Archives July 2025

Coimbatore, July 8th, 2025: In a major step toward embracing sustainable living and enhancing convenience for electric vehicle (EV) users, Town and City Developers (TNCD), Delta City, Coimbatore has installed RapidEVchargE’s AC Bharat EV charger within their residential community.

This move marks a significant shift toward making EV adoption smoother, as residents of Delta City can now seamlessly charge their vehicles from the comfort of their own society, no more range anxiety or the hassle of traveling to distant charging stations.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Siva Subramaniam, CEO, RapidEVchargE said,“We are proud to collaborate with TNCD and support their commitment to smart, sustainable living. Our AC Bharat charger caters to all EV types, offering convenience and peace of mind to residents. We thank the TNCD team for their trust in us.”

The installation at Delta City reflects a growing trend among leading developers who are now actively integrating EV infrastructure into their planning. It also aligns with the Government of India’s broader push toward e-mobility, smart cities, and reducing the carbon footprint. RapidEVchargE continues to work closely with builders and housing societies across India, ensuring that the transition to electric mobility is not just a vision, but a practical reality available at one’s doorstep.

New Delhi, July 8, 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest small finance bank, concluded a month-long nationwide tree plantation campaign aligned with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The campaign kickstarted on World Environment Day (June 5, 2025) and saw active participation from over 500 AU SFB branches, which organized plantation drives in nearby schools across the country, planting over 5,000 saplings. The final leg of the campaign culminated during Van Mahotsav Week with a special event held at Amrita Vidyalayam, New Delhi, led by Mr. H.R. Khan, Part-Time Chairman & Independent Director, AU Small Finance Bank.

During the event, native tree saplings were planted within the school premises, chosen for their ecological benefits and ability to support local biodiversity. Additionally, the Bank distributed around 100 native herbs and low-maintenance plant species to students, encouraging them to engage with nature and take personal responsibility for the environment. A drawing competition on the theme “Saving Trees, Saving Future” was also organized, with winners felicitated by Mr. Khan for their creativity and environmental awareness.

Speaking at the event, Mr. H.R. Khan, Part-Time Chairman, AU Small Finance Bank, emphasized the importance of institutional leadership in environmental action:

“At AU Small Finance Bank, we believe that sustainability must be rooted in action and community. Our participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign is a reflection of our commitment to nurturing ecosystems where human activities and nature grow together. By engaging schools in this initiative, we are investing in the environmental consciousness of future generations. On this occasion, I shared with the students a simple yet powerful message – One tree, a thousand blessings.’ Each sapling plant is more than a symbol; it is a living promise of cleaner air, greener spaces, and a more responsible tomorrow. As we conclude this campaign during Van Mahotsav Week, I am proud to see our branches and teams across India come together to make this vision a reality.”

This initiative builds on AU SFB’s broader ESG leadership. The Bank’s Green Fixed Deposit product has mobilized ₹1,178 crore as of March 31, 2025, with proceeds exclusively allocated to Renewable Energy and Clean Transportation sectors. AU SFB has also achieved a Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating of 17.1 (Low Risk) and holds an AA rating in the MSCI ESG assessment.

Furthering its commitment to climate resilience, AU SFB has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to strengthen its understanding of nature-based risks and build capabilities to address physical and transition risks of climate change, in line with the Reserve Bank of India’s expectations.

Through these ongoing efforts, AU Small Finance Bank continues to champion sustainability, foster biodiversity, and create lasting impact in the communities it proudly serves.

Shri Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, MSME & Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, will grace the Roadshow

Hyderabad, July 08, 2025: The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025 Roadshow will be held in Hyderabad on July 11, 2025, at the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Red Hills.

This high-impact outreach event is being organised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) as part of a multi-city promotional campaign.

The Roadshow will be presided over by Shri Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, MSME & Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and will also feature the presence of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Expo Centre & Mart, along with other senior officials and sectoral experts.

Aimed at strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s presence on the global trade and investment map, the Hyderabad Roadshow is expected to attract over 100 participants, including exporters, industry leaders, MSMEs, sourcing consultants, and trade associations from across Telangana and neighbouring states. MSME and Industrialists who are interested in participating are also welcome to attend the roadshow.

This is the second in a series of nationwide road shows, following successful engagements in Delhi-NCR, with upcoming editions planned in Bengaluru, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

The Roadshow is a curtain-raiser to the third edition of UP International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025, which will take place from September 25 to 29, 2025, at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. With the central theme “Local to Global,” the event will spotlight sectors such as MSMEs, Handloom & Textiles, Khadi & Village Industries, Sericulture, Food Processing, Automobiles, EVs, Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, and Traditional Crafts.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, UPITS 2025 is a key initiative to propel Uttar Pradesh towards becoming a trillion-dollar economy by boosting exports, encouraging industrial participation, and showcasing the state’s vibrant economic potential.

New Delhi, July 08^th, 2025 – Wise Travel India Limited (WTi Cabs), a leading premium mobility provider, is now the largest Uber Black fleet operator in India, with premium vehicles operating across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Its Uber Black fleet includes both SUVs and sedans, with models such as the Toyota Hyryder and MG ZS EV available in all three cities.

Renowned for its advanced technology and high service standards, WTi Cabs is redefining executive travel by pairing a strong, well-managed fleet with an unwavering focus on passenger experience. The Uber Black fleet operated by WTi Cabs is overseen by its dedicated subsidiary, WTi Fleet Pro Private Limited.

Uber’s flagship premium service, now powered by WTi Cabs’ expertise in luxury ground transport, delivers an elevated travel experience across metro cities, featuring best-in-class vehicles, professionally trained chauffeurs, and seamless booking through the Uber app. WTi Cabs places special focus on chauffeur training through curated programs to ensure top-tier service quality and safety. In addition, the company follows set processes to standardize operations and maintain consistent service delivery.

“Our partnership with Uber for its Uber Black fleet reinforces our expertise in luxury premium travel,” said Mr. Ashok Vashist, CEO of WTi Cabs. “Our commitment to excellence in premium mobility aligns seamlessly with Uber’s mission to offer reliable, safe, and high-quality rides. This collaboration marks a meaningful step toward redefining urban transportation for discerning riders,” he added.

“At Uber, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional ride experiences, and Uber Black stands as the pinnacle of our premium mobility offering,” said Mr. Aditya Kapoor, Head of Supply, Uber India. “Our partnership with WTi Cabs, renowned for their expertise in corporate and executive transport, enables us to expand this premium experience with unmatched consistency and quality across major metro cities. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for premium ground transportation in India.”

Through this partnership, WTi continues to set new benchmarks in India’s premium mobility landscape, offering a tech-enabled, customer-centric, and sustainable transportation experience to urban India.

July 8, 2025 – What does leadership mean when it emerges from poverty, loss, and invisibility? The HopeWorks Foundation is responding to this question in extraordinary ways by recasting girls from India’s most marginalized communities as leaders of their own destiny and agents of change in the lives of others.

HopeWorks CEO and founder Jacintha Jayachandran describes a profoundly personal shift in her approach to leadership. “When we started our scholarship program, I thought making education accessible was sufficient. Now I understand that leadership is not born its developed. And sometimes, it starts where hope appears to be most invisible.”

This epiphany was ignited by Manicka Valli, a formerly shy student from Madurai whose life was disrupted by poverty and family tragedy. Now, Manicka is a confident history graduate, state-level athlete, and LIFTS scholar who speaks eloquently about her dreams. “She taught us that leadership is not a gift it’s grit in action,” Jayachandran explained.

Since its founding, HopeWorks has served more than 5,100 students, granted 1,427 scholarships, delivered 10,000+ menstrual supplies, and served 115,288 meals. But behind all the statistics, it’s the internal changes that truly matter.

Girls such as Shakthipriya, who once wrote off her entrepreneurial aspirations as “unrealistic,” now owns Millecious, a millet food business, part-time alongside her full-time finance job. Or Priya Jennifer, who transformed from a reluctant life-skills training attendee into the head of 400 employees at Brinks India after standing up and saying she was ready to manage.

These aren’t individual anecdotes they’re indicative of a change in what empowerment actually is. “We came to understand that access wasn’t sufficient. We needed to break down the constraining beliefs girls held about what’s possible for them,” Jayachandran said.

The impact of the foundation ripples out further than the individual. More than 40% of HopeWorks alumni come back as mentors, creating a leadership ripple effect. Past recipients now instruct younger students, lobby for menstrual health in slum areas, and start micro-enterprises.

This model is aligned with six UN Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from Gender Equality and Quality Education to Good Health & Well-being and Decent Work. Expansion to nine new locations, including Odisha, Pune, and Gulbarga, is currently on the cards for HopeWorks. Strategic collaborations with organisations such as Infosys Springboard, Buzz Women, Mentor Together, and SVATAH Foundation are facilitating this comprehensive development strategy.

The question ahead isn’t just about growth it’s about sustaining transformation. “We’re not only scaling numbers. We’re scaling belief systems,” Jayachandran emphasized. “Because once a girl sees herself as a leader, she doesn’t just transform she transforms the world around her.”

HopeWorks’ vision for 2026 is to directly serve 1,000+ girls and impact 80,000+ through advocacy. But most importantly, it seeks to redefine the narrative about what leadership is beginning from the edges and moving towards influence.

Mumbai, July 8th, 2025 – Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in collaboration with Get Set Learn — a future-skills-focused K–12 learning startup backed by the Arvind Mafatlal Group—successfully hosted the inaugural Young Pioneers Launchpad 2025 at Nahar International School, Mumbai. This milestone event, which brought together 150 young innovators, marked the culmination of a transformative year-long programme built to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in young learners—a vital future skill.

The winning idea — a smart, sustainable fashion assistant app from Dr SSNP School — was designed to help users make eco-conscious style choices. Other standout concepts included a durable, high-performance clothing solution tailored for school use by DAV School, Pushpanjali Enclave (second position), and an AI-powered wearable that enables real-time communication for deaf-blind individuals by converting speech into Braille vibrations, developed by the team from Foundation School (third position).The runner-up teams presented a diverse range of ideas — from wellness initiatives aimed at equipping youth with stress management tools (DAV School) to adaptive, learning-focused mobile ecosystems for children (BVRTSE School). Over months of preparation, students had worked in teams with mentors, refining their ideas through expert-led sessions and hands-on experiences. Supported by parents and embraced by schools as a step toward integrating future-ready skills, Young Pioneers empowered students to turn bold ideas into actionable solutions.

Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, said, “What we at Cambridge have observed in the schools we closely work with is that young learners, at the foundational level, are displaying remarkable curiosity and a mindset to innovate. Future skills are no longer an option, they are an essential part of preparing learners for the world ahead. While there is growing recognition of their importance, many schools are still exploring how best to embed these skills. So, we are partnering with education leaders and forward-thinking schools to integrate future skills into learning experiences that are both meaningful and scalable.”

Priyavrata Mafatlal, Co-founder at Get Set Learn and Vice Chairman, Arvind Mafatlal Group, said, “To position India as a global leader in innovation, we must reimagine the education of our youth, fostering a dynamic engagement with the world’s challenges. The Young Pioneers Launchpad goes beyond conventional entrepreneurship; it cultivates a mindset rooted in resilience and forward-thinking action. The vibrant creativity and determination showcased here underscore the gravity of this endeavour.”

Aligned with the priorities of education policies, the Young Pioneers programme is designed to equip students with essential future skills through experiential learning and real-world problem-solving. By integrating critical areas such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, and resilience into the curriculum, the programme prepares learners to navigate the challenges of an evolving global workforce. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders, the programme not only nurtures problem-solving abilities but also instils confidence and adaptability—skills that are essential for thriving in an uncertain, fast-evolving future.

Ameet Zaveri, Co-founder and CEO of Get Set Learn, said, “The Launchpad brought together two powerful forces: young minds full of ideas and leaders who’ve built from the ground up. That exchange shifted something. You could see students step into a different mindset—more curious, more confident, more ready to engage with the real world.”

Ashish Arora, Senior Vice President, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said, “The mentorship programme has been a catalyst in empowering learners to advance their ideas and envision the journey of entrepreneurship. By equipping learners with the guidance and tools to transform their ideas into impactful outcomes, the programme has sparked a mindset shift towards problem-solving and decision-making. The confidence displayed by these young innovators holds the power to not only shape their futures but also inspire schools, parents, and communities to nurture the next generation of changemakers.”

The Launchpad also featured sessions by several changemakers and thought leaders, including Harneet Kaur of WTF Fund and Vik Khatwani, Founder of Earth Cafe, who encouraged students to lead with empathy and purpose; Vishal Kumar, CEO of Waste Warriors Society, who emphasised the significance of civic responsibility as a driver of innovation; and Anoushka Jolly, Founder of Kavach, who shared how youth-led social innovation can create lasting impact.

The Young Pioneers programme, developed for Classes 7 to 10 for all school boards, integrates coursebook learning with expert-led masterclasses and mentorship for hands-on entrepreneurial skills development that give students first-hand insights and lessons from the real world. Over three years, they will progress through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced stages by focusing on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and engaging in masterclasses and mentorship from industry experts. Learners will also get an opportunity to showcase their ideas to entrepreneurs and industry experts. Learn more at www.youngpioneers.in.

Chandigarh, July 8, 2025: Tata Steel’s Noamundi Iron Mine, Joda East Iron Mine, and Khondbond Iron and Manganese Mine were honoured with the prestigious Star Rating Awards by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in a felicitation ceremony held at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Monday.

The Company’s Noamundi Iron Mine in Jharkhand won the 7-Star Rating Award, becoming one of the three mines in India to receive this honour. It is for the first time, since the Awards’ inception in 2016, that mines have been awarded a 7-Star Rating, recognising their extraordinary efforts in the field of scientific and sustainable mining. Noamundi iron mine has been receiving a 5-Star Rating every year since inception of the coveted award in 2016. Joda East has been rated a 5-Star mine for the fourth time while Khondbond Iron and Manganese Mine received its maiden 5-Star Rating Award.

The Star Rating system, awarded by the Ministry of Mines, assesses mining operations based on operational efficiency, environmental management, safety standards, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Rajasthan and Satish Chandra Dubey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Government of India, graced the occasion. Atul Kumar Bhatnagar, General Manager, OMQ, and D Vijayendra, Chief, Noamundi, received the award for the Noamundi Iron Mine. Similarly, Rajesh Kumar, Chief, Joda, received the award for the Joda East Iron Mine. G V Satyanarayana, Chief, Khondbond, and Awnish Kumar, Chief, Planning, OMQ, received the award for the Khondbond Mine.

“Tata Steel strives to follow innovative and responsible mining practices, contributing to mineral conservation, environmental protection, and community development. This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable mining for a greener and more inclusive future,” said Sandeep Kumar, Vice President, Raw Materials, Tata Steel Limited.

Tata Steel have been an industry leader in implementing cutting-edge technologies and industry-best mining practices to achieve benchmark performance across its mining operations. The Company’s CSR initiatives in its mining regions focus on education and skill development, health and sanitation, livelihood, and overall welfare of proximate communities.

The track, titled “Superstar”, isn’t just a banger. It is a tribute from one artist to another, rooted in emotion and mutual respect. The song and its visuals spotlight the story of the everyday Indian dreamer -representing two lives, two professions, both grounded in hustle and heart. One character chases his dream to become an artist, while the other quietly carries the weight of responsibilities for his family. The narrative is fictional, yet deeply relatable.

“Parmish paaji has been one of my inspirations since day one. ‘Superstar’ is just my way of saying thank you. Honoured to share a track with him.”, says Paradox.

In every frame, Paradox wears a piece of history. Each shirt is a reference to an iconic Parmish Verma track, creating a visual tribute only the real fans will catch.

“I saw a piece of myself in Paradox, a heart full of dreams and eyes full of innocence. I love it when he’s around. The day I was making this song, I called him midway through producing it because I knew he was going to make it a complete 360° moment for me. In a way, I’m with myself in this video. Wishing him nothing but love and success.”, says Parmish.

Unannounced and driven purely by respect and love, this collaboration is already being celebrated as one of the most original birthday tributes of the year.

“Superstar” is now streaming on all platforms.

Chandigarh, 7th July, 2025: Organic India, by Tata Consumer Products Limited and has launched a powerful new campaign to reinforce Organic India as one of India’s most trusted organic brands, in collaboration with cricket legend and global icon Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin’s determination to excellence & integrity mirrors the brands unwavering commitment to deliver high quality, trusted organic products. With this natural alignment of shared values and vision, Organic India aims to deepen consumer trust, inspire brand love and reinforce its position as a pioneer in the organic foods and beverages category.

Anchored in the message ‘Sirf Naam Se Nahi, Kaam Se Organic’, the campaign is launched at a time when consumer interest in healthier eating and organic food is steadily rising. However, as more people make conscious choices, many remain uncertain about what truly defines an organic product. The market is flooded with claims, leaving consumers questioning the integrity behind the Organic label. This campaign encourages consumers to ask the right questions and educates them on identifying authentically organic products while reinforcing the rigorous quality standards Organic India products adhere to, which makes them ‘authentically organic’. By backing every claim with proof, Organic India aims to help consumers go beyond just an ‘Organic label’ and make decisions rooted in facts and not assumptions.

The brand film brings this message to life through everyday moments which most consumers can relate to. With calm conviction, Sachin gently reminds consumers to look beyond just Organic labels, challenge assumptions about the authenticity of the so-called Organic products, while drawing attention to what sets Organic India apart. Organic India conducts 600+ tests on its herbs, even though claiming organic status requires much lesser by regulation. In addition, it sources directly from 2,000+ farmers and holds globally recognized organic certifications, ensuring unmatched purity, traceability, and long-term credibility.

With a 25-year legacy of delivering high-quality, trusted organic products, Organic India now aims to build deeper consumer awareness, foster trust, and set a new benchmark for authenticity in the organic category.

As Sachin shares in the film, “Sirf Naam se nahi, Kaam se organic,” He adds, “In today’s world, it’s important to ask where your food comes from and how it’s grown. What drew me to Organic India is their integrity; everything they say, they back up with action. This film reflects that honesty and encourages people to choose with care.”

Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages, India & South Asia, Tata Consumer Products, said: “While there is increasing awareness about the benefit of organic foods and beverages, there is also an increase in consumer skepticism and lack of awareness about the authenticity of these products. With this campaign, we are urging the consumers to question the authenticity of various Organic products and reinforce what truly makes a product organic. Organic India has always believed that authenticity must be earned, not claimed. Through rigorous testing, transparent sourcing, and a legacy of integrity, we aim to build lasting trust. Sachin Tendulkar’s voice brings powerful credibility to this mission, inspiring people to make choices rooted in truth, not assumptions.”

Mumbai, July 07, 2025: Bank of India, one of the leading public sector banks in India, has rationalized the interest rates on its Green Deposit & Savings Deposit which are made effective from 07.07.2025. This move is part of the Bank’s proactive efforts to align its deposit rates with market dynamics, to felicitate transmission of policy rates and also to ensure a balance between deposit rates & advance rates. In view of the recent repo rate revision, the Bank has adjusted the interest rate on its Green Deposit to 6.70% p.a. from 7.00% p.a. for a tenure of 999 days on deposit amounts ranging from Rs.1.00 lakh to less than Rs.10.00 crore. Bank of India has also rationalized its Savings Deposit Rate for amount up to Rs.1.00 lakhs from 2.75% pa. to 2.50% p.a. All other rates in Savings Deposit remain unchanged.