Archives 2025

Hyderabad, July 29, 2025: The BBA program at Hyderabad-based EThames College has been ranked No. 1 in Placements and No. 2 among Top Private BBA Institutes in Hyderabad in the Times BBA Education Ranking Survey 2025 (TBERS). Nationally, EThames secured the 47th position among BBA colleges across India.

Conducted by TBERS, the survey was based on a robust three-phase methodology comprising Desk Research, Perceptual Survey, and Factual (Participatory) Analysis, aimed at identifying and ranking India’s most impactful BBA institutions. “This business school is turning students into startup-ready graduates,” observes an industry insider. Additionally, the BBA program is nurturing women business leaders in Telangana.

With India chasing a $5 trillion economy, the demand for skilled managers is exploding, and BBA is replacing BTech as the top choice for Gen Z. This shift in educational priorities reflects how India’s youth is gearing up not just to get jobs, but to create them.

“You can’t build a strong economy without strong managers,” said Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo.

According to YourDegree, India has approximately 3,729 BBA colleges, including 142 government and 3,261 private institutions. Shiksha.com puts the number even higher, estimating over 6,400 institutions offering BBA and related programs across various modes, including full-time, part-time, online, and distance. Varthana confirms that over 4,600 colleges offer full-time BBA programs, underscoring the course’s rising popularity nationwide.

As per Statista, nearly 100,000 students enroll in BBA programs annually, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13%. With India’s total higher education enrolment crossing 43 million, of which 79% are undergraduates, BBA is rapidly emerging as one of the most in-demand UG programs in India’s evolving academic landscape.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames and former Regional Managing Partner at EY, said, “We operate on a simple principle: education must stay ahead of the curve. Students need more than theory; they need preparation for the dynamic, ever-evolving real world. Our campus is designed like a startup lab, and our TAP model – Theory, Application, Practice – ensures that learning is immersive, relevant, and industry-connected. The BBA program at EThames is built for the future.”

EThames College has a unique distinction, where industry becomes faculty. What sets EThames apart is its collaborative academic model. Through its partnership with KPMG in India, EThames integrates real-world business challenges, simulations, and practitioner-led sessions directly into the BBA classroom adds Mr. Gadiraju.

ONGC, BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd, and Reliance Industries Ltd Sign Joint Operating Agreement for Offshore Block in Saurashtra Basin

New Delhi , 29 July 2025: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), in partnership with BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has formally signed a Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) for offshore exploration of Block GS-OSHP-2022/2, awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid Round-IX. The agreement was signed on 28 July 2025 at ONGC’s Deendayal Urja Bhavan, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

The block, located off the western coast in the Saurashtra Basin, spans an area of approximately 5,454 square kilometres and is classified under Category-II basins. The consortium, with ONGC designated as the Operator, is set to undertake exploratory activities aimed at assessing and harnessing the hydrocarbon potential of the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Director (Finance), BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited; and Mr. Avinash Kumar Pathak, Senior Vice President, Reliance Industries Limited, including Mr. Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), ONGC; Mr. Om Prakash Sinha, Director (Exploration), ONGC; and Mr. Sanjay Baveja, Chief (Exploration- JV & BD).

This agreement marks a significant milestone in collaborative energy exploration and reflects the consortium’s shared commitment to advancing India’s energy security and contributing to the nation’s long-term energy goals.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Presents the Second Series of Rooted in Nature: A Chocolate High Tea at Sorrento

New Delhi, 29th July 2025 : A decadent amalgamation of heritage and sustainability unfolded at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi as the hotel unveiled the second chapter of its global ‘Rooted in Nature’ initiative, celebrating responsibly sourced ingredients and environmentally mindful dining. Held on July 26th, the event welcomed discerning guests and chocolate enthusiasts to an expertly crafted chocolate high tea at Sorrento, spotlighting the renowned craftsmanship of Callebaut, under the guidance of Executive Chef Gagandeep Sawhney and his talented culinary team.

‘Rooted in Nature’ is a mindful sustainability journey that reflects the group’s evolving relationship with the land and its people. Going beyond a culinary philosophy, it champions locally grown, responsibly sourced ingredients, supports small producers, and restores ecological balance through everyday dining choices. With its second series, the initiative deepens its focus and takes a step toward more honest hospitality, where every meal nurtures both the palate and the planet.

This experience brought to life Callebaut’s storied journey since 1911, a legacy rooted in traditional Belgian chocolate mastery and modern sustainability values. Through engaging, hands-on sessions of melting, tempering, and molding, guests were introduced to the process behind the preferred chocolate of chefs across the world. The celebration honoured Octaaf Callebaut’s original vision, grounded in rich flavor, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility that continues to shape the brand’s global legacy.
Chef Sawhney led attendees through a curated exploration of chocolate techniques, offering insight into the skill and finesse required to craft nuanced flavor profiles and refined textures. The session served as a reflection of how ethically sourced ingredients power Shangri-La’s wider ‘Rooted in Nature’ movement, where culinary expression meets purposeful sourcing across its global properties.

The experience concluded with a curated high tea, designed to translate the day’s learning into a series of beautifully balanced flavors and textures. Each creation was a tribute to the harmony of Belgian chocolate heritage and eco-conscious practices, offering a dining moment that feels indulgent yet grounded in purpose.

Guests can continue their chocolate journey with the Rooted in Nature Chocolate-themed high tea at Mister Chai, available from July 27th to August 3rd. This extended experience allows the essence of the event to live on, welcoming guests to reconnect with Callebaut’s timeless craftsmanship and the hotel’s ongoing commitment to meaningful, modern luxury.

Bengaluru, 29 July 2025: The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with NSRCEL at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), one of India’s most prestigious academic incubators, convened an interactive session as part of the UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series, a strategic initiative designed to nurture globally scalable Indian start-ups.

Held in Bengaluru, a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship, the event marked another significant step in advancing the Start-up Series across India. With its strong start-up infrastructure, dense network of venture capital firms, and deep talent pool in technology and management, Bengaluru continues to serve as the nucleus of India’s global-facing entrepreneurial ambitions.

The centrepiece of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSRCEL and the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), formalising their partnership to identify and support high-potential Indian ventures from the IIM Bangalore ecosystem seeking to participate in the UAE-India Start-up Series.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UICC, outlined the vision and structure of the CEPA Start-up Series, emphasising its focus on international scaling and strategic mentorship. “NSRCEL is a proven engine of entrepreneurial excellence, and we are proud to welcome it into the CEPA Start-up Series network. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to unlocking global opportunities for India’s brightest founders, starting right here at IIM Bangalore,” he said.

Mr. Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO, NSRCEL, added: “We are delighted to partner with the UAE-India CEPA Council on this important initiative. At NSRCEL, we are committed to helping founders build scalable, impact-driven ventures. Through this collaboration, our entrepreneurs will gain a valuable bridge to the UAE market – an ecosystem that offers exciting opportunities for cross-border innovation and growth.”

As part of the event, attendees viewed the official trailer for the UAE-India Start-up Series, which showcased the programme’s offerings and the roadmap for selected start-ups to engage with the UAE innovation ecosystem. This was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where Mr. Aljneibi responded to queries from students and entrepreneurs, addressing a wide range of topics from venture readiness and sector focus to post-selection support in the UAE. This interaction provided invaluable clarity for founders considering cross-border expansion.

The Bengaluru leg of the CEPA Start-up Series Roadshow reflects the UICC’s continued effort to forge tangible linkages with India’s leading academic incubators, ensuring that the benefits of CEPA reach the country’s most promising entrepreneurial talent.

Applications for the CEPA Start-Up Series are open until 31 July 2025.

By – Ms. Shivani Wagh, Joint Managing Director, Supriya Lifescience Ltd.

In recent years, the global pharmaceutical landscape has witnessed growing momentum toward self-reliance in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing, particularly amid rising tariff pressures and disrupted global supply chains. India, with its robust pharma legacy, is well-positioned to lead this shift, but realising this potential requires a strategic and multi-pronged approach.

To begin with, strengthening local manufacturing is key. While India has already made significant strides in API production, scaling this further is essential to reduce dependence on imports. A strong and consistent manufacturing base will not only enhance supply chain resilience but also ensure long-term sustainability and cost efficiency.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s position in API manufacturing. This phase represents a significant opportunity for companies to align with the government’s vision of self-reliance. Companies that have proactively embraced the scheme are now well-positioned to gain early-mover advantage in this evolving ecosystem.

The government’s role in this transformation is crucial. Initiatives such as the PLI scheme are commendable steps toward incentivising domestic API manufacturing. However, support must go beyond financial incentives. Streamlining regulatory processes and ensuring faster approvals remain pressing needs. Regulatory delays can hinder production timelines and deter new entrants from the market. A simplified and responsive framework will give the industry the confidence and clarity it needs to grow.

Additionally, with the United States set to begin imposing tariffs on imported medicines from August 2025, India has a golden opportunity to step up and fill global supply gaps—especially for regulated markets.

Moreover, supportive policies that foster a conducive business environment can accelerate this journey. Whether it’s easing compliance burdens, ensuring access to affordable utilities, or enabling ease of doing business, policy support must be holistic and consistent across the board.

Innovation and R&D are other powerful levers that can shift the equation in India’s favour. Focused investments in research can reduce production costs, improve process efficiencies, and enable manufacturers to scale operations sustainably. When coupled with backwards integration, this can offer a significant competitive edge, ensuring cost advantages, stable raw material supply, and enhanced control over quality and timelines.

It’s also important to recognise that API manufacturing is capital-intensive and infrastructure heavy. Setting up and running facilities requires considerable investment and high-grade infrastructure, including uninterrupted power and water supplies, efficient waste management systems, and transportation networks. Here too, the government must step in to build and upgrade pharma-friendly infrastructure that supports large-scale, compliant, and sustainable manufacturing.

With a focused approach that encompasses stronger local manufacturing, supportive government policies, streamlined regulations, innovation-driven R&D, and infrastructure development, India is well-positioned to lead the global shift toward API self-reliance. Embracing these measures will not only strengthen India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem but also secure its position as a leading force in the global active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market.

In a powerful testament to personal discipline and wellness, industrialist Anil D. Ambani ran a half marathon yesterday, completing 21 kilometers in an impressive 99 minutes and 6 seconds.

The run, undertaken on July 27, was dedicated to mental and physical health, reflecting Mr. Ambani’s long-standing commitment to holistic well-being.

After completing the run, Mr. Ambani shared a heartfelt message:
“I am grateful for the blessings of Lord Shiva and my mother, Kokilaben D. Ambani, and my father, the Late Shri Dhirubhai H. Ambani, for bringing me as a human being to do my karma and serve this great nation — Bharat. Jai Hind.”

Known for his consistent focus on fitness, Mr. Ambani continues to inspire with his disciplined lifestyle and passion for long-distance running. His accomplishment serves as a reminder that personal wellness is a journey worth pursuing, no matter the pace of life or business.

At a time when the conversation around mental resilience and physical health is more important than ever, Anil Ambani’s run offers both motivation and perspective.

In the ever-evolving world of architecture and interior design, the use of natural materials continues to remain a powerful symbol of authenticity and refinement. Among these, natural stone stands out for its durability, organic charm, and unmatched versatility. Antica Ceramica, a pioneer in the tile and surface solutions industry, proudly introduces its latest design innovation — StoneEtch, a sophisticated stone wall collection that seamlessly merges state-of-the-art CNC technology with the timeless appeal of natural stone.

StoneEtch reimagines how stone is used in contemporary spaces, taking a giant leap forward in decorative surfaces. Crafted using high-precision CNC (Computer Numerical Control) engraving techniques, the collection transforms raw stone into works of art — with intricate detailing, sculptural textures, and artistic motifs rendered flawlessly across every slab. From symmetrical patterns and modern geometric lines to organic textures inspired by nature, StoneEtch panels bring a tactile and visual richness that elevates any space.

“At Antica Ceramica, we’ve always believed in the beauty of materials and the power of innovation,” says Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica. “With StoneEtch, we’re giving designers and architects an unprecedented opportunity to transform natural stone into a storytelling medium — an artistic expression rooted in precision, sustainability, and sophistication.”

A defining strength of the StoneEtch collection lies in its limitless customizability. With CNC-enabled technology, designers can translate virtually any creative concept into the surface of stone. Whether the brief calls for minimalist elegance, contemporary boldness, or traditional grandeur, StoneEtch offers the freedom to create bespoke walls that align seamlessly with the desired aesthetic of residential, commercial, or hospitality spaces.

Versatile in application, StoneEtch is designed for both indoor and outdoor environments. Within interiors, the stone panels serve as striking feature walls in living rooms, bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, and lobbies — adding depth and drama to otherwise flat surfaces. Outdoors, they adorn façades, garden walls, patios, and entryways with enduring elegance. The natural resilience of stone, paired with CNC craftsmanship, ensures that these installations are as durable as they are beautiful, retaining their character over time even in high-traffic or exposed areas.

StoneEtch also speaks to the increasing importance of sustainability in design. As Mr. Bhugra highlights, “Natural stone is a renewable material, harvested responsibly and with minimal processing. The long life cycle of stone reduces the need for replacements, making StoneEtch not just a beautiful choice, but also an environmentally responsible one.” The collection aligns with the growing demand for high-performance, sustainable materials in contemporary architecture and interiors.

With the launch of StoneEtch, Antica Ceramica reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking brand committed to innovation, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness. For over three decades, the company has helped shape India’s design landscape, offering a broad and curated portfolio of surfaces that balance aesthetic vision with technical excellence.

StoneEtch marks the next chapter in this journey — a celebration of the meeting point between natural beauty and digital precision. Whether featured in high-end homes, boutique hotels, designer offices, or curated public spaces, StoneEtch leaves a lasting impression, elevating surfaces into sculptural statements of style.

HYSEA and 3AI set to host GCCX…Hyderabad

Poster unveiled by IT Minister, Shri Sridhar Babu Duddilla

Hyderabad, India – The Hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, unveiled the poster for GCCX…Hyderabad 2025, a landmark summit co-hosted by HYSEA and 3AI, scheduled for Friday, August 1st at The Westin, Mindspace, Hyderabad.

“GCCX…Hyderabad: Reimagining the New Next in GCCs with AI,” this first-of-its-kind summit will spotlight the rapid rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Telangana and celebrate innovation and leadership excellence in the AI era.

Speaking at the launch, the Hon’ble Minister Shri D Sridhar Babu remarked: “Telangana has rapidly emerged as India’s fastest-growing GCC hub, now home to 355+ Global Capability Centers, with 70 established in the past year alone. Together, they employ over 3 lakh skilled professionals. The time has come to move beyond service delivery, towards value creation and innovation, as Hyderabad continues to strengthen its position as a strategic global tech hub. I congratulate HYSEA and 3AI for curating this important summit and look forward to engaging with leaders at GCCX… Hyderabad.”

The GCCX… Hyderabad Summit will bring together over 500 senior professionals, including 200+ GCC leaders, MDs, CXOs, and experts in AI, analytics, and technology.

The summit will feature 60+ speakers across curated sessions focused on key themes such as Generative AI, Agentic AI, future-ready operating models, talent and leadership development, and innovation through ecosystem collaboration.

Thanking the Hon’ble IT Minister, Prashanth Nandella, President, HYSEA, said: “GCCX… Hyderabad brings together leading minds from technology companies, GCCs, AI startups, academia, and government to exchange ideas, forge meaningful connections, and shape future-ready organizations. It serves as a dynamic platform to accelerate AI-led innovation and talent transformation. A must-attend for leaders driving change.”

The Hon’ble IT Minister is cordially invited to join the Leaders Exclusive Evening at the summit and interact with conference speakers, accomplished CXOs and felicitate key contributors to Hyderabad’s GCC growth. He will be accompanied by Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary ITE&C, Industries & Commerce. This exclusive evening is presented by GRAVA, a My Home Group company.

The prestigious GCC-ONE Awards will be presented to the winners by Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, CEO, SPEED and Industry & Investment Cell.

Participants will gain valuable insights through a variety of formats – keynotes and spotlight talks by industry leaders, solution showcases from top tech platforms tailored for GCCs, roundtable discussions, rapid masterclasses in the Transformation Zone, and live demos, best practices, and startup pitches in the Innovation Zone.

Sameer Dhanrajani, President of 3AI, thanked partners and sponsors: “The HYSEA–3AI collaboration offers unparalleled visibility for brands engaging with India’s fastest-growing GCC landscape. We’re grateful to Cognizant, McDonald’s, ProHance, Evernorth, PwC, Ascent Health, AuthBridge, Metlife, GRAVA, T-Hub, IIITH-CIE and others for recognizing the strategic value of this summit.”

Other notable speakers include:

• Lalit Ahuja, ANSR
• Rajesh Varrier, Cognizant
• Deshant Kaila, McDonald’s
• Prashanti Bodugam, Evernorth India
• Rajesh Kumar Ojha, PwC
• Ranga Pothula, Infor
• Jaideep Agarwal, Warner Bros.
• Sheenam Ohrie, Broadridge India
• Lalitha Indrakanti, Jaguar Land Rover TBSI
• Amit Kalra, SwissRe
• Dinesh Murugesan, DSM-fermenich
• Madhuri Duggirala, Google
• Sailaja Josyula, Cognizant
• Megha Chawla, Bain & Co.
• Rajesh Dhuddu, PwC
• Durga Prakash, McDonald’s
• PJ Narayanan, IIIT Hyderabad
• Ram Chandani, CBRE
• Kavikrut, T-Hub
• And many more…

29th July 2025, Jaipur: In a culture fixated on the next drop, Pleyne invites men to rediscover the quiet authority of repetition. The Jaipur-based menswear label—celebrated for its refined tailoring and mindful design—reframes repeated wear as a gesture of discernment, not compromise.

“Fast fashion taught us to chase the new,” says Chirag Sogani, one of the founding minds behind Pleyne. “We prefer to ask—what truly endures? When a garment is crafted with care, produced responsibly, and fits you effortlessly, it naturally becomes part of your rhythm.”

At Pleyne, every piece begins with a purpose. Clean, minimal lines outlast seasonal shifts. Fabrics are selected for their strength and feel. And final additions are carried out by artisans who value restraint over embellishment. Small-batch production ensures complete focus on craft, preserving the intention behind every stitch.

But repetition here is more than sustainability—it is a personal philosophy. The modern Indian man today navigates between cultural depth and global ease. His wardrobe must follow suit. Pleyne’s sharply tailored trousers, understated kurtas, and lightweight jackets move with him—seamlessly, from a morning review to an evening gathering. Each piece becomes a familiar companion, designed to align with identity rather than costume change.

Through repetition, Pleyne encourages a more deliberate pace—slowing down the fashion cycle in favor of emotional value. Fewer garments, made better, reduce waste and carbon impact, yes—but more importantly, they invite intimacy. A crease earned with time, a soft fade developed through wear—these details form a personal archive, impossible to replicate off a rack.

The brand’s experience studio in Jaipur reflects this philosophy. Visitors enter a calm, focused space where fabric, structure, and fit speak louder than seasonal themes. Stylists guide clients through subtle distinctions—how a collar shape frames the jawline, how a sleeve pitch adjusts posture, how minimal tones elevate presence without effort.

“Refinement,” Sogani explains, “is the confidence that comes from familiarity. When a jacket drapes just the way you expect, you show up fully—without questioning your reflection.”

In a marketplace cluttered with reinvention, Pleyne proposes a quieter form of expression: wearing yesterday’s favorite again, today, and tomorrow. The collection is an invitation to curate a smaller, smarter wardrobe—one that values depth over volume, and continuity over chaos.

Step into the Jaipur studio or explore the collection designed for those who believe style is less about keeping up, and more about showing up.

Ahmedabad, 29^th July 2025 – Stratefix Consulting, a management-consulting firm that develops and executes growth strategies for mid-sized businesses, has announced a sales consulting mandate with General Traders, a notebook manufacturer and wholesaler that has operated in Ahmedabad since 1954. The partnership aims to streamline sales functions and establish systems that support the business.

Stratefix Consulting will help General Traders implement a sales strategy that includes process development, role clarity, and performance review systems. The firm will design processes for each level of the sales function, support role-based responsibilities, and set up regular reviews. As General Traders moves to its next phase, Stratefix will create a sales roadmap with defined steps, clear reporting, and measurable outcomes. Stratefix works with companies across various sectors to build systems that support operations and improve team coordination.

Chirag Patel, Co-Founder of Stratefix Consulting, said, “We are working with General Traders to implement structured sales systems that align with their growth goals. The project involves setting up clear sales processes, aligning team roles, and creating performance-tracking systems. Over the years, General Traders has built its position in the notebook segment, and our role is to support this foundation with systematic practices that make day-to-day operations more efficient. These systems are designed to be simple to manage and consistent across departments, helping the team make timely decisions and stay aligned with business goals.”

As part of the engagement, Stratefix Consulting will conduct a detailed review of existing sales operations, identify areas for improvement, and design processes that support team coordination and customer response. The scope also includes the development of reporting systems, sales dashboards, and tools to measure team performance and market activity. These systems will be customised to fit the company’s current structure and future growth plans.

Manan Modi, Partner at General Traders commented, “We have been in the notebook business for over seventy years. Our focus has always been on delivering the right products on time and maintaining relationships with our buyers. As we look at new markets and larger volumes, we see value in structured sales practices that help our teams work in an organised way. Partnering with Stratefix Consulting will help us strengthen our internal processes while keeping the agility the market requires. This step is part of our plan to build for the long term. As part of our future vision, we also plan to create a new firm as a startup to launch an innovative brand and product range.”

Stratefix Consulting will support General Traders by reviewing the current sales setup, mapping processes, creating dashboards, and implementing tools for order tracking, lead conversion, and market performance. The project includes sessions to help the internal team manage systems independently and will be carried out in phases. They work with companies across sectors like manufacturing, engineering, FMCG, chemicals, and distribution, and have completed over 750 projects for more than 450 companies in India. It will apply the same method to help General Traders build a structured and scalable sales function.

This collaboration reflects General Traders’ focus on strengthening internal processes and aligning operations with long-term business plans through structured sales practices.