All posts by Neel Achary

Mumbai, May 26, 2025: Miraj Cinemas, India’s third-largest and fastest-growing multiplex chain, has announced the appointment of Bhuvanesh Mendiratta as its new Managing Director. He takes over from Amit Sharma, who has stepped down after successfully leading the company for over 14 years to pursue newer opportunities.

Bhuvanesh Mendiratta

Mendiratta has been closely associated with Miraj Cinemas for over a decade. He most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, he will lead the company’s overall business strategy, day-to-day operations, and long-term growth plans.

With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment and hospitality sector, Mendiratta has held senior positions at PVR and Cinemax before joining Miraj and leading key verticals, including operations, F&B, marketing, programming, and audits. A graduate in Hospitality and Administration from the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), he also holds an Executive MBA in Hospitality Management.

Arvind Jain, Group CEO, Miraj Group, said, “Bhuvanesh has been part of our core team for a long time and understands every aspect of the business. With his strong industry knowledge and execution skills, we believe he is well-placed to lead Miraj Cinemas into its next phase of growth. We are excited about what lies ahead.”

Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, Managing Director, Miraj Entertainment Ltd., said, “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m truly honoured to take on this responsibility. Our focus will remain on strengthening our presence, adding premium formats like IMAX and Neo-M, and creating the best possible experience for moviegoers across India,” and added that Miraj is also planning to expand in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. “We will have locally tailored content strategies and sustainable cinema formats.”

Under Mendiratta’s leadership, Miraj Cinemas is set to enter a new chapter of growth, expanding its footprint across the country and upgrading projection and sound technologies. Miraj Cinemas is operating 235 screens across 70 locations in 48 cities.

National, May 23 2025— In alignment with PVR NEST’s mission to advance safety, protection, and empowerment for women—including through legal aid and capacity-building initiatives—a special screening of Phule was hosted for leading women lawyers, celebrating the enduring legacy of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule and their fight for justice and equality.

The screening, organized at PVR INOX DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, was graced by the presence of Ms Shobha Gupta, Senior Advocate and Founder of We, The Women of India, who reflected on the significance of the film for the legal community.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Shobha Gupta, “Phule is not just a story of two incredible reformers—it is a call to conscience for every upholder of justice. As lawyers, we are constantly seeking inspiration from those who have fearlessly challenged oppressive systems. This film is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to fight for dignity, education, and equality for all.”

The screening was highly appreciated by the legal community present on the day for its insightful and thought-provoking storytelling.

“We are happy to welcome women lawyers and leaders into our cinemas for this special screening.. Through PVR NEST, the CSR arm of PVR INOX Limited, we create programs focused on the safety and protection of women, including empowerment through skilling and access to legal aid. Hosting this screening for women lawyers is a meaningful extension of that mission—fostering solidarity, inspiring reflection, and supporting those who champion justice every day,” said Ms. Deepa Menon, Founder – PVR NEST and Sr. Vice President – Corporate Communications, PVR INOX Limited.

The initiative was made possible through the support of  Adv, Amita Joseph, Advisor BCF, who played a pivotal role in bringing together legal professionals for the screening. “It is heartening to see the legal community come together to honour a story rooted in courage, conviction, and compassion. Phule resonates across generations, and this gathering is a testament to the enduring power of collective thought and purposeful partnerships.” Ms Joseph said.

With powerful performances and evocative storytelling, Phule sheds light on the profound contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule—social reformers who challenged caste and gender discrimination and pioneered educational reform in 19th-century India.

National, May 23 2025— In alignment with PVR NEST’s mission to advance safety, protection, and empowerment for women—including through legal aid and capacity-building initiatives—a special screening of Phule was hosted for leading women lawyers, celebrating the enduring legacy of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule and their fight for justice and equality.

The screening, organized at PVR INOX DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, was graced by the presence of Ms Shobha Gupta, Senior Advocate and Founder of We, The Women of India, who reflected on the significance of the film for the legal community.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Shobha Gupta, “Phule is not just a story of two incredible reformers—it is a call to conscience for every upholder of justice. As lawyers, we are constantly seeking inspiration from those who have fearlessly challenged oppressive systems. This film is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to fight for dignity, education, and equality for all.”

The screening was highly appreciated by the legal community present on the day for its insightful and thought-provoking storytelling.

“We are happy to welcome women lawyers and leaders into our cinemas for this special screening.. Through PVR NEST, the CSR arm of PVR INOX Limited, we create programs focused on the safety and protection of women, including empowerment through skilling and access to legal aid. Hosting this screening for women lawyers is a meaningful extension of that mission—fostering solidarity, inspiring reflection, and supporting those who champion justice every day,” said Ms. Deepa Menon, Founder – PVR NEST and Sr. Vice President – Corporate Communications, PVR INOX Limited.

The initiative was made possible through the support of  Adv, Amita Joseph, Advisor BCF, who played a pivotal role in bringing together legal professionals for the screening. “It is heartening to see the legal community come together to honour a story rooted in courage, conviction, and compassion. Phule resonates across generations, and this gathering is a testament to the enduring power of collective thought and purposeful partnerships.” Ms Joseph said.

With powerful performances and evocative storytelling, Phule sheds light on the profound contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule—social reformers who challenged caste and gender discrimination and pioneered educational reform in 19th-century India.

India, May 23, 2025 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced today that its television business has crossed INR 10000 crore in sales in calendar year 2024. This makes Samsung the first brand in India to achieve the significant milestone in the television industry. Samsung said it is confident of achieving double-digit growth in 2025, driven by an expansive portfolio of premium offerings and growing demand for large-screen, AI-powered televisions.

We now aspire to grow in double-digit this year backed by our new AI TV lineup that breathes new life into every frame, setting a new benchmark for cinematic excellence at home. With this new era of AI-powered screens, we are confident of accelerating next-generation TV adoption and strengthening our leadership in India’s premium television segment,” said Viplesh Dang, Senior Director, Visual Display Business, and Samsung India.

Samsung recently unveiled its 2025 TV lineup of Vision AI-powered televisions in India, with the introduction of more than 40 models across Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, QLED and The Frame. Samsung Vision AI represents a major leap in making screens smarter, more intuitive and deeply personal. It transforms televisions into adaptive hubs, responsive to their environment and user behaviors. They seamlessly blend into everyday life, making the TV an intelligent partner rather than just a display. Samsung Vision AI delivers real-time optimization of picture and sound, gesture-based navigation, and smart home integration via SmartThings.

The Vision AI-enabled line-up also introduces innovations like AI Upscaling Pro, Glare-Free viewing, and Generative Art Wallpapers, making Samsung TVs not just entertainment devices but intelligent lifestyle hubs for the modern Indian home.

Samsung is positioning itself for long-term leadership in India’s TV market as it continues to cater to value-conscious consumers through its 43-inch and mass-market range, while driving value and volume growth in the expanding premium category. With a strong offline footprint and a robust product roadmap, Samsung is well placed to accelerate the shift towards AI-enabled, immersive home entertainment in India.

Delhi, India 23rd May’25 — In a landmark move to boost bilateral business ties, the Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) and the Vietnam Franchising & Licensing Network (VFLN) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster franchise development and empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both countries.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA, and Mdm. Nguyen Phi Van, Chairwoman of VFLN, marking the beginning of a robust partnership aimed at unlocking new economic opportunities and encouraging cross-border business expansion between India and Vietnam.

The agreement provides a structured framework to facilitate trade, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Indian and Vietnamese entrepreneurs. By enabling MSMEs and franchise brands to enter each other’s markets, this collaboration opens new channels for investment, market exploration, and growth acceleration.

Key Areas of Collaboration Include:

• Franchise Development: Promoting franchise opportunities tailored for MSMEs, with a focus on scalable, sustainable business models.
• Capacity Building: Launching joint training programs, workshops, and webinars to enhance entrepreneurial and operational capabilities.
• Market Access: Providing Indian brands a platform to enter Vietnam and vice versa through curated networking, matchmaking, and B2B engagements.
• Information Exchange: Sharing market research, retail and economy sector profiles, franchise data, and success case studies.
• Business Networking: Enabling MSMEs and franchisors to connect, collaborate, and co-create value through in-person and digital business forums.

“This collaboration with VFLN reflects our mission to globalize Indian MSMEs through meaningful partnerships. Vietnam is an emerging and dynamic market, and this MoU is a stepping stone towards greater economic synergy between our nations,” said Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA.

“Vietnam and India share strong business potential. Through this MoU, we aim to create an ecosystem where brands, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can scale internationally with confidence,” added Mdm. Nguyen Phi Van, Chairwoman of VFLN.

Importantly, the MoU does not involve any financial commitments. Instead, both ISFA and VFLN have agreed to independently bear the costs associated with their participation in collaborative activities. This structure ensures flexibility, mutual respect, and voluntary participation—while focusing on high-impact outcomes.

The agreement includes a commitment to intellectual property protection, ensuring that logos, trademarks, and proprietary content of both organizations are respected and not used without prior consent. The MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years, with scope for renewal and strategic expansion as needed.

Mumbai, 23rd May, 2025 —  Apna.co’s latest Interview Readiness Index 2025, based on a survey of 10,000+ respondents across the country, reveals a growing gap between opportunity and preparedness in India’s job market. Only 32% of job seekers consider themselves as prepared for interviews — reflecting the limited confidence many candidates carry into interview rooms. The report draws insights from individuals who attended at least one interview in the past year, with 67% experiencing virtual interviews, followed by 61% phone interviews, and 57% in-person rounds.

The report also underscores the rising impact of digital tools in boosting interview readiness. Job seekers who leveraged online tutorials, mock interviews, or AI-powered platforms reported significantly higher confidence levels (38%) compared to just 24% among those who did not use such resources. As technology continues to transform the job search landscape, digital fluency is rapidly becoming a key driver of interview preparedness and confidence.

Apna.co’s Interview Readiness Index 2025 reveals a strong link between work experience and interview confidence among job seekers. Nearly half (49%) of candidates with over six years of experience feel well prepared for interviews. Confidence declines among mid-career professionals, with 34% of those having 3 to 6 years of experience reporting readiness, and dips further to 29% for early career professionals with 1 to 3 years of experience. Fresher’s face the greatest challenges, as just 21% of candidates with less than a year of experience consider themselves ready. Anxiety, fear of unexpected questions, and limited practical exposure emerge as key factors impacting the confidence of these newcomers.

The index also sheds light on how interview confidence varies across age groups. Gen X (45+ years) emerged as the most confident, with 54% of respondents feeling well prepared for interviews. Confidence levels are lower among Millennials (25–44 years) at 36%, and dip further among younger candidates. Less than 26% of Gen Z (18–24 years) and Gen Alpha (under 18) job seekers reported feeling adequately prepared. The data underscores the growing importance of targeted support and skill-building for younger professionals entering the workforce.

The Index also reveals sharp contrasts in interview confidence across city tiers and professional domains. Job seekers in Tier 1 cities lead the way, with 45% saying they feel prepared for interviews, compared to 32% in Tier 2 cities and just 26% in Tier 3 towns. The widening gap underscores the need for more accessible preparation tools and support in India’s smaller cities. Across industries, tech professionals—including those in software development, data analytics, and IT—reported the highest confidence levels at 35%. In comparison, only 29% of candidates from non-tech fields such as Sales, Marketing, HR, and Operations felt adequately prepared. Gig workers and freelancers showed the lowest preparedness, with just 22% saying they felt ready to face interviews.

Apna.co’s Interview Readiness Index 2025 also highlights the growing influence of education, language proficiency, and digital adoption on interview confidence among Indian job seekers. Candidates from English-medium backgrounds emerged as the most confident, with 44% feeling adequately prepared for interviews, compared to 34% from Hindi-medium institutions and just 26% from regional-language schools. Educational qualifications also play a pivotal role—37% of postgraduates reported high levels of preparedness, followed by 31% of undergraduates and only 22% of those educated up to the 10th or 12th grade.

Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of Apna.co, commented, “Despite the vast opportunities in the Indian job market — with 3.1 lakh jobs posted on Apna in Q1 2025 alone — many candidates still struggle with confidence and lack effective interview preparation. This gap holds back a large number of job seekers from unlocking their true potential and unlocking possibilities. We believe the future lies in AI-powered tools that offer personalised feedback and real-time interview simulations. These innovations can bridge the preparation gap, helping candidates build confidence, sharpen their skills, and truly showcase their abilities. Our goal is to empower every Indian to not just prepare better, but to believe in themselves, build confidence, and unlock meaningful career opportunities by becoming truly interview-ready.”

For Immediate Release: Mumbai, May 23, 2025 – On the occasion of World HR Day, India HR Conclave, an initiative by 1 Finance hosted a virtual edition, an inspiring and engaging gathering of over 150 HR professionals and industry leaders from across the country. This one-of-a-kind digital event celebrated the critical role of Human Resources in shaping resilient, inclusive, and thriving workplaces.

The virtual conclave featured a perfect blend of thought leadership, meaningful discussions, and light-hearted moments, making it a truly memorable experience for attendees.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled ‘The Little Things That Matter at the Workplace’, which explored the nuanced aspects of daily work life – from casual conversations and everyday recognition to empathetic leadership and its lasting impact on employee well-being and organizational culture.

The panel was expertly moderated by Manju Dhake, Senior Vice President – Insurance at 1 Finance, and featured distinguished voices from the industry:

• Vishwas Mudagal, Founder – Netskill Learning and GoodWorks Group
• Priyanka Redkar, Senior Vice President – HR at 1 Finance
• Sahil Nayar, Renowned HR Leader and Influencer
• Smitha Sankangoudar, HR Director at Flipkart

These industry leaders shared compelling insights on the small but powerful practices that shape strong workplace cultures. Vishwas Mudagal spoke about putting values over volume, fostering respect at all levels, and embracing experimentation without fear. Smita Sankangoudar emphasized empathy as a measurable value at Flipkart, where openness and storytelling help build connection. Sahil Nayar highlighted the role of humour, authenticity, and purpose in engaging today’s workforce, where flexibility and psychological safety are key. Lastly, Priyanka Redkar underscored the importance of embedding culture from day one through transparency, daily rituals, and merit-driven recognition. Together, the panelists reinforced that it’s the little things like respect, clarity and intent that create workplaces where people truly thrive.

Adding a touch of humor and warmth to the event, celebrated stand-up comedian Atul Khatri delivered an exclusive performance that resonated deeply with the HR community, providing laughter and levity amid the learning.

“We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout and overwhelming engagement from the HR fraternity,” said Priyanka Redkar, Senior Vice President – HR at 1 Finance. “This virtual conclave was more than just an event; it was a tribute to the unsung heroes of the corporate world who ensure that people remain at the heart of every business.”

As organizations continue to navigate complex challenges in the modern workplace, events like the India HR Conclave offer a much-needed platform for reflection, inspiration, and collective growth.

Viva, Asia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of Metal Composite Panels (MCP), has strengthened its presence in North India with the launch of a new Experience Centre in Kaithal, Haryana. Located at Opp. Gali No. 6, Rishi Nagar, Kurukshetra Road, Kaithal, this centre is designed to offer architects, interior designers, and builders a comprehensive insight into Viva’s pioneering cladding solutions.

The inauguration was graced by Mr. Prakash Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Nitin Jain, Director of Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd. With the launch of this centre, Viva continues to extend its footprint across India, reinforcing its mission to deliver cutting-edge, high-performance, and sustainable cladding solutions tailored to diverse architectural landscapes.

Speaking at the opening, Mr. Prakash Jain, shared, “Kaithal is a growing hub with immense potential in infrastructure and design. With this new Experience Centre, we aim to provide a space where professionals and customers can truly engage with our products and understand their wide-ranging applications. It reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.”

Mr. Nitin Jain, added, “This Experience Centre in Kaithal is yet another step towards making Viva’s world-class products easily accessible to the design and construction community in Haryana. We envision this centre becoming a collaborative hub for creative dialogue and discovery, enabling industry professionals to achieve exceptional results in their projects.”

The Viva Kaithal Experience Centre features the brand’s signature series such as Santa Fe, Tarnish Metallum, Natural Stone, Alu Zinto, El Zinc, Lustre, and De Madera. In addition, the newly introduced Louvers and Solid X Series are also on display, emphasizing Viva’s commitment to innovation and trendsetting design.

With its latest expansion into Kaithal, Viva ACP continues to cement its leadership in the cladding industry, providing a dedicated space for professionals to experience its wide-ranging offerings and foster inspiration for contemporary architectural expression.

Mumbai, 23rd  May, 2025:  Stockal one of India’s pioneering cross-border investing platforms is transforming itself into a new avatar to enable it to take on a US$25 billion a year market opportunity that comes from serving the global aspirations of the wealthy across emerging markets. Borderless is launching multi-currency banking and payments products.  The venture announced that it has received Rs. 20 crore in bridge funding from new and existing investors to lay the foundation for this ambitious thrust. Discussions on a Series B raise of Rs.120 crore to take the expanded offering to market, are ongoing. The round was led by an investor syndicate of Equirus Credence Family Office and also saw participation from July Ventures and others.

Sitashwa Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Borderless

Mitesh Shah, MD & CEO, Equirus Credence Family Office, said, “We’ve tracked Borderless for the last 4-5 years and have been closely involved as partners. Their evolution from an cross-border investing platform to a more holistic financial player is something that we have been very excited about. Their new products are category-defining and their early successes in markets like Africa and Middle East are super encouraging. Very happy to be an enabler in their growth as they scale over the next 5 years.

According to Sitashwa Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Borderless, “The more we engaged our affluent customers in emerging markets, the more we realized that their global aspirations extended beyond cross-border investing and included travel, education & healthcare, etc. The opportunity to help them save, invest and pay for a more fundamentally global lifestyle is worth about US$25 billion a year emerging markets globally. Last few months we invested heavily in building a platform that will allow them to “save” as well as “invest” including getting the regulatory part right. Am truly excited about the next phase of our journey as Borderless, a name which truly aligns and connotes what we intend to offer and the aspirations of those whom we address.”

Commenting on their participation in the bridge round, Ravi Krishnappa, Partner, July Ventures,” Sitashwa and the team at Borderless have stayed sharply focused on execution and built a solid foundation—with an inbuilt moat driven by product depth and customer engagement. Their pivot to a broader platform taps into the growing demand from affluent consumers in emerging markets looking to engage globally. It opens up meaningful revenue opportunities and positions them for scalable, profitable growth. We’re glad to continue backing them as they scale.”

“The new expanded platform is not good just from the perspective of end customers but even for players in the wealth management, investing and the overall fintech ecosystem who now can add more value to their customers 

by leveraging the Borderless platform. For us it means wider universe of partners to tap into making it a win-win. We thank our existing investors for their continued faith in me and the team. Look forward to together building a large, globally scaled venture in this space out of India,” Sitashwa further added.

As temperatures soar across India, the search for the perfect summer beverage often leads to short-term relief and long-term compromise. But Forever Living Products India, a global pioneer in aloe vera-based wellness and personal care, is inviting consumers to embrace a more meaningful, sustainable way to stay hydrated with a legacy of natural immunity booster drinks as refreshing as its aloe vera health drink.

With operations in over 160 countries and more than four decades of innovation, Forever Living is more than a wellness brand. It’s a movement rooted in ethical sourcing, science-backed formulations, and a deep respect for nature. From the leaf to the bottle, Forever controls every step of production, ensuring quality, sustainability, and transparency in everything it creates.

As the largest grower and manufacturer of aloe vera and aloe vera-based products in the world, Forever Living brings the nourishing benefits of aloe vera in its most authentic form to people in over 140 countries. The company grows more than 40 million aloe plants across more than 7,500 acres, yielding an impressive 8 million gallons of aloe vera gel each year. Its aloe plantations, located in the Dominican Republic, are organically certified by both the USDA and the EU, underscoring Forever’s commitment to purity and environmental stewardship.

This summer, Forever is putting its aloe legacy in the hands of Indian consumers with seasonal wellness drinks designed for both taste and health: Forever Aloe Vera Gel, Forever Aloe Berry Nectar, Forever Aloe Mango, and Forever Aloe Peaches. Each beverage is crafted with over 84% stabilized aloe vera gel, carefully extracted from Forever’s own organic farms. Blended with real fruit concentrates and free from added preservatives, these drinks are not only delicious but also nutrient-dense packed with antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamins.

• Forever Living aloe vera juice

The original, unflavoured wellness drink with over 99.7% pure inner leaf aloe vera gel. A clean, refreshing way to support your daily routine and healthy lifestyle.

• Forever Aloe Berry Nectar
  A tangy blend of cranberry and apple juices combined with aloe vera gel. A vibrant and fruity option for those who enjoy bold, natural flavors.
• Forever Aloe Mango
  A tropical twist featuring 86% aloe vera gel and real mango purée. Bursting with flavor and a source of vitamin C, it’s a refreshing drink to brighten your day.
• Forever Aloe Peaches
  A lighter, fruit-forward blend of peach and grape juice paired with aloe vera gel. Smooth, mellow, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy daily.

“Our aloe drinks are more than just refreshments they’re a commitment to conscious, clean living,” says Harish Singla, CSM, Forever Living Products India. “We wanted to offer Indian consumers something that feels good, tastes great, and reflects our ethos of sustainability and wellness. These drinks are the perfect way to sip into summer guilt-free.”

Forever Living’s vertically integrated model spanning from its own aloe fields to in-house manufacturing and global distribution, ensures complete traceability, consistent quality, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Its aloe plantations, grown using eco-conscious practices, contribute to carbon absorption and help reduce the overall environmental impact, making Forever’s approach a natural part of a more climate-conscious future.

“We believe that true wellness must begin at the root both literally and ethically,” adds Singla. “By controlling every step of the process, we protect the potency of our aloe and the planet at the same time.”

Founded in 1978, Forever Living has championed aloe vera as a global wellness powerhouse, offering a portfolio of personal care, beauty, and nutrition products trusted by millions. Today, it continues to evolve while staying grounded in its founding principles purity, performance, and people-first values.

Whether it’s through a summer drink or a skin-care solution, Forever Living Products India is redefining what it means to be a modern, mindful wellness brand one bottle, one home, one lifestyle at a time.