The Habitats Trust Grant Opens 8th Edition, Offers Rs3.5 Crore for Conservation
Noida,18th February: The Habitats Trust, a not-for-profit dedicated to protecting India’s natural habitats and indigenous species, has announced the launch of the 8th edition of The Habitats Trust Grants. A key highlight of this edition is the introduction of the THT Research Grant, aimed at encouraging interdisciplinary research on ecological, social, and technological aspects of conservation. Applications opened on February 15 and will close on March 17, with the final selection to be announced in October 2025. Interested individuals and organizations. This year marks the largest funding cycle in the initiative’s history, with grants exceeding Rs 3.5 crore to support conservation projects nationwide.
Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, emphasized the significance of this year’s expanded grants, stating, “The THT Grants represent our commitment to conserve and drive meaningful change for lesser-known species and critical habitats. By investing in impactful projects, we partner with organizations and individuals who are creating solutions to protect and restore India’s biodiversity.”
Evaluation Process
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation by a panel of experts, including scientists and conservationists. Projects will be assessed based on their relevance, expected conservation impact, stakeholder engagement, scalability, replicability, and sustainability. The rigorous process ensures that funding is directed toward initiatives with the potential for long-term, on-ground impact. Prospective applicants working towards biodiversity conservation in India can apply under the following categories:
• THT Conservation Grant
The THT Conservation Grant will provide ₹1 crore each to two organizations with at least five years of experience in conservation. It focuses on critical challenges such as habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
o Last year, Dr. Umesh Srinivasan and Dr.Anubhab Khan from the Indian Institute of Science, along with MilloTasser and the Singchung Village Council, received a Grant for their work in Arunachal Pradesh to conserve the BugunLiocichla, a critically endangered bird found only in a single locality, with just 14 to 20 known individuals.
• THT Action Grant
The THT Action Grant will offer ₹25 lakh each to three selected organizations or individuals for targeted conservation efforts focused on lesser-known species and habitats.
o Last year’s recipients included DivyaPanicker, a cetacean and bioacoustics expert studying endangered blue whales in the Lakshadweep Archipelago using passive acoustic monitoring; Malyasri Bhattacharya, who is protecting critically endangered vulture habitats in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, through community-led ecotourism involving Gaddi and Gujjar herders; the Durgapur Wildlife Information and Nature Guide Society, which is implementing a community-driven conservation program in West Bengal to safeguard Indian grey wolves in human-dominated landscapes through monitoring and conflict mitigation; and the Veditum India Foundation in Madhya Pradesh, which is enhancing environmental governance and citizen participation to protect riparian habitats threatened by sand mining, benefiting species like gharials, Gangetic dolphins, and Indian skimmers.
• THT Research Grant(New Addition in 2025)
The newly introduced THT Research Grant will support interdisciplinary research on conservation challenges, focusing on ecological and social dynamics. Two selected organizations will receive ₹40 lakh each over a two-year. By fostering research that informs on-ground action, this grant aims to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world conservation efforts.
In addition to these grants, The Habitats Trust also supports organizations and individuals through its monthly THT Seeds Grant, which provides up to ₹3 lakhs for short-term projects. The Seed Grants are designed to address issues related to lesser-known species and to pilot projects in relatively unexplored landscapes, or data-deficient species.
The Habitats Trust actively engages in conservation projects across India, spanning marine conservation, eco-restoration, technology-driven solutions, and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem protection. In collaboration with leading NGOs and government agencies, including the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard, the organization works on large-scale initiatives such as conserving species like the Hoolock Gibbon and habitat restoration efforts in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
With a mission to address the root causes of conservation challenges, The Habitats Trust emphasizes stakeholder engagement, technological interventions, and viable impact. Through its grants, the organization continues to be a catalyst for conservation, supporting initiatives that safeguard India’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Zomato Launches 2nd Plastic-Free Future Packathon with Startup India for Sustainable Packaging
New Delhi, 18th February 2025: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, announces the second edition of the Plastic-Free Future Packathon in collaboration with Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. The Packathon is a competition for startups working on sustainable packaging solutions for food delivery orders.
Open to all startups registered on the Startup India portal, the deadline for application submission for the Packathon is 10th March 2025. This year, there will be one winner for each of the two categories — solutions in the prototype stage, and solutions in the ready-to-scale stage. The winner in the prototype category will win INR ~10 lakhs, and the winner in the ready-to-scale category will win INR ~15 lakhs. Shortlisted startups will be allowed to showcase their innovations to interested restaurant partners. Innovators may complete the application form and submit their solutions on the Startup India
Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, said, “Startup India, DPIIT is committed to an innovative and sustainable future. We recognize the Zomato Plastic-Free Future Packathon as a vital initiative that will deliver tangible results in reducing plastic waste from food delivery. By partnering with industry and empowering startups, we hope to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.”
Speaking on the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Zomato said, “Zomato is committed to identifying and promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging for restaurants to package their deliveries. We have been focused on finding such solutions through our Hyperpure business, which offers sustainable packaging solutions to restaurant partners, and through initiatives such as Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Program, which has recognized over 200 restaurant brands, with 7,500+ restaurants in 400+ cities listed on the Zomato app making active efforts to use less plastic packaging. The Packathon is a competition designed to help innovators understand the needs of restaurants and encourage them to solve the food delivery use case — especially the challenge of transporting hot beverages and gravy items — key features of Indian cuisine. At Packathon 2024, our restaurant partners were introduced to innovative solutions like plant-based gums for barrier coatings and alternatives to PET for bottles, etc. We’re confident this year’s innovations will be even more exciting.”
In 2021, Zomato made ‘Do not send cutlery’ the default option on its food ordering and delivery app, allowing customers to opt-in only if needed. This has prevented nearly 1933 MT of cutlery waste so far. The firm also voluntarily recycles plastic waste equal to the amount restaurants use for packing food delivery orders and has recycled 43,000 MT of plastic waste since FY23 – about 1.5x the volume of plastic waste generated by orders delivered through Zomato.
Infinity Learn & Sri Chaitanya Academy Celebrate Top JEE Main 2025 Achievers
India, 18 February 2025: Infinity Learn – India’s only hybrid learning platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale, continues its streak of excellence with an outstanding performance in the JEE Main 2025 Session 1 examination. Following the launch of 50+ offline Test Prep Centres across India under the Sri Chaitanya Academy brand in 2025, learners from Infinity Learn have delivered exceptional performances, reinforcing the hybrid learning platform’s commitment to high-quality, outcome-driven education. Notably, the platform takes pride in having Uttar Pradesh’s Girl Topper, Ananya Tripathi, who scored 99.94 percentile. Gyan Prakash secured an impressive 99.97 percentile, emerging as the Patna Topper. Additionally, the topper from the online platform, Prachit Umesh G, achieved a 99.94 percentile, while the platform’s Lucknow Topper, Pragyam Srivastav, secured a 99.90 percentile.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the results on 11th February, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Infinity Learn’s learners. This year, 60+ learners scored 99+ percentile, while 90+ learners crossed the 95+ percentile mark, and an impressive 100+ learners secured the 90+ percentile. These results underscore Infinity Learn’s guided test preparation, data-driven insights, and hyper-personalized mentorship, equipping learners with the tools to excel in highly competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
Congratulating the toppers, Ms. Sushma Boppana, CEO and Director of Sri Chaitanya Group and Co-founder of Infinity Learn, said, “We are incredibly proud of our learners’ outstanding performance in JEE Main 2025 Session 1. Their success is a testament to Infinity Learn’s commitment to delivering high-quality, outcome-driven education. This achievement highlights not only their dedication and perseverance but also the effectiveness of our pedagogy, personalized mentorship, and world-class study materials. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to equipping learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in JEE Main Session 2 and JEE Advanced—helping them secure seats in India’s top-tier engineering colleges.”
Commenting on the toppers, Mr. Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, said, ” I am proud of the exceptional achievements of our learners in JEE Main 2025 Session 1. This success is a powerful reflection of the impact of our hybrid learning platform and, more importantly, on the effectiveness of online teaching enhanced by AI tools. At Infinity Learn, we are committed to ensuring ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’, focusing on real learning with customized attention and support so that learners can reach their highest potential from the comfort of their hometowns. Moments like these make me immensely proud of the work we do at Infinity Learn and inspire us to continue nurturing learners to become toppers in competitive exams.”
“We are elated by the outstanding results of our learners from Patna and Varanasi in JEE Main 2025 Session 1, particularly Ananya Tripathi – Uttar Pradesh’s Girl Topper, whose achievement underscores our commitment to girls’ education. Gyan Prakash – Patna Topper, has also made us immensely proud. This achievement made possible through Sri Chaitanya Academy – our Test Prep Centre, demonstrates our dedication to providing quality education in Tier 2 cities,” he added.
The impressive results highlight Infinity Learn’s commitment to delivering exceptional education at affordable rates, making it accessible to a diverse group of learners, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This hybrid learning platform, driven by a strong vision to foster a culture of academic excellence, integrates AI-driven, hyper-personalized learning with traditional pedagogy. With a focus on learner success, Infinity Learn is working relentlessly to achieve its dream of becoming the leader in Tier 1 college admissions for engineering and medical programs in India.
India Gate Basmati & Amitabh Bachchan Unveil Top Class, No Khulla Class Campaign
New Delhi, 18th February 2025: KRBL Limited, parent to India Gate Basmati Rice—the World’s No.1 Basmati Rice Brand— has launched its latest campaign, ‘India Gate: Only Top Class, No Khulla Class,’ featuring Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. With this campaign, India Gate Basmati Rice nudges consumers to choose packaged basmati over loose (“khulla) basmati.
In Hindi-speaking regions, nearly 70% of basmati is still purchased loose (khulla). Many consumers have traditionally opted for loose rice, assuming all basmati is alike. In a category leader stance, India Gate Basmati Rice challenges this buying behaviour inertia.
The launch of this campaign is complemented by India Gate Basmati Rice’s reimagined consumer packaging—a step designed to empower buyers with transparency, convenience, and confidence at the point of purchase. With these purposeful packs, the brand reinforces its consumer-first approach and empowers consumers to make the right choice of Basmati.
Building on the success of the 2022 ‘Basmati Rice Se No Compromise’ campaign, this new initiative takes the conversation further with Amitabh Bachchan—a voice synonymous with trust and credibility. The campaign is built on a strong consumer insight that for most important things in life, consumers always choose the very best for their families. The brand asks a though-provoking question “If everything else in life—education, career, and lifestyle—is Top Class, why settle for Khulla Class when it comes to basmati rice?”
With his presence, Amitabh Bachchan amplifies the message that India Gate Basmati Rice isn’t just about buying rice—it’s about choosing a commitment to quality, purity, and consistency.Speaking about the campaign, Kunal Sharma, Head of Marketing & Business Head, Modern Trade & E-commerce, KRBL Limited, said:
“Staples being a lower involvement category, much of the purchase decision happens on habit. With this campaign, India Gate challenges this inertia calling out their choice of Basmati as a reflection of who they are thereby urging consumers to make the right choice. Amitabh Bachchan’s presence adds unparalleled authority to this message. He isn’t just endorsing a brand; he’s sparking a movement—a movement where consumers demand only the best for themselves and their families. With ‘Only Top Class, No Khulla Class,’ we are setting a new benchmark in the packaged basmati rice industry.”
The campaign, which went live in February 2025, is supported by a robust 360-degree media strategy. It leverages television as its mainstay, alongside Connected TV (CTV) campaigns for digital-savvy audiences. Radio partnerships, outdoor promotions with striking billboards, and retail-level activations ensure the message reaches diverse audiences. Purposeful branding in store aisles, dealer boards, and in-store activations further solidify the brand’s presence at the point of purchase.
Affordable Healthcare Popular Among Women, Gen Z, and Seniors RenewBuy
National, February 18, 2025: RenewBuy’s proprietary, low-cost health insurance plan, RB Health, has experienced significant growth since its launch two years ago. With strong adoption across diverse age groups, RB Health has made significant inroads in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. RB Health is bridging the gap for underinsured consumers, especially in markets beyond Tier 1 cities, by making affordable healthcare more accessible.
There has been a significant rise in women purchasing RB Health Plan, accounting for 30% of the policyholders. This shows their growing financial independence and health awareness, growing need for maternity insurance and OPD benefits, even in the smaller cities. The year-on-year demand amongst women has increased by 10-12%, with women within the age group of 31-40 years showing highest adoption. Most have opted for the low-cost plan with OPD benefits, particularly younger women, who are increasingly taking a proactive approach to their health, driving an increase in policyholders under the age of 40.
RB Health has gained a strong and growing presence across age groups, with a 24% uptick amongst Gen Z. With rising awareness towards financial security, preventive healthcare, rising medical costs, the younger population is becoming more conscious towards health insurance and demanding flexible policies. This mirrors the broader industry trends, where around 50%- 60% of Gen Z demand better digital engagement.
Driven by its affordability and extensive benefits, RB Health has attracted around 10% of senior citizens across the country. The plan offers up to 70% lower premiums for seniors, addressing chronic disease management needs and gaps in the traditional plans.
Indraneel Chatterjee, Co-Founder, RenewBuy said, “Today’s consumers, especially in the smaller markets, seek OPD benefits, coverage for lab tests and medications, and customized premium rates. The purchasing power in these regions differs significantly from metro cities, making affordability a key factor. Over the past two years, we have tapped around 1.5% of RenewBuy’s overall consumer base with our low-cost health insurance, and interestingly, women and the younger generation have shown a growing inclination, especially in the smaller markets.”
“This report offers valuable insights to enhance consumer experience and accelerate growth for low-cost insurance in the untapped markets. So far, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh have led the adoption, accounting for 47% of the total consumer base. The rapid success of this low-cost product has been driven by digital adoption, transparency, and the seamless policy purchase experience,” he further added.
RB Health is one of the simplest health insurance products for consumers to understand and 30% cheaper than standard health insurance plans. Insurance as a sector, is today witnessing fast-changing momentum, with the changing consumer needs, changes in lifestyle, environment, digital adoption and thus, there is a need to introduce products catering to today’s consumers. Along with this, the medical inflation in India is rising by 13%-14% and low-cost health insurance distributed through digital channels, will play a critical role in bridging these insurance gaps.
Glam21 Partners with Flipkart Minutes for Faster and Easier Beauty Shopping
18th February 2025: Glam21, a leading name in the beauty industry, is excited to announce its expansion on Flipkart Minutes, further strengthening its commitment to providing a seamless and fast shopping experience. This move aligns with the brand’s mission to ensure quick and easy access to high-quality beauty products, catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers who prioritize speed and convenience.
Flipkart Minutes is designed for instant access to products, making it the perfect platform for Glam21 to enhance its availability. Also, customer feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s offerings. By leveraging real-time reviews and ratings on Flipkart Minutes, Glam21 aims to refine and enhance its product lineup, ensuring it continues to meet consumer expectations effectively.
According to Mr. Bikash Goyal, Founder Glam21, “Our decision to expand on Flipkart Minutes stems from our dedication to offering a superior shopping experience. With consumers increasingly valuing speed and convenience, our presence on Flipkart Minutes ensures that they have easy access to our premium beauty products whenever they need them.
Additionally, Flipkart’s expansion of Dark Stores at a pan-India level enables Glam21 to reach a broader audience, making its products more discoverable and accessible across the country. This strategic move aligns with the brand’s business approach of catering to a wide customer base with a range of beauty products at competitive price points.
With this expansion, Glam21 is set to redefine the online beauty shopping experience, reinforcing its position as a go-to brand for beauty enthusiasts nationwide.
Shanaya’s Parisian Moment with Charlotte Tilbury
18th February 2025: Fresh from the Amiri show at Paris Fashion Week, Shanaya Kapoor gave us a backstage beauty peek. Her quick touch-up kit? Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary Beauty Must-Haves.
The Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm is pure magic – a hydrating, high-shine gloss that plumps lips with a stunning, voluminous effect. Its conditioning formula delivers that perfect blend of color and care, making your pout look instantly fuller and more defined.
The Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is a red-carpet secret weapon. It’s the secret to flawless, poreless-looking skin. It blurs imperfections in seconds, creating a soft-focus, Instagram-ready finish that’s lightweight and invisible. One swipe, and you’re runway-ready with that coveted model-like glow.
Locking it all in is the Magic Setting Spray – a makeup artist’s ultimate trick. It keeps your look pristine through long nights, runway shows, and endless photo ops. A few spritzes, and your makeup becomes bulletproof, maintaining that fresh-from-the-makeup-chair perfection.
Trends might fade, but legendary makeup? That’s forever.
SAE & B V Raju Institute to Host E-BAJA 2025 in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, February 18, 2025: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a globally acclaimed association of engineers in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries, in collaboration with the Sri Vishnu Educational Society, renowned for its excellence in higher education, and SAE BAJA INDIA, is hosting the prestigious inter-collegiate E-BAJA 2025. This high-octane event will take place from February 20 to 23, 2025, at B V Raju Institute of Technology (BVRIT), Narsapur, Medak.
E-BAJA is an electrifying All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) racing challenge that rigorously tests the knowledge, technical skills, and problem-solving capabilities of budding mechanical and electrical engineers. This adrenaline-fueled competition draws participation from premier engineering institutions like IITs, NITs, and top universities across the country. With 82 teams and over 2,500 aspiring engineers competing, the event fosters innovation, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, leading global automotive giants including Volvo, Daimler, AVL, ALTAIR, Tata Motors, and Mahindra and others; will be in attendance. These industry stalwarts will be on the lookout for top talent, making E-BAJA a golden opportunity for young engineers to secure coveted placements and launch promising careers in the automotive sector.
E-BAJA 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a transformative experience. It challenges students to conceive, design, analyse, fabricate, validate, and race their Electric All-Terrain Vehicles, offering invaluable real-world exposure to industry-relevant challenges, says Mr. Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA.
The four day thrilling competition will have Technical Inspection, Brake Test, Sales Finals, Cost Finals of the participating ATVs on day 1, the 20th February; day 2 will have Rainstorm Test, Design Finals, Innovation, Validation, Dronacharya, Acceleration, Dynamic Events day 3 will focus on Sustainability, Innovation, Validation, day four will have endurance testing of vehicles on the tracks. The event will be followed by HR Meet on February 24th and 25th, with global automotive giants offering lucrative placements opportunities to the enterprising engineers.
The event is not just a test of technical expertise but also a battle of endurance for both engineers and their machines. Each ATV will undergo rigorous mechanical and electrical inspections, including brake, acceleration, suspension, and manoeuvrability tests, all conducted in accordance with SAE standards, says Mr. Ravichandran Rajagopal, Vice Chairman, Sri Vishnu Educational Society.
HDFC Life Wins ICAI Award for Best Financial Reporting for 2023-24
Bengaluru, February 18, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category-III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.
This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.
Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognise companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals.
Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”
Sitharaman Hands Over Keys as SWAMIH Fund Completes 50,000 Homes
Mumbai, February 18, 2025: At a post budget interaction event in Mumbai, Honourable Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today handed over keys to homebuyers from select projects in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), whose long-stressed residential projects have been completed under the “Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH I) Investment Fund”. This milestone marks the completion of 50,000 homes, reaffirming SWAMIH’s mission to provide relief to distressed homebuyers and revive stressed residential projects across the country.
Homebuyers from projects including Avant Hillways, Vision Heights and Shubham Trident received their keys at the event, symbolizing the transformational role of the SWAMIH Fund in restoring hope and stability to families impacted by stressed housing developments.
Established in 2019 and managed by SBI Ventures Ltd., a State Bank of India Group company, the SWAMIH Fund is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance. As India’s largest social impact fund for the real estate sector, it addresses critical funding gaps for stressed and brownfield residential projects. With no precedent or comparable peer globally, the Fund is a pioneering initiative for impact-driven investing.
Mr. Prem Prabhakar, MD and CEO of SBI Ventures Ltd, said that “With the vision and support of the Government of India, this fund has paved the way for the completion of numerous housing projects, ensuring that thousands of families can finally call these homes their own”.
By targeting distressed housing projects, SWAMIH is also driving credit growth in the housing sector, boosting access to home loans, and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive economy.
This milestone not only highlights the Fund’s success in fulfilling its mandate but also demonstrates its critical role in supporting India’s economic recovery and providing long-overdue relief to homebuyers.