability-linked academic programs,” said Prof. Rajanish Kamat, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University. “With this course, we are equipping our students with real-world exposure and tools to thrive in AI-powered business environments.”

The BSc in Business AI program will be delivered in a blended mode with mentorship from industry professionals, hands-on learning in AI labs, and immersive projects that simulate real-world applications in domains like marketing, finance, HR, and operations.

Applications for the first cohort are now open.

21st July 2025, Mumbai: GJEPC, the apex body of gem & jewellery trade in India, organized the Exporter and GCC Designers’ Workshop at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, SEEPZ in Mumbai on 17th July. The event marked a key milestone in the lead-up to SAJEX (Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition), GJEPC’s first-ever show in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from 11th to 13th September 2025 at the Jeddah Superdome.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with distinguished designers and industry stakeholders. A special welcome was extended to Ms. Mahima Varma and Mr. Tarun Jain, Founders of the World Academy of Design, Dubai, who partnered with GJEPC to bring six leading GCC-based designers to collaborate with Indian manufacturers.

These six designers — Nadiyah Ghurmullah Alghamdi, Nouf Abdulaziz Sehli, Haifa Khaled Saeed Gathnan Alhadhrami, Fahima Saif Rashed Bakhit Alfalasi, Abeer Hussein Othman Yahya, and Fatimah Mohammed A Alsofi — travelled to Mumbai for this creative workshop focused on jewellery design trends in Saudi Arabia and GCC markets. They shared valuable insights and interacted closely with a select group of Indian exporters.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sabyasachi Ray expressed his optimism about the initiative: “This design workshop marks a crucial step in deepening India’s engagement with the fast-evolving Saudi jewellery market. With Saudi’s jewellery market expected to grow from $4.5 billion to $8.5 billion by 2030, this is a timely initiative. The collaboration between Indian manufacturers and GCC-based designers will help create region-specific collections that reflect Saudi sensibilities while showcasing India’s manufacturing strength. SAJEX 2025 is not just an India show; it’s envisioned as a world jewellery show, and this workshop lays the foundation for its long-term success. Saudi has a young, affluent, and globally minded audience looking for style and substance — and India is perfectly poised to meet that demand.”

Adding to the sentiment, Mr. Milan Chokshi highlighted the broader design evolution taking place. “This initiative has the potential to spark something truly exciting in design. Indian jewellery design has evolved from referencing catalogues to creating original, contemporary pieces rooted in Indian heritage but made for the world. Today, as the Middle East undergoes its own transformation, this is a chance for GCC designers to draw from their own cultural identity and collaborate with Indian manufacturers to build something unique and globally relevant. The future belongs to original design — and this is where it begins.”

Bringing in the perspective of cross-cultural collaboration, Mr. Tarun Jain underlined the value of the exchange: “This collaboration is more than just a design exercise — it’s about building a communication bridge between Indian manufacturers and the evolving Gulf market. The designers we’ve brought in are visionaries who understand not only current trends but also future market demands. They’ll help manufacturers align their capabilities with regional preferences and guide them in communicating effectively with buyers at SAJEX. This mutual exchange of knowledge and creativity will lay the groundwork for long-term success in the GCC.”

Mahima Verma offered a detailed overview of consumer behaviour across the GCC region.

With this initiative, GJEPC is laying the groundwork for stronger ties between India and the Gulf. By bringing together design talent from both regions, the workshop is encouraging fresh ideas, meaningful partnerships, and jewellery that resonates with today’s global consumer. It’s a step towards building collections that not only reflect local tastes but also stand out on the international stage — just in time for the Council’s much-anticipated debut in Saudi Arabia with SAJEX 2025.

Chennai, July 21, 2025 – Rhapsody joins with Narayana school as an integration initiative for PI Approximation Day to hit a high note with a successful studio recording! This project was a beautiful blend of mathematics and art, brought to life by the incredible talent of Narayana school students from every Chennai branch.

Two shining stars from each branch were handpicked to perform a truly unique song. The words, so artfully crafted, came from the brilliant mind of renowned Indian lyricist and screenwriter Madhan Karky, and were beautifully sung by Vedanth. Adding to the magic, the exquisite music was composed by none other than Kalaimamani Shri Anil Srinivasan, the visionary founder of Rhapsody.

Our dedicated STARS vocal faculty members poured their hearts into training these young vocalists. They guided them through countless rehearsals, patiently refining their vocal techniques until every note was perfect. All that hard work paid off in a big way during the professional studio recording, where the students’ voices soared, making this distinguished composition truly unforgettable.

This initiative was more than just a performance; it was a vibrant testament to the talent and spirit of our students, showcasing the powerful and harmonious synergy between education and the arts. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event such a resounding success. We couldn’t be prouder!

21 July, 2025: Halo Salon & Academy, one of the most sought-after names in beauty and grooming, has today grandly launched its new salon in Rajahmundry. The launch event was graced by popular actress Tejaswi Rao, famed for her role in Committee Kurrollu, as the Chief Guest and Ethakota Sravani, Founder of Halo Salon & Academy.

Halo Unisex Salon and Academy, the new salon, designed to offer premium beauty services is a destination that offers expert hair, skin, and grooming services for both men and women, alongside professional training courses in beauty and wellness. The inauguration witnessed enthusiastic participation from beauty enthusiasts, clients, and local dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion Actress Tejaswi Rao said that, “Sravani has been a dear friend and an expert professional in every service she provides. The new salon she has now begun is a reflection of her passion, hard work and craftsmanship. The team at Halo Salon & Academy has expertise which is unique and haven’t been seen here before. I wish the entire team of Halo a vibrant success and thriving clientele.”

Ms. Ethakota Sravani, Founder of Halo Salon & Academy speaking about her journey where she worked a freelance makeup artist for 5 years and built a brand named Be you makeup artistry which she now upgraded to Halo Unisex Salon & Academy in 2025 said that, “Rajahmundry is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modern aspirations. We are thrilled to bring our signature style, services, and international-standard academy training to this vibrant city. Social media is such a powerful platform today. You can see check and review the amazing work our stylists are doing who are extremely friendly and professional. Its been an amazing journey. Our clients are extremely valuable to us. At Halo we can guarantee that every client will receive high-quality service and leave very happy from the service they avail. This is going to be their salon of choice for all beauty enthusiasts.”.

With this launch, Halo Salon & Academy aims to empower more aspiring beauty professionals while providing clients with cutting-edge salon services in a luxurious, welcoming space. What sets Halo apart is its dual focus—delivering high-quality salon experiences while empowering aspiring beauticians through certified academy programs. With a modern, hygienic setup and personalized consultations, Halo ensures every client receives a tailored, trend-forward service. Its unique blend of style and skill-building makes it the go-to place for beauty enthusiasts and future professionals alike.

India, 21 July, 2025: Haier India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 16 consecutive years, proudly partnered with the Noida Monsoon Run 2025 as the Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Held on 20th July 2025 at JBM Global School, Sector 132, Noida, the event brought together over 1600 participants from across Delhi NCR making it one of the most talked-about public fitness events of the season.

This continued association underscores Haier’s commitment to engaging directly with consumers through initiatives that promote fitness, community well-being and healthier lifestyles. By supporting community driven events like the Noida Monsoon Run, Haier reinforces its brand values while contributing to a more active and connected urban society.

Speaking on the association, Mr. NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India, said: “At Haier India, we view wellness and community engagement as key pillars of meaningful brand impact. Our continued association with the Noida Monsoon Run is more than a sponsorship, it reflects our commitment to inspiring active lifestyles and building deeper connections with evolving urban audiences. As we continue to grow with India, we remain focused on initiatives that blend purpose, participation, and cultural relevance, connecting innovation with impact.”

The event featured multiple race categories including 3K, 5K, 10K, 16K and 21.1K runs, catering to both seasoned runners and first-time participants. Attendees also got a chance to experience live entertainment, refreshments, and exclusive Haier giveaways, adding to the festive atmosphere. The top performers were recognized with various awards/rewards for their exceptional running skills and determination.

Through such initiatives, Haier continues to go beyond appliances, strengthening its emotional connect with consumers and reinforcing its position as a brand that champions wellness, innovation, and community engagement.

A PERi-PERi Blockbuster is taking centre stage in Mumbai

Mumbai, 21st July 2025: The opening of their new flagship Casa in Kamala Mills, represents a pivotal point in the brand’s story in India, as they find themselves officially bringing their super addictive PERi-PERi flavours to Mumbai. Nando’s sees their world-flamous PERi-PERi chicken as the star in a long-awaited blockbuster.

“From the start of our Joint Venture, we have been working to bring Nando’s to Mumbai in a big way and are super excited to officially launch the Mumbai chapter of Nando’s India journey, bringing the spirit of Nando’s to Mumbaikars – said Sameer Bhasin, CEO Nando’s India. “Mumbai is not just a commercial hub, but a city that thrives on community, culture, and connection. We see a beautiful synergy between the city’s spirit and Nando’s values.”

Forged in a small suburb in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nando’s started in 1987, with the debut of the original flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. They then took the show to Australia, North America and the UK, where Nando’s became the biggest casual dining brand in land with over 500 Casas (restaurants). And today, Nando’s has over 1,250 Casas in 23 countries, making them a truly global player.

With the opening of Kamala Mills, Nando’s officially announces their presence in Mumbai, after firing it up with a big national expansion of their Casas in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and beyond.

Nando’s is blazing a trail across India – now serving its iconic flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in 18 Casas across 7 major cities and is on track to scale up with 12 new Casas set to fire up their grills this year. Marking a bold and ambitious move, Nando’s is committed to bringing PERi-PERi to the people, aiming to launch 100 Casas across India in the coming decade.

All Nando’s bastings, marinades and sauces are made with fresh, real ingredients and have no artificial flavours or colours. The chicken is flame-grilled because it just tastes better, and the range of PERi-PERi flavours allow guests to customize their meal to the heat level of their choosing – all the way from Lemon & Herb to Extra Hot for this who can handle the heat.

Wondering what makes Nando’s, Nando’s?

PERi-PERi is the heart and soul of Nando’s. Its story is their story! African Bird’s Eye Chili, home-grown in the sun, soil and fire of Southern Africa. Mixed with lemon, fresh garlic and spices. It’s this fiery fusion that’ll keep you coming back for more.