Archives 2025

Cosmo Films Launches High-Performance Packaging Films for Pet Food Industry

New Delhi, Dec 23: Cosmo Films, a global leader in specialty films, today announced the expansion of its flexible packaging portfolio with a new range of BOPP, CPP and BOPET based films engineered specifically for pet food packaging. The introduction includes a new high heat-resistant TR-BOPP film along with advanced barrier and lidding films, strengthening the company’s commitment to delivering next-generation, food-safe packaging solutions.

India’s pet food market has been expanding rapidly, driven by rising pet adoption and premiumisation, with the segment estimated to be one of the fastest-growing within the broader pet care industry. This surge in demand has created a need for reliable, and safe packaging structures  a need Cosmo Films is addressing through its enhanced specialty film portfolio.

Cosmo Films’ new offering includes its TR-BOPP heat-resistant transparent film, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 185°C with uniform linear tear, creating a strong alternative to conventional PET print layers used in pet food packaging. The portfolio also features anti-fog transparent BOPET lidding films, COPET-coated BOPET for improved adhesion and machinability, and coated metallized BOPET films designed to provide excellent oxygen and moisture barrier performance for sensitive dry and wet pet food applications. It further addresses dry pet food, treats, and functional nutrition segments through Ultra High Barrier grade metallized BOPP films, which serve as a sustainable replacement for aluminium foil by reducing material complexity while delivering robust oxygen and moisture barrier performance, and the ready-to-eat pet food segment through retort-grade CPP films that withstand high-temperature processing while ensuring food safety and shelf-life integrity.

Commenting on the product introduction for the market, Mr Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First said

 “The pet food category is evolving rapidly, and packaging must evolve with it. With this expansion, we are leveraging our deep specialty films expertise and applying critical insights gained from building Zigly, our fast-growing pet care business. Our direct understanding of pet parent consumer behaviour and product requirements enables us to engineer packaging films that deliver superior safety, barrier performance, convenience, and brand differentiation. This is a strategic category for the future, and we are committed to supporting its growth with world-class solutions.”

The new expanded offerings cater to the growing demand for packaging solutions that ensure product protection, safety, extended shelf life, and visual appeal. The films are also backed by the company’s globally recognized food-safe manufacturing standards, including FSSC 22000 and FDA-compliant structures, making them highly compatible and intuitive to deploy across both dry and wet pet food applications.

Cosmo Films foray into pet-food-ready packaging films aligns with its broader strategy of expanding into high-growth, high-value applications across flexible packaging. Supported by strong R&D capabilities, global certifications, and multi-technology manufacturing, the company continues to drive innovation across categories that demand enhanced performance and safety.

Surmandal: 56 Years of Musical Excellence and a living legacy of Indian Classical Music

Hyderabad, Dec 23: Surmandal has played a pivotal role in turning Hyderabad into a classical music capital. This Hyderabad-based cultural organisation, dedicated to Indian classical music and dance, was founded in 1969 by Shri Mohan Hemmadi with the blessings of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Surmandal is not just an organisation; it is a cultural conscience.

For over five decades, Surmandal has functioned as a platform for preserving, promoting, and presenting Indian classical traditions. It has curated high-quality concerts featuring legendary maestros as well as emerging artists, helping shape Hyderabad into an important centre for classical music appreciation.

surmandal

Surmandal is a non-profit cultural institution that organises Indian classical music and dance concerts, nurtures young and upcoming artists, honours and preserves the legacy of great maestros, and builds informed and appreciative classical music audiences.

One of Hyderabad’s longest-running classical music organisations, Surmandal has hosted concerts by icons such as Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Smt. M. S. Subbulakshmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Dr. Balamuralikrishna, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. It has actively integrated music into the city’s identity by helping name Hyderabad streets after legendary musicians. Known for its aesthetic discipline, intimate concert settings, and cultural integrity, Surmandal continues its journey today under the stewardship of Mr. Siddharth Hemmadi, carrying forward the vision of its founder, Shri Mohan Hemmadi, who is no more.

Surmandal marked its Golden Jubilee on 5 January 2019, commemorating 50 years of uninterrupted service. As part of the celebrations, the organisation paid tribute to Annapurna Devi and Pandit V. G. Jog, acknowledging their immense contribution to Hindustani classical music.

Its 57th anniversary is close on its heels in January. January also marks Triveni Season 3, presented in association with Canara Bank and Parinishtaa Eco Solutions, to be held on 4 January 2026 at Ravindra Bharati. The concert will feature Shri Kaushiki Chakraborty, accompanied by leading accompanists.

Adding a deeply meaningful dimension, renowned Hyderabad-based painter Shri Sachin Jaltare will create a live artwork during the performance. The painting will support Sparsh Hospice, a centre for terminally ill cancer patients—an initiative close to Shri Mohan Hemmadi ji’s heart and supported by the Rotary Club of Banjara Hills.

At a time when platforms for Indian classical music were limited in the city, Shri Mohan Hemmadi envisioned an institution that would do more than organise concerts. His dream was to shape a cultural consciousness—to create discerning audiences, nurture talent, and ensure that classical music remained a living, breathing presence in everyday life. Today, Surmandal has become synonymous with authentic Indian classical music festivals, remembered as much for their artistic rigour as for their intimate, soulful ambience.

Surmandal was established with the blessings of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, whose towering presence in Hindustani classical music symbolised uncompromising excellence. The very first Surmandal concert featured Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, marking an auspicious and historic beginning. That single event set the tone for everything that followed—excellence without compromise and tradition without stagnation.

The second concert in 1970 featured a young prodigy from Assam, underlining Surmandal’s early and enduring commitment to nurturing emerging talent alongside established maestros. Over the decades, this delicate balance—between reverence for legends and faith in the future—became the organisation’s defining hallmark.

“From its first concert with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi to nurturing young talent today, Surmandal remains timeless.”

Through Surmandal, Mohan Hemmadi brought some of the greatest names in Indian classical music to Hyderabad. Over the years, audiences witnessed performances by luminaries such as Smt. M. S. Subbulakshmi, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Dr. Balamuralikrishna, Shri Chitti Babu, and many other giants who shaped the golden eras of Indian classical music.

These concerts were not merely performances—they were cultural milestones. With their disciplined presentation, respectful silences, and discerning listeners, Surmandal events cultivated a refined listening culture. For many Hyderabadis, their first encounter with Hindustani classical music’s towering figures happened under the Surmandal banner.

Gradually, Hyderabad emerged as a significant destination on India’s classical music map—not because of spectacle, but because of sustained and sincere curation.

Surmandal’s contribution extended far beyond concert halls. One of its most visionary initiatives was advocating the naming of city roads and landmarks after legendary musicians, including Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

These roads—located at Basheerbagh Crossing and Ramkote—were inaugurated by stalwarts such as Dr Balamuralikrishna, Shri K. Vishwanath, and Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. The initiative embedded classical music into the city’s everyday geography, ensuring that cultural memory lived not only in archives or recordings, but in the streets, people walk every day.

Indian Classical Music lovers in the city have requested the Government of Telangana to name Road No. 14 in Banjara Hills, where Mr. Mohan Hemmadi lived, after him. Surmandal made a formal request to the government some time ago and they reiterated the same now.

“Some cities remember their musicians through recordings—Hyderabad remembers them through its streets.”

Mohan Hemmadi, the man behind the movement for over 54 years, dedicated his life to preserving and propagating Indian classical music. His vision was clear and unwavering: to make classical music accessible to all, to create meaningful platforms for young talent, and to preserve the dignity and depth of the tradition.

“Mohan Hemmadi believed classical music should belong to everyone—and he lived that belief for 54 years.”

Surmandal continues to curate five to six concerts annually, encompassing vocal and instrumental traditions. Its flagship Triveni Concert Series, held every January, ushers in the New Year with a confluence of music and dance, bringing together legendary maestros and rising stars on one stage.

Seasonal presentations such as Barkha Rang, celebrating the monsoon through evocative ragas, and Morning Raaga, offering rare dawn recitals, provide audiences with unique listening experiences. Intimate, members-only concerts at venues such as the Sailing Annexe and Secunderabad Club further deepen the bond between artists and connoisseurs.

Collaborative initiatives—including Uttar Dakshin with Vivid Arts, Sur Sapthak with Sapthak Bangalore, and the Mohan Mitra Mahotsav with the Mitra Foundation—have enriched Hyderabad’s cultural landscape through dialogue and partnership.

Today, Mr Siddharth Hemmadi, son of Mohan Hemmadi, is carrying forward this remarkable legacy with sensitivity and purpose. Rooted in the same values of authenticity and excellence, Siddharth represents a new generation of cultural stewardship—one that understands tradition while engaging with contemporary audiences. Under his guidance, Surmandal continues to evolve without diluting its ethos, remaining relevant in changing times while staying true to its founding vision.

In an era of fleeting attention and fast-changing tastes, Surmandal stands as a living institution—a reminder that classical music thrives when nurtured with sincerity, patience, and vision.

We are also planning to foray into Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and other cities. We would like to extend our footprint to different genres such as Sufi, Ghazals, Kavvali etc. The pandemic has taken on the mental health of the people and issues related to depression, anxiety, and uncertainty, which lead to frustration which not no medicine can help. It also made people realise how much they have been missing music. And it is said, medicines cure, but MUSIC HEALS. The troubled souls need solace.

Listening to music relaxes, eases pain. Humans are hard-wired to respond to music. “If music were a drug, it would be marketable. Music is a noninvasive, safe, cheap intervention that should be available to everyone undergoing surgery, Siddharth said.

As it completes 56 years, Surmandal continues to honour the past, nurture the present, and inspire the future—ensuring that the timeless traditions of Indian classical music remain not only remembered, but deeply lived.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Adhira & Appa Coffee Flagship Café in Nagpur

Nagpur,  Dec 23: EBG Group, a rapidly expanding Indian conglomerate with diversified interests across mobility, health, realty, lifestyle, food, services, technology, and education, has inaugurated its flagship Adhira & Appa Cafe in Nagpur. The new outlet, located at Poonam Chambers, Chindwada Road, Chhaoni Road, Byramji Town, spans 900 sq. ft. and was inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. Gurukkal Dr. S. Mahesh graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Nithin Gadkhari Cafe Opening

The Nagpur café embodies the brand’s philosophy of “good food, good coffee, and good conversations,” offering a fusion menu that blends Western flavours with South Indian influences. Signature dishes include dosa tacos, medu vada waffles, and other innovative creations, all paired with authentic South Indian filter coffee.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari remarked, “Adhira & Appa Cafe reflects a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation. Initiatives that promote indigenous flavours and create welcoming community spaces strengthen local entrepreneurship and cultural identity.”

Dr. Irfan Khan, Chairman & Founder of EBG Group, added;

“The Nagpur launch marks a significant milestone in our national expansion. With a focus on sustainability and authenticity, Adhira & Appa Cafe has grown from Kochi to cities like Chandigarh, Nashik, Hyderabad, and now Nagpur. Each cup is crafted from premium beans using processes designed to reduce carbon output while delivering an authentic coffee experience.”

Karan Mendon, COO of Adhira & Appa Cafe, said;

“We aim to create spaces where culture, flavour, and community come together. Backed by EBG Group, our goal is to bring authentic South Indian filter coffee to communities across India, sharing moments of joy and warmth with every cup.”

With strong early momentum, EBG Group plans to open over 50 new outlets by March 2026 and scale to 100 cafes nationwide by December 2026, targeting both metropolitan and Tier-2 cities.

Ahmedabad Set to Lead in Affordable, Sustainable Housing Amid Economic Growth

By:–  Mr. Lalit Parihar, managing director, Aaiji Group, a Dholera-based real estate firm

Over the past fifteen years, Ahmedabad has steadily emerged as one of India’s most affordable yet fast-growing residential markets. The city’s strong economic momentum—driven largely by industrial expansion, including semiconductor manufacturing, and major infrastructure upgrades—has fueled a sustained rise in household incomes. Combined with measured, consistent price appreciation, these factors have created a market where homeownership remains both desirable and attainable.

Looking ahead, Ahmedabad is poised to maintain its leadership in affordability and livability. Large-scale infrastructure investments tied to the upcoming Commonwealth Games, along with continued growth in employment-generating industries, are expected to attract greater migration and further expand the city’s economic base. Together, these dynamics are paving the way for a new generation of smart, sustainable communities that will define the city’s next chapter.

Fortis Manesar Launches Region’s First da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System

Manesar,  Dec 23:- Fortis Hospital, Manesar has unveiled Manesar’s first da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, marking a major milestone in southern Haryana’s access to advanced, minimally invasive surgery. The launch positions Fortis Manesar among a select group of hospitals in India offering next-generation robotic surgery for complex procedures across Oncology, Urology, Gynaecology and General Surgery.

The state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi system was unveiled in the presence of senior Fortis leadership, clinicians, and key community stakeholders. With this installation, patients across Manesar and neighbouring districts will no longer need to travel to metro centres for advanced robotic procedures.

The da Vinci Xi platform offers surgeons high-definition 3D visualisation, wristed instruments with 540-degree articulation, tremor filtration, and unmatched precision, enabling complex surgeries to be performed through tiny incisions while preserving healthy tissue. This translates into less blood loss, fewer complications, reduced pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays for patients.

Highlighting the clinical impact of robotic surgery, doctors at Fortis Manesar recently treated a 23-year-old woman diagnosed with cancer of the lower intestine, who feared a permanent colostomy. After medical therapy and radiation successfully reduced the tumour size, surgeons used the da Vinci Xi system to precisely remove the cancer while preserving the natural bowel passage. A temporary stoma was closed within four weeks, and the patient has now regained normal bowel function, a life-changing outcome made possible through robotic precision.

Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, Director  Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said;

Robotic surgery is transforming the way we manage complex cancers. The da Vinci Xi allows us to operate with exceptional accuracy, particularly in confined anatomical spaces, while protecting vital structures. This technology is a game-changer for cancer patients in this region, offering better tumour clearance, faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes.”

Dr Ruchir Maheshwari, Director  Urology & Renal Transplant, Fortis Hospital Manesar, added;

Robot-assisted surgery is now the global standard for many urological procedures. With the da Vinci Xi available in Manesar, patients can access world-class care closer to home. The enhanced dexterity and 3D vision significantly reduce blood loss and improve surgical outcomes.”

Dr Nisha Aggarwal, Director  Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said;

For women undergoing surgery for fibroids, endometriosis or gynaecological cancers, robotic surgery offers safer, more refined treatment with faster recovery and minimal discomfort. As lifestyle-related gynaecological conditions rise, this technology enables us to deliver precision care while preserving quality of life.”

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Additional Director General Surgery, Fortis Hospital Manesar, noted;

Robotic-assisted surgery provides unparalleled control during complex abdominal procedures. The da Vinci Xi represents a significant leap forward in surgical excellence for the region.”

Abhijit Singh, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said;

The introduction of the da Vinci Xi reflects Fortis’ commitment to bringing advanced healthcare technology to emerging growth corridors like Manesar. Beyond patient care, this platform will also support surgeon training and capability-building, strengthening the region’s healthcare ecosystem.”

Fortis Healthcare is among India’s largest robotic surgery providers, having performed over 10,000 robotic procedures across its network. With 15 robotic systems currently operational, including da Vinci Xi and X platforms, Fortis has built a robust, multi-specialty robotics ecosystem that combines clinical excellence, surgeon training, and rare, high-risk procedures.

With the launch of the da Vinci Xi at Fortis Manesar, robotic surgery, once limited to major metros,  is now accessible to patients in Southern Haryana. The milestone reinforces Fortis’ vision of democratising advanced surgical care, ensuring patients benefit from safer surgeries, faster recovery and better long-term outcomes, closer to home.

Yotta Partners with GGSIPU to Develop Scalable AI-Powered Learning Ecosystem

New Delhi, Dec 23:- Yotta Data Services, India’s leading sovereign cloud infrastructure and platform services provider, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University  one of India’s leading multidisciplinary state universities, to develop an AI-enabled education delivery model for India’s higher education ecosystem.
The MoU was signed at the Flagship National Conclave on AI Evolution  The Mahakumbh of AI, presided over by the Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, along with other senior dignitaries. Under the MoU inked at the conclave organised under the aegis of the All India Council for Technical Education  and GGSIPU,  Yotta’s infrastructure, servers, and platform support willmore than 350 AI-enabled educational courses at no cost to over 2,00,000 students across 125 colleges affiliated with the GGSIPU, making GGSIPU the first university in India to implement the proposed AI automation framework.
Addressing the gathering, the  Vice President described the initiative as “a defining inflection point for Indian education,” observing that the integration of AI at scale allows India to simultaneously pursue access, quality, and affordability. He noted that by shifting faculty effort from repetitive teaching to assessment, mentoring, and outcomes, the model unlocks unprecedented reach and provides a realistic pathway to achieving the national 50 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio target.
This collaboration marks the beginning of a large-scale, AI-enabled learning movement in Indian higher education that reimagines how knowledge is delivered and experienced. Over the next three years, the partners will set up a dedicated AI Learning Lab at the university, introduce interactive AI-powered courses across departments, and create a scalable model that can be replicated by other universities across India and beyond.
 Shri Vinai Kumar SaxenaThe Lieutenant Governor of Delhi emphasised Delhi’s role as a national innovation hub, stating that AI-enabled education platforms such as this have the power to democratise learning across regions and social segments. He underscored that distance and blended learning, powered by sovereign digital infrastructure, will be central to India’s next phase of educational expansion.
The Education Minister of Delhi, Shri Ashish Sood, highlighted the transformational impact on public education delivery, noting that the model breaks long-standing capacity constraints. He remarked that GER “now has legs to stand on,” particularly as this framework scales across distance education and lifelong learning programs. He committed to ensure that this is adopted by all higher ed institutes in the Delhi state.
Commenting on the collaboration, Sunil Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO, Yotta Data Services, said,
 “We are out to make learning more personalised and impactful, while helping universities operate more efficiently and aligning with India’s National Education Policy and Digital India vision. This will give a shot in the arm to India’s struggle to improve the GER. With Einstein-grade intelligence, the main charter of this unified AI automation in education is to overcome the current limitations in learning delivery, where the number of students per course is constrained by faculty capacity. Today, a professor can teach no more than 200 students per semester. With AI automation, that limit vaporises”
The framework is designed to transform teaching experience by integrating AI into the classroom. It will make education delivery more efficient, potentially reduce costs by up to 50%, and ease institutional pressures by giving teachers real-time insights into attendance, participation, and performance. This will enable them to focus more on mentorship and meaningful interaction, rather than routine tasks, making learning more interactive, collaborative, and inquiry-led.
Dr Mahesh Verma, the Vice Chancellor, GGSIPU said,
“The AI Platform will serve as the core gateway to the galaxy of learners across AICTE institutions and we intend setting up in collaboration with Yotta a teaching-learning repository that over 1000 universities in the country can source content from. This initiative will make quality education truly scalable, accessible, and affordable. We demonstrated today how a student can achieve in 30 minutes that was inconceivable by them across 8 years. This amplifies the commercial scale and scope for Yotta and their investment into this ecosystem.”
Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, also welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to eventually integrate over 1,100 universities and impact more than 40 million students under the AICTE umbrella. He said the project will introduce advanced, AI-trained programs that will transform experiences nationwide. He quoted Neil Armstrong, “this a small step for man but a giant leap for mankind”
Under the agreement, Yotta will ensure the highest standards of uptime, cybersecurity, and data privacy in full compliance with national and institutional norms. The company will also extend technical assistance to scale the model to other universities in consultation with GGSIPU. The project is expected to culminate in a national showcase at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, demonstrating how responsible AI can expand opportunity for students across India.
By combining human teaching with AI-driven intelligence, this collaboration lays out the foundation for a new learning paradigm. Through this initiative, Yotta is enabling one of the largest AI-driven education augmentation in India’s history.

Apna.co’s “India at Work 2025” Report Highlights 9 Cr Job Applications and Rise in Women Leadership Applicants

Dec 23: India’s employment market showed steady resilience in 2025, tracking the broader macro shift as the country surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP.  The year 2025 was a progressive year in India’s job marketplace, with Apna.co’s India at Work 2025 report revealing over 9 crore job applications during the year, an estimated 29% year-on-year increase, driven by higher participation from women and early-career professionals as service-led hiring expanded beyond metros and digital recruitment tools became mainstream.

On the job seeker side, women’s participation rose sharply, reflected in an estimated 36% increase in applications to finance, administrative services, customer experience and healthcare support roles. The Periodic Labour Force Survey shows continued improvement in women’s labour force participation as more women transition into roles with structured career pathways. India’s youth also entered the job market with stronger intent, contributing to roughly 10% more applications across service and technology enabled industries. With nearly 1 crore young people joining the workforce every year, early-career talent played a defining role in shaping hiring momentum.

Employer hiring activity mirrored this expansion. Job postings on Apna rose to 14 lakh in 2025, up an estimated 15% year-on-year, supported by stronger digital adoption among small and medium businesses and continued enterprise expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Demand remained broad-based across BFSI, retail, logistics, e-commerce, healthcare, mobility and IT services. SMBs contributed 10 lakh job postings, recording an 11% year-on-year increase, while enterprises accounted for 4 lakh postings, growing 14% YoY, reinforcing a more geographically distributed hiring footprint.

Women’s participation deepens across regions and seniority

Women submitted over 3.8 crore job applications in 2025, marking an estimated 36% increase from the previous year. Tier 1 cities accounted for roughly 2 crore applications, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributed around 1.8 crore, reflecting nearly 30% growth in emerging markets. Median salaries for women rose by an estimated 22%, aligned with higher entry into finance, administrative and customer experience roles. Applications for managerial and senior positions crossed 1.1 crore, up 35% year-on-year, indicating a gradual strengthening of leadership pipelines. BFSI, healthcare services, education, retail and e-commerce together accounted for over 40% of women’s applications.

Commenting on the findings, Kartik Narayan, CEO- Jobs Marketplace, Apna.co, said, “The 2025 data reflects a workforce that is becoming more distributed, more skilled and more aspirational. Women and early-career professionals are moving steadily into formal service roles, while enterprises and SMBs are expanding hiring beyond metros. AI has also become a practical layer in everyday hiring, improving preparation for candidates and efficiency for employers. Our focus is to keep building systems that make hiring faster, transparent and accessible at scale.”

Freshers drive entry-level volumes, preferences shift to service roles

Freshers submitted over 2.2 crore job applications during the year, an estimated 10% increase over 2024. Tier 1 cities accounted for around 0.9 crore applications, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributed nearly 1.3 crore, highlighting the deepening spread of entry-level opportunities across India’s emerging cities. Interest rose sharply in administrative services, customer experience, digital operations and finance and accounting, while applications to voice-heavy and field-intensive roles declined. The number of freshers with diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications increased to over 19 lakh, reflecting closer alignment between education and service-led demand.

Enterprise hiring expands into non-metro markets

Enterprise postings on Apna rose to 4 lakh roles, an estimated 14% increase year-on-year. While Tier 1 cities remained key contributors, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets recorded the fastest growth as enterprises decentralised service and support functions. BFSI, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare services and technology-enabled operations led demand. Major recruiters included Wipro Enterprises, HDFC ERGO, ITC, Tata 1mg, Policybazaar, Ola Electric, Quess Corp and Swiggy.

SMBs continue to anchor employment creation

Small and medium businesses recorded 10 lakh job postings in 2025, up an estimated 11% from the previous year. Hiring was strongest in education and training, healthcare services, retail, financial services and wellness. Cities such as Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore, Surat and Chandigarh saw notable increases as local enterprises formalised operations and scaled service delivery. Women and freshers formed a significant share of SMB applicant pools, particularly in customer experience, administrative coordination, digital operations and finance support.

AI adoption across Candidates and Employers

Over 73 lakh AI interview sessions took place on Apna’s platform in 2025, with over 1.9 crore AI interview minutes. Adoption of Apna’s AI Job Prep tool, launched in May 2025, was strongest among freshers, women re-entering the workforce, and candidates in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Among the most prepped roles were software development, product management, data analyst, accounting, digital marketing and sales, highlighting the tool’s relevance across diverse industries. Leading companies like Google, Tesla, Swiggy, Microsoft, Jio and Flipkart emerged as the most preferred choices among job seekers. On the employer side, Apna’s AI Calling Agent was adopted by over 6,000 companies during the year. Employers created around 11,200 AI-enabled job listings, resulting in approximately 12 lakh automated screenings and saving the equivalent of nearly 4 years of recruiter calling time. Companies such as PayTM, Flipkart, Titan Company Ltd, Muthoot Fincorp, SBI Life Insurance, IDFC First Bank Limited and HCL used the tool. Adoption was strongest in sales, customer support, software development, finance and operations roles, with higher uptake in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, marking a strong first year of broad-based AI integration in hiring.

Bhanzu Aims for 100 Million Learners in 2026 with AI-Driven Math Solutions

Prachotan Devulapalli, Co-Founder, Bhanzu (1)
By:–  Prachotan DL, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development, Bhanzu

“2025 proved a transformative year for India’s edtech sector, demonstrating resilience against funding headwinds while embracing AI-powered personalization and hybrid learning models to drive sustainable growth. Looking to 2026, the industry anticipates accelerated momentum through enhanced partnerships, regional language expansions, and innovative solutions addressing learning gaps in Tier 2-3 cities. For 2026, Bhanzu plans to engage in using AI to enhance math learning, target 100 million learners, and strengthen our U.S. presence with tailored curricula.”

Indian EPC Leader GHV Infra Launches UAE Subsidiary

Mumbai, Dec 23:- GHV Infra Projects Ltd. a fast-growing EPC player in  India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently announced the successfully  incorporation of its wholly-owned subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates  This  development marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth journey.  

The establishment of the UAE subsidiary underscores GHV Infra’s strategic intent to expand  its footprint in global infrastructure markets, particularly across the Gulf Cooperation Council   region. The move is aligned with the company’s long-term vision to participate in high value international EPC projects and  strengthen its overseas project execution capabilities.  

With the UAE serving as a regional hub for large-scale infrastructure development, the new  subsidiary will enable GHV Infra to access emerging opportunities across sectors such as  transportation, urban infrastructure, industrial development, and energy-related projects  within the GCC. The presence on-ground is also expected to enhance client engagement,  facilitate faster project mobilization, and support effective project management and  coordination for overseas contracts.  

Mr. Ajay Hans, Managing Director, GHV Infra Projects Limited, said,

“The launch of our  wholly-owned subsidiary in the UAE marks a decisive step in GHV Infra’s global expansion  journey. With the GCC emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic infrastructure markets,  this presence brings us closer to strategic partners, large-scale EPC opportunities, and regional  decision-makers. It significantly strengthens our capability to bid for and deliver complex  international projects while upholding the quality, reliability, and execution excellence that  define GHV Infra.”  

The subsidiary will act as a platform to pursue global EPC tenders, forge regional  partnerships, and leverage GHV Infra’s technical expertise and project execution strengths in  international markets. It also reflects the company’s commitment to building a diversified  geographical presence and reducing reliance on a single market over the long term.  

This development comes at a time when GHV Infra is focused on sustainable growth,  operational excellence, and expanding its capabilities beyond domestic infrastructure  projects. The UAE subsidiary is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s  overseas growth strategy and enhancing its competitiveness in the global infrastructure arena.  

Bhima Gold Unveils “Bhima Brilliance” Diamond Jewellery Festival Targeting Festive NRI Footfall

Dec 23: Bhima Gold, India’s iconic jewellery house and one of the country’s most trusted names in purity, today announced the launch of its “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival”, a seasonal retail initiative that coincides with the annual return of Non-Resident Indians  to India during the festive and holiday period. This campaign, now a bi-annual tradition at Bhima, is designed to position the brand as the most compelling destination for premium diamond jewellery purchases in December  a month that historically records significantly higher interest in diamond jewellery among visiting NRIs.

The campaign began on December 8, 2025, and will run across all Bhima stores till January 11, 2026. To mark the occasion, Bhima will unveil exclusive diamond collections, distinctive designs crafted for contemporary tastes, and exquisite solitaires that bring together global styling and deep Indian heritage influences. Alongside the curated product assortment, Bhima will introduce special December-only buying advantages. These will include compelling offers on select diamond ranges, attractive pricing structures, and purchase values specially tailored for international shoppers.

On Diamond Jewellery purchases 

 Get FREE 24-karat Gold Bar plus Rs. 10000 worth of jewellery, ON EVERY CARAT.

 Up to 100% OFF on making charges

Additional privileges for loyal diamond customers will also be unveiled, including –Get Rs 5000 extra per carat on exchange of your old Bhima Diamond jewellery, with a view to elevate the shopping experience for long-standing Bhima patrons and NRI families who have been loyal to the brand for multiple generations.

Bhima’s diamond credibility rests firmly on its hallmark purity practices, certified solitaires, transparent valuation standards, and ethical procurement methods. As the NRI-dominated diamond buying period arrives, the brand is reinforcing these assurances through enhanced documentation protocols, valuation transparency, and additional customer support for international buyers with International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), guaranteeing their authenticity and quality.

The brand remains equally committed to diamond design innovation. New collections – inspired by contemporary styling, wedding trends, fusion aesthetics, and modern heirloom concepts  will debut through the campaign. For international visitors looking to purchase for weddings, upcoming family ceremonies, or self-gifting, Bhima’s diamond lines offer both aspirational beauty and long-term value.

The December “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival” reflects Bhima’s evolution as a category leader and its belief that diamonds are not merely ornaments, but emotional markers of identity, success, and personal storytelling. Reinforced by a century-long foundation of purity and trust, the campaign underscores Bhima’s intention to expand its diamond share and strengthen its relationship with the global Indian consumer.

This exclusive festive offer is available only from 8th December 2025 to 11th January 2026 at all Bhima stores.