Sheel Verma on His Role in ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’
Actor Sheel Verma is stepping into the spotlight with his highly anticipated Shemaroo Umang’s upcoming show, ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’. With its gripping promos teasing drama, suspense, and unexpected twists, the show has already created a buzz.
Sheel couldn’t contain his excitement as he shared his thoughts about his debut. “This role is incredibly special to me. What makes it even more exciting is how unpredictable my character is, you never know what’s coming next! That’s the beauty of this show—it keeps you guessing,” he said with a smile.
Having previously worked in web series and movies, Sheel explained why he chose this show for his TV debut. “The storyline is so unique and interesting. It’s not your typical family drama; it has depth, twists, and surprises that will keep the audience hooked. My character has a very important part to play in the bigger story.”
Sheel also hinted at the excitement viewers can expect. “This show is packed with twists and turns. Every episode brings something new, and I promise it’s going to be an exciting ride. Playing this role has been an amazing experience, and I can’t wait for the audience to join me on this journey,” he added.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Rajasthan, Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain is a tale of family, tradition, and power struggles. At its core, it’s a story of sacrifice, resilience, and love, revolving around Chaina, a village girl whose life changes dramatically when she enters a grand haveli.
upGrad Partners with Maharashtra Govt to Build AI Excellence Centers
Mumbai, India – January 24, 2025: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and forever learning majors, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra in the presence of Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ronnie Screwvala at Davos, yesterday. The initiative aims to create a world-class AI talent base for global jobs and drive employment opportunities across the State.
With an initial outlay of INR 2,150 crore, the initiative will build upGrad Institute of AI Excellence Centers across Maharashtra to equip over 1 Mn students in AI and emerging technologies. The move comes under the leadership of Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to amplify Maharashtra’s contribution towards the nation’s progress of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2030.
a) The upGrad-supported ATLAS SkillTech University to create futuristic bespoke hybrid programs in emerging arenas of Design, Digital Transformation, Technology, AI and Gaming, under the prestigious Maharashtra State University of Eminence initiative
b) Establish an Urban University and Campus Hubs in partnership with 3 renowned Global Universities – as part of Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s visionary ‘Educity’ initiative. This transformative project aims to deliver world-class, globally benchmarked education, positioning Maharashtra as a premier destination for top-quality higher education
c) The second pillar of this initiative will focus on empowering an additional 250,000 rural youth by addressing talent gaps in underserved areas. It will also include training professionals and fostering rural entrepreneurs in the not-for-profit sector, driving Maharashtra’s rural empowerment efforts and accelerating socio-economic upliftment across the state
With a balanced focus on rural and urban development, this partnership is set to establish Maharashtra as the strongest hub for global talent in advanced and emerging technologies.
Dr Indu Shahani, Founding Chancellor & President, ATLAS SkillTech University: “We are proud to partner with the Government of Maharashtra on this groundbreaking initiative to redefine the future of education. Guided by our mission to nurture not just job seekers but visionary job creators, we are steadfast in our commitment to nation-building. By empowering learners with cutting-edge, future-ready skills, we aim to bridge gaps and create transformative opportunities across urban and rural communities. This collaboration stands as a testament to our dedication to delivering world-class education and advancing Maharashtra’s position as a global epicentre for AI talent, innovation, and progress.”
Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder, upGrad & Swades Foundation: “It’s exciting to see the Government of Maharashtra taking concrete steps in enabling our talent with sharp resources they need to springboard on to the growth podium. There’s a very strong urban learning infrastructure that our State has, and taking it to rural, will only accelerate our commitment of producing the largest AI-ready talent for the world and for careers of tomorrow. ATLAS SkillTech University has been fronting the quality benchmarks in higher education across design, tech and entrepreneurship and the partnership will open doors to a wider segment to access that pedagogy and content.
India’s First Franchise Pickleball League Set to Debut
Mumbai, 24th January 2025: The World Pickleball League, India’s first franchise-based pickleball league, is set to kick off its inaugural season on 24th January at Mumbai’s iconic Brabourne Stadium in the Cricket Club of India. League co-founders Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar unveiled the coaches of all six franchises.
Each team will play a total of five ties in the group stage, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals. This gives fans the opportunity to witness a total of 90 matches during the entire duration of the league. The opening tie will be played between Mumbai Pickle Power and Pune United, followed by Bengaluru Jawans taking on Chennai Super Champs, making for an exciting opening day. The final will be played on 2nd February, ensuring non-stop thrilling pickleball action for fans over a period of 10 days.
Staying true to its promise of ‘sportainment’ for the fans, WPBL will showcase live performances from some of India’s finest artists. Additionally, fans who want to watch the matches live will be able to purchase tickets exclusively on the Swiggy Scenes platform. All matches will also be telecast on the Sony Sports Network (television) as well as the FanCode app (OTT).
Sam Basford, Coach- Mumbai Pickle Power Said, “Fans can expect high-level pickleball with a massive entertainment factor. The World Pickleball League will showcase incredible players from around the globe, including some exciting up-and-comers. We’re building a strong team in Mumbai Pickle Power and are eager to see their passion shine. This league is a game-changer for pickleball, elevating the sport globally and inspiring players to reach new heights.”
Joey Farias, Coach- Chennai Super Champs said, “The passion of the Indian people for this league is incredible. From the jersey launch in Chennai to the constant excitement, it’s clear this is going to be huge for pickleball globally. We have an amazing team, including our Indian star Sonu who’s been a revelation. We’re ready to bring the energy and connect with the fans. This league will be a game-changer for pickleball, potentially even paving the way for its inclusion in the Olympics.”
Rosti Sobek, Coach- Pune United said, “The WBPL provides a fantastic platform for players to showcase their talent and grow the sport globally. For India, with its huge population and passion for sports like badminton, pickleball has immense potential. The accessibility of the game makes it appealing to all ages, and we believe it will thrive here. We’re excited to lead the way with our team, especially William Sobek, who will be a key player for us.”
Coco Lococo, Coach- Dilli Dilwale said, “The World Pickleball League is a groundbreaking event for the sport. We’re honored to represent Delhi and bring heart, soul, and fun to the court. Our team has a diverse range of skills, and we’re excited to showcase them. This league will undoubtedly boost pickleball’s popularity in India, making it more accessible to everyone.”
Oliver Strecker, Coach- Bengaluru Jawans said, “The league has done a fantastic job, and we’re excited to put on a great show for the fans. We have an incredibly strong team with top players like Kat Stewart, Jack Foster, and Marcello Jardim. This league demonstrates the global growth of pickleball, showcasing its appeal to players of all levels. We’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting moment for the sport.”
Jonny Andrews, Coach- Hyderabad Superstars said, “Hyderabad Superstars will play with the city’s intensity – we’re here to work hard and get the job done. Look out for players like Max Freeman, Ross Whittaker, and Ava Cavataio. This league is a monumental step for international pickleball growth. After witnessing the sport’s rise in the US, I believe this is a pivotal moment that will significantly advance the game.”
Excited ahead of the official launch of the league, Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO, World Pickleball League, added, “As we unveil the World Pickleball League, we are introducing India to a new era of sports entertainment—one that blends fast-paced action with unparalleled fan engagement. Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a movement that’s uniting people across ages and backgrounds. Through this league, we aim to make pickleball not only India’s hottest new sporting spectacle but also a platform that inspires, excites, and brings communities together.”
Know The Teams:
Mumbai Pickle Power | Team Owners: Swiggy, Rishabh Pant
- Bengaluru Jawans | Team Owners: Priya Atlee and Atlee
- Chennai Super Champs | Team Owners: Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu
- Pune United | Team Owners: Sudhir and Sunanda Mehta from EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, Ajeenkya and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Bollywood superstars Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh
- Hyderabad Superstars | Team Owners: KLO Sports
- Dilli Dilwale | Team Owners: Ashok Amritraj, Founder of Hyde Park Entertainment, Ankiti Bose and Krishan Rattan, Founding Partners at Terra Invest and Sunil Gavaskar
Team-wise Squad:
Sr. No | Delhi Dillwale | Pune United | Mumbai Pickle Power | Bengaluru Jawans | Chennai Super Champs | Hyderabad Superstars |
1 | Alexa Schull | William Sobek | Brandon Lane | Jack Foster | Anna Clarice Patrimonio | Max Freeman |
2 | Isha Lakhani | Molly Knaggs | Glauka Carvahal Lane | Katerina Stewart | Etienne Blaszkewycz | Ava Cavataio |
3 | Eduardo Irizarry | Vanshik Kapadia | Mayur Patil | Vrushali Thakare | Sonu Vishwakarma | Kuldip Mahajan |
4 | Willy Chung | Brooke Revuelta | Sabrina Dominguez | Trang Hyunh McClain | Tanner Tomassi | Ross Whittaker |
5 | Lauren Mercado | Louis Laville | Mihae Kwon | Marcelo Jardim | Thaddea Lock | Madalina Grigoriu |
6 | Leander Lazaro | Molly O’Donoghue | Kim Eung Gwon | Alejandra Bobaria | Edward Perez | Karolina Owczarek |
7 | Kenta Miyoshi | Mateusz Matysik | Bartosz Karbownik | Felix Grunert | Tyra Calderwood | Ben Cawston |
8 | Aiko Yoshitomi | Rocio Cardo | Katie Morris | Mauro Garcia | Sarah Jane Lim | Ludovica Sciaky |
CJ Darcl Logistics Shares Union Budget Insights from Nikhil Agarwal
Quote by: Mr. Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd
“The upcoming Union Budget has the potential to boost India’s economic growth by addressing key areas focusing on the logistics infrastructure. To further strengthen the industrial base, we hope for implementation of imperative policies aimed at advancing the manufacturing, technology and logistics sectors.
CJ Darcl envisions this budget to be a turning point for the logistics sector. We believe that continued allocation in multimodal transport systems and the development of inland waterways are vital for establishing resilient and efficient supply chains. As sustainability takes center stage, we expect the implementation of advanced policies that endorse green technologies and promote the integration of electric vehicles within the commercial fleet, utilisation of alternative fuel sources & renewable energy infrastructures enhancements, and subsidies/incentives for adopting sustainable operational methodologies. These measures can accelerate India’s journey to become a global manufacturing hub.
Additionally, we expect the government to launch programs for workforce development driven via skill development programmes targeting developing industries and expanded training centers for logistics professionals. This budget is an opportunity to strengthen India’s reputation as a strong economy that balances growth with inclusion, innovation and sustainability.”
Honda Launches 2025 Activa: Scooter Bole Toh Activa
Mumbai, 24 January 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today launched the new OBD2B-compliant version of the Activa, taking India’s most loved scooter to the next level of technology, convenience, and sustainability. The updated Activa now comes equipped with a host of advanced features, designed to cater to the evolving needs of customers.
Introducing the New Activa, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Activa has always been at the forefront of redefining mobility for Indian customers. With its latest 2025 iteration, it continues to embody the perfect blend of innovation, convenience, and reliability that has made it India’s most loved scooter. The addition of the TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and the OBD2B-compliant engine demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and sustainability. We are confident that the new Activa will not only elevate the riding experience for our customers but also reinforce Honda’s leadership in the Indian scooter market.”
Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Activa is more than just a scooter, it is a trusted companion for crores of families across India and proudly stays true to its tagline ‘Scooter bole toh Activa’. The new 2025 Activa raises the bar with its smart features like a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity & navigation, idling stop system, and USB Type-C charging port, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of customers. As India’s favourite scooter, the Activa has always been synonymous with convenience and reliability. With the introduction of the OBD2B model, we are delighted to take a step further towards a cleaner future.”
New Activa: New Colours and Advanced Features
The updated Activa gets several mechanical updates, designed to meet the upcoming regulations, and elevate the riding experience of customers. At its heart is a 109.51cc, single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine that is now OBD2B compliant. It develops 5.88 kW of power at 8,000 RPM and 9.05 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 RPM. It is also equipped with Idling stop system to enhance fuel efficiency.
In terms of features, the Activa sports a new 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. It is compatible with Honda RoadSync app, enabling functions like navigation and call/message alerts, allowing riders to stay connected even while on the move. The Activa is now also equipped with a USB Type-C charging port, ensuring convenience for riders to charge their devices on the go.
The Activa retains its iconic silhouette and now gets alloy wheels even for the DLX variant apart from the top-spec H-Smart one, further enhancing its visual appeal. It will be offered in three variants, STD, DLX and H-Smart, with six colour options on sale. They are – Pearl Precious White, Decent Blue Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Mat Axis Gray Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue.
Union Budget 2025-26 Expectations: Arun Poddar, CEO, Choice International
By: Arun Poddar, Executive Director & CEO, Choice International
“In the upcoming Union Budget 2025, there is a strong opportunity to prioritize financial inclusion, which remains a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. Allocations toward initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana can help improve access to financial services, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Bridging the financial inclusion gap requires an emphasis on strengthening digital infrastructure, which holds immense potential to connect marginalized communities with essential financial tools. We also urge the government to prioritize financial literacy programs, ensuring individuals not only have access to financial services but also the knowledge to utilize them effectively.
Additionally, targeted financial support for small businesses and startups, especially in Tier 2 to Tier 6 cities, can foster economic self-reliance and unlock growth in regions that form the backbone of India’s small finance consumer base. Encouraging fintech collaboration and introducing tax incentives for digital financial services can accelerate these efforts, enabling a more inclusive and resilient economy.”
Appdome Launches AI-Native Threat Dynamics™ Platform
India, 24 January 2025– Appdome, the leader in protecting mobile businesses, today announced that a new AI-Native threat-management module called Threat Dynamics™ will be offered inside Appdome’s ThreatScope™ Mobile XDR. Threat Dynamics uses AI deep learning to continuously evaluate the likelihood of a successful exploit from more than 400+ attack vectors and calculate a Mobile Risk Index™ for each business and mobile application. This allows businesses to see how threats move across the production environment, empowering them to quickly prioritize and focus on the attack vectors with the highest potential impact and preempt these threats before they escalate. This also allows businesses to continuously benchmark and manage their business- and application-level risk against the baseline of Appdome’s growing monthly data stream of tens of billions of mobile fraud, scam, bot, and cyber threat events globally. These new capabilities add to ThreatScope Mobile XDR’s existing real-time threat intelligence, inspection, and rapid response capabilities.
“On top of lightning-fast incident response, mobile businesses want to benchmark their mobile defense posture against the industry and preempt mobile threats before they escalate,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “Mobile businesses don’t want to play ‘whack a mole’ with fraud, scams and cyber-attacks. They want AI-driven reconnaissance and benchmarking plus the rapid and automated response of XDR in one platform. They want to operationalize extended threat management across the full lifecycle of the mobile business.”
As mobile becomes the business, the landscape of fraud and cyber-attacks in the mobile economy has grown significantly. It now includes a wide range of adversaries, such as active hacker communities, criminal organizations, and AI-powered attacks. In this economy, attack vectors such as account takeover (ATO), on-device fraud (ODF), scams, identity theft, bot attacks, and more are proliferating quickly. Mobile businesses switched to Appdome to accelerate their defense time to market, eliminate work, gain automation through machine learning, and build any combination of Appdome’s 10,000+ dynamic defense plugins into mobile apps fast. With Appdome Threat Dynamics, mobile businesses can now leverage the biggest and most diverse data stream of mobile fraud and threat events in the digital economy to take a holistic and continuous approach to threat management. With Threat Dynamics, businesses leverage the power of AI to analyze and benchmark their active attack surface against the active attack surface in billions of Appdome-defended mobile apps. By analyzing this data from multiple perspectives, mobile businesses can see how cyber-attacks, fraud, and threats move across the mobile business and use Appdome’s Threat Dynamics to identify fraud and cyber-attack patterns early on, rank the potential impact of each attack prospectively, and preempt cyber-attacks, fraud, and threats before the attacks proliferate.
“Appdome already improves productivity for dev and cyber security teams, automating engineering work and reducing security review time,” said Eric Newcomer, CTO at Intellyx. “As more attacks target the mobile channel, it is more important than ever to combine fraud and other threat data from the mobile business under a single pane of glass. Appdome’s huge data set and AI-driven defense model give businesses the power to pre-empt fraud and deliver immediate responses to any such threats and attacks.”
Data Siloes and Basic High-Med-Low Severities Are Not Enough.
Mobile businesses need usable and relevant data about the attacks and threats impacting their Android & iOS applications, users, identities, and transactions. However, point products aimed at mobile app security, mobile fraud prevention, KYC checks, and mobile identity only provide one slice of data. These slices are often available in siloed implementations that isolate data to one app, customer, and attack vector only. The same products either can’t or don’t aggregate, analyze, or expose data from all installations, leverage adaptive learning models or apply AI to benchmark trends, virality, or future potential impact of attacks. The output from these systems is often limited to human-defined “true / false” or “high,” “medium,” and “low” severity designations, which fatigue users and lead to false positives and missed attacks.
“Assume you had a service that received all the fraud, bot, cyber-attack, and defense data in the mobile economy,” said Avi Yehuda, CTO of Appdome. “Inside this data set, you can use AI deep learning to continuously analyze, find patterns, and rank billions of threat events in real-time and start to use this data to provide predictive insights and benchmark comparisons that give businesses the power to manage threats as an ongoing part of the business.”
Appdome’s Threat Dynamics leverages AI and Appdome’s big-data footprint to continuously analyze and rank mobile threats, including fraud, malware, and bot trends in its global data set. Using this data, Threat Dynamics continuously calculates a Mobile Risk Index™ for each mobile business and app, providing a holistic, living, and dynamic context to the threat data sent to their ThreatScope instance. Threat Dynamics also shows how fraud, cyber-attacks, and other threats move across mobile apps, releases, installations, devices, users, and networks. With Threat Dynamics, mobile businesses can see which attacks are moving fastest, which mobile applications suffer the most, and which attacks are likely to have the biggest impact on the business. Trends such as Infection Rate, Attack Frequency, Attack Velocity, Cohort Placement, Variance, Projected Impact, and more are provided for each attack, application, release, device, OS, geographic source, and other dimensions.
“Mobile threat intelligence has traditionally looked at data in the rear-view mirror or worse, with blinders on,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer at Appdome. “Mobile businesses can’t wait to address the biggest attacks after the fact, waste time trying to manually evaluate threat data from multiple siloes or overreact to the wrong attack. The purpose of Threat Dynamics is to give businesses the power of AI deep learning to allow businesses to preempt attacks and manage and reduce their mobile risk as an active part of the business.”
Antica Ceramica Launches Persian Tiles Collection
Antica Ceramica, a leader in India’s tile manufacturing industry, has introduced the Persian Tiles Collection, a stunning new range inspired by the intricate patterns and artistry of Persian design. Known for their rich heritage and captivating beauty, Persian tiles—also referred to as Islamic Geometric Art—blend historical elegance with contemporary functionality, making them the perfect addition to any modern interior. This exquisite collection is now available at Antica Ceramica’s flagship store and leading retailers nationwide, offering homeowners and designers the opportunity to bring a piece of timeless art into their spaces.
Persian tiles are synonymous with intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and vibrant colors that have adorned palaces, mosques, and cultural landmarks for centuries. Rooted in a philosophy of balance and harmony, these designs evoke a sense of serenity while adding visual drama to any setting. The Persian Tiles Collection by Antica Ceramica honors this legacy, reimagining it for today’s interiors. By blending traditional patterns with contemporary finishes, these tiles provide a unique way to add elegance and character to homes and commercial spaces alike.
Persian tiles, renowned for their intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and vibrant colors, have graced palaces, mosques, and cultural landmarks for centuries, reflecting a philosophy of balance and harmony that evokes serenity while adding visual drama. Honoring this rich legacy, the Persian Tiles Collection by Antica Ceramica reimagines these timeless designs for modern interiors, seamlessly blending traditional artistry with contemporary finishes to infuse elegance and character into both residential and commercial spaces. Interior designers and architects have embraced the Persian Tiles Collection for its ability to transform spaces into works of art. The intricate patterns and rich textures allow for endless creative possibilities, from statement walls to elegant flooring.
“The Persian Tiles Collection combines the timeless beauty of Persian design with the durability and functionality required in modern interiors,” says Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica. “This collection is perfect for adding texture, pattern, and depth to any space, creating a blend of tradition and modernity that appeals to a wide audience.” The Persian Tiles Collection reflects Antica Ceramica’s commitment to creating products that align with the ethics of interior design. By integrating aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability, the collection caters to the needs of modern spaces while honoring the legacy of Persian artistry.
The tiles’ non-slip and UV-resistant features ensure safety and durability, making them an ethical and functional choice for designers focused on creating inclusive, user-friendly environments. The Persian Tiles Collection offers a wide array of patterns and imprints, providing endless opportunities to customize and elevate your interiors. Whether you’re creating a luxurious living room, a serene bathroom, or a vibrant kitchen, these tiles offer the perfect solution for adding timeless charm and sophistication.
Axis Bank Joins Marg ERP for Banking and Accounting Solutions
Chandigarh, January 24, 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, partners with Marg ERP, a prominent player in integrated business applications, to provide simplified business banking solutions to small and medium enterprise (SME) customers. The aim is to seamlessly bring accounting and banking solutions at one place, and ensure that customers don’t need to toggle between accounting and banking applications.
This collaboration empowers Axis Bank current account holders to connect their Business accounts directly with Marg ERP software, creating a unified platform for managing all banking transactions such as NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and more. Axis Bank current account holders can simply log in to Marg ERP, select the necessary bills, and process payments through their connected Axis Bank account.
With this connected banking solution, businesses can automate their banking processes, enhance fund-flow control with real time account balances, manage payments and reconciliation, and enjoy a wide range of features directly from their ERP system. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces accounting errors, as transactions are automatically fetched from the ERP. Real-time visibility of bank balances and transaction statuses on the accounting software enables swift decision-making.
With the key features of the Axis Bank-Marg ERP Integration, customers can:
- Simplify the work of reconciling payments into bank accounts with Auto-Bank Reconciliation
- Initiate real-time direct payments through Marg ERP software via different payment options like NEFT, RTGS,IMPS and Intra bank fund transfers
- Schedule recurring payments as per the business requirements
- Stay updated on the status of payments with integrated banking options
- View the bank statement; download and organize reports to make informed business decisions
- Automate Ledger Entry
On the partnership, Vivek Gupta, President & Head – Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank commented, “This Partnership with Marg ERP is a testament to Axis Bank’s unwavering commitment to serve our SME clients better by harnessing cutting-edge technology and delivering integrated, customer-centric solutions. With secure and seamless integration of banking functions with Marg ERP, we are making it simpler for our customers to manage their financial operations with high efficiency and agility, while making quick well-informed decisions on growth. This initiative is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to significantly improve the digital experience of our clients.”
Commenting on integration, CMD & Founder Thakur Anup Singh from Marg ERP said, “This tie-up with Axis Bank is a milestone for B2B businesses across the region as it provides them with advanced digital banking solutions that will streamline their business operations. The partnership is well aligned with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote digitalization and drive economic growth. This collaborative effort, focusing on a simple, integrated business and banking offering, is expected to bring positive outcomes for regionally headquartered MSMEs, from major centres to the more remote districts.”
Mahindra Holidays Earns IGBC ‘Platinum’ Rating for 14 Resorts
Chandigarh, 24 January 2025: Club Mahindra, the flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, was felicitated by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) at its flagship event Green Building Congress 2024 for achieving a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. Fourteen Club Mahindra resorts were awarded the prestigious Platinum Certification in 2024 alone by India’s Premier Certification Body for Greening of Projects, IGBC. This recognition has set a new benchmark for sustainable hospitality in India. It also underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
The IGBC Platinum Certification is one of the highest accolades in the green building sector, signifying excellence in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials. Club Mahindra’s 14 resorts have met the stringent criteria established by the IGBC, highlighting the brand’s dedication to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of its operations. These efforts ensure guests enjoy memorable experiences while contributing positively to the environment.
The Platinum-certified resorts are located in prominent destinations, including Netrang and Gir in Gujarat; Kumbhalgarh and Jaipur in Rajasthan; Madikeri and Virajpet in Karnataka; Ooty Derby Green in Tamil Nadu; Assonora in Goa; Munnar Lake View, Munnar Mount Serene, Thekkady, and Arookutty in Kerala; Hatgad in Nashik, Maharashtra; and Tungi—Lonavala, Maharashtra. This diverse representation highlights Club Mahindra’s dedication to promoting sustainability across its expansive footprint.
The IGBC Platinum Certification evaluates properties on stringent criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable construction. Each Club Mahindra Resort implemented measures that foster biodiversity and offer guests a rejuvenating experience that harmonizes with nature. The resorts have also ensured minimum wastage of water by installing sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, aerators, and dual flush tanks. Furthermore, comprehensive waste management systems have ensured efficient segregation, recycling, and reduction, across the resorts contributing to long-term environmental sustainability and green buildings growth story. The Company’s focus on sustainability has led Club Mahindra Madikeri Resort to achieve the coveted status of being India’s first Triple Net Zero certified resort.
In addition, the resorts emphasize site preservation through initiatives such as promoting local flora and fauna, green education, and eco-friendly amenities. Other measures include eco-friendly housekeeping, sustainable commuting options, fresh air ventilation, daylighting, organic food production, and active community engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability and guest well-being.
Speaking about the recognition, Mr. Julian Ayers, Chief Resorts Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive the IGBC Platinum Certification for our resorts. This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability, with 60% of our resorts already certified. We aim to achieve certifications for all our resorts within the next two years, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. By continually innovating and integrating eco-friendly initiatives, we ensure our guests enjoy exceptional holiday experiences while contributing to a healthier planet.”
Mahindra Holidays, India’s first hospitality company to join the global RE100 and EP100 campaigns, is committed to achieving its zero-energy goal. To support this objective, Club Mahindra has installed significant solar rooftop photovoltaic plants and solar carports in its parking areas of the resorts. In terms of water conservation, a large portion of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams redirected to a specially constructed pond and multiple rainwater harvesting pits. For waste management, the resort employs a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, effectively reducing both waste and LPG costs.
With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. These certifications align with Club Mahindra’s broader sustainability goals and reinforce its position as a leader in eco-friendly hospitality.