Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation and IIEBM Indus Business School Sign MOU for Strategic Partnership
Rutuparna Rath news
Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation and IIEBM Indus Business School Sign MOU for Strategic Partnership

In a landmark move, Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IIEBM Indus Business School, marking the start of a collaborative effort to drive innovation and positive social impact.

The MOU highlights the shared vision between both organizations to join forces on initiatives that will advance social welfare, foster innovation, and create sustainable community development. By pooling their resources, knowledge, and expertise, both Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation and IIEBM Indus Business School are committed to achieving common educational goals, societal well-being, and sustainable growth.

This collaboration seeks to harness the strengths of both institutions—combining IIEBM’s academic prowess and its mission to develop future leaders with Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation’s deep-rooted experience in promoting social welfare. Together, they will focus on a range of projects designed to have a significant and lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

The signing of this MOU goes beyond a formal agreement, representing a partnership grounded in mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future. Both organizations are enthusiastic about the potential of their collaboration and confident that it will pave the way for innovative solutions and meaningful social change.

Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation and IIEBM Indus Business School are excited to embark on this journey together and look forward to a successful partnership that promises to make a lasting difference.

Evolve Surpasses 5% Club Goal with More Apprenticeship Opportunities
Bhumika Lenka business
Evolve Surpasses 5% Club Goal with More Apprenticeship Opportunities

12th February 2025: To mark this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, 10-16 February 2025, leading provider of Managed Network Solutions and IT Services, Evolve, has renewed its commitment to nurturing new talent by exceeding its 5% Club pledge.

Demonstrating its dedication to skills development and career progression, Evolve has significantly increased the number of apprentices within its workforce, surpassing the industry benchmark for training and development.

In 2023, 8% of Evolve’s employees were enrolled in apprenticeship programmes—a figure that has since risen to an impressive 9.24% in 2024. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment and providing practical, hands-on experience that drives both individual growth and business success.

Commenting on the milestone, Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO of Evolve Business Group, said: “At Evolve, we pride ourselves on cultivating a company culture where people are our greatest asset. Apprentices are integral members of our team, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm that enrich our organisation. We are deeply committed to supporting internal progression, and one of the key benefits we offer is the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications while earning on the job. Our apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our strategy to develop future leaders and foster long-term success.”

Evolve’s outstanding efforts in workforce development were recently recognised with a Silver Award in the Wigan Council Business Review, further solidifying its reputation as a top employer dedicated to talent growth.

Supporting the 5% Club Mission

Evolve’s membership in The 5% Club reflects its alignment with a nationwide movement focused on expanding quality training opportunities through earn-and-learn roles. The 5% Club is a campaign that encourages businesses to invest at least 5% of their workforce in apprenticeships and similar programmes. By exceeding this threshold, Evolve exemplifies the values championed by the organisation.

Alan added: “We are thrilled to not only meet but exceed our 5% Club commitment. Our collaboration with The 5% Club charity remains a vital part of our strategy to ensure sustained investment in training and development, regardless of how quickly we grow. We are proud to be part of a collective effort driving the future of skills development in the UK.”

The impact of this initiative continues to be felt by many current Evolve apprentices, including Tyler Lowe, Apprentice First Line Engineer, and Sam Bradshaw, IT Second Line Support Manager, who joined Evolve as an apprentice seven years ago.

Tyler reflected on his apprenticeship at Evolve so far, saying: “My apprenticeship at Evolve has helped me to develop the skills and confidence I need to set me on a positive path for the future. In a relatively short space of time, I have become one of the most knowledgeable people in my area, and people now come straight to me with questions about it. It’s a great feeling to know how far I’ve come since my first day as an apprentice. The whole Evolve team has reassured me that I can explore what is best for me, ensure that I am on the right path, and that I will be supported to get there.”

Sam commented on how his apprenticeship at Evolve has impacted his life, stating: “The way we use IT is changing all the time, so the way we support it as IT engineers changes all the time too. This rapid change is really exciting and keeps us on our toes, and it’s what I love most about the job I do. I’m certain that my apprenticeship helped my long-term career goals in a way that I couldn’t have done at university. The soft skills I learned such as effective communication and personal confidence were invaluable – they’re not something you learn at school. I now have the practical, technical and communication skills that are enabling me to progress much quicker in my career.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2025

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual event that brings together employers, apprentices, and educational institutions to highlight the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, businesses, and the economy. This year’s theme encourages everyone to share stories of success and showcase the value apprentices bring to their organisations.

As Evolve continues to prioritise apprenticeships, it aims to inspire other businesses to follow suit, strengthening the UK’s future workforce by offering high-quality training and real-world career opportunities.

Milestone Demo Day on Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Held by IIIT-B Innovation Centre and BCIC
Rutuparna Rath news
Milestone Demo Day on Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Held by IIIT-B Innovation Centre and BCIC

February 12, 2025, Bangalore: IIIT-B Innovation Centre and BCIC (Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce) hosted a milestone Demo Day focused on Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 at Holiday Inn, Bangalore. The event marked the culmination of the Industry 4.0 Acceleration Program, which brought together innovative startups and industry leaders.

The program demonstrated remarkable success in bridging the gap between startups and industry leaders. With support from approximately 20 corporate partners and 25 corporate mentors from TVS, Bosch, and many others, the startups received valuable guidance in areas such as strategy, business models, and technical implementation. The program also facilitated multiple industrial visits to corporates like Maini and Continental, allowing startups to interact directly with plant heads and experts to understand real-world applications of their technologies.

The event began with Dr. S. Devarajan, Immediate Past President of BCIC and Senior Vice President of TVS Motor Co. Ltd., setting the context by emphasizing the critical need for manufacturing innovation in India. He highlighted, “The program consists of three key components: expert mentorship, corporate connections, and industry visits with POCs. While ideas may be good, implementation often faces challenges, which is why these experiences are crucial.”

Dr. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, provided closing remarks and outlined the way forward. He added, “This is just the beginning of a larger movement to shape the future of smart manufacturing in India.” The event concluded with an award ceremony recognizing outstanding startups and their solutions.

Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO, IIIT-B Innovation Centre concluded with, “The Innovation Centre is always open to facilitate any conversations—whether between investors and startups, investors and corporates, or corporates and startups.”

Notable participating startups included SwitchOn, EmbedSense, Flextron, and several others, each bringing unique solutions to address manufacturing challenges. The event marked a significant step forward in promoting innovation in India’s manufacturing sector, particularly focusing on Industry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing solutions.

The Demo Day not only showcased technological innovation but also highlighted the growing emphasis on sustainability in manufacturing, with several solutions addressing the future needs of carbon credits and sustainable manufacturing practices. The event successfully demonstrated the power of collaboration between academia, industry, startups, and policymakers in driving India’s manufacturing transformation.

Tribe Amrapali Opens 30th Store in Agra Celebrating Timeless Craftsmanship
Bhumika Lenka business
Tribe Amrapali Opens 30th Store in Agra Celebrating Timeless Craftsmanship

Agra, 12th February 2025– Tribe Amrapali, the distinguished house of handcrafted silver jewelry and a name synonymous with modern interpretations of India’s cultural heritage, proudly announces the opening of its 30th store in Agra adjoining Amar Vilas. This landmark achievement reaffirms Tribe Amrapali’s position as a leading brand for discerning travelers and jewelry connoisseurs alike.

Renowned worldwide Agra is a treasure trove of artisanal excellence. From the delicate Pietra Dura (stone inlay) work that adorns its historic monuments to the rich legacy of zardozi embroidery, Agra has long been a beacon of craftsmanship that resonates with the very ethos of Tribe Amrapali.

Nestled in the heart of this historic city, the new Tribe Amrapali store will offer an immersive experience, where each piece of jewelry is a tribute to India’s rich cultural narrative. Visitors can explore handcrafted silver jewelry, vibrant gemstone adornments, and modern interpretations of heritage designs—making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

For over a decade, Tribe Amrapali has been at the forefront of preserving India’s rich jewelry-making traditions while adapting them to suit the tastes of today’s generation. Each piece of jewelry tells a story—of the artisans who meticulously craft it, of the culture it represents, and of the individuals who wear it. By opening its doors at Agra, the brand extends its reach to travelers from around the world, offering them a slice of India’s artistic legacy.

Akanksha Arora, CEO of Tribe Amrapali: “Opening our 30th store in Agra is a testament to our vision of bringing India’s rich jewelry heritage to a wider audience. Tribe Amrapali stands for authenticity, craftsmanship, and contemporary storytelling, and we are thrilled to introduce our designs to a city that itself is a symbol of artistic legacy.”

From statement earrings to delicate nose pins, and bold silver chokers to intricately handcrafted bangles, Tribe Amrapali’s newest store will showcase a diverse range of collections that blend the old with the new—ensuring that every piece tells a story of its own.

As Tribe Amrapali continues its expansion, this milestone reinforces the brand’s commitment to preserving Indian craftsmanship while making it relevant for the modern consumer. With stores across India and a global clientele, the Agra opening is a shimmering tribute to the brand’s journey of redefining jewelry as an extension of one’s cultural identity and contemporary style.

Today Group Appoints Ankit Kachalia as Head of Marketing to Drive Growth
Neel Achary business
Today Group Appoints Ankit Kachalia as Head of Marketing to Drive Growth

Mumbai, February 12th, 2025: Today Group has announced the appointment of Ankit Kachalia as its new Head of Marketing, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the company’s ambitious growth trajectory. With over 18 years of diverse experience in the marketing domain, Kachalia, who holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree, and Master of Business Administration […]

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Sommet Education Business Solutions Revamps Talent Development to Unlock Hospitality Potential
Neel Achary business
Sommet Education Business Solutions Revamps Talent Development to Unlock Hospitality Potential

India, February 12th, 2025: Sommet Education, a highly recognized world leader in hospitality, luxury, and gastronomic education, is thrilled to announce the launch of its training solutions for businesses. Companies can now leverage a suite of bespoke trainings and leadership development programs powered by the world’s elite hospitality institutions—Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, […]

The post Sommet Education Business Solutions Revamps Talent Development to Unlock Hospitality Potential first appeared on Business News Week.

Hitchki Unveils Its Biggest Menu Revamp with Bold Cocktails & Exciting Flavors
Neel Achary business
Hitchki Unveils Its Biggest Menu Revamp with Bold Cocktails & Exciting Flavors

India, 12th February 2025: Get ready to raise your glasses because Hitchki is back with a bang! The iconic Bollywood-themed resto-bar is shaking things up with an all-new cocktail and drinks menu across its outlets in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Nagpur. After much anticipation, Hitchki’s revamped bar experience is here, promising bold flavors, quirky concoctions, and […]

The post Hitchki Unveils Its Biggest Menu Revamp with Bold Cocktails & Exciting Flavors first appeared on Business News Week.

Rishabh Pant Joins Adidas as the Latest Brand Ambassador
Rutuparna Rath news
Rishabh Pant Joins Adidas as the Latest Brand Ambassador

New Delhi, 12th February 2025 – adidas today announced a multiyear partnership with Indian Cricket team star, Rishabh Pant. With this announcement, Pant joins adidas’ elite athlete roster which includes- Jude Bellingham, Noa Lyles, Kuldeep Yadav, Nikhat Zareen, Sumit Antil, Manika Batra and more. Known for his resilience and never give up attitude, Rishabh Pant is one of Indian cricket’s leading names, loved by fans across generations. Pant resonates commitment and self-belief, which reflects in his game on the pitch, inspiring others around him.

adidas has a rich history of iconic partnerships with cricket legends from India, including Sachin Tendulkar and, more recently, Rohit Sharma, who has been a long-time partner with the brand. Now, Rishabh Pant is ready to carry the legacy forward as adidas names him its newest partner. Having been an adidas athlete from 2016 to 2019, Pant now makes a return to the 3 stripes as the brand looks to further strengthen its presence in the world of cricket.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr Neelendra Singh, General Manager, adidas India, said, “At adidas, we have always stood by athletes through every step of their journey—supporting them in their moments of triumph and resilience alike. Rishabh’s fearless spirit, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game make him a true embodiment of what adidas stands for. We are excited to welcome him back to the adidas family and support his continued success.”

Expressing his thoughts, Rishabh Pant, shared, “I am excited to be partnering with adidas, a brand I truly admire. I believe we have a shared vision of inspiring athletes and people at large, to trust themselves and never give up while marching towards the goal. I’m looking forward to this journey with adidas, empowering the next generation of athletes and making a meaningful impact in the world of sports.”

With a history of working with top athletes across sports, including cricket, football, athletics, and tennis, adidas continues to be at the forefront of sporting excellence. The addition of Rishabh Pant to its athlete lineup further solidifies adidas’ continued dedication to sports and its commitment to fuelling the aspirations of the country’s young and aspiring athletes.

Virtusa Releases Sustainability Report for FY2023-24
Bhumika Lenka news
Virtusa Releases Sustainability Report for FY2023-24

Mumbai, India, 12 February 2025: Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital strategy, engineering, and IT services, has published its FY24 Sustainability Report, marking significant strides in its journey toward net-zero emissions and sustainable growth. The report showcases Virtusa’s alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero standard, detailing its advancements in decarbonization, renewable energy adoption, and responsible resource management. Virtusa was one of the first 100 software and services companies to have targets validated by SBTi.

With a commitment to achieving Net-Zero by 2040 and sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2030, the company highlights its progress in reducing environmental impact while fostering workplace diversity and strengthening governance practices. Virtusa’s sustainability strategy reflects to address global challenges and drive transformative change, ensuring a resilient future for all stakeholders.

Achieving Sustainability Milestones: Water, Plastics, and Decarbonization

In line with the commitment to managing water as a shared resource, Virtusa joined the CEO Water Mandate, aligning operations with global water sustainability goals. By embedding these principles into its core strategy, the company enhances its water stewardship efforts and ensures better outcomes for clients, investors, and the planet. In 2024, Virtusa also formulated a plastics policy that sets out the commitment to reducing the use of plastics, especially single-use plastic. The plastics policy complements the existing waste policies. The company is also driving decarbonization in the value chain to meet its SBTi targets. In FY24, Virtusa partnered with a globally recognized sustainability assessment provider to identify supply chain risks and track suppliers’ contributions to its Scope 3 reduction targets. The company also enhanced its sustainability offerings, focusing on four areas: regulatory and compliance reporting, decarbonization, climate and nature risks, and sustainability interventions in products and services.

Enabling Thriving and Future-Adaptive Communities:

Virtusa’s diversity charter is dedicated to fostering inclusive and adaptive communities and supporting employees of all backgrounds. This includes mentorship and career development opportunities that may consider an individual’s unique life experiences. Additionally, work practices such as flexible work hours, work-from-home policies, paid parental leave, support for individuals returning from caregiving-related career breaks, and upskilling programs for those returning from leave, further support our employees.

The company’s people management strategy focuses on enhancing employee experience through diversity, inclusion, health, safety, and continuous learning. Platforms such as Virtusa Thrive Academy, Virtusa Evolve, Edge Mobility, and AI-powered Skill Compass enable upskilling and career growth, ensuring a future-ready workforce. In FY24, over 7,000 employees earned certifications across various fields, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and expertise.

Biodiversity commitments:

While biodiversity has little material impact on direct business operations, Virtusa has invested in multiple biodiversity restoration projects due to its crucial role in maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems. In FY2024, the company continued supporting the LIFE to Our Forests program in partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), restoring 10 hectares of degraded land in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Virtusa also partnered with BSL to restore 10 hectares in the Anavilundawa Ramsar Wetland Sanctuary through the LIFE to Our Mangroves initiative. Through the Solar Harmony Borewells initiative, the company installed 10 solar-powered borewells in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve to ensure a reliable water supply for the reserve’s wildlife and provide water for the local Chenchu tribal community.

These projects have received national and international recognition. LIFE to Our Forests was awarded the Preferred by Nature’s Ecosystem Restoration Standard and LIFE to Our Mangroves contributes to Sri Lanka’s goal of increasing mangrove cover by 50% by 2030, which has been selected as a 2024 World Restoration Flagship project by the UN. In addition, Virtusa won the Best Rural Development and Environmental Sustainability Project Award from the Nirmaan Organization for the Solar Harmony Borewells initiative.

Amit Bajoria, Executive Vice President and CFO, Virtusa, stated, “At Virtusa, we see sustainability as an important responsibility that calls for everyone to work together. It is a key part of our mission, driving growth and new ideas through partnerships with our customers and efforts to lower our environmental impact. We have increased our use of renewable energy and started a meaningful journey toward sustainability with our ‘Engineering First’ approach. This reflects our promise to help create a safer, greener, more productive, and connected future.”

Sustainability is a fundamental part of Virtusa’s purpose, integrating innovation with responsibility to drive value and growth. The company’s strategy, alongside its partnerships and client collaborations, continues to strengthen its position as a global leader, committed to building a sustainable world through Engineering with a Purpose.

TheHealthSite.com Unveils Top Foods to Boost Children’s Brain Health and Immunity
Rutuparna Rath news
TheHealthSite.com Unveils Top Foods to Boost Children’s Brain Health and Immunity

With exams around the corner, providing children with the right nutrition is essential for their concentration, cognitive growth, and immunity. As highlighted by TheHealthSite.com, which is also one of the digital assets of IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited, a diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can enhance memory, brain function, and focus, helping students excel academically. Besides boosting mental performance, these foods also regulate energy levels and mood, ensuring children stay motivated throughout the day. Given the distractions posed by smartphones and other digital devices, incorporating brain-boosting foods into their daily meals can be a game-changer, enabling them to stay alert and perform better in studies. Parents should introduce these nutrient-dense foods early on to encourage healthy eating habits and prevent fussy eating tendencies.

According to TheHealthSite.com, some of the best foods for children’s brain health include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids crucial for cognitive function. Nuts and seeds—such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds—are excellent sources of healthy fats and antioxidants that support mental clarity. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli, although often disliked by kids, provide essential nutrients that aid memory and overall development. Berries, particularly blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are known for their high antioxidant content, which protects brain cells and improves focus. Additionally, whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread provide sustained energy, preventing sluggishness and enhancing cognitive function.

Other highly recommended foods, as suggested by TheHealthSite.com, include eggs, which are rich in protein and essential for brain health and development. Sweet potatoes, packed with vitamin A, promote eye health and cognitive sharpness, while avocados, loaded with good fats, help improve memory retention. Greek yogurt is another superfood that provides protein and probiotics for better mental and physical growth. Finally, turmeric, a staple in Indian cuisine, contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that enhances brain function. By incorporating these ten superfoods into their child’s daily diet, parents can ensure optimal academic performance and long-term well-being. As TheHealthSite.com emphasizes, nutrition plays a key role in a child’s ability to focus, learn, and thrive in today’s fast-paced world.