All posts by Neel Achary

New Delhi, May 05, 2025: In a significant move towards business diversification and value-added service expansion, NLB Services, a global technology and digital talent solutions provider, today launched BrandPipal – a full-service marketing and employer branding firm designed to bridge the gap by delivering purposeful storytelling, data-fueled marketing and campaigns driven by strategy. This marks NLB Services’ foray beyond its talent and workforce solutions into the high-growth Martech and branding ecosystem, driven by the evolving needs of its global clientele.

With an ambitious growth target of 20x in the next 5 years, BrandPipal is positioned as a next-gen marketing partner that seamlessly integrates creativity, technology, and data to deliver results-driven high-impact campaigns. BrandPipal will operate as a standalone business unit offering integrated marketing services across Global Capability Centers (GCC), B2B enterprises, D2C brands and Technology Start-Ups amongst others. The business will cater to sector-specific needs, including Go-to-Marketing strategy, employer branding, performance marketing, online reputation management, influencer marketing, and creative and visual design solutions. BrandPipal has already secured a diverse portfolio of clients spanning AI startups, global system integrators, publishing and travel – signaling strong market reception and future-ready momentum.

Led by Co-founder Ashima Kakar, who also serves as Head of Marketing at NLB Services, BrandPipal is backed by a core team of over 75 seasoned marketing professionals – with plans to significantly scale its capabilities over the coming years. The team brings deep expertise across Martech platforms, AI maturity, data and analytics, creative storytelling and strategic design.

The launch of BrandPipal comes at a pivotal moment when the branding landscape is undergoing a major shift, driven by digital disruption and changing audience expectations. With over 1,800 Global Capability Centers (GCCs) currently operational in India and an estimated 400 more expected over the next five years, the need for differentiated employer branding and digital-first marketing has intensified. As an organization deeply rooted in talent solutions, NLB Services has been supporting clients in crafting employer branding, especially during market entry or expansion phases. BrandPipal builds on this legacy by offering data-driven, technology-enabled branding solutions leveraging AI, tailored for both local and global organizations. The firm is focused on onboarding high-impact clients within its first year, reinforcing its vision of driving business transformation through the intersection of brand, technology, and data.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Alug, Chief Executive Officer, NLB Services, said, “The launch of BrandPipal is a reflection of our long-term vision to evolve as a full-spectrum business solutions partner. As GenAI and automation reshape the business landscape, there’s a growing need to combine data-backed decision-making with creative storytelling. BrandPipal will enable our clients to lead with purpose, differentiate meaningfully, and build scalable, authentic brands.”

“This is truly a big moment for us. We’re focused on working with companies with purpose, to deliver strategic campaigns and data-driven solutions with real impact. Today, marketing is one of the critical domains with the onus of blending the right amount of technology and human prowess. At BrandPipal, our mission is to leverage this blend from our years of industry experience and help companies tell their true story, gain new markets, attract the right talent, build profitably and help create engaged workplaces where people want to stay and grow,” says Ashima Kakar, Co-founder, BrandPipal.

Bengaluru, May 5th, 2025: Under 25, India’s Largest Youth Media Network, has announced the launch of its newest feature on their app : Leaderboard. Based on the insight that today’s students are motivated by challenge, recognition, and real incentives, Leaderboard introduces a gamified system of XP, levels, missions, and cash prizes—all designed to enable the youth to earn and learn while having fun.

Campaign is launched with arcade-style visuals inspired by games like mario, Minecraft etc, seasonal rankings and weekly rewards drops, Leaderboard transforms the Under 25 app into a digital playground where students can climb ranks by completing missions, engaging with content and inviting friends. The highest performers are rewarded with real cash incentives, along with access to biggest brands in India through coupons of well-established brands as a reward, exclusive in-app badges, in-app clout and community recognition.

Leaderboard builds on this success by offering students a more dynamic way to track their growth and be recognised for it — from earning XP for daily actions to unlocking badges as they progress. Students can also unlock a special OG status by being among the first 1,000 consistent users, earning them exclusive in-app markers that signal loyalty and achievement.

“At Under 25, we are constantly asking ourselves what gets Gen Z truly excited. The Leaderboard is our answer to that — it taps into their love for progress, visibility, and recognition. It gives Gen Z a new way to show up, stand out, and level up. Every action inside the app, from flipping cards and submitting missions to interacting with content, earns XP, helping users rise on a dynamic, seasonal leaderboard,” said Jeel Gandhi, CEO, Under 25. “It’s more than just rankings — it’s about making users feel, seen, and celebrated.”

With a mission to empower young people, Under 25 is redefining what it means to be young and ambitious in India. The platform connects individuals across the country, encouraging them to dream big, take action and build meaningful lives— all while having fun along the way. Leadership is a defining moment in Under 25’s journey, as it continues to scale its platform and community impact.

New Delhi, May 05, 2025: Fateh Education hosted the second edition of its flagship inter-school quiz, Quest to Conquer 2025, on Wednesday at Kamani Auditorium, Delhi, drawing participation from over 1100 students, 275 teams, and 100+ schools across the region. Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, which welcomed 78 schools and 218 teams, this year’s event has significantly scaled up, establishing itself as the largest school quiz competition in Delhi NCR in the past ten years.

Designed to be both intellectually stimulating and engaging, Quest to Conquer 2025 brought together some of the brightest young minds for a day filled with learning, interaction, and camaraderie.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Suneet Singh Kochar, CEO, Fateh Education said, “Quest to Conquer is not just about winning; it’s about sparking curiosity and confidence among young minds. The scale and energy at this year’s event were a clear reflection of students’ growing enthusiasm for learning beyond classrooms.”

“Born from the belief that education should inspire curiosity and confidence, Quest to Conquer is more than just a quiz for us. It aims to encourage students to go beyond textbooks, challenge norms, and embrace learning with enthusiasm. It is a platform designed to nurture critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. ” said Ms. Binti Kochar, Director & Co-Founder at Fateh Education.

Delhi Public School, Sector 45, Gurugram emerged as the winner, with DPS Mathura Road and Sunbeam School, Mughalsarai taking the first and second runner-up spots, respectively.

Endorsing the quiz and its impact on the development of young minds, one of the leading educators, Ms. Aditi Misra, Director, Delhi Public School, Sector 45, Gurugram, said, “ It is important for schools to encourage quizzing and general knowledge activities because, for me as an educator, quizzing brings together all the four essential 21st-century skills. The message I want to give students is—enter the real world. It’s not just about competition; it’s also about coming together and learning together.”

With plans to further expand the initiative, Fateh Education continues to reinforce its commitment to nurturing holistic, globally aware learners through innovative educational experiences.

Every mother has a world of her own—bold, layered, and unforgettable. This Mother’s Day, move beyond ordinary and gift her, a bottle of poetry from Fonzie Folksy, a luxury fragrance house where every scent tells a story and celebrates character, confidence, and individuality!

Fonzie Folksy’s enchanting blend of notes captures the essence of cherished memories and new beginnings, making it the perfect gift to celebrate the heart of your family. Let her unwrap a scent that lingers as beautifully as her love—timeless and comforting.

Fonzie Folksy offers four uniquely crafted perfumes and each fragrance has its own fanbase. The Gallerie – a burst of floral powdery notes with crisp citrus settling at woody & spice base for that inhibited showcase of your Mom’s essence, O’live It – a sweet blooming floral concoction for a redolent tango of vivacity or simply joie de vivre, Evenfall – a unique & strong aroma with a hint of Oud to exude a timeless style and Runway bows – a spicy tribute to floral elegance with a woody twist for that warmth & classicism. Buy one, two or all four of these as their meticulously crafted distinct fragrances offer a scent for every mood and occasion.

Crafted with premium ingredients, the brand resonates with freshness, sophistication and longevity – that’s everything your mom would look for!

This Mother’s Day, let Fonzie Folksy be your way of saying “thank you” for everything she does.

Stable cotton yarn spreads and better cotton availability will support credit profiles

A rebound in exports and favorable domestic demand are expected to drive India’s cotton yarn industry to a 7-9% revenue growth in the current fiscal, up from a modest 2-4% growth in the previous fiscal. Uptick in volumes will primarily drive this growth, supported by modest increase in yarn prices.

Operating margins, after witnessing a recovery last fiscal, are expected to see further uptick of 50-100 bps this fiscal, owing to stable cotton yarn spreads (Chart 1 in annexures) and better availability of cotton through Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).

An analysis of 70 cotton yarn spinners, which account for 35-40% of the industry revenue, indicates as much.

The primary driver for the revenue uptick in fiscal 2026 will be the rebound in yarn exports to China. Exports account for ~30% of the industry’s revenue, of which China accounts for ~14%1. In fiscal 2025, India’s yarn exports to China declined compared to prior fiscals on account of an exceptionally high cotton production in China last fiscal. This resulted in a 5-7% de-growth in India’s total cotton yarn exports. However, this is likely to reverse in the current fiscal with yarn exports seeing a 9-11% growth as exports to China2 recover, driven by normalization of their domestic cotton production3.

Says Gautam Shahi, Director, Crisil Ratings Ltd, “This is likely to benefit Indian spinners as they will leverage steady domestic cotton production in current cotton season and regain their market share. Moreover, India’s position4 in textile exports to US remains competitive given the higher tariff on China (key competing nation in home textile exports), which is expected to support the 6-8% revenue growth for downstream industries (home textiles and readymade garments) this fiscal.”

On the raw material front, CCI’s significant cotton procurement5 in Cotton Season 20256 will ensure steady cotton availability, minimizing inventory losses and boosting spinners’ profitability by 50-100 bps this fiscal, after a 100-150 bps recovery in fiscal 2025.

Says Pranav Shandil, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings Ltd, “Driven by improved operating performance, credit profiles, which showed signs of recovery last fiscal, will remain stable this fiscal. Meanwhile, capex for cotton yarn spinners will remain moderate, with only select players undertaking capital expenditure, which will limit the need for significant debt additions. Additionally, steady cotton availability will lead to lower inventory holding, reducing the requirement for significant incremental working capital financing.”

As a result, interest coverage7 ratio of spinners is expected to improve to 4.5-5 times this fiscal from ~4-4.5 times in fiscal 2025. Gearing8 is expected to remain stable at ~0.55-6 time, like last fiscal.

That said, any potential changes in tariffs imposed on India and the competing nations, higher inflation or slowing economic growth in the US leading to a demand slowdown, and any adverse movement in domestic cotton prices vis-à-vis international prices in the near term will bear watching.

New Delhi, 5^th May 2025: Sony India introduces the FE 50-150mm F2 GM, the world’s first[i] telephoto zoom lens with a maximum focal length of 150 mm and F2 aperture. This lens features a standard focal length of 50mm at the wide-angle end and combines an open aperture of F2 with high resolution comparable to that of a prime lens. This allows for a wide range of scenarios with just one lens for various situations and subjects. As part of Sony’s renowned G Master™ series, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM offers an exceptional combination of high resolution and stunning bokeh, enhancing the imaging results for professionals using the Sony Alpha camera system.

“At Sony, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of imaging technology. With the launch of the FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens, we are proud to introduce a world-first innovation that delivers unmatched image quality, versatility and performance. From stunning bokeh in portraits and weddings to sharp, high-speed capture in sports and events, this lens is a versatile powerhouse. It’s compact, internal zoom design and advanced autofocus makes it perfect for handheld use, truly redefining creative possibilities in the field” said Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business, Sony India.

1. Exceptional image quality and smooth F2 Bokeh

The FE 50-150mm F2 GM’s internal optical design plays a crucial role in producing its exceptional image quality. By integrating two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imagery across the entire zoom range. Additionally, the floating focusing system enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.20 for detailed shooting.

The FE 50-150mm F2 GM’s constant F2 aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait, wedding, and event photographers aiming to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field. A newly developed 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the signature G Master bokeh. When shooting videos, the lens delivers stunning cinematic results and exceptional clarity.  In addition, Sony’s proprietary “Nano AR Coating II,” applied uniformly across the entire lens surface, significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.

2. Internal zoom and compact design

Measuring at approximately 200 mm (7-7/8 inches) in length and weighing approximately 1,340g[ii] (47.3 ounces), the FE 50-150mm F2 GM offers remarkable portability considering its impressive combination of wide zoom range and bright aperture. This lens is ideal for both handheld and gimbal use with its featured internal zoom design that maintains the lens’ length and weight balance despite focal length changes. With its practical design, this lens serves as a versatile, all-in-one solution for those seeking a standard 50mm through 150mm telephoto range.

3. Fast and precise Autofocus performance

Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony’s advanced control algorithms, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus (AF). This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony’s Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking[iii]. With a fast AF system and a versatile 50-150 mm zoom range, the lens excels at capturing fast-paced indoor sports, portraits and events.

4. Cinematic video production

Designed with filmmakers in mind, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM minimises focus breathing and is compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensation[iv] feature on select Alpha cameras. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus control, while the lens’s internal zoom design maintains stability even while zooming mounted on gimbals. Additionally, the XD linear motors operate quietly to prevent unwanted noise from being captured during recording.

Built for durability, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM features a robust dust- and moisture-resistant design[v]. A fluorine coating on the front element repels contaminants, making it easy to clean and ensuring the lens remains in top condition even in challenging environments.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM) lens will be available across all Sony Center stores, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers, major electronic stores across India & also on Amazon & Flipkart from 5^th May 2025 onwards.

[i] As of the April 2025 product announcement according to research by a Sony survey of lenses for interchangeable lens cameras.

[ii] Excluding tripod mount.

[iii] Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary in the AF-C focus mode.

[iv] See camera compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/. Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is [ON]. Effective compensation may not be achieved in all situations.

[v] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

Rex Huang, Director of Enterprise Application Group at Synology

April 5, 2025: For schools that have relied on productivity SaaS solutions for years, it’s a pivotal moment to reassess long-term needs. With providers like Google ending free unlimited storage in 2022 and Microsoft’s recent updates to their education offerings, institutions face significant challenges, including increased costs and reduced functionality. These developments underscore the importance of adopting systems that provide stability, scalability, and control.

After January 2025, Microsoft rolled out significant changes to its Microsoft 365 Education plans, including retiring the Office 365 A1 Plus plan, reducing storage pools to 100TB per tenant, and restricting some licenses to web-only applications without their counterpart desktop versions, including Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

These adjustments may push schools toward higher-cost paid plans or force them to reallocate resources to maintain functionality, prompting many to reevaluate their reliance on SaaS solutions. Beyond financial implications, there are also rising concerns over data privacy and compliance. Educational institutions manage high loads of sensitive information such as student records, financial data, and research. This makes them prime targets of cyberattacks, which target nearly 80% of institutions annually (Netwrix, 2024). Furthermore, compliance with regulations such as FERPA and GDPR requires secure, private, and auditable data management practices, which some SaaS solutions may struggle to meet.

Shifting to an on-premise productivity solution offers educational institutions increased control over their data, cost predictability, and storage scalability. Unlike SaaS offerings, prone to subscription price hikes and unpredictable removals to their service features, on-premise solutions can provide a stable framework more suited for long-term needs. Locally stored data also ensures privacy, helping schools meet compliance requirements while protecting sensitive information.

Some on-premise productivity solutions like Synology Office Suite enhance collaboration and communication with tools for secure file storage, granular sharing permissions, real-time document editing and instant messaging, supporting both group projects for students and file management among faculty.

For IT administrators, these solutions simplify management with centralized dashboards, system health monitoring, and auditing tools for compliance. Advanced access controls also enable efficient delegation of tasks across IT teams, ensuring smoother workflows and stronger oversight of digital infrastructure.

While changes from major SaaS providers might disrupt operations in the short term, they also provide an opportunity for educational institutions to reassess the suitability of their current systems. On-premise productivity solutions provide a sustainable pathway to address cost concerns, enhance security, and build a resilient digital foundation for evolving educational needs of educators and students alike.

Bengaluru 5-5-2025: Arjunaa Academy for Achievers, one of the major institutes known for their excellent training for the Competitive Exams like KCET, JEE Mains & Advanced and NEET has proved its brilliance in the Board Level Training also.

The Academy believes that being thorough with the Board level learning becomes crucial for the students to excel at the Competitive level. It also believes Conceptual Learning becomes the core to appear confidently in all exams which would test the student’s ability at different levels and hence the Study Material is planned with a lot of precision accordingly. The Plan of Work ensures preparation for all the exams are comprehensively incorporated in the class.

The Academy was delighted to share the results of the top scorers in 2nd PUC Board exams

1. Lakshmi 97.17% (Centum in Chemistry, Maths and Sanskrit)
2. Prateek 95.5% (Centum in CS)
3. Shreesha. 94.83%
4. Thanmayi 93.83% (Centum in Sanskrit)
5. Mithil 92.84%
6. Hemanth (Centum in Maths)

“I always had a strong inclination towards Science and Math. I first heard of JEE in 10thstandard and it appeared like the next step to get closer to learning the subjects that I wanted to pursue. The transition from 10th to 11th actually felt quite difficult due to the competitive environment. Due to the guidance provided by the teachers at Arjunaa Academy and their comprehensive explanation of important concepts, the learning process accelerated.” Said Lakshmi who scored 97.17% at the Boards.

“I really admire the dedication and passion that the teachers at Arjunaa Academy have as it is inspirational. The teacher’s availability to clarify my doubts re-explaining things that I couldn’t grasp the first time aided my preparation. The modules provided here contained questions that really challenged me.”

“Lakshmi was organised, followed our instructions meticulously. She would prioritise right things at the right time. She was able to strike a healthy balance between Boards and Competitive Exams and ace both. Whenever a Competitive exam like JEE would come up she would focus absolutely on that. And never neglected her Board exams when needed.” Said Hareesh P K, CEO and Founder of Arjunaa Academy for Achievers. Further he spoke about all the Toppers and said “We congratulate these GEMS who remained Steadfast despite being carved rigorously by stringent Taskmasters. Results accomplished by Arjunaa Academy for Achievers stands as a Testimonial for the Painstaking trials we went through as a team of dedicated Students and Teachers.”

Thousands of students had appeared for The Karnataka 2nd PUC exams which were conducted across the state in the month of March 2025. The significance of this test is that it determines the field of study which an individual student should further take up to ensure their own secure future.

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the results for the Karnataka 2nd PUC exams on 9th April 2025 Wednesday. A total of 6,37,805 students appeared this year resulting in a pass percentage of 73.45%. The Board has announced the 2nd PUC Exam 2 to be held between April 24th to 8th May 2025.

Hyderabad, May 2025: The Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) hosted the prestigious Stri Shakti Awards 2025 at HICC, Madhapur, celebrating the remarkable achievements of 50 women shaping the world of events, culture, and creative industries. In its 7th edition, the Stri Shakti Awards have become a platform to recognize and honor women who have significantly contributed to various sectors, including hospitality, creative arts, and social change.

Chief Guest Smt. Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and Women and Child Welfare, Telangana, led the award ceremony and felicitated the inspiring women who are creating transformative change in their fields. During her speech, she highlighted the Telangana Government’s emphasis on empowering women, particularly through initiatives like the Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance among women.’

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, spoke on the significance of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), which are not only engines of entrepreneurship and innovation but also platforms for women to lead as creators, curators, and changemakers. He emphasized that the Stri Shakti Awards play a vital role in inspiring more women to step into leadership and entrepreneurial roles in these dynamic sectors.

Smt. Divya Devarajan, IAS, CEO of SERP (Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty), expressed her pride in partnering with TCEI to recognize grassroots women entrepreneurs and announced that SERP had engaged TCEI to train women as event managers, providing them with essential skills to succeed in the event industry.

Balaram Babu, President of TCEI, and Vishala Reddy, Convenor of the Stri Shakti Awards and Founder of Millet Bank, shared their excitement as the platform continues to grow. They announced plans to introduce an exclusive conference on the Creative Economy in future editions of the awards, further amplifying the role of women in the creative industries.

Occasion graced by Guest of Honors & Special Guests: Prakash Reddy (IPS), Telangana Tourism, Sri Z. Hanumant Kondiba, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism , Surat Singh Malhotra, Honorary Consul, Kingdom of Lesotho, Prashanth Nadendla, President, HYSEA Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson, FICCI , Dr. Kiranmai (Pemmasani) Pendyala, Chairperson & Board Member, United Way, Hyderabad, Ms. Harshita Atluri, Associate Vice President, Design at Phoenix Group, Smt. Sangeeta Varma, Director, Reana Social Initiatives Foundation

Panel discussion on Opportunities for Women in the Creative Economy

The event featured a panel discussion on Opportunities for Women in the Creative Economy, moderated by Rahul Reddy, CEO of Octopus Group. The distinguished panel included: Malini Divakala, Professor & Director, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) , Sandhya Raju, Indian Kuchipudi dancer and actress , Deepti Alapati, Founder, Pulp Cosmetics , Coreena Enet Suares, Editor, NewsMeter Farha Kudari, Entrepreneur and Founder, Pink Pagdi . These industry leaders discussed the growing opportunities for women in creative sectors and the potential of the Creative Economy to drive innovation and social change.

50 exceptional women being honored in four categories:

Over 250 women from across India applied for the Stri Shakti Awards 2025, with 50 exceptional women being honored in four categories: Stri Ratna, Stri Murti, Stri Shakti, and a special SHG Women segment. The highest honor, the Stri Ratna Award, was presented to prominent women leaders from across India, including: Smt. Rajani Nair Deb , Malini Divakala , Pushpa Bhaskar , Vani Thammayagari , Malini L. Narasimhan . These awardees have over 15 years of experience in their respective fields and have made groundbreaking contributions in hospitality, creative arts, culture, and social sectors.

The awardees were selected by a distinguished jury of over 20 experts from across the globe. This panel included accomplished academicians, visionary corporate leaders, and trailblazers from various fields, with jury members joining from the United States, Bali, and across India.

Showcased 20+ exclusive stalls women-led businesses, supported by Phoenix Foundation.

In addition to the awards, the event featured 20+ exclusive stalls showcasing women-led businesses, supported by Phoenix Foundation. This exhibition served as a platform for these businesses to gain exposure, build networks, and grow their presence in the market. The event was further supported by SERP, which is committed to encouraging grassroots women entrepreneurs across Telangana.

TCEI Executive Committee, including, Balaram Babu, President, Ravi Bura, General Secretary, Ram Muppana, Joint Secretary , Toufiq Mohemmed, Treasurer , Along with the vertical association presidents, Stri Shakti Co-Convenors: Prabha Chowdary , Vandana Raja , Deepthi Jai , And the working committee members: Jigna Shah , Sanju, Preeti, among others were also present.