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.

1Lattice & IVCA Unveil Game-Changing Agri-Innovation Report at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

New Delhi, 5th April 2025 – India’s agriculture sector is witnessing a transformative shift driven by innovation, technology, and policy support. The latest report by 1Lattice in collaboration with IVCA (Indian Venture & Alternate Capital Association), “Innovations in Agriculture,” was released today at Startup Mahakumbh 2025. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current market scenario, investment landscape, and the pivotal role of government policies in fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

The Indian agriculture market, encompassing ground agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, is experiencing significant growth, with an annual output value of approximately INR 30 Lakh Crore. Ground agriculture constitutes around 60% of this market, followed by livestock at 30% and fisheries at 10%. The report forecasts the overall market to grow from INR 31 Lakh Crore in FY25 to INR 38 Lakh Crore by FY30, driven by changing consumer demand, new farming methods, and technological advancements.

Key innovations in the sector include the adoption of AI, ML, and IoT-based solutions for precision farming, which are enhancing crop yields and resource efficiency. The report also highlights the emergence of tech-driven supply chains and end-to-end logistics services, which are addressing challenges such as limited supply chain traceability and product loss. Additionally, innovations in storage and warehousing are improving the shelf life of agricultural produce, while AI-based quality assessments are ensuring better food quality and fair pricing.

The investment landscape is equally promising, with private equity and venture capital investments in agri-tech companies growing at a CAGR of 40% between CY19-22. The highest value of investments was recorded in CY21, amounting to USD 1,080 million. Investments are primarily focused on ground agriculture, which accounts for 80% of the total investments, and companies operating in the upstream stage of the value chain.

Government initiatives, such as the creation of the Indian Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) framework and the implementation of Agri Stack, are playing a crucial role in supporting the sector’s growth. These initiatives aim to provide farmers with easier access to inputs, knowledge services, and credit while also facilitating better market linkages.

Speaking about the report launch, Abhishek Maiti, Director of Agri & Industrials at 1Lattice, said, “India’s agriculture sector is witnessing a paradigm shift where innovation is not just an enabler but a growth catalyst. With agritech startups, policymakers, and investors aligning toward a common goal, the sector is poised for unprecedented growth. Our report highlights how technology-powered solutions can boost productivity, sustainability, and farmer incomes, making India a leader in global agritech.”

Rajat Tandon, President at IVCA, said, “India’s agri sector is at a defining moment—where tradition meets technology. What we’re witnessing isn’t just digitization, but a structural transformation driven by innovation, policy clarity, and institutions like NABARD, whose work in climate action, infrastructure, and rural innovation continues to be foundational. As private capital increasingly backs agri-tech, this report is both a reflection of progress and a roadmap for what’s possible when intent meets investment.”

The report underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and farmers to achieve a resilient and innovative agricultural sector in India. With the right blend of support and investment, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.

IIFL Finance Announces Rs. 500 Crore NCD Offering with 10.25% Return

IIFL Finance Limited, which is a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), today said that it will raise up to Rs 500 crores through a public issue of secured, rated, listed redeemable non-convertible debentures (“NCDs”), offering coupon of up to 10.25% per annum. The funds raised will be used for the purpose of onward lending, financing and general corporate purposes.

The NCDs are rated “Crisil AA/Stable” by Crisil Ratings Limited and “[ICRA] AA (Stable)” by ICRA Limited. The debentures with these ratings are considered to have high degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations. Such debentures carry very low credit risk. The issue opens on Monday, April 7, 2025 and closes on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

IIFL Finance will issue NCDs up to Rs 100 crore (“Base Issue Size”), with an option to retain over-subscription of up to Rs 400 crore (“Green Shoe Option”) aggregating up to Rs 500 crore. The NCDs under Series IX offer highest effective yield of 10.24% per annum for the tenor of 60 months. The NCDs are available in tenors of 15 months, 24 months, 36 months and 60 months. The frequency of interest payment is available on monthly, annual and cumulative basis.

IIFL Finance is a NBFC-ML (NBFC-Middle Layer) registered with the RBI, catering to the credit requirements of a diverse customer base with its plethora of products. IIFL Finance and its subsidiaries’ offerings include home loans, gold loans, MSME Secured Loan, MSME unsecured Loan, personal loan, Supply Chain Finance, Microfinance, Construction and Real Estate Finance and Capital Market Finance; catering to both retail and corporate clients. Subsidiaries of the Company are IIFL Home Finance Limited, IIFL Samasta Finance Limited (Formerly known as Samasta Microfinance Limited), IIHFL Sales Limited and IIFL Open Fintech Private Limited. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has a widespread network of 4,858 branches spanning the length and breadth of the country and the Company (along with its subsidiaries) has a strong workforce of 38,235 employees as of December 31, 2024.

As at December 31, 2024, consolidated Assets under Management stood at Rs. 71,410.19 Crore.  The Company reported Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) of 2.42% and Net Non-Performing Asset (NNPA) of 1.01% as a percentage of our consolidated Loan Book as on December 31, 2024. Additionally, as on December 31, 2024, 71.92% of the Company’s consolidated Loan Book is secured with adequate collaterals which helps mitigate risks further.

Sustainable Seating: Transteel & Tata Steel’s Graphene-Enhanced Jute & Cotton Fabrics

New Delhi, 05th April 2025 – Transteel, a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, has collaborated with Tata Steel to introduce performance fabrics In India. These graphene-enhanced fabric that transforms natural fibers like jute and cotton into high-performance upholstery materials resulting in a circular economy while promoting health and wellness in corporate office furniture and fit outs. 

This important partnership was unveiled at FM and CRE World Hyderabad and CE Worldwide in February 2025. As a sponsor Transteel showcased its Bio Chairs Collection featuring graphene upholstery. Designed to promote eco-friendly manufacturing, this revolutionary fabric marks a significant step toward reducing plastic usage in office furniture while enhancing durability and sustainability.

Bio chairs are developed using Tata Steel’s advanced Graphene Ink technology, which enhances the strength, water resistance, stain resistance, and antibacterial properties of natural fibers. By integrating these fabrics into its Bio Chair Collection, Transteel reinforces its commitment to creating sustainable and ergonomic office solutions without compromising on quality, comfort, or performance.

Mr. Shiraz Ibrahim, Managing Director at Transteel shared his thoughts on this milestone. “At Transteel, we are committed to designing workspaces that are both functional and sustainable. The introduction of Graphene enriched Jute & Cotton fabrics in our Bio Chair Collection allows us to offer high-performance office seating solutions that support environmental responsibility while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and durability. 

The Graphene enhanced Bio Chairs are designed for a wide range of corporate and commercial spaces, offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic upholstery. As a Go-To-Market partner for upholstery applications of Graphene, Transteel is currently in discussions for a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) agreement with Tata Steel, reinforcing their commitment to long-term sustainability initiatives.

This partnership aligns with both companies’ broader goals of reducing plastic consumption, supporting a farm-to-business model, and advancing the circular economy.