Archives July 2025

Mumbai, July 16th, 2025: In a world of confusing supplements and complicated health routines, The Func. Lab arrives with one promise: to make wellness simple, honest, and functional. With a commitment to efficacy, transparency, and science-backed nutrition, The Func. Lab aims to cut through the noise, offering clean, effective supplements that empower you to take charge of your health with confidence.

The Func. Lab is built on the belief that wellness should work as hard as you do, rooted in real function, shaped by everyday life. It strips away the fluff to deliver what truly matters: honest, effective products designed to meet you where you are. In a space cluttered with gimmicks and overengineered wellness solutions, The Func. Lab brings the focus back to what truly matters, purposeful, functional nutrition. Every product the brand has created is rooted in clarity and intention, built to fuel one’s body with exactly what it needs to perform at its best, no excess, no fluff. In its first 12 months, The Func Lab is targeting revenues of ₹12–15 crore, led by a D2C-first strategy and supported by curated retail and fitness partnerships.

At The Func Lab, they’re all about delivering pure, high-potency, performance-first products that work as hard as you do. The protein powders are engineered to do one thing — deliver maximum protein with no fluff. The plant protein, made from pea and rice, offers a complete amino acid profile with 27–29 grams of protein per 35g scoop, one of the highest protein to calorie ratios in the market if not the highest, minimal carbs, and no soy or unnecessary fillers. It’s built for clean performance and smooth digestion ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking a gut-friendly option. The whey isolate is 100% grass-fed and delivers 29–30 grams of protein per 35g scoop, with up to 89% of calories coming from protein. Single-sourced, fast-absorbing, and light on the gut, it’s made for serious recovery without milk solids, concentrates, or gimmicks. The whey concentrate offers 25–27 grams of protein, also from grass-fed cows, with zero skim milk powder or creamers. Naturally sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, it’s perfect for daily use clean, effective, and easy on digestion. The electrolytes are crafted to strike the perfect balance of 1000mg sodium, 210mg potassium, 70mg magnesium, and calcium, ensuring deep, functional hydration without sugar, artificial flavours, or empty ingredients. All these clean, no-nonsense formulations are built for one reason: to fuel your performance. No blends. No shortcuts. Just honest, science-backed nutrition that gets the job done.

The Indian market is currently estimated at ₹2,500+ crore for whey protein, ₹1,200+ crore for plant-based protein and ₹800+ crore for electrolyte-based hydration. With an eye on the evolving needs of Indian consumers, the founding team is committed to identifying market gaps and leading product innovation in the nutraceuticals space developing purposeful, functional products that align with real-life needs and wellness goals. The goal is to be competitive in the 30% to 40% range within the protein category in the coming years.

One of the brains behind The Func. Lab is Sohrab Khushrushahi, a fitness coach who traded over a decade-long career as a corporate lawyer at top-tier law firms for a passion to transform lives. After founding SOHFIT in 2017, he’s reshaped thousands of lives globally, collaborating with global coaches like Da Rulk, mentor to Chris Hemsworth, alongside training Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani, Karan Johar, Mira Kapoor and more, and over 100 athletes from the Mumbai Indians and Pro Kabaddi League. Yet, a constant client plea, “What protein should I take?”, laid bare an industry full of confusing labels and empty promises. With Sahil Kukreja, a former IPL cricketer turned entrepreneur believes there is a clear gap in the market for a function first nutraceutical brand, one that prioritise effectiveness, transparency and clean ingredients over marketing hype., and Daneesh Davar, a mother and brand strategist who is passionate about debunking nutrition myths for women, Sohrab seized the chance to build a brand that cuts through the chaos.

That chance sparked The Func. Lab, born from gritty gym talks and late-night kitchen debates where the trio vowed to rewrite the rules of wellness. Frustrated by an industry that buried results under artificial additives and overhyped claims, they crafted a line of clean, science-backed supplements, vetted by SOHFIT’s exacting standards. The Func. Lab isn’t about fleeting trends; it’s a mission to empower athletes, professionals, and everyday go-getters with transparent nutrition that fuels their drive. With every product designed for real results, its wellness redefined; straightforward, trustworthy, and built to work.

Sohrab Khushrushahi, Co-Founder of The Func. Lab goes on to add, “Law taught me precision, but it was coaching that showed me people’s hunger for real change. Years of guiding people revealed a truth: no matter how hard you train, bad nutrition can undo it all. That’s why we founded The Func. Lab. To fix a broken system with supplements that are pure, honest, and built for those who show up every day. It’s not just about fuelling bodies; it’s about honouring the trust people place in us to help them thrive.”

Sahil Kukreja, Co-Founder of The Func. Lab shares, “Cricket taught me that excellence comes down to habits you repeat every single day, especially what you put into your body. On tour, I tried dozens of proteins; most were filled with chemicals, or if they were clean with skim milk powder and unnecessary fillers. When I hung up my boots, I moved into food manufacturing and later built a clean-label nut butter company. Seeing the supply chain from the inside, how ingredients are sourced, tested and sometimes compromised, made the gaps in sports nutrition impossible to ignore.”

The Func. Lab doesn’t mess around with fillers, emulsifiers, or bulking agents. Their 100% whey concentrate and 100% whey isolate are sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, rich in omega-3s, CLA, and antioxidants, delivering high-quality protein to fuel muscle growth and recovery. The plant-based blend (pea, rice for a full amino acid profile), hitting 79-86% protein per scoop, is ideal for vegans and vegetarians, or anyone looking for a cleaner way to hit their protein goals. The electrolyte formulas skip the sugar and junk, delivering just the essential ingredients: sodium, potassium, and magnesium, needed to keep you powered through workouts or hectic days. Every option is designed for easy digestion, so your gut stays happy while you crush your goals. Because at Func. Lab, performance isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the whole point.

Priced to compete in the premium segment, The Func. Lab keeps it real with lean margins, bundle deals, and subscriptions for honest value. Starting July 2025, find them online at thefunclab.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and select gyms and premium stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Manufactured in ISO 22000, GMP, and FSSAI-certified facilities, ensuring you can trust every scoop, sip, and serving.

 Commenting on the new batch launch, Dr. Bhimraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, said, “At IIM Nagpur, we believe leadership is honed through a combination of rigorous academics, strategic insight and real-world application. Organisations need leaders who can adapt, collaborate and lead with foresight. The Senior Management Programme is a transformative initiative that blends academic rigour with industry alignment to empower professionals with next-level leadership skills. We are committed to shaping visionary leaders who can architect sustainable business success.”

Adding his perspective, Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head, TimesPro, shared, “Timespro offers widest executive education programme portfolio in India and is honoured to be part of IIM Nagpur’s enduring legacy. The Senior Management Programme empowers leaders to navigate change, unlock value and drive opportunities for their organisations and society. It equips aspiring and existing professionals to master self-leadership, enhance strategic foresight in a digital and global context, and sharpen their financial, operational and people acumen to lead effectively across dynamic business landscapes.”

Mumbai, India – July 16, 2025: Second-generation entrepreneur Keshav Maheshwari, scion of one of India’s most respected academic coaching empires, the ALLEN Career Institute, launches his podcast series with a bold message: legacy doesn’t come with instructions.

“Being born into a business family doesn’t mean you’re born with business sense,” Keshav says. “There’s no manual just Sunday meetings about cash flows and the quiet pressure of expectations.”

Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes education sector where India’s offline and hybrid test-prep market is projected to reach ₹75,000 crore (approx. $9 billion) by 2026, according to RedSeer Consulting-Keshav offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to grow up within an institution that prepares millions for exams, while quietly preparing oneself for leadership.

This isn’t just another founder origin story it’s a generational rethink. Through personal anecdotes and candid reflection, Keshav explores themes of legacy, identity, and the myth of being “born ready” for business, striking a powerful chord with family-run enterprises across sectors.

New Delhi, India , July 16, 2025: Sonos today announced the availability of Move 2, its next-generation premium portable speaker, in the Indian market. Designed to deliver rich stereo sound, up to 24 hours of battery life, and a robust, water-resistant design, the Move 2 is made for every setting – from living rooms and balconies to weekend getaways and open-air adventures. Packed with sound innovation and sustainable design enhancements, Move 2 is the company’s most sustainable portable product to date and the first to bring stereo sound outdoors. Move 2 is available now for ₹49,999.

“India is one of the fastest evolving audio markets globally, where portability and design matter just as much as sound quality,” said Rennie Addabbo, General Manager, Sonos APAC. “With Move 2, we bring a true stereo experience into a beautifully compact and durable form factor that fits seamlessly into how people live – indoors or out – while connecting easily to the wider Sonos ecosystem. This launch further underscores our commitment to expanding the Sonos experience and footprint across India with products that elevate every moment through exceptional sound.”

A Premium Portable Powerhouse That Does It All

Move 2 is upgraded inside and out, with all-new hardware and software with next-gen acoustics that deliver wide stereo sound and deep bass no matter where you are.

Supercharged sound, now in stereo: Move 2 features a completely overhauled acoustic architecture including dual tweeters that deliver spacious stereo sound and crisp vocals allowing you to feel the emotional charge of a live performance. Feel the beat from its precision-tuned woofer that produces deep, dynamic bass – even when listening outdoors.

Customize your system: Concurrent Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities allow for increased flexibility – stream via Bluetooth to a stereo pair of Move 2 speakers when connected to WiFi or group Move 2 with the rest of your Sonos system to crank your party up a notch.

More power to you: Move 2 offers up to 24 hours of battery life – double the playback time of the original Move – with a USB-C port that can charge your phone or electronics on the go, making it the perfect companion to power weekend road trips or outdoor gatherings.

Sustainably designed to outlast any adventure: Move 2 reduces idle energy usage by more than 40%, incorporates recycled plastics, and uses a removable and replaceable battery to extend its product life – all wrapped in a responsibly designed package that uses sustainably sourced material, zero virgin plastic and is curbside recyclable.

Versatile sound you can move around: With its ultra durable design and IP56 rating, Move 2 is built to withstand accidental drops, splashes, rain, dirt, and sun. With automatic Trueplay tuning, Move 2 continually optimizes the sound for its surroundings, so you’ll always get the best listening experience no matter where life takes you.

Elevated design and controls: Move 2 is available in an Olive colorway to complement neutral indoor and outdoor aesthetics, as well as Black and White colorways that blend seamlessly with other Sonos products. Move 2 features the same new intuitive user interface as the Era products, including a capacitive volume slider for simple control, or use Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay2 and Bluetooth® to play, pause, check your battery, and more.

Connect to all your favorite content: Stream audio using WiFi or Bluetooth, and unlock new listening possibilities by connecting your turntable, computer, or other audio source using the Sonos Line-In Adapter.

Bangalore, 16 July, 2025: The snack aisle just got bolder with Doritos®, PepsiCo’s iconic nacho chip brand, brings two of its most iconic global variants – Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana – to India, catering to the country’s growing appetite for adventurous snacking. The launch represents a significant milestone for the brand in India, building on the success of popular local variants like Nacho Cheese, Masala Mayhem, and Sweet Chili.

With Indian consumers increasingly exploring layered, internationally inspired flavours, these new launches mark a strategic expansion of Doritos®’ portfolio. Cool Ranch delivers a creamy, herby tang, while Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana packs a chilli punch – both carefully adapted for Indian palates without compromising the signature Doritos crunch that fans know and love.

To dial up the drama, Doritos® has unveiled a series of quirky digital films. Each opens with a high-octane, cinematic montage of the chip-making process – from golden corn to flavour-loaded perfection – only to be hilariously interrupted by a hungry fan who crashes the set, grabs a pack, and makes a run for it. The films, packed with humourous visuals, and that iconic Doritos crunch, drive home one message: these global flavours are just too irresistible to wait for.

Speaking about the launch, Aastha Bhasin, Category Lead – Doritos, PepsiCo India, said,“India’s snacking landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by consumers who seek flavours that are adventurous yet familiar — a reflection of their expanding global outlook. Today’s consumers are drawn to bold taste experiences that connect them to international flavours they admire, while still resonating with local preferences. With the introduction of Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana — two of Doritos’ most celebrated global profiles — we’re responding to this growing appetite by bringing iconic, globally loved flavours to India. This launch goes beyond just portfolio expansion; it underscores our commitment to elevate everyday snacking. As world’s no. one* in the nacho chip segment, Doritos® continues to redefine the category with bold flavours and a strong global identity, delivering distinctive, flavour-forward products that speak to the increasingly sophisticated Indian palate.”

 The new Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana variants are now available in select modern trade outlets, e-commerce platforms, and quick commerce channels across major metro cities. Priced at INR 20 and INR 50, these bold new premium flavours are ready to make their mark on India’s snacking scene. The accompanying digital films are now live on Instagram, bringing the launch to life with a fun, visual twist that celebrates the boldness of these global favourites.

A Confluence of Educators, Counsellors & Visionaries for a Future-Ready Academic Landscape

Patiala, July 16, 2025: In a powerful testament to academic collaboration and innovation, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, hosted the ‘Educators for Excellence’ (E4E), Patiala Chapter. This visionary event brought together a distinguished gathering of school counsellors, academic leaders, education experts, and institutional representatives from UAE and Nepal to initiate a dialogue on shaping a transformative and multidisciplinary future of learning.

As we share this message with our esteemed acquaintances, collaborators, and thought leaders, we reaffirm our shared mission: to create a generation that fosters collective growth, peace, and innovation across society and the environment.

The day-long event opened with a Welcome Note, followed by an address by the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Ajay Batish, giving an insightful presentation on TIET’s evolution as a hub for innovation-driven higher education and integration with cutting-edge technology. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Padmakumar Nair’s address emphasised the need for institutions to move beyond conventional frameworks and actively engage with individuals and society at large with empathy.

Global Academic Leadership Perspectives

The keynote session by Mr. Srivalsan Murugan, Principal & CEO, GEMS Our Own English Boys High School, Sharjah (UAE), spotlighted the vital role of school counsellors and their power in shaping student potential across borders. He emphasized emotional intelligence, global citizenship, and the indispensable role of collaboration between K-12 and higher education.

Prof. Maninder Singh, Head of CSE at TIET, introduced the institute’s commitment to becoming an AI-literate university, sharing a visionary roadmap for faculty training, AI-powered classrooms, and curriculum transformation.

Fostering Intellectual Dialogue through Panels

The event featured two powerful panel discussions:

Panel 1: “If AI Never Came: What Should We Have Changed Anyway?” featuring voices like Ms. Nivedita Anand, Dr. Kavitha, Ms. Sudha Srivalsan, Mr. David Ipe, Ms. Beena Raju, Mr. Narad Kumar Rijal, and Ms. Charlotte, reflected on enduring pedagogical values and necessary reforms in the education system beyond digital trends.

Panel 2: “Student Experience”, with experts including Dr. Meenakshi Rana, Dr. Sonam Dullat, Mr. Anil
Nair, Ms. Annie Prassana, Ms. Shahrina, Mr. Vikram, Ms. Bhavna Dhanak, and Dr. Sruti Sharma, explored themes of inclusivity, student wellbeing, and support systems that enrich a learner’s academic journey.

A Forum for Shared Growth and Vision

‘Educators for Excellence’ is a one-of-a-kind initiative that envisions a unified platform where education leaders, school counsellors, and institutions come together to deliberate on the core of a futuristic academic narrative. The event encourages reflection on sustainability, innovation, intellectual humility, and excellence-seeking at every level of the learning ecosystem. The forum aims to cultivate a vibrant network where ideas are exchanged, challenges are confronted, and new pathways are envisioned together.

As part of their enriching visit to India, the delegation arrived on July 8 at LM Thapar School of Management (LMTSM), Derabassi Campus—an AACSB-accredited business school under the prestigious Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET). Renowned for its distinctive in-practice courses and its mission to develop globally-sensitive, excellence-seeking management professionals with a social-entrepreneurial mindset, LMTSM offered the visitors a close look at its interdisciplinary approach and forward-thinking contributions to management education. Further deepening their engagement with the region, the delegates visited Gurdwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib in Patiala on July 9, experiencing firsthand the spiritual and cultural fabric of Punjab. Their journey culminated in Amritsar on July 10, where they explored the Golden Temple and the city’s rich historical milieu.

This thoughtfully curated itinerary reflects TIET’s dedication not only to academic excellence but also to providing immersive experiences that celebrate India’s vibrant cultural diversity and warm hospitality.

By – Abhimanyu Jha, Co-Founder, SabPaisa

“I don’t think most people in the business world, even those who use AI tools on a regular basis, have yet realized how powerful these tools are despite their limitations like hallucinations, and are therefore not using the tools to their fullest extent. I keep seeing social media posts from India to Silicon Valley, including research papers from academics, debating whether vibe coding is possible which is where people who haven’t written a line of software in their life before can create useful software applications with help of current AI tools. In SabPaisa, almost 20% of our non-technical people have already vibe coded. How is it that in SabPaisa we are doing things regularly that rest of the world is still debating if it’s possible? We have invented our term for it called ‘Moneyball AI’. In Moneyball AI, you have to do two things: one, you have to let yourself believe in the power of these tools and pick up impossible projects; and two, you have to be able to hold long, very long conversations with these tools till you reach your goals.”

Delhi July 16, 2025: Pursuant to the binding term sheet signed in January 2024, GAIL (India) Limited and Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. have executed a long-term LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the annual supply of approximately 1 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) over a period of about 10 years, commencing in 2026. Under the agreement, Vitol will deliver LNG to GAIL from its global LNG portfolio.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Director (Marketing), GAIL, stated that ” GAIL is expanding its long-term LNG portfolio to meet demand growth. We are pleased to partner with Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd., and this agreement represents a key milestone in reinforcing GAIL’s capability to reliably serve its diverse and evolving customer base.”

Jay Ng, Chief Financial Officer, Vitol Asia and Executive Committee member, said: “Vitol is honoured to extend its relationship with GAIL to a long term LNG supply contract. The growing Indian market is core to Vitol’s strategy and Vitol’s diversified portfolio enables it to offer India a stable supply of cleaner and competitive energy.”

India emerged as the world’s fourth-largest LNG importer in 2024, with demand expected to rise steadily over the next decade. The Government of India has set an ambitious target to increase the share of natural gas in the country’s primary energy mix from the current 6% to 15% by 2030. Supporting this vision, India’s LNG regasification capacity has seen substantial growth, nearly doubling from 21 MMTPA in 2014.

Mumbai, July 16, 2025 – NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has further enhanced the UPI-PayNow real-time payment linkage by adding 13 more banks on the platform, extending its reach and simplifying cross-border remittances between India and Singapore. With this development, which will go live on July 17, 2025, users in both countries can remit funds to a wider base, making the service more accessible and convenient.

The expanded network for remittances to India now includes 19 banks – Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, and UCO Bank alongside Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.

Recipients in India can receive remittances from Singapore in their accounts held with any of these 19 banks through their preferred UPI enabled apps such as BHIM, Google Pay and PhonePe, as well as bank apps. Outward remittances from India to Singapore is available through Canara Bank, HDFC Bank and Karur Vysya Bank along with ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and State Bank of India. In Singapore, customers of DBS SG and Liquid Group can avail this service.

The UPI-PayNow service was launched as a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It facilitates real-time cross-border fund transfers between individuals, where Indian users can receive funds via UPI ID and send funds to users in Singapore via their mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPAs). As the world’s first cloud-based, real-time cross-border payment system, the initiative is a pioneering step in global payment connectivity.

This development is particularly beneficial for the Indian diaspora in Singapore, including migrant workers and students, bringing the ease of digital payments to everyday remittances. UPI is already accepted via QR codes at select merchant outlets in Singapore, further extending its utility.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International said, “The expansion of the UPI-PayNow linkage marks a step forward in strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure. By enabling access to more banks in India, we are deepening the reach of real-time remittances and supporting greater financial connectivity between the two countries. This brings added convenience to users through a seamless and trusted platform”.

UPI-PayNow integration enables real-time cross-border remittance transactions, with funds reaching the recipient’s bank account within seconds. The service leverages strong security protocols to ensure safe and reliable transfers. It is ideal for small and frequent remittances, providing users with a convenient and cost-effective way to send and receive money anytime.

Priti Singh, Chief People Officer, Universal Sompo General Insurance said: “The insurance landscape is expanding rapidly, and we believe its future must include talent from every corner of the country. Through our partnership with Manipal Academy of BFSI, we are building not just insurance professionals, but local changemakers who understand their communities and can build trust from the ground up.”