Archives 2026

NIIT Foundation Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification

New Delhi, Jan 13:  NIIT Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation working across education, skilling, and employability, has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management systems. The certification has been granted by Intertek Certification Limited, a UKAS-accredited certification body.
The ISO 9001:2015 certification covers NIIT Foundation’s head office in New Delhi and applies to the design and delivery of industry-relevant skill and IT training programmes, development of education and training content, instructor-led delivery systems, and technology-enabled learning and assessment platforms. The scope also includes personalised learning-based training engagements delivered through NIIT Foundation’s Career Development Centres and its Digital Bus initiative.
The certification underscores NIIT Foundation’s commitment to robust institutional processes, consistency in programme delivery, and continuous improvement across its operations. ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised standard that sets benchmarks for quality management systems, with a strong emphasis on process discipline, accountability, and customer-centric outcomes.
Commenting on the achievement, Sapna Moudgil, CEO, NIIT Foundation, said,
“Receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certification is an important organisational milestone for NIIT Foundation. It reflects the rigour of our internal processes and our focus on delivering high-quality, consistent, and scalable skilling interventions. As we work across diverse geographies and communities, strong quality systems enable us to remain accountable to learners, partners, and the larger development ecosystem.”
NIIT Foundation works with a wide range of stakeholders to implement skilling and employability programmes across multiple regions in India, with a focus on enabling equitable access to education, skills, and livelihood opportunities.

TallyPrime 7.0 Strengthens Connected Capabilities and Simplifies Digitisation for MSMEs

Bengaluru, Jan 13 : Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, India’s leading business automation software provider, today announced the launch of TallyPrime Release 7.0, marking five years of the TallyPrime platform. Since its inception, TallyPrime has been designed around one clear promise- make digitisation simple, reliable, and truly useful for MSMEs. This milestone release strengthens that mission by bringing together deeper integrations, smarter automation, and meaningful data-protection enhancements into a more cohesive, connected experience.

Over the years, TallyPrime has helped businesses navigate India’s fast-evolving digital landscape, from e-invoicing and e-way bills to connected GST compliance and everyday financial operations. With features like Connected Banking and TallyPrime Cloud Access, businesses have enjoyed the flexibility to work from anywhere, transact securely, and engage with external systems effortlessly.

Release 7.0 sharpens this customer-centric vision even further by strengthening the core pillars MSMEs rely on every day: continuity, clarity, and control. Stronger SBI and Axis Bank integrations now enable MSMEs to manage payments, fetch balances and statements in real time, and reconcile instantly, all without leaving TallyPrime. These enhancements turn routine financial operations into quicker, more transparent, and more reliable experiences.

Tally’s partnership-driven approach also continues with Bharat Connect for Business, built with NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. With automated invoice exchange and payment linkage between buyers and sellers, MSMEs can reduce manual effort and improve accuracy across their receivables and payables cycles.

Release 7.0 also brings the enhanced TallyDrive experience that keeps business data safer and more dependable. With upgraded encryption, stronger integrity checks, and a design philosophy that keeps data strictly in the business’s control, TallyDrive underscores Tally’s long-standing belief that connected workflows must never compromise privacy. Businesses can adopt digital practices with confidence, knowing their data remains secure, backed up, and always accessible.

Speaking about the milestone, Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions, said:

“Over the last five years, TallyPrime has steadily expanded its connected capabilities, enhancing how businesses manage compliance, banking, and everyday operations. TallyPrime 7.0 is a natural extension of this journey, introducing smarter automation, deeper integrations, and enhanced privacy features. It reflects our belief that businesses today need connected digitisation, not complexity. This release strengthens the ecosystem we’ve been building, helping businesses operate with more continuity, transparency, and confidence.”

With Release 7.0, Tally further reinforces its commitment to creating a secure, intuitive, and deeply connected platform, one that helps MSMEs make timely decisions, maintain continuity, and stay aligned with India’s digital ecosystem. The updates ensure that connected services across compliance, banking, payments, and reporting work more cohesively, enabling MSMEs to run their businesses with ease and clarity.

TallyPrime Release 7.0 will be available to all existing TallyPrime customers with an active license.

Sattva Group Announces Sattva Aaranya, Expanding Its Premium Residential Presence in West Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 13: Sattva Group has announced the launch of Sattva Aaranya, a premium residential development along Mysore Road, further strengthening its residential presence in West Bengaluru. The project reflects the Group’s consistent approach to creating well planned homes that prioritise long term liveability, thoughtful design, and strong urban connectivity.

Located adjacent to Jnanabharathi Metro Station on the Namma Metro Purple Line and with direct access to the Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway, Sattva Aaranya offers convenient connectivity to key employment zones and established residential neighbourhoods across the city. The development overlooks the expansive 600 acre Bangalore University campus, one of Bengaluru’s largest protected green spaces, offering residents enduring views and a rare sense of openness within the city.

The Mysore Road corridor has seen steady residential traction in recent years, supported by sustained infrastructure investment including metro expansion, improved arterial connectivity, and expressway access. Proximity to neighbourhoods such as Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Nagarbhavi, along with growing social infrastructure, has positioned the corridor as a stable and increasingly preferred residential destination for end users.

Derived from the word Aaranya, meaning forest, the project has been conceived as a nature integrated residential environment where architecture and landscape are closely aligned. The design adopts a restrained contemporary expression, with natural materials and landscaped open spaces that respond to the surrounding green context.

Spread across 6 acres, Sattva Aaranya comprises 480 residences, offering 3 BHK homes starting from 2,117 sq. ft. and 4 BHK homes starting from 2,944 sq. ft. The homes are planned with an emphasis on proportion, natural light, ventilation, and views, resulting in interiors that are comfortable, functional, and suited for long term living.

Lifestyle amenities include a 35 metre infinity pool positioned at the P3 level, along with dedicated family and children’s pools. A considered mix of fitness, leisure, and community spaces supports everyday wellbeing and social interaction.

Commenting on the launch, Karishmah Siingh, President Sales, Marketing and CRM, Sattva Group, said,

“Homebuyers today are making more considered choices, placing importance on comfort, design quality, and long term relevance. With Sattva Aaranya, we are extending our residential approach of creating thoughtfully planned communities that integrate nature, connectivity, and everyday functionality. Mysore Road continues to evolve as a strong residential corridor, and this project reflects our long term confidence in the area.”

Sattva Group has an established presence along Mysore Road through residential developments such as Sattva Divinity and Sattva SimpliCity, supported by commercial assets including Sattva Global City. Together, these developments reflect the Group’s approach to building integrated urban environments that bring together housing, employment, and infrastructure in a cohesive manner.

Sattva Aaranya adds to the Group’s growing portfolio of premium residential developments across Bengaluru and other key markets, reinforcing its focus on quality led development and long term value creation.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Brings ‘The Great Indian Biryani Trail’ to Diya

Gurugram, Jan 13: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences brings a focused culinary showcase to Diya with the Regional Biryanis of India, running from 23 January to 1 February 2026. The pop-up highlights India’s celebrated biryani traditions, presented within the framework of Diya’s Northwest Frontier cuisine.

Contemporary Indian interiors, warm accents, and plush seating create an intimate atmosphere. With seating for 80 guests, the space remains personal and composed. The Maharaja Room, a glass-enclosed private dining space for up to 12 guests, is available for private gatherings and special occasions. 

The showcase is curated by Indian Master Chef Bobby, whose expertise in regional Indian cuisine shapes the menu. His approach focuses on technique, balance, and authenticity, ensuring each dish retains its special character.

The menu brings together a selection of biryanis, each representing its place of origin. Guests can expect preparations inspired by the royal Hyderabadi, soulful Kolkata, spice-forward Malabar, rustic Lucknowi, and Rampuri styles. Each biryani is prepared using indigenous spices and authentic recipes, introduced in a manner that aligns with Diya’s culinary philosophy. 

A live kitchen adds an interactive element to the dining experience, complemented by live music that enhances the overall ambience. Together, these elements curate a well-rounded and engaging experience for guests. 

With this limited-period showcase, Diya invites discerning diners to appreciate the iconic regional flavour at its most intentional, an experience defined by precision, provenance, and an approach to Indian cuisine honoured by considered detail. 

Standard Chartered launches refreshed Priority Banking Proposition 

In line with Standard Chartered’s (“the Bank”) strategic pivot to the wealth and affluent segment, the Bank today announced its refreshed Priority Banking proposition in India.

Aditya Standard Chartered Image

The refreshed Priority proposition is built on four core pillars  wealth expertise, international banking, sales and service expertise, and exclusive lifestyle benefits. Together, they reflect the core strengths of the Bank and its approach to delivering a differentiated and integrated banking experience, as clients’ financial needs become more sophisticated and increasingly global.

The refreshed Priority proposition marks a pivot from a product-led engagement to deeper, multi-product relationships with clients, designed to support them more holistically as their financial needs evolves.

At the core of the refreshed Priority proposition is the Bank’s wealth expertise, enabling clients to grow, manage and protect their wealth through a comprehensive suite of solutions delivered through Standard Chartered and its securities arm (Standard Chartered Securities India). This is supported by a team of dedicated INSEAD trained Wealth Specialists and Relationship Managers, ensuring a consistently high standard of expertise and client experience. The Bank has also been investing in offering bespoke, personalised experiences to clients through dedicated Priority Banking Centres within existing branches.

The proposition also brings to fore Standard Chartered Group’s international network, enabling clients to manage their wealth seamlessly across borders, supported by digital capabilities, cross-border banking solutions and services, aligned to their global lifestyles.

The proposition is further complemented by ‘Priority Exclusives’, which offers curated lifestyle, travel and wellness privileges. Priority Exclusives includes access to lifestyle benefits and experiences and the Beyond Credit Card, an invite-only metal card for Priority clients, that’s in sync with the aspirations of the Global Indian.

Through a curated network of industry experts, clients can also access specialist support beyond banking, including global education, assistance with international citizenship and international relocation. These customised offerings are available to clients via SC Privileges, an integrated digital platform featuring handpicked experiences.

Speaking at the occasion, Aditya Mandloi, Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered said,

“India continues to be a strategic growth market for our Wealth and Retail Banking business. Our enhanced Priority proposition, including the launch of our Beyond Credit Card, reflects our commitment to further entrench ourselves within the wealth and affluent segment. We are committed to supporting the ambitions of the Global Indian client segment, leveraging our global expertise, intuitive digital platforms, and curated lifestyle benefits to ensure clients receive world-class, personalised support, in line with their evolving needs.

Our client continuum, global network and wealth expertise uniquely position Standard Chartered as a leading international wealth player. Our strategy remains centred on serving clients holistically across individual and business needs, supported by superior and consistent client experience” Mandloi added.

Panasonic lights up Jhajjar with 400 solar lanterns under its ‘Light Up the Future’ initiative

New Delhi, Jan 13: Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) has rolled out its global CSR initiative, Light Up the Future, in and around its manufacturing facility in Jhajjar district. Under the programme, Panasonic has distributed 400 solar lanterns across the nearby villages of Jahangirpur, Shura, and Kaloi, aimed at improving access to clean, reliable lighting for communities with limited electricity infrastructure.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba and Mr. Adarsh Mishra presents solar lanterns to students, during the launch of the ‘Light Up the Future’ Intiative

The initiative was formally launched at the Senior Secondary School in Jahangirpur, bringing together village leaders, students, and representatives from Panasonic Life Solutions India. The event marked Panasonic’s continued engagement with communities around its manufacturing operations and underscored the company’s focus on creating long-term social impact through sustainable interventions.

Speaking at the programme ceremony, Tadashi Chiba, MD and CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,

Guided by our founder Konosuke Matsushita’s philosophy that business must contribute meaningfully to society, Panasonic has always believed that access to essential resources is the foundation of strong and resilient communities. Through our global ‘Light Up the Future’ initiative—which began in 2009 and has reached communities across more than 30 countries, we are proud to bring sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions. We hope these solar lanterns become a source of opportunity, supporting children’s education, strengthening households, and enabling safer, more productive lives after sunset.”

Commenting on the initiative, Anju Malhotra, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,

Community welfare remains central to Panasonic’s efforts in India. The initiative is designed to address everyday energy challenges in rural areas. The solar lanterns are expected to deliver a meaningful impact by optimizing time for education and entrepreneurial activities among youth, enhancing household safety, and enabling productive activities after sunset. We appreciate the cooperation and participation of local village representatives and residents in making this initiative successful.

Light Up the Future” is Panasonic’s global CSR programme, implemented with on-ground support from Eco Roots Foundation (NGO partner), focused on delivering clean, sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions. Through continued investments in education, skill development, healthcare, and renewable energy, Panasonic remains committed to driving social progress and strengthening rural communities across its areas of operation.

Edgistify, a leading e-commerce & quick-commerce warehousing and fulfilment platform, raises $1.4M to fund its next stage of growth

New Delhi, Jan 13: Edgistify, a leading e-commerce and quick-commerce warehousing and fulfilment platform, has raised $1.4 million in its latest funding round to accelerate growth and strengthen its AI-led fulfilment orchestration capabilities through its proprietary platform, EdgeOS.

The round was led by Dubai-based venture capital firm NB Ventures and global supply chain veteran Rajesh Ranavat, with participation from Prateek Maheshwari (Co-founder, PhysicsWallah), Vivek Gaur (CGO, PhysicsWallah), Vikram Tandon (Former CHRO, Adani Group), along with other strategic angel investors.

Founded by Umang Shukla, Antim Suman, and Kamal Kishore Kumawat, Edgistify was built to address a fundamental gap in India’s fast-scaling commerce ecosystem—while demand has grown rapidly, fulfilment infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. The company focuses on helping high-growth brands navigate fulfilment complexity across marketplaces, quick commerce, D2C, and B2B channels.

Today’s brands face challenges such as purchase order errors, fragmented multi-channel operations, inconsistent city-wise execution, and unpredictable replenishments. Each channel brings its own SLAs, packaging norms, ASN requirements, and reconciliation processes. Edgistify’s strength lies in absorbing this complexity through customised fulfilment models rather than forcing brands into rigid, standardised setups.

Commenting on the investment, Rajesh Ranavat, mentor and investor, said,

“This funding is a strong endorsement of Edgistify’s vision to build a modern fulfilment backbone for India’s evolving commerce ecosystem. Fulfilment will define the next decade of brand growth, and Edgistify’s blend of technology, operational discipline, and market understanding positions it well to scale sustainably.”

With this funding, Edgistify plans to onboard more high-growth brands, deepen its fulfilment network across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and further enhance AI-driven orchestration through EdgeOS—a unified platform that integrates WMS, OMS, FMS, last-mile operations, and internal intelligence into a single real-time execution layer.

“We’re building a fulfilment partner brands can trust at scale,” said Umang Shukla, Co-founder & CEO, Edgistify. “This round strengthens our ability to help brands grow without chaos. Fulfilment needs to be fast, intelligent, and predictable, and that’s exactly what we’re focused on delivering.”

Antim Suman, Co-founder & COO, added,

“Indian logistics is still heavily manual. Our goal is to standardise reliability across warehouses and cities so execution feels as consistent as manufacturing. This funding helps us deepen that execution engine.”

Kamal Kishore Kumawat, Co-founder & CTO, said,

“India has world-class demand but outdated fulfilment infrastructure. With EdgeOS, we’re enabling real-time visibility, AI-driven decision-making, and predictive insights so brands operate with confidence instead of guesswork.”

As Indian commerce continues to expand rapidly, Edgistify is positioning itself as a long-term fulfilment orchestration partner—focused not just on storage and dispatch, but on enabling predictable, scalable growth for brands across channels and geographies.

Stree Shakti Foundation Marks a Decade of Grassroots Impact, Supporting 700+ Underprivileged Families Across Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 13:  Social worker Sneha Jagasia has been a consistent source of support for underprivileged families, women, and children across Mumbai. What began as small acts of kindness 14 years ago has blossomed into an impactful and deeply rooted community welfare initiative, carried out today through her non-profit organization, the Stree Shakti Foundation.

Inspired by her belief that “har stree mei ek shakti hoti hai”, Sneha continues to strengthen and build a community where instant help, compassion, support, and hope reach those who need them the most.

A Decade of Support That Speaks Through Untold Stories

Over the years, Sneha’s work has grown privately and powerfully,

  • Ration kits have been provided to struggling families to help them get through tough times

  • 20–25 children have been supported with their school fees, ensuring that their education continues seamlessly

  • 500+ books have been distributed to students to nurture their potential for learning and education

  • Medical aid has been provided to individuals unable to afford medicines or hospital bills

  • Over 700–800 people have been supported through Sneha’s social work initiatives

A Journey Rooted in Empathy

While the metrics speak to the scale, the true impact is rooted in the stories. Sneha’s journey is rooted in simplicity. She noticed people in distress and chose to help in various circumstances. A family receives basic groceries during a crisis, a child returns to school, elderly patients receive regular treatment, and women rebuild their confidence and are empowered every step of their individual journeys. She does her work without seeking recognition, focusing only on delivering help with dignity. For her, social work is not a project; it is a promise. A promise to show up for the less fortunate, and for the women who often feel unseen or unheard.

“Service isn’t about doing something big, it’s about showing up when someone needs you the most,” Sneha shares, reflecting her humble yet powerful philosophy.

Determined to Commit to the Cause

As Sneha expands her reach, her focus remains clear:

  • Strengthen education support for more children

  • Provide more vulnerable families with medical and ration assistance

  • Build empowerment opportunities for women

  • Increase community awareness and engagement programs

Through Stree Shakti Foundation, Sneha aims to uplift as many lives as possible with compassion, reliability, and respect.

Bank of Baroda Receives Five Awards at IBA’s 21st Annual Banking Technology Awards 2025

Mumbai,  Jan 13: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has been recognised for its leadership in technology and innovation at the prestigious Indian Banks’ Association’s (IBA) 21st Annual Banking Technology Awards 2024-25, winning honours across five award categories among Large Banks, including four wins and one Special Mention. Bank of Baroda was adjudged the Winner in four categories – Best AI & ML Adoption, Best Fintech & DPI Adoption, Best IT Risk Management and Best Tech Talent. In addition, the Bank received a Special Mention in the Best Technology Bank category.

Bank of Baroda (Bank) recognised for its leadership in technology and innovation at the prestigious Indian Banks' Association’s (IBA)

Speaking on the achievement, Dr Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said,

“Bank of Baroda is honoured to receive these coveted awards from the IBA, which reflect our continued focus on innovation, robust risk management, and building a strong tech team. We will continue investing in advanced future-ready capabilities to deliver a seamless and secure banking experience for our customers and create lasting stakeholder value.”

These recognitions reinforce Bank of Baroda’s focus on technology-led innovation and customer-centric banking.

Great Place To Work Report Highlights Change Adaptation Challenges in Pharma, Biotech & Healthcare

1 in 5 Employees Struggle to Adapt to Workplace Change Across Pharma, Biotech, and Healthcare shows Great Place To Work Report

Mumbai, Jan 13: – Great Place To Work® India, a global authority on workplace culture, has released its latest report revealing key workforce trends across the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and biotech sectors. As India’s pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and biotech sectors scale rapidly amid global pressures, organisations that prioritise trust, adaptability, and care are witnessing stronger employee commitment, greater readiness for innovation, and improved work–life balance.
The report reveals that trust-led workplace cultures are a key measurable driver of businesses. In pharmaceutical organisations where employees perceive management as honest and ethical, intent to stay rises sharply by 37%. These outcomes are especially significant in a sector grappling with talent shortages, regulatory intensity, and pricing pressures.
The report also highlights a noticeable improvement; nearly 81% of employees believe management’s actions match its words, while 89% view leadership as honest and ethical, reinforcing the role of consistency in building organisational trust.
India’s pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotech sectors are scaling significantly, with workplace culture emerging as a key driver of trust, innovation, and performance. Our recent study reveals that in the Biotechnology industry, employees with access to training and development report 33% higher innovation opportunities at work, strengthening the link between learning and innovation success. Confidence in leadership has a measurable impact on workforce stability in the pharmaceutical sector. Our research indicates that one in two employees tends to stay longer when they have confidence in their leadership. In the healthcare sector, teams that experience psychological safety have 58% more employees who report a healthy work-life balance, keeping employees engaged. Collectively, the findings prove that a highly trusted culture elevates employee performance and business outcomes. To sustain future growth, leaders need to ensure continuous training and development, encourage meaningful collaboration, and demonstrate agility to sustain growth in high-pressure environments.”, said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work® India.
In India’s biotechnology sector, the pace of scientific advancement has created a different set of challenges. While organisations are investing in learning, adaptation remains uneven. Employee perception of access to training and development opportunities has improved by 6% compared to last year, with 85% of employees in 2025 stating they are offered training, up from 79% in 2024. Yet, one in five employees continues to report difficulty adapting to workplace change, highlighting the need for learning cultures that go beyond formal programmes.
Significantly, the data establishes a strong link between learning, adaptability, and innovation. Employees with access to training report 33% higher innovation opportunities at work, while teams that adapt quickly to change see 54% greater positivity toward career growth. Employees who believe their organisations adapt well are also significantly more likely to look forward to coming to work and feel optimistic about long-term career prospects.
The report underscores that capability alone is insufficient without care. Nearly one in five healthcare employees report that their workplace does not adequately support emotional well-being, increasing burnout risk in an already high-pressure environment. In contrast, teams that experience psychological safety have 58% more employees who report a positive work-life balance, directly influencing retention and patient care quality.
Across all three sectors, the findings point to a shared conclusion: when trust, adaptability, and care are embedded into everyday work practices, organisations are better positioned to manage risk, sustain performance, and deliver long-term value. Leadership behaviour, continuous learning, and employee well-being are emerging as interconnected levers rather than isolated initiatives.
Here are all India’s Best Workplaces in Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, and Biotech 2025, recognized for their exceptional culture and employee satisfaction, listed in alphabetical order: 
  1. Alcon Laboratories India Private Limited
  2. Apitoria Pharma Private Limited,
  3. Aragen Life Sciences Limited,
  4. Biogen,
  5. Brinton Pharmaceuticals Limited,
  6. Cipla Limited,
  7. CK Birla Healthcare – A CKA Birla Group Company,
  8. Dr. B. Lal Clinical Laboratory Private Limited,
  9. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited,
  10. Fermenta Biotech Limited,
  11. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited,
  12. HCL Healthcare,
  13. INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.,
  14. Kids Clinic India Limited (Cloudnine),
  15. Laurus Labs Limited,
  16. Max Healthcare Institute Limited,
  17. Medtronic Engineering And Innovation Center Private Limited,
  18. Novartis Healthcare Private Limited,
  19. R1 RCM Global Private Limited,
  20. Rukmani Birla Hospital – A Part of CK Birla Hospitals,
  21. Sagility India Limited,
  22. Sentiss Pharma Private Limited,
  23. Sigachi Industries Limited,
  24. Stryker India,
  25. Thermo Fisher Scientific India