Leucine Rich Bio Earns ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation
New Delhi, February 19, 2025: Leucine Rich Bio, South Asia’s first Microbiome company and a leader in microbiome research and healthcare solutions is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certification. This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone, as Leucine Rich Bio becomes the first microbiome company in South Asia to receive this international certificate.
The company has already been certified with ISO 9001:2015, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards in quality management systems. The new ISO 17025:2017 accreditation further underscores Leucine Rich Bio’s dedication to excellence, particularly in the realm of instrument management, including proper and regular calibrations.
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the internationally recognized standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Over the years, Leucine Rich Bio has been at the forefront of microbiome innovation, with achievements such as the launch of the renowned BugSpeaks microbiome test and several awards, including the National Startup Award and Frost & Sullivan recognition for genomics and microbiome diagnostics.
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder and Director of Leucine Rich Bio, expressed his pride in the achievement. He stated, “This certification reflects our team’s hard work and dedication in ensuring that our solutions meet the highest global standards. At Leucine Rich Bio, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare, leveraging data analytics and research to improve health outcomes. This milestone strengthens our position as a trusted name in microbiome research and healthcare solutions.”
Leucine Rich Bio continues to lead the way in microbiome research, with a focus on innovation and excellence. The company remains dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes through their cutting-edge research and products. With the ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, Leucine Rich Bio is poised to further solidify its position as a leader in the microbiome industry, both in South Asia and globally.
Federation University Australia Acquires Employability.life
New Delhi, February 19, 2025: Federation University Australia today announced its expansion in India with the strategic acquisition of Employability.life, reaching 10 million students in higher education to make them work-ready.
Federation University, which dates back to 1870 when the School of Mines in Ballarat was established, has evolved into Victoria’s leading regional university, and established local and global partnerships, and produced over 123,000 graduates. The university is ranked #175 in the Times Higher Education World’s Young Universities. It is ranked #1 in Victoria and #2 in Australia for full-time postgraduate employment.
New Delhi headquartered Employability.life, a workplace readiness company, has partnerships with several colleges and universities across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab.
Federation University and Employability.life are set to expand their presence across many more key Indian cities and universities. Federation University reinforces its position as a leader in global education, offering Indian students unparalleled access to international learning experiences and career opportunities.
Through this acquisition, Employability.life will be integrated into Federation University’s ecosystem, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.
Employability.life, known for its work-simulated learning approach, will now operate under Federation University, expanding its reach and impact across India.
Commenting on the acquisition, Prof. Duncan Bentley, Vice Chancellor, Federation University Australia said: “Federation University Australia is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Employability.life as part of our mission to deliver a world-class education that combines academic excellence with practical, real-world experience. Federation University’s mission is to transform lives and enhancing communities, and the acquisition of Employability.life will help us deliver on that commitment on a global scale. It will also expand our presence in India where our expertise in supporting regional communities has helped us forge many valuable partnerships in education and research.”
Mr. Raja Dasgupta, CEO, Employability.life stated: “With Federation University acquiring Employability.life, we are targeting to reach ten million students in higher education and prepare them for the future of work. Federation University’s acquisition of Employability.life marks a pivotal step in transforming the Indian education landscape by bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
By integrating Employability.life’s XPMC framework in collaboration with Federation University’s academic approach, we are creating a revolutionary learning experience for learners in Indian institutions, he said.
“This initiative will equip students with future-ready skills, blending global best practices with localized industry needs. Our combined expertise will enable us to scale innovative, work-simulated learning models, ensuring graduates are not just academically proficient but also ready for the future of work. We are excited to drive this vision forward and shape the future of education in India,” Mr. Dasgupta said.
Recent initiatives have underscored the commitment to deepening educational ties between Australia and India. In October 2024, the second Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting in Sydney highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to education delivery and impactful research. Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, emphasized that education and skills are pivotal in building economic prosperity for both countries.
With Federation University’s acquisition of Employability.life, the organizations aim to reach ten million students in higher education to prepare them for the future of work.
CREDAI Hyderabad Releases Comprehensive Real Estate Report
Hyderabad 19th February 2025 : CREDAI Hyderabad, in collaboration with CRE Matrix, presents an in-depth zone-wise analysis of the city’s office and housing markets, highlighting key trends, demand patterns, and future growth potential. The Hyderabad Office Market Report – Q4 CY’24 and Hyderabad Housing Market Report – Q4 CY’24 unveil a comprehensive analysis of the city’s real estate landscape.
The hosing report unveils comprehensive trends for North West, North East, South West and South East of Hyderabad. Hyderabad North West emerged as the dominant market, contributing 64% of total sales value, with transactions amounting to ₹19,826 Cr. Additionally, Hyderabad South West continued to lead in pricing, recording the highest per square foot value at ₹11,277 in Q4 CY’24, showcasing strong demand for premium residential spaces.
These in-depth reports offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the office and residential markets, underscoring Hyderabad’s strong growth potential and resilience in a rapidly changing environment and investor confidence. With a surge in co-working demand, declining office vacancy rates, and strong housing sales momentum, the reports highlight key market trends shaping the city’s future.
Speaking about residential real estate trends Mr. V. Rajashekar Reddy, President, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “Hyderabad’s housing market reflects strong buyer confidence, with a 17% increase in average ticket size and a 14% improvement in inventory absorption. Premium housing demand remains high, with Hyderabad North West and South West emerging as key micro-markets. As the city continues its rapid development, CREDAI Hyderabad is committed to ensuring sustainable and transparent growth in the real estate sector.”
Adding about Commercial real estate Mr. Reddy said “Hyderabad’s commercial real estate market remains on a strong growth trajectory, with 2.2x increase in large office transactions, a 26% surge in co-working demand, and a 1.5% reduction in Grade A/A+ vacancy rates. Moreover, the strong 1.1x demand-to-supply ratio further reinforces the positive market sentiment. These indicators showcase the city’s strength as a thriving business hub. With a business-friendly ecosystem, proactive governance and strong occupier confidence, Hyderabad continues to attract large-scale investments, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global enterprises.”
N. Jaideep Reddy, President-elect, CREDAI Hyderabad, said Residential: “Hyderabad continues to establish itself as a leading real estate hub, with strong demand for premium housing and sustained growth across key markets. The city’s expanding infrastructure and employment opportunities further enhance its appeal, making it a preferred destination for homebuyers and investors. Moreover, Hyderabad’s office market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by strong occupier confidence and increasing demand across key business districts. The city’s strategic development and investor-friendly policies are shaping it into a thriving corporate destination, ensuring long-term momentum in commercial real estate.”
Jagannath Rao Bandari, General Secretary, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “Hyderabad’s real estate market continues to attract strong investor and homebuyer interest. With 16,644 units sold in Q4 CY’24 and the new launches at 11,081 units, the sector remains vibrant and adaptive to evolving market needs. The continued demand for high-quality residential spaces, combined with strong infrastructure growth, is shaping the city’s dynamic housing landscape.”
Adding about Commercial Real Estate Mr. Rao said: “Hyderabad’s commercial real estate sector is undergoing rapid expansion, with total Grade A office stock reaching 151.1 million sqft and 82.9 million sqft under construction. The city’s strong leasing momentum, supported by increasing demand for office spaces, reinforces its attractiveness for global enterprises. Sustained economic activity and infrastructure enhancements will continue to drive commercial real estate growth, solidifying Hyderabad as a powerhouse for business and investment.”
Coorg Policeman Treated for Flesh-Eating Infection at Fortis Bengaluru
Bangalore, 19 February 2025: Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, has successfully treated a 50-year-old police officer from Coorg, who was diagnosed with a severe diabetic foot infection complicated by necrotizing fasciitis (a rare and dangerous condition caused by flesh-eating bacteria). The patient, who had a history of heart issues and had undergone multiple cardiac procedure within the past month, benefited from an advanced surgical technique and specialized wound care. The patient’s limb was saved, and amputation was avoided because of the innovative procedure led by Dr. Santosh MP, Senior Consultant – General and Minimal Access Surgery at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, along with Dr. Ramraj V N, Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, and Dr. Yedin Chandra, Attending Consultant General Surgery, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru.
Patient Ravi (name changed) had been suffering from excruciating pain, fever, and swelling in his leg due to the diabetic foot infection. Despite undergoing multiple treatments, his condition deteriorated, and the infection spread to his joints and bones. Given his profession, which required him to retain full mobility, Ravi was determined to avoid amputation and sought treatment at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road.
Upon admission, Ravi was diagnosed with diabetic foot complicated by necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infection that rapidly damages soft tissue and can spread to bones. The infection’s swift progression posed a significant risk to both his life and limb. Dr. Santosh MP had recommended a comprehensive treatment plan that included surgeries to remove the dead tissue and use of antibiotic beads alongside IV antibiotics and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy—a new and innovative approach designed to promote faster healing while controlling the infection.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Santosh MP, Senior Consultant, General and minimal access surgery, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said, “This case was extremely challenging due to the extent the infection had spread, had already reached the joints and bones. We opted for a combination of antibiotic therapy and vacuum-assisted closure, which is an innovative technique for managing such severe infections. This approach allowed us to treat the infection effectively, minimize the need for further surgeries, and ultimately avoid amputation.”
Over the course of a month, Ravi underwent three surgeries, each aimed at addressing the infection, removing necrotic tissue, and promoting recovery. Following his final surgery, Ravi’s condition stabilised, and he was discharged in stable condition.
Mr. Chandrasekar R, Facility director, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, added, “At Fortis Hospital, we are committed to providing advanced, personalized care for even the most complex cases. The successful treatment of this severe diabetic foot infection through innovative techniques such as vacuum-assisted closure and antibiotic bead therapy highlights our ability to manage life-threatening conditions with the latest medical advancements. This case is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication to delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
LIC Housing Finance Putting the Neighbour Back in Neighbourhoods
Mumbai, 19th Feb 2025: LIC Housing Finance Limited, India’s premier housing finance Company, has unveiled a new brand campaign. This latest campaign goes beyond the Company’s business of financing, focusing on an emotional premise relevant to all city-dwellers.
As our lives have become busier, our connection with a very important part of our lives has become weaker – our neighbours, those who stay closer to us. From a time when neighbours used to leave their doors open for each other, and children considered every home as good as their own, we are now reaching a stage where most people don’t even know who lives next door.
The name on the neighbour’s door has become only that – a name on the door.
Through this 5-video campaign supported by static media, LIC Housing Finance urges Indians to reconnect with their neighbours, to bond with them, to be there for them, to act like good neighbours do. The campaign line that summarises this thought is ‘Achche padosi milte nahin, bante hai’. You don’t just find good neighbours, you become good neighbours.
Mr Tribhuwan Adhikari, MD & CEO of LIC Housing Finance Limited, said of the campaign, “Our brand name exudes trust and relates with easy, affordable home finance solutions for India’s middle class. Through this campaign, we wanted to reinforce a core value that has always been a part of the Indian mind-set – that our neighbours are like our extended family. In these fast-changing times, holding on to that value is more important than ever.”
This thought will be expressed in 9 Indian languages, and broadcast across channels and digital media to reach homeowners across the length and breadth of the country.
The campaign, conceptualised and produced by De Works Communications Pvt. Ltd., a Mumbai-based agency, is directed by Nitin Mali and features some well-known actors, including Hiten Tejwani and Hetal Puniwala.
UST Named Top Employer by TEI for Global Workplace Excellence
Mumbai, 19th February, 2025: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been awarded the Top Employers Institute’s (TEI) prestigious Enterprise Certification in the large enterprise category in addition to receiving 2025 Regional Certification (Blue Seal) for North America and APAC as well as being recognized with TEI’s Red Seal in a total of 10 countries. UST has been re-certified as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and Spain.
The TEI Enterprise Certification is a testament to UST’s continuous efforts to invest in its employees, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. This certification is only issued to organizations with 10 or more red seals, provided that the number of employees in the participating countries collectively represents more than ninety-five percent of the company’s total number of employees. With these prestigious certifications, UST ranks among a distinguished group of prominent global companies who have achieved excellence in employee conditions, people policies, and programs.
These recent awards from TEI underscore UST’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment at all its offices worldwide. UST has been repeatedly certified as a TEI top employer, also winning recognition in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Certification as a Top Employer showcases UST’s dedication to a better world of work, demonstrated through excellent HR policies and people practices. The Top Employers Institute program certifies organizations based on the participation in and results of their HR Best Practices Survey, which covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.
“Employee engagement is central to our identity at UST, and we remain committed to doing all we can to foster an open workplace culture that accelerates personal and career growth. TEI’s rigorous criteria help us to stay focused on meeting the emerging needs of our employees as we create boundless impact and transform lives through digital transformation,” said Colleen Doherty, Chief People Officer, UST.
“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge. This year, the Top Employers Certification Program highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and wellbeing, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025,” said David Plink, Chief Executive Officer, Top Employers Institute.
Sorrento at Shangri-La Eros Delhi Presents Truffle & Caviar
(New Delhi, February 2025): Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents Truffle & Caviar, an exclusive dining experience at the Italian restaurant, Sorrento, from 17 to 23 February 2025. This limited-time menu serves the world’s most coveted delicacies, truffles and caviar, offering an exceptional culinary experience available à la carte for lunch and dinner.
Sorrento, renowned for its authentic Italian flavours and certified with the Golden Q from Ospitalità Italiana, provides the perfect setting for this extraordinary affair. Guests can look forward to a meticulously crafted selection of dishes that bring out the depth and elegance of these prized ingredients.
The menu commences with an exquisite caviar platter featuring premium Beluga, and Oscietra caviar, served with melba toast and blini pancake. The pan-seared scallops, paired with a truffle polenta cloud and salmon caviar, deliver a delicate balance of flavours and textures.
For pasta lovers, the basil-laminated single egg yolk raviolo, filled with spinach and ricotta, and crowned with fresh truffle and Oscietra caviar, is a star. The truffle and lobster tagliolini, coated in a rich Parmesan sauce with winter black truffle, embodies indulgence in every bite.
The experience continues with signature mains, including the sweet butter-poached Canadian lobster tail, complemented by lobster bisque and truffle hollandaise. The truffle chicken with smoked celeriac, enhanced by a potato tart and Oscietra caviar, presents a rich and refined taste. Vegetarian diners can appreciate the Peruvian white asparagus, elegantly finished with truffle snow and citrus-infused sauces.
Research Alternative Data Goes Mainstream for Hedge Funds and Investors
19th February 2025: Hedge funds and other active Investment managers plan to further increase their use of alternative data for research and insights with geolocation and consumer spending data expected to see the biggest growth in demand, new research from leading alternative data platform Exabel and BattleFin shows.
The global study with hedge funds and other active investment managers and analysts working for fund management firms with total assets under management of $820 billion, found 86% expect to increase their use of alternative datasets over the next two years. All categories of data will see growing demand with 51% expecting dramatic increases in usage for geolocation data over the next three years and 50% dramatic increases in use of consumer spending data.
Exabel’s research report Alternative Data Buy-side Insights & Trends 2025 found all the managers and analysts questioned in the US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong currently use alternative data in some form. Almost all (98%) agree that traditional data and official figures are becoming too slow in reflecting changes in economic activity.
Consumer spending datasets are seen as the most likely to provide an outsized informational edge in the near future, the study found. Around 75% questioned chose consumer spending data compared with 50% choosing Natural Language Processing (NLP) and sentiment while 45% selected social listening and 43% chose employment and people moves data. Just 7% selected satellite data.
The study found investment managers and analysts have built up experience using alternative data with 61% questioned saying they began using it three to five years ago, while nearly one in ten (9%) did so more than five years ago. Around 28% started using it a year to three years ago. Their experience of using it has been generally positive with 87% saying the process of using alternative data is good or excellent.
Andreas Aglen, President of Exabel said: “Institutional investors have embraced alternative data as a key source of differentiated insight and the demand for alternative data as a crucial component of alpha generation for institutional investors continues to accelerate.
“It is even more clear now that alternative data has gone mainstream, serving as a vital source of insights to investment managers around the world.”
FinX Teams Up with KBP College for B.Com in Capital Markets
19th February 2025, Mumbai: FinX has signed an MoU with KBP Modern College (Mumbai University, NAAC A++) to introduce a B.Com programme in Capital Markets, marking a significant step towards bridging the BFSI talent gap. With over 50% of graduates deemed unemployable due to a lack of practical exposure (India Skills Report), the industry is in urgent need of job-ready professionals. Through this collaboration, FinX is bringing real-world training, expert mentorship, and industry exposure into mainstream education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in investment banking, wealth management, and financial markets.
Speaking about the initiative, Himanshu Vyapak, CEO of FinX, highlighted the need for industry-aligned education. “The BFSI sector needs professionals who can hit the ground running. Traditional courses tend to focus heavily on theory, but what the industry truly requires is hands-on learning, market simulations, and direct interaction with financial experts. This MoU is a step towards ensuring that students graduate with the practical skills and industry experience needed to thrive.”
The programme has been designed with employability at its core, blending technical knowledge with real-world applications, including market simulations, industry-led mentorship, and internship opportunities.
By integrating financial education with practical experience, FinX and KBP Modern College are not only strengthening India’s capital markets but also shaping a highly skilled workforce to support the country’s fast-growing £10 trillion economy.
Infinity Learn & Sri Chaitanya Celebrate JEE Main 2025 Top Achievers
India, 19 February 2025: Infinity Learn – India’s only hybrid learning platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale, continues its streak of excellence with an outstanding performance in the JEE Main 2025 Session 1 examination. Following the launch of 50+ offline Test Prep Centres across India under the Sri Chaitanya Academy brand in 2025, learners from Infinity Learn have delivered exceptional performances, reinforcing the hybrid learning platform’s commitment to high-quality, outcome-driven education. Notably, the platform takes pride in having Uttar Pradesh’s Girl Topper, Ananya Tripathi, who scored 99.94 percentile. Gyan Prakash secured an impressive 99.97 percentile, emerging as the Patna Topper. Additionally, the topper from the online platform, Prachit Umesh G, achieved a 99.94 percentile, while the platform’s Lucknow Topper, Pragyam Srivastav, secured a 99.90 percentile.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the results on 11th February, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Infinity Learn’s learners. This year, 60+ learners scored 99+ percentile, while 90+ learners crossed the 95+ percentile mark, and an impressive 100+ learners secured 90+ percentile. These results underscore Infinity Learn’s guided test preparation, data-driven insights, and hyper-personalized mentorship, equipping learners with the tools to excel in highly competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
Congratulating the toppers, Ms. Sushma Boppana, CEO and Director of Sri Chaitanya Group and Co-founder of Infinity Learn, said, “We are incredibly proud of our learners’ outstanding performance in JEE Main 2025 Session 1. Their success is a testament to Infinity Learn’s commitment to delivering high-quality, outcome-driven education. This achievement highlights not only their dedication and perseverance but also the effectiveness of our pedagogy, personalized mentorship, and world class study materials. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to equipping learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in JEE Main Session 2 and JEE Advanced—helping them secure seats in India’s top-tier engineering colleges.”
Commenting on the toppers, Mr. Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, said, ” I am proud of the exceptional achievements of our learners in JEE Main 2025 Session 1. This success is a powerful reflection of the impact of our hybrid learning platform and, more importantly, to the effectiveness of online teaching enhanced by AI tools. At Infinity Learn, we are committed to ensuring ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’, focusing on real learning with customized attention and support so that learners can reach their highest potential from the comfort of their hometowns. Moments like these make me immensely proud of the work we do at Infinity Learn and inspire us to continue nurturing learners to become toppers in competitive exams.”
“We are elated by the outstanding results of our learners from Patna and Varanasi in JEE Main 2025 Session 1, particularly Ananya Tripathi – Uttar Pradesh’s Girl Topper, whose achievement underscores our commitment to girls’ education. Gyan Prakash – Patna Topper, has also made us immensely proud. This achievement made possible through Sri Chaitanya Academy – our Test Prep Centre, demonstrates our dedication to providing quality education in Tier 2 cities,” he added.
The impressive results highlight Infinity Learn’s commitment to delivering exceptional education at affordable rates, making it accessible to a diverse group of learners, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This hybrid learning platform, driven by a strong vision to foster a culture of academic excellence, integrates AI-driven, hyper-personalized learning with traditional pedagogy. With a focus on learner success, Infinity Learn is working relentlessly to achieve its dream of becoming the leader in Tier 1 college admissions for engineering and medical programs in India.