New Delhi, 19th March 2025: Grapes Worldwide, an integrated communication agency, has bagged the digital mandate for LivWell. The mandate will be looked at by the Bangalore team where it will focus on establishing a robust digital presence, while reinforcing the entire branding and positioning of the LivWell.

Leveraging its digital strategy expertise, the agency will be working towards amplifying LivWell’s presence by handling end-to-end digital responsibilities of the brand. It will also be responsible for overseeing the seamless integration of owned, earned, and paid media.

In addition to this, Grapes Worldwide will also be managing the UI/UX Design to create a user-friendly and visually appealing experience of the website. The partnership hinges on the objective to strengthen the brand footprint aimed at fostering its long-term growth. It will open new avenues, driving enhanced engagement of LivWell with its target audience and forging a connection at a deeper level with them.

Speaking on the win, Shradha Agarwal, Co-founder and Global CEO at Grapes Worldwide, said, “The onboarding of LivWell is an achievement of another milestone in adding to our list of esteemed client roster. It is a testament to our commitment to adding value to clients and showcases our expertise in giving the desired media mileage to the brand with the purpose of solidifying their position in the industry.”

Commenting on the same, Vikas Dhar, Co-Founder & Group CTO, LivWell said, “While selecting the agency for handling our digital mandate, we were on the lookout for companies that resonated with the larger vision and purpose of LivWell. Here, understanding the intricate aspects of our brand, Grapes Worldwide completely aligned with the ethos of our core existence, setting the tone of the entire communication strategy. Delving into their expertise, we are looking forward to an enthralling journey ahead aimed at reinforcing our overall visibility in the market.

                                           By Sudeep George, Chief Business Head, TeamLease HRTech

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a superagency in Human Resource departments across industries. According to a recent study, over 31% of companies in India have planned to integrate AI into HR management systems and 57% of leaders believe that AI will reduce the workload. Much like other industries, AI in the HR space is creating measurable impact, and organisations must ensure that both CHROs and employees are prepared to embrace its power in a dynamic and ever-evolving HR landscape. Let’s dive into the 5 key areas where AI is making a transformative impact in the HR ecosystem.

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: AI-Powered Efficiency

Indian businesses are leveraging AI to streamline the recruitment process. AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are automating resume screening and initial candidate assessments. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify ideal candidate profiles, significantly reducing time-to-hire. According to industry reports, AI-enabled ATS platforms have been seen to decrease the time spent per hire by up to 75%.

HCM technologies are revolutionizing the recruitment landscape through additional functionalities:

• Interactive Real-time Updates: AI-powered platforms provide candidates with personalized status updates and feedback throughout the recruitment journey, enhancing candidate experience and engagement.
• Data-Driven Talent Decisions: Advanced analytics help hiring managers make more informed decisions by providing comprehensive insights into candidate qualifications, potential performance indicators, and team compatibility.
• Emotional Intelligence Assessment: Cutting-edge AI can analyze facial expressions and vocal tones during video interviews to gauge emotional intelligence and soft skills, offering deeper insights into candidates’ interpersonal capabilities.
• DataTrends to watch:

○     AI-driven video interviewing for initial screening.

○     Chatbots are used to answer candidate queries and schedule interviews.

○     Predictive analytics to assess candidate fit.

○     AI tools can reduce unconscious bias by anonymizing candidate information during initial screening

○     Advanced algorithms can be trained to focus solely on skills and qualifications rather than demographic factors

○     Natural language processing can flag potentially biased language in job descriptions

Employee Engagement and Experience: Personalized Interactions

AI is enhancing employee engagement by providing personalized experiences. According to industry reports, AI-driven sentiment analysis can improve employee satisfaction scores by up to 20%. AI-powered chatbots can provide instant support, answer common HR queries, and address employee concerns. Sentiment analysis tools can gauge employee morale and identify potential issues.

• Trends to watch:

○     Personalized learning and development recommendations.

○     AI-driven wellness programs and mental health support.

○     Real-time feedback and performance insights.

Performance Management and Development: Data-Driven Insights

AI is transforming performance management by delivering precise, data-driven insights. For instance, JPMorgan Chase reported a 10-20% increase in efficiency among software engineers using AI-powered tools. Additionally, research shows that generative AI can boost worker productivity by 33%. AI analyzes extensive datasets to identify skill gaps, predict performance trends, and recommend personalized training programs, enabling companies to optimize talent development and drive business growth.

• Trends to watch:

○     Continuous performance feedback through AI-driven platforms.

○     Skill-based talent management and career pathing.

○     AI-powered coaching and mentoring.

Predicting and Preventing Employee Attrition

AI is helping HR teams manage talent more effectively by mapping skills, planning for leadership transitions, and supporting employee development. It analyzes performance, engagement, and career paths to identify skill gaps and predict turnover risks. With these insights, HR can offer targeted training, align employees with growth opportunities, and prepare successors for key roles, ensuring workforce stability.

Trends to watch:

• AI-powered skill mapping to assess competencies, identify training needs, and guide career progression.
• Predictive succession planning to prepare future leaders by analyzing employee potential and readiness.
• Personalized retention strategies that match employees with growth opportunities to boost engagement.
• AI-driven training programs tailored to individual learning needs for continuous skill development.
• Data-backed exit interviews to uncover underlying attrition causes and refine retention efforts.

HR Process Automation: Streamlining Operations

AI is streamlining HR operations, significantly reducing administrative overhead and optimizing resource allocation. By automating routine tasks such as leave management, payroll inquiries, and policy clarifications, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants help organizations cut operational costs while enhancing efficiency. From a CHRO’s perspective, this translates into substantial cost savings—industry reports suggest AI automation can lower HR administrative expenses by up to 40%—allowing companies to reallocate budgets toward workforce expansion, new projects, and strategic asset management.

Trends to watch:

○     Automated onboarding and offboarding processes.

○     AI-driven payroll and benefits administration.

○     Automated compliance reporting.

With nearly 70% of Indian companies already automating their HR processes, businesses are realizing that AI isn’t about replacing human effort but enhancing it. From hiring the right talent faster to keeping employees engaged and predicting attrition before it happens, AI is transforming the way organizations manage their workforce. With intelligent, data-driven solutions now within reach, CHROs have the opportunity to streamline decision-making, improve efficiency, and create a more agile, future-ready workforce. The real question isn’t whether AI should be part of HR—it’s how quickly companies can harness its full potential.

New Delhi, 19 March 2025: EY, the leading professional services organization, announced the winners of ‘Techathon 5.0: Harnessing AI to transform Bharat’. This year’s EY Techathon 5.0 showcased students developing Generative AI (GenAI) based solutions to address real-world challenges in sectors such as education, healthcare, BPM/BPO, financial inclusion, and citizen services, thereby contributing to Bharat’s progress. With over 1.5 lakh+ individuals registering, the competition attracted more than 6,500 team submissions from colleges across the country.

Team CaseWizz (Siddharth Asthana, Sanyam Jhuria, and Ayush Sikarwal) from IIT Kharagpur bagged the winning trophy of EY Techathon 5.0 for showcasing their creatively designed AI-powered financial assistant names V.A.R.U.N (Voice Assistant for Rural Users’ Needs). Throughout the challenge, they consistently demonstrated innovative product design keeping customer at the centre, new age architecture drive approach, delivering tangible benefits to end users.

Team SE827 (Dastageer Siddiqui and Arun Bhattachrya) from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar secured the runner-up position for their exemplary work in developing Polyphen; an AI-powered mobile health platform for visiting physicians, that will enable efficient rural healthcare with online/offline patient registration, QR-based history access, and AI-driven chronic disease prediction.

The People’s Choice Award was clinched by team Catalyst (Tejaswini Atluri, Pabitha Kommineni, Rishik KNR, and Akshay Pulla) from Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, Telangana. The team garnered maximum number of votes from individuals and tech enthusiasts nationwide, who casted their votes for their most preferred entries in the competition.

Mahesh Makhija, Partner and Technology Consulting Leader, EY India, said, “As emerging technologies like GenAI reshape businesses, our focus remains on nurturing talent that can solve real-world challenges and propel India’s leadership on the global stage. EY Techathon exemplifies our commitment by fostering the next-generation leaders who can drive meaningful innovation. This year’s participants demonstrated not only a strong grasp of emerging technologies like GenAI but also the ability to apply them to solve real-world industry challenges. The ingenuity and problem-solving mindset of India’s tech professionals reinforce our belief in the country’s potential to shape the future of technology.”

Techathon is a key component of EY Technology Consulting’s undergraduate outreach program, aimed at nurturing and recruiting talented young professionals to join over 15,000 technologists and data scientists at EY in India.

Raghavendra Rengaswamy, Consulting Leader, EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) added, “EY Techathon 5.0 has been a remarkable showcase of talent, innovation, and problem-solving excellence. I congratulate the winners as well as the participants of the event. The creativity and depth of AI-driven solutions presented by them have been truly inspiring, demonstrating the potential to transform Bharat at scale. At EY GDS, we are committed to harnessing technology for meaningful impact, and this event reaffirms our dedication to driving AI-led innovation that shapes a smarter, more sustainable future. The passion and ingenuity displayed here today are a testament to the limitless possibilities when technology and purpose come together.”

The winners were announced at the Grand Finale held in Bengaluru, where an independent jury evaluated the solutions presented by the shortlisted finalists. The jury comprised Abhijit Khasnis, VP Technology, HealthifyMe; A. Prashanth, Executive Director, Bosch Mobility Platform & Solutions, India; Debashis Singh, Chief Information Officer, Persistent Systems; Dr. Harsha Rajaram, CEO, Aster Digital Health, India; Praveen Shrikhande, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.; Rakesh Bhardwaj, Global CIO, Lupin; Mohua Sengupta, GCC Leader; Alok Gupta, Chief Solutions and Product Officer, EkStep; Shashidhar Lingaraj, Executive Director and Head, Arcolab; Sudeep Dey, Chief Information Officer, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited; Sajid Ahmed, Technology Leader; along with Mahesh Makhija, Partner and Technology Consulting Leader, EY India and Raghavendra Rengaswamy, Consulting Leader, EY GDS.

Chennai, India – March 19th, 2025 – The Ascott Limited today announced the signing of Oakwood Thanjavur, a 100-room Oakwood Hotel and Apartments in collaboration with Sensation Hospitality Avenues. This development marks another milestone in Ascott’s expansion in India, solidifying and reinforcing its commitment to offering world-class hospitality in key emerging destinations.

Thanjavur, a city at the forefront of the Smart Cities initiative, stands as a vibrant hub for art, architecture, and education in South India. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and prestigious medical and engineering institutions, Thanjavur presents a strong demand for premium hospitality offerings tailored to the needs of business, leisure, and extended-stay guests.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, Ascott India, and Mr. Rohit Matta, Executive Director, Sensation Infracon Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Bhavishya Gupta, Chairman, Sensation Infracon Pvt. Ltd., stated, “Thanjavur, a renowned hub for temple tourism, attracts travelers from across the world. At Sensation, we are committed to delivering world-class accommodations that blend comfort with cultural immersion. Oakwood Thanjavur will redefine premium hospitality, catering to both spiritual and leisure travelers.”

Mr. Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, Ascott India, remarked, “We are thrilled to bring the esteemed Oakwood brand to Thanjavur, a city brimming with cultural richness and burgeoning economic potential. This exciting partnership with Sensation Hospitality Avenues underscores our unwavering commitment & dedication to expanding our footprint in key emerging destinations and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.”

Mr. Rohit Matta, Executive Director, Sensation Infracon Pvt. Ltd., added, “Partnering with The Ascott Limited, a globally recognized leader in hospitality, ensures that Thanjavur will benefit from a truly world-class offering. Oakwood Thanjavur will cater to the city’s evolving needs, setting a new benchmark for premium accommodations and enhancing the local hospitality landscape.”

 With this latest signing, Ascott continues to strengthen its rapidly growing portfolio in India, expanding its presence beyond metropolitan cities to key cultural and economic hubs. This strategic partnership with Sensation Hospitality Avenues underscores Ascott’s vision of delivering premium accommodations tailored to the evolving needs of discerning travelers across the country.

19^th  March, Maharashtra: Two innovative student projects from Maharashtra stood out at the prestigious KPIT Sparkle 2025, a nation-wide innovation contest organized by KPIT Technologies, showcasing cutting-edge solutions to critical challenges in cybersecurity and autonomous mobility. Students from Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Pune, developed an AI-driven cybersecurity system to counter Interest Flooding Attacks (IFA) in vehicular networks, enhancing smart mobility security. Meanwhile, a team from CSMSS CHH. Shahu College of Engineering, Aurangabad, introduced an autonomous building vehicle designed to optimize material transport in construction zones, addressing labour shortages and improving efficiency.

Developed by students from Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Pune, as part of Team Vanguardianas—Sakshi Desai, Tushar Dhangar, Prajwal Shelar, and Vishakha Bhosale —this advanced machine learning-based detection system effectively counters Interest Flooding Attacks (IFA) in Vehicular Named Data Networking (VNDN). Their innovative approach integrates Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to strengthen network security for smart mobility applications. Implemented at roadside units, their solution achieved an impressive 94% accuracy in detecting cyber threats, enhancing the safety and resilience of vehicular communication networks.

“With the rapid adoption of smart mobility solutions, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Traditional security mechanisms struggle to keep up with the sophisticated cyber threats targeting vehicular networks. Our system leverages Deep Packet Inspection and Large Language Models to proactively identify and neutralize Interest Flooding Attacks before they disrupt communication. Achieving a 94% accuracy rate in detecting these threats is a testament to the effectiveness of our approach. Being recognized at KPIT Sparkle 2025 validates our efforts and motivates us to push the boundaries of AI-driven cybersecurity. We aim to further refine our solution, integrate real-time threat response mechanisms, and eventually bring this technology to large-scale deployment in smart transportation systems,” said Vishakha Bhosale, leader of Team Vanguardians.

Meanwhile, Team Eklavya—led by Vidya Kolhe, Kartik Gite, Khushi Kumbhar, and Yashwant Salunke from CSMSS CHH. Shahu College of Engineering, Aurangabad, —hopes to transform the construction industry with an autonomous building vehicle designed for efficient material transport across diverse terrains. Inspired by moon rovers, the vehicle boasts high adaptability, minimal human intervention, and seamless operation in varied weather conditions, representing a major advancement in automation and smart infrastructure management.

Vidya Kolhe, Leader of Team Eklavya, said, “The construction industry struggles with labour shortages, high costs, and inefficiencies in material handling. Our autonomous transport vehicle is designed to bridge these gaps by seamlessly moving construction materials across diverse terrains—including plains and hilly regions—with precision and reliability. Built for full autonomy, it operates in various weather conditions and features an intuitive dashboard, ensuring ease of use for non-technical personnel. The AI-driven navigation system enables real-time route adjustments, optimizing delivery paths while preventing material losses. Beyond construction sites, this innovation extends to warehouse automation, urban traffic management, and intercity goods transportation, contributing to the broader landscape of smart infrastructure. With its potential to reduce construction delays and improve overall site productivity, the project represents a significant advancement in the field of automated logistics.”

KPIT Sparkle, one of India’s largest student innovation competitions, serves as a platform for aspiring students to showcase their innovations. Nearly 1.2 lakh students from more than 1,200 institutes have participated in KPIT Sparkle over the past 10 years. This year, the 11th edition of KPIT Sparkle witnessed participation from over 28,000 students representing more than 700 colleges, showcasing a wide range of technological advancements and ground-breaking innovations.

March 19, 2025; Veranda RACE, a Veranda Learning enterprise, announced that its student Ms. Nila B secured All-Kerala Rank 1 in the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) SSC Exam 2024. Over 250 students from Veranda RACE have successfully cleared the SSC exams, reinforcing its strong track record in coaching aspirants for government jobs.

A native of Trivandrum, Ms. Nila B is an M.Sc. Forestry student who completed her B.Sc. in Forestry and aspired to crack the SSC exams alongside her studies. She comes from a family with a strong commitment to public service—her father, Mr. Biju V.K., is a police officer, instilling in her the values of discipline and perseverance.

The SSC MTS exam is a highly competitive national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to various Group C posts in government departments and offices. With lakhs of aspirants appearing every year, achieving an All-Kerala Rank 1 highlights Ms. Nila’s dedication and strategic preparation. Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Nila B said: “Veranda RACE’s structured training, expert mentorship, and rigorous test series helped me stay focused and improve my performance. I am incredibly grateful to my mentors and the entire Veranda RACE team for their constant support throughout my journey.”

Mr. Santhosh Kumar, CEO of Veranda RACE, lauded her achievement, stated, “Nila’s success reflects her hard work and the result-driven training methodology at Veranda RACE. With 9 centres across Kerala and a track record of training over 10,000 students last year in SSC exams, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality coaching to aspirants. We are incredibly proud of Nila and look forward to seeing her excel in her career.”

Mr. Bharath Seeman, Founder of RACE and CEO of Veranda IAS, also congratulated Nila, stating, “Success stories like Nila’s inspire countless other aspirants to aim higher and stay focused on their goals. At Veranda RACE, we believe that the right training, coupled with perseverance, can open doors to promising careers in government services. We remain steadfast in our mission to guide and support students on this journey.”

Veranda RACE continues to be a trusted name in competitive exam training, equipping thousands of students with expert guidance, structured coursework, and personalized mentoring to help them achieve success in government job examinations.

                                                    Dr. Shantling Nigudgi, Sr. Consultant Radiation/Clinical oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Kalaburagi

 Cancer, a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, is a leading cause of death worldwide. While cancer can affect anyone, some individuals are more susceptible to developing certain types of cancer due to their family health history. Knowing your family health history is crucial for cancer awareness, as it can help identify potential risks, facilitate early detection, and inform prevention strategies.

The Importance of Family Health History

A family health history is a record of the medical conditions and diseases that have affected your relatives, particularly parents, grandparents, siblings, and children. This history can provide valuable information about your inherited risk of developing certain cancers. For instance, if multiple relatives have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer, it may indicate a genetic predisposition to these diseases. Similarly, a family history of rare cancers, such as pancreatic or adrenal gland cancer, can also suggest a potential genetic link.

Genetic Mutations and Cancer Risk

Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Individuals who inherit these mutations are more likely to develop these cancers at a younger age and may also be at increased risk for other cancers, such as pancreatic and melanoma. Knowing your family health history can help you determine if you may be a candidate for genetic testing, which can identify these mutations and inform your cancer risk.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

In addition to genetic mutations, a family health history can also reveal environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to cancer risk. For example, if multiple relatives have been exposed to tobacco smoke or have a history of excessive sun exposure, it may increase the risk of developing lung or skin cancer. By understanding these environmental and lifestyle factors, individuals can take steps to mitigate their risk, such as quitting smoking or practicing sun safety.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Knowing your family health history can also facilitate early detection and diagnosis of cancer. If you have a strong family history of a particular cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend earlier and more frequent screening tests, such as mammograms or colonoscopies. This can help detect cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable and curable.

Informed Prevention Strategies

Furthermore, a family health history can inform prevention strategies and guide decision-making about cancer risk reduction. For instance, individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer may consider risk-reducing mastectomy or chemoprevention. Similarly, those with a family history of colorectal cancer may opt for earlier and more frequent colon cancer screening.

In conclusion, knowing your family health history is crucial for cancer awareness. By understanding your inherited risk, environmental and lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions, you can take proactive steps to mitigate your risk, facilitate early detection, and inform prevention strategies. As we continue to navigate the complexities of cancer, it is essential that we prioritize family health history as a vital tool in the fight against this disease. By doing so, we can empower individuals to take control of their health, make informed decisions, and reduce their risk of developing cancer.

19th March 2025, Delhi: The Centre for Public Insights by Youth Ki Awaaz in collaboration with Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), Synergy Sansthan, and Project Potential, has launched the Voices for Inclusion, Belonging, and Empowerment (VIBE) Report—the first national survey on youth active citizenship in India – supported by the Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. The report, based on 4,972 responses collected between June and August 2024, sheds light on how young Indians engage with civic life, their trust in institutions, and emerging forms of participation. The survey was conducted via online recruitment channels, including social media advertisements, email campaigns, and a WhatsApp chatbot. The methodology ensured a broad and representative sample across states, gender, and age groups, providing critical insights into youth civic participation trends in India.

The findings challenge the narrative that young people are disengaged from democracy. Instead, they reveal that while traditional political participation—such as joining political parties—remains low, youth are actively shaping public discourse, engaging in volunteerism, and driving change through digital activism and social entrepreneurship.

Anshul Tewari, Founder of Youth Ki Awaaz and Centre for Public Insights said, “For years, young people in India have been seen as a passive demographic—spoken about, but rarely heard. The VIBE Report challenges this narrative by presenting a first-of-its-kind, data-driven look at how India’s youth engage with society, governance, and identity. The findings reveal that young people are shifting away from traditional political structures and choosing issue-based, digital, and community-driven participation instead. At the same time, structural barriers—from mobility constraints to safety concerns—continue to shape who gets to engage and how. Through Youth Ki Awaaz and the Centre for Public Insights, we’ve long believed that young voices shape the national conversation. VIBE underscores this with data. ”

Rohit Kumar, Co-founder, YLAC said, “The VIBE report brings to light a fundamental shift in how young Indians perceive and practice citizenship. While many are moving away from traditional political participation, they are finding innovative ways to engage with social and political issues. The challenge now is to bridge the disconnect between youth aspirations and institutional support, ensuring that young voices are truly heard in decision-making spaces. We hope this report serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, civil society, and institutions to create spaces where young people are not just participants, but decision-makers in shaping India’s future.”

Nishant Singh, Senior Research Consultant at Youth Ki Awaaz and author of the Report said, “Active citizenship is about connection, participation, and the expectations young people have from society. Our report examines how they engage politically, socially, and economically, from advocacy and community work to ethical choices. But participation is not just a personal decision. It depends on whether institutions and communities make space for them. Young people are ready to take responsibility, but they also expect fairness, accountability, and belonging. The question is whether society will create meaningful opportunities for their engagement or leave them feeling unheard in a system that does not reflect their voices.”

Key findings of the VIBE Report:

• National identity remains strong: 81% of young Indians primarily identify as Indian, while 31% prioritize individual identity, signaling a shift toward individual autonomy;
• Digital activism and community engagement: 46% of youth actively participate in NGOs, advocacy groups, or citizen forums, and 27% engage in online activism through public forums;
• Declining trust in traditional politics: 29% avoid political engagement entirely, while 26% participate in political discussions without aligning with any party. Only 11% are formal members of political parties;
  While a significant number of youth participated in the 2024 General Elections, the inability to travel home to vote (43%) was the most cited reason for not voting, followed by a lack of trust in political parties (18%);
• A rising generation of social entrepreneurs: 49% of young Indians want to start a social enterprise, yet lack of funding (58%) and mentorship (39%) are major obstacles;
• Strong civic engagement despite challenges: 73% volunteer occasionally, with many engaging weekly in activities like clean-up drives, petitions, and fundraising for social causes;
• Significant engagement with media and public discourse: A significant majority of young people (60%) follow the news daily, and a substantial proportion (31% very often or daily, 34% occasionally) share their views on social media, indicating active participation in shaping public conversations.

Madhya Pradesh, 19 March 2025: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is driving a transformative initiative in Deori Majhgawan village, Kymore. ACC along with the Adani Foundation, has supported 13 women from the Shakti Peeth Self-Help Group (SHG) in establishing a rapid soil testing initiative, equipping farmers with on-the-spot chemical-free soil testing through the AgroNxt Bhu-Parikshak device.

Equipped with this advanced spectrometer-based soil testing device, the women SHG members visit any farmland, collect soil samples, and input them into it. The machine then tallies the soil components with its database across eight parameters and prints out the results instantaneously. This saves the farmers’ time and resources needed for visiting physical soil testing labs.

This initiative enables local farmers to make informed decisions regarding correctly matched manure and fertilisers to maintain optimum soil health, improve crop yields, and strengthen their livelihoods. What began as a community-led effort has evolved into a sustainable micro-enterprise, empowering women with economic independence while promoting organic and sustainable farming.

Competing against 12 SHGs across five states, Shakti Peeth SHG earned the prestigious Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav Puraskar Second Best SHG Award, along with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000. The group has reinvested the amount to expand their soil testing services, now covering eight critical parameters, ensuring more farmers benefit from scientific soil health management and improved agricultural sustainability.

Gandhinagar, March 19: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India’s first operational smart city and maiden International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), has been awarded the ISO 14001:2015 certification for its Environmental Management System (EMS). The certification, granted by Bureau Veritas, an internationally accredited body, underscores GIFT City’s commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental responsibility.

The ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognised benchmark for organisations that integrate environmentally responsible practices into their operations. This achievement highlights GIFT City’s structured approach to reducing its environmental footprint across planning, construction, operations, and maintenance. With this, GIFT City sets a precedent as a financial hub that prioritises sustainability while fostering business growth.

Mr. Tapan Ray, MD & Group CEO of GIFT City, said, “Achieving the ISO 14001 certification reflects GIFT City’s commitment to building a future-ready finance and technology hub with sustainability at its core. By embedding global environmental standards into our operations, we are not only ensuring compliance but also driving responsible growth that aligns with international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.”

As India’s first operational smart city, GIFT City has incorporated eco-friendly innovations such as the District Cooling System, Automated Waste Collection, and a Utility Tunnel—features that have set new standards for sustainable urban development in India. These innovations help GIFT City in balancing business expansion with environmental responsibility.

GIFT City has been gaining momentum as a preferred destination for global financial institutions, fintech firms, and multinational corporations. The ISO 14001 certification is expected to further enhance investor confidence, attract environmentally conscious businesses, and reinforce its reputation as a world-class financial hub.

With the Indian government increasingly pushing for green infrastructure and sustainable urban growth, GIFT City’s achievement reflects a broader trend of integrating ESG principles into India’s business ecosystem. The certification adds another layer of credibility to GIFT City’s efforts to position itself as a benchmark for sustainable financial hubs globally.