Nation’s Progress Depends on Collective Effort: Shobha Karandlaje

Noida. Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (Covey) organized Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) workshop and Micro , Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSME) seminar during this program organized at Gaur Sarovar Portico on Tuesday. During the program, Union Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje as chief guest , SME Joint Secretary Mercy Ipao , CGTMSE CEO Manish Sinha , and Covey India National Board Member Meetu Puri , Covey India Uttar Pradesh Chapter member Ria Raheja and other special guests shared information on government schemes available for MSMEs.

In a developed India, everyone’s development lies in everyone’s togetherness , said Union Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje in the inaugural session of the Women Empowerment Workshop. While beginning the program, Shobha Karandlaje spoke about women entrepreneurship He expressed his views on this. He said that we are happy that women are moving forward in entrepreneurship , the country will develop only if they are encouraged . Our Prime Minister also has a campaign to encourage women in the country. If women have money in the house, the economic condition of the family will be prosperous. During the program, he asked all the entrepreneurs to prepare export quality products. Mercy Ipao made all the participants aware of the SME schemes.

Program directors Meetu Puri and Riya Raheja said that the purpose of today’s program is to provide new opportunities to small and medium businesses to get loans without any guarantee and strengthen their business. They also said that during the program on Tuesday, reputed names from the industry such as Divya Chauhan (Amity University) , Manju Gaur (Gaud Group) , Blossom Kochhar (Aroma Magic) , Ankita Raj (Green Haath) , Alka Kapoor (Modern Public School) , Komal Jain (So Fresh Farms) and Dr. DK Gupta (Felix Hospital) were honored for their excellent work in their fields.

South Indian Bank hosts Season 1 of National Co-lending Summit – SEED

Kochi, April 30, 2025 — South Indian Bank (SIB), one of India’s leading scheduled commercial banks, hosted the inaugural edition of the National Co-lending Summit – SEED (Synergizing Emerging Enterprises Digitally) Season 1 on April 29, 2025, at SIB Tower in Kochi, Kerala.

Organised by the Bank’s Strategic Alliances & Digital Business Department, the summit marks a significant step towards strengthening co-lending partnerships with emerging and established NBFCs and HFCs. This flagship initiative aligns with the Bank’s long-term vision to invite, identify, and engage potential co-lending partners across the Retail, Agriculture, and MSMEs (RAM) segments.

Season 1 of SEED proves to be a powerful platform to explore innovative financing solutions that support inclusive credit access and business growth, particularly for underserved and semi-urban markets. The summit focuses on diverse lending verticals where co-lending can create real impact and scale, on the following; –

  • Retail lending – Home Loans (Prime and Affordable Housing Finance), Personal Loans and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, Gold Loans (Agri and Non-Agri), Vehicle Loans (New and Used – Retail and Commercial), Education Loans (Secured and Unsecured)
  • Agriculture – Term Loans and Supply Chain Finance
  • MSME’s- Loan Against Property (LAP), Commercial Vehicle & Equipment Financing (New and Used), Equated Daily Instalments (EDI)

 The National Co-lending Summit – SEED serves to be a nurturing platform for both fintech innovators and lending institutions to co-create smart, scalable, and inclusive financial solutions for Indian borrowers through South Indian Bank.

Many prominent NBFCs/HFCs participated and presented tailored co-lending propositions, along with real-world use cases, to the key decision-makers at SIB. This paves the way to develop faster and quality-driven partnerships and growing the Bank’s topline & bottomline.

Boost to Space Science: Osmania University Collaborates with N Space Tech

osmania

N Space Tech, a Hyderabad-based Defense and Aerospace startup, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University (UCEOU), to promote collaboration in space research, education, and technology development.

 The agreement aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering students and faculty access to facilities, internships, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities. Under the MoA, both institutions will engage in joint research and publications, provide cooperative education experiences in satellite design and communication, conduct skill enhancement programs focused on space technology and exploration, and organize technical exhibitions, conferences, and workshops.

 Representatives from UCEOU highlighted the importance of creating a learning ecosystem that enables students to engage directly with real-world technological challenges.

 “At N Space Tech, we believe the future of space and defense lies in the hands of the young minds of today, the students, and this collaboration is a step towards empowering this generation to build a brighter future full of great possibilities and opportunities,” said Divya Kothamasu, Co-founder of N Space Tech.

 The MoA will remain in force for two years, during which both organizations will collaborate on academic programs, research initiatives, and project-based learning to strengthen students’ practical skills and innovation capabilities.

 Known for developing cost-effective, state-of-the-art solutions in satellite communication and the Aerospace and Defense sectors, N Space Tech expressed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers. The company’s mission to make space and defense technologies more accessible aligns with Osmania University’s efforts to support India’s growing ambitions in space exploration and communication.

ZS Releases 2024 India Social Responsibility Report

New Delhi, 30 April 2025: ZS, a global management consulting and technology firm, has released its India social responsibility report for 2024. The report highlights the impact of its initiatives on 85,655 beneficiaries through social programs and strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. With a donation of INR 9.3 crores in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZS collaborated with 20 nonprofit partners to address critical societal challenges in four key areas: healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and environment and sustainability. The firm’s 2,246 volunteers contributed a total of 7,663 hours to programs in these focus areas, demonstrating ZS’s commitment to meaningful Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.

Commenting on the report, Mohit Sood, regional managing principal at ZS, said, “Access to quality healthcare, education and sustainable livelihoods remains a critical challenge. At ZS, we recognize that meaningful transformation requires strategic action beyond mere intent. Through ZS Cares, we leverage our expertise, resources and partnerships to create a tangible impact where it matters most. In FY 2024-25, we enabled healthcare access to over 72,000 individuals, empowered 7,707 students through STEM education, scholarships and mentorship programs, and supported 713 individuals in achieving financial independence. As we continue this journey, our focus remains clear—to improve life and how we live it.

ZS is deeply committed to driving positive social change and empowering communities across India. Through sustained volunteer engagement and strategic partnerships, ZS invests in initiatives that create a lasting impact. We focus on building a brighter future for individuals and communities, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable society.

 “The impact created would not have been possible without the dedication of ZSers and the support of our NGO partners,” said Rohit Bhagwat, office managing principal and global ESG working group member at ZS.

He mentioned, “ZS will continue investing in sustainable initiatives that empower people and uplift communities. Together, we are not just supporting change, we are leading it. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, amplifying our impact and shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Arkade Developers Launches “Fly to Europe” Campaign Marking 39 Glorious Years

Mumbai, 30 April, 2025 — To mark 39 years of excellence in real estate, Arkade Developers Limited, a listed company, has unveiled a unique and exciting campaign— “Fly to Europe”. This special initiative offers clients who book their homes between April 19, 2025, to June 15, 2025, the chance to celebrate Christmas 2025 in Europe, subject to terms and conditions applied.

The campaign showcases a family trip to Europe during Christmas, an amazing experience that most aspire to enjoy. By booking a house, customers can now have their two dreams come true – one of owning a home and the second a lovely international family trip to Europe.

The “Fly to Europe” campaign is valid across select high-end residential projects in Mumbai, including:

  • Arkade Nest – Mulund West
  • Arkade Rare – Bhandup West
  • Arkade Vistas – Goregaon East
  • Arkade Pearl – Vile Parle East

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Arpit Jain, Director, Arkade Developers, said: “Through this campaign, we’re not just offering homes—we’re creating cherished memories and keeping in mind the philosophy of Family First. As Arkade Developers continues to shape urban living in Mumbai, we invite homebuyers to be a part of our legacy, where every home marks a milestone and every milestone deserves a celebration.”

The campaign is being actively promoted across all digital and online platforms. As a personalised touch, Arkade Developers has also designed a customised boarding pass for participating clients, making the journey even more memorable.

Buy Gold on the Go: Instamart and Kalyan Jewellers Launch Festive Coin Delivery

Chandigarh, April 30 2025: Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, has partnered with Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s most trusted and iconic jewellery brands, marking the jewellery brand’s debut in the quick commerce space. Just in time for Akshay Tritiya, customers can now order certified gold and silver coins directly on Instamart and have them delivered to their doorsteps in minutes. Instamart users can avail the service across all 100 cities including top metros.

Starting April 25, consumers across cities can shop a certified assortment of gold and silver coins on Instamart, making last-minute festive shopping more seamless and stress-free than ever before. The exclusive range includes:

● Gold Coins: 0.5g and 1g (24 Karat, BIS Hallmarked) featuring motifs like the Flower, Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Swastik and Goddess Lakshmi

● Silver Coins: 5g, 10g, and 20g (999 pure silver, certified) adorned with auspicious motifs such as Ganpati, Laxmi, Ganesh Laxmi and more.

Whether it’s for gifting, spiritual rituals, or personal investment, these coins are a symbol of prosperity and auspicious beginnings, perfectly aligned with the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya. But what makes this launch truly special is that it’s not just a festive addition. Post Akshaya Tritiya, Kalyan Jewellers’ gold and silver coins will continue to be available on Instamart as part of their regular assortment, giving consumers year-round access to trusted, quality-assured precious metals with just a few taps.

Amitesh Jha, CEO of Instamart said, “We’re excited to welcome Kalyan Jewellers to our platform ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. With more customers embracing the convenience of quick commerce for festive and traditional purchases, this partnership is both timely and relevant. Our goal is to ensure that customers can access trusted, certified products like gold and silver coins with the same ease as they would groceries or other household purchases.”

With this latest offering, Instamart is reaffirming its position as the go-to destination for not just groceries, but moments of joy, celebration, and tradition, delivered instantly.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers said, “Akshaya Tritiya is a time-honoured tradition, and purchasing gold or silver on this day is considered especially auspicious. Through our collaboration with Swiggy’s Quick Commerce platform, Instamart, we are making it easier than ever to buy Kalyan gold and silver coins. Our offering includes 0.5g and 1g gold coins, along with 5g, 10g, and 20g silver coins – delivered straight to your doorstep in minutes. This provides customers with the flexibility to choose according to their needs, budgets, and convenience. This partnership allows us to integrate the auspiciousness of tradition with the ease and speed of modern living, ensuring the spirit of the festival remains.”

To celebrate this golden partnership, Instamart launched a striking on-ground activation named InstaGold. In Hyderabad, a high-footfall location was transformed with an eye-catching installation, completely covered in chocolate coins wrapped in identical gold foil. But here’s the twist: hidden among them were 5 real gold coins, indistinguishable from the rest. Each participant had just one chance to pick a coin and try their luck. This exciting, interactive experience captured the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya, bringing together tradition, surprise, and a dash of golden fortune in the most delightful way.

Dr Reddy’s and Sanofi Launch RSV Drug Beyfortus in India

Mumbai, India; April 30, 2025 – On the occasion of World Immunization Week, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; hereafter referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”), a global pharmaceutical company, expands its strategic partnership with Sanofi Healthcare India Private Limited (“SHIPL”) to introduce a novel drug, Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), in India. Beyfortus® contains the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, in a prefilled injection used for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season. It is also administered in children up to 24 months of age, who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season. 

Under the arrangement, Dr. Reddy’s will have exclusive rights from SHIPL to promote and distribute Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) in India. This announcement follows Dr. Reddy’s successful exclusive distribution partnership with Sanofi for their portfolio of vaccines in India last year. Dr. Reddy’s is expected to launch Beyfortus® in India in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. 

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious respiratory illness for infants. Two out of three infants are infected with RSV during their first year of life and almost all children are infected by their second birthday. In addition to being the most common cause of LRTD such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, RSV is also a leading cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide, with most hospitalizations occurring in healthy infants born at term. In 2019, there were approximately 33 million cases of acute lower respiratory infections globally, leading to more than 3 million hospitalizations, and it was estimated that there were 26,300 in-hospital deaths of children younger than 5 years.

Nitya Padmanabhan, Head of Sanofi Vaccines (India) said, “Bringing Beyfortus® to India is a pivotal step in our mission to protect every child from immunization preventable diseases like RSV. In India, where the disease burden is significant and early protection is critical, this collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s enables us to reach parents and healthcare providers with an innovative solution. Together, we are advancing equitable access to immunization and improving preventive care for numerous children in India.”

M.V. Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, said, “We are happy to extend our partnership with Sanofi in India – this time for a novel drug to address the RSV burden among newborns and infants in India. This partnership highlights our continued efforts to become the ‘partner of choice’ in bringing novel, innovative and trusted drugs to patients. Beyfortus® enables the access of healthcare professionals and parents to an improved drug in the prevention of RSV. Additionally, the launch of Beyfortus® will help us strengthen our immunization portfolio in India.”

Beyfortus® has been approved for use in the European Union, the U.S., China, Japan, and many other countries around the world. In India, Beyfortus® received its marketing authorization approval in June last year from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

IDEMITSU Honda Racing India Riders Begin 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing with Strong Round 1 Showing

Mumbai / Chang International Circuit, Buriram (Thailand), 29 April 2025: The riders of IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team took on the challenge of Round 1 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, held at the legendary Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. Today marked the conclusion of Round 1, bringing an intense and action-packed weekend to a close.

The Indian duo, Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves, completed today’s race with determination and consistency in the fiercely competitive Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Kavin Quintal, the 19-year-old rider started the 10-lap race from the 23rd grid position for race 1. He finished at 19th position with a total time of 19:06.659. In race 2, he fought back stronger and despite the tough competition, Kavin showed resilience and strategic race craft, managing to maintain his position. He finished at 13th position after a hard-fought race today, crossing the chequered flag with a total time of 19:07.972 and his fastest lap was recorded at 1:53.676.

Meanwhile, Johann Reeves started from 29th on the grid in his debut season at the ARRC. In race 1, he put an intense fight, maintaining consistent lap times and gaining valuable experience on the demanding circuit. Johann finished at 15th position in the race 1 with a total time of 19:05.726. In race 2, Reeves held his ground and finished the race at 18th place with a total time of 19:11.232 and his fastest lap was 1:53.861.

Kavin earned 3 points in race 2 while Johann bagged 1 point in race 1, bringing their cumulative team total to 4 points for this season in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said “Today’s race at Chang Circuit was tough right from the start. The technical layout demanded full concentration. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I managed to fight my way up to 13th. While there’s still a lot to learn, I am proud of the progress. This wraps up Round 1, and I am more motivated than ever to come back stronger for the next one.

 Johann Reeves added, “Today’s race at Chang Circuit was a real test. Starting 29th, I gave it everything and finished at 19th. I am glad to garner some points for the team in the race 1. The competition is tough and the track unforgiving, but there’s a lot to take forward. Round 1 is done and I am feeling motivated and ready to push even harder in the next one”

 

Check Point Software Named Sole Outperformer in GigaOm’s Enterprise Firewalls Report

India, April 29, 2025 – Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today announced that it has ranked as a Leader and the only Outperformer for its Check Point Quantum Security Solutions in GigaOm’s latest Radar for Enterprise Firewall report. According to GigaOm, Check Point is recognized as a top performer thanks to its consistent rollout of new innovations features, high performance, threat analytics, management automation, ambitious development plan, strong focus on AI and relentless focus on security efficacy.

“We are extremely proud to deliver outstanding cyber security solutions to organizations and governments worldwide with our AI-driven Infinity platform,” said Eyal Manor, Vice President of Product Management at Check Point Software. “Being acknowledged by GigaOm as a Leader and the sole outperforming provider in the Enterprise Firewall category highlights our strategic progress and commitment to advancing digital protection.”

The GigaOm Radar report analyzed 14 leading enterprise firewall solutions, evaluating their features to pinpoint the top contenders. According to GigaOm analyst Paul Stringfellow, “Check Point is classified as an Outperformer due to its continual delivery of new features and an aggressive roadmap. With a strong focus on AI and on increasingly offloading to its hardware ASICs to improve performance, Check Point is positioned to set a strong example for the market.”

As cyber threats grow faster and more widespread, Check Point’s 2025 Security Report found a 44% increase in cyber-attacks. With this rise, businesses need a flexible, scalable, easy-to-manage, and cost-effective security solution with a strong network. Check Point meets all these needs as GigaOm acknowledged the company for its wide partner network that supports supply and deployment.

Furthermore, Check Point was acknowledged for the following strengths highlighted in GigaOm’s evaluation:

  • Performance and throughput: New Quantum Force series enhances performance, adding more ports, and reducing power consumption by 50%. Additionally, the Maestro hyperscale solution can support up to 1,000 Gbps, allowing security to scale with organizational growth
  • Threat analytics: Check Point’s security tools connect to its ThreatCloud AI, which offers automated threat detection and response and 50+ AI features. It powers the Quantum firewall systems and integrates with the XDR platform —to detect, investigate, and respond to threats faster and more effectively
  • Management automation: Check Point’s unique Infinity Playblocks streamlines threat and risk management by automating response workflows. It includes 70 pre-configured playbooks and supports over 20 third-party integrations, all while leveraging data from its ThreatCloud AI platform to identify new risks and initiate automated actions across its security tools

These features highlight the advantages of Check Point’s hybrid mesh firewall, which was recently recognized as the #1 AI-powered cyber security platform by Miercom.

Finland International School–Race Course Marks One Year with Inaugural Ilo Utsav Annual Concert

Mumbai, April 29, 2025 – Finland International School (FIS) Race Course marked a glorious year of its founding by hosting its inaugural annual concert, Ilo Utsav: Oni’s Great Journey. The event was a true celebration of joy, creativity and learning, and was held at the Sophia Bhabha Auditorium. The exuberance of the evening was witnessed by esteemed dignitaries including Erik af Hällström – Consul General and Head of Mission, Finland; Eva Nilsson – Deputy Head of Mission, Finland;  Tibor Kovacs – Trade Attaché, Hungary;  and Toshihiro Kaneko – Chief Consul, Japan. 

Since its inception, FIS has been making waves for its holistic ethos, inclusive environment, and emphasis on creating lifelong learners. The FIS Board comprises key visionaries including Shashank Goenka – Managing Director of FIS–Race Course, Nikke Keskinen – Founding Principle of FIS, and Fatema Agarkar – a renowned educationist and mentor,  who is also the wife of a former ace cricketer. 

Commenting on this momentous milestone, Fatema Agarkar said, “Thanks to Shashank’s vision, Mumbai has a beautiful legacy created in the form of Finland International School–Race Course, through the adoption of Finnish pedagogy.”

“We envisioned and began working on this school in 2017. It is a proud moment for us to see our dream come to life, and to create these exciting opportunities for the community in Mumbai,” added Shashank Goenka.

The evening’s vibrant and heartwarming narrative titled Ilo Utsav: Oni’s Great Journey, found resonance in the beautiful expressions of music, dance and drama showcased by the school’s students. Their performances embodied the school’s values of expression, collaboration, and life skills. The event included a sombre tribute to the lives lost to the recent tragedy in Kashmir, demonstrating the core principles of community and empathy. The glittering event was entirely conceptualised, planned and executed by the dedicated team at FIS–Race Course. 

The presence of eminent international dignitaries lent a special significance to the evening, reinforcing the global ethos that FIS represents. Their appreciation for the performances reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing global citizens with strong roots in creativity.

With Ilo Utsav, FIS Race Course has set a remarkable precedent, weaving cultural richness and educational depth into a memorable showcase of talent, while also fostering a truly global and yet deeply local community of young achievers.