Welspun Living Achieves Top ESG Rating in Textile & Apparel Category
Mumbai, India, 19 Feb 2025 – Welspun Living Limited (WLL), a global leader in home textiles, has achieved a remarkable milestone in sustainability, securing a total ESG score of 83 in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). This recognition solidifies WLL’s ongoing leadership as the highest-ranked textile manufacturing company from India in the Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods category. The score also places WLL at the 4th position globally in the aforesaid category of the CSA. The company has demonstrated a significant 26% improvement from its 2023 score of 66, highlighting its commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible growth.
WLL’s impressive performance is reflected across all three key pillars of the assessment: Governance & Economic (79), Environment (85), and Social (84). The company’s continuous advancements in sustainable manufacturing, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship have played a crucial role in this achievement. With a strategic focus on innovation, transparency, and circular economy principles, WLL continues to lead the way in embedding sustainability into its core business operations.
Welspun Living Limited has outperformed industry benchmarks in ESG performance. It scored 85 in Environmental (industry mean: 34, highest: 96), 84 in Social (mean: 34, highest: 91), and 79 in Governance & Economic (mean: 38, highest: 88). These scores highlight Welspun Living’s leadership in sustainability and excellence in the industry.
Commenting on this accomplishment, Dipali Goenka, MD & CEO, Welspun Living Limited, said: “We are incredibly proud of achieving the Fourth position in the Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods category globally in the S&P CSA with a score of Eighty Three this year. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who continuously strive to integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. At Welspun Living, we believe that responsible growth goes hand in hand with innovation and transparency, and we remain committed to leading the way in sustainable manufacturing and setting benchmarks in the industry”.
Alok Mishra, President & Group Head – Sustainability, added: “This remarkable improvement in our ESG score is a result of our efforts to address the company’s ESG risks holistically and build a future proof organization. It’s a proof of our belief that economic growth and environmental stewardship can co-exist. The success re-energises us to continue working towards our long-term vision of creating impact-driven solutions for a better world.”
As sustainability continues to shape the global business landscape, Welspun Living remains dedicated to enhancing its ESG initiatives, setting new benchmarks for responsible growth in the textile industry. The company’s strategic roadmap focuses on decarbonization, water conservation, circular economy, and social empowerment, ensuring a holistic approach toward long-term value creation.
SLIC | Photos and Photo Caption for Hyderabad Runners Marathon 2025
Shriram Life Insurance co-sponsored the Hyderabad Runners Marathon held at the University of Hyderabad on 16th Feb, emphasizing the importance of health and financial security. The company, known for its commitment to safeguarding lives, extended its mission beyond financial protection by promoting fitness and well-being. The event saw enthusiastic participation of Shriram Employees reflecting dedication to fostering a healthier and more secure future for all.
India’s Agricultural Transformation From Food Scarcity to Surplus
19th February 2025:
The objective of the study was to analyse agriculture and factors impacting agriculture in India by applying the technique of trend analysis, correlation and regression.
The highlights of the Study are as follows:
1. Robust growth of India’s agriculture and allied sector
2. India’s agriculture sector has transformed, evolving from a food-scarce nation to a food-surplus powerhouse
3. India’s overall export performance remains robust, highlighting the sector’s resilience and its significant role in the global agricultural trade landscape
4. For the year 2024-25, PHDCCI projects foodgrain production grow by 2%, to about 3357 lakh tonnes
5. PHDCCI projections indicate a significant expansion in agricultural and processed food products exports, with exports reaching to USD 125 billion by FY2030, USD 250 billion by FY2035, USD 450 billion by FY2040, and USD 700 billion by FY2047
6. PHDCCI projects that India’s food processing sector is expected to reach USD 700 billion by FY 2030, USD 1100 billion by FY2035, USD 1500 billion by FY 2040 and USD 1900 billion by FY 2040 and USD 2150 billion by 2047
7. While some states excel in agricultural performance, their overall economic growth remains modest. This highlights an opportunity to better leverage agricultural success to drive broader economic development. By strengthening linkages between agriculture and other sectors, these states can unlock new avenues for growth, fostering more inclusive and balanced economic growth
8. Overall, the regression analysis suggests that food grain production in India is significantly influenced by factors such as electricity availability, warehousing capacity, and gross irrigated area
9. Rainfall does not appear to have a statistically significant impact, which contrasts with the traditional view of India’s heavy reliance on monsoon for agriculture. They have a moderate degree of association
Leucine Rich Bio Earns ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation
New Delhi, February 19, 2025: Leucine Rich Bio, South Asia’s first Microbiome company and a leader in microbiome research and healthcare solutions is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certification. This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone, as Leucine Rich Bio becomes the first microbiome company in South Asia to receive this international certificate.
The company has already been certified with ISO 9001:2015, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards in quality management systems. The new ISO 17025:2017 accreditation further underscores Leucine Rich Bio’s dedication to excellence, particularly in the realm of instrument management, including proper and regular calibrations.
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the internationally recognized standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Over the years, Leucine Rich Bio has been at the forefront of microbiome innovation, with achievements such as the launch of the renowned BugSpeaks microbiome test and several awards, including the National Startup Award and Frost & Sullivan recognition for genomics and microbiome diagnostics.
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder and Director of Leucine Rich Bio, expressed his pride in the achievement. He stated, “This certification reflects our team’s hard work and dedication in ensuring that our solutions meet the highest global standards. At Leucine Rich Bio, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare, leveraging data analytics and research to improve health outcomes. This milestone strengthens our position as a trusted name in microbiome research and healthcare solutions.”
Leucine Rich Bio continues to lead the way in microbiome research, with a focus on innovation and excellence. The company remains dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes through their cutting-edge research and products. With the ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, Leucine Rich Bio is poised to further solidify its position as a leader in the microbiome industry, both in South Asia and globally.
Federation University Australia Acquires Employability.life
New Delhi, February 19, 2025: Federation University Australia today announced its expansion in India with the strategic acquisition of Employability.life, reaching 10 million students in higher education to make them work-ready.
Federation University, which dates back to 1870 when the School of Mines in Ballarat was established, has evolved into Victoria’s leading regional university, and established local and global partnerships, and produced over 123,000 graduates. The university is ranked #175 in the Times Higher Education World’s Young Universities. It is ranked #1 in Victoria and #2 in Australia for full-time postgraduate employment.
New Delhi headquartered Employability.life, a workplace readiness company, has partnerships with several colleges and universities across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab.
Federation University and Employability.life are set to expand their presence across many more key Indian cities and universities. Federation University reinforces its position as a leader in global education, offering Indian students unparalleled access to international learning experiences and career opportunities.
Through this acquisition, Employability.life will be integrated into Federation University’s ecosystem, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.
Employability.life, known for its work-simulated learning approach, will now operate under Federation University, expanding its reach and impact across India.
Commenting on the acquisition, Prof. Duncan Bentley, Vice Chancellor, Federation University Australia said: “Federation University Australia is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Employability.life as part of our mission to deliver a world-class education that combines academic excellence with practical, real-world experience. Federation University’s mission is to transform lives and enhancing communities, and the acquisition of Employability.life will help us deliver on that commitment on a global scale. It will also expand our presence in India where our expertise in supporting regional communities has helped us forge many valuable partnerships in education and research.”
Mr. Raja Dasgupta, CEO, Employability.life stated: “With Federation University acquiring Employability.life, we are targeting to reach ten million students in higher education and prepare them for the future of work. Federation University’s acquisition of Employability.life marks a pivotal step in transforming the Indian education landscape by bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
By integrating Employability.life’s XPMC framework in collaboration with Federation University’s academic approach, we are creating a revolutionary learning experience for learners in Indian institutions, he said.
“This initiative will equip students with future-ready skills, blending global best practices with localized industry needs. Our combined expertise will enable us to scale innovative, work-simulated learning models, ensuring graduates are not just academically proficient but also ready for the future of work. We are excited to drive this vision forward and shape the future of education in India,” Mr. Dasgupta said.
Recent initiatives have underscored the commitment to deepening educational ties between Australia and India. In October 2024, the second Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting in Sydney highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to education delivery and impactful research. Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, emphasized that education and skills are pivotal in building economic prosperity for both countries.
With Federation University’s acquisition of Employability.life, the organizations aim to reach ten million students in higher education to prepare them for the future of work.
CREDAI Hyderabad Releases Comprehensive Real Estate Report
Hyderabad 19th February 2025 : CREDAI Hyderabad, in collaboration with CRE Matrix, presents an in-depth zone-wise analysis of the city’s office and housing markets, highlighting key trends, demand patterns, and future growth potential. The Hyderabad Office Market Report – Q4 CY’24 and Hyderabad Housing Market Report – Q4 CY’24 unveil a comprehensive analysis of the city’s real estate landscape.
The hosing report unveils comprehensive trends for North West, North East, South West and South East of Hyderabad. Hyderabad North West emerged as the dominant market, contributing 64% of total sales value, with transactions amounting to ₹19,826 Cr. Additionally, Hyderabad South West continued to lead in pricing, recording the highest per square foot value at ₹11,277 in Q4 CY’24, showcasing strong demand for premium residential spaces.
These in-depth reports offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the office and residential markets, underscoring Hyderabad’s strong growth potential and resilience in a rapidly changing environment and investor confidence. With a surge in co-working demand, declining office vacancy rates, and strong housing sales momentum, the reports highlight key market trends shaping the city’s future.
Speaking about residential real estate trends Mr. V. Rajashekar Reddy, President, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “Hyderabad’s housing market reflects strong buyer confidence, with a 17% increase in average ticket size and a 14% improvement in inventory absorption. Premium housing demand remains high, with Hyderabad North West and South West emerging as key micro-markets. As the city continues its rapid development, CREDAI Hyderabad is committed to ensuring sustainable and transparent growth in the real estate sector.”
Adding about Commercial real estate Mr. Reddy said “Hyderabad’s commercial real estate market remains on a strong growth trajectory, with 2.2x increase in large office transactions, a 26% surge in co-working demand, and a 1.5% reduction in Grade A/A+ vacancy rates. Moreover, the strong 1.1x demand-to-supply ratio further reinforces the positive market sentiment. These indicators showcase the city’s strength as a thriving business hub. With a business-friendly ecosystem, proactive governance and strong occupier confidence, Hyderabad continues to attract large-scale investments, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global enterprises.”
N. Jaideep Reddy, President-elect, CREDAI Hyderabad, said Residential: “Hyderabad continues to establish itself as a leading real estate hub, with strong demand for premium housing and sustained growth across key markets. The city’s expanding infrastructure and employment opportunities further enhance its appeal, making it a preferred destination for homebuyers and investors. Moreover, Hyderabad’s office market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by strong occupier confidence and increasing demand across key business districts. The city’s strategic development and investor-friendly policies are shaping it into a thriving corporate destination, ensuring long-term momentum in commercial real estate.”
Jagannath Rao Bandari, General Secretary, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “Hyderabad’s real estate market continues to attract strong investor and homebuyer interest. With 16,644 units sold in Q4 CY’24 and the new launches at 11,081 units, the sector remains vibrant and adaptive to evolving market needs. The continued demand for high-quality residential spaces, combined with strong infrastructure growth, is shaping the city’s dynamic housing landscape.”
Adding about Commercial Real Estate Mr. Rao said: “Hyderabad’s commercial real estate sector is undergoing rapid expansion, with total Grade A office stock reaching 151.1 million sqft and 82.9 million sqft under construction. The city’s strong leasing momentum, supported by increasing demand for office spaces, reinforces its attractiveness for global enterprises. Sustained economic activity and infrastructure enhancements will continue to drive commercial real estate growth, solidifying Hyderabad as a powerhouse for business and investment.”
Business Confidence Rises on Strong Demand & Lower Rates – Colliers APAC Q4 2024
Mumbai, India, 19 February 2025: Colliers’ Q4 2024 APAC Cap Rates report found consumer spending surged during the Q4 festive season, benefiting the retail sector in various markets including Auckland, China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Bengaluru.
In Bengaluru, the commercial supply was well behind uptake resulting in lower vacancy while Mumbai’s office supply has increased sixfold year-on-year but was still below the uptake in 2024 resulting in a strong market.
In Bengaluru, along the main business corridors rental and capital rates for Grade A commercial offices witnessed significant upward movement. Outer Ring Road (ORR), North Bengaluru, and Whitfield saw a higher volume of Grade A floorplate transactions due to availability and specifications resulting in range-bound cap rates between 8.0% – 8.5%.
The commercial uptake in Mumbai has witnessed a strong YoY improvement in 2024, with demand growth in the last quarter being the highest during the year. However, the increased supply kept the rental increases in check except for certain micro-markets as more options became available.
“Further, Bengaluru has witnessed improved transaction volumes in organized retail, with rising capital values in high street areas attributed to increased consumer activity during the festival season, leading to higher revenue shares. In Mumbai, industrial transaction volume has been slightly lower on a YoY basis. However, the supply has increased in the market by 15% in Mumbai. Based on this, cap rates have been stable in Q4 2024. CPI inflation jumped significantly to 5.22% in December 2024, with the preceding 3-month average at 5.63%. This increase in inflation is attributed to the significant growth in urban inflation from Q3 2024.” says Ajay Sharma, Managing Director, Valuation Services, Colliers India.
PhD for Impact: Making a Difference Through Research
As per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Knowledge creation and research are critical to growing and sustaining a large and vibrant economy, uplifting society, and continuously inspiring a nation to achieve even greater heights. Research is needed to tackle the challenges of climate change, population dynamics, and management, expanding the digital marketplace, and the rise of AI/ML. High-quality interdisciplinary research is the need of the hour that must be done in India and simply cannot be imported or adapted if India is to become a leader.
MDI Gurgaon is known for its excellence in research with several notable alumni serving the industry and academia in this spirit. Scholars are working in the areas of Diversity & Inclusion, Industry 5.0, and Sustainability to develop new theoretical frameworks that can be adopted by practice to come out with new solutions. India is also facing a shortage of qualified faculty members in its top universities and management institutions. A report from the HRD Ministry revealed a large number of vacant faculty positions in IITs, IIMs, and other government-funded institutes. Meanwhile, 40% of faculty positions are vacant in-state public universities.
While a strong academic foundation is crucial, a PhD is often the defining factor in securing a faculty position. NEP 2020 has enabled such guidelines to encourage bold experiments that will help accelerate India’s STEM journey. UGC now encourages undergraduates to take up a PhD in any area of their choice, irrespective of their UG degree.
While a PhD is often associated with academia, its value, particularly in management research, extends far beyond university walls.
A PhD isn’t simply a ticket to becoming a professor; it opens doors to a wealth of opportunities. Think of prestigious consulting firms, influential multinational corporations, cutting-edge research organizations, and impactful government advisory roles. Why? Because a PhD in management equips you with highly developed problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills – skills that are incredibly sought after across diverse industries.
But the benefits go even deeper. A management PhD provides the unparalleled opportunity to drive innovation in business practices, contribute meaningfully to sustainable business, and play a critical role in shaping public policy and global business strategies. It’s about becoming a leader in your field, impacting real-world change, and pushing the boundaries of management knowledge. In short, a management PhD isn’t just a degree; it’s a powerful platform for making a real difference.
Coorg Policeman Treated for Flesh-Eating Infection at Fortis Bengaluru
Bangalore, 19 February 2025: Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, has successfully treated a 50-year-old police officer from Coorg, who was diagnosed with a severe diabetic foot infection complicated by necrotizing fasciitis (a rare and dangerous condition caused by flesh-eating bacteria). The patient, who had a history of heart issues and had undergone multiple cardiac procedure within the past month, benefited from an advanced surgical technique and specialized wound care. The patient’s limb was saved, and amputation was avoided because of the innovative procedure led by Dr. Santosh MP, Senior Consultant – General and Minimal Access Surgery at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, along with Dr. Ramraj V N, Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, and Dr. Yedin Chandra, Attending Consultant General Surgery, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru.
Patient Ravi (name changed) had been suffering from excruciating pain, fever, and swelling in his leg due to the diabetic foot infection. Despite undergoing multiple treatments, his condition deteriorated, and the infection spread to his joints and bones. Given his profession, which required him to retain full mobility, Ravi was determined to avoid amputation and sought treatment at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road.
Upon admission, Ravi was diagnosed with diabetic foot complicated by necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infection that rapidly damages soft tissue and can spread to bones. The infection’s swift progression posed a significant risk to both his life and limb. Dr. Santosh MP had recommended a comprehensive treatment plan that included surgeries to remove the dead tissue and use of antibiotic beads alongside IV antibiotics and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy—a new and innovative approach designed to promote faster healing while controlling the infection.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Santosh MP, Senior Consultant, General and minimal access surgery, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said, “This case was extremely challenging due to the extent the infection had spread, had already reached the joints and bones. We opted for a combination of antibiotic therapy and vacuum-assisted closure, which is an innovative technique for managing such severe infections. This approach allowed us to treat the infection effectively, minimize the need for further surgeries, and ultimately avoid amputation.”
Over the course of a month, Ravi underwent three surgeries, each aimed at addressing the infection, removing necrotic tissue, and promoting recovery. Following his final surgery, Ravi’s condition stabilised, and he was discharged in stable condition.
Mr. Chandrasekar R, Facility director, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, added, “At Fortis Hospital, we are committed to providing advanced, personalized care for even the most complex cases. The successful treatment of this severe diabetic foot infection through innovative techniques such as vacuum-assisted closure and antibiotic bead therapy highlights our ability to manage life-threatening conditions with the latest medical advancements. This case is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication to delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
LIC Housing Finance Putting the Neighbour Back in Neighbourhoods
Mumbai, 19th Feb 2025: LIC Housing Finance Limited, India’s premier housing finance Company, has unveiled a new brand campaign. This latest campaign goes beyond the Company’s business of financing, focusing on an emotional premise relevant to all city-dwellers.
As our lives have become busier, our connection with a very important part of our lives has become weaker – our neighbours, those who stay closer to us. From a time when neighbours used to leave their doors open for each other, and children considered every home as good as their own, we are now reaching a stage where most people don’t even know who lives next door.
The name on the neighbour’s door has become only that – a name on the door.
Through this 5-video campaign supported by static media, LIC Housing Finance urges Indians to reconnect with their neighbours, to bond with them, to be there for them, to act like good neighbours do. The campaign line that summarises this thought is ‘Achche padosi milte nahin, bante hai’. You don’t just find good neighbours, you become good neighbours.
Mr Tribhuwan Adhikari, MD & CEO of LIC Housing Finance Limited, said of the campaign, “Our brand name exudes trust and relates with easy, affordable home finance solutions for India’s middle class. Through this campaign, we wanted to reinforce a core value that has always been a part of the Indian mind-set – that our neighbours are like our extended family. In these fast-changing times, holding on to that value is more important than ever.”
This thought will be expressed in 9 Indian languages, and broadcast across channels and digital media to reach homeowners across the length and breadth of the country.
The campaign, conceptualised and produced by De Works Communications Pvt. Ltd., a Mumbai-based agency, is directed by Nitin Mali and features some well-known actors, including Hiten Tejwani and Hetal Puniwala.