Chandigarh, April 23, 2025: The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues to advance its sustainability journey by accelerating the use of renewable energy across its portfolio. Under its ESG+ framework, Paathya, IHCL marked a significant milestone in FY 2024-25 with 51 hotels drawing power from clean energy sources including 13 operating on 100% renewable energy, through a mix of on-site installations, off-site sourcing, and strategic power purchase agreements.

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, said, “In line with our Paathya goals, our green energy transition is rooted in a holistic strategy that balances environmental impact with operational resilience. Our growing transition to renewable energy, alongside greater operational efficiency is driving meaningful change across our hotels, reflective of our commitment to responsible hospitality and our long-term sustainability vision.”

As part of its continued commitment to sustainability, IHCL now meets over 35% of its energy requirements through renewable sources, translating to an annual electricity consumption of approximately 41 crore kWh. IHCL hotels in Maharashtra lead the way with widespread on-site solar installations and accounts for over 6.6 crore kWh of renewable energy usage annually, hotels in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka play a pivotal role, contributing nearly 3 crore kWh each through wind energy consumption. This strategic shift to clean energy underscores IHCL’s dedication to responsible hospitality and its vision for a greener future.

With a growing portfolio of 380 hotels, IHCL remains committed to the adoption of clean energy solutions.

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Hyderabad, 22^nd April 2025: At KFC India, sustainability is an everyday practice. Ever since the launch of the first KFC restaurant in India in 1995, the brand has been deeply embedded in the country and committed to growing at scale through sustainable business practices.

 

The brand has been making steady progress towards building a more sustainable future. Reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability & climate conscious operations, KFC has adopted a range of sustainable solutions, and responsible practices that fuels its ambition to build green, future-ready restaurants across the country.

 RENEW-ED EFFORTS

• KFC’s flagship restaurant in Hyderabad’s Hi–tech City is home to one of the largest solar panel systems across QSRs in the country. This panel helps avoid 30.5 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year (equivalent to a petrol car driving around the Earth 3 times)
• 70+ KFC restaurants across India operate with solar power integration
• 800+KW energy generated through the solar panels (equivalent to enough power to run 800 washing machines at the same time)
• Energy management systems (EMS) installed in kitchens have helped save 7% energy per restaurant per day
• Restaurants use LED lighting, energy efficient cooling and smart technology to ensure minimal energy wastage
• KFC restaurants are able to save over 50% water by adding flow restrictors to faucets, taps & flushes

 11 GREEN BUILDING MUST HAVES

 In an industry first achievement, KFC has been awarded a Gold rating for its restaurant in Bhavarkua, Indore, making KFC the first QSR brand in India to achieve this distinction.

The IGBC certification is a testament to the green measures incorporated within the restaurant right from its initial design phase. KFC’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the Bhavarkua restaurant. The design and operations of this sustainable restaurant integrates energy efficiency, usage of responsible materials and waste diversion. This includes the following aspects:

• Furniture made entirely of recycled & sustainable materials across the restaurant floor
• Locally manufactured & sustainable building materials utilized across building façade
• Energy Management Systems to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures to conserve valuable resources
• Solar panels & motion sensor LED lights installed to increase energy efficiency
• CO2 & Humidity Sensors, Fresh Air Ventilation System and Indoor plants placed to enhance air quality within restaurant
• Use of ecofriendly gas in Ventilation & Air Conditioning systems

KFC has also pledged to ensure all new restaurants are built keeping in mind “11 Green Building Must Haves”. This includes efforts to reduce water wastage, optimizing restaurants fixtures & lighting for lower energy use, equipment efficiency, CFC & HCFC free refrigeration, amongst others.

 FUTURE FIRST

KFC India is on a journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions & become carbon neutral in the coming years. A significant milestone in this journey is the shift to 100% responsibly sourced packaging.

 KFC aims to continue to lead the way for the category in the adoption of sustainably sourced packaging materials. In the last year alone, KFC has reduced 3500 MT of plastic and converted 80% of packaging to be recyclable and compostable.

With all these efforts & more in the years to come, KFC is committed to growing in India, with India, on the back of sustainable business practices.

 

GE Aerospace in India, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), distributed 53 e–rickshaws to empower women with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The event, held at GE Aerospace‘s Bengaluru research and engineering campus, was attended by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Shri B. Dayananda, IPS. Supported by Parihar, an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, the ‘e-auto’ program also offers training to equip these new drivers with the skills needed to operate the eco-friendly vehicles and partner with cab aggregators via a pre-fitted smartphone.

 

Gurugram, 23 April 2025: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, announces a remarkable feat achieved by its flagship scooter – Suzuki Access. The company has entered the India Book of Records for completing the fastest scooter ride from India’s lowest region, Kuttanad in Kerala, to the highest altitude village, Komic in Himachal Pradesh on its flagship scooter – Suzuki Access.

A dedicated team of riders undertook this journey on the Suzuki Access, starting from Kuttanad at 7:20 AM, and reaching Komic at 3:05 PM after four days, covering total distance of 3,696 km in 103 hours and 45 minutes. This record setting journey was a true testament to the performance, reliability, and efficiency of the Suzuki Access.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Thanks to Indian consumers for making Suzuki Access as one of the most loved scooters in India. We aim to continue winning their hearts with its performance, technology and comfort. This journey highlights the scooter’s strength beyond daily commuting – especially its strong pick-up and consistent performance for long distance rides across different road conditions. We truly appreciate the efforts of the riders and everyone for their support in making this achievement possible.”

Pushing Boundaries with Suzuki Access

The route tested the scooter across altitudes – from below the sea level landscape of Kerala, gradually climbing through central India and finally reaching the high-altitude terrain of Spiti in the Great Himalayas. The scooter’s reliable 125cc engine, efficient mileage, and superior suspension system ensured a smooth ride through urban roads, rugged mountainous paths and high-altitude conditions.

Delhi, 23/04/2025: In a landmark moment of cultural diplomacy, Rambagh Palace—Jaipur’s crown jewel, Rambagh Palace will host US Vice President James David Vance, his family, and a 20-member White House delegation on April 23. The high-profile visit is being celebrated with a grand dinner in collaboration with IRIS Jaipur, renowned for its handcrafted, gold-plated metalware. Following its acclaimed showcase at the G20 Summit, IRIS Jaipur once again has the honour of serving foreign dignitaries.

 The dinner will be held in the palace’s opulent 18th-century ballroom, Suvarna Mahal. A custom-designed collection of gold-plated dinner sets, tableware, cutlery, serve ware and trolley —crafted by IRIS Jaipur—will headline the banquet, reflecting a seamless blend of traditional Rajasthani artistry and modern luxury.

 Each guest will receive a golden napkin ring as a keepsake, engraved with their names on one side and Rambagh Palace Jaipur on the other side. The culinary showcase, presented on bespoke dinner sets, snack stands, hollowware, and barware, will highlight India’s gastronomic heritage with dishes prepared by Rambagh’s top chefs.

 A red-carpet walkway flanked by mirror-polished golden pipes—crafted by IRIS’s metal artisans—creates a shimmering prelude, setting the tone for the regal evening. Antique brass welcome trolleys, lotus design trays with bowls, and garland stands will enhance the arrival experience with rich visual storytelling rooted in Jaipur’s artisanal traditions.

 Jaipur‘s IRIS artisans bring diplomatic hospitality to life at Rambagh Palace, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage while adding a personal touch to the grandeur of the U.S. Vice President’s visit.

 “This collaboration is a testament to Indian artisanship,” said Rajeev Pabuwal, Co-Founder of IRIS Jaipur. “Every detail—from the cutlery to the welcome trays—reflects precision, heritage, and the soul of Indian hospitality.”

 IRIS’s relationship with Rambagh spans decades, with its creations gracing the palace’s grandest suites and dining halls. This latest showcase, co-led by Ashok Rathore, General Manager of Rambagh Palace, and Rajeev Pabuwal, continues a legacy of reviving traditional craftsmanship for discerning global audiences.

 As diplomacy unfolds over dinner, Jaipur stands tall not just as a cultural capital,but as a beacon of craft-led global engagement.

The FSSAI’s approval of recycled PET (rPET) for food-grade packaging is a landmark step that reflects growing regulatory confidence in advanced recycling technologies. It opens the door for the food and beverage industry to adopt safer, circular packaging practices aligned with global ESG standards. This progressive move not only reduces dependency on virgin plastics but also strengthens India’s commitment to a circular economy. By enabling scalable innovation, reducing environmental impact, and promoting responsible material recovery, this regulation is a win for both sustainability and industry transformation. At revalyu, we see this as a pivotal moment to lead with high-performance, sustainable solutions that help build a greener, more resource-efficient future.

Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta (Ex–IAS) joins NSE International Exchange as Chairman and Public Interest Director, effective on 19^th April 2025. The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has approved his appointment as Chairman & Public Interest Director (PID) on the Governing Board of NSE IX with effect from 1st April 2025.

Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta is an accomplished and highly experienced retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer (1982 Batch, UP Cadre). He retired as Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Department of Investment & Public Asset Management, Government of India) in 2018 and was re-appointed by the President of India as Central Information Commissioner of India; completed his tenure in 2023. 

As Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta has been the member of the core team of the Government for preparation of three Union Budgets (2016, 2017, and 2018). He has also been the Chairman of the National Task Force for Promotion of Digital & Cashless Economy from March 2016 until retirement.

As Secretary, DIPAM he was responsible for efficient management of Government investments in all Central Public Sector Enterprises & Private Companies, and in that role, he had extensive interaction with domestic and foreign investors for their access to Indian capital market, regulators (SEBI and RBI) for rationalizing the policies for listing of companies and divestment of equity though various market instruments, framework for mergers and consolidation, creation of equity and debt ETFs, functioning of stock markets etc.

The Board and the management of NSE IX welcomes Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta as the Chairman and Public Interest Director of NSE IX. His experience in Corporate Governance and Finance will be immensely beneficial for the future development of NSE IX and the GIFT City Ecosystem.

Mumbai, 23rd April 2025:  Shiprocket, India’s leading eCommerce enablement platform, has entered premium category shipping with its partnership with CriticaLog, a logistics firm that provides customized critical logistics solutions, including luxury goods shipment.  This partnership signals Shiprocket’s entry into the very niche category of gold and diamond jewellery shipping.

With extensive planning and execution, CriticaLog ensures zero pilferage, packaging, storage in strong rooms, and safe and secure transportation. CriticaLog’s expertise in handling time-sensitive and high-value shipments, combined with Shiprocket’s advanced logistics technology, will ensure a seamless shipping experience for jewellers.

This service is already live across 5000+ pincodes, and covers all major metros, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Multiple merchants selling diamond, gold and silver jewellery, gold and silver coins as well as other high-value items, are already using this service.

Easing logistics for small jewellers

The country’s gold and diamond trade contributes to over 7 % of GDP, with over 3 lakh players. The explosion in the B2C space will increase this number exponentially through eCommerce. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the gems and jewellery sector are at the forefront of this growth, but require assistance for logistics and eCommerce.

Through this partnership, Shiprocket is set to make jewellery shipping easy for merchants while ensuring that each item is handled with care. Each package would be handled securely with CriticaLog’s expertise in handling high-value products. Shiprocket is offering pick up from 250 cities with 59 operational hubs across 40 cities and towns in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Chandigarh.

Shiprocket has already completed multiple orders in the month of March’25 on Shopnek.com. . The average value per shipment is Rs 90,000, further reinforcing the ability to ship high-value products securely. The service is currently being offered for prepaid shipments up to Rs 5 lakhs and with the cash on delivery option up to Rs 49,999.

Commenting on the partnership, Saahil Goel, MD & CEO, Shiprocket, said, “At Shiprocket, we’re focused on building the rails that help every merchant of Bharat, whether in a small town or a metro, and help them grow faster through eCommerce. Our partnership with CriticaLog is a step in that direction, especially for jewellers who need precision and trust in logistics. It levels the playing field and lets smaller sellers compete with the biggest names out there in the market.”

Shiprocket is a tech platform that empowers sellers with seamless high-speed delivery integration, advanced checkout solutions, and cutting-edge marketing tools. This partnership will enable merchants to ship their high-value orders through the same trusted Shiprocket network that is already relied upon by over 4 lakh merchants across the country.

India’s GCC ecosystem is growing rapidly, driven by factors such as a diverse talent pool, high digital literacy, cost advantages, and the involvement of many industries including IT, AI/ML, and data engineering. As India becomes the preferred destination for GCCs, the market is expected to be worth $110 billion by 2030. This growth will lead to the creation of approximately 1.5 lakh jobs by 2026, with the GCC workforce projected to reach 3 million by 2030. A significant portion of these jobs, around 1 lakh, will be entry-level positions for freshers, contributing to economic growth.

Tier-two cities are playing an important role in expanding the Indian GCC sector. These cities offer a growing talent pool, affordable infrastructure, lower attrition rates, and cost savings. Initially focused on transactional services, GCCs now support key sectors such as engineering, cybersecurity, and customer experience for multinational companies. It is estimated that 30-40% of new GCC jobs will be created in these cities over the next three to four years.

The Indian job market is changing, with increasing demand for skills in AI, ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, UI/UX, and DevOps. This shift is also creating demand for specialized roles such as robotics engineers, prompt engineers, AI ethicists, XR developers, and ethical hackers, highlighting the innovation-driven nature of the GCC sector.

Beyond technology, industries like manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, travel, and hospitality are also contributing to India’s diverse employment growth. Women currently make up 40% of the GCC workforce in India, and this figure is expected to rise as inclusion efforts continue. While the overall gender ratio in the GCC workforce will remain stable, India is expected to see a 3-5% improvement in gender diversity, as companies prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

With the economy on an upward path and the GCC sector aligned with India’s self-reliance goals, significant investments are being made in upskilling programs. These programs focus on deep-tech skills, leadership development, niche expertise, and soft skills to prepare the workforce for global markets.

However, challenges remain, including salary expectations, digital skill gaps, cybersecurity risks, talent retention, and regulatory complexities. Addressing these issues will require proactive measures such as simplified SEZ policies, improved digital infrastructure, strong data protection laws, and streamlined tax frameworks.

Today, India stands as a GCC powerhouse. With continued focus on skill development and supportive policies, the country holds great promise for its workforce and businesses.

 is growing rapidly, driven by factors such as a diverse talent pool, high digital literacy, cost advantages, and the involvement of many industries including IT, AI/ML, and data engineering. As India becomes the preferred destination for GCCs, the market is expected to be worth $110 billion by 2030. This growth will lead to the creation of approximately 1.5 lakh jobs by 2026, with the GCC workforce projected to reach 3 million by 2030. A significant portion of these jobs, around 1 lakh, will be entry-level positions for freshers, contributing to economic growth.

Tier-two cities are playing an important role in expanding the Indian GCC sector. These cities offer a growing talent pool, affordable infrastructure, lower attrition rates, and cost savings. Initially focused on transactional services, GCCs now support key sectors such as engineering, cybersecurity, and customer experience for multinational companies. It is estimated that 30-40% of new GCC jobs will be created in these cities over the next three to four years.

The Indian job market is changing, with increasing demand for skills in AI, ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, UI/UX, and DevOps. This shift is also creating demand for specialized roles such as robotics engineers, prompt engineers, AI ethicists, XR developers, and ethical hackers, highlighting the innovation-driven nature of the GCC sector.

Beyond technology, industries like manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, travel, and hospitality are also contributing to India’s diverse employment growth. Women currently make up 40% of the GCC workforce in India, and this figure is expected to rise as inclusion efforts continue. While the overall gender ratio in the GCC workforce will remain stable, India is expected to see a 3-5% improvement in gender diversity, as companies prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

With the economy on an upward path and the GCC sector aligned with India’s self-reliance goals, significant investments are being made in upskilling programs. These programs focus on deep-tech skills, leadership development, niche expertise, and soft skills to prepare the workforce for global markets.

However, challenges remain, including salary expectations, digital skill gaps, cybersecurity risks, talent retention, and regulatory complexities. Addressing these issues will require proactive measures such as simplified SEZ policies, improved digital infrastructure, strong data protection laws, and streamlined tax frameworks.

Today, India stands as a GCC powerhouse. With continued focus on skill development and supportive policies, the country holds great promise for its workforce and businesses.