Archives June 2025

26 June 2025 –  Envi Salons, a trusted name in luxury beauty and wellness, has unveiled its latest address in Chandivali, Mumbai, marking another milestone in the brand’s growing presence across India. The brand is known for offering grooming and self-care services under one roof.

With aesthetic interiors, professionals who know what they are doing, and out of the world comfort that they offer, the new Chandivali outlet is designed to deliver efficiency with a smile. The launch event also featured mouth watering treats, refreshing beverages, and goodie bags, making it an evening of true luxury.

From hair rituals to nails, skincare, and spa therapies, the Chandivali branch continues Envi’s legacy of blending innovation with efficiency , inviting customers to relax, renew, and relive in self-care like never before.

Envi Salon’s Founder, Renu Kant emphasized the brand’s customer-centric approach, stating, “Our goal is to retain previous customers while attaining new ones by giving top-notch services.” This reflects Envi Salon’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that combine luxury, consistency, and innovation across all their salon locations.

Envi Salons celebrated this launch with an experiential event attended by various influencers and beauty and lifestyle media.

Guests were treated to Envi Salon’s signature pampering, including Glossy Gel Nail Paints, Rejuvenating Pedicures, and the cult-favourite Kerastase Fusio Dose Hair treatment and also delicious food bites. Each service showcased the brand’s sharp focus on quality and comfort, more than just a treatment, it felt like a break from the city’s chaos.

Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology & Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital

The smoke exhaled and the burning end of a cigarette release poisonous gases and fine particles into the air that others breathe. This secondhand smoke causes asthma, bronchitis, and other illnesses in children, and increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease in adult non-smokers. Think about your family – your parents, spouse, children, or friends.

Breathing someone else’s cigarette smoke is no less harmful. In India, over 20% of youth (ages 13–15) are exposed to second-hand smoke in public places, and even 11% at home . No one wants to unintentionally harm their loved ones, but that’s exactly what happens when you smoke around others. Quitting smoking or never starting is a gift of clean air and health to those around you.

There are also wider social and economic consequences of tobacco use. Families can suffer when the main earner falls ill due to cancer or heart disease from smoking. Treatment of tobacco-related diseases can drain a family’s savings and plunge them into debt. Furthermore, money spent on cigarettes is money not spent on food, education, or other needs.

Tobacco use perpetuates a cycle of poverty in many households. In social settings, smokers may find themselves having to step away to smoke due to public smoking bans, missing out on moments with friends or colleagues. Over time, society’s view of smoking has shifted – what was once seen as stylish or normal is now often viewed as a hazardous, even antisocial habit. Realizing these social impacts can strengthen one’s resolve to quit: you’ll not only heal yourself but also protect your family and become a more considerate member of your community.

Breaking the Bank: The Financial Cost of Tobacco

Beyond health, tobacco inflicts a heavy financial burden on individuals and the nation. Tobacco isn’t just killing people; it’s also burning through their wallets. Let’s consider a common scenario: if someone smokes even 5 cigarettes a day, at roughly ₹12 per cigarette, that adds up to about ₹60 each day – which is ₹1,800 a month spent just on smoking . In one year, that’s over ₹20,000 gone up in smoke.

In 10 years, it’s several lakhs of rupees. To put it in perspective, one media estimate found that a 30-year-old who smokes 5 cigarettes daily would end up losing over ₹1 crore (ten million rupees) by the time he is 60, factoring in the cost of cigarettes and what that money could have earned if saved or invested . That is an astounding loss of personal wealth – money that could have been used for buying a home, educating children, or securing one’s retirement.

On a national level, the costs are equally alarming. According to the Ministry of Health and WHO, the total economic cost of tobacco use in India was about ₹177,341 crore in 2017-2018. (That is 1.77 trillion rupees, or around US $27.5 billion in one year.) This figure includes healthcare costs for treating diseases caused by tobacco and the lost productivity from illness and early deaths.

To put it another way, India loses about 1% of its GDP to tobacco-related costs – a huge drain on the economy. Imagine what ₹177,000 crore could do if redirected to development, healthcare, or education! By quitting tobacco, you’re not only saving your own money but also helping reduce this burden on our society. Every rupee not spent on cigarettes is a rupee saved for a better life.

By-Mr. Dhiraj Jha, CEO of Satin Finserv Limited 

“India’s MSME sector is one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth. However, despite creating jobs especially in women-led enterprises and contributing substantially to local economies, a large portion of these businesses still operate outside the formal financial ecosystem. There exists a huge credit deficit, and we need to urgently address how we plan to cater to the financial needs of this industry. MSMEs need more than funding, they need money solutions specific to their needs and built upon local realities. At Satin Finserv, we bridge the gap through secured, small-ticket lending backed by tech-enabled systems that simplify access. But finance alone isn’t enough. Enabling MSMEs means creating a broader ecosystem where entrepreneurs are participants in formal growth networks, not just recipients of funds. As we move toward a Viksit Bharat, truly inclusive development will depend on how well we integrate these businesses and ensure that MSMEs at the grassroots have the tools to grow and lead.”

Sambalpur, Odisha | June 26th, 2025: Reinforcing its strong commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility and cultural preservation, IIM Sambalpur in collaboration with Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the University of Maryland has taken center stage in Odisha’s Journey towards economic transformation. Through the Economic Transition Coalition Odisha (ETCO), IIM Sambalpur is co-authoring a strategic plan to integrate jobs, growth and sustainability with in the state.  

It is through a white paper published by ETCO that ETCO leverages the deep local expertise of IIM Sambalpur and Odisha’s industry and academic leaders, insights from CGS’s work on energy transition in India and other regions.  The whitepaper titled, “A New Economic Transition Framework for Jobs, Growth, and Sustainability in Odisha” describes an extensive vision for Odisha to become a high-income, inclusive, and Net-zero economy by 2050. This partnership highlights a five-pronged strategy focusing on high and equitable incomes, sustainable food systems, climate resilience, zero biodiversity loss, and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “Sustainability at IIM Sambalpur is not confined to buildings or rankings. As, we know that Odisha is on the cusp of a historic moment to lead India’s global sustainable development narrative. IIM Sambalpur’s role as a partner in this coalition is a perfect example of how academia can impact policy and can create profound change across from industry. As a leading partner in ETCO, IIM Sambalpur has been instrumental in identifying policy actions and strategic frameworks needed to ensure Odisha becomes a hub for green manufacturing, renewable energy, and inclusive development which include Transition Strategy for workers in mining and thermal sectors, promotion of green technologies such as green steel, carbon capture, and hydrogen-based energy systems. Establishment of climate-resilient infrastructure in response to Odisha’s vulnerability to natural disasters, strong focus on biodiversity conservation, reducing animal-human conflict, and creating artificial habitats and eco-corridors and Sustainable food systems supporting equitable farmer incomes, agroforestry, and soil carbon rejuvenation are also crucial. With a vision aligned to India’s net-zero goals and NEP 2020’s call for interdisciplinary collaboration, IIM Sambalpur is redefining what it means to be a business school in the 21st century not just creating managers but enabling sustainable nation builders.”

Additionally, the framework also proposes leveraging Odisha’s mineral-rich landscape and long coastline to evolve into a global green manufacturing and export hub, while ensuring environmental safeguards and community participation remain paramount.

The August Fest is Back After a 7-Year Gap

To be held on August 9th & 10th, it will bring together 18,000 Founders, Investors & Innovators 

Hyderabad, June 26, 2025: The August Fest, India’s biggest celebration of startups, creators, and innovation, is back with a bang after a seven-year hiatus. The 2025 edition was formally launched by Ramana Gogula, Musician, Entrepreneur, investor, along with several ecosystem partners in a curtain raiser ceremony held at T-Hub on Wednesday evening.

Speaking a 200-plus gathering comprised mostly of promoters, Ramana Gogula said August Fest is the Opportune Moment and urged his audience to make use of it.

Scheduled to be held on August 9th and 10th, The August Fest 2025 is expected to host over 18,000 participants, including founders, investors, innovators, corporators, artists, and ecosystem enablers, cementing Hyderabad’s position as one of the most vibrant innovation hubs in Asia, announced Kiran Maverick, the founder of the August

My original name doesn’t have ‘Maverick’, but when my friends saw me doing a lot of crazy, wacky things, they used to call me ‘Theda’. I found a good English word to it, ‘Maverick’, that is how I added the suffix ‘Maverick’ to ‘Kiran’, he explained

Speaking further, Kiran added that the city lacked big events. Small, small events are happening. We wanted to create a large platform for startups, something similar to TechCrunch, ‘Mobile World Congress’, ‘World Economic Forum’ in Barcelona, and WebSummit. We want to build August Fest a platform similar to the one he shared.

We have paused August Fest in 2017, now we are rebuilding. And we have been working on it for the past year. We need to invest anywhere in the range of Rs 1 to 1.5 crore. We would also like to build a Venture Capital ecosystem in the city. We will bring the world to Hyderabad, Kiran declared.

With multiple stages, hands-on workshops, startup showcases, and creative installations, the festival aims to position Hyderabad among the top 5 global startup hubs in the coming years.

The curtain raiser featured a high-energy panel discussion on “Founder Stories: From Zero to 100+ Crores”, moderated by Naidu Darapaneni, Founder of MeraEvents. The panel included inspiring homegrown entrepreneurs like Dr. Kishore Indukuri (Founder, Sid’s Farm) and Sravanth Gajula (Co-founder, Adonomo).

The August Fest 2025 will also host a diverse and distinguished speaker lineup, including:

• Mohd. Siraj – Noted investor and head of a $75M Dubai-based fund

• Swati & Vijay – Renowned mural artists who transformed public spaces in Telugu states

• Kavea R Chavali – Champion of Indian handlooms and women-led brands

• Sujit S. Nair – Chairperson, Europe India Centre for Business and Industry

• Tom Dawkins – Co-founder & Chief Impact Officer, Lend For Good (Australia)

• Csenge Csoka – London-based HR tech entrepreneur

• Shezzi Mirza – Popular radio jockey and podcaster

• Ramana Gogula – Entrepreneur, investor, and music composer

“Our ambition is to elevate Hyderabad into one of the world’s top five startup hubs,” Kiran reiterated. “This year’s edition will be a game changer for the Indian startup landscape.”

Those who want to participate in August may register online via theaugustfest.com 2025 or www.meraevents.com

Mumbai, 26th June 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank) presented a dividend cheque of ₹2,762 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, to Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. The cheque was handed over by Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda, at the Finance Minister’s office in North Block, New Delhi.

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Shri Ashish Madhaorao More, Joint Secretary, DFS and the Bank’s Executive Directors Shri Lalit Tyagi, Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Shri Lal Singh and Smt. Beena Vaheed, were also present on the occasion.

The dividend reflects the Bank’s strong and consistent financial performance and its continued commitment to India’s economic growth and delivering value to its stakeholders.

For FY 2024-25, the Bank recorded an all-time high standalone net profit of ₹19,581 crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 10.1%. The Bank declared a dividend of ₹8.35 per equity share for FY 2024-25 which is 418% of the face value per share of Rs.2/-.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – June 25, 2025 — PROVEN Reality, a leading Virtual and Augmented Reality company, has announced the launch of a new service to help organizations establish a fully operational Virtual Reality (VR) lab. This service will help organizations set up a place to seamlessly integrate VR into their operations for education, training, and more.

Pavel Makarevich, VP of PROVEN Solution

The full-service offering will be an all-inclusive step-by-step solution designed for schools, universities, hospitals, and enterprises looking to adopt VR technologies without the hassle of going through a complex setup process.

“Virtual reality has moved from novelty to necessity,” said Pavel Makarevich, Vice President at PROVEN Solution. “With our VR lab service, PROVEN Reality can help institutions across the GCC take that critical leap—from passive learning and limited training models to immersive, high-impact experiences that improve outcomes and operational efficiency.”

A VR lab can be a dedicated, purpose-built space where everyone can experience immersive simulations using VR technology ideal for:

Universities – Using VR enables a more hands-on learning experience. For example, engineering students can now simulate complex machinery and electrical systems while medical students can safely practice procedures without risk.

Schools – VR transforms traditional classroom learning by making subjects interactive and engaging. The result is deeper engagement, improved comprehension, and stronger knowledge retention.

Enterprises – Businesses can use VR for onboarding, product design, and skill training simulations, such as crisis management and equipment handling, in a risk-free environment. VR can be utilized for real-time collaboration among remote teams and allow product prototyping in shared virtual spaces.

Hospitals – Medical students and professionals can safely practice surgeries and patient care scenarios in lifelike VR environments. Hospitals can also use VR to train staff in emergencies.

Backed by Expertise and Strategic Partnerships

PROVEN Reality draws on extensive  experience in the GCC market, with a regional presence in Riyadh and Dubai. The company’s VR solutions are powered by partnerships with global hardware vendors, including HTC, PICO, Apple, and Magic Leap.

PROVEN Reality’s unique blend of in-house R&D, subject-matter experts, and a vast consultant network ensures sector-specific insight and robust implementation across any industry.

Organizations ready to explore VR Lab can now request a personalized consultation and estimate through PROVEN Reality’s website at https://provenreality.com/vr-lab/

25th June 2025: IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the largest and widely respected global associations dedicated to advancing the management accounting profession, today announced a strategic partnership with Knowcraft Analytics, the trusted offshore partner for leading financial service firms in the US and Canada. The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks Knowcraft’s entry into the IMA global network as a Corporate Member, offering its teams access to structured upskilling, credential pathways, and the IMA global peer community through the association’s Corporate Membership framework.

As part of this strategic alliance, Knowcraft professionals will gain access to IMA’s extensive suite of upskilling resources over 700 CPE-accredited courses, leadership tools, and credential pathways such as the US CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) and CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) credentials. They will also benefit from customised learning paths, exclusive content, and insights into emerging areas like sustainability reporting, automation, analytics, and ethics, delivered through expert-led programs, case competitions, and structured engagement.

Sunil Deshmukh, Chair of IMA Global Board of Directors, emphasised the broader vision behind the partnership, stating, “This collaboration underscores a critical shift in the finance profession—where technical proficiency must be complemented by strategic acumen, ethical grounding, and a global outlook. Together with Knowcraft Analytics, we’re not just supporting career advancement; we’re shaping well-rounded finance leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape.”

Anshuman Thakur, President of Knowcraft Analytics, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-term value of the partnership. “At Knowcraft Analytics, we envision a world where finance professionals don’t just keep pace with change, they lead it. Our partnership with IMA is a step toward that future. As a corporate member, we are not only investing in the growth of our people but also contributing to a global movement that champions ethics, innovation, and lifelong learning. This collaboration is more than alignment, it is a shared belief in elevating the finance profession to its highest potential.”

Commenting on the partnership, Arindam Ghosh, Country Head-India, IMA, stated, “This collaboration with Knowcraft Analytics reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the global finance profession. Knowcraft’s dedication to developing high-performing finance teams aligns seamlessly with IMA’s mission to support professionals who drive strategic and sustainable business value. Together, we aim to foster a culture of learning, innovation, and ethical leadership.”

The partnership is especially significant for India’s financial sector, which is undergoing digital transformation, regulatory changes, and an increased emphasis on ESG factors as well as data-driven strategies. By joining the IMA global network of corporate members, which includes firms from mid-sized companies to Fortune 100 corporations, Knowcraft is investing in talent development. This initiative aims to help nurture the next generation of finance leaders who are equipped to navigate a dynamic global economy.

Bangalore – On 21 June 2025, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) awarded 62 accounting and finance professionals in India with their CGMA certificates, and their Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation, and around 200 professionals finished exam of different levels at its convocation ceremony in Bangalore.

The CGMA designation was established in 2012 by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to recognise a unique group of accounting and finance professionals who have reached the highest benchmark of quality and competence. It is built on extensive research to maintain the highest relevance with employers and help candidates develop the business, digital, people, and leadership skills, needed to build successful careers in accounting, business, and finance.

Venkkat Ramanan, FCMA, CGMA, Vice President – Asia Pacific at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants said:

“The CGMA convocation in Bangalore represents something real — individuals in India taking deliberate steps to deepen their expertise, sharpen their thinking, and take on bigger responsibilities in business and society.

“At AICPA and CIMA, we don’t just issue designations, we help shape professionals who can ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and bring clarity to complex situations. That’s what the CGMA designation stands for, and that’s what our newest members now carry with them.

“India’s role in the global finance and business ecosystem is growing, not just in size, but in influence. We’re proud to support that growth by equipping professionals who are technically strong, globally connected, and able to make decisions that matter.

“To our newest CGMAs: Well done. You’ve earned more than letters after your name, you’ve earned the trust that comes with them. What you do next will define the impact you make. We’re excited to see where you take it.”

Ajay Lalwani, Country Manager – India at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants added:

“Celebrating the success of our CGMA candidates and newly qualified members is a deeply meaningful moment. Their achievements mark not significant personal milestones, but also a key milestone in advancing the accounting and finance profession in India. We are proud of the role we have played in helping them build their dream careers and remain committed to support their professional growth throughout their careers.”

India, 25th June 2025: Global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has announced a redesign of its gold standard ACCA Qualification focused on a redefinition of accountancy which is expanding and reshaping the role of the profession.

The redesign reflects the increasing role of accountants in driving the widening value needed for business success, combining profitability with ethics, sustainability, the ability to leverage new technology and the agility to deal with economic volatility. Similar changes are being seen in the public sector.

Responding to and anticipating the evolving needs of employers, the changes build on the current strengths of the ACCA Qualification. They will introduce a more integrated learning and assessment experience, including AI-enhanced learning journeys, designed to equip the next generation with the professional skills and technical expertise they need to succeed in a dynamic and volatile world.

The announcement follows extensive consultation with members, employers and learning providers around the world, as well as representatives of Gen Z. The redesigned qualification will be introduced from mid-2027.

Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said: ‘Accountancy is being redefined. Accountants are drivers of sustainable business, promoters of social value, and enablers of new technologies. They are sharpening their financial and ethical skills for a changed world of ever-shifting opportunities and challenges. They innovate with new business models and fresh thinking about what success looks like. They focus on people, planet and prosperity to create value for all.

‘The changes we’re making will equip the next generation for this exciting new future that will bring wider and more varied opportunities.’

Employability is a key focus of the changes, which include the introduction of Employability Modules at each of the qualification’s three levels, providing simulated work experiences on topics such as digital tech, ethics, sustainability and business management.

Enhanced awards and designations recognise achievement and allow students to demonstrate their skills to employers at every stage of their ACCA journey.

Technology, sustainability and ethics, already integral to the ACCA Qualification, will be interwoven at every stage. Another innovation is a new Data Science Professional exam which students can choose as an option at the final ‘Strategic Professional’ level.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director–India at ACCA, said: ‘The ACCA Qualification has always been the gold standard, globally recognised and highly valued by employers in India. It will remain as rigorous, relevant, and future-focused as ever, with an even sharper focus on employability and will empower our members to make a meaningful contribution to India’s future. With this redesign, we are taking a bold step forward to make it even more future-ready and aligned to the evolving expectations of Indian and global employers.

‘The redesigned qualification comes together as a unified experience at each of its three levels with learning guidance and support, assessments, employability support, and help to develop skills. Students will benefit from tailored learning journeys supported by AI technology and a digital mentor.’

ACCA has prepared a smooth transition for all students currently on, or about to start, their ACCA journey. Existing achievements will be recognised and there will be no disadvantage in terms of progression and the cost to complete the qualification.

ACCA students will continue to benefit from the opportunity to attain a world-leading academic qualification alongside their ACCA studies with our new BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy collaboration with the University of London.

ACCA is known for its focus on inclusion and opportunity. A redesigned ‘Foundations’ route requiring no prior qualifications provides those not meeting the entry criteria for the ACCA Qualification with a way to meet it.