Archives 2025

Speaking exclusively on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Mithali Raj shared her thoughts on RCB’s dominant performance: “Right from the first over when Renuka Singh dismissed Shafali Varma, RCB took control of the game. From that moment on, Smriti Mandhana has not put a foot wrong. Every bowling change she made resulted in a breakthrough. The way she led the innings, along with Danni Wyatt, provided a strong foundation for their batting line-up.”

Speaking on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Stacy-Ann King praised Smriti Mandhana’s performance: “She was outstanding tonight. The way she maneuvered and executed her shots was exceptional. We saw several strokes on the leg side, but her elegance through the off side was truly remarkable. She pierced the field with precision, going up and over when needed. After missing out in the last match, she made amends today, leading from the front as a true captain.”

Speaking on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Mithali Raj highlighted the significance of Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 42-run innings: “She was a bit tentative at the start, but once she got a few runs, she settled in. The way she lifted her bat and accumulated runs showed her class. As the innings progressed, she played with more conviction, adjusting to every move and variation from the opposition. She steadily grew in confidence, making full use of every opportunity presented to her.”

Speaking on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Stacy-Ann King analyzed Delhi Capitals’ performance and where they fell short: “I think they couldn’t post the total they aimed for, primarily due to losing wickets at crucial junctures. While they had a few big overs, they weren’t able to maximize their scoring opportunities. The loss of key wickets at critical moments hindered their momentum, affecting both their run rate and their ability to build strong partnerships. Moving forward, they will need to focus on constructing solid partnerships to achieve better results.”

Hyderabad 19th February 2025: CREDAI Hyderabad, in collaboration with CRE Matrix, presents an in-depth zone-wise analysis of the city’s office and housing markets, highlighting key trends, demand patterns, and future growth potential. The Hyderabad Office Market Report – Q4 CY’24 and Hyderabad Housing Market Report – Q4 CY’24 unveil a comprehensive analysis of the city’s real estate landscape.

The hosing report unveils comprehensive trends for the North West, North East, South West and South East of Hyderabad. Hyderabad North West emerged as the dominant market, contributing 64% of total sales value, with transactions amounting to ₹19,826 Cr. Additionally, Hyderabad South West continued to lead in pricing, recording the highest per square foot value at ₹11,277 in Q4 CY’24, showcasing strong demand for premium residential spaces.

These in-depth reports offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the office and residential markets, underscoring Hyderabad’s strong growth potential and resilience in a rapidly changing environment and investor confidence. With a surge in co-working demand, declining office vacancy rates, and strong housing sales momentum, the reports highlight key market trends shaping the city’s future.

Speaking about residential real estate trends Mr. V. Rajashekar Reddy, President, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “Hyderabad’s housing market reflects strong buyer confidence, with a 17% increase in average ticket size and a 14% improvement in inventory absorption. Premium housing demand remains high, with Hyderabad North West and South West emerging as key micro-markets. As the city continues its rapid development, CREDAI Hyderabad is committed to ensuring sustainable and transparent growth in the real estate sector.”

Adding about Commercial real estate Mr. Reddy said “Hyderabad’s commercial real estate market remains on a strong growth trajectory, with 2.2x increase in large office transactions, a 26% surge in co-working demand, and a 1.5% reduction in Grade A/A+ vacancy rates. Moreover, the strong 1.1x demand-to-supply ratio further reinforces the positive market sentiment. These indicators showcase the city’s strength as a thriving business hub. With a business-friendly ecosystem, proactive governance and strong occupier confidence, Hyderabad continues to attract large-scale investments, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global enterprises.”

N. Jaideep Reddy, President-elect, CREDAI Hyderabad, said Residential: “Hyderabad continues to establish itself as a leading real estate hub, with strong demand for premium housing and sustained growth across key markets. The city’s expanding infrastructure and employment opportunities further enhance its appeal, making it a preferred destination for homebuyers and investors. Moreover, Hyderabad’s office market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by strong occupier confidence and increasing demand across key business districts. The city’s strategic development and investor-friendly policies are shaping it into a thriving corporate destination, ensuring long-term momentum in commercial real estate.”

Jagannath Rao Bandari, General Secretary, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “Hyderabad’s real estate market continues to attract strong investor and homebuyer interest. With 16,644 units sold in Q4 CY’24 and the new launches at 11,081 units, the sector remains vibrant and adaptive to evolving market needs. The continued demand for high-quality residential spaces, combined with strong infrastructure growth, is shaping the city’s dynamic housing landscape.”

Adding about Commercial Real Estate Mr. Rao said: “Hyderabad’s commercial real estate sector is undergoing rapid expansion, with total Grade A office stock reaching 151.1 million sqft and 82.9 million sqft under construction. The city’s strong leasing momentum, supported by increasing demand for office spaces, reinforces its attractiveness for global enterprises. Sustained economic activity and infrastructure enhancements will continue to drive commercial real estate growth, solidifying Hyderabad as a powerhouse for business and investment.”

19th February 2025, Mumbai: FinX has signed an MoU with KBP Modern College (Mumbai University, NAAC A++) to introduce a B.Com program in Capital Markets, marking a significant step towards bridging the BFSI talent gap. With over 50% of graduates deemed unemployable due to a lack of practical exposure (India Skills Report), the industry is in urgent need of job-ready professionals. Through this collaboration, FinX is bringing real-world training, expert mentorship, and industry exposure into mainstream education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in investment banking, wealth management, and financial markets.

Speaking about the initiative, Himanshu Vyapak, CEO of FinX, highlighted the need for industry-aligned education. “The BFSI sector needs professionals who can hit the ground running. Traditional courses tend to focus heavily on theory, but what the industry truly requires is hands-on learning, market simulations, and direct interaction with financial experts. This MoU is a step towards ensuring that students graduate with the practical skills and industry experience needed to thrive.”

The program has been designed with employability at its core, blending technical knowledge with real-world applications, including market simulations, industry-led mentorship, and internship opportunities.

By integrating financial education with practical experience, FinX and KBP Modern College are not only strengthening India’s capital markets but also shaping a highly skilled workforce to support the country’s fast-growing £10 trillion economy.

Mumbai, February 19th, 2025: The University of Southampton is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Eloise Phillips as Academic Provost for the new Delhi campus.

Prof Phillips will take up her post in May ahead of the campus welcoming its first students in August.

She played an important role in establishing the University of Birmingham’s flagship campus in Dubai where she is currently Head of Health, Wellbeing, and Human Science programmes. Previous to this, Eloise was an Associate Dean at Aston University.

Prof Phillips is a registered nurse and highly experienced advanced clinical practitioner. Across her career, she has worked globally in clinical practice, healthcare leadership and management, research, and academia.

The University of Southampton Delhi will become India’s first global top 100 university when the campus in Gurugram opens to provide high-quality education rooted in research excellence, innovation, and real-world opportunities for Indian students.

Prof Phillips said: “I was drawn to the University of Southampton for its mission to impact and transform students’ lives and the region, which aligns with my professional values and passion.

“I am honored to accept the role of Academic Provost and Associate Vice-President (International) at the University of Southampton Delhi and look forward to leading our international campus towards excellence in education, research, and knowledge exchange.

“India’s dynamic education landscape offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of higher education where I am committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment for students and staff.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice President of International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, added: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Eloise Phillips as Academic Provost of the University’s Delhi campus.

“Eloise joins us from the University of Birmingham Dubai campus and so has extensive experience of international campus development.

“We are looking forward to her leadership of the campus at this very exciting point in the development of the University, and in particular the launch of our Delhi campus in 2025.”

Noida, 19th February 2024: The Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated in grand passion and fervor at the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida Football Ground. Day one of the tournament was a spine-chilling display of sportsmanship, friendly rivalry, and competitiveness. All the teams participating put their best foot on the ground, and the match started to a dynamic and thrumming beginning.

IMS Noida was privileged to have Mr. Rohit Rana, a celebrity volleyball player, as the Chief Guest for the tournament. His motivational speech inspired players and spectators alike to their very hearts. Mr. Rana’s presence raised the bar for the event, upholding the tradition of sportsmanship and excellence in the sport of volleyball.

Apart from this, Prof. (Dr.) Vikash Dhawan, Director General, Iof MS Noida, and Mr. Chiraag Gupta, Vice President, of IMS Noida, also attended the event. They were the key motivational forces behind holding the tournament through their words of guidance and encouragement. The encouragement and guidance offered by them also encouraged the participants further, and the competitive spirit grew.

The long-awaited opening ceremony of the event began at 10:15 AM with a warm welcome of all the guests. Mr. Rohit Rana was also specially honored for his contribution to the sport. This was then followed by the Oath Ceremony where all the players took an oath of their commitment towards fair play and sportsmanship. A Cultural Program featuring vibrant performances created a lively atmosphere for the day. The official Opening Ceremony heralded the start of an exciting tournament.

“As someone who is a strong believer in youth activity and sports, it is great to see such enthusiasm and competitive spirit among the players. This tournament offers a great opportunity to nurture and develop the next generation of volleyball players,” said Prof. (Dr.) Vikash Dhawan, Director General of IMS Noida.

“Today’s competition is as much about victory as it is about inculcating values of teamwork, discipline, and enthusiasm for the sport in the participants. The calibre we see today is the best and I would wish to see some cliff-hanging experiences in the days to come,” said Mr. Chiraag Gupta, Vice President, IMS Noida.

As the matches opened, the pitch was ablaze. The two teams showed exquisite skill, passion, and unity, and they left the crowd dumbfounded by what they showed. The deafening crowds’ applause heightened the suspense, and Day 1 was a sportsmanlike achievement of passion.

With such a start fueled by adrenaline, the tournament will see more dramatic encounters and thrill in the days ahead. The fans are requested to keep cheering as the fight for the win continues.

By Neeraj R. Kochhar, Chairman of Viraj Profile PVT LTD

Stainless steel manufacturing is the backbone of industrial development, catering to the growing demands of infrastructure, automotive, and numerous other sectors. India, being one of the largest producers of stainless steel globally, generates millions of tonnes of stainless steel annually. Alongside this production, however, comes a significant amount of by-products. Traditionally viewed as waste, these materials now represent untapped opportunities for sustainability, economic value, and resource conservation. With India’s push towards circular economies and sustainable practices, it’s time to explore how these by-products can be effectively utilized.

Understanding Stainless Steel By-products
Stainless steel manufacturing generates a range of by-products, including steel scrap, slag, mill scale, and dust. These materials, often considered liabilities in the past, are now emerging as valuable resources due to technological advancements and a stronger focus on sustainability.

•  Steel Scrap: This is one of the most vital by-products and serves as a key resource for recycling. Using scrap steel not only reduces the need for virgin raw materials but also cuts down carbon emissions significantly.
•  Slag: Generated during the smelting process, slag is rich in calcium and silicon. It has proven applications in infrastructure projects as a component in cement, road aggregates, and even as a soil conditioner in agriculture.
•  Mill Scale: A by-product of the hot rolling process, mill scale is used as a raw material in sintering plants or in the production of ferroalloys.
•  Steel Dust: Though often classified as hazardous, steel dust can be treated to extract valuable metals such as zinc and iron through advanced technologies like plasma smelting.

Circular Economy in Action
Leading Indian stainless steel manufacturers, such as Viraj Profiles, are setting examples in sustainable practices. More than 90% of the raw materials used by Viraj Profiles are derived from recycled steel scrap, showcasing how industries can embrace circularity. Additionally, by-products from the production process are reintegrated into manufacturing, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste.

This circular approach not only reduces environmental impacts but also enhances operational efficiency. Such practices align with India’s broader goals of promoting green industries and reducing reliance on finite natural resources.

Applications Beyond Manufacturing
The potential of stainless steel by-products extends beyond the industry itself:

1.  Road Construction: Steel slag, with its durability and strength, is being increasingly used in road-building projects. It improves the quality of infrastructure while reducing the demand for conventional aggregates.
2.  Wastewater Treatment: Slag’s filtering properties make it an excellent medium for wastewater treatment, addressing India’s growing need for clean water solutions.
3.  Fertilizer Production: Certain types of slag have been found effective as soil conditioners, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
4.  Metal Recovery: Advanced technologies are enabling the recovery of valuable metals from steel dust, which can be reused in production processes, ensuring no material is wasted.

The Need for Innovation and Collaboration
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Not all by-products can be reused immediately, and processing them often requires significant resources. Tackling these issues demands a collective effort:

•  Technological Advancements: Innovations in processing techniques can make the reuse of by-products more efficient and economically viable.
•  Industry Collaboration: Partnerships between the steel industry and other sectors, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, can open new avenues for utilizing by-products.
•  Government Support: Policy frameworks that incentivize investments in recycling technologies and mandate the use of by-products in specific industries can accelerate progress.

India’s Path to Zero Waste
The Indian stainless steel industry is poised to lead the charge toward a zero-waste future. Companies like Viraj Profiles exemplify what’s possible when sustainability is prioritized. With supportive policies, innovative technologies, and cross-industry collaboration, the vision of a circular economy can become a reality.

By leveraging the full potential of by-products, the stainless steel sector can balance growth with environmental responsibility, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable industrial landscape in India. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards—both economic and ecological—are undeniably worth the effort.

Bengaluru, February 19: Stonehill International School’s Technofest, a two-day inter-school competition for students, came to a close with over 200 students from more than 25 schools participating in the event across six cities, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. The fest also served as an inclusive platform for students from diverse backgrounds to showcase their tech skills through events such as Hackathon, Makeathon, and Formula 1 RC car racing competitions.

Stonehill’s state-of-the-art design and tech labs were open to participants from government and private schools, including Oakridge International, Trio World Academy, Inventure Academy, The Gaudium School, Chaman Bhartiya School, Jain International Residential School, and Vijaybhoomi Singapore International School.

In the Makeathon, participants built products such as an automatic dog feeder, a gaming chair crafted entirely by hand tools, a tech dress with sensors, and smart shoes for the visually challenged. The Hackathon projects ranged from AI-based outfit prediction software and a stock market simulator to an epilepsy detection belt and a household chores planner. The newly introduced Formula 1 RC car racing event saw students designing and racing their cars on a track, creating a lot of excitement and enthusiasm among the participants and the spectators. It was a contest full of nail-biting moments as students cheered for their team, making it one of the highlights of the event.

Speaking about the event, Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, stated, “It was a real pleasure to be able to open our campus up to students from such diverse backgrounds and experiences and watch them come up with such creative, innovative ideas for addressing real-world issues.”

The participants appreciated the fest for the infrastructure, learning experience, and inclusive environment. Yogeshwaran from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Thiruporur, Tamil Nadu, whose team won the Makeathon senior category, said, “We were initially a bit intimidated to be amidst an international community, but the people at Stonehill made us feel at home. They encouraged and motivated us to perform in the contest. We are thankful for the opportunity.”

The purpose of Technofest is to motivate young people to develop inventive solutions for modern problems during a rigorous 24-hour timeframe.

The Entrepreneur AI Summit 2025 delivered its conclusion at Eros International Hotel located in Nehru Place New Delhi as the biggest AI summit in India organised by CEOITBOX. The event showcased more than 500 entrepreneurs representing various locations within India with additional attendance from business owners operating in Tier-1 and Tier-2 regions who participated to witness the increasing need for business-friendly AI solutions focused on small and medium enterprises (SMEs and MSMEs).

 The summit delivered an educational platform for SMEs and MSMEs to examine AI strategies which improved operational efficiency and led to increased profitability. The seminar assembled a team of accomplished business experts which features Sanjeev Jain, founder and managing director of CEOITBOX alongside Dr. Anil Gupta, owner of Okaya, who provided important knowledge about implementing AI solutions across different industries. Panelists at the event included Adesh Gupta from Liberty Shoes along with Rajesh Aggarwal from Insecticides India and Saurabh Mittal from Sujata Appliances. The panelists exchanged knowledge on practical AI implementations, budget-friendly solutions, and best practices for implementing AI systems within small and medium enterprises and MSME’s.

Sanjeev Jain, Founder & MD of CEOITBOX, highlighted “AI empowers all entrepreneurs to use this modern technology for greater operational effectiveness to reach a broader market scale. Utilization of AI technology reaches beyond corporate giants to benefit any business owner dedicated to productive work instead of labour-intensive work. Every business owner who seeks work efficiency improvement can use this technology. The main challenge exists in creating user-friendly and understandable AI systems. MSMEs acquire comfort with AI after understanding its ability to simplify operations including automated work and enhanced customer relationships and enhanced business decision-making. The summit demonstrates Indian SMEs and MSMEs acute interest in AI implementation for their business operations.”

 Guests obtained practical experience through interactive demonstrations of AI capabilities that featured advanced technology solutions including business automation, Automated Business process and systems, and alongside predictive analytics solutions. The summit emphasized Practical implementations over theoretical explanations, aiming to equip SME and MSME owners with specific strategies for implementing AI efficiency immediately after the event.

The summit concluded with the key takeaway that businesses need straightforward AI adoption strategies, as being a tech-savvy entrepreneur is not essential for implementation. The sessions provided targeted instruction on how AI can manage supply chains, create powerful customer interactions, and make accurate forecasts, enabling business owners to develop their own AI integration methods. Case studies of AI implementation in sales forecasting and manufacturing automation highlighted how MSMEs can leverage the tangible benefits of AI in their operations.

The gathering successfully united SME and MSME business owners with AI solution providers, in a productive networking environment. Business Networking, exhibition, all aimed at supporting future partnerships and growth through AI solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to learn actionable AI strategies to transform their businesses, discover insider tips on AI tools to solve their biggest challenges and explore revolutionary techniques to scale and dominate their industry with AI.

 The Entrepreneur AI Summit 2025 highlighted India’s ambition to become a leading hub for AI-driven SMEs and MSMEs, showcasing how AI will revolutionize business operations in the future. The overwhelming positive feedback during the summit suggests that Indian SMEs and MSMEs are ready to embrace AI, as it promises to drive sustainable growth. The event’s successful conclusion signals that new collaborations, along with ongoing AI adoption and sector innovation, will shape the future of the SME and MSME industry in the years to come.

Greater Noida West: VVIP Addresses, a premier residential project in Greater Noida West, hosted a highly successful Box Cricket Tournament at its state-of-the-art Box Cricket Stadium. The event, which was exclusively organized for the residents of the society, witnessed enthusiastic participation from various resident teams. Hundreds of people gathered to cheer the participants.

The tournament was attended by CMD, VVIP Group, Mr. Praveen Tyagi, Mr. Umesh Rathore (VP Sales & Marketing), and Mr. Piyush (POPL- Cricket Organising committee), along with representatives from Hit 95 FM and the company’s channel partners. The event also saw a significant audience turnout comprising family members and friends, who enthusiastically cheered their loved ones participating in the match.

Speaking on the occasion CMD, VVIP Group, Mr. Praveen Tyagi said, “We are thrilled to have hosted this successful event for our residents. The participant’s response was particularly exciting. At VVIP Addresses, we are committed to creating a vibrant community that encourages social interaction and a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to organizing more such tournaments in the future.”

The tournament was a huge success, with participants and attendees alike praising the organizers for their efforts. The event served as a wonderful opportunity for residents to bond and have fun while also showcasing the project’s excellent amenities.

VVIP Addresses is a premium residential project located in Greater Noida West, offering luxurious apartments and world-class amenities. With its focus on community building and resident engagement, the project has become a preferred choice for homebuyers in the region.

Nasreen Shaikh, former captain of the Indian women’s Kho Kho team and an Arjuna Awardee, has been honored with the prestigious BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year—Changemaker Award for her extraordinary contributions to the sport. The award was presented by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the International Kho Kho Federation and Kho Kho Federation of India, at a grand ceremony in New Delhi on February 17, 2025.

Nasreen’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and transformation—not just for herself but for an entire sport. Her leadership in Kho Kho, particularly in the wake of India’s triumph at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, has played a crucial role in elevating the sport globally. This recognition by the BBC underscores the growing momentum of indigenous sports and India’s emerging dominance in the international sporting arena.

She expressed deep gratitude for the award, saying:

 “Kho Kho is more than just a sport to me—it’s a passion that has shaped my life. This award is a recognition not just of my journey but of the hard work and dedication of every athlete striving to make a mark in Indian sports.”

With Kho Kho gaining international traction and aspirations for inclusion in future multi-sport events, Nasreen’s recognition is timely and significant. We believe her story would resonate with your readers/viewers, and we’d love to explore how we can collaborate on coverage.