Archives May 2025

Cotton yarn manufacturers to spin 7-9% revenue growth this fiscal

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.

Sony India launches FE 50-150mm F2 GM Lens

Sony India launches FE 50-150mm F2 GM Lens

New Delhi, 5th 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 5th May 2025 onwards.

 

Model MRP (in Rs.) Availability
FE 50-150mm F2 GM 369,990/- 5th 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.

 

Productivity SaaS for education is changing: a wake-up call for schools

Rex Huang

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.

Lakshmi K Pooshan from Arjunaa Academy Secures State Rank 14

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.

​Stri Shakti Awards 2025 Honors 50 Inspiring Women Leaders

​Stri Shakti Awards 2025 Honors 50 Inspiring Women Leaders

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.

Pride Hotels Group Strengthens North India Presence with New Signings in Jodhpur, Noida, and Alwar

Mumbai, 05th May 2025: In a move that underlines its ambitious growth trajectory, Pride Hotels Group has announced the signing of three new properties in North India – Pride Resort Jodhpur, Pride Premier Noida, and Pride Elite Alwar. These signings add strategic depth to the Group’s northern portfolio and reaffirm its vision to deliver high-quality hospitality across key leisure and business destinations.

Pride Hotels Group Strengthens North India

The newly signed Pride Elite Jodhpur becomes the Group’s 6th property in Elite category and 4th in Rajasthan and will offer 64 elegantly designed rooms, a massive 50,000 sq. ft. of total banquet space, including an expansive 44,000 sq. ft. of lush lawns – ideal for weddings and grand social functions.

In the NCR region, Pride Premier Noida promises to be a business traveler’s haven with 80 rooms, a 90-cover all-day dining restaurant, an 85-cover rooftop restaurant, a 8,000 sq. ft. banquet venue, and comprehensive amenities including a gym, pool, and spa. Noida’s surge as a hub for expos, tech companies, and infrastructure developments makes it a strategic location for the upscale Premier brand.

Further enriching its Elite brand footprint, Pride Elite Alwar will offer 81 spacious rooms, a 600 sq. ft. banquet venue, 24 cottages, and a vibrant rooftop restaurant and bar with alfresco seating. With its proximity to heritage attractions and increasing footfall from leisure travelers, Alwar is poised to emerge as a preferred short-haul getaway from Delhi-NCR.

Mr. Atul Upadhyay, Executive Vice President, Pride Hotels Group, remarked, “Our expansion into Jodhpur, Noida, and Alwar strengthens our presence across diverse demand generators – from cultural tourism to corporate movement and destination weddings. These cities play a pivotal role in our pan-India development strategy.”

Mr. Mohammed Shoeb, AVP – North India, added, “Noida’s dynamic business inflow, Jodhpur’s heritage tourism, and Alwar’s rising leisure appeal make these cities ideal for our differentiated hotel brands. We are excited to offer guests new experiences in these vibrant locations.”

With these additions, Pride Hotels Group continues to solidify its presence across India with a robust portfolio of over 60 hotels ( 33 operational, 20 Upcoming ) and 5,500+ rooms ( 3500 operational, 2000 upcoming ) under distinct brands such as Pride Plaza, Pride Premier, Pride Elite, and Biznotel by Pride. Known for blending Indian hospitality values with contemporary service standards, the Group caters to both business and leisure travellers across Tier 1, 2, and emerging markets. This expansion in the North further reinforces its commitment to offering exceptional experiences, regionally relevant offerings, and a growing footprint across key cultural and commercial hubs in India.

Namrata Joshipura presents Orphea : Spring Summer 2025

Spring Summer 2025 is a season of ease and expression. With Orphea, the shift feels natural—silhouettes that flow, colors that linger, and textures that move with light.

At the core: soft jumpsuits, fluid dresses for day and evening, and effortless shapes that carry you from quiet mornings to golden-hour gatherings. Special occasion wear takes on a summer mood—light saree drapes and skirt sets designed with presence, not pressure.

Orphea : Spring Summer 2025 by Namrata Joshipura.

The palette moves from subtle golden ivory to classic black and gold, with playful notes of candy pinks and ocean blues. Modern floral prints anchor the collection—familiar, but seen through a new lens.

Orphea : Spring Summer 2025 by Namrata Joshipura.

This is a wardrobe for the season’s in-between moments—relaxed, refined, and ready to move with you.

POCO Drops Mega Discounts on Best-Selling Smartphones During Flipkart’s SASA LELE Sale!

POCO BIG SAVING DAY SALE

POCO Smartphones at Record-Low Prices – India’s Fastest-Growing Online Smartphone Brand Joins the Mega Sale!

Mumbai, 4th May 2025 – If you’ve been eyeing a smartphone upgrade, the moment is NOW. POCO, India’s fastest-growing online smartphone brand, is bringing its biggest price drops yet for Flipkart’s Big Savings Days 2025 – also known as the SASA LELE Sale. Till 8th May, grab POCO’s top-selling smartphones at their lowest-ever prices.

Whether you’re chasing flagship firepower or value-packed 5G phones, this sale has something mad for everyone.

POCO’s Big Deals Line-up:

Sr No Product Variant Sale Price (with Bank Offers)
1 POCO C71 4+64 (Airtel) ₹5,799
2 POCO C71 4+64 ₹6,499
3 POCO C71 6+128 ₹7,299
4 POCO C75 4+64 ₹7,699
5 POCO C75 4+128 ₹8,499
6 POCO M7 6+128 ₹9,499
7 POCO M7 8+128 ₹10,699
8 POCO M6 Plus 6+128 ₹9,999
9 POCO M6 Plus 8+128 ₹10,999
10 POCO M7 Pro 6+128 ₹11,999
11 POCO M7 Pro 8+256 ₹13,999
12 POCO X7 5G 8+128 ₹15,999
13 POCO X7 5G 8+256 ₹17,999
14 POCO X7 Pro 8+256 ₹22,999
15 POCO X7 Pro 12+256 ₹24,999
16 POCO F6 12+256 ₹22,999

(All bank offers apply on HDFC, Axis, and ICICI CC/DC transactions via full swipe or EMI.)

Why POCO’s May 2025 Sale Is a Game-Changer:

POCO X7 Series – Power Meets Sleek

POCO X7: Segment’s toughest 1.5K AMOLED 3D Curved Display, powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra, 5500mAh battery, and 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera.

POCO X7 Pro: Segment’s most powerful phone. MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, 6550mAh battery, 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera, and HyperOS 2.0.

POCO M7 Series – All-Round 5G Champions

POCO M7: India’s fastest 5G phone under ₹10K. Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 6.88” display, 50MP Sony camera, 5160mAh battery, and up to 12GB RAM.

POCO M7 Pro: Brightest in class with 6.67” GOLED FHD+ AMOLED (2100 nits), 50MP Sony LYT-600, 5110mAh battery, and 45W fast charging.

POCO C Series – Budget Brilliance

POCO C71: Segment’s biggest 6.88” HD+ display with 120Hz refresh, Android 15, TÜV Eye Protection, and 12GB RAM.

POCO C75: Most affordable 5G phone with Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm), 50MP Sony camera, and IP52-rated design.

Bonus Picks

POCO M6 Plus: 6.79” FHD+ 120Hz display, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE, 108MP camera, HyperOS, 33W fast charging — all under ₹10K.

POCO F6: Lowest priced Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 phone with 6.67” OLED 1.5K display, 50MP dual camera, HyperOS (Android 14), and 90W charging.

POCO is rewriting the value game this summer – whether you search for best POCO phone dealsflagship killer smartphones, or budget 5G Android phones, this is where the internet stops scrolling and starts buying.

Add to cart. Grab before it’s gone. Brag later.

International Iconic Awards gears Up for Glamorous Tollywood Season 1 on June 28

International Iconic Awards Tollywood (IIA), Season 1 prepares to make its grand debut. The awards aim to celebrate and honour excellence in the Telugu film industry

Actor Ravi Prakash, Tollywood, International Iconic Awards Tollywood, Ample Reach, Telugu film industry

Hyderabad, May 2025: The glitz and glamour of Tollywood are set to dazzle audiences as the much-anticipated International Iconic Awards Tollywood (IIA), Season 1 prepares to make its grand debut. The awards aim to celebrate and honour excellence in the Telugu film industry.

Tollywood Actor Ravi Prakash and Bollywood Actress Nikita Rawal, along with directors Pradeep Madalli, Rocky Singh, actor Revanth Levaka unveiled the poster of International Iconic Awards Tollywood (IIA) Season 1, in the presence of Mohammed Nagaman Lateef, Founder of the International Iconic Awards, and Aditya Khurana, Chairman of the International Iconic awards, at a press conference held at Le Meridien in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Mohammed Nagaman Lateef and Aditya Khurana announced that, the International iconic awards tollywood organizing in association with Telangana tourism will be held on June 28, 2025, in Hyderabad. They described it as a star-studded night that will feature a grand red carpet and a celebration of Tollywood’s finest artists.

The International Iconic Awards (IIA), which began its journey in Bollywood in 2014, has completed a successful decade, expanding its footprint, the IIA ventured into regional cinema last year. This year marks another milestone as the IIA introduces its inaugural season in Tollywood. Mohammed Nagaman Lateef have announced that the 2025 edition will further expand to include dedicated award ceremonies in Sandalwood (Kannada), along with continued recognition in the Marathi, Punjabi, and Bollywood industries.

The IIA Tollywood awards are presented by franchise holder Sunil Roshan, Founder of UBFB Universal Pictures, and Trishita Mukherjee, Founder of Pencil9. The IIA Tollywood is supported by Starlife Hyderabad, Nutreat, and Padmalay Jewellers. The IIA Tollywood 1 will be broadcast globally on Zee5, expanding its reach to fans worldwide. Additionally Big FM is the official radio partner.

Shri Sanjay Khanna Takes Over the Additional Charge of Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL Today

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company, and one of India’s leading oil and gas companies, announced today that Shri Sanjay Khanna has assumed additional charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of the company. Currently he serves as the Director (Refineries) in the company.

Shri Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) with Additional Charge of Chairman and Managing Director, BPCL

A Chemical Engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli and Postgraduate in Finance Management from Mumbai University, he has over 3 decades of experience in refinery operations and technical services.

He anchored several prestigious projects for setting up new process units in Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Numaligarh.

Prior to becoming Director (Refineries) he headed Kochi and Mumbai Refineries of BPCL. As executive Director of Kochi Refinery, he played a key role in commissioning the first ‘Niche Petrochemical’ project of BPCL, Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP).

Shri Sanjay Khanna also serves as a Director on the Boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited. Additionally, Shri Khanna is also the current Chairperson of ‘Technical Committee for petroleum Refineries’ under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)