Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta (Ex–IAS) joins NSE International Exchange as Chairman and Public Interest Director, effective on 19^th April 2025. The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has approved his appointment as Chairman & Public Interest Director (PID) on the Governing Board of NSE IX with effect from 1st April 2025.

Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta is an accomplished and highly experienced retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer (1982 Batch, UP Cadre). He retired as Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Department of Investment & Public Asset Management, Government of India) in 2018 and was re-appointed by the President of India as Central Information Commissioner of India; completed his tenure in 2023. 

As Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta has been the member of the core team of the Government for preparation of three Union Budgets (2016, 2017, and 2018). He has also been the Chairman of the National Task Force for Promotion of Digital & Cashless Economy from March 2016 until retirement.

As Secretary, DIPAM he was responsible for efficient management of Government investments in all Central Public Sector Enterprises & Private Companies, and in that role, he had extensive interaction with domestic and foreign investors for their access to Indian capital market, regulators (SEBI and RBI) for rationalizing the policies for listing of companies and divestment of equity though various market instruments, framework for mergers and consolidation, creation of equity and debt ETFs, functioning of stock markets etc.

The Board and the management of NSE IX welcomes Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta as the Chairman and Public Interest Director of NSE IX. His experience in Corporate Governance and Finance will be immensely beneficial for the future development of NSE IX and the GIFT City Ecosystem.

Mumbai, 23rd April 2025:  Shiprocket, India’s leading eCommerce enablement platform, has entered premium category shipping with its partnership with CriticaLog, a logistics firm that provides customized critical logistics solutions, including luxury goods shipment.  This partnership signals Shiprocket’s entry into the very niche category of gold and diamond jewellery shipping.

With extensive planning and execution, CriticaLog ensures zero pilferage, packaging, storage in strong rooms, and safe and secure transportation. CriticaLog’s expertise in handling time-sensitive and high-value shipments, combined with Shiprocket’s advanced logistics technology, will ensure a seamless shipping experience for jewellers.

This service is already live across 5000+ pincodes, and covers all major metros, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Multiple merchants selling diamond, gold and silver jewellery, gold and silver coins as well as other high-value items, are already using this service.

Easing logistics for small jewellers

The country’s gold and diamond trade contributes to over 7 % of GDP, with over 3 lakh players. The explosion in the B2C space will increase this number exponentially through eCommerce. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the gems and jewellery sector are at the forefront of this growth, but require assistance for logistics and eCommerce.

Through this partnership, Shiprocket is set to make jewellery shipping easy for merchants while ensuring that each item is handled with care. Each package would be handled securely with CriticaLog’s expertise in handling high-value products. Shiprocket is offering pick up from 250 cities with 59 operational hubs across 40 cities and towns in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Chandigarh.

Shiprocket has already completed multiple orders in the month of March’25 on Shopnek.com. . The average value per shipment is Rs 90,000, further reinforcing the ability to ship high-value products securely. The service is currently being offered for prepaid shipments up to Rs 5 lakhs and with the cash on delivery option up to Rs 49,999.

Commenting on the partnership, Saahil Goel, MD & CEO, Shiprocket, said, “At Shiprocket, we’re focused on building the rails that help every merchant of Bharat, whether in a small town or a metro, and help them grow faster through eCommerce. Our partnership with CriticaLog is a step in that direction, especially for jewellers who need precision and trust in logistics. It levels the playing field and lets smaller sellers compete with the biggest names out there in the market.”

Shiprocket is a tech platform that empowers sellers with seamless high-speed delivery integration, advanced checkout solutions, and cutting-edge marketing tools. This partnership will enable merchants to ship their high-value orders through the same trusted Shiprocket network that is already relied upon by over 4 lakh merchants across the country.

India’s GCC ecosystem is growing rapidly, driven by factors such as a diverse talent pool, high digital literacy, cost advantages, and the involvement of many industries including IT, AI/ML, and data engineering. As India becomes the preferred destination for GCCs, the market is expected to be worth $110 billion by 2030. This growth will lead to the creation of approximately 1.5 lakh jobs by 2026, with the GCC workforce projected to reach 3 million by 2030. A significant portion of these jobs, around 1 lakh, will be entry-level positions for freshers, contributing to economic growth.

Tier-two cities are playing an important role in expanding the Indian GCC sector. These cities offer a growing talent pool, affordable infrastructure, lower attrition rates, and cost savings. Initially focused on transactional services, GCCs now support key sectors such as engineering, cybersecurity, and customer experience for multinational companies. It is estimated that 30-40% of new GCC jobs will be created in these cities over the next three to four years.

The Indian job market is changing, with increasing demand for skills in AI, ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, UI/UX, and DevOps. This shift is also creating demand for specialized roles such as robotics engineers, prompt engineers, AI ethicists, XR developers, and ethical hackers, highlighting the innovation-driven nature of the GCC sector.

Beyond technology, industries like manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, travel, and hospitality are also contributing to India’s diverse employment growth. Women currently make up 40% of the GCC workforce in India, and this figure is expected to rise as inclusion efforts continue. While the overall gender ratio in the GCC workforce will remain stable, India is expected to see a 3-5% improvement in gender diversity, as companies prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

With the economy on an upward path and the GCC sector aligned with India’s self-reliance goals, significant investments are being made in upskilling programs. These programs focus on deep-tech skills, leadership development, niche expertise, and soft skills to prepare the workforce for global markets.

However, challenges remain, including salary expectations, digital skill gaps, cybersecurity risks, talent retention, and regulatory complexities. Addressing these issues will require proactive measures such as simplified SEZ policies, improved digital infrastructure, strong data protection laws, and streamlined tax frameworks.

Today, India stands as a GCC powerhouse. With continued focus on skill development and supportive policies, the country holds great promise for its workforce and businesses.

 is growing rapidly, driven by factors such as a diverse talent pool, high digital literacy, cost advantages, and the involvement of many industries including IT, AI/ML, and data engineering. As India becomes the preferred destination for GCCs, the market is expected to be worth $110 billion by 2030. This growth will lead to the creation of approximately 1.5 lakh jobs by 2026, with the GCC workforce projected to reach 3 million by 2030. A significant portion of these jobs, around 1 lakh, will be entry-level positions for freshers, contributing to economic growth.

Tier-two cities are playing an important role in expanding the Indian GCC sector. These cities offer a growing talent pool, affordable infrastructure, lower attrition rates, and cost savings. Initially focused on transactional services, GCCs now support key sectors such as engineering, cybersecurity, and customer experience for multinational companies. It is estimated that 30-40% of new GCC jobs will be created in these cities over the next three to four years.

The Indian job market is changing, with increasing demand for skills in AI, ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, UI/UX, and DevOps. This shift is also creating demand for specialized roles such as robotics engineers, prompt engineers, AI ethicists, XR developers, and ethical hackers, highlighting the innovation-driven nature of the GCC sector.

Beyond technology, industries like manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, travel, and hospitality are also contributing to India’s diverse employment growth. Women currently make up 40% of the GCC workforce in India, and this figure is expected to rise as inclusion efforts continue. While the overall gender ratio in the GCC workforce will remain stable, India is expected to see a 3-5% improvement in gender diversity, as companies prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

With the economy on an upward path and the GCC sector aligned with India’s self-reliance goals, significant investments are being made in upskilling programs. These programs focus on deep-tech skills, leadership development, niche expertise, and soft skills to prepare the workforce for global markets.

However, challenges remain, including salary expectations, digital skill gaps, cybersecurity risks, talent retention, and regulatory complexities. Addressing these issues will require proactive measures such as simplified SEZ policies, improved digital infrastructure, strong data protection laws, and streamlined tax frameworks.

Today, India stands as a GCC powerhouse. With continued focus on skill development and supportive policies, the country holds great promise for its workforce and businesses.

Mumbai, 23 April, 2025: Continuing the impressive growth momentum in the state of Maharashtra, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd (ROHL) inaugurated it’s 14th property in the state with the launch of Regenta Bharti Resort in the picturesque hill station of Mahabaleshwar. The property will be managed by Royal Orchid Hotels based on a management contract under the brand “Regenta” offering guests a seamless experience in the tranquil vibes of Mahabaleshwar.

 Set amidst 52 acres of land in southern Maharashtra, Regenta Bharti Resort is located a mere 1 hour drive from Pune, and set within the lush natural beauty of the Sahyadris. Guests can enjoy the lush strawberry farms, scenic rivers, majestic waterfalls, and towering peaks in close proximity of the resort.

 The property features a thoughtfully curated mix of accommodations catering to diverse guest preferences including Deluxe Rooms, Premium Rooms , Junior Suites, Suite Rooms and a spacious multi-bed rooms ideal for group travellers..

 The resort offers a vibrant mix of experiences including a water park, amusement park rides, and a dedicated kids’ play zone, making it a perfect retreat for families. For those seeking relaxation, the resort features a well-equipped fitness centre, spa, and a swimming pool set amidst scenic views.  Ideal for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), the property offers many recreational indoor and outdoor activities like chess, carrom, table tennis, and cricket, offering something for every guest. With banquet facilities and lush green lawns spanning over 40,000 sq. ft, the resort can host grand celebrations like weddings and family events against the stunning backdrop of the Sahyadri mountains. Ample parking for up to 200 cars with valet services, and a variety of dining options including an all-day restaurant ensure every event is as seamless as it is memorable. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures such as sky cycling, bungee jumping, UTV rides, ziplining, 360° human cycling, and giant wheel rides, all conducted under professional supervision to ensure both safety and excitement

 Speaking on the launch, CK Baljee, CMD of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “Mahabaleshwar is a popular weekend retreat for city dwellers for its comfortable proximity from Mumbai and Pune. A key highlight of the Regenta Bharti Resort is its wedding and MICE infrastructure, which will drive tourists from all over the country. The tranquil mountain landscape and cultural richness makes it a perfect to carve out a niche for experiential travel with our distinctive hospitality. We are excited to bring ROHL in this region along with Ravindra Bharti”

 Ravindra Bharti – MD and CEO of Bharti Group added, “We are delighted to partner with Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) to introduce a new hospitality experience in Mahabaleshwar. Our joint venture combines ROHL‘s signature blend of modern luxury and bespoke service, an essential factor for meeting evolving guest expectations.”