MSME Mahotsav 2025 Highlights MSMEs as Key to Dollar 30 Trillion Viksit Bharat Vision
New Delhi, June 24th, 2025: The upcoming MSME Mahotsav 2025 will bring together key voices from industry, government, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to examine how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can navigate and benefit from digital transformation. Scheduled to be held at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, the event will explore the theme, “Powering MSMEs through Technology for Growth.”
With MSMEs contributing around 30% to India’s GDP and 50% to total exports, the sector plays a pivotal role in the national economy. It also provides employment to over 250 million people. As India aims to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, the development and digitization of the MSME sector remains a critical policy and industry priority.
Despite its potential, digitization continues to be a barrier for many MSMEs. NASSCOM data suggests that while tech-enabled MSMEs are increasing, 65% remain unaware of available digital tools, and over a third are hesitant to adopt new technologies. MSME Mahotsav 2025 will address these challenges through discussions on digital inclusion, access to technology, e-commerce, and financial innovation.
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon. Minister for MSMEs, Government of India, said, “India’s MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, fueling livelihoods, driving innovation. An initiative like the MSME Mahotsav is vital for recognizing and accelerating the growth of over 5.93 crore registered MSMEs[1]. This platform is a much-needed catalyst for connecting enterprises with opportunity and vision with action. I am delighted to be part of this initiative to handhold MSMEs to achieve greater heights and achieve our vision of Atmanirbhar, Viksit Bharat.”
Arvind Singh, Convener, MSME Mahotsav, said, “We are creating a conducive ecosystem where experienced industry leaders will support MSMEs scale up. Our flagship program- 10X in 7 years – will work with aspiring MSMEs to achieve 10 times growth in 7 years. scale up, create much needed jobs and contribute to achieving our shared national ambition of Viksit Bharat.”
The day-long event will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and thematic sessions on topics such as unlocking the $1 trillion potential of the MSME sector, scaling through e-commerce, and enabling growth through digital and financial tools. Participants will include policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, technology providers, industry professionals, and representatives from trade associations and academic institutions.
MSME Mahotsav 2025 is being organized by Quest Strategy Services, a division of Quest ontheFRONTIER, a consulting and training firm with a regional presence across Asia and the Middle East.
Bold Experience, OG Flavor, Zero Sugar: Thums Up XForce Thunders Loud and Proud
June 23, 2025: Thums Up XForce, the latest sensation from the house of India’s iconic billion-dollar homegrown brand, Thums Up, has disrupted the zero-sugar drinks category, bringing the most thunderous experience of consuming a zero-sugar beverage to the young consumers. With over 100,000 pre-bookings before its official release, Thums Up XForce created massive anticipation ahead of launch.
Even after 50 years since its launch, Thums Up continues to bring disruption into the category with innovative launches and marketing strategies. Thums Up XForce is made for those who live by their own rules, the true trailblazers with a G.O.A.T mentality, always striving to outdo themselves. With its unmatched, bold taste and iconic fizz, Thums Up XForce embodies the brand’s signature spirit of “All Thunder,” offering consumers the same Thums Up experience without any sugar or calories.
But XForce isn’t only about what’s inside the can. Sleek, modern, and instantly recognizable, its edgy, youthful design is a bold statement. The packaging captures the essence of Thums Up’s adventurous personality, positioning Thums Up XForce as “Thunder in a Can,” a powerful symbol of the classic Thums Up confidence. It clearly conveys that this is a drink for those who live life at full volume, never settle for less and are always leveling up
Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head – Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Our strategy with Thums Up XForce is all about responding to changing consumer behaviors, especially the rising demand from young adults for bold, authentic experiences without settling or compromise. By innovating within our homegrown brand, we’re extending Thums Up’s legacy and stepping confidently into the fast-growing zero-sugar category. This consumer-first mindset helps us lead the market with a product that truly connects, while meeting the evolving lifestyle preferences of today’s generation.”
Since debuting in March, it has quickly made its strong presence felt in India’s Diet and Light beverage category.
Channelplay is Redefining Volume Hiring with GenAI: A New Era for Entry-Level Job Seekers in India
India, 23rd June 2025: As India’s retail market surges toward $1.3 trillion, brands face a critical challenge, hiring quality frontline talent at scale. To address this, Channelplay which manages recruitment for market leaders including Apple, Microsoft, and Nykaa, has introduced an AI-driven solution that is reshaping the retail talent landscape.
In an economy where 10 million entry-level retail and sales positions need to be filled annually, Channelplay’s AI-powered system is processing over 25,000 applications monthly with 80% accuracy in candidate-job matching—numbers that were previously unimaginable in India’s fragmented hiring landscape.
“We’re not experimenting with AI, we’re operationalizing it,” said Sundeep Holani, Co- Founder and Co- CEO of Channelplay. “Our goal is simple: to make hiring faster, more accurate, and more candidate-friendly, at scale.”
Channelplay’s GenAI recruitment engine addresses critical bottlenecks across a five-step hiring flow: — from sourcing to screening to final selection.
Smart Job Prioritization: An AI-driven ranking model helps recruiters focus only on roles where the candidate pipeline needs attention, optimizing human effort and reducing wasted bandwidth.
Hyper-Relevant Candidate Matching: The system pairs candidates with opportunities based on their skill rating, salary expectations, and location preferences, resulting in 2.5x higher job application-to-selection ratios compared to traditional sourcing methods.
AI-Powered Screening: Dynamically generated screening questions enable recruiters to assess candidates in under two minutes, with AI determining job fit based on responses and historical data.
Intelligent Reassignment: Candidates not selected for one role are automatically matched to the next best-fit position, ensuring maximum placement efficiency while reducing third-party job portal costs.
Channelplay Jobs App: The company’s dedicated mobile application serves as the central hub where AI-curated job opportunities are presented to candidates based on their profiles. The app eliminates the traditional job search frustration by showing only highly relevant positions that match the applicant’s skills, location, and salary expectations.
“We’re not using AI to replace humans, but to amplify decision-making across the funnel,” adds Gaurav Arora as Senior Product Manager. “This is about building a recruitment system where the right person always finds the right job — faster, fairer, and smarter.”
With its foundational AI systems already in place, Channelplay is now focusing on the next phase of its evolution by building tools that further redefine the hiring experience. These include WhatsApp‑based AI voice screening bots, predictive demand models that help clients open the right roles at the right time, and AI‑driven upskilling recommendations tailored to candidates who weren’t selected, ensuring every interaction adds long‑term value to both talent and employers.
Channelplay aims to have 80% of its hiring workflow augmented by AI by the end of 2025, delivering unmatched speed and precision while preserving the human touch where it matters most.
Embassy Signs Joint Development Deal for 17.9 Acres in Whitefield
Embassy Developments Limited
Inks Joint Development Pact for ~17.9 Acres of Land in Whitefield, Bengaluru;
Boosts Existing Residential Pipeline with an Estimated GDV of ~₹1,600 Cr
Mumbai/Bengaluru – June 23, 2025: Embassy Developments Ltd. (‘EDL’), one of India’s leading real estate developers, today announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for ~17.9‑acres land parcel in Whitefield, Bengaluru. The planned development will comprise a premium residential community with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of ~₹1,600 Cr.
Nestled off Whitefield Main Road, the project will enjoy access to Whitefield’s robust social and physical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, banks, tech parks, and malls. Connectivity is set to improve further with the upcoming Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), and the recently launched Metro Purple Line.
The development will span ~1.6 msf of saleable area and feature ~1,000 thoughtfully designed apartments for young professionals, including 2, 2.5, and 3 BHK configurations. Launch is targeted for FY2027, aimed at catering to strong demand from IT and ITeS professionals in the region.
Aditya Virwani, Managing Director, Embassy Developments Limited., said, “Whitefield continues to be a strategic focus for us. As a predominantly end-user-driven micro-market, it has shown greater resilience supported by sustained demand from Bengaluru’s professional workforce and ongoing infrastructure growth. While we have a secured launch pipeline of 10 projects for FY2026 with an expected GDV of over ₹22,000 crore, this deal reinforces our commitment to building a robust future pipeline and we are actively exploring new opportunities across key markets.”
Japanese Bathing Essentials: 3 Must-Have Ingredients for World Bathing Day
World Bathing Day is the perfect moment to pause, unwind, and embrace the transformative power of a good bath. Drawing inspiration from Japanese bathing culture, renowned for its harmony between nature and self-care this ritual is more than cleansing; it’s a moment of deep nourishment. To bring that same serenity home, here are three luxurious ingredients to add to your bathing routine that combine Japanese influence with modern skincare science.
1. Hokkaido Milk : Japan’s Moisture Miracle
From the snowy fields of northern Japan, Hokkaido milk is a beloved skincare treasure known for its rich, creamy texture and intense hydration. It hydrates deeply with 1/3 skin moisturizers, providing deep hydration and ensuring the skin feels happy and well-moisturized. The rich lather gently cleanses while the mood-uplifting fragrance transforms your bath into a refreshing, feel-good ritual, perfect for a calming and indulgent experience.
ITC Fiama brand ambassador Sara Ali Khan said, “Great skin is not just about looking good, but feeling confident in your own skin. I always choose products that are gentle yet effective, and the Fiama Japanese Hokkaido Milk Bar with Blueberry has become a staple in my routine. It hydrates deeply with 1/3 skin moisturizers, providing deep hydration and ensuring my skin feels happy and moisturized. It also contains Vitamin F, which supports skin health, and a mood-uplifting fragrance, adding a refreshing sensory experience to my skincare routine.”
2. Berry Trio: Nature’s Antioxidant Super blend
Goji berry, acai berry, and blueberry three powerful berries packed with skin-loving antioxidants come together to create a rejuvenating bathing experience. Known for their ability to reduce dullness and restore skin vitality, this berry blend energizes tired skin and helps maintain a healthy glow.
- Goji Berry: Traditionally used in Asian wellness rituals, it helps firm and tone the skin.
- Acai Berry: Rich in omega fatty acids, it nourishes and improves skin texture.
- Blueberry: Bursting with vitamins A and C, it revives dull skin and promotes radiance.
3. Vitamin F: The Skin Barrier Guardian
Vitamin F is not classified as a conventional vitamin. Rather, it refers to a class of important fatty acids that your body is unable to create on its own, mainly linoleic acid (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3). These fatty acids are essential for strong, healthy skin. In Japanese-inspired bathing rituals, maintaining balance and protecting the skin is key, and Vitamin F delivers just that.
Stahl Launches Blacksmith Cast Iron Tawas for Modern Indian Kitchens
Hyderabad, 23 June 2025: Stahl, India’s fastest growing cookware brand, proudly introduces the Blacksmith Signature range of cast iron tawas, a collection designed for perfecting everyday staples. Thoughtfully designed for timeless yet modern Indian kitchens, this precision-engineered range comprises of dosa and roti tawas with each tawa designed to handle a variety of cooking styles with consistent performance.
The Blacksmith Signature collection is an extension of Stahl’s pioneering Blacksmith cast iron range, which introduced India’s first lightweight cast iron cookware line. The Blacksmith Signature collection bridges the gap between traditional cooking methods and the evolving needs of modern kitchens, enabling home cooks to prepare meals more efficiently, quickly, and with greater ease.
Precision matters in everyday cooking, and the Blacksmith Signature tawas are built to deliver just that. Crafted for home cooks who value precision and authenticity, this range marries traditional craftsmanship without compromising on modern demands. Each tawa is pre-seasoned with 100% natural corn oil, free from synthetic coatings or chemicals. With exceptional heat retention that ensures even cooking, naturally heat-resistant and ergonomic beechwood handles for durability and comfort, the Blacksmith Signature range delivers a seamless cooking experience from stovetop to table, while being fully compatible across gas, induction, and other cooktops.
The range features two roti tawas (26 cm and 28 cm) and two dosa tawas (28 cm and 30 cm), thoughtfully sized to suit a variety of cooking styles and preferences. With a clean, minimal aesthetic and a robust, performance-focused build, these tawas are crafted to withstand daily use while elevating the cooking experience. Be it for the perfectly crisp dosas, or the gloriously puffed phulkas, the Blacksmith Signature cast iron tawas are the hallmark of craftsmanship that shows how tradition can be perfected for today.
Speaking about the range, Mr. Dhruv Agarwal, Director & CEO, Stahl said, “At Stahl, we’ve always strived to combine traditional values with modern innovation, and the Blacksmith Signature range of tawas is a true reflection of that. Cast iron has been a trusted material in Indian kitchens, and with this collection, we’ve perfected it for today’s cooks: safe, natural, easy to use, and built to last. From its clean aesthetic to its uncompromising performance, every detail of the range is designed to support everyday cooking with ease and authenticity. We remain committed to developing high-quality cookware that not only meets functional needs but also connects deeply with the rituals of traditional homes.”
The Blacksmith Signature cast iron tawas are starting from INR 2,880 and are available in retail stores, on Stahl’s D2C website, and on the leading e-commerce marketplace Amazon.
At its heart, this collection is about more than just cookware; it is about helping home cooks uphold a quiet promise: that the food served at the table will always reflect care, effort, and a touch of pride. Stahl understands this deeply and reaffirms its commitment to those who believe that getting the little things right makes the difference.
Budding Chefs Blend Wellness and Cuisine in International Yoga Day Celebration at Regency College
A Journey of Wellness, Sustainability, and Self-Discovery
Hyderabad, 21st June 2025: Regency College of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management – the premier hospitality institutions in India, organized a deeply inspiring event on its campus today, to mark International Yoga Day at its college premises at Khairatabad. Over 100 final-year students and faculty participated enthusiastically under the guidance of Yogacharya Mr. Sivaprasad from Addlife’s Holistic Wellness Centre. The participants performed Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Bhujangasana, Balasana, Setu Bandhasana, Trikonasana, Paschimottanasana, Sukhasana, Shavasana. This year’s global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” aligned with Regency’s commitment to holistic education, embracing the harmony of mind, body, and planet.
Known not just for its academic excellence but also for nurturing the overall development of its students, Regency College continues to foster a culture that emphasizes mental clarity, physical vitality, and emotional resilience. In line with this ethos, the International Yoga Day celebration featured a 2 days sequence of activities which included students attending Yoga Day celebrations hosted by the Government of Telangana at the LB Stadium and International Yoga Day celebrations organised at the Regency College campus. Both the events left the participants rejuvenated and reflective.
The event began with a Yoga March, a symbolic awareness walks through the campus, reflecting unity, mindfulness, and collective responsibility on 21.06.25. Following the march, students and faculty joined hands in a Plantation Drive, reinforcing the connection between human health and a healthy planet. The act of planting saplings symbolized growth, renewal, and the deep-rooted belief that sustainable choices nurture both the self and the Earth.
The highlight of the event was the Yoga Asanas session, where over 100 final-year students and faculty participated enthusiastically. Guided by Yogacharya Mr. Sivaprasad Yoga Guru from Addlife’s Holistic Wellness Centre, the session introduced participants to postures that enhance flexibility, focus, and calmness. His gentle yet powerful guidance created a space for reflection, mindfulness, and renewed energy.
Principal Chef P. Ramesh Kumar Reddy addressing the gathering with pride and encouragement, stated, “Yoga is not merely a routine; it’s a philosophy of living. Through meaningful events like this, we don’t just prepare students for careers, we prepare them for life. At Regency, we believe in nurturing professionals who lead with awareness, strength, and compassion.”
Mr. Sivaprasad and Mr. Raju, Front Office Executive, delivered a thought-provoking session on holistic living. They shared invaluable insights on disciplined routines, conscious eating, and the transformative power of daily yoga. For students training in hospitality and wellness industries, these lessons resonated deeply, bridging personal well-being with professional excellence.
Students described the event as uplifting, both physically and emotionally. They shared that the yoga session helped them feel more cantered, mindful, and conscious of their health choices. The importance of nutritious food and balance struck a strong chord, especially among culinary arts students who strive to promote wellness through food.
The occasion was a culinary delight for the participants with Regency College thoughtfully curating a wholesome Ayurvedic Sattvic Breakfast. A total of 150 members, including students, faculty, and guests, were served a wide variety of nutritious, traditional dishes. The breakfast menu featured Kattu Pongal, Ragi Idli, Kanda Poha, Probiotic Curd Rice, Sprouted Moong Bean Salad, and accompaniments like fermented peanut chutney and Karivepaku (curry leaf) podi. To complement the meal, a refreshing range of natural beverages and sweets was offered, including Herbal Tea, Golden Haldi (turmeric) Milk, Cucumber Mint Detox Water, and more. This thoughtful breakfast wasn’t just about food—it was a warm reminder of how simple, traditional recipes can nourish both body and mind.
Hyderabad: A Rising Hub for Hospitality Education
With Hyderabad emerging as a top destination for hospitality aspirants from across India, Regency College stands as a beacon of quality, consistency, and innovation in education. The city’s thriving hospitality ecosystem and Regency’s strategic industry partnerships offer students unparalleled placement opportunities—both in India and abroad. The college’s track record of international placements, experiential learning, and real-world exposure sets it apart as a leader in culinary and hotel management education.
A Culture of Care and Consistency
This celebration of International Yoga Day is a testament to the culture Regency has cultivated over the years—one that blends academic excellence, industry-aligned training, and compassionate leadership.
Eventually, from yoga mats to classrooms, from saplings to future careers—Regency College continues to cultivate purpose-driven professionals equipped to thrive with mindfulness and integrity.
Say Goodbye to Back Pain with Nysh.in’s BluHeat Relief Patches
BluHeat Back Pain Relief Patches by Nysh.in
For those battling constant back pain, BluHeat Back Pain Relief Patches by Nysh.in are a game-changer. Forget messy ointments or bulky hot water bags – these ingenious patches provide consistent, natural heat for over four hours, activated by air for instant relief. They’re designed for an active lifestyle, adhering securely and remaining completely odorless and discreet. It’s effortless pain relief: peel, stick, and feel better in 5–10 minutes, then simply dispose!
This International Yoga Day, Come Home to Yourself at Swastik’s Transformational Yoga Retreat
20th June 2025 – In a world of constant motion, this yoga day, Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary echoes the call to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Nestled in the serene embrace of Pune’s Peacock Valley, Swastik announces a soul-nourishing 4-day yoga programme, From Asanas to Awareness – Yoga Comes Alive at Swastik. Honouring the International Yoga Day, this immersive experience from June 20 to 23, 2025, blends ancient yogic wisdom with modern practices to align body, mind, and spirit.
Led by expert yoga teachers and holistic therapists, the programme is thoughtfully designed to guide seekers through dedicated daily themes: Ground and Begin, Flow and Expand, Restore and Reflect. The four-day programme will include special sessions like Ariel Yoga, 108 Surya Namaskars, Yoga Nidra, and a talk on Yoga for Holistic Health. From Hatha Yoga, Aqua Yoga, and Breathwork to Resonance Therapy, Pranic Energisation, and Sonorium Meditations, each experience is designed to deepen seekers presence and elevate awareness.
At the core of the experience stands Dhyan Vihar-the calming dome and inner refuge of Swastik-where quiet meets purpose. Ringed by Nakshatra Van, a star-sign garden, it creates a vibrant, charged space for honest self-reflection and meshes body and mind with nature’s natural beat.
This one-of-a-kind yoga celebration is more than just a physical practice. It’s an invitation to soften, stretch, and surrender. To rise not just in posture but in presence. With a conscious blend of community, stillness, and connection, seekers will leave feeling balanced, replenished, and aligned with their inner rhythm.
Pristyn Care’s Triple Launch Catapults Network to Eight Hospitals, Marks Entry into South India
New Delhi, 20th June 2025 — With a vision to fix India’s fragmented patient journey, Pristyn Care is redefining what healthcare should feel like—personal, dignified, and seamless. Today, the company surges beyond its Delhi roots, unveiling three new hospitals in Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Kochi simultaneously.
This expansion lifts Pristyn Care’s hospital network to eight facilities—just four months after the launch of its first own hospital. The combined clinical estate now spans 200,000 sq ft and houses 400 beds, 20+ modular operating theatres, and more than 50 ICU bays, backed by 550+ doctors, nurses, and allied professionals.
Pristyn Care has already engineered a unified digital backbone—electronic medical records, real-time protocol alerts, seamless insurance rails, one-tap cashless approvals, express-discharge tooling, and 45-minute automated labs. Integration teams are now mapping each new hospital’s existing systems to this platform so that, over the coming months, they will evolve into fully fledged smart facilities where clinicians spend less time on logistics and more time at the bedside.
Dr Vaibhav Kapoor, Co-founder at Pristyn Care, said, “We’re not starting from scratch; the technology is built and live. Our next task is to weave it into every new hospital so patients experience shorter waits, clearer communication, and truly joined-up care.”
Dr Garima Sawhney, Co-founder Co-founder at Pristyn Care, “Whether in a Tier-I metro or a Tier-II city, patients can count on the same promise—minimally invasive treatments and a digitally integrated journey that prioritises healing.”
City-Specific Highlights:
Gurgaon: Strengthens neonatal and women’s health capabilities across NCR. With this launch, Pristyn Care now operates six hospitals across the NCR region.
Hyderabad: Introduces computer-navigated joint replacements and 24×7 trauma care
Kochi: Offers advanced emergency medicine and a riverside rehab wing, eliminating the need for Kerala-based patients to travel to metro cities
These three new hospitals together add approximately 90,000 sq ft of space
The company’s first Delhi hospital reached double-digit profitability within eight weeks, a feat rare in an industry where breakeven typically takes 12–24 months. Net Promoter Scores have climbed by 10 points, underscoring patient appreciation for Pristyn Care’s tech-enabled approach.
These milestones fuel a broader mission: bringing high-quality secondary care deeper into Tier-II and Tier-III towns. On the strength of early results, Pristyn Care remains on track to operate 50 hospitals by FY 2028, with the next wave headed to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.