Archives July 2025

With Rising Academic Excellence and a Historic Cultural Legacy, Bhopal Emerges as a Premier Learning Destination

Abhishek Mohan Gupta, President of the Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India says, the city’s reputation for academic excellence, lower cost of living and exceptional quality of life have made it a perfect fit for the prestigious Shrewsbury brand

In an era of rapid technological and socio-economic changes, world-class education is essential for innovation and bridging skill gaps. The rising demand for quality education worldwide indicates a growing interest in contemporary and holistic teaching pedagogies.

In its ‘States of Fragility’ 2022 report, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) highlights, “Investments in human capital can be a source of resilience over the long term and help ensure the well-being of future societies, especially in countries with large youth populations.” This is particularly true for India, which has the largest youth demographic. Mirroring this emphasis on human capital development, international residential schools have experienced a significant increase in enrollment numbers – most notably at Shrewsbury International School India – the first Indian campus of the esteemed Shrewsbury School UK – which now attracts students not only from across India, but also from the US, UK, UAE, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The school starts its first academic session from August 8, 2025 in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, a state which is poised to emerge as India’s next education powerhouse.

Already home to a wealth of universities and colleges, Madhya Pradesh is all set to accelerate its research and innovation with the launch of Prime Minister’s Centres of Excellence across all 55 districts.

“Shrewsbury International School India could not have found a better home than Bhopal. Our campus not only represents the global aspirations of Indian students, but is also a tribute to the state’s future-forward education policies. The city offers a well-connected central location and a rich cultural heritage. It is already home to nationally-reputed institutes such as AIIMS, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) and Rajiv Gandhi Prodyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV), and the establishment of Shrewsbury will further enrich this academic ecosystem, setting new standards for holistic learning,” says Abhishek Mohan Gupta.

The school has been in the news recently for its state-of-the-art 150-acre campus with purpose-built facilities for academics, sports, performing arts and residential living. “Shrewsbury in India will forge an exceptional learning environment with a commitment towards integrating the rich cultural values of India with the best of British independent education. All activities and offerings at the campus deeply reflect our vision to impart whole-person education to every pupil who joins the Shrewsbury family,” says Dominic Tomalin, the Founding Headmaster at Shrewsbury International School India.

“Our emphasis on character building and cross-cultural learning is drawing a lot of attention. The pastoral system, unique to Shrewsbury, prioritises not just academic excellence but mental and emotional well-being of pupils. Our wider school community is supported by dedicated staff consisting of mentors, housemasters, housemistresses, tutors and counsellors, thereby creating a support system where all students feel wholly nurtured,” says Peter Willett, the Deputy Head of Pastoral at Shrewsbury.

Reiterating that Madhya Pradesh is the perfect alternative for those looking for high-quality and affordable learning alternatives, Abhishek Mohan Gupta says, “The state’s reputation for academic excellence and lower cost of living has made it a perfect fit for the school. We envision each of our students truly experiencing an international culture without having to leave the country.”

Garuda Aerospace wins multiple contracts to deploy Advanced AI-powered drone solutions in the mining sector

3rd July 2025, Chennai – Building on its successful engagement with Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC), Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone technology company, has significantly expanded its presence in the mining sector. The company has secured contracts from Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) and the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI). Further solidifying its position in the mining sector, the company has also been awarded with tenders from the Department of Geology and Mining, the Government of Tamil NaduJharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation Limited (JEMCL), and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). These agreements cover drone-based survey and monitoring of mine leases nationwide.

As a part of these agreements, the company will provide annual surveys for detailed imagery and elevation models, quarterly updates on mine conditions (face, roads, slopes, dumps), and comprehensive data processing. They’ll also create digital databases for mine closure planning and prepare survey maps, covering both existing and new lease areas for clients like the Department of Geology and Mining, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. The company aims to leverage its successful domestic deployments for global expansion. Garuda Aerospace is actively seeking opportunities to export these advanced drone solutions to international markets, particularly in regions with significant mining operations.

Garuda Aerospace boasts a strong project history, including extensive drone surveys for ongoing high-resolution surveys Jharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation Limited (JEMCL) across 1105.66 hectares, and for Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC) spanning 19601.15 hectares across 37 mines, focused on safety and optimization. They also provided data acquisition for Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) over 307 hectares in Jharkhand, and completed a large-scale survey mapping project for the Survey of India (SOI) covering 1500 hectares in Lucknow.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, stated, “These recent contract wins are a testament to the advanced capabilities of our drones. This represents a significant boost to our revenue stream, propelling our multi-million dollar growth. More than just financial milestones, these contracts powerfully affirm the immense trust placed in our Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model by both government and private entities. This widespread adoption showcases our substantial growth and solidifies our position as a leader in the industry.

This consistent securing of high-value contracts and tenders, underscores the increasing adoption of Garuda Aerospace’s Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. This model offers clients a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for high-precision drone-based services.  Bolstered by six DGCA approvals enabling both manufacturing and training, Garuda Aerospace is experiencing rapid growth and market expansion. Its impressive trajectory is further strengthened by strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Tata Elxsi, Thales, Lockheed Martin, BEML, and others. These alliances enhance Garuda Aerospace’s technological advancements, solidifying its position as a global leader in the drone technology landscape.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Turns 25

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Turns 25: Ekta Kapoor, Smriti Irani, and Amar Upadhyay Share Memories of a Timeless Legacy

Some stories don’t just entertain; they become a part of our homes, hearts, and everyday lives. Exactly 25 years ago, India met the Virani family, and television changed forever. Today marks a milestone as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the iconic Balaji Telefilms show, completes 25 glorious years since its premiere on July 3, 2000. Conceptualised by Ekta Kapoor, the show not only ruled TRP charts but also redefined primetime television, making the ‘saasbahu’ drama a cultural phenomenon. On this special occasion, Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay, and Ekta Kapoor share heartfelt reflections on a show that shaped their journeys and transformed Indian television.

Reflecting on 25 glorious years, Smriti Irani said, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi isn’t just a show it’s a shared memory. For those who created it and the millions who embraced it, it was a story of families, faith, and the fabric that binds us across generations. Twentyfive years later, it still lives in our hearts. My gratitude to those who made the journey possible.”

Ekta Kapoor shared, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi still lives in every beat of my heart. When we started, we never imagined Tulsi would become family to millions. Even today, people remember the title track, the tears, and the emotions it sparked. This milestone belongs to every writer, actor, crew member, and most of all every viewer who made Kyunki part of their lives. Thank you for turning a story into a legacy, for making Tulsi and the Virani parivaar your own, and for keeping this emotion alive even 25 years later. We didn’t just make a show we created a bond that still feels like home.

Amar Upadhyay expressed, “Twentyfive years ago, we began a journey that was more than just a show it was a mirror to millions of households, a reflection of traditions, love, trials, and the changing face of Indian families. Being a part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn’t just a role it was a responsibility, a privilege, and a turning point not just for me, but for everyone who lived and breathed this world with us. It changed our lives, rewrote television history, and connected generations. Even today, its echoes live on in how we see relationships, resilience, and reinvention.”

He further added, “Kyunki… some stories aren’t just watched, they are lived. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn’t just a show it was an era. A movement. A mirror to Indian families. And being Mihir meant becoming a part of people’s daily routines, their emotions, their dinner conversations. Even today, when someone calls me ‘Mihir,’ there’s a warmth and familiarity in it like a longlost family member greeting you after years. That’s the kind of love you can’t manufacture it can only be lived.

With unforgettable characters, powerful emotions, and twists that became national talking points, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi became more than just a daily soap it became a ritual. Under Ekta Kapoor’s leadership, Balaji Telefilms redefined storytelling and connected with millions across the country. As nostalgia takes over and memories of Shantiniketan resurface, whispers of the show’s return grow stronger. But will the entire Virani family be back? That question remains a mystery.

Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech Launches Internship Program for Next-Gen Beauty Professionals

MUMBAI, July 3, 2025: Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech, India’s leading beauty & wellness training institute has announced an internship program designed for aspiring beauty professionals, who are looking to carve their careers in the world of beauty and wellness.

Students who have successfully completed their courses and secured 75% and above in their internal assessments in advanced courses of hair, skin, and cosmetology with Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech are eligible for the internship program. The program covers an overall understanding with specialised focus on various domains such as hair, skin, and cosmetology offering a holistic learning experience. The intent is to prepare students for a real life environment, that helps refine their skills under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

Eligibility

The internship is conducted over the course of one month, requiring students to commit to full-time work, six days a week. Eligible students are placed in Lakmē Salons across India. The program is designed to immerse students in real-time salon operations, enabling them to gain valuable customer service experience and master essential know-how.

The Program

During the internship, students are trained in salon standard operating procedures, product knowledge, and essential client services. Under the supervision of senior salon professionals, interns provide hands on assistance with various services such as threading, waxing, hair washing, blow-drying, and consultations, among others. Students get to shadow expert stylists and aestheticians while setting up workstations and practicing their skills on professionals in adherence to Lakmē’s grooming policies.

Personality Development Module

To further support our students in their journey to success, we have integrated a personality development module in all our career courses, to give aspiring beauty professionals the needed edge in today’s dynamic landscape. This equips the aspirants with essential skills and confidence needed to thrive in the competitive beauty industry. Students benefit from mock interview sessions, professional grooming, business etiquettes, improvement of their soft skills, and are trained on basic networking skills.

The goal is to build confidence, refine their approach, and prepare the students for a real-world environment through personalised guidance, verbal and non-verbal communication training, and coaching them on business and best practices.

Assessment, Evaluation & Opportunities

Interns get assessed throughout the program, and those who exhibit exceptional performance and dedication later go on to be considered for full-time roles at renowned Lakmē Salons. Feedback from mentors, along with final internship evaluations, play a crucial role in the final hiring decision. At the end of the internship program, students are also awarded an internship completion credential from Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech, acknowledging their commitment and expertise gained during the program.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Business Retail, Aptech Limited & Brand Custodian, Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech, said, “The beauty and wellness industry is evolving rapidly, and hands-on learning is the key to success. At Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech, we are committed to providing our students with the skills, experience, and industry exposure they need to excel. This internship program with Lakmē Salons is a step forward in ensuring that our students are not only trained but also career-ready. Success in the beauty and wellness industry goes beyond technical skills today – it requires confidence, professionalism, and strong interpersonal abilities. By honing these qualities, students will gain the industry-ready edge needed to stand out, build lasting connections, and make a powerful impact in their careers.

With this internship program, Lakmē Academy Powered by Aptech reaffirms its commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students receive the right blend of technical expertise and practical exposure. By providing a platform for aspiring beauty professionals to train under industry experts and gain real-world experience, the program empowers them to step into the workforce with confidence and competence.

SOCIAL Introduces The SOCIAL Jumpstart, a Fresh Take on Mornings and Movement

India, 3rd July 2025: SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood café-bar, announces the launch of The SOCIAL Jumpstart, a new morning format crafted for anyone seeking intentional, energizing starts to their day. Starting July, The SOCIAL Jumpstart will activate mornings from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM across key cities, transforming familiar SOCIAL outposts into high-energy spaces for movement, recovery, and real-world connection. With curated experiences, mood-lifting menus, and culture-forward brand integrations, The SOCIAL Jumpstart signals a fresh chapter in SOCIAL’s evolution, one that reclaims mornings as a vibrant, purpose-driven time to gather, move, and reset.

At its core, The SOCIAL Jumpstart is a reflection of how India’s cultural rhythm is evolving, where mornings are no longer rushed or routine, but intentional and community led. With this new format, SOCIAL extends its philosophy of creating spaces that adapt to how people live, move, and connect. From running clubs to casual breakfast seekers, the aim is to offer a morning environment that feels energizing, inclusive, and rooted in culture.

“The SOCIAL Jumpstart is our response to a cultural shift we’ve been observing for a while where mornings are becoming a space for community, clarity, and conscious living. At SOCIAL, we’ve always shaped culture through community-first formats, and this one brings together everything we believe in: movement, clean fuel, and real-world vibe. It’s not just about wellness, it’s about starting your day with intent and energy.” said Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Pvt Ltd

To bring The SOCIAL Jumpstart to life, SOCIAL has partnered with a thoughtful mix of brands and run clubs and movement groups that share its focus on purposeful activities and community energy. Isopure has joined as the clean nutrition partner, with a special menu of smoothies and breakfast bowls designed to support recovery and fuel early mornings. Fizzy Whey (Big Muscles) brings a playful twist to the experience through a new lineup of functional mocktails, while Wellbeing Hydrasalts enhances the format with hydration support and immersive brand moments on-ground. Alongside the menus and activities, each city will see curated community gatherings that include fitness-led experiences, clean eating, and good music, all tied together by SOCIAL’s unique storytelling and cultural lens.

With The SOCIAL Jumpstart, SOCIAL is reimagining mornings as a space for culture, community, and conscious living. The format will continue to evolve with new cities, partners, and experiences that reflect how young India chooses to start its day.

Borosil Launches new Collection Featuring Colors Range, Porcelia and Larah Thermoware

Mumbai, 3rd July 2025 – Borosil, India’s leading consumer brand, made a vibrant and powerful impression at HGH India 2025, showcasing its vision to make everyday life better, simpler, and smarter. With exciting new launches across existing segments and the introduction of three entirely new categories – Borosil Colors Range, Borosil Porcelia, and Larah Thermoware – the exhibit reflected the brand’s constant evolution to meet modern consumer needs.

Borosil event

Staying true to its philosophy of “thoughtful design meets everyday utility,” Borosil’s interactive exhibit provided an immersive experience for attendees. It wasn’t just a product display – it was a celebration of how Borosil performs beautifully in every Indian household.

At the heart of the experience was the Tuff Wall – India’s first and toughest glassware showcase, where a metal ball was dropped on a Borosil bowl to demonstrate the product’s superior strength. Manufactured in India, for India, Borosil’s glassware is 2X tougher than standard options, reaffirming the brand’s promise of unmatched durability and safety.

An aquarium setup highlighted the airtight and leak-proof qualities of Borosil containers, while a live cooking session led by celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi brought to life the ease and versatility of Borosil cookware, turning everyday kitchens into spaces of joy and efficiency.

Ms. Barnali Shankar, VP -Marketing, Borosil Ltd., said, “HGH India is an important platform for us to engage with our trade partners and reaffirm our commitment to design-forward, function-first products. With every launch, our goal remains the same – to create products that truly improve our consumers’ lives.”

Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi said,  “What stands out about Borosil is how they’ve blended durability with thoughtful aesthetics. It was a joy to cook live using cookware that’s designed to simplify, elevate, and delight.”

From cookware and storage to hydration and dining, Borosil’s exhibit reaffirmed why it remains the brand of choice for millions – a brand that listens to its consumers, evolves every year to meet real needs, and is proudly Made in India.

Domestic Institutions Drive Long-Term Growth in India’s Real Estate Amid FII Slowdown

By-Mr. Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund, a Cat-II real estate focused Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).

The exuberance of foreign institutional investors in India’s real estate sector, owing to geopolitical tensions and weakening rupee, may be ebbing. However, the rise in domestic institutional investment particularly in India’s office and housing segments and their growing share will be the key for the real estate sector’s long-term growth and stability.

Mivi Launches AI Buds Enabling Smart, Screen-Free Conversations

Mivi Launches Revolutionary AI Buds with Brains Offering Human-Like Conversations and Screen-Free Interactions

Mivi AI

Hyderabad July 3, 2025: Indian consumer electronics brand Mivi has announced a breakthrough in global technology – Mivi AI Buds, a new category-defining product that blends immersive audio with an emotionally intelligent AI platform. Designed and engineered entirely in India, the AI Buds offer a screen-free, natural conversational experience—redefining how users interact with technology.

Unlike traditional AI platforms, Mivi AI is crafted to feel more like a human companion. Built on a foundation of memory, context-awareness, and personalized interaction, Mivi AI evolves with every conversation. The assistant retains context, remembers user preferences, and delivers tailored, emotionally intelligent responses—creating a bond that goes beyond utility.

Conversations range from negotiating a job offer to making pizza at home. The AI understands and responds in eight Indian languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati—without changing any settings.

Co-founder and CMO Midhula Devabhaktuni states: “With Mivi AI, we’re not just launching a product — we’re defining the next era of human-AI interaction. This is India’s AI moment. A world-class innovation, built in India, for the world. Our AI Buds are not just smart—they’re intuitive, sensitive, and human-like. This is more than a product; it’s the beginning of a new way to connect. We’re proud to lead this revolution.”

She further added, “With ₹2,000 crores committed to AI development nationally, Mivi’s innovation positions India as a serious player in the global AI race — not just as a user, but as a creator of frontier technologies.”

Key features:-

Design – The AI Buds introduce an hourglass-inspired design, sculpted to match the ear’s natural flow and provide all-day comfort.
Mivi AI – With a simple wake word—”Hi Mivi”—users can begin rich, contextual conversations that go far beyond commands.
Mivi AI App – Full Control in Your Hands – Available exclusively on the Google Play Store, the Mivi AI App enables first-time pairing, sound customization, and interaction management—bringing users closer to their personalized AI assistant.
Avatars

Mivi AI is powered by a host of Avatars—domain-specific experts such as:

● Guru Avatar – Guru Avatar is your knowledge expert. Ask anything from space to history, or even everyday doubts. It explains things simply, in a way that makes sense to you. No jargon, just clear explanations given via conversations.

● Interviewer Avatar – The Interviewer Avatar helps you get better with your interview preparations. It tests your capabilities, gives you meaningful feedback, and builds your confidence, step by step.

● Chef Avatar – for real-time cooking help – The Chef Avatar guides you through the cooking process, step by step. From prep to plating, it tells you exactly what you need and gives you suggestions on missing ingredients.

● Wellness Coach Avatar – The Wellness Coach Avatar is here to listen when you’re stressed, happy, upset, or just need to talk. It gives calm, supportive responses and helps you feel understood, without any judgment.

● News Reporter Avatar – Tailored News Curation – The News Reporter Avatar keeps you updated with real-time news, local or global. From sports to world events, it breaks down stories clearly and tailors updates to your interests.

Unmatched Audio Technology

The AI Buds come equipped with:

● Hi-Res Audio and LDAC for pristine, lossless sound

● 3D Soundstage and Spatial Audio for immersive depth

● Quad Mic ANC for clear calls and noise cancellation

● 40 hours of battery life for uninterrupted use

Engineered for India and Built for the World, Mivi has trained its AI on thousands of voice samples across accents and dialects to ensure precise recognition and response. Extensive R&D led to the development of custom firmware, optimizing real-time AI interaction without compromising battery life.

NTT DATA Business Solutions Launches GenAI Connector

NTT DATA Business Solutions Launches GenAI Connector: Accelerating Enterprise Innovation with SAP & Generative AI

3rd July 2025 – NTT DATA Business Solutions India proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation: the GenAI Connector, a groundbreaking solution designed to integrate generative AI capabilities seamlessly into the SAP ecosystem.

This new offering enables businesses to accelerate innovation, enhance productivity, and unlock new value from their existing SAP systems—safely, securely, and with clear business context. Developed as part of NTT DATA’s global SAP AI enablement program, the GenAI Connector combines design thinking, rapid prototyping, and domain-led AI modeling to deliver enterprise- grade, use-case-driven results.

“GenAI Connector is not just a tool—it’s a strategic enabler, We’ve developed it with the core goal of helping businesses embed AI where it matters most: inside real processes, powering real decisions, and delivering real ROI” said Krunal Patel, Joint Managing Director, NTT DATA Business Solutions India.

Key Highlights of the GenAI Connector:

• Accelerated Innovation: GenAI connector enables businesses to adopt AI capabilities at an unprecedented pace, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

• Enhanced Customer Experience:Gen AI Connector -driven solutions improve customer interactions, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: GenAI Connector leverages historical data to forecast potential outcomes and prioritize the best alternatives, augmenting human decision-making

• Scalability: The GenAI Connector provides a scalable framework for businesses to integrate AI into their operations, ensuring long-term success and growth

• Human-Centered AI Design: Use-case driven development through AI exploration workshops.

• Rapid Prototyping: Integration with SAP BTP and GenAI APIs to test and iterate solutions quickly.

• Accelerated Timeline: From exploration to productive deployment in under 12 weeks.

NTT DATA Business Solutions has already begun delivering AI Exploration Workshops to clients across industries—ranging from manufacturing to life sciences—to help them identify high-value Gen AI use cases, validate prototypes, and deploy scalable solutions using this connector.

With the launch of GenAI Connector, NTT DATA reaffirms its commitment to delivering innovation that is not only cutting-edge but also grounded in real-world business impact.

Tribe Amrapali Strengthens Delhi Presence with the Launch of Its 34th Store at Pacific Mall

July 3, 2025: Tribe Amrapali, the iconic name redefining Indian silver jewelry with contemporary expression, proudly unveils its 34th retail destination at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi. With this launch, the brand deepens its footprint in the capital city, offering Delhi’s vibrant audience a closer and more immersive experience into its world of India-modern jewelry.

 

 

New Delhi, a melting pot of heritage and innovation, has long influenced Tribe Amrapali’s design language, from architectural motifs to regal nostalgia seen through a modern lens. The opening at Pacific Mall celebrates this synergy, welcoming customers to explore a space where traditional artisanship meets everyday wearability.

With collections that feature everything from bold silver neckpieces and textured jhumkis to experimental ear cuffs and delicately crafted stackable rings, the new store reflects Tribe Amrapali’s philosophy – jewelry as a storytelling medium, rooted in culture and reimagined for today.

Commenting on the new store launch, Akanksha Arora, CEO of Tribe Amrapali, shares:
“Opening at Pacific Mall, one of West Delhi’s most dynamic shopping destinations, is a natural step forward for Tribe Amrapali. Our Delhi patrons have always embraced the brand’s duality; heritage meets the now. With this store, we aim to offer an inspiring retail experience that celebrates craftsmanship, community, and contemporary Indian identity.”

The Pacific Mall store is designed to echo the brand’s signature aesthetic – inviting, artisanal, and spirited, mirroring the stories carried in every handcrafted piece. From everyday elegance to statement styles, the store serves as a cultural pit stop for jewelry lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

As Tribe Amrapali continues to grow its retail presence across airports, high streets, and premium malls across India, each store remains a tribute to the brand’s unwavering commitment: celebrating Indian craftsmanship with a modern voice.

Visit Tribe Amrapali in Delhi
Address: First Floor, Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, Najafgarh Road, New Delhi – 110018