TPCODL Celebrates Van Mahotsav with Tree Plantation Drive
Rabindra Sahu news
TPCODL Celebrates Van Mahotsav with Tree Plantation Drive

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025:  As part of a joint initiative between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) organized Van Mahotsav celebrations at various locations.

The aim of this campaign was to raise awareness among the public about increasing greenery through tree plantation. On this occasion, group members were encouraged to actively participate in the plantation drive and to take responsibility for the protection and care of the saplings.

Emphasis was laid on the critical role of forests and trees in maintaining environmental balance and ensuring sustainability of the ecosystem for a better future.

Govt Plans to Lighten School Bags for Children
Rabindra Sahu news
Govt Plans to Lighten School Bags for Children

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025: From Class 1 to Class 10, students’ school bag weights must range between 1.5 kg and 5 kg only. If a school fails to comply with this directive, strict action will be taken against it. Though these guidelines were issued by the State Government back in 2019, their implementation has largely been neglected. As a result, children continue to carry heavy bags to school.

Now, the government has renewed its commitment to lighten students’ bags. The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has issued instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs) to strictly enforce the 2019 guidelines and ensure adherence in **all government, aided

Devotees Perform Jalabhishek at Shaiva Shrines on Third Shravan Monday in Redhakhol
Rabindra Sahu news
Devotees Perform Jalabhishek at Shaiva Shrines on Third Shravan Monday in Redhakhol

Redhakhol,30th July 2025: On the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan, large gatherings of Kawadias (devotees of Lord Shiva) and other pilgrims were witnessed at various Shaiva shrines in the Redhakhol region of Sambalpur district.

Near Bhima Bhoi College Chhak in Redhakhol town, Sri Haragauri Bolbam Committee organized a prasad distribution program for Kawadia devotees and other worshippers. With great enthusiasm, the committee members set up a stall along the NH-55 (National Highway-55) near the college chhak, offering food to devotees and pilgrims who had arrived in large numbers.

All members of the committee participated actively in making the arrangement a success.

Thousands of Kawadias were seen assembling at various Shaiva shrines in the region. Carrying holy water drawn from flowing streams and rivers, they had walked long distances to perform Jalabhishek (ritual water offering) on Lord Shiva.

Major temples that witnessed heavy footfall included:

  • Baba Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Redhakhol)
  • Khulagada Shiva Temple
  • Baba Kapileshwar Temple (Charamal)
  • Kadaligada Shaiva Shrine
    as well as other Shiva temples across several nearby panchayats and villages.

A large number of devotees and pilgrims were seen worshipping and celebrating the sacred day with deep devotion.

OSSTA Khordha District Gets New Leadership: Yogesh as President, Sudhakar as Secretary
Rabindra Sahu news
OSSTA Khordha District Gets New Leadership: Yogesh as President, Sudhakar as Secretary

Khordha, 30th July 2025: The 10th Constitutional Convention of the Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA), Khordha district, was held at Debaraj Vidyapeeth under the chairmanship of District President Ambika Prasad Pattnaik. During this convention, new office bearers were unanimously elected for the next three years.

The program began with a presentation by District Secretary Sudhakar Mahapatra, who outlined the organizational activities and financial report of the past three years. After discussion, the report was accepted.

Former OSTA President Padmanabha Bishwal, current OSSTA President Akshay Kumar Mishra, Working President Nilamani Purohit, General Secretary Ranjan Kumar Das, Joint General Secretaries Braja Kishore Bishwal and Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, District-in-Charge Manikeswar Swain, Secretary Ramakanta Mahapatra, District Working President Yogesh Chandra Samantsinghar, Education Editor Pradeepta Kumar Pradhan, State Executive Member Madhusudan Deo, and District Association Advisor Santosh Chandra Kar were present and raised concerns about teachers and employees.

Key demands included:

  • Granting TG (Trained Graduate) scale to all teachers completing 48 years of age.
  • Granting 7th Pay Commission benefits to the teachers and staff who have been left out.
  • The newly elected officials were unanimously chosen:
  • President: Yogesh Chandra Samantsinghar
  • Working President: Prakash Chandra Palai
  • Vice Presidents: Srihari Mali, Ramesh Chandra Pradhan, Swarnaprabha Dei
  • Secretary (third term): Sudhakar Mahapatra
  • Joint Secretaries: Ghanashyam Swain, Ratikanta Kahlasingh, Mamina Behera
  • Executive Committee Members: Sunil Kumar Panda, Niranjan Sahu, Kishore Kumar Subudhi, Santosh Kumar Sahu, Trinath Hota, Mrutyunjaya Rath
  • Additionally, Santosh Chandra Kar, Ambika Prasad Pattnaik, Kailash Chandra Tripathy, Ganeshwar Swain, and Ganeshwar Mishra have been nominated as advisors.
  • Executive President Nilamani Purohit administered the oath to the newly elected office bearers and members. OSTA Executive Member Madhusudan Deo offered the vote of thanks.
EThames Business School’s BBA course ranks top in Telangana in the BBA Education Ranking Survey 2025
Neel Achary education
EThames Business School’s BBA course ranks top in Telangana in the BBA Education Ranking Survey 2025

Hyderabad, July 29, 2025: The BBA program at Hyderabad-based EThames College has been ranked No. 1 in Placements and No. 2 among Top Private BBA Institutes in Hyderabad in the Times BBA Education Ranking Survey 2025 (TBERS). Nationally, EThames secured the 47th position among BBA colleges across India.

Conducted by TBERS, the survey was based on a robust three-phase methodology comprising Desk Research, Perceptual Survey, and Factual (Participatory) Analysis, aimed at identifying and ranking India’s most impactful BBA institutions. “This business school is turning students into startup-ready graduates,” observes an industry insider. Additionally, the BBA program is nurturing women business leaders in Telangana.

BBA IS THE NEW B.TECH

With India chasing a $5 trillion economy, the demand for skilled managers is exploding, and BBA is replacing BTech as the top choice for Gen Z. This shift in educational priorities reflects how India’s youth is gearing up not just to get jobs, but to create them.

“You can’t build a strong economy without strong managers,” said Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo.

According to YourDegree, India has approximately 3,729 BBA colleges, including 142 government and 3,261 private institutions. Shiksha.com puts the number even higher, estimating over 6,400 institutions offering BBA and related programs across various modes, including full-time, part-time, online, and distance. Varthana confirms that over 4,600 colleges offer full-time BBA programs, underscoring the course’s rising popularity nationwide.

As per Statista, nearly 100,000 students enroll in BBA programs annually, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13%. With India’s total higher education enrolment crossing 43 million, of which 79% are undergraduates, BBA is rapidly emerging as one of the most in-demand UG programs in India’s evolving academic landscape.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames and former Regional Managing Partner at EY, said, “We operate on a simple principle: education must stay ahead of the curve. Students need more than theory; they need preparation for the dynamic, ever-evolving real world. Our campus is designed like a startup lab, and our TAP model – Theory, Application, Practice – ensures that learning is immersive, relevant, and industry-connected. The BBA program at EThames is built for the future.”

EThames College has a unique distinction, where industry becomes faculty. What sets EThames apart is its collaborative academic model. Through its partnership with KPMG in India, EThames integrates real-world business challenges, simulations, and practitioner-led sessions directly into the BBA classroom adds Mr. Gadiraju.

Vidyamandir Launches VIQ with 100 Percentage Scholarships,INR 2.5 Cr Rewards
Neel Achary education
Vidyamandir Launches VIQ with 100 Percentage Scholarships,INR 2.5 Cr Rewards

Vidyamandir Classes Announces Vidyamandir Intellect Quest (VIQ) with Scholarships up to 100% and Cash Rewards worth ₹2.5 Crores

Vidyamandir Classes (VMC), a pioneer in academic coaching for IIT JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET, Boards, and Olympiads, has announced the much-awaited dates for it’s Biggest, most Respected & awaited test – the Vidyamandir Intellect Quest (VIQ) 2025. The test will be conducted across multiple slots on 28th September, 5th, 11th, 12th, and 26th October 2025 and is open for students from Class 5 to Class 12.

Conducted in both online and offline modes, VIQ serves as a national-level aptitude and scholarship test that helps students assess their intrinsic potential for various Competitive & Scholastic exams. This year, registration for VIQ is absolutely free, making it accessible to students across the country.

Sandeep Mehta (IIT Delhi Alumnus) Co-Founder, Vidyamandir Classes said, “This year’s VIQ goes beyond just being a test—it’s a launchpad for serious aspirants. Students enrolling early through VIQ can avail a host of exclusive benefits designed to boost their academic journey. These include cash rewards of up to ₹2.5 crores and scholarships up to 100%, making quality education more accessible. Additionally, they can benefit from the lowest academic fee of the year, along with complimentary offline classes and e-study material tailored to their current academic needs. To further enhance their preparation, free practice tests and mock board exams are provided. As a token of encouragement, all participants will receive e-certificates acknowledging their effort and participation. But that’s not all—this year, VMC has introduced a host of exclusive offers for students, in addition to the existing benefits. Top performers in the VIQ will be honored with Accolades, including medals and trophies, celebrating their exceptional achievements. Moreover, the highest achievers will earn a coveted opportunity to join VMC’s premier batches — the Citadel of Excellence (COE) and Illuminati—renowned for academic excellence and elite mentorship.

VMC has always focused on holistic preparation backed by proven pedagogy, rigorous testing, and dedicated mentorship. VIQ embodies this philosophy by identifying bright minds early and giving them a platform to shine. With the chance to win scholarships, gain academic insights, and access premium VMC programs, VIQ is truly a game changer for every student aiming for academic excellence.

Beyond Trends: Pleyne Infuses Artisanal Finesse into Street-Inspired Couture
Neel Achary business
Beyond Trends: Pleyne Infuses Artisanal Finesse into Street-Inspired Couture

29th July 2025, Jaipur : In a world of accelerating trends and algorithm-driven aesthetics, Pleyne offers something rare: stillness. Not inaction—but intention. A moment of clarity dressed in cloth.

Pleyne enters the Indian menswear landscape not to disrupt, but to refine. Quietly confident and deeply rooted, it brings together street-informed ease and centuries-old craftsmanship—creating clothing that feels both moment and beyond it.

This is not fashion designed to perform. It is made to align—with the man who values clarity over noise, and craft over chaos.

“Our garments aren’t just designed to be remembered—they’re meant to be felt,” shares Chirag Sogani, co-visionary behind the brand. “It’s about how they fit, how they move with you, and what they quietly represent.”

Where Craft Does Not Shout—It Speaks

At Pleyne, streetwear silhouettes are reimagined through the hands of master karigars, where every panel and thread are chosen with care. Zardozi, kantha, and traditional hand-threading are not used as embellishment—but as architecture. They serve the structure. They tell a story.

A washed khadi overshirt with hand-dyed variations. A re-cut kurta that drapes like air but carries the weight of ceremony. A bomber jacket lined with silk and meaning. Each detail exists not to impress—but to resonate.

The Man It is Made For

The Pleyne man does not follow fashion cycles. He curates a wardrobe that reflects clarity, rhythm, and restrained expression. He moves across cities and cultures. He collects, not consumes. For him, style is legacy—not inventory.

These are not garments you buy. These are pieces you build relationships with.

An Intentional Rhythm

Everything at Pleyne is created in limited, considered quantities. This is not to manufacture scarcity—but to uphold dignity. The pace is slower. The process is sacred. And the outcome is lasting—emotionally and aesthetically.

There are joggers, yes. But they arrive with the gravitas of tailored trousers. Bandh galas, too—but devoid of ornament, cut for the modern silhouette. Comfort is non-negotiable. And yet, formality lingers—quietly.

Pleyne is not for every man. It is for the man who knows who he is—and dresses like one.

Explore the Jaipur studio or discover the collection. Not to find something new. But to discover something deeply yours.

MAAC Hosts Special Webinar for its 5000 students on Invisible VFX for Storytelling Premiered by VFX Expert Sandeep Kamalasanan
Neel Achary education
MAAC Hosts Special Webinar for its 5000 students on Invisible VFX for Storytelling Premiered by VFX Expert Sandeep Kamalasanan

MUMBAI, 29 July 2025: Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), India’s leading training institute for high-end 3D Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), and Digital Design, is pleased to announce a unique addition to its acclaimed “Behind the Screens” series. For the very first time, MAAC welcomed Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan, Creative Director at Mihira Visual Labs, for a special masterclass that highlighted the art and science of “Building Invisible VFX for Complementing a Story.”

This exclusive session was streamed live to over 5,000 MAAC students across the 130+ centres in the country, offering an inside look at how VFX can support storytelling without ever drawing attention to itself.

Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan is a celebrated visual artist and storyteller with a rare blend of technical mastery and creative vision. A veteran of the VFX industry for over 28 years, Sandeep began his journey with a passion for computer games, going on to define the standard for immersive visual storytelling in Indian and international cinema. His portfolio spans The Diplomat and Sitare Zameen Par, where “invisible” VFX played pivotal roles in silently enhancing narrative without overt spectacle. He has also contributed his expertise to Mukhbir and Kahaani, cementing his reputation as a maestro of seamless visual effects.

His approach is defined by a keen eye for detail and the ability to distil complex concepts into clear, actionable insights for filmmakers and artists. Sandeep is known for his minimalist touch—knowing exactly when to augment scenes with invisible CGI, when to trust live-action footage, and when to infuse emotion and drama through visual effects. His experience extends beyond film, encompassing animation, AR/VR/MR, ICVFX, and CGI post-production, making him a standout consultant for both feature films and directorial teams.

Webinar Highlights

  • Live demonstration on how invisible VFX can subtly elevate storytelling without distracting the viewer.
  • Insightful anecdotes from real projects and experiences revealing the creative decision-making behind each VFX choice.
  • Q&A session allowing students to interact with a pioneer of the Indian VFX industry.

The “Behind the Screens” initiative continues to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands, preparing MAAC students for the evolving landscape of the global Media & Entertainment industry. By hosting such industry pioneers, MAAC reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge training and professional exposure.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, and Brand Custodian, MAAC, shares, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan to the ‘Behind the Screens’ platform for the first time. His mastery in invisible VFX—where effects serve the story, not the other way around—is exactly the kind of practical, forward-looking expertise our students need today. This session will empower our learners to think critically about how visual effects can elevate narrative, not just spectacle.”

Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan, Creative Director, Mihira Visual Labs says, “It’s an honour to collaborate with MAAC and share my learnings with the next generation of visual storytellers. Invisible VFX is about restraint, precision, and emotional resonance—knowing when to step back so the story can shine through. I was excited to discuss real-world examples and inspire students to push creative boundaries the smart way. Looking forward to many more such insightful discussions and meeting some of these students in the industry tomorrow!”

Onix Brings the Power of AI Agents and Agentspace to Customer Service with Acquisition of UJET Services Unit
Neel Achary technology
Onix Brings the Power of AI Agents and Agentspace to Customer Service with Acquisition of UJET Services Unit

National, July 29th, 2025 – Onix, a leading provider of data, cloud, and AI solutions and a 16-time Google Cloud Partner of the Year, has acquired the professional services business unit of UJET, a cloud-native Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) software provider. This strategic acquisition enhances Onix’s position as a premier Google Cloud partner, accelerating the delivery of next-generation, AI-driven customer engagement solutions and advancing the modernization of enterprise contact centers.

UJET’s platform, built entirely on Google Cloud and deeply integrated with Google’s Customer Engagement AI Suite (CES), plays a pivotal role in helping enterprises transform customer experiences using generative AI. With the addition of UJET’s professional services team, Onix gains unmatched expertise in deploying CES solutions globally, positioning the company to scale rapidly and drive transformative outcomes for some of the world’s most complex and high-volume contact centers.

This integration will bring together UJET’s CCaaS capabilities with Onix’s unique IP, Agentic AI solutions, and Agentspace across more than 10 industries. The combined offering enables customers to deploy intelligent applications that drive higher ROI and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) in customer service operations, improve customer experience, and accelerate broader AI enablement initiatives.

“Customer engagement is central to our vision, and this acquisition represents a strategic move toward greater scale, deeper specialization, and tighter alignment with Google Cloud,” said Sanjay Singh, CEO of Onix. “We’ve been at the forefront of agentic AI driven customer service transformation. With the addition of UJET’s exceptional services team, we’re reinforcing our commitment to customer engagement suite h contact center excellence, which helps enterprises to enhance customer experience at a fraction of the current transaction costs.”

“To meet the growing demand for our platform and stay focused on our software innovation roadmap, we’re partnering with Onix to scale our professional services operations,” said Vasili Triant, CEO of UJET. “Onix shares our deep commitment to customer success, and their proven expertise with CES makes them a preferred partner to deliver the high-quality implementations our customers rely on.”

Onix is the 2025 Google Cloud Partner of the Year in Data h Analytics and industry solutions – Telecommunications. With a proven track record in deploying virtual agents, agent assist, and conversational AI, Onix has been a consistent leader in transforming customer engagement. This acquisition strengthens that leadership, establishing Onix as the preferred implementation partner for UJET’s CCaaS platform and expanding its portfolio of AI-driven customer experience solutions. By harnessing Google Cloud’s advanced Gemini models alongside Agentspace and its own Agentic AI platforms, Onix is uniquely positioned to help enterprises modernize customer service at scale.

“UJET has played a key role in advancing our vision for AI-powered customer engagement,” said Dean Kontul, Division CIO Intelligent Automation at Key Bank. “We’re excited to partner with Onix on the execution of that vision for a truly modernized customer experience. Its deep alignment with Google Cloud and now UJET will translate into tangible CX transformation and support our CX orchestration priorities as we further enhance our intelligent engagement model.”

“Onix’s MhA strategy is centered on acquiring highly strategic and complementary capabilities to our IP-led data and Agentic AI solutions, further embedding Onix deeper within its customers,” said Will Fleder, Partner at Tailwind Capital. “We are thrilled to welcome the UJET professional services team to Onix. This acquisition further expands Onix’s capabilities with Google CES, enhancing our credentials in CCaaS and CCAI deployments. I could not think of a better acquisition for the business in this exciting phase of modernization within the largest contact centers in the world.”

India Inc Deepens Commitment to Social Responsibility with Steady CSR Progress
Neel Achary news
India Inc Deepens Commitment to Social Responsibility with Steady CSR Progress

Gurugram, July 29, 2025 – ICRA ESG Ratings’ latest report, ‘Beyond Compliance: CSR Leadership Among India’s Top 100 Companies – A comparative analysis of CSR Trends for India Inc.’, highlights the growing momentum among India’s top 100 companies by market capitalisation towards CSR spending and a deepening alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), as companies increasingly move beyond regulatory compliance to proactively invest in initiatives—particularly in quality education and good health and well-being—that deliver long-term societal impact.

During FY2024, the sample set of companies on average spent Rs. 129 crore on CSR initiatives, which increased from Rs. 100 crore spent in FY2022. While budgets grow in line with the average profits in line with the CSR norms, ICRA ESG observed an impressive 16% companies spending higher towards CSR, despite a decline in profits, with 48% surpassing the mandated CSR budgets, underscoring their commitment beyond compliance.

The report finds that education and healthcare remain the top CSR focus areas, with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) showing the highest alignment across the sample set. Maharashtra and Gujarat received the highest CSR allocations by corporates, while Odisha recorded a major growth of 85%, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 70% growth in CSR spending concentration, reflecting an increased corporate focus on underdeveloped regions with high development needs and potential for impact.

Sectoral leaders in CSR spending include oil and gas refineries sector, private sector banks, iron & steel and software consulting firms. CSR spending in aspirational districts surged by 115% from FY2021 to FY2023. While a few companies have directed up to half of their CSR budgets toward aspirational districts, the majority continue to allocate less than 5%—highlighting the need for greater strategic focus and resource allocation in aspirational districts.

Commenting on the findings, Ms. Sheetal Sharad, Chief Ratings Officer, ICRA ESG Ratings Limited, said, “The growing alignment with UN SDGs and proactive CSR spending—even beyond mandated budgets—reflects a maturing approach to inclusive development. These efforts are not only enhancing stakeholder value but also contributing meaningfully to India’s broader climate and social goals.” While progress is evident, the report emphasises the importance of diversification in the CSR focus and exploration of innovative partnerships along with funding alternatives that can bring attention to other causes which are less-supported yet remain vital.