Archives August 2025

Samatva Foundation Celebrates Anniversary with Day-long Music Festival in Bengaluru

BENGALURU, August 4, 2025: The Samatva Foundation commemorated its anniversary with a full-day classical music festival at the Aksharam Auditorium, Samskrita Bharati, Girinagar, celebrating the rich heritage of Indian classical music with a blend of seasoned and upcoming talent.

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The celebrations began with a melodious invocation by the students of Samatva Foundation followed by captivating morning concert by the renowned Carnatic duo Bangalore Brothers — Sri Hariharan M.B. and Sri Ashok S, who mesmerized the audience with their vocal prowess. They were joined by Sri Vaibhav Ramani on violin, Sri Vinod Shyam Anoor on mridangam, and Sri Anirudh Athreya on kanjira, setting a dignified and traditional tone for the day.

In the afternoon session, emerging young artists were given the stage in a special junior concert that showcased the promising future of classical music. Performances by Kum. Pranavi Guruprasanna, Chi. Achuyuth M. Athreya, Sri Nagendra Prasad S.P., and Chi. Pranav S. Balakrishna were warmly received, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing new talent.

The day concluded with an enthralling evening performance by young veena maestro Sri Ramana Balachandran, whose recital was a fitting finale to the celebrations. He was accompanied by Sri Vijay B. Natesan on mridangam and Sri Vazhappally R. Krishnakumar on ghatam, delivering a performance that drew admiration from rasikas and connoisseurs alike.

The anniversary celebration served as a testament to Smt. Pallavi Guruprasanna and Sri Guru Prasanna G, Samatva Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote and preserve classical music through inclusive platforms and intergenerational participation.

Diabetes Distress & Burnout

August 4, 2025: Living with diabetes means more than just checking your blood sugar — it’s about keeping it in a healthy range every day. It also requires being mindful of when and what you eat, and knowing what needs to be done in case the blood sugar levels fall. Over time these constant challenges can lead to a feeling of diabetes distress.

With over 101 million people living with diabetes in India, diabetes distress or burnout typically affects 18% of those living with this condition[1]. For some, it manifests as irritability, frustration, or emotional fatigue. For others, it’s a quiet retreat—missing glucose checks, skipping medications, or avoiding appointments. Diabetes distress usually stems from the relentless demands of daily management. It’s a reflection of the emotional toll that constant vigilance can take. By acknowledging the mental and emotional effects of diabetes, individuals can begin to find a sense of balance, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the support systems.

Technology can play an important role in easing the burden of diabetes and offer much-needed support in managing this distress. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices provide real-time blood glucose alarms that let you know and take informed decisions the moment your glucose is too low or too high. It also allows to see patterns and trends and helps understand how food, activity and insulin affect glucose levels.

Dr Manjunath P R, Associate Professor, Consultant, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bangalore, said, “Managing diabetes requires a holistic approach that nurtures both body and mind. Effective diabetes management is about striking a balance. A well-rounded routine includes nutritious eating, regular physical activity, and consistent glucose monitoring. Tools like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices play a vital role in this journey. By offering real-time insights into glucose trends, CGMs help individuals understand how specific foods, activities, or stressors affect their levels. This immediate feedback empowers people to make informed decisions, reduces uncertainty, and can significantly ease the emotional burden of diabetes.”

Diabetes distress often eases when the experience feels less isolating—and that’s where the power of family and community comes in. Through connected care, people with diabetes can share the responsibility of managing their health with family members. It gives people the confidence to take charge of their health and have more meaningful conversations with healthcare providers.

Dr. Vivek Iyer Head, Medical Affairs, South Asia, Abbott, said, “To ease the burden of diabetes distress and prevent burnout, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices can be transformative. Today’s CGMs go beyond tracking—they serve as comprehensive digital health platforms that foster connection. By allowing individuals to share real-time glucose data with loved ones and healthcare providers CGMs help create a supportive, informed care network.”

Here are a few strategies backed by technology and research that can help manage diabetes journey:

Use Technology To Lighten The Load: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are game-changers for people with diabetes — offering real-time insights that help reduce stress and make daily management easier. These painless, prick free devices track your blood sugar levels every minute and generate visual trends, enabling you to act before your glucose levels become too high or too low.

Find balance through routine and joy: Burnout often stems from trying to do everything perfectly. Let go of perfection and find your own balance.. Identifying the activities and health goals that matter most to you can make managing diabetes—and your overall well-being—feel more achievable and sustainable.

Stay active and focus on mindful eating: A mix of moderate intensity aerobic and resistance-based exercises like walking, yoga, swimming, dancing, weight training etc., for approximately 150 minutes per week, is often recommended for people with diabetes. Movement improves insulin sensitivity and releases endorphins that help reduce stress. Your meals matter too. Choose balanced diets and practice mindful eating.

Finally, make time for things you enjoy- whether it is spending time with someone, or pursuing a hobby. Focus on what matters the most – you can create a healthier and happier life.

Hari Chandana and Pinky Reddy inaugurated the First Edition of FLO Job Fair

Hyderabad, August 2, 2025 — FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), India’s premier women’s business chamber, marked a historic milestone with the launch of its first-ever National FLO Job Fair, inaugurated today at Avinash College of Commerce, Secunderabad. This flagship initiative, aimed at enabling direct access to employment and skilling opportunities, was rolled out in Hyderabad — the first of several FLO Chapters that will host similar job fairs across India in the coming months.

 Hari Chandana and Pinky Reddy inaugurated the First Edition of FLO Job Fair

The Job Fair was supported by DEET – Digital Employment Exchange of Telangana, whose extensive database helped amplify the reach and connect relevant job seekers with suitable employers. Key corporate participants included PayTM, JustDial, HDFC, Insurance Saathi, Brilliant Biopharmaceuticals, VisionTek, Polmon, Dr. Rao’s ENT, Creamstone, and many others.

The participating companies offered job roles across departments such as Accounts, Sales, Digital Marketing, Microbiology, Admin, Design and more.

Hari Chandana and Pinky Reddy inaugurated the First Edition of FLO Job Fair

It was inaugurated by Ms. Hari Chandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector of Hyderabad, along with Ms. Pinky Reddy, FLO Past NTIONAL President, and Ms. Kamini Saraf, FLO National Vice Chairperson.  Ms. Hari Chandarna lauded the efforts of FLO and remarked. “By connecting job seekers, especially women and youth, to real opportunities, FLO is contributing meaningfully to Telangana’s employment ecosystem.”

I see a lot of gaps between jobs and job seekers.  When we did a similar event in Nalgonda, 10,000 job aspirants turned up just for 40 positions.  Such is the huge gap.  That needs to be bridged. This is a match-making between employees and employers, and it is the need of the hour, she said.

The important thing is the retention of employees.  To retain them, the concerned must work towards developing a sense of ownership and pride in the company.  Companies must provide such an atmosphere so that employees develop a sense of belongingness.  The Government of Telangana has given a lot of priority to skilling.   Telangana Government is revamping 65 government ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) in partnership.

Many Indians who go abroad and hold important portfolios are a testimony to the indian talent.  Future belongs to India, Ms. Hari Chandana told.

Guest of Honour, Ms. Pinky Reddy, Past National President, FLO, reflected on the organisation’s 43-year journey, stating, “This is a landmark moment for FLO. For the first time, we are bridging aspiration and opportunity in a structured, scalable manner. It is inspiring to see such alignment between purpose and action.”

Welcoming participants, Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad, said, “We are proud that Hyderabad is hosting the very first edition of this national drive.

Hari Chandana and Pinky Reddy inaugurated the First Edition of FLO Job Fair

Mr. J. Rajeshwar Reddy, Director of DEET—Digital Employment Exchange of Telangana, stated that the government’s digital job portal has enrolled 90,000 candidates seeking employment and 1,500 employers.  The city has over 150 training institutions such as Skill University, TASK etc.  Since the portal launched last December, the platform has released 2500 job notifications.   Currently, 10,000 vacancies are notified and are ready to be grabbed

He also outlined key government employment schemes such as the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, launched on July 1, 2025, which aims to create 3.5 crore formal jobs by incentivising EPFO-registered hires and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme promotes domestic manufacturing and employment by offering incentives based on incremental sales. He also urged job seekers and job givers to visit the DEET Job Portal on www.deet.telangana.gov.in to seek more details.

CA Shubhraa Maheshwari, National Lead – FLO Academia-Industry-Government (AIG) Linkages and Past Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad, emphasised the initiative’s long-term impact “Our upcoming white paper titled ‘The Employment Landscape in India: Past Decade Analysis and Future Outlook (2015–2035)’ will be released in Delhi at the upcoming FLO Job Fair. Today’s event shows how research can lead to real-world change.”

Hari Chandana and Pinky Reddy inaugurated the First Edition of FLO Job Fair

Operational leadership for the program was steered by Priya Gazdar, Immediate Past Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad and National Lead – FLO Job Fair and part of the AIG team, who shared details about the backend systems. “We have created a seamless, tech-enabled experience — from employer onboarding to candidate-job matching and interview coordination. Today’s execution demonstrates what is possible when vision meets structure,” she said.

Sujitha Chityala, FLO Job Fair Lead for the Hyderabad Chapter, added, “The response was overwhelming.

Avinash College of Commerce offered its venue, and Notch Above supported the cause.

Digitide Reports Strong Q1FY26, Strategic Shift Boosts Growth

BENGALURU , August 2, 2025: Digitide Solutions Limited (“Digitide”) , an AI-first digital transformation partner for global enterprises, announced its financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025. The company recorded a sequential increase in revenue and EBITDA, along with a notable improvement in PAT.

The quarter reflects the ongoing strategic realignment that the company had initiated last year, following its successful demerger from Quess Corp Limited and its transition into an independently listed entity. With sharpened focus on portfolio optimisation and disciplined execution, Digitide continues to strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

Key Financial Highlights

  •  Revenue at ₹736 crores, growing 6% YoY and 0.4% sequentially despite business reset  BPM segment grows at 7% while Tech and Digital segment grew 4% YoY  EBITDA stood at ₹83 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 11.2%
  •  PAT rose 150 bps sequentially QoQ to ₹10 crore

Key Business Highlights

  • Strong bookings momentum continues: Marking second consecutive quarter with bookings surpassing the ₹500 crore milestone, Q1 closed at ₹523 crore, driven by consistent performance across key geographies and sectors, further strengthening revenue visibility for FY26
  • Focused portfolio: Steadily progressed with our strategy of exiting select legacy and non core businesses, sharpening our oƯerings in line with our AI-first digital transformation vision
  • Operational EƯiciency: Strong cost discipline drives robust business margin expansion, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable, profitable growth
  • Strong Sales pipeline: Healthy sales pipeline across strategic verticals, driving greater visibility and growth potential for the upcoming periods

Speaking on the performance, Gurmeet Chahal, Chief Executive OƯicer, Digitide Solutions Limited said, “Digitide is entering a pivotal phase in its growth journey, marked by sharper strategic focus and a renewed commitment towards value creation. The pipeline is strong, and we see encouraging traction in new business wins across key markets. The business resets that were undertaken – including realigning our oƯerings around high-margin, high-potential segments such as BFSI, Healthcare, FGT and AI led oƯerings, are already enabling us to prioritize commercially and strategically aligned opportunities. Sequential Q1 growth despite the realignment & optimization of the portfolio gives us the confidence in accelerating our performance further in the coming quarters. We continue towards building a future-ready organization, and the steps taken today are designed to deliver sustained growth and enhanced stakeholder value.”

Looking Ahead

Digitide remains focused on scaling its digital and AI-first capabilities across global markets. With a streamlined portfolio, strengthened leadership team, and an agile go-to-market strategy, the company is well-positioned to deepen client engagements and unlock long-term value for stakeholders in FY26 and beyond.

Tata Motors signs MoU with Green Energy Mobility Solutions to supply 100 Magna EV intercity coaches

Bengaluru, 2nd August 2025: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Green Energy Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd (GEMS), the electric mobility arm promoted by Universal Bus Services (UBS) to supply 100 state-of-the-art Magna EV intercity coaches. The signing took place at Passenger Vehicle Expo 2.0 in Chennai, where Tata Motors is showcasing its latest commercial passenger mobility solutions, including the all-electric Magna EV and the LPO 1822, designed for superior performance, exceptional passenger comfort and best-in-class total cost of ownership.

tata motors

Universal Bus Services is a prominent premium intercity travel brand in South India, known for its innovation, reliability, and customer-centric services. Its newly incorporated EV arm, Green Energy Mobility Solutions, is driving UBS’ transition to sustainable mobility through the deployment of advanced electric buses and charging infrastructure. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, along with delegates from Government of Tamil Nadu and members of the All Omni Bus Owners Association (AOBOA).

Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Tamil Nadu continues to lead the way in automotive and clean mobility innovation. Tata Motors’ partnership with Universal Bus Services to supply intercity electric buses is a significant step towards greener and safer public transportation. This initiative directly benefits the people of Tamil Nadu by offering cleaner travel options and affirms our commitment to building a future-ready, sustainable transport ecosystem.

Signing the MoU, Mr. Sunil Kumar Ravindran, Managing Partner, Universal Bus Services, and Director, Green Energy Mobility Solutions, said, “Our longstanding association with Tata Motors has been built on trust. This MoU marks a significant milestone as we transition to electric intercity travel with the Magna EV coaches. These buses promise quieter, more comfortable journeys and an enhanced passenger experience—perfectly suited for long-distance routes. With reduced operating costs and zero emissions, this fleet will not only boost our efficiency but also reinforce our commitment to sustainable mobility.”

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “This MoU with UBS is a landmark moment in our journey to transform intercity transportation. The Magna EV, developed through extensive customer feedback and rigorous testing, is designed to redefine long-distance travel in India. We are confident it will set new standards in comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. As India’s leading provider of electric mass mobility solutions, Tata Motors remains committed to driving the future of clean and connected transportation.”

The Tata Magna EV coach is a fully-electric intercity bus with up to 300km range on a single charge. It offers a 44-seater configuration designed for long-distance comfort. Passenger convenience and safety is enhanced through ergonomic seats, Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Tata Motors leads India’s electric bus segment with a diverse portfolio that includes the Starbus EV and Ultra EV for intra-city and the Magna EV for intercity travel. With over 3,600 electric buses operational in 11 cities, the fleet has cumulatively clocked a distance of over 34 crore kilometres with an uptime of over 95%. These buses are equipped with Fleet Edge, Tata Motors’ connected vehicle platform that enables real-time diagnostics, tracking and fleet optimisation.

Raipur Garment Fair Returns to Rama World with 2500 Retailers, Spotlights Regional Fashion Growth

Raipur, August 1 , 2025: Rama World, a premier shopping destination by Rama Group, served as the venue partner to the Raipur Garment Fair 2025, organised by Raipur Wholesale Hosiery & Readymade Dealers Association (RWH&RDA) from 29-31st July at Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The event is one of the region’s biggest and most anticipated B2B apparel trade fairs for the Autumn-Winter season. Raipur Garment fair concluded its fourth successful edition with over 2500 clothing retailers from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and exhibitors from Raipur in attendance. The fair has emerged as a pivotal platform for retail networking, fashion brands, and business expansion in the region.

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The event was inaugurated by esteemed dignitaries including Shri Sant Yudhishthir Lal Ji Maharaj, Mr. Satish Thourani, the President of the Chhattisgarh Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Vinod Talreja, President, Raipur Wholesale Hosiery & Readymade Dealers Association, and Mr. Jaspreet Singh Saluja, Executive Chairman, Raipur Wholesale Hosiery & Readymade Dealers Association. The inaugural ceremony included a lamp-lighting ritual, attended by association president and other esteemed dignitaries

The three-day fair was hosted to accommodate large-scale exhibitions; the venue offered a well-equipped and professionally managed environment for exhibitors and visitors. This year’s edition featured leading apparel brands, debuting exclusive collections, showcasing emerging trends, and launching seasonal

Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Managing Director, Rama Group, said, “At Rama Group, we believe that real progress lies in enabling meaningful connections that drive business and growth. Serving as the venue partner to the Raipur Garment Fair offers a valuable platform that brings together retailers and brands in a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and opportunity. We are committed to supporting industries that contribute to regional and national growth. It aligns with our mission at Rama World to build a better tomorrow for the country by creating spaces where business potential is unlocked, partnerships are formed, and forward-looking ideas come to life.”

Mr. Vinod Talreja, President, Raipur Wholesale Hosiery & Readymade Dealers Association, said, “We have had the opportunity to host the Raipur Garment Fair at Rama World on two occasions, and our experience has been highly positive. Rama World, a premier shopping destination developed by the Rama Group, offers a well-equipped and professionally managed environment conducive to large-scale business events. The collaboration has been seamless, and we value the support extended to our association. We look forward to exploring continued partnerships with Rama Group for future initiatives that contribute meaningfully to the growth of the apparel trade in this region.”

As part of Rama Group’s broader vision for Rama World, the destination continues to evolve into a hub that blends retail, lifestyle, and recreation. Upcoming additions include a Galleria, curated food court, and dedicated activity zones for pickleball, paddleball, box cricket, and fitness, alongside vibrant cafés, horse-riding trails, and leisure spaces, all designed to build a multifaceted community, wellness and commerce ecosystem.

The Raipur Garment Fair continues to receive widespread appreciation from participating brands and buyers for its role in facilitating B2B commerce and enhancing visibility for new and established labels alike. Its sustained success over four editions reflects Raipur’s strategic importance as a burgeoning center for garment trade in Central India.

North Zone Abilympics in Lucknow Showcases Skills; Minister Kashyap Backs Bigger Vision

North Zone Regional Abilympics in Lucknow Celebrates Skills of Persons with Disabilities; Disability Empowerment Minister Shri Narendra Kumar Kashyap Pledges Support for Bigger Vision

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Lucknow, August 2, 2025 — The North Zone Regional Abilympics & Conference 2025 commenced today at the Atal Convention Centre, Lucknow, celebrating the exceptional skills and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from across eight northern states — Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Organized by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) in collaboration with Sarthak Educational Trust, and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), TPCDT, and IndusInd Bank, the event brings together over 100 participants to compete in trades including Photography, Painting & Decoration, Basket Making, Crochet, Massage, Hairdressing, Cake Decoration, Character Designing, Engineering Design, and more.

Inaugurating the event, Shri Narendra Kumar Kashyap, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Disabled Empowerment, Uttar Pradesh, applauded the initiative, saying, “I applaud the Abilympics initiative, a strong step toward skilling and job mapping for Divyangjan as they work toward the 2027 Finland goal. Sarthak’s efforts to empower Persons with Disabilities through skills and employment are commendable. The state is eager to collaborate with organizations like Sarthak to achieve a larger vision of sustainable empowerment for every Divyangjan. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is complementing these efforts with several welfare schemes. With a ₹1950 crore budget focused on early interventions, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities, the state is committed to ensuring that every Divyangjan thrives and contributes to our shared progress.”

Widely known as the “Olympics of Abilities” or the “Work Skills Olympics for People with Disabilities,” the Abilympics are designed to celebrate talent, resilience, and vocational excellence among PwDs while building pathways to employment and inclusion. The event also includes a National Conference bringing together leaders from government, corporates, NGOs, and academia to discuss inclusive skilling, employment gaps, and sustainable systems of empowerment.

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General of NAAI and Founder & CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust, stated, “This is more than a competition. It’s a movement to unlock economic dignity, confidence, and careers for millions of PwDs across India. At Sarthak, we are not just building skills—we are building futures. Our mission to empower 10 million PwDs and facilitate over 2 lakh sustainable job placements by 2027 is what drives our every effort.”

The event also highlighted findings from Sarthak Educational Trust’s Global Resource Centre, which revealed alarming gaps. “Over 64% of India’s 2.68 crore PwDs remain unemployed, with a 70% shortage of trained rehabilitation professionals and fewer than 60 accessibility auditors nationwide. These insights stress the urgent need for systemic reforms in skilling and employment”, added Dr. Aggarwal. Sarthak, over the years has trained around 1 lack Divyangjan and placed them in various job profiles in noted organisations in India.

With a vision 2030, Sarthak Educational Trust is planning to launch Sarthak Global University, which is aimed to fill in the gaps in Early Intervention and therapy for infants and children, shortage of rehabilitation professionals and more. The plan is to start with 5 schools in 20 departments providing 200+ courses which is aimed to train 10,000+ professionals specializing in Disability rehab, inclusive education, assistive technology and more. This will enable 100,000+ PwD’s through education, vocational training, and skill development programs.

I have a locomotor disability and don’t have proper limbs but through my craft, I’ve found confidence and independence. Competing at the Abilympics made me realize that our abilities can create opportunities. I’m excited to take this energy to the Nationals and hopefully represent India in Finland“, shared participant Bharti Saini from Nainital (Uttarakhand) who participated in Painting.

The winners from this regional round will advance to the National Abilympics 2025 to be held in Delhi this November, where Team India will be selected to represent the country at the 11th International Abilympics in Finland (2027).

This edition of the North Zone Abilympics celebrates skill and reinforces a powerful message — when given the right platform, Persons with Disabilities can lead, innovate, and thrive.

Fairfield by Marriott Opens New Hotel in Jaipur

Bangalore, India, August 1, 2025 : Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly announces the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road. Strategically located in the centre of the city, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road brings a refreshing blend of modern comfort and simple design aesthetics to Jaipur. The hotel is ideally located for guests to immerse themselves in Jaipur’s rich cultural tapestry, offering convenient access to iconic landmarks such as the historic Hawa Mahal, the grand Amer Fort, and the elegant City Palace. For those eager to explore the city, vibrant bazaars, authentic local eateries, and centuries-old architectural gems are in the vicinity; each reflecting the royal heritage and colorful spirit that define Jaipur. The hotel is conveniently situated 6kms from Jaipur International Airport and 8kms from the Jaipur Railway station, making a perfect base for business and leisure travellers.

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“Fairfield by Marriott is one of the fastest-growing brands in our select-service portfolio and its resonance in India is both organic and intentional. With the launch of Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road, we are not only strengthening our footprint in a city that holds enduring appeal for both domestic and international travellers—we’re also deepening our presence in high-potential secondary markets across the country. We are excited about the opportunity to bring Fairfield by Marriott’s simple, seamless, warm and inviting experience to more destinations in the country,” said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.

The hotel features 115 spacious, modern and well-equipped rooms with a focus on simplicity and comfort, offering plush bedding, functional workspaces, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Each room offers stunning views overlooking the vast cityscape of Jaipur. The hotel’s public spaces evoke warm hospitality, a signature of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, featuring a modern and calm aesthetic with open layouts, multifunctional spaces and natural light. Guests can enjoy a well-rounded dining experience at Vista 20, an all-day dining restaurant serving a thoughtfully curated selection of international and local cuisines. Perched on the 20th floor, the restaurant offers sweeping, picturesque views of the Jaipur cityscape, providing the perfect backdrop for any meal. Complementing the dining experience is a well-stocked bar, ideal for unwinding with a drink after a day of meetings or exploring the city. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine while traveling, the hotel offers a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The hotel also boasts a spacious, pillar-less ballroom, spanning 3,000 square feet, with an additional pre-function area of 1,000 square feet. With its flexible event spaces, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road will cater to large corporate events, meetings, weddings, and special occasions in Jaipur.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road, where they can immerse themselves in the brand’s signature warmth and enjoy a seamless stay in one of Jaipur’s most vibrant and culturally rich locations,” said Gautam Chhabra Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road. “Whether you’re here for business, a wedding celebration, or to discover the fascinating heritage of the city, our hotel offers the ideal blend of comfort, simplicity and convenience for an unforgettable experience.”

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road is designed to offer today’s traveler just what they need—thoughtful comfort, intuitive service, and a sense of place. With its central location, contemporary amenities, and commitment to delivering a seamless and welcoming experience, the hotel is well positioned to become the preferred choice for guests seeking dependable hospitality in the heart of the Pink City.

U.S. Announces 25 Percentage Tariff on India Amid Ongoing Trade Deal Talks

By – Munjal Almoula, Head of tax, BDO India

“During ongoing negotiations for a trade deal between India and USA, the President of the United States has announced a 25% tariff on India (and an unspecified penalty). While the levy of additional tariff initially announced on 2nd April was deferred till 1st August to allow negotiation of trade deals with various countries, with this announcement, it is likely that the additional tariff would be imposed on exports from India, unless there is a last-minute extension of time for further negotiation.

The trade deal with USA, one of our biggest trading partners, involves navigating negotiations since there are various sensitive issues like GM crops, imports of dairy products etc., which are important for the Indian economy. Unless there is an agreement on safeguarding India’s interest on these issues as well as other similar issues such as bilateral agreement on digital services tax, stand for continuation for moratorium on customs duty on digital transmissions etc, such a deal may impact India’s interests, and we would need to carefully assess the imperative of any such trade deal.”

Cholamandalam Investment Reports Q1 FY26 Results

Chennai, 1st August 2025: The Board of Directors of CIFCL today approved the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025.

Performance Highlights:

Aggregate disbursements in Q1 FY 26 were at ₹ 24,325 Cr as against ₹ 24,332 Cr in Q1 FY 25.

  • Vehicle Finance (VF) disbursements were at ₹ 13,647 Cr in Q1 FY 26 as against ₹ 12,766 Cr in Q1 FY 25, registering a growth of 7%.
  • Loan Against Property (LAP) business disbursed ₹ 4,705 Cr in Q1 FY 26, as against ₹ 3,874 Cr in Q1 FY 25, with a growth rate of 21%.
  • Home Loans disbursed ₹ 1,764 Cr in Q1 FY 26, as against ₹ 1,778 Cr in Q1 FY 25 registering a marginal decline.
  • Small and Medium Enterprises Loan (SME) business disbursed ₹ 1,705 Cr in Q1 FY 26, as against ₹ 2,160 Cr in Q1 FY 25. This is due to conscious call to slow down certain low ROTA products in this segment.
  • Consumer and Small Enterprise Loans (CSEL) disbursed ₹ 2,046 Cr in Q1 FY 26, as against ₹ 3,486 Cr in Q1 FY 25. The degrowth is primarily due to exiting of Partnership business under CSEL.
  • Secured Business and Personal Loan (SBPL) disbursed ₹ 359 Cr in Q1 FY 26, as against ₹ 268 Cr in Q1 FY 25 registering a growth of 34%.
  • Gold Loan business was launched in Q1 of FY 26 and disbursed Rs.100 Cr.
  • Assets under management as of 30th June 2025, stood at ₹ 2,07,663 Cr as compared to ₹ 1,68,832 Cr as of 30th June 2024, clocking a growth of 23% Y-O-Y.
  • PBT for Q1 FY 26 was at ₹ 1,530 Cr, registering a growth of 21% over Q1 of FY 25.
  • PBT-ROA for Q1 FY 26 was at 3.1% as against 3.2% in Q1 FY 25.
  • ROE for Q1 FY 26 was at 18.8% as against 18.9% in Q1 FY 25.
  • The Company continues to hold a strong liquidity position with ₹ 16,731 Cr as cash balance as of the end of Jun’2025 (including Rs 3,567.54 cr invested in Gsec & SDL/ Rs 1,598.32 cr invested TBill & Rs 786.24 crs invested in Strips shown under investments), with a total liquidity position of ₹ 17,226 Cr (including undrawn sanctioned lines). The ALM is comfortable with no negative cumulative mismatches across all time buckets.
  • Consolidated Profit Before Tax (PBT) for Q1 FY 26 was at ₹ 1,531 Cr as against ₹ 1,275 Cr in Q1 FY 25 registering a growth of 20%.