Archives March 2025

Sacred Pilgrimage, Secure Health: Directives for a Safe Hajj Journey

Ankush kommawar

By- Dr Ankush Kommawar. Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist Ankura Hospital for Women and Children,

Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe form. Among the various strains, meningococcal meningitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in crowded environments.

To prevent meningococcal meningitis, the meningococcal vaccine is administered, offering protection against multiple strains of the bacteria. This vaccine is particularly crucial for individuals traveling to regions where outbreaks are more likely, given the massive congregation of people during Hajj from diverse geographical locations, the risk of infection transmission is significantly high. As a preventive measure, the Saudi Ministry of Health mandates that all Hajj pilgrims receive the meningococcal vaccine before entering the country.

Recognizing the importance of this health requirement, the Telangana State Haj Committee has made vaccination an essential prerequisite for all pilgrims from the state. In accordance with international health protocols, every pilgrim above the age of two must receive the vaccine from a certified healthcare provider. The vaccination remains valid for three years and must be administered at least 10 days before departure to ensure immunity.

To facilitate easy access to the vaccine, the Telangana government has designated major hospitals in Hyderabad, including Nampally, Malakpet, and King Koti, as official vaccination centers. Additionally, specialized vaccination camps are conducted in collaboration with the District Medical Health Officer to reach a broader population. In 2025, an estimated 9,000 pilgrims from Telangana will embark on the sacred journey, with 100% compliance required for meningococcal vaccination.

Ankura Hospital for Women and Children actively supports this initiative by providing comprehensive pre-travel health consultations, essential immunizations, and medical advice to ensure pilgrims are well-prepared for the journey. The hospital plays a vital role in addressing the specific healthcare needs of female pilgrims, who constitute over 40% of the total traveling group, ensuring they receive tailored medical attention before departure. With the increasing number of pilgrims from Telangana, strict adherence to health guidelines is paramount.

IIMB Development Foundation Welcomes Donors at Exclusive Reception 2025

6th March, 2025, Bengaluru: To celebrate the generosity of the people and organizations that play a significant role in the continued success of IIM Bangalore through meaningful contributions for various causes at the Institute, the IIMB Development Foundation (IDF) hosted ‘Donor Reception 2025’, earlier today.

 Welcome addresses
Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development and faculty in the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area of IIMB, who chairs the IIMB Development Foundation, delivered the welcome address and offered an overview of the session, followed by an address by Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore.

IIMB Development Foundation hosts Donor Reception 2025

 Enriching management education and driving innovation
Prof. RT Krishnan shared a glimpse of the Institute’s academic programmes, research, outreach to industry and future plans in its journey of academic excellence. “We will continue to provide the best possible support to our faculty and centres to make greater impact, nationally and globally. In fact, new Centres of Excellence, research programs and entrepreneurship activities are also on the cards. Here, I would like to thank Mathew Cyriac, Executive Chairman, Florintree Advisors Pvt Ltd and alumnus of the PGP Class of 1994. His generous contribution has paved the way to the setting up of a global Centre of Excellence, the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, at the campus. Our incubation centre NSRCEL, thanks to its alignment with the national goal of driving a start-up culture, continues to receive significant recognition from the government and industry, including support from organizations such as Maruti Suzuki, ICICI Securities, Capgemini, to name a few. In fact, NSRCEL is geared to share its expertise with other incubators through a consulting-cum-product platform.”

 Sustaining high quality is at the core of IIMB’s future agenda, said Prof. RT Krishnan. “Although we have done well in the last 51 years, we need to do a lot more in few areas, such as, internationalization, as well as sustain and maintain the high quality in terms of faculty, research, infrastructure, etc. Our special thanks to organizations like NeSL, TCI, Mizuho Bank and many more – your continued support helps us strengthen our activities and deliver outstanding results. Our future plans include providing more support to faculty and centres, as well as focusing more on new projects like the second campus which will offer UG programmes. We look forward to working more with individual donors and corporate partners. And the IIMB Development Foundation is there to consolidate such efforts.”

  Promoting sustainability: A special address
Chief Guest of the event, Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri, MD and CEO, National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL), delivered a special address on initiatives promoting sustainability. “The least we, as a community, can do is leave the planet the way we got it. We also have to reverse years of deforestation and polluting of lakes and rivers. In such a situation, IIMB’s stand on adopting sustainable practices, such as setting up of EV charging stations, is similar to that of NeSL. If you take an aerial view of the Institute, you will find that the entire rooftop is covered with solar panels. That is one of the reasons why we chose to partner with IIMB as we are happy to promote projects on sustainability. The IIMB campus is like an oasis in the city of Bangalore. The peaceful and tranquil nature is conducive to academic and professional pursuits.” A rooftop solar power plant, an initiative which is supported by NeSL, was inaugurated on the IIM Bangalore campus in April 2024.
“To achieve the Indian government’s aim to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, we need to harness the advantages of the demographic dividend through training and skilling. We need to implement projects within time limits, and IIMB has a crucial role to play in this area.”

 India and Japan – strategic partnership
The event also featured the Guest of Honor – Tatsuhiro Otake, CEO India, Mizuho Bank Ltd. He shared his own career trajectory – he has been with Mizuho Bank all through and in India since 2022, and provided an overview of Mizuho Bank’s CSR activities, significance of Mizuho Bank and MIJSC in promoting India-Japan collaboration, Japanese companies in India and why India is an attractive option for such companies. “India is poised to become the third largest economy by 2027, there is skilled workforce and stable monetary policy, government to government relationship with Japan is close, while Japan is faced with an aging society, decline in population, low economic growth rate and shortage of human resource. Japanese companies seek business opportunities in India as consumption market and product/export base, and aim to secure and diversify supply chains in India. Mizuho Bank has supported MIJSC by way of interacting with delegation of IIMB students, having a lecture called ‘Doing Business in India – Japanese Perspective’, and through contributions.”

 Endowment fund for deserving students
Another highlight was the announcement of the ‘Professor Prakash G. Apte Memorial Endowment Fund’, initiated by Alok Apte, son of Late Professor Apte, and his well-wishers. Recalling his student days, Prof. Sourav Mukherji said that Prof. Prakash G. Apte was a great teacher and mentor with immense respect for the Doctoral programme. Alok Apte said that this endowment fund has been created so that deserving students are not denied of quality education due to lack of funds and to promote academic excellence in research.

 Panel discussion on impact of donating for higher education
A panel discussion on, ‘The Multiplier Effect of Donating to Education’ was moderated by Rohit Jaisingh, CEO, IIMB Development Foundation. The panelists were PS Narayan, Global Head, Wipro; Sunil Khurana, CEO & MD, BPL Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd; Rajkiran Kanagala, President and Chief Business Officer, TCI; Madhu Moses T, Regional Head, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Sandhya Shekhar, alumna of PGP 1984.

 The discussion focused on the rationale of donating for higher education and its impact. Sharing their experiences in collaborating with institutions in their CSR initiatives, the panelists listed robust and transparent policies as the top pick aiding their selection for possible partners. “Choose to partner with enterprises where leadership has its heart in the right place”, said Sandhya Shekhar. While PS Narayan advocated sustainability and bridging gap in the education system, Sunil Khurana recommended civic engagement and contribution to economy as their core objective. Rajkiran Kanagala said his organization believed in giving back to the industry, focusing on rural areas, sustainability and leaving a legacy behind. Madhu Moses advised that we need more scholarships, boost infrastructure and support the social stock exchange. All the panelists agreed that partnering with IIM Bangalore has been a rewarding experience.

IIHM Founder Dr. Suborno Bose’s book “Harmonizing Human Touch & AI Tourism and Hospitality” launched

Dr Suborno Bose seen alon

IIHM to come out with the world’s first GPT for Hospitality, what ChatGPT is to the world in general: Dr Suborno Bose, a renowned Hospitality Educator

India needs to take world leadership in AI: Dr Bose.

Hyderabad, March 6, 2025:Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), one of India’s foremost hospitality educators and a visionary in integrating technology with hospitality, has published yet another book. It is his third book.

The book “Harmonizing Human Touch & AI Tourism and Hospitality” was launched in the city on Thursday evening at the Radisson Hotel, Madhapur, in the presence of many industry veterans.

The book takes an A-to-Z approach, where each letter corresponds to a key process, demonstrating how AI enhances hospitality while preserving its core human essence. Inspired by industry professionals who have successfully integrated AI into their workflows, the book highlights practical applications from global leaders.

The book presents real-world examples of how AI enhances guest satisfaction, sustainability, and operational efficiency—covering topics such as predictive maintenance, sentiment analysis, and zero-waste initiatives.

“AI is not just about technology—it’s about humanity,” said Dr. Bose. “This book underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with the human touch in hospitality.”

Speaking further on the occasion, Dr. Bose stated, ‘We need to integrate AI into hospitality education on a global scale. It prioritizes inclusivity, human-centric values, and sustainability, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the core of hospitality. AI is not artificial—it is ‘Advanced Intelligence’.”

“This book serves as an essential resource for students, educators, and industry professionals, demonstrating how AI can complement rather than replace the human essence of hospitality,” said Dr. Bose during the launch event.

Dr Bose announced that IIHM(International Institute of Hotel Management) will come out with the world’s first Hospitality industry’s GPT (similar to ChatGPT) called NamAIste IIHM HospitalityGPT. It is getting ready. It is in an alpha testing mode currently. It will be formally launched by Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekawat on April 24th, the International Hospitality Day. It’s a day to recognize the art of making guests feel welcome. It will be a Game-Changer for the Industry. Dr. Bose also made a groundbreaking announcement that promises to be a major positive disruptor in the hospitality industry—the launch of NamAIste, IIHM HospitalityGPT, the world’s first generative AI-powered knowledge engine for hospitality. A short video of the NamAIste GPT was screened for the information of the guests at the meeting.

If you ask ChatGPT about Nigerian Wines, it knows nothing and gives a wrong answer. A dedicated hospitality industry GPT is the need of the hour, Dr Bose explained. We are working with 50 countries in YCO(Young Chef Olympiad). It will be used by over 100 countries.

One day India will produce Google, Dr. Bose observed while participating in the Round

Our Prime Minister gives a lot of importance and a great push to Artificial Intelligence. Also, the Government of Telangana organised the AI Global Summit. It is also coming out with AI City.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Bose said, “IIHM has always been at the forefront of innovation in hospitality education. This is not just an advancement—it’s the future of hospitality intelligence, and IIHM is leading the way. With the launch of NamAIste, IIHM HospitalityGPT, we are taking a historic step forward.” “The IIHM HospitalityGPT is designed to provide students, faculty, hospitality professionals, and industry stakeholders with real-time access to insights, trends, and best practices. The goal is to enhance learning and operational excellence in hospitality by equipping students, educators, and industry professionals with next-generation AI-powered knowledge,” he added. Under Dr. Bose’s visionary leadership, IIHM has taken a giant leap in leveraging AI for sustainable hospitality, driving both quality and profitability in the
sector.

A Round Table Conference held on the occasion on AI in Hospitality and Tourism. NSN Mohan from SKAL; Ms. Rupa Sree Bhuptapty, Board Member, Google India, AI & Robotics Expert; MV Ganesh from Manjeera Hospitality; Chef Dharmender Lamba, President of Telangana Chefs Association and Mr. Sujay Gupta, Group Director, Intl Institute of Hotel Management were the panelists.

Participating in the panel discussion Ms Rupa Sree Bhuptapty said it is quite normal to be afraid of any new technology hitting the marketplace. When computers were introduced the same rumours went around that a lot of jobs will be lost. It is the same with AI as well, she observed. AI can not work independently. The man or woman needs to operate it. It is better to adopt sooner or later.

Dr Bose participating in the panel said AI is about productivity, profitability, Revenue, sustainability for the hospitality industry. Without this we can’t progress. It is our responsibility to bring it and share it with the industry, he announced.

Mr. Mohan, another panelist felt that it will not replace jobs, infact, it will create more jobs. Chef Dharmender said AI will help in reducing the waste of food in the hospitality industry.

The book launch event was graced by esteemed guests, including DGP Abhilasha Bisht (IPS), Amita Desai (Consul General, German Consulate), Gareth Owen (British Deputy High Commissioner), Vijay Shrikant (Area Director & GM, Taj Falaknuma Palace), NSN Mohan (Deputy Vice President, Skal International), Srikant Wharkarkar (VP, Hyatt Hotels), MV Ganesh (COO, Manjeera Hospitality), Rubin Cherian (GM, Novotel HICC), Dharmender Lamba (President, Telangana Chefs Association), and Sukhbir Singh (GM, Novotel Hyderabad Airport).

Godrej Properties Pays Tribute to Noida’s Water Bodies with Mesmerizing Drone Show at Godrej Riverine

Noida, 6th March, 2025: In an extraordinary fusion of technology and nature, Godrej Properties illuminated Noida’s skyline with a mesmerizing drone show, paying tribute to the city’s rich natural heritage.

Designed to highlight Noida’s evolving landscape, the show took viewers on a visual journey through the city’s most iconic natural landmarks, seamlessly intertwining its modern growth with its deep-rooted connection to water. This breathtaking aerial spectacle celebrated Noida’s vibrant water bodies, including the Okhla Bird Sanctuary and the Botanical Garden, bringing to life the harmony between urban development and ecological treasures.

godrej

The drone show showcased Noida’s evolving identity, where modern luxury meets environmental consciousness. As urbanization accelerates, this initiative serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between development and sustainability. It symbolizes a future where innovation and sustainability coexist, creating spaces that are as enriching as they are responsible.

GoTo Boosts Enterprise IT and Customer Support with Cutting-Edge AI, Translation, and Security Features in LogMeIn Rescue

India, March 6, 2025 – GoTo, the leader in cloud communications and IT, today announced new AI, security, and translation features for LogMeIn Rescue. The new offerings give enterprises next-generation tools to transform how they deliver support, improve average handle time, safeguard sensitive data, and seamlessly bridge language barriers for global employees and customers.

“With our latest AI, security, and translation innovations in LogMeIn Rescue, we are redefining how enterprises and Global System Integrators provide IT and customer support,” said Joseph George, General Manager of IT at GoTo. “By integrating advanced AI-driven automation and diagnostics, enhanced security protections, and real-time translation capabilities into LogMeIn Rescue, we are empowering support teams to not only work smarter and faster but also to deliver exceptional service with confidence and precision – no matter where their teams and customers are located. Ultimately, we are evolving Rescue from a tool for experts to one that learns from experts and delivers expertise right out of the box.”

Increase Technician Productivity and Boost First-Call Resolution with AI and Automated Workflows

Rescue’s new AI capabilities automate routine tasks and adds analytics insights to minimize average issue handling time and improve first-call resolution rates for support teams. The AI-powered features automatically generate comprehensive session notes, analyze device performance to flag anomalies, and provide recommended actions to agents during support sessions based on analysis of the end user’s screen. This significantly reduces manual effort and streamlines troubleshooting and compliance, ensuring faster and more reliable resolutions for employees and customers and minimizing post-call administrative tasks.

“As organizations grapple with expanding remits and increasing workloads, AI is becoming a vital tool to help teams work more efficiently and strategically. By automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent insights, AI enables teams to focus on higher-value initiatives, making better use of their time and resources,” said Phil Hocmuth, Research VP, Endpoint Management and Enterprise Mobility at IDC. “As demand for these capabilities grows, more companies are looking to technology providers to deliver AI-driven solutions that are easy to deploy and adopt – ensuring that businesses can quickly leverage AI’s benefits without adding complexity to their operations.”

Safeguard Networks and Endpoint Devices with Enhanced Security

The new security features build on LogMeIn Rescue’s already robust security offerings to provide layered, comprehensive protection against threats from unauthorized access, phishing, fraud, and accidental misuse. Additional Device- and IP-based access restrictions limit support sessions to only pre-approved devices and IP addresses, while PIN code safeguards limit where generated PIN codes can be entered during sessions and immediately reject codes generated outside of a customer’s Rescue account. The features work seamlessly together to create a frictionless, automated solution that simplifies security for IT teams and fosters trust with customers in an age of growing cybersecurity risks.

Break Language Barriers with Real-Time Translation Support

Finally, the new translation features empower teams to provide effective IT and customer support from anywhere, in any language. With real-time translation for both live chats and any text displayed on remote desktops, agents can easily assist end users across different languages without delays or jumping between the support session and third-party translation tools. Real-time translation allows teams to expand their reach, reduce escalations, and deliver world-class support to a more diverse customer base. It also saves businesses significant overhead by eliminating the need to hire support staff for specific regions or languages.

International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action on Perimenopause and Menopause Support with Miror

Bangalore, 6th March 2025: International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, is a day to honor the achievements of women and acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, calls for an intensified effort to create positive change for women everywhere. One such key area in need of action is the often-overlooked journey of perimenopause and menopause. Millions of women undergo profound physiological changes during these stages, yet the support and understanding around them remain limited. Now is the time to push for better education, resources, and products that empower women through these life transitions. Miror stands out as a company dedicated to improving the well-being of women during this critical phase of life. It’s time to break the silence and empower women with the knowledge and care they need.

Perimenopause and menopause can be challenging times for women, both physically and emotionally. Perimenopause typically begins in the 40s, leading to menopause, defined by 12 months without menstruation, usually around 50. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, fatigue, and changes in mood and memory can affect everyday life. Despite being a natural part of aging, many women feel unsupported, isolated, and misunderstood during this transition. The stigma surrounding menopause portrays it negatively, overlooking women’s resilience. Conversations remain taboo, leaving many without guidance, resources, or products to ease this phase. As a result, conversations around menopause and perimenopause have long been taboo, leaving many women without the resources, guidance, or products that could make their journey easier. How can you identify if you are going through this phase?

1. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: Hot flushes are among the most recognizable symptoms of menopause. Women experience sudden surges of heat, often starting in the face and chest, accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat that can lead to disruptive night sweats, affecting sleep quality and contributing to chronic fatigue.
2. Sleep Disturbances and Chronic Fatigue: Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impair sleep, leading to insomnia or frequent awakenings. Establishing a calming bedtime routine and seeking nutritional support can help restore a more natural sleep cycle.
3. Mood Swings and Anxiety: The decline in estrogen directly affects brain neurotransmitters, often resulting in pronounced mood swings, heightened anxiety, and emotional instability. These changes can strain relationships and mental well-being. Mindfulness practices, professional guidance, and strong social support can help manage these emotional shifts.
4. Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes: Many women experience unexpected weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, due to a slower metabolism and hormonal imbalances. Combined with lifestyle factors, this can lead to increased health risks.
5. Joint Pain and Muscle Stiffness: Estrogen plays a vital role in joint lubrication and muscle function. As its levels decrease, women may experience joint pain, stiffness, and increased susceptibility to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Engaging in low-impact exercises and maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help alleviate discomfort and support mobility.

 Miror is a brand that is actively contributing to the conversation on women’s health, particularly in the areas of perimenopause and menopause. They have a free WhatsApp community where hundreds of women find guidance, support, and expert insights. This inclusive space fosters meaningful discussions on symptom management, self-care, and holistic wellness and find solidarity in a community that understands their journey. They also have supplements like Miror Revive & Bliss that help women in this phase. Miror Revive, rich in antioxidants, promotes glowing skin and boosts energy, while Miror Bliss helps balance hormones and support restful sleep. These wellness solutions enable women to navigate this phase with greater ease and confidence.

 As we reflect on this International Women’s Day, let us pledge to support women through all phases of life. Miror is a key part of this shift, providing innovative solutions that make women feel supported, heard, and empowered. By accelerating action now, we can create a future where women going through perimenopause and menopause feel confident, cared for, and equipped to take charge of their health. Let’s celebrate women today, tomorrow, and every day by ensuring they have the resources they need to live well, regardless of their stage in life.

FTCCI to Host Empower Her Program at T-Hub with Shikha Goel as Chief Guest

Hyderabad, March 05, 2025…….A Program “EmpowerHer: Accelerating Equality and Empowerment” will be held on Thursday at The Marvel, T-Hub.

Organised by The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Ms. Shikha Goel, Director General of Police, Women Safety Wing, Telangana will be the chief guest.

A few prominent speakers Ms. Keerthy Reddy, Founder & CEO, Bold Fuse; Ms. Purnima Kamble, Senior Partner, Fox Mandal Foundation; Ms. Aakanksha Kumar, Chief Engagement Head, Telangana and AP, Image Consulting Business Institute; Ms. Dr Tasneem Shariff, Chairperson, Women Empowerment Committee, FTCCI and Ms. Sylvia Smetana, Founder Divershefy will speak.

The program organised to observe and celebrate International Women’s Day will have many sessions on Health, Wellness, Safety, Legal Rights, Personal Grooming, Branding and a Fireside chat on Raising the standard-achieving CXO level excellence.

Over 300 women professionals, Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Business Women, Students, Young Women, HR and Organisational Leaders and individuals who are passionate about women’s rights are expected to participate.

Russia and Myanmar Forge Agreement to Build Small Modular Reactor

Moscow, 5th March 2025 – On 4 March, an intergovernmental agreement on principles of cooperation in the construction of a SMR (small modular reactor) in Myanmar was signed during the state visit of Myanmar’s leadership to Russia.

The document was signed in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, by Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom State Corporation Director General, and Dr. Myo Thein Kyaw, Union Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The intergovernmental agreement regulates the conditions and main directions of interaction between the parties within the framework of implementation of the 110 MW SMR project with the possibility of further expansion up to 330 MW.

In February 2023, the Russian Federation and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development of nuclear energy cooperation between Russia and Myanmar. The parties agreed to work together to, among other things, implement the project to build a SMR on the territory of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

russia

Rosatom also actively cooperates with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the development of wind power. A project to build a 200 MW wind power plant in Myanmar is being implemented.

Rosatom possesses reference technologies for the construction of small modular reactors, both offshore and onshore. Based on the most recent RITM-200 reactor unit and the extensive expertise of running small reactors aboard Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet ships, a project is in underway to build a land-based SMR in Yakutia. The SMR is characterized by its compactness and modularity, short construction period and high safety standards. The world’s only floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) Akademik Lomonosov is currently in operation in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. In 2024, Rosatom signed the first ever export contract with Uzbekistan for the construction of a SMR plant. The project envisages the construction of a nuclear power plant with a capacity of 330 MW in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan using Russian-developed SMR technology.

Veranda Learning Delivers Outstanding Performance in CA Inter Examination

CHENNAI, 5th March 2025: Students from the commerce vertical of Veranda Learning Solutions, a listed enterprise offering end-to-end education solutions, have delivered a standout performance in the CA Intermediate examinations held from January 11 to 21, 2025.

The results reinforce the company’s commitment to academic excellence. Veranda’s commerce vertical comprises five esteemed brands: JK Shah Classes, BB Virtuals, Navkar Digital Institute, Logic School of Management and Tapasya College of Commerce and Management. A total of 64 students feature in the all-India top-50 ranking list, with many securing shared ranks.

Leading the achievements was Deepanshi Agarwal from BB Virtuals, who secured All-India Rank 1 (AIR 1). While Deepanshi, a Taxation and Audit student from BB Virtuals, bagged the top rank, Harsh Kabra got AIR 5th. JK Shah Classes continued its legacy of excellence with Dev Jaiswal securing AIR 11th. He was closely followed by Vidhi Daglya and Vishnu Madhusudana.

Deepanshi

Navkar Digital Institute also delivered impressive results, with eight students featuring in the AIR top-50 list. The complete list of students is shared in the annexure below.

Ms. Deepanshi, a Taxation and Audit student from BB Virtuals, credited her success to structured preparation, rigorous mock tests, and expert guidance. “Achieving AIR 1 is a dream come true. I was inspired by an interview of a top ranker on Mr. Bhanwar Borana’s YouTube channel last year, and I aspired to be among the best. The personalized mentorship and high-quality resources at BB Virtuals were instrumental in my journey,” said Deepanshi.

Congratulating Ms. Deepanshi, Mr. Bhanwar Borana, Founder of BB Virtuals, stated, “We are immensely proud of Ms. Deepanshi’s phenomenal achievement. Heartiest congratulations to her parents for their unwavering support. At BB Virtuals, we remain dedicated to equipping CA aspirants with the best learning experience. This result reflects our commitment to academic excellence and our students’ relentless determination.”

Mr. JK Shah, founder of JK Shah Classes, lauded the students for their outstanding performance. “These top-notch results have been possible thanks to the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of their families, and the exceptional guidance provided by our faculty. At Veranda Learning, we take immense pride in nurturing the next generation of finance professionals. The success of our commerce vertical in the CA Inter exams reflects our relentless focus on delivering the best educational resources to students.”

Skoda Auto Sparks Dream Ownership Among India’s New Generation

March 06, 2025; Mumbai, India: Škoda Auto India, in collaboration with Publicis India, has released an inspiring new film, ‘Own Your Dream,’ featuring Škoda’s first-ever ‘Brand Superstar’ – Ranveer Singh, along with the all-new Škoda Kylaq. The film will be the first-ever Škoda ad campaign to be translated in multiple regional languages, signalling a bold step in Škoda’s journey to expand its footprint across India, from Metropolitan regions to Tier-2, Tier-3 and beyond, while redefining the aspirations of a new generation of Indian consumers.

Featuring Škoda Auto India’s first-ever ‘Brand Superstar’, Ranveer Singh, the film is an ode to the bold, uncompromising Indian – one who pursues success on their own terms and refuses to settle for anything ordinary. More than just a vehicle, the Kylaq emerges as a trusted companion on this journey, where ambition meets European engineering, now within reach like never before. With a fresh, consumer-first approach, the film weaves an evocative tale of aspiration and progress, positioning the Kylaq as a catalyst for dreams, seamlessly aligning with the growth strategy outlined for India, the most important market for Škoda Auto outside India.

skoda

Speaking about the campaign, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India said, “2025 is a landmark year for us in India and globally. It marks the advent of the New Era for us in India with a slew of activities and actions headlined by the Škoda Kylaq and our product offensive strategy. The Kylaq will build the Škoda brand further in existing and new markets across India, inspiring customers across tier II-IV markets. Our film, ‘Own Your Dream,’ beautifully captures the synergy between the unstoppable Kylaq, the new aspirations and emotions of our customers, and the electrifying personality of Ranveer Singh. Just like our all-new SUV, the Kylaq campaign will resonate with those who aspire for something more than the ordinary.”

‘Own Your Dream’ moves beyond specs and features, telling a story of ambition in motion. The film follows individuals chasing their dreams, newlyweds on an adventure, an athlete striving for greatness, a family shaping young minds, and musicians creating art, along with Ranveer Singh who moves forward to clear clouds of aspiration, revealing the Škoda Kylaq. With stunning visuals and an uplifting narrative, the film celebrates India’s unstoppable spirit.

Speaking on the association, Paritosh Srivastava, CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India said, “We are thrilled to partner with Škoda Auto India for the introduction of their first-ever sub-4-metre SUV in India. Aligned with roll out of the new era of Škoda Auto in India, we have built a full-funnel, consumer-first approach that ensures deeper market penetration while bringing European craftsmanship to an evolving India that’s ready for more. With ‘Team Drive’—our bespoke ‘Power of One’ unit created for Škoda Auto India, we are uniquely positioned to support their ambitious vision of becoming a dominant European player in the Indian market. The launch of the Kylaq is just the beginning, and we are excited for all that’s in store.”