Virtusa Releases Sustainability Report for FY2023-24
Mumbai, India, 12 February 2025: Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital strategy, engineering, and IT services, has published its FY24 Sustainability Report, marking significant strides in its journey toward net-zero emissions and sustainable growth. The report showcases Virtusa’s alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero standard, detailing its advancements in decarbonization, renewable energy adoption, and responsible resource management. Virtusa was one of the first 100 software and services companies to have targets validated by SBTi.
With a commitment to achieving Net-Zero by 2040 and sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2030, the company highlights its progress in reducing environmental impact while fostering workplace diversity and strengthening governance practices. Virtusa’s sustainability strategy reflects to address global challenges and drive transformative change, ensuring a resilient future for all stakeholders.
Achieving Sustainability Milestones: Water, Plastics, and Decarbonization
In line with the commitment to managing water as a shared resource, Virtusa joined the CEO Water Mandate, aligning operations with global water sustainability goals. By embedding these principles into its core strategy, the company enhances its water stewardship efforts and ensures better outcomes for clients, investors, and the planet. In 2024, Virtusa also formulated a plastics policy that sets out the commitment to reducing the use of plastics, especially single-use plastic. The plastics policy complements the existing waste policies. The company is also driving decarbonization in the value chain to meet its SBTi targets. In FY24, Virtusa partnered with a globally recognized sustainability assessment provider to identify supply chain risks and track suppliers’ contributions to its Scope 3 reduction targets. The company also enhanced its sustainability offerings, focusing on four areas: regulatory and compliance reporting, decarbonization, climate and nature risks, and sustainability interventions in products and services.
Enabling Thriving and Future-Adaptive Communities:
Virtusa’s diversity charter is dedicated to fostering inclusive and adaptive communities and supporting employees of all backgrounds. This includes mentorship and career development opportunities that may consider an individual’s unique life experiences. Additionally, work practices such as flexible work hours, work-from-home policies, paid parental leave, support for individuals returning from caregiving-related career breaks, and upskilling programs for those returning from leave, further support our employees.
The company’s people management strategy focuses on enhancing employee experience through diversity, inclusion, health, safety, and continuous learning. Platforms such as Virtusa Thrive Academy, Virtusa Evolve, Edge Mobility, and AI-powered Skill Compass enable upskilling and career growth, ensuring a future-ready workforce. In FY24, over 7,000 employees earned certifications across various fields, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and expertise.
Biodiversity commitments:
While biodiversity has little material impact on direct business operations, Virtusa has invested in multiple biodiversity restoration projects due to its crucial role in maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems. In FY2024, the company continued supporting the LIFE to Our Forests program in partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), restoring 10 hectares of degraded land in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Virtusa also partnered with BSL to restore 10 hectares in the Anavilundawa Ramsar Wetland Sanctuary through the LIFE to Our Mangroves initiative. Through the Solar Harmony Borewells initiative, the company installed 10 solar-powered borewells in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve to ensure a reliable water supply for the reserve’s wildlife and provide water for the local Chenchu tribal community.
These projects have received national and international recognition. LIFE to Our Forests was awarded the Preferred by Nature’s Ecosystem Restoration Standard and LIFE to Our Mangroves contributes to Sri Lanka’s goal of increasing mangrove cover by 50% by 2030, which has been selected as a 2024 World Restoration Flagship project by the UN. In addition, Virtusa won the Best Rural Development and Environmental Sustainability Project Award from the Nirmaan Organization for the Solar Harmony Borewells initiative.
Amit Bajoria, Executive Vice President and CFO, Virtusa, stated, “At Virtusa, we see sustainability as an important responsibility that calls for everyone to work together. It is a key part of our mission, driving growth and new ideas through partnerships with our customers and efforts to lower our environmental impact. We have increased our use of renewable energy and started a meaningful journey toward sustainability with our ‘Engineering First’ approach. This reflects our promise to help create a safer, greener, more productive, and connected future.”
Sustainability is a fundamental part of Virtusa’s purpose, integrating innovation with responsibility to drive value and growth. The company’s strategy, alongside its partnerships and client collaborations, continues to strengthen its position as a global leader, committed to building a sustainable world through Engineering with a Purpose.
Panel on India’s Constitution and Public Lecture by Professor Susan Marks
12th February 2025: The Centre for Constitutional Values, School of Law, BML Munjal University organized a day-long discussion on the life and works of Professor Upendra Baxi at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on Saturday, 8th February 2025. Prof. Upendra Baxi is Professor Emeritus at the University of Warwick and is the former Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and the University of Surat. His extraordinary life traversed scholarship and activism. His open letter to the Chief Justice of India, on the Mathura Rape Case brought rape law reform to the center of law reform initiatives, while his work on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and the famous Agra Women’s Home brought questions of structural injustice in the law to the forefront. The discussion was organised around four thematic panels on the Constitution of India inspired by the recently published volume titled “Of Law and Life” published by Orient Blackswan. The volume is a series of conversations between Prof. Baxi and four legal academics over a period of over eight years that sheds light on his life through landmark events such as the Emergency, the Mandal Commission, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and his stints in the US, UK, and Australia.
The event brought together eminent academics including Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor of NLSIU Bangalore, Prof. Rajeev Bhargava (former Director of CSDS), Prof. Mrinal Satish (former Chairperson of the Delhi Judicial Academy), Prof. Arun Thiruvengadam (eminent constitutional law scholar), as well as activists such as Mr. Harsh Mander and Ms. Kavita Srivastava. Eminent lawyers defending civil liberties and public causes such as Mr. Trideep Pais, Mr. Ritwick Dutta, and Mr. Apar Gupta also spoke at the event. This was followed by a public lecture on the concept of Human Dignity by Professor Susan Marks, Professor of International Law at LSE Law School.
On the brisk morning of February 8th, a crowd of about 150 lawyers, students, and academics waited at the Kamala Devi Complex of the India International Centre, dotted with pictures and quotes providing glimpses of one of the most prolific and influential legal minds in India. The palpable excitement and anticipation of the crowd bubbled into applause as the guest of honour, Professor Upendra Baxi, entered the hall. Despite the intellectual tone and tenor of the event, there was a strong sense of shared celebration. This unlikely combination of celebration and intellectual rigour marked the entire event.
The day began with Professor Shyam Menon, Vice Chancellor of BML Munjal University, welcoming everyone to the event. This was followed by Professor Baxi’s address, which reflected on whether “accountability” was fading from public life, and how it ought to be thought of in terms of accountability of activists, lawyers, and academics. In a speech marked by intellectual depth and peppered with humour, he raised questions on accountability, rights, and justice that formed the basis of the first three panels. The panels discussed wide-ranging issues of freedom, sustainability, law reform and practice, the use and misuse of law, the role of institutions such as courts, civil society groups and law schools, and the scope of justice within and through these institutions. The audience was left contemplating critical questions, such as: What does the shift in terminology from “global warming” to “climate change” reveal about the individualization of responsibility? How is justice through courts becoming increasingly contingent on media discourse and public engagement? Does the “feel-good” factor of legal aid obscure the violence of a dysfunctional and inaccessible legal aid system? How do democratically elected regimes persecute social activists? Professor Baxi’s scholarship formed the foundation for these discussions, and his questions and comments elevated the conversation at every turn. The last panel was a tribute to Professor Baxi as a thinker, scholar, empathetic teacher, and administrator. It brought together anecdotes and recollections from Professor Baxi’s colleagues, friends and students, and the authenticity of conversations during this panel left everyone asking for more.
The four panel discussions were followed by Professor Susan Marks’ Public Lecture, titled ‘Dignity: A Worldly Perspective’. Drawing from international law, the laws and constitutions of various countries (notably South Africa, Germany and India), and compelling case studies, Professor Marks urged the audience to think about dignity as a lived experience rather than an abstract concept, and to question the normative ideal of universal human dignity against the widespread indignity of human life. A thoughtful and critical session of questions and comments following the lecture brought the proceedings of the day to a close, leaving everyone intellectually richer and hungry to learn more.
CarDekho Group Celebrates PowerDrift’s 3 Million YouTube Subscribers
112th February 2025: PowerDrift, one of the automotive channels by CarDekho Group, has achieved a milestone by surpassing 3 million subscribers on YouTube.
PowerDrift’s success is attributed to its ability to adapt to changing audience preferences, delivering quality, engaging, and authentic storytelling that resonates with automotive enthusiasts and industry stakeholders alike. Beyond reviews and comparisons, the channel’s diverse formats, such as travelogues, experiential videos, and series like Game of Performance and Signal2Signal, have garnered popularity. PowerDrift has embraced emerging technologies like AR/VR and short-form content, aiming to stay relevant in an evolving digital landscape.
It has an average viewer retention rate exceeding 65% and a loyal community that actively engages through comments and shares. A significant portion of its viewers is aged between 18 and 34, predominantly male, with a growing female viewership of 15%. While Tier 1 cities contribute most of the viewership, there is a marked increase in engagement from Tier 2 and 3 cities, driven by practical, value-driven content and regional-language adaptations.
Internationally, PowerDrift has witnessed growing traction in markets like the UAE, the US, and Southeast Asia, reflecting its global appeal. Over the years, PowerDrift has evolved from simple reviews to producing narratives that blend travel, culture, lifestyle, and adventure capturing the imagination of a diverse audience base.
Rohan Albal, Co-Founder & CEO, PowerDrift said, “PowerDrift has always been about more than just sharing information — it’s about creating a connection with our audience through innovative and engaging storytelling. We embarked on this journey with a small team and big dreams to redefine automotive content. By combining cinematic visuals with insightful narratives, we’ve built a format that speaks to enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Over the years, this vision has evolved into a vibrant, community-driven brand fueled by innovation and collaboration. Surpassing 3 million subscribers is not just a milestone but a reflection of our relentless drive to push boundaries and bring motoring stories to life.”
Le Méridien Hyderabad Appoints Sanjeev Mandal as General Manager
12th February 2025 Hyderabad : Le Méridien Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanjeev Mandal as its new General Manager. With over 20 years of experience with Marriott International, Sanjeev is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, guest preferences, and market dynamics in tier-1 cities.
Sanjeev began his journey in F&B operations, excelling in both curated fine dining experiences and large-scale catering events. His expertise and leadership saw him take on pivotal roles across multiple Marriott properties, including his tenure as General Manager of Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu in 2017, where he received numerous accolades, including The Best General Manager’s Award.
His strategic acumen was further demonstrated at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, where he successfully positioned the hotel as a top choice for urban travelers, enhancing its market positioning and commanding a premium pricing strategy.
At Le Méridien Hyderabad, Sanjeev aims to elevate the hotel’s brand presence, enhance guest experiences, and reinforce Marriott’s strong footprint in the city. Known for his people-first leadership, he fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring both guest satisfaction and associate engagement remain at the forefront.
He is joined in Hyderabad by his wife Kalpana and their children Rajveer and Rajeswari. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sanjeev Mandal, as he embarks on this exciting new journey with Le Méridien Hyderabad.
Superstitions Actors Believe in Before Going for a Shoot
12th February 2025: The world of entertainment is filled with talent, dedication, and hard work, but many actors also have their own little rituals and beliefs that they follow before stepping in front of the camera. From lucky charms to specific routines, these superstitions bring them a sense of comfort and positivity. &TV actors Smita Sable (Dhaniya from Bheema), Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Rohitashv Gour (Manmohan Tiwari from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) share their personal beliefs that help them feel prepared and confident before a shoot.
Smita Sable, known for her role as Dhaniya in Bheema, shares, “Before every shoot, I always wear my nazarbattu, a small black thread or bracelet my father gave me to keep negativity away. It has been with me for years, and I believe it protects me from any bad energy. I also make it a habit to silently thank the universe for the opportunity to perform and say a short prayer before the camera starts rolling. These small rituals keep me grounded and fill me with positivity before stepping into my character.”
Himani Shivpuri, who plays Katori Amma in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, reveals, “I never leave for a shoot without looking at my parents’ photo. It gives me strength and reminds me why I work so hard. Another superstition I follow is that I never step out of the house if someone sneezes right before me. It’s something my family always believed in, and it has just stayed with me. If someone sneezes while I am about to leave, I wait for a minute, drink a sip of water, and then leave. It may sound funny, but it makes me feel at ease before I go to the set.”
Rohitashv Gour, popular for his role as Manmohan Tiwari in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “I always eat a spoonful of curd and sugar before heading to the set. It’s an age-old belief in our family that this brings good luck and ensures smooth work. I also make sure to enter the set with my right foot first. It’s something I have done since my theatre days, and it has become a habit now. These little beliefs give me confidence and help me start my shoot with a positive mindset.”
Havintha Revolutionizes Indian Haircare with Affordable Chemical Free Solutions
12th February 2025: Havintha, a trailblazer in the personal care industry, has proudly expanded its haircare range to offer innovative and affordable herbal solutions for Indian consumers. The brand’s latest launch in the hair oil category introduces a collection of chemical-free, nourishing oils that promote healthier hair and scalp. These new additions offer a holistic approach to hair care by using potent natural ingredients that enhance the beauty and health of hair without the harmful effects of chemicals.
With the growing demand for safe, effective, and natural haircare solutions, the brand’s commitment to providing high-quality products resonates with Indian consumers seeking healthier alternatives. The expanded hair oil range promises a blend of nutrient-rich oils designed to cater to various hair types and concerns. These herbal oils are formulated with key ingredients like Kalonji, Ratanjot, Jatamansi, Rosemary Oil, and Almond Oil, each handpicked for their beneficial properties to support healthy, luscious hair.
Mr. Bharat Khatri, Founder of Havintha, said, “At Havintha, we are deeply committed to providing our customers with solutions that align with their health-conscious lifestyles. With the launch of our expanded hair oil range, we’ve focused on offering chemical-free, deeply nourishing products that empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty. Our oils are crafted with nature’s finest ingredients to promote healthy hair and a balanced scalp, all while ensuring that our products remain affordable and accessible to everyone.”
Havintha’s herbal oils also support scalp health by balancing the scalp’s natural oil production, preventing it from becoming too oily or too dry. This balance is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. Furthermore, the oils are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that deeply nourish both the scalp and hair, strengthening and protecting hair for overall health. Ingredients such as amla, bhringraj, and neem provide essential nutrients that support hair vitality.
SOCIAL Launches Meet The Artist with Sid Sriram’s BOUNDLESS Tour
India, 11th February 2025 – India’s favorite neighborhood café, is thrilled to introduce its latest intellectual property – MEET THE ARTIST: The Front Row Show at SOCIAL. This exclusive IP is designed to bring fans closer to the musical visionaries shaping contemporary soundscapes, offering an intimate and immersive experience with globally recognized artists who push creative boundaries.
To mark the debut, SOCIAL will be bringing Sid Sriram, one of India’s most successful and globally recognized artists, as he takes center stage for an exclusive two-city tour with his critically acclaimed BOUNDLESS concert. Having previously performed at iconic venues worldwide, Sid Sriram now brings this soul-stirring experience to Koramangala SOCIAL (Bangalore) on February 20th and antiSOCIAL (Mumbai) on February 23rd.
Sid Sriram’s BOUNDLESS is a genre-defying exploration of sound—fusing his Carnatic roots with jazz, R&B, blues, rock, and more, creating an unparalleled musical journey that holds no limits. The event promises an unforgettable evening of deep musical conversations, raw storytelling, and a first-hand look into the artist’s journey and creative process.
Sharing his comment on his upcoming gig, Sid Sriram said, “BOUNDLESS is a reflection of my journey through music—an exploration beyond genres, beyond borders. I’m excited to bring this experience to SOCIAL, a space known for blending culture, community, and creativity and launch their new IP” MEET THE ARTIST’ with the tour. I am looking forward to connecting with the people in this intimate setting and share my stories and passion.
Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality said, “SOCIAL has always been more than just a café-bar; it’s a space where subcultures thrive, where art, music, and community collide. With ‘Meet The Artist,’ we are curating an experience that goes beyond just performances—this is about storytelling, about understanding the mind behind the music. There’s no better way to launch this IP than with the inimitable Sid Sriram, whose artistry and depth perfectly embody the ethos of SOCIAL.”
SOCIAL with its new IP aims to elevate India’s live music culture by offering an up-close and personal experience—giving audiences a rare opportunity to engage with global artists beyond just performances. With limited seats and an exclusive front-row experience, this is a unique opportunity for fans to witness Sid Sriram.
STAAH successfully concludes first-ever networking event in Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal, 11th February, 2025 – STAAH, a leading New Zealand-based hospitality
solutions provider, recently concluded its first-ever networking event in the state of Madhya Pradesh Bringing together top hoteliers and industry stakeholders in the heart of the state’s capital, Bhopal.
Hosted at Bhopal’s Enrise by Sayaji – Sapphire Banquet, the well-attended, day-long event saw the participation of leading hotels like the Pride Group, the Jehan Numa Group and Fairyland Clarks Inn Bhopal. his exclusive gathering provided a dynamic platform for industry professionals to network, exchange insights, and explore collaborations aimed at driving the growth of Madhya Pradesh’s hospitality sector.
“Known for its natural beauty, history and wildlife, Madhya Pradesh offers tremendous potential for the tourism sector. We are delighted to mark a foray into the state with our premier networking event and look forward to establishing a strong relationship with partners here through our range of innovative solutions,” said Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head at STAAH.
Among the attendees were Gurbir Singh, General Manager of the Pride Group, Mohit Behl, Director of Sales at the Jehan Numa Group, and Ritesh Kumar,
General Manager of Fairyland Clarks Inn Bhopal. Representing STAAH at the event were Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head – India, Tanvi Trivedi, Senior Business Development Manager, and Namita Sawant, Business Development Manager.
By regularly connecting with hoteliers across India through networking events like these, technology providers like STAAH are able to better understand the evolving needs of the market and create solutions that address these challenges. This collaborative approach helps drive continuous improvement and ensures the industry remains agile and responsive to changing customer demands.
By organizing networking events across India, STAAH continues to strengthen its engagement with hoteliers, gaining deeper insights into market trends and challenges. This collaborative approach enables the company to refine its technology solutions, ensuring the industry remains agile and responsive to evolving customer demands.
MARS Cosmetics Launches Love Track for Valentine’s Week
11th Febuary 2025 : New Delhi This Valentine’s Week, MARS Cosmetics is setting the stage for romance with its “Love Track, a beautiful fusion of music and makeup that celebrates love in every shade. The new MARS Love Track Velvet Lip Tint is a hydrating formula and is available in six exclusive shades, inspired by the emotions of a love story. The campaign comes with a call for beauty enthusiasts to share their love of color with the creative hashtag #BeMyValenTINT.
To bring this vision to life, MARS presents an exclusive music video, capturing the essence of romance and the inspiration behind the product’s aesthetic. Much like music, this lip tint creates lasting memories, leaving a soft, pigmented touch on the lips—just as love leaves an imprint on the heart.
According to MARS Cosmetics Muskan Jain, Brand Manager spokesperson, “This Valentine’s Day, at MARS Cosmetics, we wanted to create a product that not only enhances beauty but also evokes emotion. Music has the power to capture unforgettable moments, and we aimed to bring that same timeless feeling to our Love Track Velvet Lip Tint. The shades are carefully pigmented to complement every skin tone, ensuring that no matter who you are, you can find a color that makes you feel beautiful and confident, just like a love song that stays with you forever.”
The MARS Love Track Velvet Lip Tint features a water-based formula, ensuring deep hydration with a soft, velvety finish that delivers all-day comfort. Its six universal shades are carefully crafted to complement diverse skin tones, making it the perfect beauty companion for every love story.
Unlike traditional Valentine’s Day beauty launches, “Love Track” is a timeless piece, designed to transcend fleeting trends and become a staple in every makeup lover’s collection. The “Love Track” campaign is a celebration of love, music, and beauty, blending passion and artistry into an unforgettable experience. MARS Love Track Velvet Lip Tint is now available at leading beauty retailers and online.
Syngene International announces leadership changes
Mumbai, February 11, 2025: Syngene International Limited today announced that Jonathan Hunt has stepped down from his role as MD & CEO as well as from the Board of Directors to pursue other opportunities in due course. Consequent to this, the Board has appointed Peter Bains as the CEO Designate of Syngene. Both changes are effective immediately, i.e., February 10, 2025.
Commenting on the announcement, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Non-Executive Chairperson, Syngene International, said, “After almost 10 years with Syngene International as MD & CEO, Jonathan Hunt will be leaving to pursue other opportunities. The Board thanks Jonathan for his many contributions to the growth of the Syngene business since April 2016 and its impressive value enhancement over the last decade and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
Peter Bains has over three decades of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Peter also served as CEO of Syngene from June 2010 to March 2016 and was instrumental in creating a strong foundation for the business and taking it public in 2015. Peter’s deep domain experience, knowledge, and familiarity with the business, together with his leadership acumen makes him eminently qualified to step into this role.