All posts by Neel Achary

Sambalpur, 30th October, 2025: In alignment with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur (IIM Sambalpur), one of India’s leading management institutions, hosted the 10th edition of its flagship annual business conclave, MARMAGYA 10.0. The theme for this year’s conclave was “Navigating Businesses in a Multipolar World: Ideas for Viksit Bharat 2047.”  IIM Sambalpur is taking a milestone step with this event to inspire students to develop adaptive and globally relevant leadership skills while guiding businesses to collaborate with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The event was graced by Abhishek Naidu, Global Head of Operations at Google, as the Chief Guest, Atul Kharate, Chief Operating Officer at Indian Oil Adani Ventures, as the Guest of Honor, and Vardhaman Agarwal, Director at EY, as the Keynote Speaker.

The conclave brought together students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the country, reflecting IIM Sambalpur’s commitment to fostering an Atmanirbhar Bharat through innovation, leadership, and collaboration. It also saw participation from senior representatives of leading organizations such as Google, EY, Indian Oil, Adani Ventures, Aditya Birla Group (UltraTech Cement), HCL Tech, ZOHO, Cushman & Wakefield, and several other prominent companies, highlighting its role as a premier platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the future of Indian business.

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can be achieved through three models. First, increasing women’s participation in the workforce which  is essential for economic growth , as highlighted by Claudia Goldin’s ( Nobel-laureates in Economics 2023). Second, inclusive model of governance  institutions,  highlighted by  Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, ( Nobel-laureates in Economics 2024). Third, innovation- and technology to create   fresh ideas, and creative transformation which is vital for a sustainable economy by Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion & Peter Howitt  (Nobel-laureates in Economics 2025)

Over the past decade, each edition of Marmagya has reflected the core of the business world, bridging the gap between academia and industry. From deep insights and strategic partnerships to operational excellence, this event provides a premier platform to foster the Make in India initiative.

On the transformative potential of AI, Chief Guest of the event, Abhishek Naidu, Global Head of Operations, Google, stated, “AI can empower education in underprivileged communities. IIM Sambalpur deserves praise for being the first IIM to integrate Data Science and AI into its curriculum.”

Guest of Honor, Atul Kharate, COO, Indian Oil Adani Ventures, remarked, “In the coming decade, India is set to become the third-largest crude oil processor, supplying petrochemical products globally. Growth in heavy industries and MSMEs is shaping a sustainable, strong economy.”

Keynote Speaker, Vardhaman Agarwal, Director, EY, said, “Marmagya is more than a business conclave- it is a leadership laboratory anchored in Innovation, Integrity, and Inclusiveness. IIM Sambalpur is shaping not just managers, but nation builders.”

This year, Marmagya began with an announcement where IIM Sambalpur introduced the Incubation Hub and Alumni Incubation Scheme as part of the Curtain Raiser for Marmagya 10.0 in Delhi, promoting entrepreneurial activities across the country. Over the past decade, the annual business conclave has evolved into a premier platform that brings together more than 26 visionary speakers and over 1,000 participants across various domains, including marketing, finance, operations, consulting, and technology reinforcing IIM Sambalpur’s core pillars of Innovation, Integrity, and Inclusiveness.

“Her calmness is her weapon, and her beauty is her disguise,” says Puja Banerjee on her striking look in Hungama OTT’s Dirty Scams

India, 30th october, 2025: Hungama OTT, one of India’s leading digital entertainment platforms, is set to turn heads with its upcoming original anthology Dirty Scams, a series that dives into the world of ambition, deception, and survival through stories of clever women who run smart, daring cons. Each episode is a standalone story of manipulation and wit, where every scam comes wrapped in style and surprise.

In the episode Aashram, Puja Banerjee takes center stage as a serene yet mysterious healer who runs a couples’ retreat, where relationships don’t heal, they unravel. Behind her soft-spoken demeanor and mesmerizing charm lies a razor-sharp mind that always gets what it wants.

Talking about her role and look, Puja shares, “Playing Mohini is unlike anything I’ve done before. Her calmness is her weapon, and her beauty is her disguise. The look is inspired by icons like Zeenat Aman and Jaya Prada, elegant yet powerfully enigmatic. From the flowers in her hair to the delicate accessories, every detail adds to her mystery. It’s a role that challenged me and thrilled me in equal measure.”

Don’t miss the premiere of Dirty Scams, streaming on Hungama OTT. The first two episodes, Ishq Parlour and Aashram, drop on October 30, followed by Shaadi Mubarak and Deemak on November 6, and the final story, Right Swipe, on November 13. Stylish, daring, and full of unexpected twists, Dirty Scams takes viewers on a thrilling journey through desire, deception, and danger, one clever con at a time.

India, 30th October, 2025: With three campuses across France  including the world’s largest one dedicated to the pastry and confectionery arts  École Ducasse stands as the leading network of schools for culinary professions.

On the occasion of its participation in the 30th edition of the Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie, École Ducasse is celebrating its range of training programmes focused on chocolate and pastry: a comprehensive selection of courses designed to enhance skills and provide the very best teaching in line with Chef Alain Ducasse’s philosophy.

A Full Immersion in the Art of Chocolate

From bean to ganache, both students and professionals joining École Ducasse campuses dive into the fascinating world of cocoa through short and long training programmes. Led by renowned chef instructors, these courses cover every stage of chocolate transformation: tempering, moulding, coating, and the creation of bonbons, bars, entremets and artistic pieces.

“Chocolate is a living material both precise and poetic. Our mission is to teach how to master it without ever losing sight of the emotion it evokes,” explains Luc Debove, Executive Director of the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie.

The Most Comprehensive Training Catalogue on the Market

With over 40 years of expertise, the École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie stands today as the world reference in the pastry and confectionery arts. Its training catalogue now encompasses every practice related to chocolate and pastry:

POST-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMMES

These three-year courses are open to all high school graduates wishing to pursue academic studies combining theoretical and practical training in the sweet arts.

• Diplôme Supérieur des Arts Pâtissiers – three-year programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux), conferring the title of Chef Pâtissier registered with the RNCP;
• Bachelor in French Pastry Arts – three-year English-taught programme delivered at École Ducasse Paris Campus (Meudon).

CAREER-CHANGE PROGRAMMES

Designed for professionals seeking a new career path, these short- or medium-term courses provide hands-on learning and strong employability upon completion.

• Essentiels de la Pâtisserie Française – eight-week programme delivered at École Ducasse Paris Campus (Meudon);
• CAP Chocolaterie Confiserie – eight-month programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux);
• CAP Pâtissier – eight- or nine-month programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux);
• French Pastry Arts Diploma – 22-week English-taught programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux);
• French Chocolate & Confectionery Arts Diploma – two-month English-taught programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux).

EXPERT TRAINING PROGRAMMES

These intensive courses allow professionals to perfect their skills and acquire solid, advanced techniques.

• Diplôme des Arts Pâtissiers – ten-month programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux), open exclusively to holders of a CAP Métiers de bouche;
• Expert Diploma in French Pastry Arts – eight-week English-taught programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux).

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie by École Ducasse Chef Instructors and master artisans – Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, World Champions and Palace Pastry Chefs – these three-day courses are aimed at professionals wishing to refine their expertise throughout their careers in specific pastry and chocolate techniques.

• Chocolate in All Its Forms – led by Paul Occhipinti, Chocolatier and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier Confiseur, from 2 to 4 March 2026;
• Easter Creations and Chocolate Bonbons – led by Bertrand Balay, Chocolatier and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier Confiseur, from 9 to 11 March 2026;
• Chocolate and Confectionery – led by Johan Giacchetti, Head Chocolatier at Le Bristol Paris, from 27 to 29 April 2026;
• Bean to Bar – led by Régis Bouet, Master Chocolatier-Confectioner and Cocoa Expert, from 18 to 21 May 2026;
• Chocolate Ganache – led by Régis Bouet, Master Chocolatier-Confectioner and Cocoa Expert, from 21 to 23 September 2026;
• Artistic Chocolate Creations – led by Stéphane Leroux, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier Confiseur, from 19 to 21 October 2026.

Beyond Renewables & Recycling Raises INR 5 Cr in Pre-Seed Round Led by Momentum Capital to Build India’s Circular Solar Waste Ecosystem

India, 30th October, 2025: Beyond Renewables & Recycling, a pioneering climate-tech startup focused on sustainable and high-value solar panel recycling, has raised pre-seed funding led by Momentum Capital, a US-based venture capital fund. The investment will accelerate the development of Beyond Renewables’ proprietary recycling technology, strengthen its waste supply chain, and scale operations to address India’s rapidly growing solar waste crisis. 

Founded in 2024 by Manhar Dixit and Vedant Taneja, Beyond Renewables has validated its recycling process at lab scale, achieving high recovery and purity rates for materials such as silver and silicon. This marks the company’s first external fundraise. Along with Momentum Capital, co-investors in the October 2025 round include Venture Catalysts, IIMA Ventures, Oorjan Cleantech, and Gautam Das, founder of Oorjan. 

India’s rapid solar adoption is expected to generate nearly 1.2 million tons of solar PV waste by 2040, a number that could climb to 4.8 million tons under an early-loss scenario. Much of this e-waste is currently handled by the informal sector, which often lacks the infrastructure to safely process hazardous materials, leading to low recovery rates and environmental damage. 

Beyond Renewables addresses this gap through a proprietary, eco-effective recycling process that achieves over 95% recovery of high-value materials from end-of-life solar panels. Using a combination of advanced thermal and chemical treatments, the company extracts aluminum, glass, silicon, copper, and precious metals such as silver with high purity, transforming hazardous waste into a valuable source of sustainably sourced minerals. 

“Beyond Renewables’ mission is perfectly aligned with our thesis of investing in companies that solve critical environmental challenges through deep-tech innovation,” said Ankur Shrivastava, Managing Partner at Momentum Capital. “The solar waste problem is not a distant threat, it’s a present and rapidly escalating issue. The Beyond Renewables team, with their advanced technology and clear go-to-market strategy, is uniquely positioned to dominate this market, which is projected to grow rapidly by 2040 to a ₹20,000 crore market. We are thrilled to partner with them to build a circular economy for India’s solar industry.” 

The company has developed a multi-channel waste sourcing strategy, partnering with asset developers, EPCs, manufacturers, and dismantlers to secure a consistent waste supply. Its focus on eco-effective, high-value recycling differentiates it from existing players that often rely on less efficient mechanical extraction methods.

“With India’s solar installations reaching 127.33 GW and a growing panel manufacturing industry, we have a responsibility to ensure sustainability from cradle to grave,” said Manhar Dixit, CEO of Beyond Renewables & Recycling. “This funding led by Momentum Capital is a massive vote of confidence in our technology and our vision. It will enable us to scale operations and provide a comprehensive, environmentally sound solution that turns waste into a national resource. We are not just recycling; we are creating a sustainable future.” 

After extensive research and validation, Beyond Renewables has begun commissioning its first industrial-scale facility in Rajasthan. With over 2,000 metric tons of solar waste already in the pipeline, the company is expanding partnerships with module manufacturers, EPC players, and asset owners to secure supply. Supported by IIT Mandi Catalyst and NSRCEL, the startup is also strengthening its sales channels and has secured LOIs from buyers for recycled glass, silicon, and other materials. 

NAREDCO Maharashtra Donates INR 3.12 Crore to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to Support Flood Affected Farmers Across Maharashtra

Mumbai, 30th October, 2025: In a heartfelt expression of solidarity with the farming community, the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) Maharashtra has contributed INR 3.12 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support relief and rehabilitation efforts for farmers affected by the devastating floods across Maharashtra. Of this total contribution, ₹1 crore was donated by Pune members, while the remaining amount was collectively contributed by Mumbai MMR members of NAREDCO Maharashtra.

The recent torrential rains and flash floods wreaked havoc across key agrarian districts including Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Nashik, Raigad, and Ratnagiri destroying vast swathes of farmland, submerging homes, and leaving thousands of families struggling to rebuild their lives. For countless farmers, months of hard work and investment were washed away overnight, resulting in severe financial and emotional distress.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, NAREDCO Maharashtra has stepped forward to support the state government’s mission to bring relief to these affected farming families. The ₹3.12 crore contribution, made collectively by around 20 NAREDCO Maharashtra members, is aimed at helping restore livelihoods, rebuild homes, and provide essential support to farmers as they recover from this unprecedented natural calamity.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said “Maharashtra’s farmers our revered Annadata are the backbone of our state’s economy, providing sustenance and strength to millions. The recent floods have not only damaged crops and farmland but also shaken the spirit of countless families. Through our humble contribution to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, we wish to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers and support the government’s tireless efforts in ensuring relief, rehabilitation, and recovery.”

“This initiative is a reflection of our collective gratitude to the community that feeds the nation. We sincerely hope that our contribution helps bring some relief and hope to those whose livelihoods have been most affected,” he added.

NAREDCO Maharashtra expressed its heartfelt gratitude to its members and leaders who came together for this noble cause. Over the years, the organisation has been at the forefront of various social and humanitarian initiatives from disaster relief to community welfare reaffirming its belief that true progress lies not only in developing cities but also in uplifting the rural and agrarian fabric of the state.

As the state government continues its large-scale relief operations having already disbursed over ₹8,000 crore to nearly 40 lakh flood-affected farmers NAREDCO Maharashtra has pledged continued support and awareness to mobilise further assistance for those who nurture the land and feed the nation.

This contribution stands as a testament to NAREDCO Maharashtra’s commitment to compassion, collaboration, and community rebuilding ensuring that Maharashtra’s farmers rise again, stronger and more resilient than ever.

New Delhi/30th October, 2025 – The much-anticipated fourth edition of IPFEAST — rebranded this year as IPFEAST 4.0 LEGENDS — is set to take place on 31st October at The Piano Man, New Delhi. Conceptualized and directed by Safir Anand, and supported by Anand and Anand, this landmark event celebrates India’s creative and cultural brilliance. The event is proudly sponsored by Titan Company, Landmark Cars, William Grant, Crème Bell, and ICA Gallery.

IPFEAST is far more than a conventional event; it is a vibrant, immersive experience that brings together India’s most dynamic minds, creators, and brands. The platform serves as a space where ideas meet execution and legacy meets innovation, celebrating intellectual property as a living, breathing force that defines identity, drives creativity, and shapes culture.

This year’s edition, aptly titled “LEGENDS,” honors over 30 extraordinary individuals drawn from diverse fields — from music, cinema, and design to business, literature, and public life. These luminaries have left an indelible imprint on India’s creative and intellectual fabric, redefining how innovation and imagination shape our world.

Reflecting on the vision behind IPFEAST, Safir Anand, Senior Partner and Head (Trade Marks, Contractual and Commercial IP) at Anand and Anand, said, “India is possibly the richest treasure-trove of arts, crafts, and design that are hundreds of years old, yet ever evolving. From this reservoir have emerged so many unique brands that tell a compelling tale.” For Anand, intellectual property is not something to be hidden away but a vibrant force meant to be showcased and celebrated grandly.

Organized in association with The Piano Man, IPFEAST 4.0 LEGENDS will feature a power-packed lineup of speakers and thought leaders — from Manish Malhotra, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, and Samir Arora to Nikhil Nanda, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Puneet chhatwal, Sanjoy Roy, and many more legends. The evening will also include a rich lineup of live performances by one of India’s leading bands, making it an unforgettable celebration of culture and creativity.

The event underscores how intellectual property fuels progress across industries, framing brands not merely as businesses but as powerful legacies with purpose, story, and cultural depth. Through curated showcases, panels, and storytelling sessions, participants will experience how ideas evolve into iconic creations that stand the test of time.

Launched in 2023 by Safir Anand, IPFEAST has grown into a marquee platform celebrating intellectual property as both culture and commerce — where creativity is recognized, protected, and amplified.

As IPFEAST 4.0 LEGENDS unfolds in Delhi, it stands as a tribute to India’s icons and innovators — a festival of ideas that honors the minds shaping our collective legacy.

“With this fourth edition, we celebrate not just brands and ideas, but the legends behind them — those who have shaped India’s creative and intellectual legacy,” added Anand.

MMCM Launches India’s First Circularity-Linked Carbon Credits from ELVs; Projected to Save Over 2 million tons of CO₂ in a Decade

India, Mumbai, 29th October: Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM) today announced the launch of India’s first circularity-linked carbon credits from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), projected to achieve 2 million tons of upward CO2 savings by the end of the decade.

India’s Carbon Market Potential

Under the globally recognized Cercarbono standard, MMCM’s Circularity-Based Carbon Project introduces a global-first solution. By integrating circular economy principles into carbon markets, MMCM establishes a first-ever verifiable circularity-linked carbon mechanism, demonstrating that carbon reduction and material recovery can move hand-in-hand.

These credits are expected to witness strong global demand, positioning India as a supplier of high-integrity, circularity-linked carbon assets that meet the world’s growing need for traceable, impact-driven climate solutions. MMCM has partnered with 20+ Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) nationwide, including leading recyclers such as Tata Re.Wi.Re and Mahindra CERO. Backed by verifiable circularity data and a robust digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) mechanism, this project has the potential to unlock ₹1000 crores in the RVSF ecosystem through climate finance, creating greater employment opportunities, improving environmental outcomes, and driving awareness about responsible recycling.

Why Circularity-Linked Credits Matter

Unlike conventional carbon offsets, MMCM’s ELV Carbon Credits are anchored in circularity, linking every emission reduction with tangible material recovery. For every 1 ton of ELV responsibly scrapped and recycled, approximately 0.6 tons of CO₂e savings are achieved. The process is verified through 40+ dMRV data points on MMCM’s proprietary digital MRV mechanism, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and traceability.

Beyond avoided emissions, these credits capture the recovery of high-value materials such as steel, aluminium, and plastics which are reintroduced into manufacturing cycles. For India Inc, this creates a dual advantage – credible Scope 3 emissions offsets alongside the development of resilient, low-carbon supply chains powered by recycled raw materials.

Celebrating the launch, Mr. Nitin Chitkara, CEO, MMCM, said:

“Circularity-linked carbon credits open a new paradigm where India can decarbonize while simultaneously creating value from recycling. This model not only supports India’s net zero ambitions but also strengthens industrial ecosystems with sustainable resource recovery. As COP30 nears, India is ready to showcase carbon innovation with global impact.”

Echoing his thoughts, Mr. Yashodhan Ramteke, Head of Carbon BU, MMCM, added, “By quantifying and trading ELV-linked carbon credits, we are demonstrating how emission savings and circularity can work together, setting the stage for India to become a leader in next-generation carbon finance.”

This initiative reimagines ESG strategy for India Inc by turning the challenge of automotive waste into an economic opportunity. By embedding circularity into carbon markets, MMCM is helping India unlock its circular economy potential, strengthen industrial supply chains, and accelerate progress on the Net Zero pathway.

India, 29th October 2025: Actress and influencer Isha Malviya just turned up the heat with her latest dance reel on the viral track Bolo Bolo. The high-energy clip captures Isha’s effortless charm, expressions and striking moves.

The 21-year-old is a popular trendsetter on social media and her caption “Babe, trend toh ab shuru hua hai” proves that she knows it! Bolo Bolo by India’s breakout I-pop girl group W.i.S.H. ft Panther, is fast becoming a Gen Z anthem, and Isha’s spin on it has only amplified the craze further.

INOXAP Signs 20-Year On-site Gas Supply Agreement with Premier Energies for their Solar Cell Facility in Andhra Pradesh

India, 29th October, 2025: INOX Air Products (INOXAP), India’s largest manufacturer of industrial, electronic and medical gases, has signed a 20-year agreement on a Build-Own-Operate basis with Premier Energies, one of India’s largest integrated solar cell and module manufacturers. The agreement involves installation & commissioning of a cryogenic Air Separation Unit (ASU), for supplying 7000 nm3/h of Gaseous Nitrogen of 5N grade, 250 nm3/h of ultra-high purity Gaseous Oxygen of 6N grade, along with some additional liquid products to Premier Energies’ solar cell greenfield manufacturing facility at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh. The ASU is expected to be commissioned next year.

The new agreement reinforces INOXAP’s four-year association with Premier Energies through successive long-term on-site contracts for industrial gases supplied from INOXAP’s cryogenic plants, cementing its role as the preferred partner. INOXAP has already installed 2X750 nm3/h and 1X1000 nm3/h Nitrogen generators at Premier’s Hyderabad facility. INOXAP has also recently initiated supplies of electronic grade gases for Premier’s current 3GW Solar PV cells & future manufacturing of 4GW Solar PV cells.

Commenting on the contract, Siddharth Jain, Managing Director INOX Air Products adds, “At INOX Air Products, we are proud to partner with Premier Energies to support India’s solar ambitions. This long-term agreement is a significant step towards strengthening the country’s solar manufacturing ecosystem by ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of high-purity industrial gases. This is India’s first integrated ASU dedicated to the solar cell manufacturing industry, which will be capable of generating both, ultra –high purity gaseous Nitrogen as well as ultra-high purity gaseous Oxygen. With this development, we are not only enabling advanced technology adoption but also reinforcing our commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition in India.”

Speaking on the partnership, Surender Pal Singh Saluja, Chairman Premier Energies said, “INOX Air Products has always been our preferred partner of choice for our gas needs in our quest to lead India’s green-growth story. Premier Energies is strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem and contributing to the nation’s vision of self-reliance in clean energy manufacturing. We are proud of our long association with INOXAP, and firmly believe that the new chapter in our association would bring greater glory, to our journey.”

Gurugram, 29th October, 2025:  KIIT World School, in collaboration with Lions Club, Gurugram, organised a blood donation camp to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and to encourage greater community participation in this life-saving cause.

The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and teachers, who came forward to contribute towards the noble cause. Their active involvement served as an inspiring example of how small individual efforts can make a big difference in saving lives.

Alongside the donation drive, an awareness session was conducted where experts addressed common myths surrounding blood donation. They also highlighted its health benefits and social significance, emphasizing that regular blood donation not only helps save others’ lives but also contributes positively to the donor’s own health.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Neelima Kamrah said, “Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts, directly linked to saving lives. This camp helped our students and parents understand the deeper value of compassion and humanity.”

Through this initiative, KIIT World School reinforced its commitment to fostering social responsibility and community service among its students.