Blossoming Creativity IHM-Hyderabad’s Flower Competition
Hyderabad, March 3rd, 2025: The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad (IHM-Hyderabad), a prestigious central government institute under the Ministry of Tourism; transformed into a floral wonderland as it hosted the much-anticipated Intra-Collegiate Flower Arrangement Competition. The event was a visual spectacle, celebrating artistic expression and creativity while underscoring the significance of floral aesthetics in the hospitality industry.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the competition introduced a Professional Category, welcoming skilled florists and professionals from leading hotels. Their exquisite arrangements not only elevated the competition but also served as an inspiration to budding hospitality enthusiasts, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world industry standards.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across Hyderabad, including from other premier institutes such as the Culinary Academy of India; Regency College of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management; Indian Institute of Hotel Management and Culinary Arts, and Chennai’s Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management, participants showcased their artistic prowess across multiple categories, Freestyle, Flower Decoration, Ikebana, and Bouquet Making, with each creation judged on creativity, colour harmony, and presentation.
With its vibrant displays and high-spirited competition, the event was a resounding success, reaffirming IHM-Hyderabad’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in the hospitality sector.
The competition was graced by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including Ho-Kiku A. Vineetha Sunil Kumar, a distinguished Ikebana Master, Hoka Sukanya Reddy, and other renowned professionals. The judges meticulously evaluated each entry, applauding participants for their exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and keen attention to detail.
Sanjay Thakur, Principal of IHM-Hyderabad, expressed his appreciation for the participants, stating, “Floral arrangements play a pivotal role in hospitality and event décor. This competition serves as an invaluable platform for students to hone their artistic skills, which are essential in creating memorable guest experiences.
The event concluded on a joyous and celebratory note, with participants and spectators marveling at the stunning floral displays. With its unwavering commitment to creativity and holistic learning, IHM-Hyderabad continues to nurture future hospitality leaders, equipping them with the skills and artistry needed to excel in the industry.
The winners were felicitated with certificates and accolades, recognizing their outstanding talent and dedication to the art of floral arrangement. The winners of various competitions were
Free Style Category
First Place: Hariom Shukla, Ihm-Hyderabad
Second Place: Pranav Gawande, Ihm-Hyderabad
Third Place: Sara Ashish Reddy, Chennais Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management
Flower Decoration
First Place: Shivaprasad, Regency College of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management
Second Place: Susan Sara Singh, Ihm-Hyderabad
Third Place: Saraswati Birwakarma, Regency College of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management
Ikebana
First Place: Divyansh Gupta, Culinary Academy of India
Second Place: T. Mukhteshwar, Regency College of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management
Third Place: Sattwikee Ray, Ihm-Hyderabad
Bouquet Making
First Place: Sunidhi Nair, Ihm-Hyderabad
Second Place: Manthan Bahadure, Culinary Academy of India
Third Place: Md Abdul Ahad, Indian Institute of Hotel Management and Culinary Arts
Life doesn’t give us purpose We give life purpose
3rd March 2025: Gillco International School, Mohali, hosted a spectacular Foundational Stage Annual Show—THE FABLE FEST—with the enchanting theme, “Where Stories Come Alive,” alongside the Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a successful academic year and the graduation of our young learners.
The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp of knowledge by the school’s Trustee, Ms. Paramjit Kaur Gill, and the Principal, Dr. Kritika Kaushal.
The little stars of the Foundational Wing captivated the audience with their vibrant performances, featuring colorful costumes, melodious music, lively dances, and beautifully crafted props. They took the spectators on a whimsical journey—from a fairyland to the sea of courage and up to the cloud kingdom—bringing beloved tales to life.
Each act conveyed profound values such as hope, kindness, friendship, and togetherness. The students showcased their talents through a series of cultural performances, including songs, dances, and skits. The highlight of the evening was the electrifying Bhangra performance by the graduating students, which had everyone tapping their feet in joy.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Headmistress Ms. Gursimran Khosla, expressing gratitude to all for making the occasion memorable.
Principal Dr. Kritika Kaushal lauded the students’ achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud of our students’ growth and accomplishments over the past year. Our Annual and Graduation Day celebration is a testament to their dedication and hard work.” She congratulated the students and faculty on their success and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
WISE 2025 Day 2 Highlights from Women’s Summit on Entrepreneurship
Hyderabad, March 3, 2025: The second day of the Women’s International Summit on Entrepreneurship (WISE) & B2B Expo 2025, organized by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE), continued its momentum at the Engineering Staff College, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, with impactful sessions, business networking, and thought leadership discussions. Following a successful inaugural day, Day 2 focused on sustainability, circular economy, rural entrepreneurship, and global market integration for women entrepreneurs. The sessions provided valuable insights, hands-on learning opportunities, and crucial networking platforms to help women-led enterprises scale globally.
The day commenced with student interactions with international speakers, followed by a series of high-impact panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions covering key areas of business growth. The session on Circular Economy – Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Redesign was moderated by Ms. Nidhi Toshniwal, Director, Toshniwal Cables & Founder, Crafts Etectera Organiks. The panel featured distinguished speakers including Ms. Karuna Gopal Vartakavi, Founder President, Foundation for Futuristic Cities, Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, CGM, SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India), Mr. Ovais Sarmad, Former Deputy Executive Secretary, UNCC, Spain, and Ms. Geetha Vangari, Co-Founder, Navaratnam Eco Products, USA.
The Global to Rural – Learnings & Technology Transfer session was moderated by Ms. Geetha Rao, Co-Founder, Office Republic, and featured insights from Ms. Usha Gopalratnam, Ex-President, Score.org, USA, Mr. Seelam Rajasekar Reddy, Founder & MD, 24 MANTRA, Dr. Jagat Shah, Founder, Vibrant India & International Business-Exports Advisor, and Mr. Ram Subramanian Oruganti, Director, Samanvaya Social Venture Pvt. Ltd., Chennai. They discussed ways to bridge the gap between global advancements and rural entrepreneurship to create inclusive economic growth.
The Gearing Up SMEs for Global Supply Chains session, moderated by Mr. Sudhakar Budaraju, Business Coach & Independent Management Consultant, Ex-Joint President, Adani Group, explored strategies for integrating SMEs into global supply chains. Speakers included Mr. Ravi Verma from GEM Portal, Mr. Arunachalam Karthikeyan, Head of iMOVE Representation, and Ms. Rubylyn Hernandez from Aartees Education Foundation Inc, Philippines, who provided valuable insights on scaling businesses to meet global standards.
The Innovative and Sustainable Startups session, moderated by Ms. Radhika, CEO, GR Sustainable Solutions, showcased emerging entrepreneurs making a significant impact in their respective fields. Featured startups included MOWO by Ms. Jayabharathi, Ajhnhawk by Ms. Prayushi & Ms. Kajol, Green Breath by Ms. Sanjana, Karotimam by Ms. Chitra Lekha, Rent a Toy by Ms. Revathi, and Sanatana Dolls by Ms. Sreedevi Chitti. The session concluded with an inspiring talk by Master Chef Shipra Khanna, who shared her entrepreneurial journey and encouraged women to pursue their business aspirations.
Grand Conclusion with Networking & Awards
The summit concluded with an inspiring Networking Session, providing entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders an opportunity to forge new collaborations, explore funding avenues, and discuss strategies for sustainable business growth.
COWE Success Stories Series showcased entrepreneurial journeys of women-led businesses, highlighting the success and impact of women entrepreneurs supported by COWE over the last two decades.
Organizing Committee & Strategic Partners
WISE 2025 is organized by the COWE National Board, including Lalitha Aluri (National President), Jyotsna Cheruvu (National Secretary), Usha Paliath (CEO), and the Telangana Team of COWE.
Indian Stock Market Hit by Global Domestic Challenges
1) Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, Director & Professor of Finance at NMIMS Bengaluru:
The Indian stock market’s weak opening is driven by global and domestic factors. Key reasons include weak earnings expectations from Indian banks due to rising bad loan provisions and margin pressure. MSCI index reshuffling has caused volatility, leading to outflows from passive funds. DIIs, having invested at higher levels, now face reduced buying support. Rising US bond yields make equities less attractive, prompting FIIs to shift funds to China, where better valuations and policy measures offer opportunities. Given these factors, volatility may persist, and investors should monitor trends closely while considering defensive sectors like FMCG, pharma, and IT.
2) Mayank Mundhra, FRM- VP Risk & Head Research Abans Group:
The recent downturn in Indian stock markets is driven by both global and domestic challenges. Globally, escalating trade tensions have played a significant role as Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, effective March 4, along with an additional 10% duty on Chinese goods.
Adding to market uncertainty, the U.S. Federal Reserve has delayed further interest rate cuts, leading to worries about prolonged tight financial conditions. Soft U.S. economic data has further spooked investors—the S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index, which tracks business activity across the manufacturing and services sectors, fell to 50.4 in February, its lowest in 17 months, indicating a near-stagnant economy.
Domestically, several factors have exacerbated market declines. India’s GDP growth had slowed to a two-year low of 5.4% in the second quarter of FY25. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have pulled nearly ₹2 lakh crore from Indian equities since October 2024. A depreciating rupee—recently weakening to 87.37 against the U.S. dollar—has made Indian assets less attractive to foreign investors, further accelerating outflows. A weaker rupee also raises concerns about inflation due to increased import costs, adding to market pressures.
In response, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken measures to stabilize the economy. In February, it cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%, the first rate cut in nearly five years. Additionally, the RBI announced a $10 billion dollar-rupee swap auction to inject durable liquidity into the banking system and ease financial conditions.
The markets are adjusting valuations of stocks, particularly the high PE ones, as long term growth prospects are being looked at more realistically vs optimistically . The euphoric nature which was prevalent till october’24, is being normalised towards long term mean, in this fall.
Despite these headwinds, improving Q3 corporate earnings indicate underlying resilience. As global trade tensions ease and RBI’s policy measures take effect, investor confidence should improve, potentially leading to renewed inflows and a market recovery.
The Secret to Timeless Luminous Skin
1st March 2025: As we age, our skin undergoes numerous changes, including the thinning of the dermis—the second layer of our skin. This natural process is exacerbated by the loss of essential proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. While many individuals turn to skincare products and supplements to combat these signs of aging, recent studies emphasize the powerful impact of aerobic and resistance exercise, particularly weightlifting, on skin health. Weightlifting, in particular, has been shown to significantly increase dermal thickness. This form of resistance training promotes the production of proteins that strengthen connective tissues within the skin. When we lift weights, the mechanical stress stimulates fibroblast activity, enhancing collagen synthesis. This process not only improves skin elasticity but also fortifies its structure, making it more resilient against the effects of aging.
Additionally, weightlifting enhances blood circulation, ensuring that skin cells receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Improved circulation also aids in the removal of toxins from the skin, contributing to a clearer and healthier complexion. Furthermore, the increased muscle mass gained through regular resistance training provides better support for the skin, reducing the appearance of sagging. Dr. Subhro Bhattacharjee, Consultant Aesthetic Dermatologist & Laser Specialist, explains, “During weightlifting, micro-injuries stimulate the body’s repair process, replacing old tissue with new. This regeneration tightens tissues, increases collagen and elastic fibers, improves blood vessels, enhances skin tone, and contributes to a radiant complexion, providing significant anti-aging benefits.”
However, while weightlifting plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful skin, a comprehensive skincare routine remains essential. According to Dr. Debasish Biswas, Senior Aesthetic Physician and Founder of Radiantt Estheticis, “Serums are concentrated formulations designed to address specific skin concerns, making them a vital component of an effective skincare regimen. They penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering active ingredients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and skin regeneration.” Serums also play a key role in minimizing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, evening out skin tone for a brighter, more uniform complexion. Rich in antioxidants, they help protect the skin from free radicals—unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging. This protective barrier reduces the environmental impact on the skin, including damage from pollution and sun exposure. Regular use of serums leads to smoother, more refined skin, enhancing texture and providing a radiant glow.
To address specific skin concerns, different types of serums can be incorporated into a skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid serum is essential for hydration, while a biphasic serum effectively targets pigmentation. Vitamin C serum works to correct uneven skin tone, whereas retinol serum provides powerful anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. For those struggling with dark spots, tranexamic acid serum is highly effective in lightening hyperpigmentation and restoring a balanced complexion.
In conclusion, while skincare products such as serums contribute to maintaining a youthful and healthy complexion, integrating weightlifting into your fitness routine offers remarkable benefits. By promoting dermal thickness, enhancing collagen production, and improving circulation, weightlifting helps keep the skin firm, elastic, and radiant. The next time you hit the gym, remember—those weights are not just sculpting your muscles; they’re also giving your skin a lift.
This comprehensive approach combines the power of resistance training with targeted skincare to achieve a radiant, youthful complexion. We believe this synergy of fitness and skincare could resonate well with your audience and spark meaningful conversations around holistic approaches to skin health.
India’s Q3 FY 2025 GDP Growth at 6.2% Signals Need for Economic Boost
By: Mr. Vivek Rathi – National Director Research, Knight Frank India.
“India’s Q3 FY 2025 GDP growth of 6.2% signals a moderate recovery in economic momentum since the last announcement but remains a notable slowdown compared to the same period last year. While a 5.6% growth in the agriculture sector has contributed positively, a sharp decline in manufacturing growth from 14% to 3.5% has significantly weighed on overall expansion. Additionally, a moderation in the construction sector to 7% has further dampened year-on-year growth.
With Real GDP projected to grow at 6.5% for FY 2024-25—substantially lower than the exceptional 9.2% recorded in FY 2023-24—there is a need for measures to stimulate private consumption, expand capital investment avenues, and sustain economic momentum.
Among high-frequency indicators within the property sector, we have seen signs of moderation in growth in both credit offtake and sales, suggesting a plateauing at elevated levels. Policy interventions aimed at revitalizing demand across the economic spectrum, particularly in the affordable housing segment, will be crucial in regaining momentum.”
Kia India Recognised As Great Place To Work
Mumbai, March 1st, 2025 – Kia India, the country’s leading mass-premium carmaker, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the period of February 2025 – February 2026. This certification underscores Kia India’s unwavering commitment to building a trust-based, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired.
With over 92% employee participation from corporate, regional, and plant offices across the country, this achievement highlights Kia India’s employee-friendly policies, which prioritize the all-round professional development of its workforce.
On the occasion, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India, remarked, “Being recognized as a Great Place to Work is a proud milestone for all of us at Kia India. Our dedication to fostering a customer-centric, people-focused, and collaborative ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of everything we do. This certification is a testament to our ongoing journey. We remain committed to listening to our people, learning from their insights, and investing in their growth, making Kia India an even more inspiring place to work. As we continue to redefine mobility, we are steadfast in our mission to cultivate a workplace that nurtures innovation and growth.”
The certification process followed the rigorous Great Place to Work® model, evaluating workplace culture across five key dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Kia India excelled in all these areas, reinforcing its commitment to employee engagement, well-being, and a culture of excellence. Notably, Kia India stands out as one of the few automobile manufacturers in the country to receive this prestigious recognition.
Crisil’s Dharmakirti Joshi Comments on GDP Data
By: Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, Crisil Limited on GDP data
March 1st 2025
Growth back to trend
The mild revision of 10 basis points (bps) in the second advanced estimates to 6.5% takes the expected real GDP growth this fiscal closer to the average of 6.6% seen in the decade pre-pandemic. And this is over a sharp upward revision of 100 bps in the previous year’s growth to 9.2%.
We expect the GDP growth at 6.5% next fiscal, supported by normal monsoons, lower food inflation and rate cuts of 75-100 basis points in the current cycle that began earlier this month. However, a lower fiscal impulse is expected to cap growth next year.
The good news is growth is becoming more balanced as private consumption’s share in GDP rose in fiscal 2025.
However, investment’s share has been moderating since fiscal 2024. As anticipated, public and household investments were the faster-growing investment components in fiscal 2024. However, private corporate investment share in total investments fell.
The financial flexibility and low leverage that corporates enjoy is yet to translate into healthy investments. The ongoing tariff wars and fear of dumping from China keeps the corporate sector cautious on investments.
On the other side, gross domestic savings as a proportion of GDP remained stagnant. While household gross financial savings (as % of GDP) rose, their savings in physical assets fell in fiscal 2024.
The complexity of risks from tariff actions – already initiated and likely to be followed by more such measures in the coming months – is evolving and creates a downside bias to our forecasts.
Birla Estates Secures INR 500Cr Booking in Birla Trimaya Phase 3
Bengaluru, March 1st, 2025: Birla Estates Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (formerly Century Textiles and Industries Limited), announces the successful launch of Birla Trimaya Phase III – The Park, the latest addition to its highly sought-after project in North Bengaluru. Within 24 hours of the launch recording an impressive booking value of approximately INR 500 crores with the sale of over 300 units, validating the positive response from luxury homebuyers in the region. With this, the cumulative booking value achieved across all launched phases is approximately INR 1,500 crores with approx. 90% of units launched till date sold out, underlining the strong demand and market confidence in the project.
Spread across an expansive 52 acres of land stretch and strategically located on Shettigere Road, Devanahalli, North Bengaluru, Birla Trimaya compromises of three distinct phases – The Hill, The Park, and The Bay offering an exclusive selection of apartments, row houses and duplex homes with one of a kind gated community. Aligned with company’s ‘LifeDesigned’ philosophy, Birla Trimaya Phase III – The Park introduces a nature-inspired living experience, seamlessly blending urban sophistication with tranquil surroundings. This phase offers 2 BHK, 3 BHK, and 4 BHK options that include exquisite apartments and luxurious duplex residences, all thoughtfully designed to enhance lifestyle offering serene views of central park.
Mr. K. T. Jithendran, MD & CEO of Birla Estates, said: “The overwhelming response to Birla Trimaya across all three phases, with a cumulative booking value exceeding INR 1,500 crores, is a testament to our deep market understanding and commitment to crafting thoughtfully designed homes and curated lifestyles that redefine urban living. Bengaluru continues to be a key focus market for us, and the success of Birla Trimaya strengthens our position as a preferred brand in luxury real estate while underscoring the trust homebuyers have placed in this project.”
Beyond Birla Trimaya, Birla Estates continues to expand its footprint across Bengaluru, with landmark projects in Whitefield, Rajajinagar, Devanahalli, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar project.
PHDCCI India Remains Resilient with 6.2% GDP Growth in Q3 FY 2024-25
Despite geopolitical headwinds India’s growth at 6.2% in Q3 FY 2024-25 reflects India’s resilience and the effectiveness of policies, said Mr. Hemant Jain, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today .
The growth is largely driven by the strong performance of agriculture and allied sectors, which saw a growth rate of 5.6% in Q3 FY25. This rebound is expected to boost farmers’ income and further enhance agricultural productivity and rural growth, said Mr. Jain .
The tertiary sector has emerged as a key growth engine, showing an impressive 7.4% growth in Q3 FY25. Services such as trade, hotels, transport, communication, and broadcasting services have witnessed high growth of 6.7%, said Mr. Jain.
This indicates a vibrant services sector that continues to expand, creating new avenues for employment and economic development, said Mr. Jain.
Private final consumption expenditure grew by 6.9% in Q3 FY25; showing steady increase in consumer spending and strength to demand trajectory, said Mr. Jain.
The manufacturing sector grew steady at 3.5%, reflecting the continued strength of India’s manufacturing sector reforms, said Mr. Jain.
The construction sector remains a strong support to India’s economic growth, showing consistent growth of 7% in Q3 FY25, said Mr. Jain.
This sector not only generates significant employment across various skill levels but also acts as a catalyst for infrastructure development, said Mr. Jain
The electricity, gas, water supply, and other utility services grew by 5.1% in Q3 FY 2024-25, indicating strong support for the manufacturing sector through enhanced infrastructure and energy, said Mr. Jain.
The robust performance of India’s gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) at 27.6% of GDP for Q3 FY25 indicates sustained capacity expansion, said Mr. Jain.