Archives 2025

IIITH’s Social Tech Incubator launches cohort of GreenTech Startups with EPAM Systems:
Leverages AI, IoT, Robotics and GIS

Hyderabad, September 12, 2025: AIC-IIITH has launched the 3rd Akash EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program (ESIIP) to support GreenTech startups in areas like Green Energy, Smart Cities, Climate Tech, Sustainable Agriculture, and Mobility. The program also leverages IIITH’s strong research ecosystem to drive cutting-edge innovation in areas like AI/ML, Robotics, GIS etc to advance India’s UN SDG commitments with a focus on Climate Action (SDG 13). The program recognises the importance of research-led tech and entrepreneurial innovation towards sustainable climate action.

Startup-led innovation is a critical driver of climate action, especially in developing countries like India. Yet an analysis by Cambridge Associates shows that Emerging Market Greentech startups attract only 9% of total investment in the sector. As per AIC-IIITH’s research, a mere ~0.2% of total CSR spending has been spent on Innovation.

Through this program, AIC-IIITH Foundation and EPAM Systems, Inc., a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company, have selected 12 Startups. The program will provide these Greentech Startups with equity-free grants of up to INR 5,00,000 and Incubation Support. There is a special focus on helping these startups connect with Professor and researchers at IIITH and leverage institutes expertise in tech areas AI/ML, IoT, Robotics, GIS. Especially these Startups have good synergies with Smart City Labs at IIITH.

Congratulating the selected startups and these efforts, Prof. Ramesh Loganathan, Director of AIC-IIITH said, “Tech innovation is key to solving the climate crisis and as a leading Information Technology university in India focused on research that matters, this program fits perfectly with our overall vision. We look forward to actively supporting these startups with our expertise.”

T0 date AIC-IIITH has run 8 cohorts and supported 60+ startups with incubation support and INR 3+ Cr of funding. AIC-IIITH’s startups are solving pressing challenges in sectors like agriculture, education, accessibility, climate and creating 430+ jobs.

The key highlights of this year’s program include milestone-based grant support of up to INR 5 Lakhs, incubation support, business coaching and access to IIIT-Hyderabad’s Smart City Labs.

“Bold, early-stage ideas in climate tech often struggle to move forward due to limited access to capital, technical depth or networks. At EPAM India, we see it as an opportunity to close that gap. Our partnership with AIC-IIITH is designed to support entrepreneurs who are solving real-world problems with technology, and to create an ecosystem where purposeful innovation is rightfully enabled.”– Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director, EPAM Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

Mumbai, September 12th, 2025: Oriel Academy, an executive coaching firm, today announced the launch of a new training module in Patient Relationship Management. BONDING! is designed for healthcare, medical, paramedical, hospital support and administration staff. The programme aims to enhance service quality, strengthen patient relationships, and build a stronger reputation for healthcare organisations.

While hospitals deliver advanced medical care and diagnostics, many still struggle to establish meaningful connections with patients. To bridge this gap, Oriel Academy has introduced Bonding!, a specialised training module crafted around real-world challenges faced by healthcare professionals. The programme focuses on equipping staff with essential interpersonal skills to better manage difficult situations and improve patient interactions and experience.

“The goal of this program is to foster a culture of efficiency, empathy, and patient-first service. By building strong soft skills, healthcare professionals can address challenges more effectively and create positive experiences for both patients and staff,” said Mr. Khalid Jamal, Principal Consultant at Oriel Academy.

BONDING! is designed for non-medical staff, paramedical staff, doctors, diagnostic centre employees, nursing home and clinic staff, and others involved in patient care. It emphasises professional conduct, effective communication, empathy and sensitivity towards patients and their attendants, and the ability to handle patients and families with professionalism.

Through this program, healthcare organisations can expect measurable improvements such as enhanced patient services, greater satisfaction among patients, a reduction in complaints from patients and visitors, stronger relationships between staff and patients, and improved professionalism across healthcare teams.

Pune, September 12, 2025: Force Motors Limited, a key automotive player and India’s largest van manufacturer, today announced revised prices across its entire range of vehicles including Traveller, Trax, Urbania, Monobus, and Gurkha, effective 22nd September 2025. Coinciding with the onset of the festive season, the company will be passing on the full benefit of the revised 18% GST to its customers.

Making this announcement, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors Limited said, “The proposed GST rate rationalization is a landmark reform for the automotive industry and we at Force Motors welcome the reduction of GST rates from 28% to 18%, a move that will make a meaningful difference across critical mobility segments. Mass mobility solutions such as the Traveller, Urbania, and Trax will become more accessible, enabling safer and more reliable public transport, while ambulances too will benefit from the relaxation, easing the financial burden on healthcare providers and strengthening critical care infrastructure.

Moreover, the removal of Compensation Cess is a step in the right direction as it would help in bringing down the total incidence of GST taxation. This structural change is expected to further stimulate demand across the sector and provide a timely boost to festive season buying sentiment. The iconic Force Gurkha too stands to gain from the rate rationalization, making purpose-built, rugged mobility more attainable. Additionally, lower rates on engines, parts, and components will strengthen the supply chain and provide a strong impetus to the Government’s ‘Make-in-India’ vision”, he concluded. 

With demand rising in the festive period, customers are encouraged to confirm their bookings early to ensure on-time delivery of their vehicle.

September 12, 2025, Gurugram: Indifi Technologies, one of India’s leading digital platforms for MSME lending, today announced its FY25 financial performance, reflecting a year of strategic realignment, deeper technology integration, and sharper credit risk management.

Despite macroeconomic challenges across the MSME credit ecosystem, Indifi delivered a 22% year-over-year increase in operational revenue, driven by improved monetisation and platform activity. Over 55,000 MSMEs across India are now actively working with Indifi, with growing traction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Over the past year, Indifi has strengthened its credit portfolio, with a 30% improvement in the quality of disbursals during the last two quarters (Q3 FY’25 and Q4 FY’25), compared to the previous two quarters. This follows the tightening of risk policies and a strategic shift toward more resilient customer profiles. FY25 included provisioning-led losses due to wider credit stress and a change of accounting standards from IGAAP to IND AS. Additionally, Indifi’s portfolio recorded a 15% improvement in credit quality during Q1 FY’26, compared to the preceding two quarters.

 Building on this momentum, Indifi expanded its lending portfolio by scaling working capital and supply chain finance, and introducing sector-focused solutions for D2C, packaging, and retail. Over 50 per cent of new disbursals were covered under credit guarantee schemes, providing an added layer of protection against volatility.

The company continued to invest heavily in technology, deploying Document AI to automate classification and fraud detection, and integrating with consent-based platforms such as Account Aggregator, GSTN, and DigiLocker to streamline underwriting. It also introduced AI-powered tools to boost development efficiency. Together, these innovations reduced disbursal time, minimized human intervention, and strengthened the digital delivery experience. Financially, Indifi maintained capital adequacy well above the mandated thresholds, held a conservative debt-to-equity ratio, and kept elevated provisioning in line with the long-term health of its portfolio.

Commenting on the development, Alok Mittal, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Indifi, said: “The past year has been transformative for us at Indifi as we took proactive steps to reinforce the fundamentals of our business. We strengthened our credit filters early, diversified our offerings toward secured lending, and invested in technology and risk management. FY25 was not about chasing scale, but about building a more resilient and future-ready platform. Our ability to grow through this phase reflects the depth of our model and the strength of our long-term commitment to India’s MSMEs.”

As India’s MSME landscape becomes more structured, digital and growth-oriented, Indifi is scaling with strategic intent. The company aims to expand its secured lending footprint, enhance its AI-led credit infrastructure and deepen outreach to high-potential yet underserved small businesses. The objective is to enable responsible credit access while creating long-term value for MSMEs, ecosystem partners and the broader economy.

 12th september,Bihar;The Bihar Urban Symposium 2025 was organized on 11th September 2025 at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), in collaboration with RERA Bihar and UNICEF, where policymakers, administrators, and thought leaders deliberated on the condition and direction of Bihar’s urban future in the coming years. The session began with the Welcome Address by Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director, CIMP, who highlighted the institute’s commitment to fostering dialogue on inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Shri Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, in his Presidential Address, spoke about Bihar’s rich history and cultural heritage, citing Mithila paintings as a symbol of tradition and pride. He emphasized Bihar’s potential to emerge as a hub of education, culture, and self-reliance by striking a balance between heritage and modern progress. Stressing on education, infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning, he shared his vision for greener and more resilient cities. Following the inaugural session, Shri Tokhan Sahu also engaged in a policy dialogue with CIMP students, offering detailed insights into government initiatives.

Shri Jibesh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Urban Development and Housing Department, Government of Bihar, outlined major initiatives under the Swachh Bihar Mission. He announced plans to generate electricity from plastic waste, establish ‘Pink Toilets’ for women, and initiate priority corridors to improve urban mobility and public amenities.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, IAS, Former Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India & Former Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, underlined innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and green financing as crucial tools to address the challenges of rapid urbanization.

During the discussions, Dr. S. Siddharth, IAS, Development Commissioner, Bihar, highlighted that improvements in regulatory frameworks and their effective implementation can transform urban landscapes. He noted that the Patna Metro Project, expected to be completed by the end of this month, will be a milestone in modernizing urban transport and reducing congestion. He also emphasized efforts to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Inquiry Commissioner, RERA Bihar, stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in real estate regulation to enhance homebuyers’ confidence and ensure orderly urban development. Shri Anand Iyer, Chief Policy and Insights Officer, Janaagraha, emphasized governance reforms and citizen participation, noting that sustainable urban development can only be achieved through active public engagement.

In the first thematic session, discussions focused on developing satellite cities around existing urban areas. Eminent architect Kavi Jain highlighted the vision of creating quality, aesthetic, and livable urban infrastructures. In the second session, discussions centered on investment in future urban needs. Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Chairman, RERA Bihar, and noted economist Prof. Alakh Narayan Sharma discussed capital requirements for urban growth and strategies to mobilize investment toward achieving sustainable city goals.

The third session deliberated on urban disaster preparedness and resilient living. Dr. Uday Kant Mishra, Vice-Chairman, Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, in his presidential address, stressed the importance of preparedness and preventive measures to mitigate urban disasters. Akash Jha, Director, Institute of Town Planners, emphasized the crucial role of urban planning in sustainable city development.

The symposium collectively reflected on shaping Bihar’s urban future with a vision grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and cultural pride. It also underlined the need to work further in detail on these themes in the times ahead.

The symposium concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Kumar, Professor, CIMP, who extended heartfelt gratitude to all distinguished dignitaries and participants. The event was attended by faculty members, students, staff, and several eminent guests.

Bharat Prawaas Awards 2025 Celebrates Excellence in Passenger Mobility; Shri Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Event

Mumbai / New Delhi, September 12, 2025: The Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) successfully hosted the Bharat Prawaas Awards 2025 today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished leaders from government, industry, and the mobility ecosystem.

The Event was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, who graced the ceremony as Chief Guest. The event was further distinguished by the presence of Shri Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus, Shri Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, Shri Satish Sehrawat, President, Indian Tourist Transporters Association (IATA), and Dr. Harish Sabharwal, President, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). Senior leadership from BOCI, including Shri Jagdeo Singh Khalsa, Chairman; Shri Prasanna Patwardhan, President; Shri Mohammed Afzal, National Vice-President; Shri D.R. Dharmaraj, General Secretary, Shri Harsh Kotak, Treasurer of BOCI and Shri Jagdish Patankar, Exec. Chairman, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, the Event Curator.

The Bharat Prawaas Awards, earlier held alongside the biennial Prawaas event, has now emerged as a national platform that will annually recognize and celebrate excellence in India’s passenger mobility and transportation sector. Anchored in the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Awards honoured organizations and individuals who have contributed to building a modern, inclusive, and sustainable transport ecosystem.

This year’s edition, supported by redBus as the Lead Partner, received nominations from over 230 organizations and individuals across the mobility sector, out of which 63 winners were felicitated. One of the key categories was the People’s Choice Awards, instituted by redBus to honour the invaluable contribution of bus operators to India’s ground transport ecosystem. These awards featured sub-categories such as the Rising Star Awards, recognizing emerging operators demonstrating exceptional growth and innovation, and the STU Awards, highlighting excellence and service delivery by State Transport Undertakings. Driven by public participation and backed by data-based assessments across parameters like safety, operational excellence, and customer service, these recognitions carry special significance. The Prawaas Excellence Awards further honoured 44 winners for best practices in operations, services, technology adoption, and sustainability.

On this occasion, BOCI also formally announced the fifth edition of Prawaas, India’s flagship multimodal transport show, which will be held in August 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. To mark the announcement, a special preview film was screened, offering participants a glimpse of the scale, vision, and highlights expected at Prawaas 5.0.

Another significant milestone was the announcement of a State Ranking Index, being developed by BOCI in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI), to assess the ease of bus operations and the sector’s investment climate. Covering themes such as business environment, workforce, safety, clean fuel transition, PPP, and institutional buses, the index aims to spur reforms and healthy competition among states. The full State ranking report will be released at Prawaas 5.0 in 2026.

Following the Awards, BOCI hosted the BOCI Dialogue, a half-day leadership forum designed to bring together policymakers, fleet operators, OEMs, technology pioneers, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of Indian mobility. The opening session titled “Building Future-Ready Mobility for a Viksit Bharat” highlighted how public transport can become the backbone of equitable, efficient, and sustainable growth for a developed India by 2047. The second session, “Regulatory Innovations for Smart and Sustainable Transport”, explored how progressive regulatory frameworks can accelerate the adoption of smart mobility solutions, strengthen safety, and create a transparent, future-ready ecosystem for operators, manufacturers, and passengers.

The Bharat Prawaas Awards 2025 and the BOCI Dialogue together reinforced BOCI’s commitment to advancing India’s transport sector and aligning the industry with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The event not only celebrated excellence but also reaffirmed the collective responsibility of policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators in shaping India’s journey towards a safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility future.

Men’s Dinner event to feature keynote speaker Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. 

(St. Louis, Mo., September 12, 2025) St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer (STLMGAC) – a leading nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer research, prevention, and care activities in the St. Louis region – will hold its 54^th annual Men’s Dinner on Thursday, November 20, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton located at 100 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton, Mo.

Tickets are $425 per person with proceeds directly benefiting local cancer-related organizations. The evening will feature an open cocktail bar, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, and both live and silent auctions. This year’s keynote speaker will be Pro Football Hall of Famer and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Terry Bradshaw.

Bradshaw is a four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, and a multi-Emmy and award-winning broadcaster for FOX NFL Sunday. An accomplished motivational speaker and New York Times bestselling author of five books, Bradshaw brings inspiration and recognition to the Men’s Dinner event.

St. Louis beneficiaries of this year’s STLMGAC fundraiser include the American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, The Bennet Project, BJC Healthcare, The Breakfast Club, Camp Rainbow, The Cancer Support Community, The December 5^th Fund Friends of Kids with Cancer, Gateway to Hope, HavenHouse St. Louis, Make A Wish Foundation – Missouri, Mercy Cancer Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, SSM Health Foundation St. Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, Valeda’s Hope, and Washington University School of Medicine.

Since its inception in 1969, STLMGAC has raised more than $6 million for over 40 charities serving the St. Louis cancer community. The independent nonprofit provides vital support to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis and is committed to advancing scientific research in the search for a cure.

For information about the Men’s Dinner sponsorship opportunities and purchasing tickets, call (314) 786-5950 or visit their website.

September 12, 2025: Barsana Magic, the flagship wellness brand from Sanjeevani Agrofoods Limited, proudly unveils its all-new Protein Range, crafted to make protein simple, delicious, and accessible for everyone. Guided by the mission “Protein for All”, this launch introduces protein-packed coffees and an Everyday Protein Mix, designed to fuel energy, fitness, and daily wellness. The Barsana Magic Protein range is crafted to meet everyday essential need of Protein for every age.

A Smarter Way to Stay Energized

Today’s fast-paced lifestyles demand more than just taste, they need real nutrition, delivered quickly and conveniently. Barsana Magic’s Protein Range does exactly that, blending great flavors with high-quality protein to help individuals hit their daily goals without hassle. Whether you’re hitting the gym, working long hours, or simply managing household routines, this range gives you the perfect balance of energy, strength, and recovery.

The Protein Line-Up

Protein Dark Chocolate Coffee – Bold cocoa meets smooth coffee, delivering 25g protein in every 35g pouch for powerful recovery.
Protein Iced Latte Coffee – A chilled latte with a healthy twist, energizing you anytime, anywhere.
Protein Iced Mocha Coffee – A coffee bean indulgence that fuels strength without guilt.
Protein Iced Vanilla Coffee – Creamy, aromatic vanilla coffee, reimagined with protein for your daily boost.
Protein Assorted Coffee Pack – A flavor-packed variety box to keep your routine exciting.
Everyday Protein Mix – A 13.5g protein per scoop versatile natural protein for Chapatis, Dosa, Idli/Vada, Cake, Soup and what not, making daily nutrition effortless.

The Vision: Protein for All

Mr. Shrikant Sharma, Managing Director of Sanjeevani Agrofoods Limited, shared:
“At Barsana Magic, we believe protein shouldn’t be complicated, it should be a natural part of everyday life. With this new Protein Range, we’re bringing nutrition, taste, and convenience together in one lifestyle solution. ‘Protein for All’ is not just our mission, it’s our promise to empower every age with healthier choices.”

Why Barsana Magic Protein Range?

Power-Packed Nutrition – 25g protein per coffee pouch and 13.5g per scoop in Everyday Mix.
Convenience on the Go – Ready in seconds, mix anytime, anywhere.
Unmatched Taste – Flavors crafted to excite your palate while nourishing your body.
For Every Lifestyle – Ideal for students, professionals, parents, and fitness enthusiasts.

Availability

The Barsana Magic Protein Range is now available on leading e-commerce platforms, the official Barsana Magic website, and select retail stores.

With this launch, Barsana Magic continues to transform modern wellness, offering nutrition solutions that are natural, innovative, and built for today’s energetic lifestyles.

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 – A Decade of Cinema, Coming 29th & 30th October in Mumbai

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (DPIFF) 2025 is set to mark a monumental milestone, celebrating 10 glorious years of Indian cinema on a global stage. Honouring the legacy of Late Shri Dhundiraj Govind Phalke – the Father of Indian Cinema, DPIFF has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious award ceremonies and film festivals, uniting legendary icons and emerging talent under one emblem of cinematic excellence.

The 2024 edition was a glittering affair, graced by luminaries including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nayanthara, Rani Mukerji, Shahid Kapoor and many more, reaffirming the festival’s status as a platform that celebrates both stardom and artistry. The annual award ceremony witnesses the presence of celebrities, industry veterans, ministry delegates, government dignitaries, distinguished members of the film fraternity, and media personnel, making it a true convergence of talent, influence, and creativity.

This year, the 10th edition promises to be grander than ever, featuring a star-studded celebration with captivating performances and a cinematic tribute to India’s rich film heritage, showcasing stories from North to South. The festival continues to champion emerging voices through its Global Short Film Festival, which has drawn outstanding participation from filmmakers across the world, making it one of the most dynamic highlights of the occasion.

Sources indicate that renowned international personalities are also expected to attend, further establishing DPIFF as a truly global celebration of storytelling and creativity. Speaking about this landmark edition, Mr. Abhishek Mishra, CEO of DPIFF, said:”As we step into our 10th year, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards will celebrate the universal magic of cinema like never before. This edition will be a grand gathering where legends, emerging creators, and audiences come together to honour the stories that move the world.”

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, taking place on 29th & 30th October in Mumbai, promises to be a magical convergence of talent, storytelling, and spectacle, a true celebration of cinema’s enduring legacy and its global impact.

MoU signed between IACG, India and Kyoto Seika University, Japan, at T-Hub in the presence of VC, The Young India Skill University and others

Hyderabad, September 11, 2025: IACG (International Academy of Computer Graphics), India’s first college to offer full-time Graduation & PG in Multimedia Courses, and Kyoto Seika University, Japan—the world’s first university to offer Manga & Anime—have signed and exchanged an MoU at T-Hub, Hyderabad, on Wednesday late evening.

The MoU was exchanged between Mr. Rama Krishna Polina, Founder & Managing Director, IACG Multimedia College, and Mr. Shin Matsumura, Director, Centre for Research on Contemporary African and Asian Cultures, Kyoto Seika University. The ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. VLVSS Subba Rao, Vice Chancellor, The Young India Skill University; Mr. Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, JETRO; and Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation (creator of Chhota Bheem).

The key outcomes of the MoU are: the student & faculty exchange programs between India and Japan, Industry-Academia Linkages to bring global best practices into Telangana. Also, Outsourcing & Talent Opportunities facilitated by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation) and Global Placements for Telangana-trained talent in the Manga & Anime sector

Mr. VLVSS Subba Rao stressed that “Degrees will not matter in the future—skills and competencies will. With AI spreading fast, the education system must move to a revolving curriculum that adapts to change.”

Mr. Shin Matsumura pointed out that Japan’s ageing population urgently needs young Indian talent in the creative industries.

Mr. Rama Krishna Polina noted India’s potential: “We are in the age of AI Generative, VR, AR, and automation. India’s cultural heritage—our 3 crore gods—offers unlimited storytelling opportunities. With government incentives and the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) & IICT for Animation & VFX, Telangana can become a global content powerhouse.”

A stress-free Intermediate in CGA (Computer Graphics & Animation) was launched on the occasion, designed for students with artistic, storytelling, and creative ambitions.

Dr. Suresh Madiraju, Principal of IACG, said Hyderabad, with its thriving IT ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for next-gen Manga & Anime talent.

Japan leads the world in animation, accounting for 60% of global animation consumption. The Anime industry is valued at USD 25+ billion, producing 1,000 new Manga titles and 300+ Anime seasons every year. Production budgets are 10 times higher than those of U.S. animation projects, offering enormous outsourcing potential.

“JETRO will actively facilitate partnerships, placements, and outsourcing linkages with Japanese studios. This MoU positions Telangana as a global creative talent export hub,” added Takashi Suzuki