i-merit Signs MoU with SRM Institute to Launch Skill Development Programs
Delhi, 13th March 2025: i-merit, the flagship program of Scholars Merit Online Pvt. Ltd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), Delhi-NCR Campus, to introduce a series of skill development programs under the i-merit banner. These programs, designed to enhance students’ employability index, will range from short-term courses of 120 hours to comprehensive programs spanning 12 to 25 weeks, providing a structured approach to industry-oriented learning.
This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping students with technical and soft skills essential for securing job opportunities in today’s competitive market. The i-merit Nova courses will be integrated into the i-merit Accelerate and Elevate programs, offering practical, hands-on training aligned with industry requirements.
Speaking on the partnership, Nancy D, CBO at Scholars Merit PVT Ltd., said, “At i-merit, we recognize that while academic degrees provide foundational knowledge, they often fall short in preparing students for real-world professional challenges. Our skill development programs at SRMIST are designed to address this gap by offering industry-aligned training that enhances employability. By extending our outreach through partnerships like this, we aim to empower over 50,000 students by December 2025.”
Prof. R. P. Mahapatra, Dean, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “SRMIST is dedicated to providing our students with an education that not only meets academic excellence but also prepares them for the job market. Our partnership with i-merit will ensure that our students acquire the necessary skills to excel in their careers. With programs tailored to meet industry needs, this initiative will significantly boost the employability index of our students.”
SRMIST, Delhi-NCR Campus, is a premier educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering and technology, management, computer applications, pharmacy, and hotel management. Recognized as a Category-1 university by MHRD and UGC, SRMIST holds an A++ accreditation by NAAC and is approved by AICTE and PCI. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and industry integration, SRMIST aims to be among the top private universities globally by 2025.
This MoU with SRMIST follows i-merit’s recent collaboration with Sri Sai Group of Institutes, where over 300 students are currently enrolled in i-merit Nova courses. With an ambitious goal of partnering with 100 colleges and impacting 50,000 students, i-merit continues to expand its footprint in skill development across India, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
PhonePe’s Indus Appstore and Xiaomi India Drive Growth in India’s Digital Ecosystem with New Partnership
Bangalore, March 13th, 2025: Indus Appstore, India’s homegrown Android app marketplace, today announced a multi-year alliance with Xiaomi India, a global technology pioneer. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Indus Appstore and Xiaomi India to foster a localized digital ecosystem tailored for Indian consumers. By integrating the Indus Appstore on all new Xiaomi smartphones in India and replacing GetApps on existing ones, the Indus Appstore aims to foster accessibility, app discovery, and a seamless user experience.
Speaking about the partnership, Priya M Narasimhan, Chief Business Officer, Indus Appstore said, “Our partnership with Xiaomi India marks a significant milestone towards our goal of building a horizontal app store for Indian Mobile Users and Developers. By combining Xiaomi India’s reach with our localized app discovery platform, we’re creating opportunities for developers while delivering a seamless, culturally-relevant experience to users. This partnership is just the beginning of our vision to transform how India discovers and experiences mobile apps.”
Sudhin Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Xiaomi India, commented on the development, stating, “As India’s digital ecosystem continues to grow, the demand for a locally driven app marketplace has never been more critical. At Xiaomi India, we have always championed ‘Make for India’ innovations, and this partnership with Indus Appstore is a strategic step in that direction. By integrating Indus Appstore with our ecosystem, we aim to offer users a seamless and enriched app discovery experience, while also supporting Indian developers in reaching a wider audience. This partnership reflects both brands’ unwavering commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem in India, empowering users and developers alike.”
This partnership will also help build a self-reliant, consumer-first digital infrastructure in the country by integrating a localized, feature-rich app marketplace, that will help drive innovation and accessibility for millions of users across the country.
Some of the key product highlights of the latest Indus Appstore version are:
- Multilingual App Discovery: Users can discover apps in 12 Indian languages, making it convenient for vernacular language speakers to find their preferred apps
- Video-First Experience: An innovative video-led app discovery system that provides users with rich, visual previews of apps before downloading
- Voice-Enabled Search: Supporting voice commands in 10 Indian languages, eliminating the need for specialized keyboards or complex character input
- Comprehensive App Collection: Access to over 5 lakh mobile apps and games across 45 categories, ensuring a diverse selection for all user needs
CMRI Kolkata’s Wake-Up Call for Sleep Apnea Patients
Kolkata (West Bengal), 13 March 2025: On the observance of World Sleep Day, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata organized an interactive session with doctors and patients highlighting the concept of “Sleep Well, Live Well!’ along with the launch of a Sleep Apnea Support Group. The session stressed the early diagnosis and treatment, as well as lifestyle modification for better sleep health.
Sleep apnea presents a very serious yet oftentimes not diagnosed medical condition, which has affected millions of Indians in their sleep. The numbers increase each year. The condition refers to the constant pause and resume of breathing during sleep, impaired oxygen supply into the body, and reduced body function. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can give rise to severe cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke; metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity; and upon mental wellbeing complications comprising anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction, accompanied by tremendous day fatigue, loss in productivity, and plethora accidents.
This interactive session with the patients led by Dr. Raja Dhar, Director and Head of the Department of Pulmonology, and Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist at CMRI Kolkata, brought forward the different issues of the patients suffering from sleep apnea and also the doctors pointed out that it is a common disorder but is rarely diagnosed and can be life-threatening. Both pointed out that snoring if often considered just an annoying bother, could just be a telltale sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an ailment wherein respiration stops and starts repeatedly through the course of sleep, thereby reducing airflow to the lungs. When OSA is left untreated, it can complicate with very serious medical conditions, mainly hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and metabolic disorders.
Dr. Arup Halder commented on the dangers presented by sleep apnea: “It’s that condition that disturbs the very rhythm of life-breathing and sleeping. On this World Sleep Day, it needs to discover its toll and motivate early diagnosis and treatment. Whether by lifestyle modification, CPAP therapy, or surgical intervention, sleep apnea must be treated for the preservation of well-deserved peaceful nights and wholesome days.”
Dr. Raja Dhar expressed quite the same sentiments in not so many words: “Across the globe, sleep disorders affect over 10% of the population, translating to an occurrence of more than 200 million patients in India alone. Research suggests that nearly 50 million Indians are suffering conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia. However, a majority remains undiagnosed. This lack of awareness brings dire consequences in the long run, such as cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Sleep-related problems are already rising at an alarming state in India, making early screening, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions imperative for this threatening rise.The significance of quality sleep and health needs to be emphasized. If you or someone around you snores loudly and experiences excessive fatigue during the day or wakes up at night with choking sensations, seeking medical help can change everything. Protecting our health and well-being in the future means fighting sleep disorders.”
To respond to the growing concerns, CMRI Kolkata has now launched a dedicated Sleep Apnea Support Group for long-term assistance and community support for individuals to lead a healthier life.
List of Airports tweeted Air India Express’ 100 Aircraft Milestone
March 13,2025:A moment of pride, a story of growth! Air India Express has officially welcomed its 100th aircraft, marking an incredible milestone in its journey. Airports across India – from Agartala, Amritsar, Bengaluru, and Delhi to Chennai, Guwahati, Lucknow, Mangalore, and beyond – joined the celebration turning social media into a hub of excitement as this achievement took flight.
Mirroring the tail art on Air India Express’ 100th aircraft, a Boeing 737-8, featuring Chittara – an ode to Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage – Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, lit up its digital screens with informatory content on the traditional mural painting art form. The aircraft’s take-off from the airport – a major destination for Air India Express with over 445 weekly flights – was flagged off by Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express,
Each aircraft in the growing Air India Express fleet carries the ‘Tales of India’ tail art theme, a unique branding initiative that showcases the country’s diverse artistic heritage. Each tail art is inspired by traditional Indian textile motifs, mural paintings, and folk-art forms such as Ajrakh and Bandhani from Gujarat, Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, Ikat from Odisha, Jaapi from Assam, Jamdani from West Bengal, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Warli from Maharashtra, and more. This initiative not only enhances the airline’s visual identity but also pays tribute to India’s deep-rooted artistry, making every flight a journey through the nation’s cultural legacy. The Chittara art on the 100th aircraft continues this tradition, celebrating the vibrancy of Karnataka’s cultural landscape.
The journey to this achievement has been one of exceptional growth and transformation. Since joining the Tata group in January 2022, Air India Express has nearly doubled its fleet—from 26 Boeing 737 NGs and 28 A320s to an impressive 100 aircraft. This expansion sets the stage for the airline to operate over 500 daily flights by March 2025, covering 54 destinations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
HSBC India, Concern India Foundation Launch EV Training for Women
Bengaluru, 13th March, 2025, In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and financial independence, HSBC India in partnership with Concern India Foundation has successfully completed a skilling program to train women in driving autorickshaws. As part of the initiative, HSBC India handed over 30 electric auto rickshaws to the women with the aim to provide them a sustainable livelihood. This program was facilitated by Shishu Mandir, Concern’s ground partner in Bengaluru.
Most of the women supported through this project have studied up to Class 8 or 10 but have struggled to enter the job market due to limited education and employability skills. By providing them with professional training in autorickshaw driving, this initiative not only empowers them with a sustainable livelihood, but also challenges gender stereotypes in the transport sector. The program enhances their self-esteem, confidence, and financial independence.
With the increasing demand for last-mile connectivity, this initiative creates economic opportunities while contributing to environmental sustainability through the use of electric vehicles—an eco-friendly mode of transport with zero carbon emissions and minimal noise pollution.
The newly trained women drivers will now be seen on Bengaluru’s roads, providing safe and reliable transportation services while serving as role models for others.
Addressing the gathering, Mamatha Madireddy, Head of HSBC Global Service Centres, said, “The programme caters to two important aspects. It is a diverse and inclusive programme generating employment opportunities for women and secondly the importance of sustainable travel by being environment friendly. The programme resonates well with the theme of International Women’s Day 2025 – to accelerate action for women’s equality! It is an inclusive programme that helps 30 women to be independent individuals and improve the economic living conditions of the women in their communities.
At Concern India Foundation, Kavita Shah, CEO, Concern India Foundation added….
“HSBC India has been collaborating with Concern India Foundation for the past four years to support initiatives that have a lasting impact on the environment. By providing non-polluting electric vehicles, this project integrates skill development with sustainable livelihood opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility. At Concern India Foundation, we believe that these women are not just acquiring a skill and a means to a dignified livelihood but are also becoming Climate Champions, promoting green mobility and a cleaner future.”
Apollo Hospitals Celebrates Medical Excellence at ASPIRE 2025, Tackling ILD Challenges
Hyderabad, March 13, 2025: Apollo Hospitals successfully hosted ASPIRE 2025 (Apollo Symposium on Pulmonary Interventions and Respiratory Excellence) in Hyderabad. The event focused on Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), a condition that affects an estimated 4-8 lakh people in India, with rising prevalence due to increasing air pollution, occupational hazards, and delayed diagnosis.
ASPIRE 2025 brought together pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in bronchoscopic techniques, high-resolution imaging, and biomarker-driven diagnostics that are improving ILD detection. Experts also examined new pharmacological treatments, including antifibrotic drugs and biologics, which are shaping ILD management in India.
ASPIRE 2025 featured participation from leading International and National medical professionals, including Dr. Ganesh Raghu, Director, Center for Interstitial, Lung Diseases (ILD & Co-Director – Scleroderma Clinic, University of Washington Medical Center, Dr. Nishant Gupta, Professor of Medicine – University of Cincinnati Interstitial, Lung Disease Program, Dr Kalpalatha Guntupalli, Endowed Professor for Pulmonary Disorders, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston,Tx USA. Dr Narasimhan R, Chennai,Dr Deepak Talwar, New Delhi, Dr T Sunder- Chennai, Dr Amita Nene, Mumbai, Dr B.K.S. Sastry, Hyderabad, Dr A.G.K.Gokhale, Hyderabad, Dr Padmanabha, Shenoy, Kochi.
The organizing committee of Apollo’s Pulmonology Department, led by Dr. Sowmya Parimi, Dr. Vijay Kumar Chennamsetty, Dr. Sai Praveen Haranath, Dr. Srikar Darisetty, Dr. Battu Chaitanya, Dr. Chandrakanth Tarke, and Dr. Pradyut Waghrey, has successfully conducted the conference. The event covered AI-driven diagnostics, cryobiopsy for tissue acquisition, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation, and remote monitoring for ILD patients.
Speaking on the significance of this symposium, Mr. V Tejesvi Rao, CEO, Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals, highlighted Apollo’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in respiratory care, stating: “AI-driven imaging and biomarker-based diagnostics are transforming ILD detection, enabling earlier and more precise diagnoses. At Apollo, we are committed to leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and make specialized ILD care accessible across India. Accurate diagnosis of ILD requires the integration of clinical assessment, supportive radiological findings, and advanced bronchoscopic techniques such as cryobiopsy for tissue acquisition. These tools are critical in identifying specific ILD phenotypes and tailoring appropriate treatment plans.”
Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services, Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals added, “Chronic respiratory diseases account for more than 12% of all deaths in India, with ILD being one of the most misdiagnosed conditions. The discussions at ASPIRE 2025 focused on a collaborative effort between pulmonologists, radiologists, rheumatologists, and histopathologists. By integrating expertise across these disciplines, we ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans that significantly improve patient care and disease management”
ASPIRE 2025 served as a critical knowledge-sharing platform, fostering collaboration among specialists to advance data-driven ILD diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions. With Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to pioneering evidence-based and technology-driven respiratory care, the symposium marked an important step in improving ILD management across India.
JSW Paints to Launch ‘Sound of Colour’ Music Video Series
Chandigarh, March 13th, 2025 – JSW Paints, India’s leading environment-friendly paints company and a part of the US$ 24 billion JSW Group, is set to unveil ‘Sound of Colour’, an innovative campaign that pioneers a unique blend of music with visual storytelling, where colours inspire sound.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, launched in collaboration with Songdew, India’s leading platform for independent artists, the unique campaign is a collective of one-minute music videos with each track capturing the essence of a specific colour from the JSW Paints’ portfolio. Each track in the ‘Sound of Colour’ campaign is composed by contemporary independent artists to evoke the emotions associated with a distinct colour.
The tracks, composed by popular independent artists, Kabir Cafe, EPR Iyer, Madhur Sharma and Raghu Dixit, integrate real-set production techniques to enhance visual storytelling. The music videos are designed with immersive frames that capture the mood and energy of colours like orange for passion and intensity, purple for confidence and creativity, blue for calm and depth, and brown for warmth and authenticity—enhancing the overall visual and emotional experience.
Commenting on the new campaign, Mr. A S Sundaresan, Joint MD and CEO of JSW Paints said “Sound of Colour is a fresh and creative take on how we experience colours. It is about experiencing the colours through music. By collaborating with Songdew’s artists, we are bringing a unique perspective to the concept. We aim to redefine the way we connect with colours and make colour selection an immersive and emotionally engaging experience. The campaign will be released across multiple digital platforms.”
“At JSW Paints, we believe that colour is more than just a visual element – it’s an expression of emotion, creativity, and individuality. Through this ground-breaking initiative, we are thrilled to collaborate with independent artists, blending the vibrancy of our colours with the emotive power of music. This partnership creates a unique multi-sensory experience that not only enhances artistic expression but also fosters a deeper connection between colours, music, and the people who experience them. It is a celebration of creativity in its purest form.” said Mr. Ashish Rai, Chief Business Officer of JSW Paints
Songdew provides a platform to independent musicians to showcase their talent, collaborate and expand their reach. With a strong presence in digital music distribution and live experiences, it is transforming the independent music space in India.
Speaking on the partnership, Sunil Khanna, founder of Songdew said, “Music and colours have a profound impact on our emotions and creativity. We are delighted to partner with JSW Paints for this unique initiative. Working with some of the most talented independent artists, we aim to bring fresh perspective to music and elevate the way people experience colours, making this campaign a celebration of artistic expression in its purest form.”
Rangriti Commends the Festive Spirit with a Colourful Holi Collection
March 13,2025:Mark your calendars to announce the arrival of spring with delectable delights, joy, dance, music, and bright colours. As the festival of colours ticks the clock, you must get set to refresh your wardrobes with the trendiest silhouettes and statement designs. From unique voguish and contemporary fusion wear to Indo-Western styles Rangriti amps up your festive wardrobe with a wide range of mix-and-match, chic ethnic, all-time classics, dresses, festive wear and matching bottom wear.
Festive Classics
Holi is incomplete without a classic white wardrobe that not only elevates your desi avatar but adds contemporary flair to your traditional ethnicity. From a three-piece to a two-piece kurta set, Rangriti offers a wide variety of chic and underrated fashionable pieces that are adorned with multi-coloured thread embroideries and floral prints. Complemented with an abstract patterned dupatta or strip patterned bottom, the curation is a perfect must-have for college and society parties.
Trendy Elegance
Celebrate the festival of colours in our printed and embroidered kurta set in purple. Effortlessly designed for young women, these lightweight and breathable kurta sets in muslin fabric offers both comfort and style. Paired with matching pants and complementing dupatta, these sets are perfect for a streamlined look in celebrations of Holika Dehan.
Prodigy Finance Offers INR 19,000 in Scholarships for Fall 2025 Global Students
13th March 2025: We are thrilled to announce the Prodigy Finance Scholarship Program for students who are starting their classes in Fall 2025. With a total of $19,000 in awards, this scholarship aims to support talented students from Prodigy Finance-supported regions.
This competition features three exciting opportunities:
- The Prodigy Finance General Scholarship – Two $5,000 prizes for students attending Prodigy-supported schools.
- The Study North Carolina Student Matching Scholarship – One $1,000 prize for students planning to attend a Study North Carolina member institution.
- Esade Future Female Leaders – One award of $8,000 designed to empower women attending an Esade graduate program.
Students can apply for a scholarship award regardless of the loan application status. This award can be used for tuition fees, living expenses, or other costs related to their studies.
To be eligible, applicants must be starting their studies in Fall 2025, be from a Prodigy-supported region, and be attending a Prodigy-supported school or a Study NC member institution for the Study North Carolina Scholarship.
Applications open on March 14, 2025 and close on April 14, 2025 at 8:00am EST. During this time, applicants must complete the scholarship application and answer essay questions assessing their financial need and academic merit. Applications will be reviewed from April 15 to May 1, 2025, and winners will be announced on May 2, 2025.
Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer of Prodigy Finance, states, “At Prodigy Finance, we believe education is the most powerful tool to change lives and communities. Through these Fall 2025 scholarships, we proudly support students who show exceptional talent. We are not only funding studies but investing in innovation and future leaders.”
We encourage all eligible students to apply for these scholarships and take advantage of this opportunity to support their academic journey. Applications will be available on the Prodigy Finance website starting March 14, 2025.
Prodigy Finance is an international student loan provider that specialises in collateral-free loans without requiring a co-signer. Recently, Prodigy Finance launched a new initiative offering a co-signer loan option with a lower interest rate specifically for Indian students. This option allows Indian students the flexibility to choose between a co-signer loan or a no co-signer loan, depending on their financial needs.
Khadi India & Samant Chauhan Commend Heritage Textiles at Moscow Fashion Week
Mumbai, March 13,2025:Moscow Fashion Week is a major fashion hub that attracts a global audience, including designers, models, experts, stylists, and journalists from well-known magazines. This time, the fashion event is scheduled from March 13 to 18 and will feature around 200 Russian and International brands on its runways.
Besides renowned Russian labels, designers from various regions and countries will participate in Moscow Fashion Week. The event promises a truly global showcase, with participants hailing from countries such as China, South Africa, Indonesia, the USA, Spain, Turkey, and more. Notably, India will make a significant mark on the event this spring with the esteemed presence of two distinguished brands presented by FDCI: Centre of Excellence for Khadi – Khadi India and the designer Samant Chauhan.
CoEK – Khadi India holds a special place in Indian culture, representing self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Khadi embodies a philosophy of deliberate, conscious fashion that cherishes craftsmanship and nurtures local economies.
Designer Samant Chauhan is an esteemed figure in Indian fashion. The brand has earned global acclaim for its intricate and graceful embroidery on Bhagalpur silk. Samant Chauhan is a regular participant in international fashion events and is excited to showcase his collection in Moscow. The designer expressed his enthusiasm for participating in Moscow Fashion Week:
‘Moscow Fashion Week is a prestigious platform that allows us to showcase our designs to an international audience. For our brand, participating in this MFW is a significant step in expanding our global presence, engaging with a new market, and connecting with fashion enthusiasts, buyers, and media in Russia,’ – said Samant Chauhan. ‘Russia has a growing appreciation for diverse fashion influences, and we see a strong synergy between Indian craftsmanship and Russian aesthetics.’
Indian designers grace the runways of Moscow Fashion Week frequently, owing to the strong partnership between the Moscow Fashion Week and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). In a fashion exchange, Russian label MEASURE, renowned for its modest fashion aesthetics, captured hearts at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI in India last year. Following its successful outing on the Indian runway, MEASURE is now poised to captivate audiences at the upcoming Moscow Fashion Week with its distinctive collection.
Another esteemed Russian brand, SOLANGEL, has been capturing the attention of fashion experts for several seasons. This spring, the brand will present an evening collection on the Moscow runway featuring fabrics adorned with crystals, a trademark of the fashion house. SOLANGEL’s glamorous designs have been worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Ornella Muti, and others. The stunning leopard-print jumpsuit that Jennifer Lopez recently wore in the UAE was exclusively crafted for her by this Russian brand.
Moscow Fashion Week is poised to present around 100 vibrant shows, introduce emerging designers, showcase numerous Russian brands at the Market, and host a variety of engaging activities. Emphasizing the cultivation of young talents set to innovate the global fashion scene, this influential event plays a crucial role in nurturing and promoting designers on the international stage.