National, 24 February 2025: India’s market capitalization has risen over the past decade, growing from US$1.2 trillion to US$5.2 trillion. This growth has spurred significant expansion in the institutional investor sector. According to CIEL HR Services’ latest report, CIEL Works, titled- Institutional Investors – Talent Trends and Insights, India has witnessed a notable 69% increase in headcount within the sector over the last two years.

The study encompasses 16000+ executives from 80 companies in the investor sector and provides valuable insights into key areas such as gender diversity, tenure in a firm, roles in demand, and career progression.

One notable finding regarding talent mobility revealed that only 17% of professionals, including fund managers, portfolio managers, and senior analysts, are promoted from within their organizations, while 83% are hired externally. This presents an opportunity for companies in the sector to innovate their practices around internal career progression and enhance their work environment which makes their talent thrive.

The sector has made strides in workforce diversity, with women’s participation at 27% of the overall workforce. However, representation in leadership roles remains a challenge, with women holding just 14% of senior positions.

Commenting on the findings, Mr. K Pandiarajan – Executive Director and Chairman of CIEL HR said, “India’s trajectory towards becoming a $7 trillion economy by 2030 is a reflection of its burgeoning market size and a testament to the rapid transformation taking place across its financial landscape. With an expected growth rate of 6.1% over the next five years and positioning to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, India’s institutional investor sector is at the forefront of this evolution. The sector is experiencing a radical shift, with both established players and new entrants driving innovation in investment strategies and financial products. This dynamic growth signals a pivotal moment for institutional investors to harness emerging opportunities, both within India and globally.”

Adding to this Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO of CIEL HR stated, “The sector employs crème de la crème talent in the country. With our economy growing at a rapid pace, the demand for these roles will surge, further widening the demand-supply gap. We anticipate skilled

professionals to return to India from global markets while also drawing expatriates to the country.”

Other Key Findings from CIEL HR – Institutional Investors Talent Trends and Insights Report

•  Approximately 25% of the workforce in the Institutional Investors sector has switched jobs in the past year, emphasizing the dynamic and competitive nature of the industry.
•  The average tenure across the Institutional Investors sector is 3 years, reflecting high mobility and talent competition.
•  Professionals in the industry often hold advanced qualifications, including MBAs from top Indian and international business schools, as well as prestigious CA / CFAs.

Gurgaon, 24th February 2025: BML Munjal University (BMU) successfully hosted Propel Pitchfest25, the flagship annual event organized by ACIC-BMU Foundation (ACIC-BMU), Atal Community Innovation Centre at BML Munjal University in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, bringing together India’s most promising entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

With a USD 1 million (₹8+ Cr) investment pool, supported by the Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and MeitY GENESIS Scheme, the event provided crucial` financial backing to emerging ventures.

The startups that participated were from various sectors like Deeptech, Medtech, Textile Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Impact.

Investors include Indian Angel Network, India Accelerator, Pontaq VC, Sanchi Connect, Foxhog Ventures, JITO, Campus Fund, Campus Angels, Agility Ventures, Fluid Ventures, RTAF, She Capital, lead Angels, Inflection Point ventures, Indian Healthcare Angels, Venture Catalysts were among the various investors who were a part of the event.

Speaking about the event Mr. Davinder Singh, CEO, of ACIC-BMU Foundation, said, “Propel Pitchfest25 is more than just an event; it is a Launchpad for innovation and a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. Over the past, we’ve been at the forefront of supporting innovators across different sectors or industries. Through our programs and support, we’ve proudly nurtured more than 70 startups, catalyzed the creation of 500+ jobs, and facilitated investments. Our mission at ACIC-BMU is to nurture ground-breaking solutions that drive meaningful change, and this event is a testament to that commitment.”

During the event, ACIC-BMU Foundation showcased the achievements and progress of startups supported under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, recognizing their contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship

The event witnessed the launch of the Singapore India Startup Corridor Program, aimed at driving innovation between the two countries and giving market access, and networking opportunities to the Indian Startups.

Beyond funding, student founders also benefited from masterclasses, boot camps, and investor clinics, where industry experts guided them on refining business models, attracting investments, and scaling their innovations.

Propel Pitchfest25 also championed inclusivity in entrepreneurship, with dedicated tracks for women-led and student-founded start-ups, ensuring a diverse and equitable platform for innovators to thrive.

Maha Shivratri is a night of divine energy, a time when devotees come together to worship Lord Shiva with full faith and dedication. For Siddhi Sharma, who plays Gulki in Sun Neo’s show Ishq Jabariya, this day holds deep significance. She believes in observing Maha Shivratri with full faith and dedication, embracing the rituals with sincerity.

Talking about her Maha Shivratri rituals, Siddhi shares, “Maha Shivratri is the best time to worship Lord Shiva with full devotion. While many girls observe Monday fasts for a good husband, I do it solely for my career and growth. Fasting on Maha Shivratri is a way to express our faith and dedication. My sister and I wake up early, around 5 AM, to visit the temple before the queues get long. We take our Rudraksha, place it before Lord Shiva, perform the puja, and also follow rituals for Naag Dosha. Barefoot, we offer fruits and prayers, embracing the traditional rituals with devotion.”

Speaking about a lesson she finds relevant in today’s fast-paced world, she says, “One story of Lord Shiva that truly inspires me is how he never had attachment to anything. In today’s generation, instant gratification has become a big issue. We want everything immediately, whether it’s success, happiness, or material things. But somewhere, we need to stay spiritually aligned so that our desires remain in control. That’s my belief. From Lord Shiva, I have learned to be content with whatever I have. Maya (illusion and attachment) should always be within limits. The mind is restless it will keep running after one thing or another. That’s why I try to stay in a spiritual zone, so that I don’t take extreme steps in life that many people end up taking.”

Ishq Jabariya airs at 10:00 PM on Sun Neo it’s a beautiful love story of Gulki, a strong and ambitious young woman with big dreams. The show features a talented cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Dipshikkha Nagppal, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana. With a mix of deep emotions and drama, this show is sure to keep viewers hooked.

New Delhi/Mumbai, February 24, 2025: Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services, proudly announces that 93 of its students have qualified for the prestigious Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha (MVPP) scholarship 2025. This success highlights AESL’s role in guiding students toward academic excellence and preparing them for competitive exams.

The MVPP 2025 results showcase the outstanding efforts of AESL students. Among the top achievers, Tejas Agarwal and Vridhi Singla secured Rank 5, Keshav Rai achieved Rank 11, and Showaiz Noor Ahmad earned Rank 15, among others.

Sharing his thoughts on this achievement, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, Managing Director & CEO, of Aakash Educational Services Limited, said, “At AESL, we believe in empowering students with the right guidance, knowledge, and resources to achieve academic excellence. The success of our students in MVPP 2025 is an exemplification of their dedication and our faculty’s relentless efforts. We will continue to provide top-tier coaching and mentorship, ensuring that students are well-prepared to excel in competitive examinations and build a strong foundation for their future.”

The Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha (MVPP) is a scholarship examination for Class 9 students enrolled in recognized schools, Government or Government Aided, and Unaided recognized Pvt. Schools including the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, School of MCD, NDMC, DCB, etc., in GNCT of Delhi. Formerly known as the Junior Science Talent Search Exam (JSTSE), MVPP aims to identify and nurture young talents. This exam is conducted at the state level by the Science Branch of the Directorate of Education in Delhi generally between November to January. The student applying for the examination must have secured 60% marks in Class 8. The qualified candidates whose merit is within 1000 (Category) are eligible for a one-time scholarship of Rs.5000/- and a certificate.

The examination consists of two papers: A mental Ability Test (MAT) comprising Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation, and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) covering various subjects including Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Civics, History, Economics, and Geography. Both the papers are MCQ-based, comprising 100 questions of 100 marks each, and have a duration of 100 minutes, respectively.

AESL, known for its innovative approach to education and commitment to academic excellence, has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive coaching solutions for students preparing for Medical and Engineering entrance examinations, School/Board exams, eminent Olympiads such as IOQM, NSEs, NSO, IMO, etc. and other competitive exams. With a network of over 400 Aakash centers nationwide and a student count exceeding 4 lakhs, AESL continues to lead the way in test preparation and educational services.

24th February 2025: KLF Nirmal, a leader in the production of coconut-based FMCG products, has unveiled a unique video campaign honoring Love in its purest form. Released in observance of the month of love, this video encapsulates KLF Nirmal’s love for coconuts and how that’s transformed KLF Nirmal into a company with the largest range of coconut products.

A company that started with coconut oil more than 80 years ago, today has a long list of products and brands. The products which were later launched include coconut milk powder, coconut milk, coconut chutneys, etc. The products are available across India and also exported.

With the help of the nourishing properties of coconuts, KLF Nirmal skillfully demonstrates the enduring connection between humans and the natural world in this visually stunning video. With a legacy of excellence, KLF Nirmal has been a trusted name in households for generations, delivering high-quality coconut oils and products that preserve the natural benefits of coconuts. The brand’s commitment to authenticity and sustainability continues to make it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers.

‘As the season of love unfolds, we launched this campaign to showcase how our deep passion for coconuts has led KLF Nirmal to create the largest range of coconut products. As a company, we also wish for everyone’s love stories to last as long as our enduring love for coconuts. A huge credit goes to our Marketing team for conceptualizing this campaign. Since its launch, we have received immense appreciation for the thought behind it,” said George, Business Head- KLF Nirmal.

Every year, nearly two lakh newborns in India are affected by this condition, with its prevalence observed in 8 out of every 1,000 births in North India. Among various types, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is the most common. Experts from Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, highlighted the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Shantanu Singhal, a cardiologist at Fortis, Greater Noida, stated that many congenital heart diseases go undetected in infancy due to mild symptoms. He said, “Signs such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the body are often overlooked. Regular echocardiography and neonatal screening enable early diagnosis. If detected within the first year and treated appropriately, the child can lead a healthy life.” He also emphasized that timely diagnosis during pregnancy and referrals to specialized heart centers can significantly reduce CHD-related mortality and disability rates.

Certain factors during pregnancy can increase the risk of CHD in newborns, including smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to harmful chemicals, uncontrolled diabetes, and folic acid deficiency. Additionally, a family history of CHD, genetic disorders, and Down syndrome can further elevate the risk. Experts advise pregnant women to maintain a balanced diet, stay up to date with vaccinations, manage conditions like diabetes, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and consume 400 micrograms of folic acid during the first trimester.

India has made significant advancements in CHD treatment through both government and private healthcare facilities. Fortis, Greater Noida, offers device-based treatments for ASD, VSD, and PDA, balloon procedures for narrowed valves, complex heart surgeries, and conduit reconstructions. In recent years, pediatric interventional cardiology has also seen major developments, including three-dimensional (3D) imaging, advanced cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, and modern post-surgical cardiac care.

With timely screening and proper treatment, children affected by congenital heart disease can lead normal lives. Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, is committed to raising awareness and ensuring a healthier future for children. If a child exhibits symptoms of CHD, consulting a specialist at the earliest is crucial.

New Delhi, February 21st,2025 – Aza Fashions, India’s premier luxury fashion retailer, has launched its latest flagship store in the exclusive Dhan Mill area of Chattarpur, New Delhi. Spanning an expansive 12,000 sq. ft. across two beautifully designed floors, this new store is set to redefine the luxury shopping experience in the capital. With this launch, Aza now proudly operates eleven stores across the country, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in India’s luxury fashion landscape.

The store brings together a meticulously curated selection of over 100 iconic and emerging designer labels, including Amit Aggarwal, Anamika Khanna, Anand Kabra, Anushree Reddy, Aseem Kapoor, Jayanti Reddy, Mayyur Girotra, Mishru, Nupur Kanoi, Rimple & Harpreet Narula, Tarun Tahiliani, TIL, 431-88, and many more. From wedding wear to contemporary prêt, the store offers a comprehensive selection of designer apparel, accessories, and statement pieces, ensuring every client finds their perfect style.

Dhan Mill has evolved into a thriving cultural and luxury retail hub in New Delhi, attracting artists, designers, and high-end clientele. Known for its unique mix of creativity and exclusivity, this prime location perfectly aligns with Aza’s ethos of delivering premium experiences. The store’s strategic placement allows Aza to cater to New Delhi’s affluent shoppers while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the area.

To mark the launch in style, a glamorous celebration set the stage as Neha Dhupia and Angad Singh inaugurated the store with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. The evening came alive with an engaging and interactive session featuring Devangi Parekh (Managing Director of Aza Fashions), where the couple shared their passion for all things fashion. The event was attended by Delhi’s elite, including prominent socialites, making it an unforgettable affair.

Dr. Alka Nishar, Founder & Chairperson of Aza Fashions, expressed her excitement about the new opening “Since our inception, Aza has been committed to elevating Indian fashion and offering clients the best shopping experience. This new store at Dhan Mill is not just a retail space but a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation. We are thrilled to bring the finest in Indian couture to this exquisite location.”

Devangi Parekh, Managing Director of Aza Fashions, highlighted the importance of this new milestone “Delhi has always been a key market for us, and the Dhan Mill store is a testament to our commitment to expanding Aza’s footprint in India’s fashion landscape. With its thoughtfully curated collection and immersive design, this store promises to deliver an unmatched luxury shopping experience for our clients.”

The two floors of Aza’s new store offer a seamless blend of contemporary elegance and traditional elements, creating a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. From expansive display areas and private consultation zones to dedicated sections for bridal trousseau shopping, the store is designed to cater to every need of its elite clientele. Personalized service by trained fashion consultants further elevates the customer experience, ensuring each visit is memorable.

New Delhi, 21st February 2025: WoCO (World of Cool Offices), a boutique workspace development company, has launched a luxurious commercial space for setting a new benchmark in workspace leasing. The launch marks the venture of the company into the real estate sector, where it aspires to become the ultimate destination for businesses seeking a premium and prestigious office environment.

Guided by its core philosophy of Smart, Suave, and Sustainable Design, WoCO creates workspaces that blend cutting-edge technology, refined aesthetics, and environmental consciousness. Its latest development, WoCO One, is a testament to this vision—an iconic Grade A commercial building that seamlessly integrates world-class amenities with sustainable solutions. Designed to inspire productivity and well-being, it prioritizes comfort, convenience, and efficiency, setting a new paradigm for modern office environments.

Situated at the prime NH-8 intersection in Gurugram, WoCO One enjoys excellent connectivity to renowned hotels, transit hubs, and commercial centers, making it a highly strategic location for businesses. Built with a commitment to sustainability, the building has been awarded the prestigious IGBC Platinum rating. It incorporates smart building technologies and eco-friendly design principles, including optimal natural lighting, energy-efficient ventilation, and high-performance VRVs. With a robust 45 KW solar power capacity, provision for zero liquid discharge and dedicated EV charging stations, WoCO One significantly reduces its environmental footprint while enhancing
operational efficiency.

Speaking on the occasion, Angad Singh Pasricha, Founder of WoCO, said, “The opening up of a new facility marks a new beginning for WoCO. Working towards elevating the offering of luxury workspaces, we are committed to bringing about the confluence of elegance, innovation,
functionality, and sustainability in one place. At WoCO we harbour the vision to create a niche for distinctive architectural structures exhibiting grandiose in the real estate market and the launch of the new building is a testament to our commitment.”

Elaborating on the same, Anand Sharma, Design Director of WoCO, said, “As architects, our vision is to create workspaces that embody the ‘spirit of design panache.’ In the quest, we seek sophistication that resonates with the diverse needs of workspace environments and solutions that convey sustainability as the cornerstone of the design approach. Beyond architects, we are also recognized as developers, who pride ourselves on ‘walking the talk’ that brings about the confluence of silent satisfaction and creative contentment.”

Adding to this, Goonmeet Singh Chauhan, Design Director of WoCO, stated, “We were keen to create an iconic showstopper and therefore chose to design the whole building like a giant white picture frame. Endless research helped us to zero in on the white terrazzo stone, which we’ve employed as a cladding material. The result is a stunning white edifice, standing crisply like a sovereign in white! The horizontal plane is entirely comprised of shades of grey with resplendent greenery jumping out of all corners and crevices along the perimeter. It has turned out to be a very refreshing building—luxury with delight!”

The development of the premium building was done under the guidance of leading industry players such as Design Forum International, Bobby Mukherjee Architects, Avante Facades, BMSF Designs, and Bikramjiet Kukreja, who all came together to create this grand architectural
landmark.

New Delhi, 21 Feb 2025: Signature Global (India) Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate companies, today announced that its affordable housing project, Signature Global Prime, located in Sector 63A, Gurugram at Golf Course Extension Road has received the prestigious Platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). It is among the few affordable housing projects in the country to achieve this recognition.

With this milestone, Signature Global Prime becomes the company’s first-ever project to receive Platinum-level certification, further cementing Signature Global’s commitment to sustainable development. The IGBC Platinum certification is awarded to projects that meet the highest standards of sustainability and environmental performance, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, the use of eco-friendly materials, and overall environmental impact.

On this development, Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice Chairman, of Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to sustainable and responsible development. By integrating eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices, we aim to set new benchmarks in green real estate. At Signature Global, our focus remains on creating environmentally responsible homes that enhance the quality of life while contributing to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. We will continue to adopt innovative green building solutions that align with global sustainability standards and redefine sustainable housing in India.”

Spread over 5.7 acres, Signature Global Prime comprises 817 residential units and 118 high-street retail units. Signature Global Prime has elevated its sustainability benchmark from Gold to Platinum certification, recognizing its best-in-class green practices and environmental stewardship. This certification recognizes buildings that are leaders in sustainable design and construction and serves as a globally recognized benchmark. The evaluation parameters included an eco-design approach, water conservation, energy efficiency, green interior materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in interior design.

The IGBC Platinum certification highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the real estate sector, especially in affordable housing. Projects that meet high environmental standards contribute to resource efficiency by reducing energy and water consumption and lowering operational costs over time.

Thrissur, 21-February-2025 –As Kerala reels from a string of horrifying elephant-related tragedies, Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) is stepping up with an urgent, revolutionary solution. The organization, committed to ending elephant captivity and safeguarding endangered Asian elephants, has announced the launch of Shiva Shakthi—a life-sized robotic elephant—at Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple near Mala, Thrissur. This bold initiative aims to transform temple traditions, offering an ethical and cruelty-free alternative while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. This launch follows a successful pilot project at Sree Sankaran Kovil, a Malayali temple on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, where VFAE introduced Tamil Nadu’s first robotic elephant.

“Science has proven that elephants are highly intelligent, social creatures who belong in the wild with their families—not in captivity where they suffer unimaginable torment,” said Sangita Iyer, Founding Executive Director of Voices for Asian Elephants and award-winning filmmaker of the UN-nominated documentary Gods in Shackles, which exposed the brutal exploitation of festival elephants. “Robotic elephants provide a groundbreaking alternative that allows us to honor sacred traditions without perpetuating unimaginable cruelty. Ahimsa—non-violence—is deeply woven into our culture, and it is our moral responsibility to uphold it.”

Temple authorities are embracing this change. “With their lifelike appearance, robotic elephants ensure that traditions thrive without causing pain and suffering to sentient beings. More temples are realizing that live elephants pose ethical concerns and serious safety risks. We are grateful to Voices for Asian Elephants for generously sponsoring Shiva Shakthi and look forward to welcoming our own life-sized robotic elephant,” said C.D. Sreenath, President of Vijnanadayini Sabha, the public trust managing the temple.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. In just the first two months of 2025, six people have lost their lives due to captive elephant-related incidents. Most recently, on February 13th, a temple festival in Koyilandi, Calicut district, turned into a nightmare when two elephants, spooked by fireworks, deprivation, exhaustion, and relentless abuse, attacked each other. The resulting chaos left three people dead and around 50 injured. Earlier in the month, a captive elephant at a festival in Elavalli, Thrissur, gored two people, including his mahout, who later died. In a desperate bid for freedom, the elephant ran 14 kilometers before being recaptured.

The numbers paint a grim picture. In 2024 alone, 24 captive elephants in Kerala perished due to neglect, brutal mistreatment, and fatal diseases such as foot rot and severe digestive disorders. Over the past six years, a staggering 154 captive elephants have died in Kerala. Mahouts, too, suffer, facing dangerous and often deadly encounters with stressed, enslaved elephants pushed beyond their limits.

Beyond temple traditions, VFAE is making a tangible impact on wild elephant conservation. The organization recently donated a 4.00-acre private plantation to the Kerala Forest Department, securing a vital corridor for approximately 340 wild elephants in South Nilambur. Their efforts have also prevented over 1,139 train-elephant collisions in West Bengal between January 2023 and November 2024, thanks to the implementation of the cutting-edge AI-based EleSense technology. The organization has also planted 50,300 elephant-friendly saplings across the Pallahara and Balasore ranges of Odisha, employing around 200 tribal individuals and creating eight large waterholes to support elephant populations.