All posts by Sujata Achary

January 28, 2025, New Delhi: Internshala, India’s leading career-tech platform, has announced its Annual College Rankings for 2024 to honor colleges that have excelled in fostering a culture of internships in the past year. This year’s rankings recognize institutions that have enabled students to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry exposure through internships. The rankings span across four zones—North, South, East, and West, spotlighting the best-performing colleges in each region.

Paavai Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, secured the all-India rank 1, for the fourth time in a row. The institute also was the South zone winner. Followed by Parul Polytechnic Institute, Vadodara, Gujarat at all India rank 2 and at West zone rank 1.

Additionally, Ramanujan College, New Delhi emerged as the zonal winner for the north zone, and the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata was recognized as the zonal winner of the East zone.

Over 740 colleges participated in this year’s rankings, with 11,000+ students securing internships across diverse domains. Companies such as Swiggy, PepsiCo, NoBroker, Times Internet, and Aditya Birla Capital were among the top recruiters, reflecting the robust internship culture promoted by these institutions.
In addition to recognizing the best performers, Internshala also provided these colleges with exclusive college-specific insights into the overall performance of the colleges showcasing their strengths and helping them identify areas for improvement.

Sarvesh Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Internshala, commented “The Internshala Annual College Rankings celebrate colleges that have made exceptional efforts to prioritize internships as a vital part of their students’ educational journeys. By helping students gain real-world experience, these institutions are shaping the workforce of tomorrow. The dedication of training and placement officers has been instrumental in achieving these milestones, enabling students to make informed career decisions and empowering companies to discover the best talent across India. I congratulate all the colleges featured in this year’s rankings.”

Here’s what the winning colleges had to say —
Dr. Jatin Vaidya, Principal, Parul Polytechnic Institute said, “I am immensely proud of our institution securing All India Rank 2 in the Annual College Rankings 2024. Our journey with internships in 2024 has been instrumental in shaping our students’ careers by providing them with invaluable internship opportunities. This achievement reinforces our continuous commitment to developing industry-ready professionals and ensuring bright futures for our students.”

Dr. B. Venkatesan, Internship Coordinator, Paavai Engineering College expressed, “We are thrilled to achieve All India Rank 1 in the Annual College Rankings! This milestone reflects the dedication of our students and the faculty. As the internship coordinator of Paavai Engineering College, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Internshala for empowering our students with diverse opportunities and equipping them with real-world skills. This has helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, fostering career growth and confidence in our students. This recognition inspires us to continue leveraging the platform’s resources for holistic student development and further excellence in internships. ”

by Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist of BoB

“We do believe that the starting point of the budget will be the fiscal deficit and efforts will be made to lower the ratio by 0.5% to probably close to 4.3-4.4% of GDP for FY26. Within this framework, the budget would work to maintain, if not increase capex, in the range of Rs 11 lakh crore which will provide a fillip to investment (the revised estimate for FY25 could be lower than what was projected). Benefits for MSMEs and industry are also expected through the PLI scheme with probably a special dispensation for the former. There could be some minor rationalization in subsidy outgo through better targeting of beneficiaries. It would, however, be interesting to see if there are any special rebates offered on income tax given that consumption has been affected due to high inflation this year. From the perspective of banks, a more favorable tax slab for interest on bank deposits will help to provide a level field with equity markets and also provide incentive to deposit holders.”

India, January 28, 2024 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the latest release from the Casiotone brand, the new 76-key electronic keyboard, the CT-S1-76. Despite its compact size you can still experience the range of sound of a 76-key keyboard which allows players to enjoy an array of musical performances while featuring a minimalist design.

Our mission at Casio regarding our musical instruments is to offer unique ways for users to enjoy music that is tailored to individual lifestyles and fosters new cultural experiences under the statement of Sound for Style. The Casiotone brand produces electronic keyboards based on the concept of Make Music, Anytime, Anywhere. Among the different models available, the CT-S1 which features 61 keys, and was released in 2021, gained significant popularity for its expressive sound and compact, sleek body and design that allows it to blend in well with interior living spaces.

The CT-S1-76 continues to build on the success of CT-S1 by increasing the number of keys from 61 to 76, thus expanding the available range of sounds which allows users to perform with a broader repertoire. The keyboard features Casio’s advanced AiX Sound Source, which analyzes and faithfully reproduces the distinct individual characteristics of various instruments, providing an authentic and immersive playing experience. Despite its compact size of only 258mm deep and 1,140mm wide, the CT-S1-76 delivers powerful and resonant sounds, which is thanks to its enhanced acoustic system. The minimalist design is further accentuated by its speaker net with mixed color-texture fabric, maximizing its potential to seamlessly integrate into any living space. The layout is intuitively designed to provide ease of use by prioritizing the most essential buttons.

Additionally, by using the dedicated CASIO MUSIC SPACE app, users can connect to the keyboard using their smart devices via Bluetooth®※, that displays a list of settings such as the instrument tones and metronome and enables their convenient control directly from their smart device.

Expanded Range and Enhanced Tones for Dynamic Expression

The CT-S1-76’s 76-key range allows for more dynamic performances that incorporate both high and low octaves. The AiX Sound Source technology uses in-depth analyses of the audio characteristics of different instruments to accurately reproduce instruments such as acoustic pianos, electric pianos and organs, capturing the individual nuances which helps to create a highly realistic sound experience. It includes 61 carefully curated tones. The ADVANCED TONES, use Casio’s advanced technology to replicate a range of vintage instruments that feature on countless classic recordings to create tones that showcase the power of Casio’s AiX Sound Source. The CASIO CLASSIC TONES are selected from Casio’s rich history of electronic instruments.

Compact Design with Powerful Sound

It retains the same compact depth of the CT-S1 at only 258mm deep and is 1,140mm wide while remaining a lightweight build of only 5.3kg. This compact and highly portable design allows it to be placed in a variety of different places within a room to best suit your needs. The CT-S1-76 also includes Casio’s unique Horizontal Bass-Reflex System that produces impressive bass sounds. The Bass-Reflex system combined with the compact design makes it easy to enjoy the robust sound quality whenever and wherever you choose to play it.

Minimalist Design with Comfortable Usability

The instrument itself has been designed to include only the keyboard, speaker, and the minimum number of buttons needed, for a minimalist look. These buttons have been positioned so that the player can reach them easily to achieve comfortable usability. The remote controller function of the CASIO MUSIC SPACE app further enhances the usability by allowing users to seamlessly check and adjust the settings with your smart devices via Bluetooth® connection.

Rohit Taneja, Founder & CEO, Decentro

“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, there is immense potential to strengthen India’s fintech ecosystem by fostering innovation, compliance, and financial inclusion.

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, particularly the India Stack, has been instrumental in bridging gaps between urban and rural sectors. Expanding its capabilities in 2025—through tools like DigiLocker and ULI (Unified Lending Interface)—can unlock growth for underserved regions and drive innovation at scale.

In the UPI for B2B space, we see a massive opportunity to transform how businesses manage vendor payments, recurring transactions, and supplier settlements. Policies encouraging UPI Autopay adoption, higher transaction limits, and tax benefits for digital payments will accelerate digitization in sectors like SaaS, logistics, and retail.

For cross-border payments, initiatives like Project Nexus can enable faster, cost-efficient transactions, while simplified forex regulations and support for multi-currency settlements will position India as a global leader in payment infrastructure.

With compliance and data protection taking center stage, the budget should incentivize AI-driven solutions to streamline regulatory processes, enhance fraud detection, and foster trust. The Data Protection Bill presents an opportunity to enable secure innovation while ensuring transparency in digital transactions.

At Decentro, we’re building infrastructure that empowers businesses to scale seamlessly—from mobile-first DigiLocker workflows to UPI Autopay and multi-currency settlements. We look forward to a forward-thinking budget that drives trust, scalability, and innovation, keeping India at the forefront of the global fintech revolution.”

Chandigarh, January 28th, 2025: Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, a 100% subsidiary of Cosmo First and a one-stop solution for a range of Adhesives, Masterbatches, and Coating Chemicals, has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System.

The certification, issued in December 2024, recognizes the company’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery of adhesives, coatings, and masterbatch products at its MIDC Area facility in Waluj, Aurangabad.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates Cosmo Speciality Chemicals’ dedication towards consistent delivery of high-quality products, and customer satisfaction through efficient quality management with a culture of continuous improvement of operational processes while meeting regulatory requirements and international standards.

“This certification is testimony to our ongoing commitment to quality management and customer satisfaction”, said Mr. Raj Sharma, Business Head at Cosmo Speciality Chemicals. “It validates our systematic approach to ensuring product quality and reinforces our position as a trusted manufacturer in the chemical industry.”

The certification is valid until December 17, 2027, subject to successful completion of annual surveillance assessments.

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: ABP Majha, Maharashtra’s leading Marathi news channel, hosted the ‘Shourya Puraskar 2025’ to celebrate the indomitable spirit of bravery and selflessness. Organised on the occasion of Republic Day, January 26, in Mumbai, this esteemed event paid tribute to the unsung heroes of Maharashtra who have shown extraordinary courage and humanity in critical situations, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of others.

ABP Majha’s Shourya Puraskar 2025 honoured a remarkable group of individuals whose actions exemplify valour and altruism, significantly impacting their communities. The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished Chief Guests Vivek Phansalkar, Police Commissioner of Mumbai, and acclaimed actor Vaidehi Parshurami, who presented the awards to these exceptional individuals, celebrating their extraordinary contributions to society.

This year’s awardees include Karina Thapa, who entered a blazing house fire to help others escape; Sumra Umar Shamsi, who displayed remarkable bravery by confronting an armed thief and preventing a robbery at her home; Yogesh Pathve, who fearlessly confronted a leopard to protect his friend’s life; Pournima Choudhary, who risked her life by jumping into a river to rescue a drowning youth; and Taibai Pawar and Chhaburao Pawar, who demonstrated exceptional courage in saving youths from drowning in a river.

Also honoured were Suraj Machale, who saved five children from drowning in a farm pond Pandharinath Bodkhe and Dinkar Pawar, who saved a child from a leopard attack; and lastly Arif Bamne, who rescued 25 passengers from a capsized boat in the open sea. Each of these heroes was celebrated for their exemplary bravery, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication to aiding others in perilous circumstances.

ABP Majha’s Shourya Puraskar stands as a heartfelt tribute to these extraordinary individuals, whose actions often remain unheralded yet profoundly inspire. Through this initiative, ABP Majha reaffirms its commitment to highlighting the spirit of heroism, encouraging others to rise above adversity with courage and selflessness.

This event was Co-powered by Nippo Swooper and Mulkani Kuka Cough Syrup.

Chandigarh, 28th January 2025 – AlphaVector’s (India) Pvt. Ltd. brand Ninety One proudly unveils the Hydra X 29T 21-Speed Mountain Bike, a perfect fusion of strength, performance, and design. Crafted for adventure enthusiasts, trailblazers, and outdoor explorers, the Hydra X 29T is built to take on even the most challenging terrains with ease and comfort. Whether you are navigating city streets or conquering rugged trails, this bike ensures a seamless experience, combining power, precision, and reliability.

Key Features of the Hydra X 29T 21-Speed:

•  Durable Frame: Featuring an 18” aerodynamic Hi-Tensile steel frame, the Hydra X 29T is designed to withstand rough conditions while offering optimal stability and durability on all terrains.
•  Gear System: Equipped with a 21-speed Shimano gear system, the bike offers smooth gear shifting for an adaptable riding experience, allowing riders to conquer both steep ascents and flat paths with ease.
•  Braking Power: The Hydra X 29T comes with fast and dynamic disc brakes, delivering superior stopping power for safe rides, no matter the surface, whether you’re on rocky trails or navigating urban environments.
•  Suspension Comfort: With the 91 TUF SHOX suspension system, the bike absorbs shocks, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on uneven or bumpy terrain.
•  Tires & Traction: The 29″ high-traction tires provide excellent grip and stability, ensuring enhanced performance on rough trails and in varied riding conditions.
•  Available Sizes: The Hydra X 29T is available in 29T, 26T, and 27.5T sizes, catering to different rider preferences and providing an optimal fit for all.
•  Speed Options: The Hydra X 29T comes in both multi-speed and single-speed configurations, giving riders the flexibility to choose based on their riding style and terrain needs.

The Hydra X 29T 21-Speed is available at an attractive price of ₹18,999, inclusive of GST. The bike is available for purchase directly from the official website

It also comes with a comprehensive warranty package, including a lifetime warranty for the frame, and 6 months on all remaining parts, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind for riders.

The Hydra X 29T 21-Speed is ideal for those who crave adventure, offering an unparalleled experience for mountain biking enthusiasts, whether you’re hitting the trails or exploring new paths in the great outdoors.

Chandigarh, Jan 28, 2025: After achieving a robust 46% CAGR volume growth over the past 3 years, Mahindra’s Truck and Bus Division (MTBD) today inaugurated a state-of-the-art dealership in Lakhimpur, Assam. With 4 service bays, the facility can service more than 10 vehicles per day while also providing driver lodging, 24-hour breakdown assistance, and AdBlue (include AdBlue short description) availability.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head – Mahindra Truck and Bus & Construction Equipment, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., emphasized MTBD’s strong presence in the Indian CV market, securing the No. 3 position in various sectors. He highlighted the addition of new dealerships and the BLAZO X, FURIO, & CRUZIO range of commercial vehicles, equipped with Best-in-Class Mileage Guarantee and Double Service Guarantee, as key factors to elevate partners, customers, and the entire ecosystem, further strengthening their market position.

Dr. Venkat also emphasized their vehicle’s superior technological prowess with the re-launched Mileage Guarantee “Get More Mileage or Give The Truck Back” for the BS6 OBD II range of trucks, which promises unmatched value by increasing profitability for transporters. He further added that the state-of-art 3S facility coupled with strong dealer partners will set high customer service standards and expand the MTBD business.

Mr. Sateesh Machiraju, Head of Sales & Customer Care – Mahindra Truck and Bus division, said, “Our R&D team’s customer-centric approach has resulted in higher fluid efficiency for the entire product range of truck & bus division. Our vehicles is equipped with the most advance telematics solution – iMAXX, which give complete control over the transport business with real time monitoring of fuel, drivers behavior, and vehicle health parameter. The new mileage guarantee, embodied by the motto “Zyada Mileage Nahin toh Truck wapas” will provide unmatched value to our customers.”

Mahindra BLAZO X, FURIO, OPTIMO and JAYO are the only CV truck range in India that gives double service guarantees including best in class fuel efficiency. MTBD has also guaranteed uptime on its Breakdown service by getting the truck back on road in 48 hours, else the Company will pay the customer Rs. 1000/- per day. Additionally, guaranteed turnaround of vehicle in 36 hours at the dealer workshop or company will pay 3000/- per day. Continuous product innovation and customer centricity is at the core of MTBD which has made these guarantees possible.

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: The renewables business vertical of L&T has been selected by Masdar, as one of the preferred Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors for the north site of the world’s first 24/7 solar PV and battery storage Giga scale project which will be built in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, in collaboration with EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) that it is developing the Giga scale project, capable of delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and both coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, making it the largest solar and BESS project in the world. The project will constitute a north site and a south site, amounting to 2.6GW and 9.5GWh PV capacity each.

The ceremony took place at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar. The Letter of Award was signed by Mr. Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer, Masdar, and Mr. A Ravindran, Senior Vice President & Head – Renewables IC, L&T in the presence of Mr. T Madhava Das, Whole-Time Director & Sr. Executive Vice President (Utilities), L&T.

Mr S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director – Larsen & Toubro, said: “The foresightedness coupled with definitive actions reflect UAE’s leadership role in accelerating sustainable economic progress. L&T is determined to bring in advanced capabilities for the global energy transition.”

Mr T Madhava Das, Whole-time Director & Sr Executive Vice President (Utilities) – Larsen & Toubro, said: “We are happy that our trusted partnership with Masdar has culminated in such a coveted opportunity to advance the deployment of clean energy projects in the region. With our all-round capabilities in dispatchable renewable generation, power T&D and digital solutions we are deeply committed to deliver this ultra-mega project that fuels futuristic ambitions”.

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: Samvaad, one of the largest tribal conclaves in India, by Tata Steel Foundation returns to the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) for its second year. It is set to bring a vibrant tapestry of tribal art and culture to the 25th edition of one of the most iconic arts festivals of Mumbai, taking place from January 25 to February 2, 2025.

As part of the Samvaad X Kala Ghoda collaboration, four tribal artisans from Jharkhand and Odisha have created 25 artworks for a special installation. These artworks celebrate the 25-year legacy of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and represent five diverse tribal art forms: Sohrai, Paitkar, Saura, Juang, and Gond. The artists, Nandini Singh, Lakhimoni Sardar, Dinabandhu Soren, and Dhirendra, are entrepreneurs at self-help groups based out of the two states. Their creations not only pay homage to the esteemed festival but also share the rich stories and traditions of tribal art and culture.

Sourav Roy, CEO, of Tata Steel Foundation, said: “Samvaad’s collaboration with Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a testament to our commitment to bringing the unique and diverse expressions of tribal art and culture to a wider audience. Building on the success of last year’s partnership, we are thrilled to continue this journey and introduce the captivating stories and rich traditions of tribal art to the urban landscape. We welcome you to be a part of this journey and witness the diverse tales of Samvaad.”

Tribal Artisans Showcase Their Crafts:

Throughout the nine days of the festival, Samvaad will host two stalls every three days, featuring the works of 12 artisans from various tribes and states across India. These stalls will offer a unique glimpse into their traditions and showcase their intricate handicrafts and artforms, emphasising the importance of natural elements and sustainable practices.

• Suluk Kumba (Santhal Tribe, West Bengal): This stall, meaning “beautiful family,” will showcase intricate Santhal handicrafts woven from date leaves and fibers, highlighting their traditional use of natural materials.
• Bamon Handicrafts (Jaintia Tribe, Meghalaya): Featuring a range of cane and bamboo products, this stall will offer handmade daily use items and decorative pieces like baskets, mats, runners, and wall hangings.
• Srujanika Co-operative Society (Gopalpur): This self-help group will present Saura art on bamboo silk, canvas, frames, clocks, and magnets.
• Pragati Udyog Mahila Samiti (Potka, Jharkhand): This women-led self-help group will showcase their creations, including woodwork, handmade cloth bags, magnets, Sohrai art frames, and other decorative items.
• Ontor (Santhal Tribe, Bengal): This stall will feature authentic Sohrai art, including cushion covers, candles, and wall décor.
• Bodo Weaves (Bodo Tribe, Assam): Offering a diverse range of woven fabrics, this stall will showcase shawls, sarees, mats, carpets, and other textile products.

Panel Discussion on the Future:

A key highlight of this year’s edition will be a panel discussion at David Sassoon Library on January 31, 2025, featuring individuals who deeply understand the earth and its challenges. Panelists, including Tsewang Nurboo (Boto Tribe, Ladakh), Mijing Nazary (Bodo Tribe, Assam), and Kiran Khalkho (Oraon Tribe, Jharkhand), will share their insights and perspectives, moderated by Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation.