NOIDA, India, Feb 19, 2025—HCLFoundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of global technology company HCLTech in India, and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) announced a partnership to support indigenous crafts and tribal artisans in India.

HCLFoundation will train artisans approximately 4,500 artisans and promote their products on its My E-Haat platform, which will connect them directly with customers.

“TRIFED has over three decades of experience in marketing indigenous products. By collaborating with HCLFoundation, we aim to further improve the livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans,” said Shri Sandeep Pahalwan, General Manager (I/c), Marketing, TRIFED.

“This partnership with TRIFED is another example of our commitment to fostering long-term, sustainable change in communities. By empowering tribal artisans with the skills, resources, and market access they need, we are contributing to the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Sr. Vice President, Global CSR at HCLTech & Director, HCLFoundation.

Sun Neo’s popular show Ishq Jabariya is all set to welcome a new face. Actor Aditya Syal landed his first television role, making his TV debut with Ishq Jabariya on Sun Neo as Vyom the son of Devi Sahay, portrayed by Dipshikkha Nagpal, bringing a fresh twist to the story. Aditya, a dedicated theatre actor, recently shared how he landed the role and his excitement about being part of the show.

Talking about how he bagged the role, Aditya shared, “I had been looking for work in television for a long time. Originally, I was a theater actor. When you do theater, the next step is to look for opportunities in other mediums. I was given multiple auditions, but I had no real connections in the television industry. One day, I got a call from my friend. He told me about Sun Neo’s show Ishq Jabariya and asked if I would like to audition. I immediately said yes. They gave me a script and a brief about my character. They needed the audition immediately, and these days, self-tests have become common. Earlier, before the lockdown, we used to go directly to production houses for auditions, but now we have to record and send them ourselves.”

The Ishq Jabariya actor further added, “So, I quickly set up my audition. I asked my mom to act as my tripod stand and my sister to read the opposite lines for me. Sweetly, they both helped me out and with their support, I managed to record a good audition. Luckily, the production team liked my audition. I think my curly-haired look also worked in my favor. But more than anything, I always try to give my best in every audition, and fortunately, I cracked it. I am really happy and excited about this opportunity.”

Ishq Jabariya, airing at 10:00 PM on Sun Neo, is a captivating love story about Gulki, a determined young woman with dreams bigger than life itself. Featuring a talented cast including Kamya Panjabi, Dipshikkha Nagppal, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana, the show promises to deliver a perfect blend of emotion and drama.

February, 2025: Silky, smooth, straight hair is a dream for many, but it often feels achievable only through salon treatments or heating tools. TRESemmé, a leading Hair Care innovation brand, has proudly introduced a groundbreaking range of products designed to give you Silky, Straight hair without heat or harsh chemicals. Yes, you heard it right!

This latest addition to TRESemmé’s collection introduces a simple 4-step hair regime.

1. Step 1 begins with a rich, creamy ampoule (pre-wash) designed to enhance hair alignment and deliver straight hair (from root to tip).
2. Step 2 includes a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that tackles frizz and dryness,
3. Step 3 a nourishing mask that deeply hydrates, refines rough edges, and leaves hair smoother and shinier.
4. Step 4 An innovative finishing serum that provides instant smoothness for a polished look.

Together, these products deliver smooth, perfectly aligned, straight hair with salon quality, allowing you to enjoy this sleek look for up to 100 hours. Inspired by the transformative silk press trend, this range delivers professional-grade sleekness, straight and shiny hair directly to your home, making it effortless to achieve a polished, straight-hair look with the luxurious finish of salon-treated hair.

Speaking about the launch, Sairam Subramanian, Vice President, Hair Care, Unilever said, “At TRESemmé, we are always focused on delivering cutting-edge innovations to our consumers in the comfort of their homes. The Silk Press Range embodies this dedication. Formulated with Amino Press [20] technology, it provides an ‘at home’ hair regime to achieve professional-grade sleek, straight & smooth hair. This range is ideal for those looking for sleek straight hair with no heat & minimum effort, taking everyday hair care to a new professional standard”

The Silk Press Range: Break-through Science, Trend-Inspired, Category first Premium Salon-Style treatment

The TRESemmé Silk Press Range is formulated with Amino Press [20] technology that works from within. This amino press technology restores uniformity by pressing amino proteins into the hair shaft from root to tip. This process smoothens deeply from the inside and refines alignment by mending hair cuticles for visibly straighter hair. With consistent use, the range offers progressive benefits, ensuring your hair becomes smoother, shinier, and more manageable over time. Each product in the range, the pre-wash, shampoo, mask, and serum, works together to create a radiant, & sleek finish. Inspired by the belief that straight hair signifies great hair, this collection makes sleek, silky locks more attainable than ever, offering professional-quality results for every beauty enthusiast. These products are available on Nykaa, Myntra, Amazon, Tira, Purplle, Blinkit and other leading e-retailers.

By – Ramesh Jude Thomas, Founder & Director of Equitor Value Advisory

Three decades ago, valuing a business was straightforward. Around 80% of its worth could be found on the balance sheet, primarily in tangible assets. Back then, creating capacity—whether through technology or infrastructure—was a significant competitive advantage. Limited access to resources or capital meant competitors couldn’t easily replicate this capacity, making it both an asset and a barrier to entry. These tangible assets dominated the balance sheet, leaving just 20% as what we called goodwill—a balancing figure in the books.

Today, this equation has flipped entirely. When assessing a company’s value now, only a small fraction is reflected in its balance sheet. Instead, the balance sheet has become more of a historical record, capturing what once was. The true value of a business lies in its intangible assets—namely, its brand and intellectual property (IP). These assets play a pivotal role in forecasting and determining a company’s future value.

Across industries and economies worldwide, the majority of value now resides in intangible assets. This is an undeniable reality. Yet, balance sheets—the cornerstone of quarterly board meetings—fail to account for 80% of a company’s true value. This gap exists because traditional accounting systems have not evolved to recognize the growing importance of intangible assets.

Leading companies, however, have recognized the shift. They understand that building a sustainable, valuable future means prioritizing and leveraging these intangible assets. But this realization raises an important question: What are the biggest challenges businesses face in recognizing and utilizing these assets effectively?

The first hurdle lies in accounting and reporting systems. These systems fail to capture intangible assets in measurable, material terms. When these assets are not reported, they remain invisible, starting at the board level and filtering throughout the organization. Without recognition, there is no accountability for managing these assets.

Consider the widely used metric “return on capital employed.” The denominator in this calculation is based solely on tangible assets from the balance sheet. But why aren’t brand and IP included? If they were added to the equation, the metric would provide a far more accurate picture of returns. Currently, 80% of the assets driving profits are excluded from the calculation, making the numbers look disproportionately favorable. This disconnect means that much of the profit-driving numerator comes directly from intangible assets, yet it is divided only by tangible capital.

So, what’s the solution? Businesses must take proactive steps, going beyond standard compliance requirements. First, they need to scientifically value their intangible assets. Second, they should report these assets transparently, just as they do with tangible assets. Third, organizations must hold managers accountable for optimizing and integrating these assets into strategic decision-making.

By embracing this approach, companies can transform how they measure return on capital. The metrics won’t just look different; they’ll finally reflect the real value that resides within the business. Recognizing and leveraging intangible assets isn’t just an accounting adjustment—it’s a strategic imperative for businesses that want to thrive in today’s economy.

Bengaluru, India, Feb. 19, 2025 —Today, Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking and security, and Rockwell Automation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their strategic partnership and launch the ‘Digital Skills for Industry’ program. Addressing the growing skills gap in India’s manufacturing sector, the program aims to empower the next generation of workers with essential digital skills, combining IT and OT curriculums in the areas of cybersecurity, networking, IoT, data science, AI, programming and automation technologies. To meet the evolving demands of the industry, the program aims to improve digital literacy in the industry, attract new talent, enhance workforce productivity, help accelerate career growth and bridge the global digital divide.

With a vision of exporting goods worth USD 1 trillion by 2030, India is well on its way to cementing itself as a major manufacturing hub. However, a shortage of skilled workers poses a significant barrier to progress. In fact, according to a Team Lease report, by FY 2027-28 the electronics manufacturing industry is expected to generate 12 million jobs, yet a staggering skills gap of 10 million trained professionals persists. Bridging this skills gap is critical to ensure that India’s manufacturing industry remains globally competitive, efficient, and future-ready.

To address this gap, organizations are intensifying their investments in operational technology while prioritizing workforce upskilling. In July 2024, Cisco and Rockwell Automation signed an MOU pledging to close the digital skills gap in manufacturing across the Asia-Pacific region through social impact programs which include the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad). In India, NetAcad has already trained more than 2.2 million students through collaborations with educational institutions and industry partners. With courses in emerging technologies such as networking, programming, and cybersecurity, NetAcad is equipping the workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the jobs of the future.

“As we navigate the digital-first era, we’re witnessing a significant shift where industries without the right skilled talent risk falling behind. This transformation, driven by AI and emerging technologies, is especially critical for the manufacturing sector,” said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, of Cisco India & SAARC “We are excited to partner with Rockwell Automation to build a future-ready, skilled workforce that can bring to life new possibilities of digital technologies, paving the way for a smarter and globally competitive manufacturing landscape.”

“India’s manufacturing sector is poised to be a key engine of the nation’s economic transformation. Amidst rapid technological advancements, the need for workforce upskilling and reskilling has never been more urgent. Rockwell Automation’s 9th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report identifies ‘change management’ as the top workforce challenge for 2024, highlighting the crucial role of human capital in the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies,” said Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India

Recognizing the growing need for a skilled workforce in automation technologies, Rockwell Automation offers solutions to help both customers upskill workers and academic institutions to train students in industry-relevant skills. These training solutions can be deployed with Rockwell Automation support through a blend of virtual or instructor-led courses to help enterprises mitigate workforce challenges and prepare for the future of smart manufacturing. These courses, spread across a variety of fundamental and product-specific automation technology topics, deliver a training solution that can be implemented directly on the plant floor, in classrooms, or through virtual sessions.

“While companies are committed to maintaining and even expanding their workforce in this era of automation, simply hiring isn’t enough. A strategic investment in robust upskilling and reskilling programs is essential. These programs must empower workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage emerging technologies effectively. By cultivating a dynamic talent ecosystem equipped for the future of manufacturing, we can realize India’s national vision: establishing the country as a global manufacturing powerhouse, competitive on the world stage,” added Dilip Sawhney.

Delhi NCR: In light of the recent 4.0 magnitude earthquake in Delhi NCR, discussions have intensified regarding the resilience of buildings in the region. The question, Are these buildings earthquake-proof? has been on the radar among homebuyers and investors. Due to its proximity to the Himalayan belt, Delhi NCR faces significant seismic risks, leading developers in the region to focus on the construction of earthquake-resistant projects. Developers have taken necessary steps toward making their projects disaster ready. They focus on creating projects that are ductile and have a flexible foundation.

Their primary focus is on implementing structural designs, employing techniques such as concrete frames, shear walls, and architecture to distribute energy throughout the structure in order to withstand seismic forces and reduce the risk of collapse. Earthquake-resistant buildings utilize a variety of techniques based on experimental results, computer simulations, and observations from past earthquakes. Material selection plays a critical role, with high-quality materials like reinforced concrete, steel, and composite materials being preferred for their strength and durability. To mitigate seismic forces, developers are integrating innovative technologies like base isolation systems, shock absorbers, and dampers. Base isolation involves constructing buildings on flexible pads made of steel, rubber, and lead, allowing the isolators to vibrate and absorb seismic waves while the structure remains steady. Dampers, similar to shock absorbers in cars, are placed between columns and beams to reduce the magnitude of shockwaves, with energy being transformed into heat and dissipated.

Adil Altaf, Managing Director, Trinity Infratech said, “As a responsible real estate developer in Gurugram, we will prioritize safety and resilience in our high-rise constructions. Our project will adhere to stringent seismic codes, incorporating earthquake-resistant designs, advanced damping systems, and high-quality construction materials. We will conduct rigorous soil testing, use flexible foundation techniques, and ensure compliance with structural engineering best practices. Additionally, regular safety audits and expert consultations will help us enhance building durability. Our commitment is to create not just aesthetically superior spaces but also structures that offer maximum safety and peace of mind to our residents.”

Developers ensure compliance with the seismic codes of India set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), such as IS. However, these codes should be on par with those of countries like the US and Japan for better implementation. Buildings meet crucial safety standards along with seismic resistant features. Developers are investing heavily in seismic-proof buildings.

Mohit Agarwal, Business Head, Conscient Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd said, “With a growing focus on safety, Gurugram’s real estate sector is adopting advanced structural designs to mitigate earthquake risks. We are integrating seismic-resistant technologies, reinforced foundations, and high-grade materials to enhance building resilience. From shock-absorbing frameworks to smart engineering solutions, the goal is to ensure stability and long-term sustainability in the city’s rapidly evolving skyline.”

The earthquake handling capacity of properties in the city is highly attributed to the modern construction standards implemented by developers. Cities in NCR, including Faridabad and Gurugram, are seeing the development of high-rise buildings that feature the qualities and technologies of an earthquake-proof project. In times of natural disasters like earthquakes, good architecture and infrastructural planning can reduce the disaster impact to a great extent. Developers incorporating these crucial measures can successfully prevent extreme situations that could otherwise result from a disastrous tremor.

Delhi, India – 19th February 2025 – Renowned business mentor and philanthropist Suresh Mansharamani has been unanimously re-elected as the President of MKW Trust, Rajouri Garden, for a third consecutive term. With a decade of leadership at the trust, his reappointment reflects the organization’s confidence in his vision and dedication to social service. Under his leadership, MKW Trust has significantly expanded its healthcare and welfare initiatives, making a lasting impact on the lives of the underprivileged.

Joining him in the leadership team are Mr. R.P. Anand as Vice President and Mr. Pankaj Bali as Secretary General, who will work alongside him to further the trust’s mission of community welfare and social upliftment.

MKW Trust, with a legacy of over 30 years, is committed to serving marginalized communities through healthcare, elderly care, and social welfare programs. The trust operates a 40-bed charitable hospital and an Old Age Home in Rajouri Garden, providing medical care and dignified living for senior citizens. It also runs a charitable dispensary in Raghubir Nagar, West Delhi, offering essential healthcare services to those in need. Additionally, the trust manages a Ram Temple, serving as a center for community engagement and spiritual well-being.

A respected entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and author, Suresh Mansharamani has dedicated his career to mentoring businesses and fostering leadership excellence. His deep commitment to philanthropy has driven MKW Trust’s growth, enabling it to scale its operations and introduce new programs aimed at improving healthcare access and supporting vulnerable sections of society. His tenure has seen increased community engagement, expansion of welfare initiatives, and the mobilization of resources for social good.

Expressing gratitude for his re-election, Suresh Mansharamani stated:
“I am honored to continue serving as the President of MKW Trust. This organization stands as a beacon of hope for many, and I remain committed to advancing our mission of providing healthcare, elderly care, and social support to those in need. True leadership is about serving others, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team to create a lasting impact.”

With a renewed mandate, MKW Trust aims to further strengthen its philanthropic initiatives, expand its healthcare infrastructure, and introduce new community welfare programs. The trust continues to rely on the support of volunteers, donors, and well-wishers to drive meaningful change.

Visakhapatnam: 19th February 2025: Adani Gangavaram Port in association with the Adani Foundation, organized a Kabaddi Tournament under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program at Jalaripallipalem. The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of local villagers, with the Senior Management of Adani Gangavaram Port and Foundation, along with village heads of Gangavaram, presenting medals and prizes to the winners.

The tournament is part of a broader effort by the Port and Foundation to encourage physical fitness and promote sports culture in the region. Over the past three months, more than 750 local participants have actively competed in tournaments across various sports, including Volleyball, Cricket, Badminton, and Kabaddi.

Adani Gangavaram Port and the Foundation have been instrumental in building community infrastructure such as gyms, sports grounds, and boxing rings in the villages of Gangavaram, Dibbapalem, and Srinagar. These initiatives are aimed at fostering a culture of health and fitness while providing the community with the necessary facilities to stay active and engaged.

Speaking on the occasion, Adani Gangavaram Port Limited Management said, We believe that sports have the power to unite and empower communities. Through our ongoing CSR initiatives, we aim to not only improve the physical health of individuals but also create a positive environment that fosters teamwork and social harmony. This Kabaddi Tournament is just one example of our commitment to the local community, and we are proud to support initiatives that help nurture talent and promote an active lifestyle.

Hyderabad: 19th February 2025: Ashoka One Mall is embracing the changing seasons with its ‘Spring into Summer Fashion’ festival, an exclusive shopping and rewards event running from February 17th to March 2nd. The festival promises a refreshing shopping experience, and stunning décor, with exciting offers, and rewarding activities designed to make this season one to remember.

As part of its Activity Spend & Win initiative, shoppers can enjoy a variety of exciting rewards like Instant Silver Reward Customers who spend ₹10,000 or more in a single day will receive a FREE 10g Silver Coin as an instant reward. Shoppers who spend ₹5,000 or more can enter the Weekly Gold Rush draw for a chance to win a 1g Gold Coin.

The mall is adorned with elegant floral hangings and vibrant spring-themed décor, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. With exclusive spring sale discounts across leading brands, shoppers can refresh their wardrobes while enjoying the festive ambiance and winning exciting prizes.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N Jaideep Reddy, Managing Director, Ashoka Developers and Builders Limited, said “Ashoka One Mall has always been a hub for fashion and lifestyle, and ‘spring into Summer Fashion’ is another step toward enhancing the shopping experience. With exciting rewards, interactive activities, and special seasonal offers, we invite shoppers to celebrate the joy of the season with us.”

Hyderabad, 19 February 2025: BioAsia 2025, Asia’s largest life-sciences and healthcare conference, is set to provide a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship and showcase startups as catalyst of future change. As Asia’s premier life sciences event, BioAsia, hosted by the State government of Telangana, is poised to transform the entrepreneurial journey for startups within the healthcare and life sciences sectors by providing the right environment and ecosystem for growth.

The ‘Innovation Zone’ at BioAsia 2025 will be a dynamic hub showcasing the Startup Pavilion and the Incubator Pavilion, igniting innovation and unlocking investment opportunities. In line with BioAsia’s ethos of fostering innovation, a select group of about 80 startups have earned coveted spots in the 22nd edition of this global conference to showcase their innovative solutions that have potential to transform healthcare globally.

In a unique and unparalleled opportunity, selected startups not only gain access to complimentary exhibition space but also unlock the doors to exclusive interactions with industry titans. This golden opportunity, exclusive to BioAsia, offers startups unprecedented access to invaluable mentorship, networking, and potential partnerships with global leaders in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. It’s an unparalleled chance to propel their innovations onto the world stage and accelerate their journey towards success.

The response from industries to attend BioAsia 2025, which is a premier platform to showcase innovation in life sciences and healthcare, has been overwhelming. The event has attracted interest from both national and international corporations, indicating a strong desire to engage with the latest innovations and developments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. This enthusiastic response underscores the significance of BioAsia as a premier platform for industry collaboration, networking, and growth, providing start-ups with unparalleled opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and potential partnerships to accelerate their growth trajectory.

The line-up of startups set to grace BioAsia 2025 spans a diverse spectrum, from medical technology startups revolutionizing Drug Discovery Platforms to medical device startups solving for cancer screening, nasal septum, and limb movements etc., Additionally, biotechnology startups are making strides in areas such as small molecule nanoparticles and novel drug candidates.

Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, IT E&C and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana said “We are extremely excited with the response we have received from startups to participate in BioAsia 2025. Bio Asia is rightly poised as a global platform fostering innovation and collaboration within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. It is a great booster to the start-up ecosystem, with promising ventures showcasing their solutions to a global audience. As we witness enthusiastic engagement from both national and international startups, it reaffirms our commitment to positioning Telangana as a global leader in the field, empowering start-ups to thrive and innovate on a world stage.”

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, I&C and IT, Government of Telangana stated, “The Life sciences space in Telangana has grown at a rapid pace and we are experiencing a massive interest in the opportunities prevalent in the state. To fuel this momentum, Bio Asia 2025 has enabled an Incubator Pavilion and Innovation Zone which will aim at fostering innovation and business growth for startups who are creating revolutionary solutions in healthcare and life sciences.”

Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences, Government of Telangana said “After witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives in previous editions of BioAsia, we are further enhancing this platform. BioAsia 2025 with the theme Catalysts of Change presents an unparalleled opportunity to forge partnerships and drive impactful collaborations in an ever-evolving environment”

Start-up Stage has witnessed an overwhelming response from startups worldwide, with over 700 innovative ventures vying for recognition on this prestigious platform. A panel of seasoned experts representing both industries and academia have shortlisted approximately 80 start-ups for exhibiting at the venue. Among these, the top 5 stand-outs will have the exceptional honour of presenting their groundbreaking ideas during BioAsia’s Valedictory session, further amplifying their visibility and potential for collaboration. BIRAC, Government of India has partnered with BioAsia for the start-up stage further solidifying the event’s stature as a catalyst for fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.