A Royal Treat Awaits! Chef Gul Ali’s Nawabi Rasoi at Sheraton Hyderabad
4 Tech-Driven Platforms Revolutionizing Upskilling
Tech-driven platforms are revolutionizing upskilling by offering personalized, on-demand learning experiences that cater to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. These platforms leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics to tailor learning paths to individual skill levels, career goals, and learning styles. With interactive courses, hands-on projects, and virtual labs, learners can gain practical, industry-relevant skills at their own pace. Additionally, many platforms provide certifications that validate newly acquired expertise, boosting career opportunities. By making learning more flexible, scalable, and accessible, these platforms empower professionals to bridge skill gaps, enhance productivity, and remain competitive in an ever-changing job market. They are not only shaping how individuals learn but also transforming the way companies upskill their teams for the future of work. Here are 4 Tech-Driven Platforms Transforming the Future of Workforce Upskilling.
SkillUp
SkillUp is a leading online learning platform dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with the skills needed for the future. It offers a wide range of courses in cutting-edge domains like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, catering to learners at all levels from foundational knowledge to advanced job-ready expertise. With flexible learning options, including self-paced courses, instructor-led sessions, and live classes. Beyond courses, the platform provides valuable services such as one-on-one career mentoring, resume preparation, interview practice, and opportunities for practical experience, helping learners seamlessly transition into their desired careers. Collaborating with industry giants like IBM, Microsoft, Future Skills Prime, Pacific Lutheran University, and Google Cloud.
Imarticus Learning
Imarticus Learning is an award-winning ed-tech company offering finance, analytics, technology, and marketing courses. We are a classroom and online training institute that provides certification programs, and job-assured, executive, and university-assured courses.Our vision is to prepare the global community with the best educational programs for the new-age market. They are present globally, and in India, they have centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Patna, Lucknow, Dehradun, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Cochin, and Kolkata.
UpGrad
UpGrad is one of India’s leading EdTech startups, UpGrad offers an extensive array of programs in partnership with prestigious universities worldwide. Known for its personalized 1-on-1 mentorship and robust placement support, UpGrad sets itself apart in the competitive market. The platform provides diverse courses, spanning MBAs in Business, Law, Insurance, Software Development, Blockchain, and much more, empowering learners to achieve their professional aspirations. Instahyre Instahyre is an advanced hiring platform based on artificial intelligence, enabling recruiters to hire top talent effortlessly. It is renowned for its innovative approach to revolutionizing HR processes, has demonstrated unprecedented success in the recent fiscal year, surpassing its own projections and industry expectations. The company’s steadfast commitment to leveraging technology to streamline hiring processes has garnered widespread attention within the HR industry and beyond.
BridgeLabz Solutions
Bridgelabz is an AWS-recognised incubator and is solely focused on solving tech employability. Over the last 5 years, it has worked with 500+ top tech companies and 2500+ engineers have been hired from Bridgelabz. It has labs in Mumbai and Bangalore. It has partnered with over 500 companies, including Yatra, Capgemini, Meru Cabs, LafargeHolcim, JDA, UrbanLadder, Fullerton India, and RBL bank.
South Indian Bank Champions Green Initiatives with Energy Transition Discussion
March 13,2025:Coimbatore: South Indian Bank, in collaboration with Pantokrator, a UK-based global investment bank, organized a discussion on Sustainability and Energy Transition at The Residency Tower, Coimbatore. The event brought together industry leaders and experts to explore investment opportunities in the sustainable energy sector.
The discussion focused on the viability of renewable energy sources, efficient energy distribution, and key global trends shaping the industry. Corporate customers of South Indian Bank participated in the interactive session, engaging with panelists and sharing insights on emerging investment opportunities.
The panel featured Mr. Andre Shortell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Pantokrator, UK; Mr. Rajaram Venkataraman, Senior Advisor at Pantokrator, UK; Mr. R. Venkatesh, Group CEO of Everrenew Energy Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. P. R. Seshadri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of South Indian Bank.
Ms. Minu Moonjally, Senior General Manager and Head of the Corporate Business Group at South Indian Bank welcomed the panelists and distinguished dignitaries at the event.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. P. R. Seshadri highlighted the bank’s focus on sustainable finance, stating, “At South Indian Bank, we recognize the critical role of financial institutions in fostering a sustainable future. Our commitment extends beyond banking services to actively supporting investments in renewable energy and sustainability-driven initiatives. By facilitating responsible financing, we aim to contribute towards a greener and more resilient economy.”
SanDisk Debuts Automotive-Grade UFS 4.1 at Embedded World 2025
New Delhi, India, March 13, 2025: Building on its comprehensive portfolio of advanced automotive-grade storage technology, Sandisk today introduced the industry’s first automotive grade UFS4.1 interface device, the Sandisk® iNAND® AT EU752 UFS4.1 Embedded Flash Drive (EFD). The evolution of Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) is further driving the need for increased performance and more frequent over-the-air software updates. The fast UFS4.1 interface enables software updates to happen faster, reducing downtime for customers and allowing SDVs to get on the road more quickly and reliably.
Automotive AI systems such as Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Driving (AD) and eCockpit need to pull information from sensors, maps and AI databases to function safely. iNAND embedded flash drives become crucial to making sure data is available and reliable when it’s needed and provide real-time in-vehicle storage for the AD computer to overcome latency and connectivity issues that arise when accessing the cloud. The Sandisk iNAND AT EU752 UFS4.1 EFD is a key component in enabling high interface performance in these systems.
Projected to be more than 2x the performance of Sandisk’s previous UFS3.1 device and double the capacity previously available on the market[i], this ground-breaking solution available up to 1TB2 with Sandisk’s latest BiCS8 TLC NAND technology will help revolutionize automotive applications requiring increased data storage performance, capacity, endurance and reliability to fuel automotive artificial intelligence (AI) innovations.
Key features for the Sandisk iNAND AT EU752 UFS4.1 EFD include:
- Health status reporting so the host can monitor the device and take proactive measures as needed to prevent potential system failures while the vehicle is operating.
- Fast boot replaces the need for a separate NOR device, thus reducing board space and costs. The fast boot feature is also critical for safety systems such as rearview camera systems that need to be operational within two seconds.
- Capacities 128GB to 1TB[ii] with projected performance of up to 3,900 MB/s sequential write and 4,200 MB/s sequential read1(1TB). It is also fully backward compatible to work with UFS3.1 hosts.
The iNAND AT EU752 UFS4.1 EFD is currently shipping to select customers and partners. The new device complements Sandisk’s robust portfolio of automotive-grade SD cards, e.MMC, UFS2.1, UFS3.1 and NVMe products.
Sandisk is showcasing the AT EU752 UFS4.1 EFD at Embedded World 2025 alongside its other flash storage solutions, including its industrial embedded and removable flash storage solutions, client SSDs for workstations and laptops and industry-leading data center solutions, such as the SanDisk® DC SN861 NVMe™ SSD and Ultrastar® DC SN655 NVMe SSD.
Appli Expands to Simplify College Admissions, Empowering Students Across India
13th March 2025, Bengaluru; Every year, the college admissions process in India sparks waves of anxiety for both students and their parents. Weeks are spent navigating multiple college websites, trying to understand the unique application processes, filling out numerous forms, submitting documents, and waiting for shortlist results. It’s a stressful journey—one that often leaves students confused and overwhelmed.
India has over 50,000 colleges, and nearly 5 crore students aspire for higher education, yet the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) is just 27.1%, significantly lower than the global average of 38%. Compared to the U.S. and China, where GER is much higher, India still faces barriers in making college education accessible to all. The cumbersome application process is a big reason why many students give up before they even begin.
This is where Appli steps in—to make college admissions simpler, faster, and more accessible for students across India.
A Vision Born from a Personal Promise
Appli was built with a single mission: to remove the unnecessary complexities of college applications and make the process seamless for students and parents.
The idea for Appli came from a father’s realization of the system’s complexity. Nanjunda Prasad saw his daughter struggle with multiple applications, countless forms, and overwhelming processes. He knew there had to be a better way. That promise led to the creation of Appli—a platform that helps students navigate college admissions effortlessly.
How Appli Helps Students
Appli is a mobile-based common application platform that allows students to:
✅ Search: Access a vast database of verified colleges with detailed information on courses, faculty, admission criteria, and campus facilities.
✅ Shortlist: Filter colleges based on interests, eligibility, and future career plans.
✅ Apply: Submit multiple college applications in just a few clicks, instead of filling out separate forms for each institution.
No more spending weeks on applications—Appli reduces the entire process to just a few minutes.
Appli ensures verified, unbiased information about colleges, so students can make informed decisions without external influence.
To make things even easier, Appli Lens, a YouTube series, provides exclusive campus tour videos for different colleges. Instead of relying on scattered and unverified sources, students get firsthand insights into campus life, infrastructure, and academic offerings.
Seamless Profile Creation with Digilocker Integration
Creating a profile on Appli is quick and effortless. Students can:
✔ Manually enter their academic and personal details, OR
✔ Use Digilocker to automatically fetch all essential documents.
With this feature, Appli ensures accuracy while eliminating repetitive data entry. Students can apply to multiple colleges in minutes without worrying about lost or incomplete forms.
A patent has been filed for this unique profile creation system—making it an industry-first solution in streamlining college applications.
How Appli Helps Colleges
Appli isn’t just a game-changer for students—it’s equally beneficial for colleges.
● Efficient Application Management – Colleges receive applications in a standardized format, making it easier to review, shortlist, and process them.
● Wider Reach & Visibility – Colleges on Appli attract a diverse pool of applicants from different cities and states, improving inclusivity and accessibility.
● Data Security & Authenticity – Appli ensures that student records are secure and verified, eliminating fraudulent applications and improving the credibility of student data.
Appli is already making waves, with top universities coming on board. Bangalore’s leading institutions, along with multiple colleges from Bangalore and other major cities, are in the final stages of onboarding. Built with the guidance of Vice-Chancellors and education experts, Appli is transforming the way colleges manage admissions.
Data Security: A Bold Promise
In an age where data privacy is a major concern, Appli stands apart by ensuring that no student data is ever shared with third-party agencies.
✔ Strict security measures are in place to protect user data.
✔ Only students and authorized colleges have access to relevant details.
This bold promise reinforces trust and transparency, ensuring that students can apply with confidence and peace of mind.
National Housing Bank’s 2024 Report on Housing Trends in India
13 MAR 2025
National Housing Bank (NHB), a statutory body under the Government of India has released the Report on Trend and Progress of Housing in India, 2024 pursuant to provisions of Section 42 of National Housing Bank Act, 1987.
The report broadly covers the housing scenario and house price movements, flagship programmes of GoI on housing sector, role of Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) in providing housing credit, performance of Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and outlook for the sector.
Key highlights are:
- Individual housing loans outstanding as on 30-09-2024 stood at ₹33.53 lakh crore, showing growth of 14% over the corresponding period of previous year.
- As on 30-09-2024, EWS & LIG accounted for 39%, MIG accounted for 44% and HIG accounted for 17% of outstanding individual housing loans.
- Individual housing loan disbursements during half year ended 30-09-2024 were ₹4.10 lakh crore while disbursements during the year ended 31-03-2024 were ₹9.07 lakh crore.
- For the quarter ended September 2024, the Housing Price Index (NHB-RESIDEX) recorded y-o-y increase of 6.8% as compared to 4.9% during previous year.
- Major initiatives of GoI, such as PMAY-G, PMAY-U, impact assessment of PMAY-U, Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF), Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) scheme, etc. have been covered in the report.
- The report identifies regional disparities in credit flow and vulnerability to climate related risks, as some of the key challenges to be addressed by the sector. It also identifies technological advancements in construction, digitization of land records etc. as some of the factors which will facilitate growth opportunities for the sector.
Outlook for the housing sector remains promising, driven by budget announcements on PMAY 2.0, urbanization, transit-oriented development, digitization and other factors.
Commenting on the report, Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said,”The NHB report reinforces what we’ve been seeing in the market—the mid-income group (MIG) is becoming the backbone of the housing sector, making up 44% of outstanding individual housing loans. This segment is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization, increasing incomes, and supportive government policies, reflecting a strong desire for homeownership. Middle-income buyers are looking for well-designed homes in prime locations that offer a balance of quality and convenience. This trend is expected to continue in the coming months, further strengthening the sector. At Signature Global, we remain committed to catering to this evolving demand by delivering thoughtfully planned, high-quality homes that align with modern lifestyles.”
Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “India’s housing sector is on a strong growth path, fueled by rising homeownership aspirations, rapid urban expansion, and supportive policies. The National Housing Bank’s report highlights this momentum, with individual housing loans increasing by 14% and home prices continuing their steady rise. Government initiatives like PMAY and infrastructure-driven development are further shaping demand across segments, making homeownership more accessible. As cities grow, homebuyers are prioritizing well-planned, well-connected communities that enhance their lifestyle and long-term investment value. This trend is expected to continue, with evolving buyer preferences driving demand for homes that offer a blend of quality, convenience, and future-ready design.”
Aster DM Healthcare Promoters Reduce Share Pledge Drastically, Enhancing Market ConfidenceAster DM Healthcare Promoters Reduce Share Pledge Drastically, Enhancing Market Confidence
Bengaluru, March 13, 2025: In line with the stated strategy, the promoters of Aster DM Healthcare have successfully reduced their share pledge from 99% to 41% after completing a debt refinancing transaction from top-tier global financial institutions.
As part of the refinancing process, the new reputed lenders – JP Morgan, HSBC, and Barclays provided fresh funding, enabling Aster DM Healthcare promoters to refinance its existing loans at better terms as well as loan-to-value (LTV).
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “The reduction in Aster’s pledged shares is a significant testament to our financial strength as promoters, especially in light of the volatile global market conditions. It reflects the strong confidence we have in our company’s growth trajectory, operational excellence, and strategic direction. This milestone also reinforces trust among our stakeholders, investors, and partners as we continue to expand our footprint in India.”
FlowerAura Launches ‘Aura-Ganic Holi’ Celebration
Wednesday 13th March, This Holi, FlowerAura is bringing a deeper meaning to the festival of colours with its ‘Aura-Ganic Holi’ initiative— an eco-conscious celebration that not only spreads joy but also supports local communities and protects nature.
With a thoughtfully curated range of natural Gulaal made from temple flowers, festive cakes, vibrant hampers, and more, FlowerAura encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly, embracing colours that are as pure as the bonds they represent.
The collection features natural Gulaal made from flowers collected from temples, ensuring that these sacred blooms find a new purpose rather than being discarded as waste. This initiative directly supports Self Help Group full of local artisans and communities, who meticulously craft these colours, turning devotion into an opportunity for sustainable living.
“At its core, Holi is about spreading joy, and what better way to do that than by ensuring our celebrations contribute positively to society?” said Shrey Sehgal, Co-founder of FlowerAura. “By repurposing temple flowers into natural colours, we are not only making Holi safer for people and the environment but also creating livelihood opportunities for artisans who put their hearts into making these hues come alive.”
The collection extends beyond colours to include specially crafted Holi-themed cakes, thoughtfully curated hampers, and gifts—each designed to add a special touch to the celebrations. Whether it’s indulging in a delicious cake infused with festive flavours or gifting a hamper filled with handpicked Holi essentials, FlowerAura ensures that every moment is meaningful and memorable.
FlowerAura invites everyone to celebrate Holi in a way that is kinder to the planet and supportive of communities. This year, let every splash of colour not just paint faces but also brighten lives—because true celebration lies in spreading happiness, responsibly.
Will Chaina’s Secret Be Exposed Major Twist in ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’
Shemaroo Umang’s popular show Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain is set to bring yet another high-voltage drama, keeping audiences glued to their screens. The latest twist revolves around Chaina, played by Diksha Dhami, who had entered the Badi Haveli as Chhoti Thakurain at the request of Dadi and Maa to protect them from Chamkili’s (Ishita Ganguly) vicious plans. However, she chose to keep this truth hidden from her Mama and Mami—a decision that is now about to backfire!
Chamkeeli, who is determined to get Chaina out of her way, has uncovered her secret. In a bold move, she brings Mama and Mami to the haveli, setting the stage for an explosive confrontation. Will Chaina’s lie be exposed, or will she find a way to counter Chamkili’s attack?
Talking about this exciting twist, Diksha Dhami shared, “For any family, their daughter’s marriage is a reason to celebrate. But for Chaina, whose family already holds grudges because of her parents’ past, this news is far from happy. She is known for her ‘jugaadu’ nature, but I doubt she’ll find an easy way out of this mess!”
She further added, “If I pulled a stunt like this in real life, my parents would be really disappointed! And of course, Chaina’s Mama and Mami will be equally upset. The biggest challenge is that Chaina cannot even reveal the real reason behind her marriage—which was done with good intentions to help her family.”
Maha Kumbh Mela Drives ixigo’s Travel Boom – 5.4x Flight, 4x Train & 20x Bus Surge
Mumbai, 13th March 2025: ixigo, India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users, reveals a massive surge in travel bookings to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela (January 13 – February 26, 2025). Flight bookings witnessed 5.4x YoY demand, with nearby airports in Lucknow and Varanasi witnessing 69% YoY growth. Train bookings saw a 4x YoY rise, while bus bookings saw the highest surge at 20x YoY, underscoring strong demand across all segments for the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
Gen Z & Solo Travelers Drive Historic Travel Boom to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025
Booking data from ixigo’s bus business, AbhiBus, highlights a surge in young travelers, with those aged 20-25 making up 26% of total bus bookings. Gen Z bus travelers saw a remarkable 20-fold YoY increase during the Kumbh Mela, and 50% of all bus passengers heading to Prayagraj were under 30. Key origin cities contributing to the surge in demand across the ixigo Group included New Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ranchi, and Ayodhya. A significant shift in travel behavior was also observed, as solo travelers dominated train bookings, making up 60% of the total, surpassing group travel.
Speaking on this, Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, said “The Maha Kumbh Mela has spotlighted the rapid rise of spiritual tourism in India, with a remarkable surge in participation from young travelers. Our data shows that Gen Z and millennials are increasingly embracing cultural and religious journeys, making experiential travel the new norm. As faith-based tourism evolves, the future of travel will be driven by seamless multimodal connectivity – ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for a new generation of spiritually inspired explorers.”