29th March 2025: CIEL HR Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Vibrant Screen Pvt Ltd (VSPL), one of India’s largest providers of background verification solutions.

With over 24 years of expertise, VSPL offers a comprehensive suite of verification services, including employment, education, address, criminal records, database listing, credit history, drug test, and identity checks, designed to help organisations mitigate risks and ensure safe hiring practices. The company serves a diverse client base of over 240 organisations across the BFSI and IT sectors, including Fortune 500 companies. It has a strong reputation for its operational efficiency, technological innovation, and compliance with international standards.

CIEL HR has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Jombay, Aargee Staffing, Courseplay, Thomas Assessments / People Metrics. By virtue of these additions, CIEL HR has strengthened its offerings by adding HR tech solutions to its portfolio. By integrating these platforms, it has positioned itself in the industry as a tech-led HR solutions company. As India’s only provider of comprehensive, tech-driven HR solutions, CIEL HR supports every stage of the employee lifecycle.

VSPL’s proven track record, scalable business model, and robust growth strategy position it as a key player in the rapidly expanding background verification industry. This strategic acquisition aligns with CIEL’s vision of being a comprehensive HR solutions provider, enabling them to deliver enhanced value to the clients.

Implementing advanced technology for background verification is critical in mitigating fraudulent activities. Early intervention through comprehensive employee background checks, coupled with ongoing monitoring throughout an employee’s tenure, can help minimise operational oversight costs. This proactive approach prevents frauds and maintains vigilance against future fraudulent activities. CIEL aims to deliver the best of the holistic hiring solution to its clients by acquiring VSPL.

Strategic Expansion to Meet Growing Market Demands

The acquisition of Vibrant Screen represents a natural progression in CIEL HR Group’s growth strategy, adding a critical service component that modern businesses increasingly rely on. VSPL has built a stellar reputation in India and global markets with their unique tool that ensures swift and precise results, reducing turnaround times significantly in background checks. Their extensive verification services have helped countless organisations implement safe hiring practices through comprehensive candidate screening.

“The addition of VSPL’s capabilities represents a strategic milestone in our growth trajectory, enhancing our HR solutions,” said Mr. K Pandiarajan, Executive Chairperson of CIEL HR Group. “In today’s technology-driven business environment, thorough background verification is a must-have for building trustworthy teams and maintaining a company’s credibility. By bringing VSPL’s expertise under our umbrella, we’re offering our clients another layer of confidence in their hiring decisions while moving closer to our vision of being a truly comprehensive HR solutions provider.

Adding to this Mr. Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO of CIEL HR, said “Our clients increasingly seek integrated HR solutions that streamline their processes while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. The addition of Vibrant Screen’s verification expertise allows us to meet this demand head-on. The acquisition of Vibrant Screen represents a natural progression in CIEL HR Group’s growth strategy, adding a critical service component that modern businesses increasingly rely on. The combined technological capabilities of both organisations will further enhance our service offerings to our stakeholders.”

Major Vibhav Kapoor, Founder & CEO of Vibrant Screen, said, “Our partnership with CIEL HR marks a significant step forward, paving the way to new opportunities for innovation and service expansion for our valued clients. With a shared commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, this collaboration is both a strategic and exciting move. Together, we will extend our verification solutions to a broader network of organisations while leveraging CIEL’s extensive industry presence and technological strengths.”

29 March 2025: MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune showcased groundbreaking student innovations in aerospace, robotics, automotive engineering, and sustainable technology at MAKE IN MIT-WPU Pavilion during HackMIT-WPU 2025. The event commenced with a grand roadshow led by various student clubs, followed by the formal opening of the pavilion.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Sunil, Additional Director General, Prasar Bharati, Government of India, New Delhi; Shri Sham Arjunwadkar, Foundry & Energy Conservation Consultant, Pune; and Shri Yogesh Joshi, Global MDM Practice Head, Wipro Technologies, Pune. The dignitaries visited the exhibition stalls, engaging with students and exploring their innovative projects.

The exhibition highlighted innovative projects by students, including the Chem-E-Car, a chemically powered vehicle demonstrating precise movement without electronic controls. The Space Technology Research Group (STeRG) displayed advanced spacecraft systems, showcasing expertise in critical aerospace components. Additionally, Team Phoenix presented drone technology, featuring autonomous, racing, and agricultural applications, with custom-built controllers.

Furthermore, the Skytroopers showcased high-performance aircraft designed for competitive aeromodelling. Team Drifters unveiled “Primus,” a Formula 1-inspired combustion vehicle, while Acceleracers Electric exhibited their progress in electric vehicle technology.

Speaking at the event, Shri Sunil applauded the students’ creativity and innovation. He stated:

“The MAKE IN MIT-WPU Pavilion exemplifies India’s rising innovation ecosystem, where young minds are dedicated to engineering excellence. The University’s emphasis on technology with practical applications instills confidence that these young innovators will play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering and research.”

Shri Sham Arjunwadkar emphasized: “The projects presented reflect the future of technology across various sectors, including aerospace, sustainability, and automotive engineering. It is inspiring to see young innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and setting new benchmarks for future advancements.”

The exhibition provided a unique platform for students to engage with industry experts, fostering collaboration between academia and professionals.

March 29, 2025:Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) inaugurated 4 new branches – 3 in Tamil Nadu, 1 in Andhra Pradesh on 28^th March 2025. By inaugurating these branches, the total branch network of the Bank increased to 888.

Mr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav, IPS, Chairman & Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation inaugurated Karur Vysya Bank’s 888^th branch in Chennai. This branch is located at No: 337/1B2C, Alapakkam Main Road, Alapakkam, Chennai – 600 095.

During the financial year 2024-25, the bank added 46 branches across India.

The new branches that were opened:

1. 885^th Branch – Kumbakonam East – inaugurated by Dr. Prabhakar, Chief Civil Surgeon, Govt. District Head Quarters Hospital, Kumbakonam
2. 886^th Branch – Visakhapatnam (Poorna Market) – inaugurated by Dr. Sandhya Devi, Principal, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam
3. 887^th Branch – Kannampalayam (Coimbatore) – inaugurated by Mr. Sathish Kumar, Executive Officer, Kannampalayam Town Panchayat
4. 888^th Branch – Alapakkam (Chennai) – inaugurated by Shailesh Kumar Yadav, IPS, Chairman & Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation, Chennai

The new branches shall cater to all basic banking transactions and also specific needs of customers, offering the entire spectrum of banking products and financial services covering Retail, Institutional and Consumer lending.

KVB offers Internet Banking and Mobile Banking facilities.  KVB DLite, the Mobile Banking app of the Bank offers convenience of financial and non-financial services through 150+ features. The app has been recently upgraded with several customer friendly features.

 29th March, 2025: LVB India proudly celebrated the successful launch of the Tagore Chapter, the first chapter of LVB Kolkata, at a grand event held today, at Golden Tulip, Kolkata which was attended by: Ms. Anchal Goenka, Franchise Owner of LVB Kolkata; Mr. Akash Vaghasiya, Founder of of LVB India; Mr. Sneh Desai, Strategy Advisor of LVB India; Mr. Ajay Italiya, Co Founder of LVB India; Mr. Ashish Mittal, WB Head of LVB Kolkata & many other eminent personalities.

The launch witnessed an overwhelming response, bringing together prominent business leaders, industry experts, and ambitious entrepreneurs for an evening of networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The event featured insightful keynote addresses, dynamic panel discussions, and engaging interactive sessions, offering attendees valuable insights into business growth, industry trends, and the power of professional networking. The launch set the stage for meaningful connections and future collaborations among Kolkata’s thriving business community.

Speaking to the media, Ms. Anchal Goenka, Franchise owner of LVB Kolkata, said, “The launch of the Tagore Chapter marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the LVB Kolkata community. We are thrilled to see such an incredible response and look forward to building a strong network where professionals and entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and succeed together.”

Attendees praised the event for its well-structured format, high-caliber discussions, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. The successful launch reinforces LVB India’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented ecosystem for businesses.

With the Tagore Chapter now established, LVB Kolkata is set to host regular networking sessions, industry-specific discussions, and mentorship programs, providing continuous value to its members. LVB India invites professionals and business owners to join the growing community and leverage the platform for strategic networking and business expansion.

29^th March 2025: Dee Development Engineers Limited has been honored as the ‘Company of the Year’ at the prestigious Outlook Business Spotlight Nation Builders Excellence Awards. This recognition highlights the company’s outstanding contribution to India’s infrastructure and manufacturing sector, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

The award was received by Ms. Shikha Bansal, Director, Dee Development Engineers Limited, on behalf of Mr. Krishan Lalit Bansal, CMD, at the grand felicitation ceremony. This accolade reflects the company’s relentless commitment to innovation, precision engineering, and expanding its global footprint.

DEE Development Engineers Limited has been making significant strides in expanding its capabilities and strengthening its market presence. The company recently secured a $16.5 million purchase order from a new international client, reinforcing its expertise in high-precision engineering solutions. Additionally, DEE has been in discussions with global firms to provide advanced piping solutions for nuclear power plants, marking a key milestone in its global expansion strategy.

With a long-term growth vision, DEE aims to triple its revenue to ?2,400 crore within the next 3-5 years. To support this, the company is in process of setting up a new green field project at village Lakhapar, Taluka Anjar, District Kutch Gujarat in approximately 50 acres of land where in it has planned to enhance the overall capacity of process piping solutions by 27000 Metric Tonnes and out of which 12000 MT has already been enhanced  through a ?250 crore investment which also includes an establishment of seamless high wall thickness pipe manufacturing facility which is a backward integration for supercritical boiler piping systems for 800 MW Thermal Power Plants . These proactive steps shall boost production efficiency and meet growing industry demand.

Speaking on this recognition, Mr. Krishan Lalit Bansal, CMD, Dee Development Engineers Limited, said: “This award is a reflection of DEE Development Engineers’ journey toward excellence, innovation, and global leadership in precision engineering. Our recent achievements—be it international orders, strategic partnerships, or capacity expansion—demonstrate our commitment to driving India’s industrial progress. We remain dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

Ms. Shikha Bansal, Director, Dee Development Engineers Limited, added: “Receiving this award at such a crucial juncture in our growth journey is truly rewarding. DEE Development Engineers has been at the forefront of delivering advanced piping and engineering solutions, and this recognition reaffirms our strategic direction. As we continue to innovate and expand globally, we look forward to contributing further to India’s infrastructure and energy sectors.”

29th March 2025 – Popeyes®, the globally loved fried chicken brand, has opened its third store in Hyderabad at Inorbit Mall, one of the city’s most popular shopping and dining destinations.

Operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., Popeyes® is known for serving juicy fried chicken that’s marinated for 12 hours and hand-battered to perfection — bringing the authentic taste of Cajun-flavoured chicken to food lovers across India. This signature preparation delivers a crispy, flavorful chicken that has earned the brand fans around the world.

The new store offers some of Popeyes®’ best-selling menu items — including the legendary Chicken Sandwich, signature fried chicken and the spicy hot & messy chicken. The brand recently launched a range of flavored wings available in six bold international flavors which have become a rage amongst guests and are amongst the bestsellers now. The menu also comprises a range of delicious vegetarian burgers for the vegetarian guests. Every dish is freshly prepared, ensuring great taste and consistent quality with every order.

Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Popeyes India, said: “We’re excited to partner with Inorbit for the launch of this Popeyes store in the heart of the bustling business district – Cyberabad, and bringing the Popeyes brand closer to our GenZ and millenial consumers.

With a presence in over 31 countries, Popeyes® stands for bold Cajun flavors, authentic recipes, and freshly prepared juicy and crunchy fried chicken. As the brand continues to grow across India, it remains committed to delivering a great experience — whether customers choose to dine in, take away, or order online.

March 29, 2025—The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) hosted its inaugural Entrepreneur Summit 2025, a forum designed to facilitate critical discourse between Fashion Business Management (FBM) students and industry leaders. Featuring leaders from startups to established brands, the event brought together leading entrepreneurs, including Ashish Dev Kapur, Founder of Whisky Samba, The Wine Company and Antares; Kunaal Kumar, Managing Director of Modern Bazaar; Shivam Sahi, Co-Founder & COO of Blue Tokai; Vandy Mehra, Director of Study By Janak and Mohit Jain, Founder & CEO of Miraggio.

Moderated by (Prof.) Dr. Sunita Gupta Konwar, Course Leader of Fashion Business Management, the summit was themed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset – Skills, Strategies & Survival.” At the heart of the summit were discussions on building an entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking and business resilience. Through firsthand accounts, students gained insights into the challenges and triumphs that shape an entrepreneur. Their insights provided students with a deeper understanding of the realities of entrepreneurship, reinforcing that success is rarely linear and that every challenge presents a learning opportunity.

Dr. Jitin Chadha, Founder & CEO, IIAD, opened the summit by reaffirming IIAD’s commitment to encouraging innovation and exploration. “Entrepreneurship is not merely about launching businesses—it is about creating futures. The ability to transform an idea into reality requires vision, perseverance and adaptability.” He reflected on his own entrepreneurial journey, noting that building IIAD came with its share of challenges.

The discussion commenced with Kunaal Kumar, Managing Director of Modern Bazaar, sharing his transition from an engineering background into multi-category retail chain, underscoring the importance of passion in entrepreneurship. “Your gut instinct and dedication to what you do will define your success,” he noted.

Shivam Sahi, Co-Founder of Blue Tokai, spoke about India’s specialty coffee sector and the opportunity to build a premium coffee culture domestically. “India produces high-quality coffee, yet most of it was exported. The challenge was to shift consumer perception and create a space for premium coffee consumption within the country.”

Ashish Dev Kapur, Founder of Whisky Samba, The Wine Company and Antares (Goa), reflected on his unconventional journey. He shared how his transition from budget ventures to experiential concepts was driven by recognising gaps in the market. “If you have a pressing need, you see, in the market, there’s a genuine gap that you can fill,” he explained. He also emphasized trusting the process, learning from mistakes and building a vision that serves a real need.

Vandy Mehra, Director of Study By Janak, spoke about overcoming challenges within a conservative family structure to carve a niche in the industry. She recounted, “I started with just 1,000 square feet within the store. Today, at 16,000 square feet, the women’s segment has set itself apart. It has been a fulfilling journey of staying true to my vision.”

Mohit Jain, Founder & CEO of Miraggio, highlighted the perception gap between Indian and global brands, stating, “Brand experience is everything—from social media to retail and packaging. We focused on creating a strong brand identity, even though I came from a non-fashion background.”

The panelists also discussed the evolving dynamics of failure and the necessity of adaptation. Ashish Dev Kapur, Founder of Whisky Samba, The Wine Company, and Antares, emphasized the importance of choosing a niche where consumer awareness already exists, noting that entering a market where some level of education has already taken place can make a significant difference. He also underscored financial discipline in entrepreneurship, stating, “Top line is vanity. Bottom line is sanity, but cash flow is reality.”

Vandy Mehra, Director of Study by Janak, spoke about the brand’s ability to stay relevant while preserving its legacy. She emphasized that constant evolution in fashion sensibilities, combined with a strong business ethos, has kept Study by Janak at the forefront. “We are very clear about our identity as an occasion-wear brand and have no intention of diversifying into everyday fashion,” she noted.

The summit concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students posed questions on business sustainability, brand differentiation and market entry strategies. Ashish Dev Kapur acknowledged IIAD’s efforts, stating, “The exposure and efforts here are commendable. You’re helping students see the real world before they enter it.”

The FBM programme at IIAD equips students with a comprehensive understanding of business strategy, brand positioning, supply chain management and consumer engagement in the fashion sector. Events like the Entrepreneur Summit 2025 serve as crucial platforms for bridging academic learning with real-world industry experiences. These interactions allow students to absorb practical knowledge from seasoned professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of the business landscape while fostering the confidence to innovate and lead.

March 29, 2025: VI- John Healthcare India has made its mark in the Asia Book of Records for achieving the “Maximum Participation in a Digital Pledge for Personal Grooming in Maha Kumbh.” This accomplishment is part of their recent initiative at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where the brand organized a free grooming initiative, ‘Grooming Ka Mahakumbh,’ bringing together an impressive 10,410 participants who took the ‘Grooming Pratigya,’ pledging to make personal grooming a nationwide movement.

The brand stationed several “Grooming Rath” at the Maha Kumbh, offering VI-John’s grooming services to help devotees feel fresh and confident. As part of this hygiene initiative, thousands of devotees took the ‘Grooming Pratigya,’ pledging to prioritize personal grooming and hygiene. Over an impressive 45 days, and with the largest digital pledge for personal grooming in Asia, Vi John proved that self-care is not just a personal journey but a powerful one.

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Harshit Kochhar, Managing Director at VI-John Healthcare India, said, “This record-breaking event is a testament to our commitment to ‘Grooming India.’ Seeing thousands come together to embrace personal grooming as a way of life reinforces our mission to instill confidence and self-respect in individuals nationwide.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ashutosh Chaudharie, General Manager Marketing, VI John  Healthcare India, shared, “Grooming Ka Mahakumbh” was our ambitious campaign at Mahakumbh, which saw a record turnout. We offered free grooming services to a vast majority of devotees and educated them about the importance of grooming. To record it and to get a stronger commitment, we asked them to take “Grooming Pratigya” and share with them a Grooming Pratigya certificate on the spot, thereby making it a memorable experience for them.”

A special felicitation ceremony took place at VI-John’s corporate office on March 12, 2025, where the official record handover was conducted with distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. With this landmark recognition, VI-John Healthcare India further cements its position as a trailblazer in the personal grooming industry, continuing to set new benchmarks for quality, innovation, and consumer awareness.

March 29,2025:This Navratri, Khoya Mithai presents a cherished selection of artisanal sweets, blending tradition with purity. Renowned for its handcrafted delicacies, Khoya infuses every bite with authenticity and artistry, ensuring your festive celebrations are as joyous as they are delicious.

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasanta Navratri, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and symbolizes renewal and growth. Celebrated with great enthusiasm in Northern India, this springtime festival spans nine days of devotion and ends with Ram Navami. It is a time to honour traditions, rejoice in togetherness, and embrace the victory of good over evil, making it the perfect occasion to indulge in Khoya Mithai’s sacred offerings.

The collection begins with the rich and velvety Misri Mawa, a delicacy crafted with milk, sugar, and raw coconut flakes, slow-cooked to perfection and garnished with whole misri (rock sugar) and roasted pistachio flakes for a melt-in-mouth richness. The aromatic Kesar Barfi offers saffron-infused opulence with its golden hue, blending khoya, sugar, and ghee, and garnished with saffron strands and pistachio flakes. Completing the trio is the iconic Bikaneri Barfi, a Rajasthani classic known for its dense, creamy texture and delicate flavours of khoya, sugar, ghee, and green cardamom, topped with roasted pistachio flakes and silver varq.

The Date & Nut Barfi combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of almonds, cashews, and pistachios, ingrained with cardamom and lightly sweetened with honey for a wholesome, nutrient-rich treat. Complementing this is the Rose Coconut Barfi, a delicate blend of rose and coconut flavours crafted with desiccated coconut, khoya, sugar, and rose water, topped with pink khoya enhanced by beetroot extract and garnished with dried rose petals. Together, these artisanal barfis epitomise tradition and craftsmanship, perfect for elevating your Navratri celebrations.

Khoya has thoughtfully curated vrat-friendly snacks and desserts to honor Navratri’s fasting traditions. The crispy and golden Potato Wafers, made from premium Chipsona potatoes and seasoned with Sendha Namak, pair perfectly with the timeless Salted Makhana, roasted in pure ghee and lightly seasoned for a naturally light, crunchy texture.

Also, presenting the vrat-friendly desserts for a perfect harmony of tradition and appeasement to Navratri fasting. The creamy Sabudana Kheer, made with tapioca pearls, milk, and green cardamom powder, is a comforting and energy-boosting treat, beloved for its soothing texture. The aromatic Sweet Potato Halwa, slow-cooked with desi ghee, powdered sugar, and saffron, delights with its rich, nutty flavour and garnish of blanched almonds and pistachios. For a modern take, the Apple Samak Phirni, prepared with Samak rice (barnyard millet) and suffused with the natural Kashmiri Red Apples, offers a fruity sweetness, enriched by turmeric’s golden shade and garnished with roasted pistachios and saffron strands.

“At Khoya, festivals are about creating moments that matter, celebrating with loved ones, sharing traditions, and cherishing joy. We’ve put our hearts into every mithai and snack, making sure they complement the holy spirit of Navratri,” says Sid Mathur, Founder and Director of Khoya Mithai.

Every offering of Khoya’s Navratri collection is crafted using the finest natural ingredients, with no artificial colours or preservatives, staying true to their ethos of purity and goodness.

Whether you’re gathering with family or sending a token of love to someone special, Khoya Mithai’s festive range is a beautiful way to honour the soul of Navratri.

Let this be a season of taste, custom, and togetherness with Khoya Mithai.

Sid Sriram says: “This collaboration with Warner Music India marks an important new chapter in my musical journey. From the very beginning, my relationship with music has been about understanding and drawing from my roots, and using this as a way to boundlessly imagine new musical futures. It’s deeply meaningful that our first release under this partnership is “Sivanar”. My mother and guru, Latha Sriram taught me this song when I was 10. It’s been a part of me for so long; beginning this next phase of my artistry with “Sivanar” feels auspicious. Beyond my own music, this partnership with Warner Music India will allow us to create and nurture a space for new and innovative sounds. Together, we aim to discover and cultivate exceptional talent, bringing fresh and unique musical voices to the world.”

 Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India & SAARC, added: “Sid Sriram is one of the most transformative voices of our time. His ability to seamlessly blend classical depth with contemporary appeal is unparalleled. At Warner Music India, we’re excited to partner with Sid to leverage his global potential and to explore new avenues across live experiences, brand collaborations, and business ventures that bring his fans together in more meaningful ways.”