Archives 2025

Bhumika Realty Expands into UP East, Appoints Amit Tewari as Head of Sales for Lucknow and Ayodhya

Having built a strong foothold in Rajasthan with landmark developments and expanding its footprint into the Delhi-NCR market, Bhumika Realty has announced its formal entry into eastern Uttar Pradesh, with a development pipeline led by high-quality real estate projects in Lucknow and Ayodhya. Backed by a robust portfolio of integrated townships and mixed-use developments under planning, this marks a key phase in the company’s ambition to establish a pan-North India presence across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality verticals.

Supporting this strategic expansion, the company has appointed Amit Tewari as Head of Sales – Lucknow & Ayodhya, to drive market penetration and sales leadership across the region. Amit Tewari brings nearly two decades of experience in real estate strategy and sales, having held senior positions with DLF, Omaxe, Synergy Advisors, and Prominent Enterprises. His expertise spans revenue optimisation, market development, and channel ecosystem management across both developer and advisory landscapes.

Uddhav Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director, Bhumika Group, said: “Eastern Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a sharp rise in infrastructure investments and urban migration. We see this as a timely opportunity to bring our brand of responsible, design-led development to the region. Amit’s leadership will be critical in ensuring strong execution and market alignment.”

Siddharth Katyal, CEO, Bhumika Realty, added: “As we deepen our presence in high-potential markets, the ability to scale with agility becomes essential. Amit’s proven track record in building high-performance teams and navigating diverse market dynamics makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Amitav Sinha, President – Sales and CRM, Bhumika Realty, stated: “Our success in Rajasthan and expansion into Delhi-NCR have laid the foundation for our next leap. The UP-East market holds immense untapped potential, and with Amit’s leadership, we’re confident of building deep, long-term value for all stakeholders, accelerating this journey.”

Amit Tewari, Head of Sales – Lucknow & Ayodhya, commented: “Bhumika Realty’s integrated and customer-centric approach is well-positioned to shape the next chapter of growth in UP East. I look forward to enabling meaningful expansion in the region by delivering quality-driven, future-ready real estate solutions.”

With successful commercial and retail developments such as Urban Square Mall in Rajasthan, Bhumika Realty is now laying the groundwork for a broader northern expansion, beginning with Lucknow and Ayodhya, and with additional UP cities under evaluation.

PubliCon 2025: FICCI Calls Publishers Pillars of Research and Innovation

NEW DELHI, 05 August 2025: FICCI today organized ‘PubliCon 2025’, the annual flagship conference on publishing with the theme- ‘Role of Publishers in Research & Innovation’.

As part of PubliCon 2025, the FICCI Publishing Awards 2025 were presented to outstanding contributions across the Indian publishing landscape. The awards spanned a wide range of categories, including Children’s Books (in English and Hindi, for readers below and above 10 years), Fiction and Non-Fiction (in both English and Hindi), and Business Books (covering Self-Help, Economics, Management, and Biography). Additional categories recognised excellence in Translation, Comic/Graphic Novels, and Design and Production, such as Best Cover Design, Best Overall Design, and Best Printed Book.

FICCI Publishing Awards 2025

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ranjana Aggarwal, Outstanding Scientist, CSIR, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt of India emphasized the importance of inclusive publishing—with a particular focus on Indian languages—and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream academic and research discourse. She urged publishers to address critical challenges such as accessibility, affordability, and international visibility to foster greater knowledge equity.

Mr Neeraj Jain, Chair of the FICCI Publishing Committee and Managing Director, Scholastic India, set the tone for the day by calling for a more expansive and forward-looking view of publishing. He emphasized that publishing today goes beyond books — it plays a pivotal role in building a robust knowledge ecosystem that supports research, innovation, and national growth. Citing the effective collaboration during the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), Mr Jain urged publishers to act not just as content providers but as equal stakeholders in India’s development story.

FICCI Publishing Awards 2025

Ms Shilpy Kochhar, Head – Business Development & Communications at BIRAC, emphasised the need for stronger science communication to bridge the gap between innovation and society. Highlighting BIRAC’s support for over 12,000 biotech start-ups, she called on publishers to simplify complex research, promote multilingual content, and focus on real-world impact beyond academic metrics. She urged greater collaboration between publishers and innovation agencies to make science accessible, inclusive, and engaging for wider audiences.

Speaking during the panel discussion on ‘Challenges and Opportunities for STM Publishers’ at PubliCon 2025, Ms. Qudsia Ahmed, Head of Academic Publishing at Cambridge University Press, highlighted the need for publishers to bridge gaps in accessibility, affordability, and discoverability, particularly in the Global South.

FICCI Publishing Awards 2025

Dr. Sugata Ghosh, Deputy Managing Director, SAGE South Asia, emphasised the need for stronger institutional and policy-level support to strengthen open access publishing in the region. He identified diamond open access—where neither authors nor readers pay—as the most viable and sustainable model for India, calling for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to make knowledge freely accessible.

Mr. Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, MD of Springer Nature India, underscored the urgent need for a national open access policy to combat predatory publishing and enable a phased transition to OA. Highlighting limited research funding and lack of grant support for publishing, he advocated for regional pricing and a shift in library roles. He welcomed initiatives like One Nation One Subscription and noted that an OA policy is expected soon.

Mr. Madhvendra Narayan from the Indian National Science Academy noted that while technology has streamlined workflows and expanded global access through platforms like Springer, the fundamentals of publishing remain the same. He also pointed out the absence of clear national policy on emerging manuscript practices in India.

FICCI Publishing Awards 2025

The event brought together key stakeholders from publishing, academia, research, and policy to discuss the evolving role of the publishing industry in strengthening India’s knowledge economy.

List of Winners

Category Publisher Name of the Book Award
Children Book of the Year – English (Below 10) Pickle Yolk Books Mommies Winner
Pratham Books Ajay of Agumbe and the Signal Snake Special Jury Award
Children Book of the Year – English (10 & Above) Reado Junior (Readomania) Thiruvalluvar’s Kural for Kids- Book 1 Winner
Hachette India The Forestborns Special Jury Award
Book of the Year – Best Cover Design HarperCollins Publishers India Ltd. How to Love in Sanskrit Winner
Pratham Books When the Sun Sets Special Jury Award
Book of the Year – Best Overall Design Roli Books Iconic Trees of India Winner
Pratham Books Space Rules Special Jury Award
Comic Graphic Novel of the Year Harper Children’s ZardoZi – Stitched with Love Winner
Book of the Year – Best Production Paperback Adidev Press Private Limited My First Shloka Book Winner
Book of the Year – Best Production Hard Bound Roli Books Master of the 7 Swars Winner
Best Printed Book of the Year Replika Press Pvt. Ltd. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood & The Ocean Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Oceans Winner
Book of the Year – Best Translation Ratna Books Mayaloka (A Novel) Winner
Bloomsbury India Illuminating Worlds Special Jury Award
Book of the Year – Fiction (English) Om Books International Whistles of the Siphoong: Tales from Assam’s Bodo Heartland Winner
Aleph Book Company Swallowing the Sun: A Novel Special Jury Award
Book of the Year – Non-Fiction (English) Bloomsbury India The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World Winner
Hachette India 565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India Special Jury Award
Business Book of the Year – Business Self-Help HarperCollins Publishers India The Health and Wealth Paradox Winner
Business Book of the Year – Biography of Business Leader HarperCollins Publishers India Ratan Tata: A Life Winner
Business Book of the Year – Business Economics Pan Macmillan India The Dirty Dozen: India’s Twelve Biggest Corporate Defaulters Winner
Business Book of the Year – Business Management Simon & Schuster India Capitalism to Peopleism: Inspiring a Leadership Transformation Winner
Children Book of the Year – Hindi (Below 10) Eklavya Foundation Jungle me ek Raat Winner
Children Book of the Year – Hindi (10 & Above) Publication Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shomu aur Hathraman Winner
Book of the Year – Non-Fiction (Hindi) Publication Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Aashaon ki Udaan Winner

BLS International Reports Strong Q1 FY26 Growth

New Delhi, 5th August 2025: BLS International Services Limited, an Indian multi-national corporation and a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025.
Fiscal Year 2026 marks a major milestone for BLS International Services Limited, as the company celebrates 20 years of delivering trusted government-to-citizen services worldwide. Operationalised in 2005, the Delhi-headquartered company has grown into India’s leading global service delivery partner, working with 46+ client governments and operating in over 70 countries.
Over the past two decades, BLS has built secure, scalable, tech-driven service models that support visa, consular, and citizen services—enabling international mobility while reinforcing India’s soft power across the globe.
A Two-Decade Legacy of Impact and Innovation
BLS International’s growth story has been built on long-term strategy, disciplined execution, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Key highlights from the journey include:
  • BLS International’s Revenue multiplied 4.6x in the last 5 years from Rs. 478 Crores in FY21 to Rs. 2,193 Crores in FY25 while its Operating Profit multiplied 15.3x in the same period from Rs. 41 Crores in FY21 to Rs. 629 Crores in FY25. The significant improvement in operating margins from 8.5% in FY21 to 28.7% in FY25 underscores the company’s prudent financial management and successful execution of growth strategies.
  • Strategic expansion through marquee contracts with client governments such as India, Spain, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, US, Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, among others.
  • Strengthening and diversification of service portfolio, moving beyond traditional visa and consular services to include value-added services, citizenship & residency services, and citizen services through its subsidiary, BLS E-Services Ltd.
  • Active focus on emerging technologies—including AI-powered chatbots, facial biometrics, digital call centre transformation, and intelligent automation for visa processing—strengthening service efficiency and customer experience.
  • Successful acquisitions that enhanced capabilities and market access across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific – through iDATA, Citizenship Invest, Aadifidelis Solutions, Zero Mass and Starfin India.
Continuing the Momentum in FY26
The global visa outsourcing industry is witnessing a growth rate of 14% CAGR with increasing demand for secure and citizen-centric services. FY25 marked a high point, with BLS International reporting its highest-ever annual performance across all key financial metrics. This momentum has continued into Q1FY26, underpinned by strong demand, operational excellence powered by AI & technology, value-accretive acquisitions and a strong pipeline of new opportunities.
Speaking on the strong growth in Q1FY26, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International Services Ltd. said:  “As we step into Fiscal Year 2026, completing two decades of purposeful growth, I am immensely proud of the impact we have created across borders. From a single-country presence to becoming a trusted partner for over 46 client governments, we have stayed rooted in our mission to simplify, scale, and secure citizen services worldwide. The next five years are about building on this legacy, with a sharp focus on AI & technological transformation, and deepening our role in the global visa and citizen services market. We aim to be the first Indian-origin company to lead at scale in this space—redefining what global service delivery means.
Our robust performance in Q1FY26 reflects the strength of our diversified business model, supported by continued momentum across key markets and services. With Revenue increasing by 44% YoY and EBITDA by 53% YoY, we have yet again delivered highest ever quarterly financials while maintaining a sharp focus on operational efficiencies and margin expansion, as EBITDA Margin expanded by 171 bps YoY to 28.7% in Q1FY26. This performance underscores the strength of our asset-light model, disciplined execution, and expanding global footprint. Our endeavour is to continue to focus on our strategic priorities— focusing on technology-led global expansion to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders.”
Consolidated Financial highlights:
Particulars (Rs. Crores)
Q1FY26
Q1FY25
YoY
FY25
FY24
YoY
Revenue from Operations
710.6
492.7
44.2%
2,193.3
1,676.8
30.8%
EBITDA
204.2
133.2
53.4%
629.3
345.7
82.1%
EBITDA Margin (%)
28.7%
27.0%
171 bps
28.7%
20.6%
808 bps
PBT (Before Exceptional Items)
200.2
134.7
48.6%
605.5
352.1
72.0%
PBT Margin (%)
28.2%
27.3%
83 bps
27.6%
21.0%
661 bps
PAT
181.0
120.8
49.8%
539.6
325.6
65.7%
PAT Margin (%)
25.5%
24.5%
95 bps
24.6%
19.4%
519 bps
Q1FY26 Performance Highlights
1. BLS International – Consolidated Financials 
    • Revenue from Operations stood at Rs. 710.6 Crores, marking an increase of 44.2% YoY, compared to Rs. 492.7 Crores in Q1FY25. The growth was led by the existing business as well as due to consolidation of acquired businesses viz iDATA, Citizenship Invest and Aadifidelis Solutions during FY25.
    • EBITDA grew 53.4% YoY to Rs. 204.2 Crores, supported by improved operational efficiencies and the impact of recent acquisitions. EBITDA Margin expanded by 171 bps to 28.7% in Q1FY26, compared to 27.0% in Q1FY25.
    • PAT increased by 49.8% YoY to Rs. 181.0 Crores in Q1FY26, with PAT margins expanding by 95 bps to 25.5% during the quarter.
    • Following acquisitions completed in FY25, the company’s net cash balance stood at Rs. 1,126 Crores as of 30th June 2025.
2. Segmental Performance
Visa & Consular Business 
  • Revenue from the Visa & Consular segment rose by 11.2% YoY in Q1FY26 to Rs. 460.7 Crores, compared to Rs. 414.1 Crores in Q1FY25.
  • Net Revenue (Revenue of visa business post deducting the cost of services of visa business) grew by 59.5% to Rs. 360 Crores in Q1FY26 from Rs. 226 Crores in Q1FY25. The growth in net revenue was due to change in business model from partner run centers to self-managed centers across many locations and due to consolidation of iDATA from July 2024 onwards.
  • EBITDA of the Visa business grew by 53.4% YoY to Rs. 186.0 Crores in Q1FY26, up from Rs. 121.3 Crores in Q1FY25.
  • EBITDA Margin improved to 40.4% in Q1FY26 from 29.3% in Q1FY25. Margin expansion is due to strong focus on cost efficiencies, moving away from partner run model to self-managed model and due to consolidation of iDATA.
  • Net Revenue per Application stood at Rs. 3,167 in Q1FY26, up from Rs. 2,653 in Q1FY25, reflecting a YoY growth of 19.4%. The segment processed 11.4 lakh applications during the quarter compared to 8.5 lakh applications in Q1FY25, indicating a sharp YoY growth of 33.6%.
  1. Digital Business 
  • Revenue from the Digital Business increased by 218.2% YoY to Rs. 249.9 Crores in Q1FY26, compared to Rs. 78.5 Crores in Q1FY25. The growth is primarily driven by consolidation of Aadifidelis Solutions Pvt Ltd (ASPL) from November 2024 onwards.
  • EBITDA for the Digital segment grew to Rs. 18.3 Crores, marking a YoY increase of 53.4%.
  • Under the BC business, the Gross Transaction Value (GTV) stood at Rs. 26,200+ Crores which includes loan distribution of approximately Rs. 7,200 Crores. This is compared to GTV of approximately Rs. 20,000 Crores in Q1FY25 which included loan distribution of approximately Rs 780 Crores.
  • During the quarter, the business witnessed following achievements
    1. In Q1FY26, the digital business strengthened its Business Facilitator (BF) model, onboarding 10,000+ retailers cumulatively, demonstrating robust growth in its retail network.
    2. The company expanded its partnerships by signing up with Bajaj Finserv for EMI Cards and rolling out new loan types with HDFC Bank, enhancing financial accessibility for customers.
    3. Additionally, BLS successfully leveraged lead generation synergies between BLS and Aadifidelis, driving efficiency and scalability.
    4. During Q1FY26, the company initiated a new project in Chhattisgarh for digitizing Sub-Registrar offices, streamlining land record registrations for enhanced transparency.
    5. Additionally, the company activated Aadhaar enrolment services under the Rajasthan eMitra project, expanding its digital identity solutions to more citizens.
    6. The company launched nationwide courier pickup and delivery services in partnership with Delhivery, offering added convenience to customers.

The Silent Threat: Understanding Bone Cancer Symptoms

By Dr. Milind Shetti , Consultant Radiation Oncologist ,HCG Cancer Center – Hubli

Bone cancer is uncommon but serious. It can affect people at almost any age, including children and young adults. Considered as rare and its symptoms resemble those of common bone or joint problems, it often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed. In many cases, the early warning signs are subtle—mistaken for sports injuries, growing pains, or arthritis. These early clues are easy to miss, therefore a closer is very important.

An Excruciating Pain 

Pain is one of the earliest and most common signs of bone cancer. It usually doesn’t arise suddenly or severely, but often starts as a dull ache that lingers—sometimes for weeks or months. Unlike pain from an injury, this kind of discomfort may not have a clear cause and do not respond well to rest or pain relievers. It may feel worse at night or during activity, and does not improve the way you would expect a routine sprain or strain. When the bone pain does not ease up or continues to grow worse over time, it’s worth a closer look.

No Swelling or Lump Before

As the tumour grows, the area around it may swell. This swelling may appear gradually and often isn’t painful at first. Some people notice a firm lump near a bone—often near joints like the knee or shoulder. It might be written off as a pulled muscle or inflammation from overuse. But when the swelling does not go down, or the lump gets larger over time, it should not be ignored.

Subtle Changes in Movement

A tumour near a joint can reduce flexibility or make everyday movement feel stiff or strained. In children, this might show up as limping or avoiding certain activities. In adults, there might be reduced range of motion or unexplained discomfort while walking or climbing stairs. These changes may be gradual and easily dismissed, especially if there’s no obvious injury to explain them.

Fractures That Don’t Seem to Fit

Sometimes, the first sign of bone cancer is a fracture that occurs with very little force. A bone weakened by a tumour can break more easily—even during a minor fall or routine movement. These are called “pathological fractures.” If a person with no known bone condition sustains a fracture after minimal trauma, it should raise concern and prompt further evaluation.

Noticing What’s Easy to Miss

Many early signs of bone cancer are nonspecific, and that’s what makes diagnosis difficult. Symptoms like fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss may appear later and are not unique to bone tumours. But when they show up alongside persistent bone pain or swelling, they should not be brushed aside.

It’s also important to consider age and risk factors. Children and teens are more likely to develop certain primary bone cancers like osteosarcoma. In older adults, bone tumours are more likely to be secondary—spread from cancers of the breast, prostate, or lungs. In both cases, delays in diagnosis can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

When to Investigate Further

Act immediately when the symptoms do not follow the usual pattern. Bone pain that lasts more than two to three weeks, a lump that gets bigger, or movement that becomes increasingly limited—these are signs that deserve medical attention. The same is true for unexplained fractures or swelling that does not resolve.

Imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can help identify suspicious lesions. But confirmation comes only with a biopsy, and this should be done by a specialist trained in orthopaedic oncology.

Bone cancer is rare, but the risks of missing early are real. When early signs are passed off as routine pain or strain, the chance to catch it in time may slip away. The sooner it’s found, the better—not just for treating the disease but for holding on to strength, movement, and peace of mind.

JIS Group Hosts ‘Made in JIS 2025’, Celebrating Innovation with India’s Brightest Change-Makers

Kolkata 5th August 2025: JIS Group hosted the much-anticipated “Made in JIS 2025” at the Dhano Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata, with a vibrant celebration of student innovation, creative entrepreneurship and transformative leadership. This year’s edition was graced by the iconic Sonam Wangchuk, Engineer, Innovator and Education Reformist, who served as the Chief Guest. Wangchuk, widely recognised as the inspiration behind the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, is the Founding Director of SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). He is known globally for reimagining education and creating sustainable solutions for mountainous communities.

The event also welcomed leading figures from India’s startup and investment ecosystem, including Aditya Arora, Angel Investor, CEO, Faad Capital and Bestselling Author of Startups of Bharat; Mayank Bindal, Founder & CEO of Snap-E Cabs; and Ms. Jaspreet Kaur, Director, JIS Group.

The distinguished guests judged and mentored aspiring student entrepreneurs as they pitched innovative startup ideas, out of which outstanding teams were selected for the grand finale.

“Made in JIS 2025,” like its earlier editions, serves as a platform solely designed to spotlight student talent and provide tangible support in shaping ideas into scalable ventures.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jaspreet Kaur, Director, JIS Group, said, “Having Shri Sonam Wangchuk amongst us was a deeply humbling and transformative experience. His life’s work, whether in education, environmental sustainability, or community-led innovation embodies the very values we aim to instill in our students. ‘Made in JIS’ is more than an event; it is a movement towards building a generation of socially conscious innovators and leaders. We’re proud to provide this platform to our students and watch them soar. The 2025 edition built on the overwhelming success of its previous years and once again proved that with the right guidance and a nurturing ecosystem, young minds can create impactful solutions that shape tomorrow.”

Fibe raises INR 225 crore via NCD

Pune, 05 August 2025: Fibe’s NBFC entity, EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd. has raised INR 225 crore through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD) issuance with a face value of INR 1,00,000/- each. The fund raise was completed in July 2025 and saw participation from multiple institutional investors including Franklin Templeton Alternative Investments Fund, India (Franklin Templeton AIF), which had subscribed INR 20 crore in the primary issuance.

The funds raised will further accelerate the company’s innovation-led growth and strengthen its lending operations, addressing the credit demand from young, tech-savvy and salaried individuals.

“We have always remained focused on maintaining asset quality while working to diversify and institutionalize our funding sources. With the additional debt capital, we will continue to serve the credit needs of India’s rising, digitally savvy population. The participation of institutional investors, especially Franklin Templeton AIF India, is not just a reflection of confidence in our long-term vision, but the digital lending sector as a whole. It will further support our growth journey and help us cater to a wider customer base,” said Ashish Goyal, Whole-time Director, EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 2015, Fibe which started with the Salary Advance segment, has expanded into multiple adjacent categories, to cater to the unmet needs of salaried professionals. It offers healthcare and education financing, solar rooftop financing, Loan Against Mutual Funds and assistance in digital FDs.

Gaurav Banerjee Appointed Chairman of BARC India

August 4, 2025; Mumbai India: Mr. Gaurav Banerjee, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer has been appointed as Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India’s new Chairman at its Board Meeting on 1st August 2025. This is with immediate effect. He takes over from Mr. Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, who served as BARC India’s chairman for over three years.

Mr. Banerjee is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in the Media and Entertainment industry and also represents Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) as its Vice President.  He is a director on the boards of MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited.

Speaking on being elected as BARC India’s new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPNI, said, “BARC India continues to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with data driven decision making and it is a privilege to take on the role of Chairman at the world’s largest television audience measurement company. A big thank you to Shashi Sinha for his exceptional leadership and steady guidance over the last three years. As we navigate a rapidly converging media landscape, I look forward to continue strengthening BARC’s position as a trusted and credible currency for TV measurement in India.”

Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, and the outgoing Chairman of BARC India, said, “Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to partner with BARC and the various committees at different levels. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at BARC for their unwavering support and collaboration. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee. I am confident that with his unique leadership style, BARC will continue to grow and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our industry.”

Nakul Chopra, CEO, BARC India, added, “We welcome Gaurav Banerjee as our new Chairman. His leadership will be invaluable as BARC continues to evolve and serve the dynamic needs of the broadcast and advertising ecosystem. We would also like to express our deep respect and thanks to Shashi Sinha for his stewardship and commitment to BARC. His tenure has been instrumental in enhancing data granularity while reinforcing BARC’s dedication and commitment to the industry.”

Tradelink International Expands Portfolio with Strategic Entry into Sulphur Trade Amid Growing Global and Domestic Demand

New Delhi, 5th August 2025: Tradelink International  announced its strategic entry into the global sulphur market, marking a significant expansion of its commodity trading portfolio. The move comes in response to rising global demand, particularly from India, where sulphur consumption is witnessing steady growth driven by the fertilizer, refining, rubber, and petrochemical industries.

tradelink

India’s sulphur market stood at approximately USD 1.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% in the coming years. A key driver of this growth is the increase in domestic refining output. With the implementation of Euro-VI fuel norms and higher crude processing levels, India’s sulphur production has almost doubled over the past decade, reaching nearly 3.9 million tonnes per annum in 2024.

“India represents a dynamic and fast-evolving market for sulphur, and our entry reflects our intent to support its growing industrial and agricultural needs,” said Abhishek Wadekar, Founder Chairman – Tradelink International Pvt. Ltd. “Our entry into the sulphur segment is a natural extension of our commitment to serve the essential sectors that drive national development agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.”

The fertilizer sector alone continues to be a major consumer, especially for sulphuric acid used in phosphate-based fertilizers. New projects like Coromandel’s Visakhapatnam and IFFCO’s Paradip sulphur burners are expected to add around 400,000 tonnes of annual demand. Additionally, the rubber and EV battery manufacturing sectors are contributing to sulphur’s increasing industrial use.

Tradelink International has already secured a shipment of 30,000 metric tonnes ±10% of elemental sulphur, set to be discharged at Vizag and Haldia ports, positioning the company to serve key industrial hubs across eastern and southern India. The company is sourcing primarily from the Middle East including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar balancing reliability with strategic import diversification.

Amid recent geopolitical tensions such as the Israel–Iran conflict, Tradelink remains committed to securing stable and cost-effective logistics. “While such disruptions have not directly affected production, they underscore the importance of resilient supply chains and diversified sourcing, which Tradelink has proactively built,” the spokesperson added.

In FY25, over 64% of India’s sulphur imports came through Vizag and Paradip ports, with prices fluctuating between USD 285–295/MT CFR as observed on July 3rd. Tradelink aims to leverage its global network to ensure timely availability and competitive pricing for Indian industries.

With supportive government initiatives including the Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme, the introduction of Urea Gold, and amendments to the Fertilizer Control Order sulphur is increasingly seen as a critical enabler of balanced and sustainable agriculture. Tradelink International’s entry into this segment aligns with both market needs and broader policy direction.

Sumadhura Capitol Towers leases five lakh sq. ft space to marquee corporates and retail brands in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 05th August 2025: Sumadhura Group, a leading real estate developer in South India, announces the leasing of five lakh sq. ft of space to marq  S umadhura Group, uee global businesses for office and retail use at its flagship commercial tech park, Sumadhura Capitol Towers, in Bengaluru. Located at Hope Farm Junction in Whitefield, the leasing transactions are projected to generate an annual revenue of ₹50 crore. The long-term leases have been signed by prominent companies operating across IT/ITeS, consulting, engineering, and artificial intelligence companies, further reinforcing Capitol Towers’ position as a premium commercial destination for the global players.

REAL ESTATE4

The commercial development has garnered strong traction in the retail segment—drawing a curated mix of established names in food & beverage, wellness, banking and childcare services—while elevating fine dining and offering an engaging, high‑street style experience.

Commenting on the leasing, Mr Madhusudhan G, Chairman & Managing Director, Sumadhura Group said: “Bengaluru’s Grade A+ office real estate continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and global occupiers, driven by robust infrastructure growth, rising demand, and enhanced connectivity. Among the city’s key urban hubs, Whitefield stands out as a thriving growth corridor, bolstered by metro expansion and its emergence as a preferred base for tech giants and global capability centers. The strong leasing momentum at Sumadhura Capitol Towers, backed by its prime location, world-class design, and tenant-centric features, reflects the sustained demand and resilience of Bengaluru’s commercial real estate market. With a solid footprint in Whitefield for over two decades now, Sumadhura has played a vital role in this micro-market’s transformation. As we continue to deliver premium office spaces and curated retail experiences, we remain focused on raising the bar in design, sustainability, and occupier satisfaction—creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Strategically located in Whitefield main road —just one minute from the Purple Line Metro—Sumadhura Capitol Towers spans across 8.67 acres with a leasable area of 1.5 million sq. ft and features one of Bengaluru’s largest commercial floorplates. Designed by the renowned Morphogenesis, the project is a Grade A+ office destination and holds the prestigious USGBC LEED Gold certification, reflecting its strong focus on sustainability. With its modern architectural design, environmentally conscious features, and integrated lifestyle amenities, Capitol Towers has quickly become a preferred address for leading corporations and prominent retail brands.

The Group remains focused on sustaining its strong leasing momentum with leading corporates, as it continues to elevate its commercial real estate portfolio to new heights.

According to Colliers India data, India’s office market has shown a strong growth in the second quarter of 2025 (April-June 2025) of the year, recording 17.8 million sq ft of gross leasing across the top seven cities. This is an 11% increase compared to the corresponding quarter in 2024, says the data. It adds that there has been a marked increase of 12% in office space demand as compared to the first quarter (Jan-March) of the year. Bengaluru led the leasing activity during the second quarter with 27% share at 4.8 million square feet, reaffirming its position as India’s top office market.

Visionary Entrepreneur Mohit Kamboj Appointed Group CEO of Aspect Global Ventures

Mumbai, 5th August, 2025: In a strategic leadership move, Aspect Global Ventures, one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates, has appointed Mr. Mohit Kamboj as the Group Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, he will lead all business verticals under the conglomerate, including bullion, real estate, sports, venture capital, hospitality, infrastructure, energy, entertainment, and social impact, with a sharp focus on driving innovation, operational excellence, global expansion, and sustainable growth.

A seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, Mohit Kamboj is widely recognized as a visionary leader who has successfully built and scaled ventures across finance, trade, investment, and policy advocacy. His strategic mindset, people-centric leadership, and deep understanding of emerging markets position him uniquely to guide Aspect Global Ventures into its next phase of integrated, high-impact growth. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Group deepens its footprint not only across India but also globally, with major expansion plans already underway in Dubai, Singapore, US and UK.

Ms. Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures, expressed her confidence in the appointment, stating, “Mohit brings unmatched energy, experience, and vision to the Group. As someone who understands the nuances of diverse sectors, he will play a vital role in aligning all our business verticals with the Group’s larger purpose of creating long-term, meaningful value.”

In response to his appointment, Mr. Mohit Kamboj said, “It is a privilege to take on the role of Group CEO at Aspect Global Ventures. I have immense respect for the incredible leadership Aksha has demonstrated, elevating the Group with purpose, clarity, and ambition. Aspect is a rare blend of enterprise and impact, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation, working closely with our exceptional teams to drive innovation, explore new global opportunities, and take the Group’s businesses to the next level through collaboration, technology, and community-driven growth.”

Aspect Global Ventures continues to emerge as one of India’s fastest-growing and future-ready conglomerates, marked by the remarkable success of its diversified ventures. With a sharp focus on innovation, strategic expansion, and operational excellence, the Group is not only redefining industry benchmarks but also making a profound impact through its sustained social initiatives. Deeply rooted in its core philosophy of responsible growth and nation-building, Aspect Global Ventures remains committed to creating long-term value, both economically and socially, by empowering communities, nurturing talent, and contributing to India’s global standing.