Archives June 2025

Bhubaneswar: Opulent Decor by Haryana Handlooms, the premier home furnishing destination in Eastern India, proudly announces the arrival of Simmons Beautyrest, the globally renowned luxury mattress brand, to its flagship store in Lakshmi Vihar, Bhubaneswar. In association with VFI Group, this collaboration marks a defining moment in the luxury sleep segment for the region.

With a legacy that began in 1970 on Janpath Road, Bhubaneswar, Haryana Handlooms is Odisha’s oldest and most respected name in home furnishings. Founded by the visionary Mr. Lajpat Chawla, the brand has grown from a humble shop to an expansive design-led retail destination under the leadership of his son, Mr. Gaurav Chawla. His dream project, Opulent Decor, now stands as one of the largest and most luxurious furnishing stores in Eastern India.

The newly launched Simmons Beautyrest Experience Centre at Opulent Decor exclusively showcases the brand’s iconic Beautyrest Black Collection—known globally for its cutting-edge sleep technology and craftsmanship. With this launch, Bhubaneswar joins an elite list of cities offering international-grade sleep experiences.

The store also features premium offerings from Springfit, a brand known for its advanced ergonomic technology tailored to Indian comfort, and Organa, a pure latex foam mattress range designed for natural wellness and sustainability. This curated sleep collection ensures that customers can find a personalised sleep solution that suits their comfort, wellness, and lifestyle needs.

“This isn’t just about bringing a product to market—it’s about elevating the entire sleep experience for our customers,” said Mr. Gaurav Chawla, Owner and Managing Director of Opulent Decor. “Our collaboration with VFI Group is built on shared values—quality, trust, and a commitment to excellence.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Nitin Gupta, Executive Director of VFI Group, added: “We chose Opulent Decor for its strong legacy, ethical business practices, and its unmatched presence in the premium home decor segment. Simmons Beautyrest finds the perfect partner in this store.”

With immersive in-store displays, guided sleep consultations, and a legacy of customer trust, Opulent Decor by Haryana Handlooms continues to redefine how Odisha sleeps.

Visit us at Opulent Decor by Haryana Handlooms, Lakshmi Vihar, Bhubaneswar, to experience the future of luxury sleep.

New Delhi, June 02, 2025: Housing sales in India’s top 15 tier 2 cities fell by 8% to 43,781 units in Q1 2025 as compared to 47,378 units in the same period last year with sales value, however, rising by 6% to Rs 40,443 crore in Q1 2025 as against Rs 38,102 crore in the same period last year, said a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.

According to the report, Lucknow with 25% increase in number of units sold in Q1 2025 at 1301 units registered the highest growth amongst top 15 tier 2 cities. This was followed by Coimbatore 21%, Gandhi Nagar 18% and Mohali 2%.

Other 11 cities saw decline in number of units sold in Q1 2025 with Visakhapatnam registering the highest decline (37%) and Ahmedabad and Goa recording the least decline (1% each).

Coimbatore with 52% growth saw the highest increase in sales value at Rs 1120 crore in Q1, 2025. This was followed by Lucknow at 48%, Gandhi Nagar 36%, Mohali and Goa at 17% each, Ahmedabad and Bhubaneshwar at 7% each and Kochi 5%.

Other 7 cities saw a decline in sales value in Q1 2025 with Visakhapatnam recording the highest decline (35%) and Vadodara and Nagpur registering the least decline (1% each).

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity said, “The decline in sales in tier 2 cities in January-March period is in line with trends witnessed in tier 1 cities. However, lesser supply in this quarter resulted in lower sales in tier 2 cities. State Capitals performed relatively better.”

“Demand in tier 2 cities, however, remains robust as people have shown greater preference for organised living. Urban rejuvenation efforts, improved connectivity & social infrastructure, and more importantly greater employment opportunities mainly in IT and new manufacturing hubs in tier 2 cities have further accelerated demand not only from within but also from people who have migrated to metro cities and are preferring to purchase property in their hometowns. RBI has made 50bps cut in repo rate since January 2025 and is expected to cut rates further. As this gets transmitted by banks, homes loans will decline going forward thereby giving a boost to housing demand.”

Total Absorption (in Units)				Total Absorption (in Rs cr)
	Q1-2024	Q1-2025	% change	Q1-2024	Q1-2025	% change
Ahmedabad	14780	14583	-1%	12730	13565	7%
Surat	6174	5046	-18%	4580	4293	-6%
Vadodara	4939	4319	-13%	2853	2815	-1%
Gandhi Nagar	3555	4184	18%	3204	4365	36%
Nashik	4091	3812	-7%	1929	1817	-6%
Jaipur	3044	2063	-32%	1978	1785	-10%
Nagpur	2224	1755	-21%	1275	1263	-1%
Bhubaneshwar	1820	1643	-10%	2184	2332	7%
Lucknow	1040	1301	25%	1216	1797	48%
Mohali	1002	1025	2%	1343	1570	17%
Coimbatore	817	992	21%	734	1120	52%
Goa	898	893	-1%	1279	1495	17%
Visakhapatnam	1262	793	-37%	1294	842	-35%
Bhopal	1045	718	-31%	657	496	-24%
Kochi	687	654	-5%	847	890	5%
	47378	43781	-8%	38102	40443	6%

The six State Capitals in top 15 tier 2 cities, namely Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Goa and Bhopal, saw 5% decline in sales and 17% increase in sales value, accounting for 25% of sales and 30% of sales value in Q1 2025.

Region-wise trend:

Western India, comprising Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Gandhi Nagar, Nashik, Nagpur and Goa, saw 6% decline in number of units sold in Q1, 2025.

However, sales value rose by 6% in Q1, 2025.

Northern India, comprising Lucknow, Jaipur and Mohali saw 14% decline in number of units sold in Q1, 2025.

However, sales value rose by 14% in Q1, 2025.

Southern India, comprising Visakhapatnam, Kochi and Coimbatore, saw 12% decline in number of units sold and 1% decline in sales value in Q1, 2025.

Central and Eastern India, comprising Bhopal and Bhubaneshwar, saw 18% decline in number of units sold in Q1, 2025. However, sales value remained flat.

Mumbai, 2 June 2025: The Mumbai luxury residential market continues to drive sales in the city in Q1 2025. However, ample new supply additions in this segment (homes priced >INR 2.5 Cr) has created an inventory rise. ANAROCK data indicates that for the first time since 2022, Q1 2025 witnessed a 36% yearly increase in unsold stock of luxury homes – from approx. 6,180 units as of Q1 2024-end to nearly 8,420 units as of Q1 2025 end.

Both in first quarters of 2023 and 2024, there has been a significant decline in the unsold luxury stock as against preceding year same quarter.

• In Q1 2023, there was a 29% yearly decline in luxury unsold stock in Mumbai – from approx. 18,340 units in Q1 2022-end to nearly 13,040 units as of Q1 2023-end
• As of Q1 2024-end, the unsold luxury stock in the city declined by a significant 53% y-o-y to approx. 6,180 units

Anuj Puri

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “The increase in unsold luxury stock is mainly attributable to significant new unit additions in this price category over the last one year. As per ANAROCK data, 2024 saw as many as 16,480 units added in the >INR 2.5 Cr budget category in entire MMR, while another 5,294 units were added in Q1 2025. While demand for these homes continues to remain strong, skyrocketing prices and headwinds like global economic slowdown have dented sales growth of these homes in the last one year.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai property registrations across budget categories continued to scale new heights in the first five months of 2025. According to the Maharashtra State Revenue Department, the overall revenue collected by the authorities from property registrations and the total registrations in Mumbai in January to May 2025 is at a record high.

An analysis of the data of Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Maharashtra reveals that the overall revenue collected from property registrations in Mumbai stands at approx. INR 5,695 Cr in first five months of 2025. This is 17% more than last year’s corresponding period (Jan.- May 2024) when the revenue collected was approx. INR 4,860 Cr.

In terms of the number of property registrations, 64,461 properties were registered in the city in five months of 2025 against 60,818 properties in the same period last year. This is an 6% jump this year over last year.

“A deeper analysis reveals that May 2025 recorded the second-highest number of property registrations since 2019 in May month, with over 11,562 properties registered,” says Puri. “The revenue collected during the month stood at approximately INR 1,062 crore. In comparison, May 2024 saw the highest registrations of around 11,999 property registrations—about 4% higher than this year. However, revenue collection last year was lower by nearly 3% at INR 1,062 Cr.”

Considering that housing sales remained tepid in the first quarter of 2025 across MMR including Mumbai, the high number of property registrations in the first five months of 2025 is notable. As per ANAROCK Research, back in Q1 2025, approx. 21,930 units were sold in Mumbai – nearly 28% less than the sales in Q1 2024.

A key factor behind the surge in property registrations during the first five months of the year is the record-breaking activity seen in March, which registered 15,501 properties. This spike followed the announcement of a 3.9% hike in Maharashtra’s ready reckoner rates for FY26.

March 2025 marked the highest property registrations in the past three years. Prior to this, the highest figures were recorded in December 2020 (19,581) and March 2021 (17,728), during the COVID-19 period when the Maharashtra government had reduced stamp duty on housing units from 5% to 2-3%. While March typically sees strong registration numbers due to the financial year-end, March 2025 was particularly outstanding. The total revenue collected from property registrations in that month alone exceeded ₹1,589 crore.

Prodigy Finance, the international student loan lender, has announced the winners of its Fall 2025 Scholarships. Eight outstanding international students have been selected to receive $39,000, awarded across six distinct scholarship categories. Individual awards range from $1,000 to $8,000, recognising the recipients’ diverse achievements, backgrounds, and aspirations.

This year’s scholarship program attracted a wide array of applicants from around the world, each bringing academic excellence, compelling personal journeys, and a shared commitment to driving meaningful change.

“These students represent the very best of what international education makes possible,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “At Prodigy Finance, we’re committed to removing financial barriers for talented individuals around the world. Through these scholarships, we’re not just funding education, we’re investing in future leaders who will drive impact across borders.”

After a competitive selection process, Prodigy Finance is proud to celebrate the winners and the journeys that lie ahead.

Meet the Fall 2025 Scholarship Recipients.

Winner 1: Elemide Olawunmi Omoniyi

Scholarship Applied For: University of Louisville – African Student Scholarship

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics/ College of Business – University of Louisville

Country of Citizenship: Nigeria

Quote from the Winner

“I am very grateful to have received this generous support from the Prodigy Finance scholarship program and the College of Business at the University of Louisville. It is not just financial aid for me, but a fuel for my aspirations and a ladder towards making a meaningful impact in the Accounting profession. It is also an investment in a future where ethics, artificial intelligence, technology, and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping the Accounting profession. I am incredibly honoured.”

Elemide transitioned from a microbiology background to become a chartered accountant and auditor at PwC Nigeria. She is deeply committed to financial literacy and inclusion, particularly for women and underrepresented groups. The scholarship will help her pursue CPA certification and accelerate her goal of leadership in the global finance sector, where she aims to drive ethics and innovation.

Winner 2: Abiodun Sukurat Otaiku

Scholarship Applied For: Indiana University – Mauer School of Law

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: LLM/ Maurer School of Law – Indiana University

Country of Citizenship: Nigeria

Quote from the Winner

“Prodigy Finance, the surest partner in making your career aspirations possible!!!”

Abiodun specialises in data protection and cybersecurity law, with a vision to strengthen legal frameworks for Nigeria’s financial sector. She has experience advocating for digital rights and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. This scholarship enables her to deepen her expertise and expand her impact through legal education and advocacy.

Winner 3: Kingsley Osei Addo

Scholarship Applied For: Study North Carolina Student Scholarship

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: MS Applied Gerontology/ School of Health and Applied Human Sciences – UNC Wilmington

Country of Citizenship: Ghana

Quote from the Winner

“Many Ghanaians are now living longer lives than ever before, but this positive trend is overshadowed by the alarming state of gerontology and geriatric care in the country. True success lies in solving the problem that matters. With this scholarship, I am one step closer to addressing the critical gaps in gerontology and geriatric care in Ghana, so that our older adults can age with dignity, support, and proper healthcare. Thank you very much, StudyNC and Prodigy Finance, for supporting my MS Applied Gerontology at the UNCW, and for making this dream possible.”

Kingsley is dedicated to improving health outcomes for older adults in Ghana, where geriatric care is an emerging field. His background in public health and advocacy has already made a difference in local communities. The scholarship supports his mission to develop specialised programs and policy recommendations for elder care.

Winner 4: Salome Dolidze

Scholarship Applied For:  ESADE – Future Female Leaders Tuition Assistance Award

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: MBA/ ESADE

Country of Citizenship: Georgia

Quote from the Winner

“This scholarship made something I once thought impossible feel real. Now, whenever things get tough, I can imagine the ESADE and Prodigy teams as my personal cheerleaders. I want to encourage others like me that even when the odds feel stacked against you, you can still go for it – and actually make it.”

Salome, a researcher with a Master’s in Sociology, focuses on public policy, youth, and gender issues in Georgia. With over five years of experience in research and the public sector, she aims to leverage her MBA from ESADE to drive inclusive and equitable societal changes, empowering young people and promoting gender equality.

Winner 5: Esther Arhin

Scholarship Applied For: Prodigy Finance African Student Scholarship

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA)/ J. Mack Robinson College of Business – Georgia State University

Country of Citizenship: Ghana

Quote from the Winner

“I am excited to be a winner of this prestigious scholarship. This will help me achieve my dream of becoming a professional accountant. This award will not only benefit me but also the accounting industry in Ghana, as they will benefit from the knowledge I have acquired from my graduate studies through employment and consultancy services.”

Esther, an aspiring professional accountant from Ghana, has experience working with EY and holds a degree from the University of Education, Winneba. The scholarship supports her aim to contribute to Ghana’s accounting industry through enhanced expertise and consultancy services.

Winner 6: Ahimbisibwe Anthony

Scholarship Applied For: Prodigy Finance – African Student Scholarship

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: International Tax Practice/ School of Law – New York University

Country of Citizenship: Uganda

Quote from the Winner

“As a young African Tax Nerd with a dream of seeing better tax policies in Uganda and across the globe, this Prodigy Finance Scholarship acts as a re-assurance that there are people out there who still believe in our dreams. Thank you, Prodigy, for keeping this dream alive.”

Ahimbisibwe, a Tax Associate at H&G Advocates in Uganda, is passionate about improving tax policies. With a legal background and a focus on international tax, he aims to influence policy and promote fairness in African and international tax systems. The scholarship supports his ambition to become a thought leader in tax law.

Winner 7: Jorge Mauricio Ayala Luque

Scholarship Applied For: Prodigy Finance – General Scholarship

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: MBA/ Sauder School of Business – University of British Columbia

Country of Citizenship: Mexico

Quote from the Winner

“I was ecstatic when I received the Prodigy Finance Scholarship, not only because of the economical ease that it represents, but it also gave me relief and certainty that I’m going on the correct path to become someone worthy of these awards. I’m grateful to Prodigy Finance for recognising the effort and dedication from hardworking individuals and appreciate its contribution towards their future.”

Jorge has extensive experience in finance and operations and is pursuing his MBA to strengthen his leadership and business acumen. He is committed to mentoring future Latin American professionals and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The scholarship provides vital support as he transitions into a global leadership role.

Winner 8: Dhruv Dharamshi

Scholarship Applied For: Prodigy Finance – General Scholarship

Program/ Prodigy-Supported School and University: MBA/ London Business School

Country of Citizenship: India

Quote from the Winner

“Prodigy Finance came to the rescue not once, but twice. First, by offering me a no-collateral, no-cosigner loan at a time when most regional lenders wouldn’t, even with an existing personal loan. And now again, with a $5,000 scholarship that means a great deal as I return to student life. It eases immediate financial stress and allows me to focus more fully on making the most of my MBA. I’m incredibly grateful to be selected. This kind of support makes education accessible and creates opportunity. I hope to pay it forward in the years to come.”

Dhruv, an incoming MBA student at London Business School, has a background in financial engineering and GRE mentorship. He documents his journey of managing education debt and aims to use his MBA experience to create opportunities and support systems for aspiring students facing financial challenges.

These recipients reflect the extraordinary promise of students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. From advancing healthcare and financial systems to championing inclusive leadership, their ambitions will shape a better world. Prodigy Finance remains committed to breaking down financial barriers and opening doors for the next generation of global leaders.

Mumbai, June 2, 2025 — Shoppers at Oberoi Mall in Goregaon were in for a chilling surprise on World No Tobacco Day as ‘zombies’ staggered through the premises, holding placards that read, “I died young. Thanks, tobacco” and “This is what 15 cigarettes a day looks like.”

The dramatic activation was part of a day-long public awareness campaign by HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali, aimed at highlighting the dangers of tobacco use and its direct link to rising oral cancer cases.

Alongside the walk, a zombie-themed interactive photo booth drew in hundreds of curious onlookers, many of whom posed for pictures while being confronted with sobering facts about tobacco-related illnesses.

To encourage early detection, HCG Cancer Centre Borivali also distributed free cancer screening coupons to men and women during the event, a step towards proactive health checks, especially among high-risk groups.

According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, oral cancer accounts for over 30% of all cancers in India’s male population, with a significant number of cases detected late. Experts point to social acceptance of chewing tobacco and early-age initiation as major contributors.

The outreach extended beyond the mall. In collaboration with the Swayamsiddh Yog Group of the Indian Yoga Association and under a BMC health initiative, a free oral cancer screening camp was held for local residents. Dr. Yash Mathur, Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist at HCG Cancer Centre Borivali, conducted a health talk that emphasized early detection and the growing incidence of oral cancers among younger populations.

“Over 80% of oral cancer patients we see have a direct history of tobacco consumption — often smokeless forms like gutka or khaini,” said Dr. Mathur. “Awareness has to begin before symptoms appear.”

Commuters at Borivali Station were greeted by a digital LED message urging them to “Buy Tickets, Not Tobacco” — a simple but poignant reminder on one of Mumbai’s busiest railway lines.

Mr. George Alex, Western India Regional Business Head at HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG), added, “Our goal was to go beyond posters and pamphlets. We wanted to create something disruptive, thought-provoking, and impossible to ignore. By engaging people where they are in malls, stations, and local communities, we are making the conversation around tobacco and cancer prevention louder and more relatable.”

Mr. Avik Chauhan, Chief Operating Officer, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali, said, “At HCG Borivali, our focus has always been on community-centric care. This campaign was designed to spark conversations and make people pause and reflect on the real cost of tobacco use. Through interactive engagements and free screenings, we are taking early detection and education directly to the people who need it most.”

The World No Tobacco Day campaign served as a city-wide reminder of the need for public health dialogue, especially among younger audiences often targeted by flavored and smokeless tobacco marketing.

National, India 02nd June 2025 – Oxford International Education Group, a global education provider dedicated to creating life-enhancing experiences for students worldwide, has been awarded the Great Place to Work® Certification™ for the second consecutive year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the global authority on workplace culture, is based on authentic feedback from the company’s employees. The certification reflects the company’s commitment to building a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven environment.

Great Place to Work® is an annual survey spanning 22 industries in India, involving more than 1,400 organisations.

“We are deeply honoured to be Great Place to Work® Certified again,” said Mr Mohit Gambir, Managing Director, Oxford International Education Services. “But for us, this is more than just recognition – it’s a reflection of how our people feel: that they are seen, valued, and inspired.This year, 80% of Oxford International employees said it’s a great place to work—a powerful endorsement of the environment the team has cultivated together. We’re incredibly proud of the initiatives we’ve introduced this year and remain equally committed to continuing our journey towards a more connected, creative, and caring work culture.”

Mr. Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work UK, congratulated Oxford International, saying, “We know that prioritising the employee experience leads to trust, fosters a remarkable workplace culture, and ultimately delivers exceptional business outcomes. Congratulations to Oxford International for this well-earned Certification™.”

Oxford International continues to prioritise employee wellbeing through a series of inclusive and engaging initiatives. These include ‘Rhythm and Pulse’, a monthly programme in collaboration with Adagio and Melobee School of Music that celebrates music, culture, and wellness to strengthen team bonds, and the Gratitude Diary, introduced during Mental Health Awareness Month to encourage mindfulness and self-reflection. Additionally, during Learning at Work Month, the organisation offers region-specific workshops and expert-led sessions, reinforcing its focus on continuous learning and personal development.

Anonymous feedback consistently highlights Oxford International as a supportive and safe workplace, characterised by a strong sense of purpose, fairness, and pride at work. These qualities are reflected in daily actions, fostering trust and wellbeing internally while enabling meaningful, positive outcomes for students, partners, and colleagues worldwide.

In India, Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a division of OIEG, helps University partners scale and diversify in student acquisition, with over 50,000 successful admissions to-date. OIES connects students with the pathway, vocation, language and direct degree opportunities while at the same time helping University partners strengthen, scale and diversify international student recruitment. It ensures better student quality through rigorous vetting and compliance processes. As an education provider, OIES are focused on student success and believe in learning regardless of borders and backgrounds, unlocking opportunities for both students and educational partners.

Nashik, Maharashtra – The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) today announced the appointment of Mr. Shreekant Patil as a dedicated Resource Person and Trainer, reinforcing its strategic initiatives to embed quality and standardization across various sectors of the Indian economy. This appointment is a significant step in BIS’s ongoing efforts to enhance awareness, build capacity, and ensure the widespread adoption of Indian Standards through comprehensive training, mentorship, and direct stakeholder engagement.

With over 30 years of extensive diverse experience and being a Founder at PARENTNashik, Chartered Engineer, Valuer, Sr Consultant at NPC India, Subject Matter Expert, Advisor, Trainer and leading Startup India Mentor Shreekant Patil brings to BIS a rich history of contributing to nation-building through diverse government of India initiatives, particularly in education and entrepreneurship. A strong advocate for fostering innovation, he has been instrumental in collaborating with over 50 colleges and skill-Centers across Maharashtra to establish incubation centers, students clubs, Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), innovation councils, and entrepreneurship development cells, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As a seasoned mentor with various government platforms including MAARG, BHASKAR, and Startup India, he has tirelessly supported startups and MSMEs, including empowering women and SC/ST entrepreneurs to access schemes like Stand-Up India. His proven dedication to building a skilled workforce and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem aligns perfectly with the Make in India, Viksit Bharat & Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, and his new role at BIS will further amplify these efforts by instilling a culture of quality from foundational levels in academia to large-scale industry adoption.

In his new capacity, CE Shreekant Patil will be at the forefront of several crucial endeavors, serving as a vital link in the BIS India mission:

• Training and Mentorship for Government Officials: CE Shreekant Patil will lead efforts to train government officials on the nuances of Indian Standards, the critical role of the BIS Care App in consumer protection, and the strategic importance of quality benchmarks for economic growth. This includes enhancing awareness through key initiatives like “Quality Connect.”
• Driving Quality in Education: Standards Clubs: A key responsibility for CE. Shreekant Patil will be the establishment and ongoing mentorship of Standards Clubs in engineering colleges. These clubs are envisioned as dynamic hubs where students can immerse themselves in the world of standardization, participate in educational activities, and cultivate a strong foundation in quality assurance, preparing them for future industry roles.
• Capacity Building for Industry and Public: CE Shreekant Patil will design and deliver training programs for a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders and the general public, focusing on the practical application of quality assurance and standardization principles. He will develop specific training modules to cater to diverse learning needs.
• Empowering Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Central to his role is the direct support to MSMEs. Shreekant Patil will assist these vital businesses in navigating compliance procedures, ensuring easy access to quality standards, and facilitating their utilization of resources such as testing facilities and reduced marking fees, thereby strengthening the “Make in India” initiative.
• Promoting Certified Products and Consumer Rights: Shreekant Patil will actively champion the use of BIS-certified products (e.g., ISI Mark, Hallmark) and engage with communities to promote consumer rights, empowering individuals to make informed purchasing decisions based on quality standards.
• Strategic Industry Collaboration: He will foster strong collaborations with industry stakeholders, offering expert guidance on standardization, conformity assessment, and quality assurance best practices. His contributions may also extend to representing India’s interests in international standardization forums.

“I am excited to take on this challenging yet immensely rewarding role at BIS,” stated Shreekant Patil. “My focus will be on bridging the gap between standards and practical implementation across all levels – from cultivating quality thinking in future engineers through Standards Clubs, to empowering MSMEs with compliance knowledge, and ensuring government officials are well-equipped to champion quality. I look forward to contributing to India’s journey towards global excellence through robust standardization and consumer empowerment.”

CE Shreekant Patil’s appointment is a testament to BIS’s commitment to strengthening its nationwide presence and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for quality and innovation across all sectors.

(Orange, California) AAEON, a leading manufacturer of advanced industrial and embedded computing platforms, today announced its Hybrid Edge AI Computing Platform has been awarded a 2025 AI TechAward in the Intel-NVIDIA Hybrid Edge AI Platform category. The AI TechAwards recognize outstanding design, engineering, and innovation in developer technology across 20 categories within the software industry.

“Developer tools and technology are paving the way for software developers and engineers to build the global technology ecosystem. AAEON’s win showcases its leading role in the growth and innovation across the software industry,” said Jonathan Pasky, Executive Producer of DevNetwork, producer of AI DevSummit and the 2025 AI TechAwards.

Award winners were selected by the independent, expert-led DevNetwork Advisory Board from hundreds of nominees. The selection criteria included technical innovation, the ability to attract notable attention and awareness in the software industry, and general regard and use by the developer, engineering, and IT communities.

AAEON’s winning platform is a project-based hybrid AI computing system that leverages the strengths of both Intel x86 processors and NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ modules. This innovative design provided:

• Legacy Edge System AI Upgrade: Combines legacy Intel x86 general-purpose computing with powerful NVIDIA Jetson Orin technology.
• Rugged Design: Engineered for reliable 24/7 operation in harsh industrial environments.
• Modular Expansion: Designed to support a wide range of interfaces and connectivity options for easy compatibility in deployment.
• Enhanced Security and Management: Leveraged secure OTA (Over-The-Air) updates and out-of-band management (OOB) for robust secure networking in edge environments.

“Our Hybrid Edge AI Platform represents a strategic approach to AI adoption. By combining the strengths of Intel x86 and NVIDIA Jetson Orin technologies, we empower our customers to modernize their operations without sacrificing compatibility or long-term viability,” said Howard Young, AI Solution Architect at AAEON.

AAEON will receive its 2025 AI TechAward during the AI DevSummit 2025, held on May 28th and 29th in San Francisco, CA, while also being available to view online.

New Delhi, 1 June 2025

The University of Warwick marked its 60th anniversary on 1 June 2025 with an exclusive media event at The Shangri-La, New Delhi, celebrating six decades of academic and research excellence, innovation and global influence.

The high-profile event brought together Warwick’s senior leadership, including the Global Chief Communications, Marketing and Content Officer Ajay Teli, and Director of Communications – Corporate Brand, Satnam Rana-Grindley, who travelled from the UK to engage with Indian media and reaffirm the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering impactful international collaborations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7haAw-VNgC4&feature=youtu.be

The milestone celebration of the university’s growing legacy of excellence and influence, both in the UK and India, highlighted pioneering research, world-class education and longstanding industrial partnerships, including a 25-year collaboration with Tata Group. The event also paid tribute to the university’s vibrant alumni community whose achievements continue to bridge continents and industries, creating meaningful change across borders and giving back to India in powerful, entrepreneurial ways.

Mamta Marasini exemplifies the global reach and creative spirit of Warwick alumni. A graduate of Warwick Business School with an MSc in Business with Marketing, Mamta has channelled her education, entrepreneurial drive, and creative acumen into founding Roar Corp, a boundary-pushing creative agency headquartered in both New Delhi and Kathmandu.

Launched in November 2023, Roar Corp specialises in strategic brand consulting, event production, social media marketing, and influencer campaigns. In less than a year, Mamta as CEO has led Roar Corp to deliver bold, high-impact campaigns for global brands that blend technology, data, and storytelling to create lasting audience connections.

Known to her clients and team as the ‘Chief Lioness’, Mamta’s vision for Roar was born not from convenience but from conviction. “Roar was built on pure passion and relentless hard work—no shortcuts, ever,” she says. “Every project we take on is rooted in a deep commitment to curating experiences that are bold, thoughtful, and strategically aligned with our clients’ goals. Whether it’s designing a high-energy launch, building a content engine, or orchestrating influencer-led storytelling, our focus remains the same: to move people and build brands that matter.”

Her campaigns are data-informed, human-led, and creatively daring. By combining cutting-edge tools like AI with human insight, Roar delivers results that are measurable and memorable. Mamta has also successfully delivered events and activations for renowned lifestyle brands including Superdry, G Star Raw, Yamaha, and Mothercare. Her approach is holistic, blending research, media coordination, and creative design into marketing strategies that resonate.

Mamta’s Warwick journey was the catalyst that gave her the confidence to lead. “I stepped into Warwick unsure of how to begin, but I walked out a changemaker,” she reflects. “It was Warwick that gave me the clarity to pursue the service side of marketing and eventually take the leap to build my own agency.”

Warwick’s impact remains close to Mamta’s heart. “Warwick truly cleared the fog for me,” she says. “The education, the peers, the challenges: all of it helped me understand what I wanted to do, and more importantly, why I wanted to do it.

“I feel super proud to be a part of the Warwick community. I have great stories to tell to my friends and family: what a stellar institution I got my knowledge from!”

At the helm of Roar Corp, Mamta’s just getting started. With a team of passionate creatives, a cross-border footprint, and a belief that marketing should move people, Mamta is building a brand that helps others do the same.

Roar’s mission is clear: to be your brand’s BFF—and to make some serious noise doing it.