New Delhi, 11^th April 2025 – Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority in project management, has released its Pulse of the Profession® 2025 report, titled ‘Boosting Business Acumen’. The newly launched report is a comprehensive global study that underscores business acumen as the next great differentiator in project management. Building on previous editions focused on Power Skills (2023) and Ways of Working (2024), this report explores the strategic role of business acumen—an essential capability for driving successful projects and elevating project management careers.

The global study surveyed 2,841 project professionals, including 199 respondents from South Asia, and reveals that project managers with high business acumen will transform from tactical troubleshooters into strategic partners who drive organizational value. The report found that 66% of project professionals possess moderate business acumen, excelling in stakeholder management and team dynamics. The report found that 66% of project professionals demonstrate moderate business acumen—showing proficiency in a solid foundation of 4–6 core skills and applying 3–4 tactics to overcome project roadblocks, but not yet consistently connecting project execution to broader strategic goals.

As per the report, project professionals with high business acumen evolve into strategic partners to the organization by transitioning from reactive problem-solving to proactive anticipation, engaging stakeholders early, aligning with business priorities, and taking ownership beyond execution to drive strategic outcomes. Furthermore, they measure success beyond traditional scope, schedule, and budget, incorporating metrics like customer satisfaction, strategic alignment, and ESG impact to ensure both short-term delivery and long-term value creation.

Additionally, project professionals with high business acumen demonstrably outperform their peers in key project performance indicators, with 83% meeting business objectives compared to 78% of other respondents, achieving better budget adherence (73% vs. 68%) and schedule compliance (63% vs. 59%), and experiencing lower rates of project failure (8% vs. 11%).

Currently, only 18% of project professionals exhibit high business acumen, highlighting a critical need for individual and organizational investment, paving the way for continuous learning. Targeted training can unlock untapped potential, leading to more informed decisions and improved resource allocation. Developing this competency is essential to move beyond tactical problem-solving and drive superior project outcomes.

Amit Goyal, Regional Managing Director for South Asia at PMI, said, “As India embarks on an ambitious growth trajectory across diverse sectors, the need to master business acumen becomes paramount for project success. The Pulse of the Profession® 2025 Report underscores this, demonstrating that project management professionals with strong business understanding significantly enhance project outcomes. This aligns seamlessly with the government’s skilling initiatives, which aim to empower a workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern projects. By fostering business acumen within our project management talent pool, we can effectively drive India’s transformative growth agenda.”

The report provides practical guidance for project professionals and organizations looking to build their business acumen capabilities. The report states that organizations must invest in structured learning (coaching, mentoring, training) and prioritize business acumen in hiring and mentorship. While stakeholder management remains foundational, developing financial acumen and industry knowledge is crucial for innovation, risk management, and strategic alignment.

The PMI Pulse of the Profession® 2025 report urges project professionals to embrace diverse learning opportunities to become strategic partners, driving organizational growth in a disruptive global landscape. Improved business acumen enhances decision-making, performance measurement, and overall project success.

Faridabad: The Haryana Government’s ‘Cyclothon 2.0’ campaign—dedicated to make a drug-free state—arrived in Faridabad and received an enthusiastic reception at World Street by Omaxe. The event witnessed the presence of the Omaxe team, Faridabad Police, and a large gathering of local residents who warmly welcomed the cyclists.

The atmosphere was vibrant with cultural performances that added energy and excitement to the event. This inspiring journey, which began in Hisar, is passing through various districts across the state. On April 11, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini flagged off the next leg of the cyclothon from Faridabad to Gurugram. The campaign’s core mission is to encourage the youth to steer clear of drugs and embrace a healthier, more responsible way of life.

Mr. Mohit Goyal, Managing Director, Omaxe Limited, extended his congratulations to all the participating cyclists. “This campaign is truly commendable. It is imperative for the youth to stay drug-free, as they are the pillars of our nation’s future. Only a healthy and aware young generation can build a strong and prosperous India. At Omaxe, we have always supported causes that contribute to societal well-being, and we remain committed to the holistic development of both the state and the nation,” he said.

The event was graced by several dignitaries including Haryana Food Supply and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Rajesh Nagar, BJP Faridabad District President Mr. Pankaj Poojan Rampal, IG CID Mr. Pankaj Nain, IAS officers Mr. Vikram Singh (Deputy Commissioner), Mr. Sahil Gupta (Additional Deputy Commissioner), HCS officer Mrs. Shikha (SDM Faridabad), and DCP Traffic Mrs. Jasleen Kaur, along with Mr. Shravan Govil (Business Head, Omaxe Limited) and Mr. Rajneesh Pabbi (OSD, Omaxe Limited).

World Street by Omaxe has emerged as Faridabad’s premier retail and lifestyle destination. Known for its European-style architecture and vibrant ambiance, it offers a curated mix of cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Beyond commerce, it has become a hub for cultural and community engagement in the city.

Udaipur, April 11, 2025: Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Ltd reminisces 23 years of Hindustan Zinc’s acquisition. The company, world’s largest integrated zinc producer has witnessed a 4x growth since Vedanta’s acquisition in 2002.

Marking 23 years since its privatization, Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal shared the journey on social media, calling it the beginning of a new era for India’s resource independence and industrial strength. With a diverse portfolio of metals, including zinc, lead, and silver, Hindustan Zinc has consistently achieved over one million tonnes of metal production annually for the past three years, reflecting its steady rise to the top of global rankings.

“In 2002, the government made a bold move by privatizing Hindustan Zinc and gave us a chance. Within a year, without a single retrenchment, profits grew by 113%. Today, Hindustan Zinc is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer,” wrote Mr. Agarwal in a tweet that quickly gained traction across business and policy circles.

Hindustan Zinc’s journey began with bold reforms and a strong vision of value creation. It has been at the forefront in global zinc and silver production and stands as one of India’s most successful disinvestment stories since the Vedanta Group acquired a controlling stake in 2002. With over 75% of India’s primary zinc market share, the company continues to drive growth in the sector. In addition, it is also credited with driving a 15-fold increase in India’s silver production, thanks to the focused efforts of its engineers and experts.

Beyond industrial achievement, Hindustan Zinc’s presence in Rajasthan has powered widespread economic and social progress. “In Rajasthan, lakhs of livelihoods have been created, over 1000 allied industries have come up, and ₹1.7 lakh crore has been contributed collectively to the state and nation’s treasury. Along with economic and social progress, the environment has also improved, and today, Rajasthan, the Sunshine State, shines even brighter,” Mr. Agarwal shared.

Hindustan Zinc’s ascent to the top is powered by its fully integrated operations and the advanced use of advanced digital technology, have transformed metal production, resulting in significant gains in efficiency and output. As zinc and silver play an increasingly crucial role in emerging clean technologies, Hindustan Zinc continues to explore new applications to support the global energy transition. This milestone reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s role in ensuring a stable global supply of high-quality zinc for critical industries.

This Baisakhi, Vegas Mall, Dwarka’s premier shopping and entertainment destination, invites everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant colours and cultural spirit of Punjab with its spectacular Baisakhi Mela on 13th April 2025.

The mall is all set to turn into a hub of festivities with an exciting lineup of activities for all age groups. Visitors can enjoy the energetic beats and vibrant moves of “Bhangra War” – a thrilling Bhangra dance battle that promises to set the stage on fire. The celebration will also feature a live DJ and dhol, setting the perfect rhythm for a foot-tapping festive vibe throughout the day.

Adding a traditional touch to the festivities, the mall will host an engaging Turban Tying experience, allowing visitors to embrace the cultural essence of the festival in style.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President, Vegas Mall, said, “Baisakhi is a festival of togetherness and celebration, and through our Baisakhi Mela, we aim to bring people closer to the rich traditions of Punjab in an entertaining and engaging way.”

Join the celebrations at Vegas Mall, Dwarka, and make this Baisakhi an unforgettable experience filled with dance, music, culture, and joy!

Speaking about the event, Gaurav Agarwal, EVP & MD NTT DATA Business Solutions India, said, “Transformation NOW! 2025 India is a premier platform for shaping the future of digital enterprises. We are thrilled to host industry leaders, technology experts, and visionaries like Sonam Wangchuk, whose insights on sustainability and innovation inspired attendees. The event brought together thought leaders across industries to discuss the evolving technology landscape, from ERP modernization to AI and cloud adoption.”

National, 11^th April 2025: The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has launched an exciting new marketing campaign, ​​‘Find Your Story’, which stars globally renowned actor, businesswoman and UNICEF Global Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, actor, model and producer Jake Bongiovi. The film showcases the exciting adventures that travellers can enjoy in the city, even during a brief stopover.

Written and co-directed by Argentine Armando Bo – who won the 2015 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – the captivating brand film highlights the diverse and vibrant experiences that Dubai has to offer on a stopover, from its stunning desert landscapes and futuristic architecture to its world-class shopping and cultural heritage. Bo’s compatriate Felipe Gomez Aparicio also served as co-director on the film.

Brown, who currently stars in the Netflix film The Electric State and stars as Eleven in Netflix’s popular Stranger Things series, is joined for the first time on screen by her husband Bongiovi, and together they bring their real-life fun and relatable chemistry to Dubai’s new film. The campaign is initially launching in 21 international markets, across multiple platforms including TV, cinema, streaming, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, and social media. The campaign is initially launching in 21 international markets, and within the Indian market is being featured across multiple platforms including Facebook and Instagram.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), said: “Our diversified market strategy, built on bespoke and creative campaigns, has been pivotal in showcasing Dubai to the world, and we continue to leverage strong partnerships with stars from the world of entertainment to further enhance the city’s allure to international visitors. Having Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi as the leads of Dubai’s new ‘Find Your Story’ campaign not only resonates with a broad demographic, but also highlights Dubai’s inviting tourism offerings with something for everyone. They epitomise the ethos of exploration and we are confident that the film’s thrilling narrative will inspire travellers to turn their own Dubai stopover into an exciting stay.”

The Dubai ‘script’ 
Shot at various locations across Dubai, the short film’s narrative begins at Dubai International (DXB) where Brown and Bongiovi, with a few hours to spare before their next flight, discover a magical movie script which inspires an extraordinary journey via a ‘portal to their new story’.

As the plot unfolds, the ‘Dubai script’ leads them to the enchanting alleyways of the Al Seef district, the modern architecture of the Museum of the Future and Burj Khalifa, and the breathtaking dunes of the Al Qudra desert. As the suspense intensifies, the script guides them into a series of mysterious new adventures, leaving audiences captivated and eager to discover where their Dubai story will lead next. The film concludes with a cliffhanger building intrigue and curiosity around how Dubai continues to surprise travellers with new adventures, and invites visitors to continue the story.

During a break in filming, Brown spoke about how excited she was to collaborate with Dubai on the new campaign and praised the city’s multicultural society. She said: “Dubai is such a global city and it’s different to any place that I’ve ever been to. It really does feel like many different places all in one city.” After visiting Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, she added: “This is going to be one of my core memories. This is unbelievable. I’m looking at it, I’m working under it… it’s very cool.”

Bongiovi also spoke about how beautiful the desert landscapes were. He said: “We love Dubai and the desert is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Exploring the city was special and we have created many unforgettable memories during our time here.”

Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Bo said: “In this short film we knew that we were telling a story, but we were also showing the world how amazing Dubai is. The locations are perfect to showcase what the city has to offer.”

Diego Guijarro, director of photography, said: “It was really an amazing experience to shoot here – the landmarks, the landscapes. I knew it was something I always wanted to do, it was a place that I have never been before. It’s cool to see all the different ambiances that you can have in the same city.”

Dubai’s new campaign is designed to inspire travellers to follow in the footsteps of Brown and Bongiovi by creating their own unique stories and memories during a visit to the city. With global connectivity and a diverse range of things to see and do, the campaign reinforces Dubai’s reputation as the perfect destination for a stopover.

Part of DET’s wider marketing efforts to promote the city to new international audiences through campaigns and consumer advocacy, ‘Find Your Story’ is the latest brand film to feature stars from the world of entertainment. In 2024, tailored campaigns for specific market activations included ‘Dubai: A Whole New You’, featuring father-daughter Bollywood duo Saif and Sara Ali Khan, and ‘Dubai: Who’s Ready?’, starring Korean actors Park Shin-Hye and Park Hyung-Sik from the Netflix series, Doctor Slump. Other stars to feature in tourism campaigns for the city include Zac Efron and Jessica Alba in ‘Dubai: A Romance to Remember’, Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Dubai Presents’, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoe Saldana and Kate Hudson in ‘A Story Takes Flight’.

Dubai Find Your Story – Film Credits

Principal Cast

• Millie Bobby Brown as herself
• Jake Bongiovi as himself

Directed By

• Felipe Gomez Aparicio and Armando Bo

Produced By

• Armando Bo

Story And Screenplay By

• Armando Bo

EP Rebolucion By

• Ciro Cesar Silva
• Ezequiel Ortiz

EP About Entertainment By

• Mercedes Reincke
• Natacha Cervi
• Tomás Pérez Silva

Line Producer

• Chancho D’Ovidio

Director of Photography

• Diego Guijarro

Assistant Director

• Diego Morel
• Patrick Michel Farra

New Delhi: The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PES University, a renowned Higher Education Institution with a legacy of 50 years in delivering quality education. The collaboration will enable ASDC to assess PES University’s Advanced Skilling courses in the Automation and allied domains, ensuring alignment with industry standards and enhancing career opportunities for students.

The MoU was signed and exchanged on 13^th March between ASDC represented by Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO and PES University represented by Dr. J Surya Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, in the presence of Mr. F R Singhvi, President – ASDC and Joint MD, M/s Sansera Engineering Ltd. This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening industry-academia collaboration, ensuring that students acquire practical skills along with industry-recognized certifications in the skilling domain of their choice.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. F R Singhvi, President, ASDC, quoted, “The automotive and manufacturing industries are rapidly evolving with the integration of robotics and automation. Through this collaboration of ASDC with PES University, we aim to equip students with future-ready skills, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. ASDC’s assessment will ensure that students meet industry benchmarks, enhancing their employability in advanced manufacturing and automation sectors.”

PES University has been at the forefront of technical education, nurturing talent across multiple disciplines. With this initiative, the university reinforces its commitment to offering industry-aligned curricula, empowering students with the skills required in an increasingly automated world.

Dr. J Surya Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, PES University, said, “At PES University, we are committed to equipping students with cutting-edge skills that align with industry demands. This collaboration with ASDC reinforces our focus on practical through skilling initiatives, future-ready education with embedded curriculum in automation, robotics, smart manufacturing etc., ensuring our students adapting to evolving technological landscape.”

This partnership underscores ASDC’s dedication to enhancing skill-based education in the automotive sector and fostering a workforce that is ready for the challenges of Industry 4.0.

Prof. D Jawahar, Chancellor, PES University emphasised that “PESU is always on the forefront of creating relevant infrastructure that aligns industry and academia needs. The Skilling Centers on Campus and collaboration with ASDC will profile the students with a competitive edge, equipping them with hands-on expertise along with industry certifications opening the doors to new career opportunities”.

Federal Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Virat Sunil Diwanji as the National Head – Consumer Banking and a Senior Management Personnel of the Bank, effective April 10, 2025.

Virat-Sunil-Diwanji

Mr. Diwanji brings over 30 years of extensive experience in Consumer Banking to Federal Bank. Prior to joining Federal Bank, he served as Group President and Head of Consumer Bank at Kotak Mahindra Bank. His illustrious career also includes significant roles at Ford Credit and A F Fergusion & Co. Additionally, Mr. Diwanji serves on the Board of several companies as a Non-Executive Director/Independent Director. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Diwanji’s vast experience and proven track record in the banking sector is expected to bolster Federal Bank’s scale and growth ambitions into new markets – geographies and segments, and businesses.