QNET India Inspires Healthy Kitchens with #HealthyCookingFirst for World Health Day
Bangalore, India, 5th April 2025: In celebration of World Health Day, QNET India, has launched its latest campaign – #HealthyCookingFirst, aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits through conscious cooking choices. The campaign is centered around Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil, one of QNET’s flagship wellness products, encouraging consumers to rethink the very foundation of their meals.
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, the choices made in the kitchen directly impact long-term wellness. QNET’s campaign encourages individuals and families to embrace nutritious alternatives and elevate everyday meals with Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil – a product known for its purity, versatility, and health-enhancing properties.
The #HealthyCookingFirst campaign seeks to drive conversations around smart cooking swaps and nutritional awareness, especially among urban households. The campaign will span across digital platforms, social media channels, and customer engagement touch-points, encouraging users to share their healthy recipes and cooking rituals using Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil.
Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil stands out for being cold pressed, 100% pure, and rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to support metabolism and energy. Its antioxidant-rich and heart-friendly profile makes it a safer alternative to refined oils. Beyond its health benefits, its subtle aroma and versatility make it ideal for cooking, baking, and even personal care routines.
On the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated Chef Ayesha Nallaseth, in collaboration with QNET, India region, unveiled her personal fitness journey and the pivotal role Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil played in transforming her cooking habits. In a recently released video, Ayesha speaks passionately about making mindful ingredient swaps in everyday recipes and highlights the nutritional benefits of using cold-pressed oils. As part of the campaign, she showcased a wholesome and flavorful dessert – Coconut and Jaggery Besan Ladoo – prepared using Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil. The recipe not only celebrates traditional Indian flavours but also demonstrates how easy it is to make healthy yet indulgent choices from the comfort of home.
This campaign aligns with QNET’s broader wellness strategy, which has previously seen initiatives around immunity, holistic wellness, and fitness. Through interactive content, expert tips, and community participation, #HealthyCookingFirst aims to spark a nationwide movement that celebrates the connection between health and what we eat daily.
Speaking about the campaign, Nischal C, head–corporate communications, QNET India region, said, “Our commitment to well-being goes beyond just offering quality products – it’s about building a lifestyle rooted in awareness, conscious choices, and balance. With #HealthyCookingFirst, we aim to inspire healthier cooking habits starting from the most essential ingredient – oil. Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil is a testament to our focus on natural, sustainable, and nutrition-first solutions.”
Roundtable on Non-Communicable Diseases Bridging Science and Media
Delhi, India, April 5, 2025
Recognizing the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the pivotal role of media in improving understanding of public health, Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health (REACH) convened a high-impact media roundtable in collaboration with leading healthcare experts, journalists, and patient advocates. Held on 4th April 2025 at India International Centre, the event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and a commitment by stakeholders including medical professionals, survivors with lived experiences and community leadership on how media can drive awareness and strengthen public engagement on NCDs.
The roundtable opened with a welcome address by Ms. Anupama Srinivasan, Deputy Director, REACH, highlighting REACH’s work with media to improve the quality and frequency of reporting on NCDs and tuberculosis, emphasizing the media’s responsibility in shaping public discourse and fostering informed communities. Highlighting how India has an enormous burden of non communicable diseases, she shared “The NCD response is relatively young and the informational gap must be bridged. REACH’s commitment is to provide an impetus to data-driven, evidence based reporting about NCDs”
In the first session, titled The NCD Landscape – A Practitioner’s Perspective, Dr. Beena Bansal, Senior Endocrinologist, Director-Founder, Door to Care, provided a comprehensive overview of the escalating NCD scenario in India, particularly in underserved populations. She highlighted the pressing need for early diagnosis, preventive healthcare, and stronger policy interventions. Stressing the media’s role as a crucial bridge, she remarked, “In today’s digital age, media is one of the most important avenues to center stage an issue, reaching the common people. Hence, non communicable diseases must become a media priority in order for it to reach policymakers. ”
Renowned Kathak expert and cancer survivor, Ms. Alaknanda Das shared a compelling personal account of living with an NCD, shedding light on the struggles of navigating healthcare systems and accessing essential treatment. Highlighting the importance of person-centered reporting that amplifies lived experiences and strengthens advocacy efforts, she shared, “I was incredibly lucky to be diagnosed during the initial stages, because I had the awareness and immediately visited a medical expert for diagnosis. However, most people lack awareness and in such a scenario, various media channels, particularly social media, become critical as a source of information.”
Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, Professor of Community Medicine, in the session titled Voices from the Margins – Health, Identity and Inclusive Reporting, addressed the intersection of healthcare access and marginalized identities. Emphasizing the necessity of ethical, inclusive storytelling, she said, “Media reporting must be driven by courage and curiosity. All information shared by the media must be authentic, with multi-layer verification, and lived experiences must be highlighted with compassion, vulnerability, and deep sensitivity.”
Dhananjay Kumar, Former Senior Editor, Navbharat Times & Member, HEAL (Health Education & Awareness League) Foundation, in the session titled, Media in Action – Lessons from the Frontline provided actionable insights on combating misinformation, improving accuracy in health journalism, and crafting compelling narratives. Encouraging journalists to adopt data-driven storytelling, and people-centric approaches to their reporting, he remarked, “In health reporting, especially around non-communicable diseases, addressing misinformation and disinformation is key. Accurate, verified information can guide better care, reduce stigma, and support informed choices.”
The session encouraged journalists to blend data with human stories for impactful, solution-oriented reporting. The roundtable saw enthusiastic participation from the media fraternity and medical experts, with over thirty attendees, including representatives from major publications such as PTI, Amar Ujala, and The Print, affirming the media’s commitment to spotlight the growing NCD burden and driving informed public discourse.
Sony SAB Artists Encourage Healthy Living on World Health Day
Mumbai, April 5, 2024: This World Health Day, Sony SAB artists Naveen Pandita, Arav Chowdharry, Priyamvada Kant, and Aditya Redij open up about their fitness mantras, proving that health isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. From maintaining a balanced diet to finding creative ways to focus on their health despite busy shoot schedules, these actors prioritize both physical and mental well-being. Their stories remind us that wellness is a daily commitment. Get ready to take notes as your favorite Sony SAB artists reveal their secrets to staying strong and motivated!
Aditya Redij
Naveen Pandita who portrays the character of Ashwin Patel in Pushpa Impossible said, “For me, fitness is all about balance. I make it a point to lift weights every alternate day, and on days I can’t, I ensure I walk at least 8,000 steps to stay active. I love food, but I believe in mindful eating and maintaining discipline. Fitness isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about mental peace and stability, which I “Work consciously on every day.”
Arav Chowdharry, who portrays the character Kesari in Veer Hanuman, said, “Discipline is the foundation of maintaining fitness, especially in an industry where erratic schedules and long hours can take a toll on the body. I make a conscious effort to eat mindfully, choosing nutritious foods that fuel my energy rather than just indulging in cravings. Staying hydrated is equally important, as it keeps me refreshed and helps maintain overall well-being. Along with physical health, I prioritize getting enough rest because recovery is just as crucial as exercise. For me, fitness is not just about appearance—it’s about feeling strong, both mentally and physically, so I can give my best every day.
Priyamvada Kant, who portrays the character of Sharda in Tenali Rama, said, “Fitness is more than just a routine—it’s a way of life. Even on the busiest days, a small effort counts; whether it’s a quick workout, a stretch, or a walk, every step adds up. It’s not just about physical strength but also about mindfulness—the mind-body connection is key, as a calm mind fuels a healthy body. I love keeping things exciting with creative workouts, from dancing and yoga to an outdoor run—because when fitness is fun, it keeps me motivated. For me, health is about balance—nourishing the body, resting well, and ensuring I feel my best every day, both on and off the screen.”
Aditya Redij, who plays the role of Krishnadevaraya in Tenali Rama, said, “For me, fitness isn’t just about the gym—it’s about feeling good inside and out. Discipline and consistency have shaped my journey, even on days when motivation was low. I believe in balancing workouts with creative movement—be it dance, hiking, or just an active lifestyle. Mental fitness is equally important, and a mindful walk or deep breathing can reset everything. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance—good sleep, mindful eating, and knowing when to re
First Ever B2G Revenue Accelerator iCollab Launched
Hyderabad: April 05th, 2025: iCollab Hub Foundation (iCollab), an initiative by Raminfo, India’s first-of-its-kind B2G (Business-to-Government) revenue accelerator that helps startups navigate the maze of the public procurement landscape, launched in the city. iCollab aims to build an ecosystem that brings startups with innovative solutions, government agencies with constant need for disruptive solutions for public welfare & administration, and strategic enablers, together to benefit from opportunities in the public sector, which is the largest market in the world.
iCollab has a dedicated 25,000 sq. ft. office space that offers a collaborative environment where founders of early-stage startups can engage, learn, and scale their ventures. It leverages Raminfo Limited’s three decades of expertise, providing strategic guidance, market access and providing the right ecosystem to succeed. iCollab provides hands-on support in proposal development, policy guidance, and eligibility credentials, ensuring startups scale up their revenues through strategic partnerships, procurement readiness programs and leveraging public procurement opportunities.
The launch event was graced by Shri D Sridhar Babu Garu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legal Affairs, Government of Telangana. Eminent speakers and thought leaders, including J A Chowdary (Founder, ISF, and Former Special Chief Secretary & IT Advisor to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh), Aloria G. R., IAS (Retd.) (Former Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat) and Sujit Jagirdar (CIO, T-Hub), along with other ecosystem leaders and industry icons shared their insights on fostering innovation through government collaboration.
According to Shri D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legal Affairs, Government of Telangana, iCollab Hub Foundation is a significant step in driving innovation through public-private partnerships. Startups often struggle to navigate public procurement, which is a huge market requiring disruptive solutions. Initiatives like iCollab provide the right tools, expertise, and networks to thrive in this space. The Government of Telangana welcomes such initiatives and is committed to fostering such collaborations that strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the state.
Shri L. Srinath Reddy, Chairman, iCollab Hub Foundation and Managing Director, Raminfo Limited, added, “Government procurement business in India offers a $700 billion opportunity for startups, provided they can navigate the challenges and gain market access. At iCollab, our vision is to create a thriving ecosystem where startups can seamlessly integrate with government initiatives and scale their businesses. By leveraging Raminfo’s extensive experience, we are providing startups with the right mentorship, procurement readiness programs, and partnerships to achieve sustainable growth in the B2G sector. Our goal at iCollab is to help 100 startups generate ₹100 crore in revenue by 2030.”
According to Shri Bhanu Prakash Reddy Varla, Board Member, iCollab Hub Foundation & Partner & Director of Growth and Strategy, Plural Technology Pvt Ltd, “At iCollab, we believe in fostering innovation through collaboration. The future belongs to those who leverage technology to solve real-world challenges, and we are committed to empowering startups and businesses with the right ecosystem to scale and succeed.”
The event served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue among key stakeholders, including startups, government representatives, and industry leaders, focusing on strategies for effective B2G collaborations. With iCollab at the forefront, the Indian startup ecosystem is poised for a new era of innovation, public sector engagement, and scalable growth.
Mumbai Robotics Team Clinches Victory, Heads to Global Finals
In an exceptional achievement, Mumbai-based high school robotics team Sigma 9692 has won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at the FIRST Robotics Midwestern Regional Championship held in Chicago, USA. With this remarkable victory, Team Sigma has qualified to represent India at the FIRST World Championship in Houston from April 16–19, 2025.
Remarkably, this is only Team Sigma’s second year participating, a feat rarely accomplished by veteran teams globally. The team comprises 27 dedicated students, including 25 from 13 different schools in Mumbai, and two students working remotely from Indore and Delhi.
This year’s robotics challenge, “Reefscape,” tasked students with designing robots to place coral pieces at heights reaching 7 feet. Team Sigma’s robot, affectionately named “Spongebot,” excelled by ranking first in coral placement at the highest level and third in autonomous coding consistency. The robot features an innovative four-wheel swerve drive system, achieving speeds of 7 meters/second, and boasts an elevator mechanism that reaches 8 feet in just 0.5 seconds.
Beyond competition, Team Sigma has made a significant social impact, introducing robotics and coding to over 3,000 underserved students across Mumbai in two years. The team successfully raised ₹20 lakh from Indian corporates, setting up robotics labs in 10 underserved schools. Their outreach gained recognition from Maharashtra’s Skill Development Ministry, leading them to conduct a webinar on coding for 50,000 ITI students state-wide. Impressed by their initiative, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister personally congratulated the team.
Their impactful efforts have attracted sponsorship from Adipro, a Hong Kong-based chemical MNC. Team Sigma is mentored by RFL Academy and their talented coaches – Mr. Virendra, Mr. Atul and Mr. Sunil, led by RFL’s cofounder and CEO, Ashwin Shah, who recently received the esteemed Woodie Flowers Finalist Award in the US for outstanding mentorship in robotics education.
“We’re immensely proud of this achievement. It shows Indian students can lead globally in robotics,” said Ashwin Shah. Team vice-captain Arav Arzare added, “Winning this award motivates us further to spread robotics education to every corner of India.”
Team Sigma now prepares to compete against top international teams at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, representing India on a global stage and inspiring the next generation of young innovators.
Shree Cement Wins Honor at CAP 2.0 Awards 2024 in Energy and Mining Sector
Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has been honored with the prestigious CAP 2.0 Award 2024 by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Recognized in the ‘Resilient’ category in the Energy, Mining & Heavy Manufacturing sector, this recognition highlights Shree Cement’s strong commitment to climate action, sustainability and future-ready environmental strategies.
The CAP 2.0 Award is India’s first dedicated recognition for climate action, evaluating companies based on their maturity in addressing climate-related risks and opportunities. Among 21 winners across industries, Shree Cement has featured among the top 10 companies recognized in the Energy, Mining & Heavy Manufacturing sector and one of only six in this category to receive the highest ‘Resilient’ ranking. This distinction underscores its leadership in emission reduction and sustainable operations.
Commenting on the achievement, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement, said, “Receiving the CAP 2.0 Award 2024 reinforces our commitment to sustainability and climate action. At Shree Cement, we believe that adaptability and long-term environmental responsibility go hand in hand. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to scientific emission targets, efficient resource utilization and impactful mitigation initiatives. We remain focused on balancing growth with sustainability while contributing to India’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
With this achievement, Shree Cement continues to set industry benchmarks in climate action. The company remains committed to aligning its operations with global best practices in sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term business continuity while supporting India’s journey toward a low-carbon economy.
Honda Unveils 2025 CB350, CB350 H’ness & CB350RS in Fresh New Colours
Mumbai, 5 April 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) strengthened its mid-size premium motorcycle line-up with the launch of the 2025 CB350, CB350 H’ness, and CB350RS, featuring vibrant new colours. Designed to elevate the riding experience, the updated models come with refreshed styling in terms of bold new hues, enhancing their premium appeal. The CB350 and CB350 H’ness continue to offer a perfect blend of retro charm and modern technology, while the CB350RS delivers sportier and dynamic vibe.
At the heart of the new CB350, CB350 H’ness, and CB350RS is a powerful 348.36cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder BSVI OBD2B compliant PGM-FI engine. They are also now E20 fuel compliant to meet government sustainability regulations. This engine churns out 15.5 kW power at 5,500 RPM and 30 Nm of peak torque at 3,000 RPM in CB350 H’ness & CB350RS while in the CB350 the torque output is 29.5 Nm at 3,000 RPM. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed gearbox.
Fashion Entrepreneur Fund Steals the Show at Startup Mahakumbh, Delhi
New Delhi, 5th April 2025 — Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF), India’s first and only fashion-focused venture studio, proudly participated in the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in Delhi. With innovation and impact at the heart of its vision, FEF is on a mission to back early-stage fashion ventures that are reshaping the landscape of the Indian and global fashion industry.
Startup Mahakumbh, a landmark gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, served as the ideal platform for FEF to spotlight the urgent need for innovation in fashion—an industry often seen as discretionary but in reality, a key contributor to India’s economy and employment.
“It is an absolute pleasure to speak today about something at the core of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund—innovation in fashion startups. Fashion is not indulgence; it’s impact. From sustainability to employment to tech-driven efficiency, innovation in this sector is critical for India’s growth story,” said Sanjay Nigam, Founder, FEF.
“The global fashion industry is valued at over $2.5 trillion, with India’s fashion sector alone expected to reach $115 billion by 2025. With over 45 million Indians employed in the sector and 13% of the nation’s exports driven by fashion, there is tremendous potential for startups to solve real challenges sustainability, inefficiency, and employment generation” said Puneet Malhotra COO, FEF.
At Startup Mahakumbh, FEF showcased how its portfolio of forward-thinking fashion brands are tackling these issues head-on whether through circular economy models, AI-powered personalization, virtual try-ons, or blockchain-led transparency in textile supply chains.
FEF acts as an end-to-end growth partner, offering startups:
- Strategic mentorship from fashion and business leaders
- Access to curated retail spaces
- Investor and media exposure
- Resources for tech-driven product development
- Through its participation, FEF invited aspiring fashion entrepreneurs and innovators to join its mission of building a responsible, resilient, and revolutionary fashion ecosystem.
As Sanjay Nigam aptly summed up, “Your creativity is your superpower, your innovation is your edge, and FEF is your partner in success.” The future of fashion is being built today and innovation in fashion will be the driving force behind this evolution. The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.
Veranda RACE Signs MoU with NEMI to Offer IIT Indore Certified BFSI Courses
CHENNAI, 5TH April 2025:Veranda RACE, a Veranda Learning enterprise and a leading institute for competitive exam training and professional upskilling, announced the signing of MoU with NEMI Education to offer an IIT Indore certified Post Graduate Program in Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI). This program is a significant step in bridging the skill gap and equipping aspiring professionals with industry-relevant expertise.
As an exclusive skilling partner of IIT Indore through its skilling wing, Drishti CPS, NEMI Education designs and delivers cutting-edge skilling programs. These courses will be taught by a combination of esteemed faculty members, experienced practicing managers, and a robust technology-driven learning platform.
With its extensive reach, strong presence in BFSI training, and deep understanding of the learning needs of aspirants, Veranda RACE will play a crucial role in ensuring that a wide range of students benefit from this program. Veranda RACE’s proven track record in mentoring candidates through structured training programs and industry-focused learning will enable more learners across the country to acquire essential skills and advance their careers in the BFSI sector.
The initial program will be Post Graduate Certificate in BFSI and delivered online, catering to a broad range of learners. With a duration of 4 to 6 months, the first cohort is tentatively set to commence on May 1, 2025.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Akshay Bajpayee, CEO of NEMI Education, said,
“We are excited to partner with Veranda RACE to bring IIT Indore Certified skilling programs to aspiring BFSI professionals. Our goal is to create industry-ready talent through a combination of academic rigor and practical insights. This program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the BFSI sector.”Mr. Santhosh Kumar, CEO of Veranda RACE, added, “At Veranda RACE, we are committed to providing high-quality skilling opportunities that empower learners to achieve their career goals. Our collaboration with NEMI Education aligns perfectly with our vision to offer world-class education through a blend of technology and expert-led training.”
This partnership is poised to redefine BFSI skilling in India by integrating academic excellence with practical learning. Veranda RACE and NEMI Education aim to create a strong pipeline of skilled professionals ready to make an impact in the financial services sector.
AI Adoption Goes Mainstream Kapiva, Birla Capital and Rustomjee Embrace Behavioral AI
Mumbai | 05th April 2025 — Indian marketers today face a fast-moving, multi-platform consumer landscape where traditional personas and surveys fall short. AI Twins by consumr.ai solves this with real-time, privacy-safe digital replicas of ideal customers—built from observed behavior like search trends, content engagement, and social activity. These dynamic profiles help brands make sharper decisions across media, creative, targeting, and product development—turning live behavioral data into marketing precision at scale.
Unlike legacy research methods that rely on focus groups or surveys—often slow, costly, and biased—AI Twins delivers deterministic, observation-based insights instantly. This enables brands to ground every business decision in what consumers are actually doing, not just what they claim—putting real behavior, not assumptions, at the heart of strategy.
“India is one of the most complex and high-potential consumer markets in the world. With AI Twins, we’re giving marketers a powerful edge—access to real-time, behavior-led intelligence that makes every decision sharper and more scalable,” said Vivek Bhargava, Co-founder, consumr.ai.
How AI Twins is Driving Impact
Kapiva discovered a new growth lever for its wellness product Dia Free when AI Twins identified a behavioral pattern among non-diabetics interested in managing sugar spikes. This insight led to a strategic repositioning and a potential 5x expansion in the addressable market. “That one insight helped us rethink our category strategy and unlock an entirely new growth lever,” said Ameve Sharma, Co-founder, Kapiva.Aditya Birla Capital built behavior-based lookalikes of women insurance buyers, leading to 90%+ female-led conversions—a breakthrough over traditional targeting. “AI Twins helped us move beyond probabilistic targeting to a level of accuracy we hadn’t seen before,” said Darshana Shah, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience, Aditya Birla Capital.
Rustomjee used psychographic signals from AI Twins to align messaging with buyer motivations, resulting in stronger engagement across digital channels. “Excited to partner with consumr.ai as we take our digital marketing efforts to the next level at Rustomjee,” said Rushabh Shah, CMO, Rustomjee. “Combined with Vivek’s extensive cross sectoral experience and the platform’s sharp consumer intelligence capabilities, we’re looking forward to unlocking new possibilities in how we plan, personalize, and perform across the funnel. The future of marketing is insight-led, and we’re glad to be on this journey together.”