(L- R) Anirudh Singla, Co - founder and CEO of Pepper, Vamshi Sriperumbudur, Former Palo Alto Networks SASE CMO, Kishan Panpalia, Founding Team of Pepper & Rishabh Shekhar, Co-founder and COO of Pepper

INDEX’26 featured a distinguished lineup of global leaders at the forefront of marketing, AI, and technology. The event opened with a keynote by Dane Vahey, Head of B2B at OpenAI, followed by Alexandra London, CMO at G2.

The summit witnessed overwhelming demand, with registrations closing at 2.5 times capacity and over 80 professionals waitlisted—achieved entirely without paid promotion. This strong organic response signals a growing urgency among enterprises to understand and adapt to AI-led discovery and visibility.

Anirudh Singla, Co-founder & CEO, Pepper said, “INDEX’26 was never meant to be another marketing conference—it was designed as a room for operators who are actively rethinking growth in an AI-first world. What we saw in San Francisco validates a much larger shift: enterprises are no longer asking if AI will change discovery, but how fast they need to adapt to it. The level of demand, the depth of conversations, and the quality of leaders in the room—from platforms like OpenAI, LinkedIn, and Reddit—signal that Generative Engine Optimization is moving from concept to implementation. INDEX is our way of building a global movement around this shift—grounded in real insights, real operators, and real outcomes.”

An ecosystem panel featuring Dev Khare of Lightspeed Ventures, Sid Arora from LinkedIn, and DJ Capobianco of Reddit explored how shifting market dynamics are redefining growth strategies. The conference also featured prominent speakers including Joyce Hwang from Dropbox, Heidi Bullock from Marketo, Christine Royston from Wrike, along with Amanda Kahlow, Drew Neisser, Sydney Sloan, Elay Cohen, and AJ Gandhi.

The audience comprised a highly curated group of enterprise decision-makers, including leaders from Salesforce, Nvidia, Intel, Snowflake, Gong, 6sense, Demandbase, JFrog, Zendesk, and Tealium, including CMOs, VPs, and Heads of Marketing.

A key highlight of the summit was Pepper’s Founding member Kishan Panpalia’s GEO research presentation, which drew standing-room-only participation. The session drove exceptional engagement, with over 500 screenshots captured by attendees across a 20-slide presentation—an uncommon response for a research-focused session and a strong indicator of the relevance of GEO frameworks.

Reflecting on the broader shift, Dev Khare remarked, “It’s not marketing that’s changing—it’s market structures.” This insight resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the need for organizations to rethink not just tactics, but the fundamental systems driving demand.

Within 24 hours of the event, industry leaders including Claire Darling, Genefa Murphy, Anand Akela, Meghan Keough, Sandra Lopez, Karen Brewer, and David DeJonghe shared organic, unsolicited feedback on LinkedIn, calling INDEX’26 one of the highest-quality marketing conferences of the year.

INDEX’26 stands as a testament to the power of conviction-led community building. Without the backing of large-scale funding or agency amplification, Pepper successfully brought together global technology platforms and enterprise leaders in one room—driven purely by relevance, insight, and industry trust.

Building on the momentum from San Francisco, INDEX’26 will next take place in New York City on May 27, as Pepper continues to expand its global footprint and lead the conversation on AI-first growth and GEO adoption.

Ranked among 134 Pacific-region companies recognized for exceptional growth, CoreStack achieved a 97% two-year revenue growth rate - outpacing the regional median of 94 percent. This recognition is a direct reflection of CoreStack's expanding footprint, deepening customer trust, and its accelerating momentum as enterprises worldwide increasingly turn to its Agentic Governance OS to manage the growing complexity of cloud, SaaS, and AI-driven environments.

"It is indeed an honor to make Inc.'s list of fastest-growing companies 4 years in a row," says CoreStack's CEO, Ezhilarasan (Ez) Natarajan. "This recognition reflects our robust growth and the transformative value our Agentic Governance OS delivers to customers and partners. Our 97% two-year growth is a testament to our clients' trust and the innovation driving our platform forward. And this milestone comes at a pivotal moment, marked by our landmark acquisition of BetterCloud, opening a new chapter in unified enterprise governance."

Between 2022 and 2024, these 134 private companies had a median growth rate of 94 percent; by 2024, they'd also added 7,503 jobs and $2.5 billion to the region's economy.

"The honorees on this year's Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn't just persevere - they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions," said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

About CoreStack

CoreStack is the leading Agentic Governance OS for FinOps, security, and compliance in the AI-accelerated enterprise. It enables organizations to achieve Velocity with Control by continuously and intelligently governing cost, risk, compliance, and operations across cloud, SaaS, and AI-driven systems - operating at machine speed so enterprises can scale faster without increasing risk or cost. Trusted by over 1,000 global enterprises and partners across 40+ countries, CoreStack governs more than $3B in annual cloud consumption and is a Microsoft Azure (Legacy) Gold Partner, AWS Technology Partner with Cloud Operations Competency, Oracle Cloud Build Partner, and Google Cloud Build Partner.

Learn more at www.corestack.com.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company.

For more information, visit www.inc.com.

JK Cement hosted the latest edition of its flagship ‘Gathbandhan’ program

The event brought together leading dealers and channel partners from the region and was attended by Dr. Nidhipati Singhania, Vice Chairman, JK Cement; Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement; and Mr. A.K. Saraogi, CFO, JK Cement, along with other senior leadership from the company

The ‘Gathbandhan’ initiative has emerged as a key platform for JK Cement to recognise and reward the contributions of its dealer network, celebrating excellence and strengthening long-term partnerships. Over the past two years, the program has honoured top-performing dealers across India in the prestigious Titanium and Legend categories, underscoring the company’s commitment to collaborative growth with its channel partners.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nidhipati Singhania, Vice Chairman, JK Cement, said, “Our dealers have always been the backbone of JK Cement’s growth journey. The ‘Gathbandhan’ program reflects our deep appreciation for their dedication, trust, and unwavering partnership. By recognising their achievements, we aim to further strengthen this bond and continue building a future of shared success.”

Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “At JK Cement, we believe that our dealer partners are integral to our success and expansion across markets. ‘Gathbandhan’ is our way of celebrating their achievements and reinforcing the spirit of collaboration that defines our relationship. We remain committed to empowering our partners and growing together as we continue to strengthen our presence across the country.”

Through initiatives like ‘Gathbandhan’, JK Cement continues to strengthen its channel ecosystem and reinforce its commitment to growing together with its partners.

About JK Cement Ltd.

JK Cement Ltd. is among India’s top manufacturers of Grey and White Cement, and home-building solutions globally. For over five decades, JKCement has contributed to India’s infrastructure through product quality, customer focus, and technology leadership, beginning with its flagship grey cement unit in Nimbahera, Rajasthan, in May 1975.

The Company’s Grey Cement capacity is 31.26 MTPA, making it a leading manufacturer with a strong presence across 15 states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. With a total White Cement and Wall Putty Capacity of 3.05 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold in 36 countries around the globe.

The Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd. In 2023, JKCement launched JKMaxx Paints, offering wall, wood, and metal finishes. In the same year, JKCement expanded into construction chemicals with JK Profix, a waterproofing line, and also entered the Ready-Mix Concrete segment with JK Super Concrete, serving Delhi NCR and set for nationwide growth.

For more information, please visit JK Cement: www.jkcement.com

India Market Entry (IME) is proud to launch AV1 in India

Developed to bridge the gap between students and their classroom environment, AV1 allows children to virtually attend school through a robot placed on their classroom desk. Using a smartphone or tablet, the student can see and hear everything happening in the classroom in real time, allowing them to follow lessons and stay connected with teachers and classmates even when they cannot be physically present.

Through its market entry and expansion expertise, IME played a key role in bringing this globally recognized assistive technology to India, enabling schools, healthcare institutions, and education partners to adopt a solution that addresses both academic continuity and emotional well-being among students who are unable to be physically present in school.

Commenting on the launch, Dhiraj Trakru, Founder & CEO, India Market Entry (IME), said, “When a child cannot attend school for an extended period, the biggest loss is often the sense of belonging. With AV1, schools can ensure that students remain connected to their teachers, friends, and daily classroom life. At IME, we are proud to bring solutions like this to India that help schools support both learning and student well-being.”

Adding to this, Petter Karal, Chief Growth Officer, No Isolation (the company behind the AV1), said, “School is not only about lessons; it is about belonging. Through AV1, our goal is to help students remain part of their classroom community even when they cannot attend in person. We are delighted to see AV1 introduced in India and look forward to supporting many more students in staying connected to their education and peers.”

AV1 has been widely adopted in several international markets, where it has supported students  experiencing extended absence from school by helping them remain socially connected and academically engaged with their schools.

With the increasing focus on inclusive education and digital learning in India, solutions like AV1 can play a crucial role in supporting students who face temporary or prolonged absence from classrooms due to medical conditions. IME aims to work closely with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and social organizations to expand the accessibility of this technology across the country.

For more information please visit - indiamarketentry.com/no-isolation.

(L-R): Ajay Sethi, MP, Baker Tilly ASA India, Francesca Lagerberg, CEO, Baker Tilly International & Andrew Heng, Group MP, Baker Tilly Malaysia & Chair of Baker Tilly APAC
 

Backed by sustained economic expansion, demographic strength and steady policy reform, India continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s most compelling long-term capital destinations. Economic indicators have shown steady growth with cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from April 2000 crossing USD 1 trillion. Real GDP growth is expected to be 7.6% for FY26 with manufacturing and services expected to be a key driver of growth. With a large young aspirational population and a multitude of trade Agreements, India offers a unique opportunity as both a growing market and manufacturing and export base for multinational companies.
 

It is against this backdrop that Doing Business in India 2026 has been developed. With an aim to convert MoUs signed into results on the ground, this guide is designed as a practical, strategic guide for foreign corporations, private equity investors and multinational enterprises assessing India entry, expansion, joint ventures, acquisitions or long-term operational structuring. It brings clarity to India’s regulatory architecture, tax environment, corporate governance requirements and compliance frameworks — areas where early planning and structural discipline often determine long-term success.
 

The event convened Baker Tilly’s global and APAC leadership under the theme Building Bridges: Baker Tilly’s Vision for Asia-Pacific Growth and Global Collaboration. Also spotlighted Baker Tilly ASA’s journey in advising multinational investors on India entry and expansion, its strong positioning in the mid-market segment, and its alignment with Baker Tilly International as well as the Asia-Pacific growth strategy.
 

Speaking on the milestone, Francesca Lagerberg, CEO, Baker Tilly International, said, “India represents one of the most significant long-term growth markets for global investors, and our network is uniquely positioned to support that ambition. As we mark 35 years of Baker Tilly ASA in India, we see this milestone not only as a celebration of legacy, but as a platform for deeper global integration, stronger APAC collaboration and a sharper focus on high-growth mid-market enterprises seeking cross-border clarity and confidence. The advisory profession is evolving rapidly driven by regulation, technology and rising investor expectations. Our approach globally is to combine local expertise with seamless international coordination. India is central to that strategy, both as an investment destination and as a talent and capability hub for the network.”
 

During the briefing, the leadership outlined the Baker Tilly ASA India’s 35-year journey and role in advising multinational corporations across Japan, the US, UK, Europe, Australia and other markets on India market entry, joint ventures, M&A, factory set-ups, tax structuring, regulatory compliance and risk advisory. Over the years, Baker Tilly ASA has built a strong presence in the mid-market segment, delivering partner-led, integrated advisory services across complex cross-border transactions and India entry strategies.
 

Ajay Sethi, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly ASA India said, “Thirty-five years in India has taught us that opportunity here rewards preparation and perspective. The market offers scale and momentum, but it also demands structural clarity, tax discipline and regulatory foresight from day one. Our experience across cycles has reinforced a simple belief that sustainable growth in India is built on sound governance and informed decision-making. As global capital deepens its engagement with India, our commitment remains to provide steady, strategic counsel that converts ambition into durable outcomes.”
 

The event highlighted Baker Tilly’s continued global expansion and growing focus on the Asia-Pacific region, in step with increasing cross-border investment into India. As India advances its manufacturing ambitions, strengthens its foreign investment regime and expands its role in global supply chains, the differentiator for investors will be clarity of structure and quality of execution. With the launch of its Doing Business in India Guide, Baker Tilly ASA India reinforces its commitment to supporting investors across every stage of their India journey, backed by 35 years of practical, on-ground experience.

KaarTech Bets Big on SAP CTRM as Commodity Market Volatility Fuels Enterprise Transformation Demand

SAPOCOM brings a well-established reputation in the CTRM space, with extensive hands-on experience in SAP-based implementations across the commodity lifecycle. Its portfolio includes successful engagements in contract management, risk reporting, and downstream commodity trading, all of which require both technical depth and nuanced industry expertise.

This association adds agility and depth to KaarTech’s growing CTRM practice. Building on its track record of delivering SAP CTRM and SAP S/4HANA programs across Oil and Gas, Energy, Mining, and Metals, KaarTech continues to support greenfield transformations, global rollouts, and platform modernization initiatives.

With over 75+ SAP S/4HANA engagements globally and 3,200+ SAP transformation projects delivered across 15+ countries, KaarTech brings enterprise-scale execution capabilities to complex trading environments.

“CTRM is a high-impact, niche domain with significant scale in the Oil & Gas sector. Our strategic association with SAPOCOM is a focused market-entry investment for KaarTech, combining deep SAP CTRM expertise with strong cultural and business alignment to accelerate value for global commodity enterprises,” said Selvakumaran M, Co-Founder and Director, KaarTech.

With SAPOCOM’s CTRM expertise embedded into its consulting and delivery approach, KaarTech is well-positioned to advise and execute across both the strategic and operational dimensions of commodity transformation. Together, the two organizations offer a differentiated capability that marries deep domain specialization with enterprise-scale transformation execution.

Together, the two organizations offer a differentiated capability that combines deep CTRM domain specialization with enterprise-scale SAP execution reinforcing KaarTech’s positioning as a solutions-led transformation partner rather than a traditional SAP implementation provider.

This association reinforces KaarTech’s position as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to navigate the evolving demands of global commodity markets with resilience, compliance, and strategic clarity.

About KaarTech

KaarTech is a leading digital transformation consulting organization with 20+ years of experience. The company is a rapidly growing unicorn specializing in IP and digital services, as well as edge and beyond-edge solutions. KaarTech operates across15+ global locations and has successfully executed 3,200+ projects, supported by a workforce of 3,500+ employees. Driven by a strategic focus on customer excellence, KaarTech has earned 23 SAP Quality Awards and 25 business awards worldwide.

With a proven legacy of delivering 75+ SAP S/4HANA digital transformation engagements globally, KaarTech plays a leading role in helping enterprises modernize and scale. Through its flagship intellectual property, KTern.AI, an AI-first approach, KaarTech is committed to reshaping the future of businesses by enabling faster, more intelligent SAP S/4HANA transformations.

For more information, visit www.kaartech.com.

About SAPOCOM Technologies
SAPOCOM Technologies is a specialized SAP consulting firm focused on delivering tailored digital transformation solutions across complex enterprise environments. With deep domain expertise and a strong delivery track record, SAPOCOM helps businesses unlock the full value of SAP platforms to drive operational efficiency, growth, and strategic advantage.

Guided by a commitment to client success, the company brings proven capabilities in SAP implementation, advisory, and support services, particularly in high-stakes, regulated industries. SAPOCOM operates with a global perspective, delivering purpose-driven SAP solutions that align technology with long-term business goals.

WaveMaker Agentic Platform delivers fast, safe, scalable enterprise app development with business guardrails, consistent execution, and long-term code reliability

This announcement also marks WaveMaker’s entry into the GenAI powered software development space with a carefully architected platform that empowers enterprise application development teams to deliver AI speed with predictable quality and controlled costs.

“Businesses and their custom application teams are under the twin pressures of quickly taking advantage of agentic AI while ensuring it delivers guaranteed outcomes at predictable costs,” said Vijay Prasanna Pullur, Co-founder and CEO at WaveMaker. “WaveMaker solves this challenge by enabling organizations to build design-first, architecture-first and standards-first applications for businesses minus the typical complexity and cost.”

“This launch is strong evidence of our aligned vision and purpose with our partner WaveMaker: enabling AI-native software development and building better applications faster for the AI era," said Mikko Jarva, Head of Portfolio & Architecture in Nokia’s Network Monetization Platform unit. 

"Blue Yonder is using WaveMaker to support extensibility in areas of our supply chain solutions. This launch is part of our continued efforts to accelerate AI-enabled capabilities for customers,” said Nunzio Esposito, Chief Design Officer at Blue Yonder.

WaveMaker offers its new agentic application generation system as a hybrid integrated developer environment (IDE) that integrates agentic prompts with a visual canvas and code editor. Its unique two-pass code generation methodology preserves a standardized, structured application development pattern with an architecture-first approach to automating developer tasks with agents. When developers submit Figma design files and natural language prompts, the system generates a tech stack-agnostic application markup with architectural guardrails verified by developers before triggering markup-to-code generation via a deterministic engine. This preserves the speed and intuitive nature of AI-assisted development while ensuring enterprise-quality outcomes at lower, predictable LLM costs. 

WaveMaker is now accepting sign-ups for product trials at wavemaker.ai.

About WaveMaker
WaveMaker is headquartered in the Dallas metro area with global customers in regulated industries who have built and shipped applications in use by millions of consumers and business users. Modern application development teams choose WaveMaker as an agentic AI powered, no-compromise, full-stack productivity multiplier to deterministically generate beautifully designed, commercial-grade web and mobile applications that are performant and secure at scale. For businesses, WaveMaker delivers guaranteed architecture, accuracy and quality at predictable, low AI costs for complex, iterative and integrated application development.

For more information, visit www.wavemaker.com or follow @WaveMaker on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Srivalli Krishnan, Deputy Director, Agricultural Development, Gates Foundation; Kunjbihari Daga, Partner, Centre for Responsible Technologies, MSC and Gauri Bandekar, Advisor, Royal Norwegian Embassy

Mitul Thapliyal, Managing Partner, MicroSave Consulting, framed climate impacts as a seasonal reality for farmers and noted that farmers often recognise changing conditions without using the vocabulary of climate change, creating a translation gap that can limit uptake of climate-focused solutions.

Hemendra Mathur, Venture Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund and Co-founder, ThinkAg, emphasised that Indian agriculture is data-rich and highly complex, and that AI will deliver scale only if systems can connect across registries with compliant data sharing and privacy safeguards. C. V. Madhukar, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Develop, cautioned that not every pilot merits scale, and that responsible adoption requires clear scale criteria, federated-first data governance that avoids both silos and risky centralisation, and trust safeguards across both technology and institutions.

Discussions on private-sector innovation highlighted that AI services must be built around farmer realities to be adopted and sustained. Neeraj Huddar, Product Manager and GTM Lead, Digital Public Infrastructure, Google India, emphasised that scalable AI needs shared digital rails with clear protocols, secure access, verifiable credentials, audit logs, and feedback and grievance pathways, with data quality and provenance as the most sensitive requirements. Nidhi Bhasin, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Green Trust, shared lessons from scaling voice-first farmer advisory, noting that adoption at scale depends on trust, localisation, and continuous feedback loops, especially for women farmers who face access barriers but sustain strong engagement once onboarded through trusted channels.

The conversation also focused on what it takes for states to move from digitisation to AI readiness. Kirti Pandey, Country Engagement Partner, Centre for Open Societal Systems (COSS), noted that AI readiness requires advisory and market information to be published in consistent, machine-readable formats aligned to shared protocols, so services can be integrated on common rails rather than rebuilt state by state. Jagadish Babu, Chief Operating Officer, EkStep Foundation, emphasised that institutions are the trust anchors in public systems, and that APIs are institutional commitments, requiring AI layers to fit government workflows and accountability.

Navin Bhushan, Partner, MicroSave Consulting, reflected on implementation lessons from Bihar Krishi, including the importance of unifying farmer-facing services, strengthening system reliability as schemes evolve, and building institutional ownership and review mechanisms that sustain delivery beyond a single pilot cycle.

In the closing session on India and the Global South, Srivalli Krishnan, Deputy Director, Agricultural Development (Asia), the Gates Foundation, emphasised AI’s potential to reduce information asymmetry for small and marginal farmers by enabling voice-based access, timelier advisories, and lower-cost service delivery. She also noted that reuse and replication depend on clear value for the next adopting state or institution and on breaking data silos across departments to enable integrated services.

Other participants included Siddharth Chaturvedi, Senior Program Officer, Agricultural Development (Asia), the Gates Foundation; Jatin Singh, Founder and Managing Director, Skymet Weather Services Pvt. Ltd.; Poorna Pushkala Chandrasekaran, Chief Executive Officer, Samunnati Foundation; Gauri Bandekar, Advisor, Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi; Vikash Kumar Sinha, Associate Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability, MicroSave Consulting; Kunbihari Daga, Partner, Centre for Responsible Technologies, MicroSave Consulting; and Rahul Agrawal, Partner, Agriculture and Food Systems, MicroSave Consulting.

About MSC

MSC is a global inclusion consulting firm that works with governments, providers, and innovators to enable social, financial, and economic inclusion for everyone in the digital age. Its local teams in 70+ countries bring practical expertise across finance, technology, agriculture, and social protection.

Santosh Tiwari

Welcoming Santosh, Co-founder & MD TSI, Puneet Kumar said, “TSI aims to unlock India Advantage of Talent & Technology for the global enterprise and leverage its momentum in becoming top three economies in the world. With Santosh joining, we strengthen our capability in delivering our clients in such domain as AI, Quantum, Space, Biotech, Skilling and other emerging tech areas.”

Tech Setting India is powered by a leadership team that has witnessed and driven exponential growth — 10x increase in revenue, a 300x expansion in workforce, and multi-city scale across India. The leadership team have been instrumental in shaping policies and frameworks across domains including SEZ, defence offsets, renewable energy, India’s AI roadmap, agri-tech, labour reforms, economic affairs & taxation reforms and foreign investment.

Santosh has been in the senior leadership position as a Director, in APCO — a Washington DC headquartered global strategic advisory and advocacy firm. He will take over his new role as TSI CEO from March onwards.

Expressing the need for an enabling platform, Co-founder TSI, Sandeep Bhatnagar said, “TSI wants to leverage India’s efforts of tech-powered growth for clients in treading the complex dynamics of an accelerated economy.”

“Taking up mantle of TSI CEO is a huge responsible to deliver clients results based on trust, quality and partnership. I thank TSI Co-founders for this opportunity,” said Santosh Tiwari.

About Tech Setting India (TSI) Pvt. Ltd.

Website: techsettingindia.com.

KaarTech Named Among India's Top 50 Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM by Great Place To Work® India

The Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM list in India is an annual ranking by Great Place to Work® India, based on rigorous evaluations of employee experience and organizational culture. The ranking draws insights from millions of employee voices and decades of research.

Earning a place among the Top 50 validates how consistently an organization builds trust, prioritizes people, and creates a workplace where employees thrive. For KaarTech, this recognition reflects its commitment to building not just a company, but a culture.

“A truly exceptional workplace is never created in a day it is crafted over time by people who show up with purpose, passion, and excellence, every single day. This recognition is a proud testament to the collective effervescence of every Kaarian in building a culture rooted in trust, accelerated by growth, and strengthened by belonging. And this is not our finish line it is the fuel that drives us to set the bar even higher and rise further among the Top GPTW workplaces in the industry.” says Vignesh Ramesh Kumar, Head of HR.

KaarTech is honored to be recognized among India’s Top 50 Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM for 2025. This recognition is not just a milestone; it reflects the company’s deep belief in its people.

About KaarTech
KaarTech is a leading digital transformation consulting organization with 20+ years of experience. The company is a rapidly growing unicorn specializing in IP and digital services, as well as edge and beyond-edge solutions. KaarTech operates across15+ global locations and has successfully executed 3,200+ projects, supported by a workforce of 3,500+ employees. Driven by a strategic focus on customer excellence, KaarTech has earned 23 SAP Quality Awards and 25 business awards worldwide.

With a proven legacy of delivering 75+ SAP S/4HANA digital transformation engagements globally, KaarTech plays a leading role in helping enterprises modernize and scale. Through its flagship intellectual property, KTern.AI, an AI-first approach, KaarTech is committed to reshaping the future of businesses by enabling faster, more intelligent SAP S/4HANA transformations.

For more information, visit www.kaartech.com.

Amit Gupta, Founder Rapyder and Cloudeva.ai

Built by teams with years of hands-on experience supporting cloud operations across large enterprises, Start-Ups & SMBs, the idea of the founders was to address a persistent operational blind spot. Many organizations still struggle to maintain auditable visibility into what changed in their cloud environments, who initiated them, and the business reasoning behind those decisions.

Amit Gupta (founder, cloudeva.ai), identified the pattern after years of working with leadership teams that manage complex, multi-cloud estates. Despite significant investments in infrastructure, security controls, and analytics tooling, companies repeatedly encountered the same issue during incidents, cost escalations, and audit reviews: explaining the rationale behind critical actions.

“After nearly a decade running Rapyder and working closely with CXOs, I realized most cloud problems weren’t caused by bad technology,” said Amit Gupta. “They were caused by unclear decisions - not knowing who changed what, why it was changed, who approved it, or whether it was the right call at the time. As environments scaled, this gap only widened.”

As enterprises expanded digitally across Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, governance practices fragmented across tools and teams while executive accountability remained centralized. The disconnect between operational complexity and leadership responsibility became the catalyst for building Cloudeva.ai.

“Execution without context creates noise,” said Athreya Ramadas (Co-Founder, Cloudeva.ai) “We’re building an offering that turns cloud data into governed, actionable insight - enabling organizations to scale with clarity, control, and confidence.”

Cloudeva.ai introduces a decision layer above existing infrastructure, finance, and security tooling. Rather than just reporting events, the system interprets change through business, financial, and regulatory context - helping organizations move from raw activity to accountable decision-making. The founders have opened cloudeva.ai for public preview till March 31^st 2026. Preview participants can:

• Experience AI-driven cloud decision intelligence in real environments

• Shape governance workflows for regulated operations

• Work directly with the Cloudeva.ai founding and product teams

Who It’s Designed For

• Financial services and regulated enterprises managing audits and operational risk

• Healthcare and compliance-driven organizations balancing innovation and governance

• Large multi-cloud enterprises requiring cross-team visibility

• CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and CFOs who need explainable cloud decisions

Why This Matters Now

• Multi-cloud environments are growing faster than governance models

• Regulatory expectations around accountability continue to tighten

• Decision opacity introduces financial and operational risk

• Enterprises need clarity without slowing innovation

Cloudeva.ai exists to solve what slows modern organizations down- uncertainty. By combining deep expertise with a forward-looking approach, the company helps businesses build systems that are not just scalable, but intentional.

Cloudeva.ai aims to transform cloud complexity into clear, confident action.

For more information, visit cloudeva.ai.

The benchmarking study addresses the growing need for standardized compensation frameworks as industry faces challenges of hiring good talent with proper compensations, evolving employee expectations, and the shift toward hybrid work models. With detailed sub-sector analysis, organizations can now compare their compensation packages against industry peers and understand market positioning within their specific domain.

The study provides critical insights into pay trends across India's dynamic tech sector. It comprehensively examines compensation data for over 200 unique job roles spanning the entire organizational hierarchy, from entry-level positions to senior leadership. The study offers detailed analysis across four key technology sub-sectors: E-commerce, fintech, large tech and product companies, and media and Gaming.

As India's technology sector continues its rapid growth trajectory, organizations need reliable compensation data to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market. The WTW India & IAMAI Comprehensive Compensation Benchmarking Study for Technology Sector provides the transparency and insights necessary for companies to make informed decisions about their compensation strategies.

The collaboration between IAMAI and WTW India represents a significant step forward in establishing industry standards. The granular insights across different technology verticals will help companies structure competitive and equitable compensation programmes.

About Internet and Mobile Association of India  

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 750 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety. 

A Milestone Powered by Trust, Collaboration, and Our People — Great Place to Work® Certified

The Great Place to Work® Certification is regarded as a benchmark for workplace excellence and is awarded through a rigorous, employee-led assessment of trust, fairness, respect, and pride. Securing this recognition for the fourth consecutive year reflects RIA Advisory’s ability to sustain a culture where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered.

“At RIA Advisory, our people are not just part of the business—they are the business,” said Saket Pabby, Founder and CEO of RIA Advisory. “This recognition belongs to every team member who brings curiosity, integrity, and purpose to their work each day. Sustaining this certification year after year tells us that our culture is not aspirational—it’s lived.”

“Our growth journey has always been guided by a simple belief: when people thrive, organizations excel,” added Rama Thirumalaiswamy, CHRO, RIA Advisory. “Being recognized for the fourth consecutive year validates the trust our teams place in us and strengthens our resolve to keep raising the bar.”

Echoing these sentiments, Country Head – India, Sameer Deo, stated: “People have been RIA Advisory’s core strength since inception. This Great Place to Work certification reflects the trust our employees place in our start-up mindset—where ideas are valued, and people are encouraged to challenge themselves.”

The certification reflects RIA Advisory’s focus on building an organization where performance, accountability, and employee experience progress together, strengthening its position as both a trusted partner to clients and an employer of choice within the global advisory ecosystem.

About RIA Advisory
Founded in 2016, RIA Advisory is a global business and technology advisory consulting firm specializing in revenue management and billing solutions for Financial Services, Utilities, Healthcare, the Public Sector, Capital Markets, Exchanges, and Insurance. The firm supports enterprise clients through strategic consulting, technology implementation, and business transformation, with a focus on modernizing pricing, billing, and customer care systems.

RIA expanded its global footprint in 2022 through the integration of TMG Consulting and today employs over 1,000 professionals worldwide. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, RIA operates across the U.K., Canada, India, the Philippines, Australia, Mexico, and South Africa, delivering scalable, ROI-driven solutions to clients globally.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, helping organizations identify, create, and sustain high-trust, high-performance workplaces through data-driven insights and employee feedback.

How Naukri supports business hiring needs

India’s leading hiring platform Naukri.com’s Job Posting is built for this reality. With plans ranging from Free to Paid, Naukri allows businesses to hire the way they need without forcing them into a one-size-fits-all model.

A Hiring Product Built for Flexibility

At its core, Naukri Job Posting is a simple, self-serve hiring solution that helps employers connect with relevant jobseekers across industries. Businesses can choose from a range of job posting options—starting with free listings and moving to paid plans that offer higher visibility and faster results.

Start Free. Hire with Confidence.

For startups, SMEs, and first-time employers, hiring often begins cautiously. Budgets are tight, roles are exploratory, and hiring volumes are low. Naukri’s Free Job Posting feature helps employers take that first step without spending a penny.

By posting a job for free on Naukri, employers can attract applications from jobseekers across industries and access a large, active talent pool. The process is straightforward: fill in the job posting form, preview and publish your listing, complete KYC, and start receiving responses at no cost.

Even with a free post, employers can specify key details such as job role, location, and industry - making it possible to receive relevant applications and hire suitable candidates without any upfront investment.

Move to Premium When Hiring Gets Serious

As hiring needs become more frequent or time-sensitive, businesses often look for faster closures and stronger visibility. This is where Naukri’s Paid Job Posting plans, starting at R. 400, come into play. Paid job postings help employers reach a wider and more targeted audience, improve visibility for critical roles, and manage responses more effectively.

Check our affordable paid plans:

Standard: Rs 400

Classified: Rs 850

Hot Vacancy: Rs 1650

Built on Understanding How India Hires

Naukri’s Job Posting is built to grow with your business. Startups get an easy, flexible way to begin hiring. SMEs can scale recruitment seamlessly. Enterprises can power ongoing hiring with deeper control, wider reach, and consistent results.

With years of insight into how employers and jobseekers interact, Naukri continues to simplify hiring, from the very first step. By offering job posting solutions that are easy to use, flexible in choice, and meaningful in impact, Naukri helps businesses focus on what truly matters: building the right teams.

Find, attract, and hire talent with Naukri!

Over the last few years, AI has moved from experimentation to expectation. What is changing now is its role, from supporting individual decisions to shaping how work runs, day after day. Having built and scaled complex B2B and supply chain operations, Moglix has seen that lasting impact does not come from intelligence in isolation, but from systems that understand context, constraints, and consequences across the enterprise. 

Cognilix emerges from this operating reality. Built on Moglix’s real-world scale of over $40Bn+ in transactions, 45K+ suppliers, 1.2Mn+ SKUs, operations across 80+ countries, and a network of 58+ warehouses, the platform reflects years of working in environments where decisions ripple across procurement, inventory, suppliers, and revenue, and where accuracy and accountability are essential. Cognilix brings these functions together into a single decision layer, connecting data and workflows across procurement, supply chain, and B2B commerce, while working alongside existing ERP systems.

The platform enables enterprises to automate and streamline buying through AI-led procurement workflows covering digital catalogues, RFQ comparison, supplier onboarding, compliance, competitive e-auctions, and inventory forecasting informed by historical usage and lead times. It also enables structured B2B selling through digital storefronts and marketplaces with integrated order management, payments, logistics, and real-time inventory visibility. A unified data layer standardizes material master data and delivers clearer insight into spend, supplier performance, and operational opportunities. 

Rahul Garg, Founder and CEO, Moglix

“Globally, AI is moving from insight to infrastructure. The real question for enterprises is no longer whether to use AI, but how deeply it can be embedded into the way work runs,” said Rahul Garg, Founder and CEO, Moglix. “From an Indian perspective, this shift matters even more. As manufacturing and supply chains scale in complexity, we need systems that are context-aware, accountable, and resilient. Cognilix reflects what we have learned by operating at scale; that intelligence creates value only when it understands real-world constraints and consequences. Our focus is to build enterprise-grade AI from India that stands up to global demands.” 

Enterprises using Cognilix are seeing early outcomes such as reductions in procurement cycle times, improved inventory accuracy, higher levels of data standardization, and clearer, real-time visibility across suppliers and orders. 

The $5 million investment will be directed toward deepening domain-led AI models, expanding industry-specific capabilities, and strengthening enterprise-grade governance and collaboration across the Cognilix platform, reinforcing Moglix’s long-term commitment to building practical, scalable AI for global enterprise use. 

About Cognilix and Moglix

Cognilix is an AI-led operating system for B2B commerce, built on Moglix’s real operating data at scale. The platform draws intelligence from over $40Bn in transactions across 45,000+ suppliers, 1.2 million+ SKUs, and a global footprint spanning 80+ countries and 58+ warehouses database of Moglix, enabling an autonomous, insight-driven enterprise system for procurement and supply chains.

Moglix is Asia’s largest B2B commerce company for the manufacturing and industrial sectors, founded in 2015 by Rahul Garg. Valued at ~US$2.6 billion, Moglix serves 1,000+ enterprises and 3,000+ factories globally with integrated procurement, supply chain, technology, and manufacturing solutions.

Visit Cognilix- www.cognilix.com.

Currently serving as the Group CEO of Aspect Global Ventures, one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates, Kamboj oversees a wide portfolio that includes bullion, real estate, sports, hospitality, infrastructure, energy, entertainment, and social impact initiatives. His role involves aligning varied business verticals under a unified operating approach, focused on efficiency, scale, and responsible expansion.

Unlike many high-growth stories driven by rapid disruption, Kamboj’s entrepreneurial style is rooted in building strong fundamentals. He is known for prioritising operational depth, governance, and team capability before scaling businesses. This approach has helped Aspect Global Ventures expand its footprint steadily, both within India and internationally, with growing presence across Dubai, Singapore, the US, and the UK.

Colleagues describe him as deeply involved in execution, with a clear understanding of ground realities across sectors. Whether working with leadership teams or evaluating new opportunities, Kamboj is known for combining commercial prudence with an ability to spot long-term potential. His experience across diverse industries has enabled him to navigate complex market cycles while maintaining stability and focus.

Beyond business, Mohit Kamboj, through his philanthropic efforts under the MKB Foundation, has consistently dedicated his time and resources to causes rooted in human dignity. The Foundation works in areas that often receive limited attention, including transgender inclusion, supporting initiatives that restore dignity, improve access to basic rights, and promote social acceptance. Its work also includes temple restoration and initiatives that ensure dignified last rites for unclaimed bodies, reflecting a strong commitment to compassion, cultural values, and social responsibility.

A strong spiritual believer, Kamboj attributes much of his resilience and clarity to inner discipline and faith. This grounding influences his leadership style, measured, calm, and forward-looking, especially in high-pressure environments. He believes that balance is essential for sustained performance, both at an individual and organisational level.

An avid traveller, Kamboj draws inspiration from global cultures and business environments. Exposure to international markets has shaped his understanding of cross-border opportunities and helped him build a global perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and collaboration.

As Indian enterprises increasingly look outward while strengthening domestic foundations, leaders like Mohit Kamboj reflect a quieter, more deliberate path to success. His journey highlights the value of patience, preparation, and purpose, principles that continue to guide his work across businesses and beyond.

Built on Forrester’s Buyer’s Guide: Contract Lifecycle Management Platforms, 2025, the report reflects key trends that are reshaping how organizations manage contracts across legal, sales, finance, and compliance functions. As contract data becomes a core enterprise asset, CLM platforms are expected to deliver deeper analytical capabilities, real-time visibility into obligations, and stronger governance across the lifecycle.

Key insights from the paper include:

• Contracts as Intelligent Systems — CLM is no longer a repository of signed documents. Today’s leading platforms convert contracts into actionable intelligence that informs risk, compliance, and revenue decisions in real time.

• Cross-Functional Value — Modern CLM solutions must serve legal, procurement, sales, and finance stakeholders, supporting both pre- and post-signature workflows with governance, risk analytics, and automated obligation tracking.

• AI and Data Integration — AI-driven extraction, analysis, and insights are key differentiators for enterprise CLM adoption, enabling faster negotiation, smarter clause review, and more consistent compliance.

• Strategic Evaluation Framework — The report provides guidance for buyers to go beyond feature lists and assess CLM platforms based on governance, explainability, cross-team integration, and long-term value.

“Contracts have always been the backbone of commercial relationships,” said Krupesh Bhat, CEO of Melento. “What we are witnessing now is a fundamental shift: CLM is no longer a legal tool - it’s an enterprise decision platform. By combining Forrester’s research with real market signals, this paper helps leaders understand how to leverage intelligence, not just automation, to unlock growth, manage risk, and drive alignment across functions.”

About Melento

Melento (formerly SignDesk) provides enterprise-grade document automation and collaborative intelligence solutions. The company helps organisations modernize contracting, onboarding and document-driven workflows while delivering secure, compliant e-signature, digital stamping and onboarding capabilities. Bootstrapped and scaled over the last decade, Melento serves over 3,000 customers globally and processes millions of documents annually. The company is expanding into the US and Middle East to broaden its global reach.

For more information visit melento.ai.

About Forrester

Sheraz Hasan

Sheraz brings a wealth of expertise in global marketing, GTM strategy, and scaling businesses in high-growth markets from his leadership role at Amazon Web Services (AWS). During his decade at AWS, Sheraz was instrumental in building and leading the marketing engine that propelled growth across the APJ and India regions. His appointment underscores the critical importance of the Asia-Pacific region, with Singapore and ASEAN serving as a vital strategic hub and gateway for global brands seeking to connect with diverse, digitally-advanced audiences.

"Sheraz has a rare combination of large-scale platform marketing experience and deep expertise in the APJ and India markets. His insights on Account based marketing (ABM), ecosystem coverage and scaling into new regions will be invaluable as we enter our next phase of growth," said Prateek N. Kumar, Founder & CEO of NeoNiche. 

Sheraz agrees, "NeoNiche is poised to redefine its category. I am excited to contribute my experience in building global marketing engines to help capture this opportunity and achieve hyper-growth. Success in today's landscape requires a nuanced understanding of both global scalability and key regional dynamics, particularly in high-potential markets like ASEAN."

His appointment reaffirms NeoNiche's commitment to strategic growth and the scaling of its innovative capabilities. NeoNiche Integrated Solutions is a rapidly growing, technology-driven agency that is setting benchmarks in experiential marketing by prioritizing creative engagement and global expansion by catering to a global audience.

ANAROCK, India's leading independent real estate services platform, today announced the strategic launch of its Project Management & Engineering Services (PMES) vertical. This high-impact expansion strengthens ANAROCK’s position as a holistic one-stop real estate solutions provider, now offering seamless delivery from concept to realty.

The PMES vertical is off to a flying start with 500+ professionals and 42 active client contracts already in place. It is poised to generate INR 125 Cr+ in revenue for FY 2026-27, significantly contributing to the Firm’s group-wide target of INR 1,100 Cr. With a clear roadmap to scale to INR 300 Cr revenue by FY28, ANAROCK PMES is already actively addressing the explosive demand for professional, tech-enabled project delivery in India’s booming real estate market.

Powerhouse Leadership Team

To drive this ambitious growth, ANAROCK has onboarded a seasoned leadership brigade with deep expertise across residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use sectors:

• Amit Jaitly leads as Managing Director for West & North India.

• Tarunankur Nag leads Central & East India as Managing Director.

• Veeresh S Manjunatha heads Karnataka operations as Managing Director.

• Nishanth Kumar drives pan-India growth as Regional Director for Business Development.

They are supported by a robust senior team including Amol Rane (Director Developments – West India), Vijay Kori (VP – Commercial Developments, Karnataka), Ramana Nagireddy (VP – Residential Developments, Karnataka), Anandkumar Patil (Sr. Director - AP & Telangana), and Mani Ganesh (Sr. Director - TN & Odisha), ensuring execution excellence across every region.

Anuj Puri, Chairman - ANAROCK Group

Key Vertical Diversification

"We have launched PMES because our clients want the ANAROCK trademark for accountability and transparency in building their projects, not just selling them," said Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK. "With 500+ experts already on board, we aren’t just entering the market – we hit the ground running and will immediately set a new benchmark. By integrating best-in-class technology, rigorous processes, and senior talent, we are delivering the on-time, on-budget promise that modern real estate demands."

Strong Market Fundamentals

India’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) market is estimated at USD 69.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 105.96 billion by 2030, implying a CAGR of 8.87%. Construction Management Services account for 56.78% of EPCM revenues, reflecting strong demand for single-point accountability on complex, multi-package contracts.

The residential EPCM segment is growing at an 11.56% CAGR, driven by robust housing demand and government initiatives such as PMAY and RERA reforms. India’s planned USD 1.4 trillion The National Infrastructure Pipeline, rising Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption, ‘digital twin’ requirements in public tenders, and increasing relevance and implementation of digital/AI tools in construction management, are key structural tailwinds for the EPCM industry.

Strategic Impact & Capabilities

The ANAROCK PMES vertical offers a complete suite of services - Project & Construction Management Services, Turnkey & Design - Build Solutions and Project Advisory Services - for base-build and fit-out projects all under a single accountability framework.

• Integrated Tech: Proprietary digital dashboards and workflow systems for real-time tracking.

• Proven Scale: Already managing 40+ million sq. ft. across 42+ engagements.

• Future Ready: Leveraging the USD 69B+ EPCM market opportunity driven by urbanization and infrastructure growth.

“The launch of ANAROCK PMES takes our dominance on the Indian real estate landscape to the next logical level – that of guiding projects through their entire lifecycle from viability and strategy consulting to raising capital, and finally to construction and sales,” says Anuj Puri. “We launched in 2017 with the sharp-focused mission of delivering unmatched value to developers and investors with industry-leading service standards and a technology-first approach. In 2026, we close the core services loop with PMES, even as we continue to explore new, innovative diversification avenues to leverage our market leadership – and to deliver on this mission.”

About ANAROCK

ANAROCK is the leading independent real estate services company with a visible presence across India, Middle East, USA, and Singapore. The Company has diversified interests across the real estate lifecycle and deploys its proprietary technology platform to accelerate marketing and sales on behalf of its clients.

Over the last eight years, ANAROCK has expanded from being a residential-focused organization to complementary sectors including retail, commercial, hospitality, logistics & data centres, industrial and land. The firm also specialises in strategic advisory, investment banking, research & valuations and offers app based flexible workspaces and society management services. ANAROCK has developed proprietary technology that is adopted across all its businesses.

ANAROCK has a team of over 2200+ experienced real estate professionals who operate across all major markets in India, Middle East, USA and Singapore.

For more information, visit www.anarock.com.

Avtar Group, India’s leading workplace culture consulting firm, released the fourth edition of its annual, nation-wide study ‘Top Cities for Women in India’ (TCWI). The TCWI report presents a longitudinal inclusivity index that tracks how Indian cities enable women’s participation, safety, and career growth/continuity, while identifying role-model cities and emerging best practices. It also offers a structured framework for organisations, policymakers and urban stakeholders to enable women’s workforce participation and career growth.
 

Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director, Avtar Group
 

The Top 10 Cities for Women in India in 2025 are: Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore

The 2025 edition of the study covers 125 cities and draws comparisons from its previous editions (from 2022). The cities are ranked based on an overall ‘City Inclusion Score’ assigned to every city, which is inferred from Avtar’s research and governmental data. The City Inclusion Score (CIS) is derived from two parameters: the Social Inclusion Score (SIS) and the Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS). 
 

• The Social Inclusion Score is a cumulative score of four indicators. These are: city liveability, safety, women’s representation in employment and women’s empowerment.

• The Industrial Inclusion Score evaluates the extent to which organisations in the city across industries are inclusive of women and is calculated based on three indicators: The density of gender inclusive organizations; the density of women-friendly/inclusive industries in a city, and career enablers provided to women by organizations.

Speaking at the release event of the report’s findings, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar Group, said, “As we mark Avtar’s 25th year, the fourth edition of the ‘Top Cities for Women in India’ reflects both how far we have come and how much more we must do. Over the years, the TCWI study has evolved into a tool of accountability that asks a simple question: Can a woman truly thrive in this city? It measures the real ease of career and life for women, whether cities enable women to enter the workforce, stay, grow, and lead. Creating such cities requires shared responsibility. Governments, organizations, institutions, communities, and women themselves must work together to build environments that are safe, accessible, affordable, and supportive. In today’s context, cities must also take a broader view of inclusion, one that considers environmental resilience, supportive infrastructure, digital readiness, intergenerational equity, and respect for diverse perspectives. When these elements come together, women thrive, thereby strengthening local economies and moving India closer to its long-term development goals.”

Key Findings of the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report:

• Bengaluru retains its position as the top city for women in India in 2025, with a City Inclusion Score of 53.29, reflecting sustained strength in Industrial Inclusion and career enablement.

• Chennai follows in second position with a City Inclusion Score of 49.86, while continuing to lead on social inclusion parameters such as safety mechanisms, public services, mobility initiatives and access to health and education.

• Pune (46.27), Hyderabad (46.04), and Mumbai (44.49) complete the top five, demonstrating consistent performance across both social and industrial inclusion indicators.

• Gurugram records one of the most notable upward movements, strengthening its position in 2025 compared to 2024, supported by rapid industrial growth and strong corporate presence (Rank no. 6 in 2025 compared to No. 9 in 2024).

• Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida perform strongly on industrial inclusion but lag on social indicators such as safety, affordability, and mobility, reinforcing that industrial growth alone does not ensure inclusive urban environments.

• Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla and Tiruchirappalli demonstrate strong social inclusion outcomes but limited industrial depth, pointing to constraints in local economic mobility for women and limitations in large-scale formal employment opportunities for women despite strong social foundations.

• Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune stand out for fairly balanced inclusion profiles, with strong alignment between social inclusion and industrial ecosystems, enabling sustained workforce participation for women.

• Mumbai shows strong industrial inclusion (with an IIS of 69.00) but relatively weaker social inclusion (with a SIS of 38.44), highlighting challenges around affordability and access to infrastructure despite abundant employment opportunities.

• The 2025 TCWI rankings show increased representation of Tier-2 cities among higher ranks, indicating decentralisation of women-friendly urban ecosystems.

Regional analysis

• The Southern region emerges as the most inclusive, recording the highest scores across all three indices, with a regional average CIS of 21.60, SIS of 27.81, and an IIS of 11.61, reflecting a more integrated approach to social infrastructure, safety, health, education, and industrial participation for women.

• The Western region follows closely, demonstrating consistently strong performance with a regional average CIS of 20.00, SIS of 25.47, and the highest IIS among regions at 12.01, indicating relatively mature industrial ecosystems supported by enabling social conditions.

• Central and Eastern regions trail across both inclusion dimensions – social and industrial – especially industrial inclusion, with regional average IIS scores of 4.96 and 4.40, respectively.

Across 2022–2025, cities achieving convergence between Industrial Inclusion (IIS) and Social Inclusion (SIS) consistently rank higher on overall City Inclusion (CIS), reinforcing that industrial growth is most effective when supported by safe, accessible, and equitable urban environments.

For more details, refer to the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report: www.avtarinc.com/tcwi

About Avtar

Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.

An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI, India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other underrepresented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for underrepresented professionals.

A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years:

• Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organisations

• Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations

• Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com

• Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs

• Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women.

• Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT).

• Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women.

To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com | www.myavtar.com.

For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD in Singapore in 2022. In 2025, Avtar won the Times Business Awards and was recognized as the ‘Leading Women’s Employment Organization’.

L to R: Onkar Bagaria, Mandar Shrikant Joshi, Shweta Choudhary, Anish Maheshwari, Digvijay Singh

Onkar Bagaria: Capital Discipline Meets Capability Building

Strategic Partner for Innovher, Onkar Bagaria brings a distinctive perspective shaped by investment banking, institutional leadership, and generational business wisdom. His grounding in structured finance and capital markets, coupled with his role as CEO at VGU, one of Rajasthan’s leading private university, allows him to bridge the often disconnected worlds of financial discipline and capability creation.

Within InnovHer, he plays a critical role in strengthening investor readiness frameworks, capital structuring confidence, governance orientation, and sustainable long-term planning. His family business legacy adds an important generational lens, focusing not only on growth but on reputation, credibility, and risk stewardship. For Tier 2 ventures aspiring to command serious institutional trust, his involvement ensures that capital aspiration is matched with financial prudence.

Mandar Shrikant Joshi: Aligning Tier 2 Ambitions With Global Standards

As Strategic Partner at Innovher for Global Venture Building and Ecosystem Design, Mandar Shrikant Joshi introduces a powerful international calibration layer to InnovHer’s mission. His experience spans venture building, startup ecosystems, investor readiness, and strategic alignment across multiple geographies and market cycles. He understands how founders evolve, how ecosystems mature, and what separates globally competitive ventures from locally confined aspirations.

At InnovHer, he focuses on aligning venture-building frameworks with international benchmarks, strengthening cross-border linkages, and preparing founders for global markets and capital expectations. His inputs are particularly impactful for sectors such as D2C, luxury, and lifestyle where aspiration must be backed with robust execution structures. Through his lens, InnovHer reinforces a central belief: Tier 2 origin is not a limitation. With the right discipline, founders from emerging ecosystems can build ventures that confidently operate on a global stage.

Anish Maheshwari: Governance Strength and Capital Stewardship

In a startup climate often driven by speed over structure, Anish Maheshwari, Director at VSure Investments, Mumbai, brings the stabilizing force of governance maturity and capital stewardship to InnovHer. As Strategic Partner at InnovHer for Corporate Governance and Capital Stewardship, he anchors the leadership bench with boardroom-grade seriousness.

He contributes deeply to corporate governance frameworks, investment structuring sanity, compliance sophistication, and investor confidence building. He ensures that ambition is supported by institutional safeguards, enabling founders to grow without exposing themselves to avoidable risks. At a time when credible investors increasingly demand transparency, discipline, and ethical capital management, his presence serves as a crucial assurance mechanism. For InnovHer, this balance between growth velocity and governance integrity is not optional. It is foundational.

Digvijay Singh: Architecting Digital Presence and Platform Trust

If InnovHer represents vision and institutional maturity, it also stands for lived mentorship and human evolution. Digvijay Singh, Director at InnovHer, represents that journey. Once mentored by InnovHer’s founder, he has grown into a core execution pillar and narrative custodian of the platform.

With a deep understanding of digital media, content ecosystems, and platform storytelling, he strengthens how InnovHer and its portfolio communicate credibility, trust, and relevance in today’s attention-driven digital economy. His work spans brand architecture, digital strategy, founder communication frameworks, narrative discipline, and media design. Beyond strategy, his journey from being a learner to becoming a leader reflects InnovHer’s belief in compounding human capital, not just financial capital.

A Convergence of Experience with One Aligned Mission

What truly distinguishes InnovHer’s leadership is not individual brilliance, but strategic complementarity. Capital markets expertise, governance strength, global venture wisdom, digital strategy, and institutional vision converge into one coherent operating philosophy: build ventures that are execution ready, capital credible, and institutionally governed from day one. With leaders like Onkar Bagaria, Mandar Shrikant Joshi, Anish Maheshwari, and Digvijay Singh rallying behind Dr. Shweta Choudhary’s vision, InnovHer’s momentum has moved beyond being founder driven. It is now institution anchored.

From Jaipur, InnovHer is quietly rewriting what Tier 2 entrepreneurship can represent in India. Not through noise. Not through rushed scaling. But by earning trust, building discipline, and nurturing a culture of seriousness around entrepreneurship. When experience aligns with purpose and integrity, institutions are not built overnight. They are built to endure. InnovHer stands as a testament to that belief.

Truck vehicle with trailers background 

While purchasing provides ownership and long-term cost savings, leasing offers flexibility, fixed expenses, and ready access to newer models. Understanding the financial and operational impacts of each option is essential for any company looking to minimise cost while ensuring business productivity.

Benefits of Leasing vs. Buying Commercial Vehicles in India  
Buying a commercial vehicle entails complete ownership. The company either pays cash for it or takes a loan, after which the commercial vehicle becomes an asset on the firm's balance sheet. Additionally, ownership involves total control over usage, maintenance cycles, and possible alterations to meet business requirements.  

On the other hand, leasing is similar to renting a truck for a specified period, typically 2 to 5 years. The company makes periodic fixed monthly payments, possibly with maintenance and repair services, minimising the threat of unforeseen costs. This model offers operating flexibility and low, fixed costs, which attract companies with less cash flow or economic volatility.

Key Cost Components of Owning a Commercial Vehicle
Purchasing one or more commercial vehicles is a major investment. From financing and insurance to maintenance and depreciation, every aspect contributes to shaping the total cost and profitability of running a fleet. Here are the key cost components: 

• Initial Purchase Price

The initial purchase cost serves as the basis for ownership expenses. It encompasses the total price of the vehicle or down payment when financing with a loan. Although a lower initial price is desirable, one must also consider the vehicle's reliability, effectiveness, and long-term durability. 

A higher-cost but more effective and reliable vehicle can reduce running costs in the long run. The purchase cost also affects other monetary factors, such as depreciation and insurance premiums.

• EMI Payments or Loan Interest

Monthly EMI payments and interest have a substantial impact on total spending for businesses that buy commercial vehicles on finance. The loan period, interest rate, and down payment percentage determine the overall cost incurred above the vehicle's base price. 
For example, a Rs. 10 lakh loan taken at 9% interest for five years incurs an additional interest of around Rs. 2.4 lakh. 

• Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Insurance is not only mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act but also an important financial protection. Commercial vehicle insurance guards against damage, theft, and third-party claims. Premiums vary according to vehicle type, usage, engine power, and coverage type. Opting for an insurance plan provides financial stability and peace of mind in the event of mishaps. 

• Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and repair costs form a major portion of recurring ownership expenses. Regular maintenance, component replacement, and unexpected repairs ensure vehicles are running safely and in optimal condition. 

• Depreciation

Depreciation is the decline in a vehicle's market value over time and is one of the most significant components of TCO calculation. Commercial vehicles in India usually depreciate by 15–20% in the first few years, depending on usage and maintenance, and after five years, the residual value is typically negotiated between the owner and the insurer. 

• Taxes and Permits

All commercial vehicles in India are subject to state-specific taxation and permit regulations. Such taxes and permits include road tax, registration charges, and commercial permits, which differ from state to state. In addition, vehicles are subject to periodic costs such as pollution testing, green tax, and fitness certification after 15 years of service. 

Key Cost Components of Renting or Leasing Commercial Vehicles
Discussed below are the primary cost components associated with leasing or renting commercial vehicles:

• Monthly Lease/Rental Payments

Monthly rental or lease payments constitute the bulk of commercial truck leasing charges. Payments are usually fixed, allowing businesses to better control budgets. However, rates vary depending on vehicle type, lease term, and mileage restrictions. Hence, it is vital to compare prior to agreeing to contracts.

• Insurance under Rental Agreements

Insurance coverage is generally required under most rental or leasing agreements. Based on the policies of the leasing company, you can go for third-party commercial insurance or comprehensive truck insurance.  

The former covers damages to third-party vehicles and property, while comprehensive insurance provides financial security in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your own vehicle, as well as third-party liability. 

Additionally, in some cases, commercial insurance may be bundled into the leasing costs. Thus, it’s crucial to check the components of your lease payments before opting for an agreement. 

• Maintenance and Downtime Costs

Maintenance is frequently included in the leasing company, which lessens the financial burden on companies. However, unplanned downtime or slow repair can still affect productivity and contribute to indirect losses. Having a rental partner with effective maintenance assistance and replacement vehicle facilities can reduce these problems.

• No Depreciation or Market Risk

One of the key financial benefits of leasing or renting commercial vehicles is the lack of depreciation and resale risks. Companies can upgrade or return vehicles at the end of the lease period without concern for asset value decrease or market volatility. This gives way to more agile fleet management and cost predictability.

• Hidden or End-of-Term Costs

Though leasing might seem economical in the beginning, there can be extra costs in the form of excess mileage charges, wear-and-tear charges, or administration fees that raise the overall bill. Careful reading of the lease contract helps avoid any shocks at the time of renewal and enables more effective management of commercial vehicle rental charges.

Cost Comparison: Renting vs Buying Commercial Vehicles

When deciding between buying and renting commercial vehicles, businesses need to weigh financial flexibility against long-term value. The comparison below highlights the key cost factors for both options in simple terms:

From the above discussions, hopefully, you have gotten your answer on the effectiveness of renting vs buying commercial vehicles. Purchase when your trucks operate set routes every day, and you prefer ownership and long-term retention. On the other hand, lease when flexibility, stable monthly expenses, and access to newer fleets are most important. 

Funds Advised by Convergent Finance and Samara Capital to Acquire an Additional 4.99% Stake in Sundrop Brands

In addition, CAG-Tech also has an option to buy another 4.99% stake from DMPL, exercisable after April 1, 2026.

In August 2024, Convergent and Samara jointly acquired a controlling stake in Sundrop by acquiring CAG-Tech. Following this acquisition, Sundrop’s food portfolio was expanded through the purchase of 100.00% of Del Monte Foods Pvt Ltd (‘Del Monte’), a joint venture between Bharti Group and Del Monte, in an all-stock deal of USD 154 million.

Sundrop continues to strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing packaged foods market through a widening product portfolio and expanding national footprint. The company benefits from strong brand equity, a robust pan-India distribution network, and a disciplined strategy focused on quality, innovation, and consumer trust. By increasing their shareholding, Convergent and Samara are further deepening their commitment to Sundrop’s long-term growth.

These attributes position Sundrop to capture the structural shift toward branded, packaged food products as household consumption patterns evolve. With a clear roadmap for operational excellence and category expansion, the company is, in our view, well set up for sustained success and value creation.

Harsha Raghavan, Managing Partner at Convergent Finance, said, “Sundrop is uniquely positioned to benefit from India’s accelerating demand for trusted, high-quality food and beverage brands. By increasing our stake, we are reinforcing our conviction in the leadership, its strategy, and its potential to deliver attractive long-term compounding for all stakeholders.”

Manish Mehta, Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Samara Capital, said, “We are pleased to further back Sundrop in its journey of building enduring household brands. The company’s consumer-centric strategy, deep retail reach, and growing portfolio of scalable categories give us strong confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth over the coming years.”

About Convergent Finance LLP

Convergent Finance LLP is an investment management and advisory partnership at the forefront of bringing together Ideas, Capital, and passionate Entrepreneurs. The Convergent investment process involves identifying proprietary platform and bolt-on opportunities, speed of execution, and a relentless focus on performance improvement. The Convergent value investing approach believes in paying fair and reasonable valuations through bilaterally negotiated transactions.

About Samara Capital

Founded in 2007, Samara Capital is one of India's leading mid-market private equity firms that invests in emerging partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to help businesses achieve their true potential, thereby creating long term value for all stakeholders. Samara's investment strategy believes that focusing on input metrics and culture-building leads to sustainable and scalable business performance. Consumer and Retail is one of the largest focus areas for the firm. Samara has done multiple platform buildouts to create market leaders in sectors such as Consumer and retail, business services and healthcare.

About Sundrop Brands

Sundrop Brands Limited is a public limited company engaged in the business of creating, marketing and distributing innovative, delicious and convenient food solutions. Sundrop is listed both on National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. Widely recognized for its popular brands like ACT II popcorn, Del Monte, and Sundrop edible oils, the company has a vision to deliver joyful food experiences to the modern consumer.

Avtar Celebrates 25 Years in A Memorable Event, Honoring Trail-blazing Second-Career Women & Project Puthri Alumni
 

Avtar’s 25th anniversary celebration was a deeply moving occasion, marked by two special award segments. One segment honored exemplary second-career women who were placed by Avtar years ago in leading companies across industries, and have since gone on to build remarkable careers. The award recipients - Ms. Anju Awal, Ms. Eswari Rao, Ms. Vyapti Trivedi, Ms. Elakkiya Chandrasekaran, and Ms. Sreeja Nair - were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Ms. Bharathy Bhaskar, renowned speaker and independent director. Congratulating the winners, Ms. Bharathy Bhaskar said, “Restarting a career after a break means rebuilding confidence, skills, and credibility, often while managing disproportionate personal responsibilities. You persisted, delivered, and succeeded. And you proved that capability does not disappear during a pause. Your journeys set the bar for what’s possible after a break.”

The second award segment honored outstanding alumni of Project Puthri, Avtar’s flagship CSR initiative and India’s first career-intentionality program for schoolgirls from underprivileged backgrounds. The awards were presented by acclaimed music director Mr. Bharadwaj to Kamalisri J., Sneha K., and Sharon Kiruba N., who are now doing exceedingly well in their corporate careers.

Speaking at the milestone event, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar, said, “When Avtar was founded 25 years ago, the goal was simple – to help more women begin their careers. But over time, this mission has grown into something much bigger, encompassing research, benchmarking, countless partnerships, and the complete redesign of systems to remove bias. Now, we celebrate 25 years of careers rebuilt, lives transformed, and workplaces changed for the better. Today’s award winners – second-career women, alumni of Project Puthri, along with every Avtarite, stand as powerful examples of Avtar’s impact. Congratulations to all the winners! Your resilience truly reflects the spirit of Avtar. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building inclusive workplaces and taking our model to over 25 cities by 2030. This is only the beginning.”

The celebration also honored Avtar’s long-serving employees and top performers. Ms. Geetha Ramamoorthy, MD of KBR India and Chief Guest, presented awards to the tenured team members, saying, “Standing by a mission for 25 years is no small feat. These employees have demonstrated resilience, focus, and determination, driving meaningful change that touches numerous lives and workplaces.” The event also featured celebrated Carnatic vocalist Mr. P. Unnikrishnan and Mr. Balaji Nuthalapadi, Executive Director – Technology & Operations, Equitas Small Finance Bank, as special guests, who recognized the exceptional contributions of Team Avtar.
 

Mr. Karthik Ekambaram, Chief Sales Officer of Avtar, and Mr. Umasanker Kandaswamy, Chief Operating Officer, reflected on Avtar’s impactful journey, highlighting key milestones achieved and challenges overcome. Ms. Priya Dayabaran, Chief of Staff and Head – HR, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding with a hopeful outlook for Avtar’s continued journey ahead.

To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com | www.myavtar.com.

About Avtar
Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.

An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI are India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other under-represented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for under-represented professionals.

A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years

• Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organizations

• Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations

• Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com

• Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs

• Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women.

• Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT).

• Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women.

For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD at Singapore in 2022.

Mr. Khadeer Peer Shariff SS, Chairman, Maverick Investments Limited and Mr. Shaktivel K, Co-Founder & Ceo, Henox IT & Datacenters

Tamil Nadu has been identified as the project location given its established subsea landing ecosystem, predictable power landscape and increasing demand for high-density compute capacity. These factors create a strong foundation for building an integrated infrastructure model that combines connectivity, compute and clean energy.

Khadeer Peer Shariff, Chairman, Maverick Investments Limited, said, “Our focus is on building long-term digital and energy infrastructure with a measured and disciplined investment approach. The approved Rs. 200 crore marks the first step toward a 100 MW renewable-integrated data centre in Tamil Nadu. Our experience in developing essential assets across the region shapes how we sequence the programme and ensure each phase is grounded in governance and operational clarity.”

The project will be executed in phases. Site options have been shortlisted and are undergoing final due diligence. Technical design work, environmental assessments and regulatory submissions are in progress across telecom, maritime and energy domains. Engagements with subsea operators, EPC partners and renewable developers are advancing, and further details will be shared as approvals and agreements reach formal closure.

Shaktivel K, CEO, Henox IT and Data Centers, said, “This programme brings together compute, connectivity and clean energy in a unified design. The data centre is being engineered for high-density AI workloads with operational resilience as a core principle. The cable landing station and planned renewable integration will support predictable and sustainable performance for enterprises.”

The project is expected to generate construction-phase and long-term technical employment. Detailed assessments on jobs, procurement and sustainability outcomes will be shared once regulatory processes conclude and project timelines are formally cleared.

About Project Horizon

Project Horizon is a multi-year programme comprising:

100 MW Green Data Centre: A high-density, AI-ready facility designed with liquid-cooling capability, multi-layer redundancy and renewable energy integration.

Cable Landing Station and Subsea Infrastructure: A new landing point under evaluation with international partners to enhance regional connectivity and throughput.

Renewable Energy Facility: A dedicated solar-based asset intended to supply a significant share of the data centre’s requirements through a structured PPA arrangement.

About Maverick Investments Limited

Maverick Investments Limited is the investment and infrastructure development platform of Siraj Holdings LLC, a UAE-based group with operating interests across industrial manufacturing, technology, financial services, logistics, green energy and property development. The company focuses on building high-impact, long-horizon infrastructure assets in growth markets. Its investment approach emphasises phased capital deployment, transparent governance and disciplined project execution.

About Siraj Holdings LLC

Siraj Holdings LLC, part of the Al Otaiba Group in Abu Dhabi, manages diversified businesses across the Middle East covering manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, technology, real estate and trading. The group’s strategy centres on long-term value creation through sustainable infrastructure development, operational excellence and sector partnerships.

About Henox IT and Data Centers

Henox IT and Data Centers Private Limited develops digital infrastructure with a focus on high-density data centres, cable landing station capabilities and edge connectivity solutions. Headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the company is building facilities designed to support AI and cloud workloads for enterprises, hyperscalers and telecom operators. Incorporated on January 25, 2025, Henox is establishing its presence through a carrier-neutral colocation and edge infrastructure model anchored in GIFT City.

Ronak Shah, EVP and Global Head of Service Delivery, Logic Pursuits

Ronak brings nearly two decades of global leadership experience across consulting, digital engineering, enterprise technology, and operational excellence. He has built and scaled Global Capability Centers (GCCs), launched Centers of Excellence, and led large, multi-region delivery organizations supporting 300+ global enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies. His leadership has consistently enabled organizations to execute complex transformation programs across AI and automation, cloud security, intelligent operations, and enterprise platforms.

Throughout his career, Ronak has held senior leadership roles overseeing multi-geo delivery teams of 100 to 500+ professionals, driving delivery maturity, governance, and measurable business outcomes. He is internationally recognized as a “Pioneer of Automation” and an “Exemplary Leader”, having received multiple industry awards for innovation, execution excellence, and leadership impact.

Strengthening Delivery Excellence Across the United States, India, and LATAM

In his new role, Ronak will lead the evolution of Logic Pursuits’ global service delivery framework, with a focus on execution consistency, client value realization, and scalable growth. He will oversee delivery across the United States, India, and LATAM, while playing a key role in expanding LP’s delivery hubs in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad into strategic centers supporting global clients.

Ronak will also help strengthen delivery capabilities across LP’s core practice areas, including Enterprise Data Platforms, Analytics, AI and Automation, Cloud Engineering, and Customer 360 and CDP solutions, ensuring Logic Pursuits continues to deliver enterprise-grade outcomes with speed and quality.

Executive Perspectives

"I am excited to join Logic Pursuits at a time when the company is rapidly scaling its global presence and delivery capabilities. Logic Pursuits has a strong foundation of innovation, quality, and customer-centricity, and I look forward to working with teams across the United States, India, and LATAM to strengthen our delivery excellence and create meaningful business impact for our clients," - Ronak Shah, EVP and Global Head of Service Delivery, Logic Pursuits.

"Ronak brings an exceptional combination of operational depth, delivery excellence, and global leadership experience. His ability to build scalable delivery organizations and drive enterprise-grade transformation makes him a tremendous addition to Logic Pursuits. We are delighted to welcome him to our Executive Leadership Team and look forward to the leadership strength he brings across our global delivery footprint," - Dheeraj Khandelwal, Ravi Shetty, and Kamlesh Korat, Founders, Logic Pursuits.

About Logic Pursuits

Logic Pursuits (LP) is a global Data and AI consulting services firm specializing in Enterprise Data Strategy, Modern Data Platforms, Advanced Analytics, Customer 360 and CDP Enablement, Digital Engineering, and AI-led Automation. LP partners with enterprises to design and deliver cloud-native, business-centric solutions that unlock measurable business value. With delivery teams across the United States, India, and LATAM, Logic Pursuits helps organizations build future-ready capabilities driven by data, intelligence, and innovation.

Learn more at www.logicpursuits.com.

Leading Realty developer Royal Green Realty Marks 5 Years of Excellence, Reshaping the Indian Real Estate Landscape

Since its inception, Royal Green Realty has successfully focused on developing world-class residential and commercial spaces that prioritize quality, timely delivery, and a resident-centric approach. The company has rapidly expanded its footprint, executing prestigious projects in key strategic locations across the nation, including Gurugram, Bahadurgarh, and Indore.

The celebration is a testament to the strong trust the brand has garnered from its stakeholders. Over the past five years, Royal Green Realty has remained dedicated to creating spaces that foster community living and overall well-being, with numerous families already residing in and appreciating its developments. The company’s vision extends beyond construction, focusing on delivering holistic living and working environments.

Commenting on the milestone, Yashank Wason, Managing Director, Royal Green Realty, said, “Completing five years is both a moment of reflection and a springboard for the future. While milestones are celebrated as numbers, real growth is driven by people. No organization can scale without a strong, committed team, and I sincerely credit our entire workforce for turning our vision into reality. By consistently delivering on our promises, we have earned the invaluable trust of our homebuyers.”

He further added, “As we move forward, we are gearing up to launch new projects across Gurugram, Amritsar, Sonipat, and several other locations across the country. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our growth partners, consultants, advisors, and promoters for their guidance and unconditional support throughout this journey. Our commitment remains absolute-to reshape the Indian real estate sector through ethical practices, superior craftsmanship, and a global outlook.”

Sharing his thoughts, Varun Kumar Makhija, Director, Royal Green Realty, said, “This five-year journey has been deeply personal as well as professional for me. I would like to thank my parents for their constant encouragement and for being the guiding light in every decision I have taken. I also wish to acknowledge the immense sacrifices made by the women in our families no growth, whether personal or organizational, is possible without their unwavering support.”

He further added, “Looking ahead, we have a clear and ambitious roadmap for expansion. Over the next five years, Royal Green Realty aims to significantly scale its presence across multiple cities, strengthen its project portfolio, and set new benchmarks in quality and customer satisfaction. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, strategic market expansion, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

During Founder’s Day celebrations, Royal Green Realty also recognised and felicitated nearly 10 long-standing employees for their exceptional dedication and valuable contributions, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the company’s growth journey since its inception over the past five years.

Royal Green Realty now looks forward to its next phase of growth, with plans to launch multiple landmark developments while continuing to uphold its reputation as a trusted and forward-looking developer committed to crafting distinguished and sustainable living spaces.

From left to right: Pranab Ghosh, Jade Adair, Heidi Akran, Ethiopis Tafara, Phi lipe Flamand, Claudia Conceicao, and Amina El Zayat at the IFC & Candi Solar signing ceremony

The project will deliver clean, affordable solar solutions in South Africa and India, driving down operational costs and advancing sustainability for Candi’s clients. Candi’s portfolio has more than doubled to 220+ MWp in just 18 months, driven by 85 MWp of open-access projects in India and flagship sites including auto components manufacturer Pricol Limited in India, Ngwenya Lodge in South Africa, and the solar plant at Kings Park Stadium HQ, home of The Sharks rugby team. Candi also powers leading corporations such as IFF, Toyota, Pick n Pay, and Suryalakshmi Cotton Mills - proving the strength of its model across manufacturing, retail, and commercial real estate.

• USD 6.5 million from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Platform

• up to USD 42 million equivalent for IFC’s own account (composed of rands, rupees, and US dollars) a portion of which is supported by IFC’s Managed Co-lending Portfolio Program (MCPP).

• A concessional loan of up to USD 10 million (mixed local rands and rupees) from IFC acting in its capacity as the implementing entity of the Climate Investment Funds' Clean Technology Fund.

“This is the largest funding facility we have ever closed,” said Bruno Rauis, Director of Candi Solar. “It propels us into our next phase of growth and strengthens our ambition to be the leading distributed energy partner in India, South Africa, and beyond. IFC’s involvement is catalytic - it builds confidence among global investors and enables us to access larger pools of capital to scale faster in the years ahead.”
 

“This milestone marks an inflection point for Candi Solar in India,” said Nishant Sood, Managing Director of Candi Solar. “It empowers us to scale distributed projects faster, deliver substantial energy savings for our clients, and advance India’s net-zero pathway. IFC’s trust is a strong endorsement of our model — which has placed us among India’s leading distributed solar developers — and reflects the increasing depth and significance of the sector in a rapidly expanding market”

A Gateway for Global Capital

By blending concessional and commercial components, the IFC-led multicurrency facility (including local currency), which will support Candi’s growth across key regions for distributed generation, is structured to absorb early-stage financial, operational, and performance risks while maintaining stringent ESG and governance standards. This financing structure is not just about enabling Candi’s next phase; it is also about mobilising other global capital to an asset class once considered “too risky.”

“This facility is a strong validation of our results-based model and its ability to deliver reliable returns,” said KJ Mahoney, Head of Capital Structuring at Candi Solar. “IFC’s involvement demonstrates that distributed solar can meet the highest standards of performance, governance, and impact, paving the way for global investors to support this sector at scale.”

“At IFC, we see distributed solar as a powerful lever for accelerating energy access and efficiency in emerging markets,” said Claudia Conceicao, IFC Regional Director for Southern Africa. “Our partnership with Candi Solar demonstrates how innovative financing models can unlock private capital at scale - supporting small and medium-sized businesses to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and strengthen operational resilience.”
 

Impact Beyond Megawatts

The facility will directly finance nearly 200 MWp of new projects, with a broader impact on:

• Sustainability - advancing clean energy adoption across key industrial clusters to lower emissions.

• Resilience - strengthening grid stability for businesses and communities facing power volatility.

• Employment & supply chains - creating jobs and building local industrial capacity.

• Affordability - giving companies predictable energy costs and long-term competitiveness.

This round follows Candi’s USD 24 million equity and mezzanine raise earlier this year, laying the foundation for a high double-digit-million Series D in 2026.
 

A Clear Runway to 2026

With this milestone, Candi Solar is preparing for its next growth chapter. By 2026, the company aims to expand its contracted portfolio beyond 400 MWp across India and South Africa, while deepening its performance-linked product suite including storage energy solutions. Candi’s evolution reflects a bigger global story: distributed solar in emerging markets is no longer aspirational - it is proven, investable, and central to the world’s clean energy transition.

About Candi Solar

Candi Solar is a pioneering distributed energy platform that finances, builds, and manages tailored solar solutions for commercial and industrial businesses in India and South Africa. With a contracted portfolio of over 200 MWp, Candi delivers reliable, affordable, and sustainable power while absorbing the technical and performance risks on behalf of its clients.

Since its inception in 2018, the company has raised more than USD 200 million from global investors, blending international capital expertise with deep local execution. Its performance-linked model aligns revenue with actual system output, ensuring long-term accountability and risk transfer. Candi’s mission goes beyond decarbonisation: its projects contribute to job creation, enhanced grid resilience, and access to sustainable infrastructure, positioning the company as a trusted partner in the clean energy transition across emerging markets.

Oriflame highlights its iconic Milk & Honey, IlluSkin, NovAge+ and GG Pearls, along with its signature fragrance, as it marks 30 years in India

Rooted in its Swedish heritage, Oriflame has developed a wide and trusted product portfolio of more than 500 offerings across skincare, wellness, colour cosmetics, haircare, personal care and fragrance, including icons such as its Tender Care balm and Milk and Honey Body Creams. Tender Care, originally one of the brand’s most recognised global products and now also manufactured in India, continues to be a bestseller with one unit sold every fifteen seconds. Every formulation reflects the brand’s focus on safety, performance and responsible ingredient choices, which continue to define its product philosophy in India and globally.

Oriflame’s growth in India has been shaped not only by its products but also by its community. The brand’s network of independent Brand Partners, 80 percent of whom are women, has created meaningful avenues for flexible and self-driven income, contributing to a wider democratization of wealth. This focus on empowerment has remained central to Oriflame’s identity since its arrival in the country.

“Three decades in India have given us a very clear view of the market and how our consumers are evolving,” said Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President and Head of India and Indonesia, Oriflame. “The scale of the market and the diversity of its consumers has pushed us to strengthen our capabilities across science, product development and local operations. Our focus remains practical and consistent & we want to deliver products that meet real consumer needs and continue creating meaningful opportunities for our Brand Partners. As we plan the next phase of our growth, we are engaging more with emerging consumer groups, including Gen Z, whose expectations of flexibility and work-from-anywhere potency are reshaping how opportunity is perceived.”

A significant part of Oriflame’s scientific progress comes from its long-standing research in skin ageing. The brand’s patented bioactivating technology, Oripeptide 3, is the result of close to twenty years of study in cellular health. Recent insights show that Oripeptide 3 works with the skin’s own biology and supports several key markers linked to firmness, clarity and overall skin vitality. This research continues to strengthen the NovAge+ range as one of Oriflame’s most advanced skincare lines.

As the brand moves forward towards its next chapter in India, Oriflame aims to expand its wellness and skincare offerings, build on its scientific capabilities and focus on creating more opportunities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With a significant share of its portfolio produced locally, India continues to be an important and forward-looking market for the brand.

About Oriflame
Oriflame is a leading Swedish holistic well-being brand. Present in over 60 countries, its wide portfolio of Swedish, nature-inspired, innovative beauty, and wellbeing products are marketed through a sales force of approximately 3 million independent brand partners. Respect for people and nature underlies Oriflame’s operating principles and is reflected in its social and environmental policies.

For more information, please visit www.oriflame.com

Employability.life, Federation University, Australia launch Future of Work Lab at Rockwell Business School

The launch marks a significant step toward strengthening application-focused, career-aligned education, enabling students to gain practical exposure alongside academic learning. Through XPro, students will engage in challenge-based learning driven by real industry problem statements, allowing them to build job-ready competencies through immersive work simulations and structured mentorship.

The event was attended by the senior management teams of Federation University Australia and Employability.life and the academic leadership of Rockwell Business School, along with students and their parents, reflecting a strong collective commitment toward experiential and globally aligned education.

Speaking at the inauguration, Paul Oppenheimer, Chief Operating Officer, Federation University Australia, said, “The XPro program represents a powerful shift in how education must prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. This collaboration ensures learners gain exposure to global industry challenges and become ready for their international digital economy careers.”

Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, Raja Dasgupta, CEO, Employability.life, stated, “With the XPro to be conducted at the Future of Work Lab, we are enabling students to learn by doing through live challenges inspired by industry. Our partnership with Rockwell Business School reflects our mission to make education deeply accessible and outcome-driven through work simulated learning for the leaners to be ready for future of work.”

Mr. Sai Kishore Vallam, Director, Rockwell Business School stated, “Through this collaboration, Rockwell Business School students will benefit from immersive learning experiences, industry-designed challenges, work simulations, and professional mentoring, ensuring they graduate with practical exposure, confidence, and career readiness aligned with emerging global roles.”

The leadership of Rockwell Business School reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academia–industry linkages and preparing students for dynamic career pathways in both Indian and international markets.

About Employability.life

Employability.life a wholly owned subsidiary of Federation University Australia is committed to shaping the future of work through innovative work-simulated learning models, global academic gateways and industry collaborations. As a subsidiary of Federation University Australia, it integrates academic excellence with workforce-aligned, real-world education solutions.

Stay safe, stay compliant. DUVerify helps families, landlords, and brokers complete tenant and domestic staff verification online in minutes

Recent cases reported by major city police departments show that lapses in tenant documentation and unverified stays are becoming common. Similar concerns exist for households hiring domestic staff where identity details and background information are often unavailable or incomplete. This reality has encouraged families, landlords, brokers, and Resident Welfare Associations to adopt structured verification processes.

Why tenant verification has become a priority

Tenant verification offers a clear and responsible way for landlords to understand who is moving into their property. Police authorities in several Indian cities now encourage landlords to provide tenant details for record purposes. This process protects communities from potential risks and helps property owners avoid legal difficulties that arise when tenant information is incomplete.

A proper tenant verification typically includes identity validation, address confirmation, and available background screening. These checks provide landlords with essential clarity before finalizing agreements. Tenant verification also reduces the chances of unauthorized occupancy, identity mismatch, and disputes with neighbors or building associations. As rental markets expand around commercial hubs, universities, and transit corridors, property owners are recognizing the value of a structured and transparent verification process.

Why domestic help verification is essential for Indian households

Indian families depend on domestic staff for support in daily routines. Maids, nannies, cooks, drivers, and caregivers enter private spaces, interact closely with family members, and often work in homes for extended periods. Families therefore prefer to ensure that the identity and background of new domestic staff are verified before they begin their duties.

Domestic help verification involves checking identity documents, residential details, and available background information. This gives families peace of mind and helps them create a respectful and safe working environment. It also supports clarity during emergency checks or police documentation requirements in some cities. As more nuclear families and working parents depend on domestic support, the need for reliable verification has grown significantly.

How DuVerify supports safer homes and responsible property management

To make verification accessible, DuVerify offers a digital solution that allows households, landlords, and brokers to complete essential checks without visiting multiple offices or handling complicated paperwork. The platform simplifies identity verification, address validation, and background screening through a secure online process.

Users can upload the required information digitally and receive a clear verification report that is easy to understand and share. DuVerify helps people complete checks quickly, which is particularly helpful during tenant onboarding, staff hiring, or PG admissions where time is limited.

The service is designed for:

• Landlords and individual property owners

• Real estate brokers and channel partners

• Housing societies and RWAs

• Families hiring domestic staff

• PG and hostel operators

“DuVerify supports the wider effort to improve safety and trust within residential communities. As more people move between cities for education, work, and caregiving roles, digital verification provides an important tool for responsible home and property management,” said Manoj Dharmani, Group CEO, DU Global.

A growing national shift

India is witnessing a steady shift towards responsible verification practices. Families want safety. Landlords want compliance. Brokers want transparency. Community bodies want reassurance. Police departments encourage structured documentation. Digital verification brings all these needs together in a way that is efficient, accessible, and easy to adopt.

More information on tenant and domestic help verification is available at:
www.dudigitalglobal.com/tenant-and-domestic-help-verification

About DU Global:

DU Global is a trusted bridge between people, governments, and opportunities worldwide. From visa facilitation and biometric enrollment to workforce recruitment and verification, we simplify the way citizens, businesses, and nations connect. With a footprint across 6 countries and a strong technology backbone, DU Global delivers secure, seamless, and customer-centric solutions that enhance mobility and trust.

Under the theme “Empowering Emerging Voices,” this year’s event highlighted WTCA's rising leaders and the experienced voices who guide, mentor and empower international trade collaboration. Sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops offered actionable tools for navigating a changing international landscape, reflecting WTCA's commitment to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition.

Highlights from this year’s Member Forum included a "Mentor-Mentee Match Up" session, where experienced leaders shared their insights and expertise with emerging voices within the network, as well as "The State of Global Trade and Investment" with Michael Blanga-Gubbay, Research Economist, World Trade Organization (WTO); "Networking with a Purpose" with Melinda Emerson, President, SmallBizLady Enterprises; “Digital Literacy for Trade Pros: Smart Tools, Big Impact” with Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, GreenPepper AI; and "Cross-Cultural Communication in a Global Network" with Tamir Maharaj, Trade Advisor, WTC Winnipeg.  

"Our members’ dedication and collaboration in navigating rapidly shifting trade times has been remarkable. The energy and support that they offer one another demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our network. It is inspiring to see how WTCA continues to evolve and help members succeed in an ever-shifting global trade landscape," said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. “At its core, WTCA’s mission is to empower WTC locations with the tools and connections they need to support the businesses they serve. By strengthening our members, we strengthen the businesses and communities navigating today’s complex geopolitical and trade realities, ultimately fulfilling our purpose of ‘Connecting Businesses, Globally,’ for shared growth and resilience.”

This year’s Forum also introduced the WTCA Visionary Awards, recognizing the groundbreaking projects of WTC businesses and their affiliated companies. This prestigious program highlights innovation, impact, and leadership within the WTCA network, providing businesses an opportunity to gain recognition and elevate their profile on a global stage. Through the Visionary Awards, WTC businesses and their affiliates can showcase their achievements and strengthen their presence within the international WTCA community.

"The 2025 Member Forum provided a valuable space for members to learn, share insights and discuss global trade trends," said Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. "We have already heard that participants gained actionable takeaways from sessions on cross-cultural collaboration. We look forward to continuing these productive, transcontinental conversations at the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia."

The 2025 WTCA Member Forum marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), which will be hosted April 19-22, 2026, in the United States by WTC Greater Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“As we look toward the 2026 WTCA GBF, our focus is on honoring our shared traditions while advancing the innovation and collaboration that define the WTCA network today. Philadelphia is proud to host and invite our global partners to join us as we highlight the leadership, ideas and connections shaping the future of international business,” said Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia.

For more information about the 2026 WTCA Global Business Forum, please click here. 

L-R: Subha Barry, President, Seramount; Pooja, Director – HR, P&G; Dr Tamizhachi Thangapandian, MP; Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group

BOB 2025 stood as a milestone moment – it commemorated the tenth anniversary of BCWI which was launched in 2016. Across its revolutionary ten-year journey, Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in India’(BCWI) has guided over 400 organizations in embedding inclusive policies, serving as a compelling tool in shifting mindsets and steadily elevating the benchmark for workplace inclusion nationwide. Breaking new ground, women’s representation in leadership among the Best Companies rose to 20% for the first time, with overall female workforce participation steady at 36%, up from 25% in 2016.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group said, “Twenty-five years ago, Avtar set out to make inclusion a reality in Indian workplaces. Ten years ago, BCWI became our way to measure that change, to see how intent turns into impact. Today, as we celebrate its tenth edition, we see not just statistics but stories of women who found opportunity, of leaders who chose empathy, and of organizations that turned intent into action.”

The Male Ally Legacy Award (MALA), which celebrates male leaders who have led efforts to transform workplace attitudes and foster inclusion for women, was presented to Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, Intercontinental Hotels Group. The choice of jury awards were bagged by COO & EVP, Financial Services SBU, Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd and Mr Mohit Sood, Regional Managing Principal, ZS.

Centered on the theme Unbox Inclusion, BOB 2025 explored topics such as lighthouse leadership, innovative inclusion practices, organizational vitality, and redefining leadership through a new understanding of power.

Speaking about the event and its theme, Dr Saundarya said, “As the world of work continues to evolve, with AI reshaping work, hybrid teams becoming the norm, multiple generations working side by side, and global challenges like climate change affecting us all, inclusion needs a new lens. Unbox Inclusion is about doing just that: breaking open old ideas and seeing inclusion as something that lives in our everyday actions, choices, and conversations. The future belongs to workplaces that unbox new ways of thinking and make inclusion a daily habit. And male allyship is a powerful example of how inclusion can become part of our everyday actions. The Male Ally Legacy Award and benchmarking initiatives like Best Companies for Women in India, MICI and Best Companies for ESG help organizations translate intent into real impact.”

Addressing the value of workplace inclusion, the Chief Guest at the event on Day 1, Ms. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, poet, orator and Member of Parliament for the Chennai South, said, “Best of Best Conference is an inspiring community of changemakers who have gathered together to create a community of care. Avtar and Seramount’s Best Companies for women in India study marks a platform that records the evolution of companies and their pursuit of gender inclusion. The onus is on these frontrunner companies in empowering generations of women and reassuring them their careers and worlds do not end at the altar of motherhood or other life stage events. Tamilnadu has a strong legacy of delivering social justice and advancement of women is a key priority for the state. Driven by the able leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K.Stalin, the Dravidian model government has made phenomenal strides in women empowerment through welfare schemes such as Pudhumai Pen, Vidiyal Payanam and Kalagniar Urimai Thogai. Under the purview of the changemakers - both government and organizations, is to focus on true inclusion, and empower historically marginalized groups - LGBTQIA+, PwD, socially marginalised et al. True inclusion means building together, leading together and winning together. BOB 2025 provides this platform for recommitting to the cause of inclusion. Let us remember, when women rise, workplaces thrive and when workplaces thrive the future does not just become human, but humane!”

Ms Aruna Sairam, celebrated Carnatic musician, who was the Chief Guest on Day 2 of BOB 25, noted, “It is so easy to let go off things that are important for you. But staying course with relentless focus is what gets you ahead. Just like it takes 25 years to master new ragas in music, Avtar in its life of 25 years has beautifully brought to life the music of inclusion. I take this opportunity to congratulate Avtar and not giving up on their vision, their dream.

Life is not about you but about everyone else - these frontrunner organizations understand this philosophy and ensure they deliver their inclusive commitment, emphatically. It is wonderful to be part of BOB 2025, celebrating each of you, who empower each other.”

For the complete list of winners of all benchmarking studies, visit: www.avtarinc.com/enrich/best-companies-for-women-in-india-bcwi

About Avtar

Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.

An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI are India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other under-represented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for under-represented professionals.

A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years:

• Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organizations

• Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations

• Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com

• Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs

• Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women.

• Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT).

• Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women.

For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Strait Times & INSEAD at Singapore in 2022. To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com | www.myavtar.com.

About Seramount

Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Over four decades, we've established a strong, data-driven understanding of the employee experience, which lays the groundwork for everything we do. Seramount partners with over 450 of the world’s most influential companies, large and small, to offer pragmatic solutions including best practice DEI research, workplace assessment, employee learning and development, and talent sourcing.

These offerings empower companies to navigate a dynamic corporate environment and to cultivate a resilient, connected workforce that achieves extraordinary outcomes.

Learn more at www.seramount.com.

Mitul Mehta, Co-Founder- National Finance Olympiad

The roots of the gap!

Educational, Physical, Infrastructural and Time-related Barriers 

When it comes to financial literacy, understanding the fundamentals remains one of the biggest challenges for women in India. Why? Many struggle with basic mathematical concepts due to gaps in foundational education, which makes informed financial decision-making difficult. This, in turn, affects their ability to save, invest and ensure their families’ financial well-being. Women without a college education may find it particularly hard to grasp core financial principles, including evaluating risk and reward, calculating compound interest, accounting for inflation and building a diversified portfolio. Adding to this, the financial world often feels exclusionary, filled with complex jargon that can be inaccessible, especially for those with limited prior exposure or English proficiency.

In rural and economically disadvantaged areas, the challenges are even greater. For many women, even basic literacy and numeracy are not guaranteed. In such contexts, financial education often takes a backseat to more immediate needs. The absence of trained educators, relatable role models, and community programs further adds to the problem. Additionally, the cost of courses can limit participation, particularly for women with tight budgets.

Physical and logistical barriers add another layer of difficulty. Travelling to financial literacy programs can be challenging due to unsafe, unreliable or expensive transport. Poor infrastructure, a lack of dedicated centres and limited internet connectivity further restrict opportunities to learn, whether in-person or online.

Time constraints also play a critical role. Women balancing work, household responsibilities and caregiving rarely have uninterrupted hours to focus on financial learning. For many, sheer exhaustion pushes it to the bottom of their priorities – not from lack of interest, but out of necessity.

In contrast, men are often encouraged towards early financial learning. From a young age, boys are more likely to be included in household money discussions, encouraged to manage allowances and given access to financial tools. They also tend to have better access to institutions, digital platforms, and educational resources, and face fewer time constraints due to traditional gender roles. These factors provide them with confidence and practical experience in managing money, contributing to the persistent gender gap in financial literacy.

Cultural Conditioning and Psychological Barriers
Cultural stereotypes have long shaped who makes financial decisions in Indian households. Traditional gender roles often assign men the responsibility of managing money, investments, and assets, while women are expected to focus on caregiving and domestic responsibilities.

This exclusion keeps women from participating in discussions about budgeting, planning or household expenses. Without these opportunities, they miss crucial hands-on experience, which is essential for building competence and confidence in managing money.

Over time, these cultural barriers feed directly into psychological doubts. Years of being excluded from financial decision-making erode self-confidence, leaving women hesitant to engage with money matters independently.

As said earlier, the mental load of balancing multiple roles – as mothers, homemakers, workers, and caregivers – further leaves little cognitive or emotional bandwidth for exploring financial concepts. And then comes the fear of making mistakes, which, when combined with financial validation, proves to be one of the major interrupters of financial education.

This cycle – where cultural conditioning leads to limited exposure, thereby fostering psychological barriers – creates a self-reinforcing pattern. Women, over time, perceive finance as complex or ‘not for them,’ and even when resources or educational opportunities are presented, they may feel unprepared to seize them.

The real reason why equal access to education is needed!
Providing female folks with equal access to financial education is not just a matter of fairness – it is essential for economic growth, social development and long-term resilience. Financially literate women are better equipped to manage household budgets, make informed investment decisions and navigate major life transitions such as marriage, parenthood or retirement. 

The benefits of empowering women through financial literacy, however, extend far beyond individual households. When women are financially educated, they can participate actively in the economy, drive local development, and make decisions that positively impact their communities.

Evidence underscores the scale of this impact: a 2024 World Bank report shows that countries with higher female education levels experience stronger GDP growth, lower income inequality and greater resilience to economic shocks. In India, McKinsey & Company estimates that closing the gender gap in digital finance could add $700 billion to GDP by 2025.

Moreover, OECD data indicate that financially educated and empowered women contribute to reduced domestic violence and improved child welfare, highlighting the profound social as well as economic dividends of inclusion.

Breaking the cycle!
Education and awareness can become the most invaluable tools in breaking the cycle of financial illiteracy. Teaching financial matters from an early age, for instance, will equip women with the necessary skills to budget, save, invest and manage money confidently throughout their lives

Integrating these concepts into schools and extracurricular programs will further act as a fail-safe plan that provides lifelong women's empowerment. It helps prepare future generations to contribute meaningfully to household and community finances.

Needless to say, technology can amplify this impact. Web-based or mobile-based applications that offer financial coaching and interactive workshops will make learning engaging and accessible. Volunteering programs, where young adults teach financial basics in rural schools, undoubtedly create a ripple effect – empowering children and inspiring families.

Equally important is building inclusive spaces that welcome women without any pre-conceived gender biases – think online forums, local meetups and networking events – where women can share experiences, learn collectively and find support. Language definitely plays an important role in all of this – communication that acknowledges female diversity ensures every woman feels represented and encouraged to participate.

Most importantly, raising financial awareness among women through targeted outreach can break the age-old stigma and promote a culture of proactive financial management. Above all, it must be realised from the core of the heart: financial literacy is not a choice but a requirement in today’s world, especially for all those who desire personal independence, empowerment and a more equitable society.

Bajaj Group's Tribute to Founder Shri Jamnalal Bajaj on his 136th Birth Anniversary

The short film, titled “The Spirit of Self-Reliant India,” traces the remarkable journey of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj from his humble beginnings in Kashi Ka Baas village of Sikar, Rajasthan, to his transformative meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, and his lifelong commitment to India’s freedom, Swadeshi, Khadi, and nation-building.
 

“Shri Jamnalal Bajaj was not just a successful industrialist - he was a visionary patriot who lived for the country’s progress and self-reliance,” said Shri Kushagra Bajaj, the great grandson of Late Shri Jamnalal Bajaj.

“As we remember him today, we rededicate ourselves to the same values of integrity, innovation and service that he stood for. His ideals continue to inspire every generation of the Bajaj family and businesses.”
 

The tribute video highlights key milestones from his extraordinary life

• His adoption by Seth Bachhraj of Wardha, Maharashtra which set him on the path of trade and entrepreneurship.

• His close association with Mahatma Gandhi, who affectionately called him “his fifth son.”

• His leadership in promoting Khadi, Swadeshi, and equality, including the historic moment when he opened the doors of the Laxminarayan Temple in Wardha to the untouchables first time in India.

• His establishment of first Indian-owned full-fledged sugar mill at Gola Gokarannath, Uttar Pradesh in 1931, a milestone that laid the foundation for India’s modern sugar industry and embodied the essence of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

• His donation of land in Wardha for Sevagram Ashram, where Gandhiji lived from 1936-1948, became a nucleus of India’s freedom movement.
  .

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shishir Bajaj remarked, “My Grandfather Jamnalal ji’s life was his message, simple living, fearless service and unwavering faith in India’s potential. His contribution to industry, equality, and nation-building continues to inspire our collective vision at the Bajaj Group.”
 

The video closes with a powerful reminder that true freedom begins with self-reliance and service to others, a principle that continues to guide every Bajaj enterprise today.
 

Shri Jamnalal Bajaj’s enduring values of truth, simplicity, compassion, and nationalism remain at the heart of the Bajaj Group’s philosophy, a legacy that spans nearly a century of service to India through industries, institutions and philanthropy.
 

Watch the commemorative film here: www.youtube.com/shorts/pb-J_zy78pY
 

About Bajaj Group
Founded by Shri Jamnalal Bajaj in 1926, the Bajaj Group is among India’s oldest and most respected conglomerates, with interests in sugar, energy, FMCG, philanthropy and more. Rooted in Gandhian ideals and driven by a commitment to nation-building, the Group continues to uphold its founder’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat through innovation, ethical leadership, and community development.

• 5TB Lifetime Cloud Storage: Securely store, sync, and share all digital content, from personal memories to business files, in a highly reliable Swiss cloud infrastructure.

• pCloud Encryption: pCloud's zero-knowledge encryption ensures that only the file owner can access private data, keeping sensitive information safe from unauthorized access.

• pCloud Pass Premium: An end-to-end encrypted password manager that simplifies and secures login credentials across devices.

By combining these three solutions, pCloud provides a seamless and sustainable approach to digital life management — where privacy, control, and accessibility coexist.

10TB Lifetime Plan — Record-Breaking Value for Massive Storage Needs
For the first time, pCloud introduces its 10TB Lifetime Plan at just $799 (originally $1,890) — the lowest price in the company's history. The plan caters to professionals, photographers, families, and digital creators who require extensive and permanent storage space.

With lifetime access, customers avoid recurring subscription costs while enjoying the peace of mind that their data remains secure, backed by Swiss data protection laws and European Union privacy standards.

Strengthening pCloud's Presence in Asia
pCloud's 11.11 campaign reflects its growing commitment to the Asian market. The company has seen consistent growth in user adoption across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, regions known for their high digital literacy and emphasis on privacy.

pCloud's offerings align with these markets' needs — providing users with cost-effective, transparent, and secure storage solutions without hidden fees or long-term contracts.

pCloud

Founded in Switzerland, pCloud is one of the world's leading cloud storage and file management platforms, offering secure, easy-to-use solutions for individuals and businesses. With features such as lifetime plans, zero-knowledge encryption, and password management, pCloud is redefining how users store, protect, and access their data.

The company operates under strict Swiss and EU data protection standards, ensuring that all stored files remain private and secure. pCloud continues to innovate in cloud technology, delivering reliable, transparent, and privacy-focused solutions to more than 22 million users globally.

“With data residency and performance increasingly critical for businesses in India and nearby markets, this new Azure India region gives IT teams the control and flexibility they need to deliver fast, reliable digital experiences for employees,” said Dan Salinas, Chief Operating Officer, Lakeside Software. “It also reflects our commitment to supporting IT teams globally while enabling organizations to scale efficiently and cost-effectively.”

This expansion enables organizations to optimize for latency and locality, while scaling SysTrack to support even the most complex enterprise environments. According to research from Zoho, 71% of Indian workers demonstrate advanced digital maturity—exceeding the global average of 61%. This underscores the importance of delivering exceptional digital employee experiences to enhance productivity and minimize digital friction.

The Azure India region is now live and available to all SysTrack Cloud customers. Organizations can immediately begin deploying environments in the new region, ensuring compliance with regional data requirements and delivering faster, more reliable digital experiences across India and beyond.

Strategic Lakeside partners shared their perspectives on the expansion:

Kyndryl
“Proactive digital workplace services and meaningful agentic AI for IT depend on high-fidelity employee insights,” said Dennis Perpetua, ODWS Connected Experience DE, Kyndryl. “By bringing SysTrack closer to Indian enterprise users on Azure, customers gain speed, locality, and the confidence to scale DEX initiatives without compromise.”

Lenovo
“Lakeside bringing SysTrack Cloud to Azure India aligns perfectly with how Lenovo DWS delivers managed workplace outcomes at scale,” said Saurabh Sharma, Executive Director of Offering Development, Lenovo. “Our customers get in-country data residency, lower latency, and faster issue isolation—measurable improvements in employee experience without adding cost or complexity."

SPNX
“Bringing SysTrack Cloud to Azure India is exactly what our enterprise clients have been asking for—local data residency, lower latency, and the ability to scale AI-driven DEX without compromise,” said Amit Kumar, Chief Evangelist, SPNX Consulting. “With India’s strong push toward digital transformation under the Digital India mission and the evolving data protection framework, this milestone couldn’t be more timely. Our customers can now keep telemetry in-country, troubleshoot faster, and deliver a measurably better digital workplace. Together with Lakeside, SPNX is accelerating the digital experience management journey for Indian enterprises—powering innovation, compliance, and growth at scale with our Lakeside partnership for the India geo.”

About Lakeside Software
Lakeside Software is ushering in a new era of proactive IT with SysTrack, the industry’s most powerful AI-driven Digital Employee Experience (DEX) platform. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide, Lakeside SysTrack dramatically reduces IT costs, prevents system failures before they occur, and drives strategic decision-making through unparalleled visibility. Learn how you can save 20% on annual IT costs per employee at lakesidesoftware.com.

Ashwin Nair, Second-Year MBA student, HR Intern at Sobha Realty

Students from the program have gone on to work with leading organizations such as DP World, Jumeirah Group, Godrej Properties, Dabur, Sobha Realty, Urban Company, CAFU, Fragomen, Keeta, Tauris, Copeland, Gargash, Spark AI, and Matrix PR, among others - reflecting the program’s strong industry relevance and global employability focus. Many have already transitioned from internships into full-time employment offers, reflecting how the program turns academic insight into professional impact. 

"Working at DP World as a Group Finance Intern has been an incredible learning experience, and my time at Symbiosis Dubai prepared me to make the most of it. The practical knowledge and skills I gained in class allowed me to contribute confidently from day one. Engaging with global leaders and connecting with the alumni network gave me the perspective and confidence to take on challenges fearlessly and turn every opportunity into real impact,” Rohit Rajan, Second-Year MBA student, Group Finance Intern at DP World.

"When I first arrived in Dubai, I was a clean slate; everything felt new and different from India. Symbiosis Dubai became the platform that shaped my journey. Through the university, I secured an HR internship with Sobha Realty - a role typically reserved for experienced professionals. It was the perfect blend of academic learning and real-world exposure. The practical guidance at Symbiosis helped me contribute meaningfully from day one, and my time at Sobha gave me a front-row view of how people and culture drive the city’s most ambitious organizations,” Ashwin Nair, Second-Year MBA student, HR Intern at Sobha Realty.

"Achieving such success in our very first year of the MBA program speaks volumes about the quality of our students and the strength of our academic-industry partnerships,” said Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai. “Our learners don’t just study management - they live it. The program is designed to help professionals apply what they learn in real-time, creating a seamless bridge between the classroom and career. Many of our students continue to work alongside their studies, so there's no transition gap - they grow as they learn, and learn as they grow.”

Reflecting Dubai's entrepreneurial spirit, students are not only finding success in organizations but also creating their own. Two members of the MBA Class of 2025 have launched a boutique marketing and design agency, leveraging their classroom insights to create a live business venture, an example of how the program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and the courage to lead from the front.

As Dubai continues to evolve into a global capital of innovation, Symbiosis Dubai’s MBA students are learning to evolve with it. The program integrates the realities of today’s fast-changing business landscape - where data, technology, and AI are reshaping every decision. Through initiatives such as the Symbiosis Centre for Applied AI, students gain first-hand exposure to the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and business strategy.

From working on AI-led case studies to mastering data-driven decision-making, students learn how technology can amplify human intelligence, a mindset that resonates with Dubai’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National AI Strategy. The result: graduates who are as comfortable leading teams as they are leading change.

With its future-ready curriculum, global faculty, and strong academic-industry integration, Symbiosis Dubai’s MBA program has rapidly positioned itself among the UAE’s most dynamic management programs, preparing graduates to thrive in an AI-powered, innovation-driven world.

From left to right: Mr. Bimal, CEO, STT GDC India; Mr. Fadnavis, Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra; Mr. Bruno, President and Group CEO, STT GDC; and Mr. Lalit, COO, STT GDC India

The signing ceremony took place in Mumbai, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, senior state officials, and leadership teams from STT GDC in attendance. 

Under the MoU, STT GDC India will invest up to an additional INR 5,000 crore (S$735 million) to expand its major data centre parks in Mumbai and Pune. This includes the development of a new, large-scale campus in Palava, spanning over 27 acres and purpose-built for AI and high-density computing. These investments are expected to create over 500 highly skilled jobs and approximately 2,000 indirect employment opportunities, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth. 

 “We are honoured to work with the Government of Maharashtra and deepen our presence in this vibrant state,” Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, said. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation and positioning Maharashtra as a preferred destination for global technology infrastructure.” 

Bimal Khandelwal, Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres India, added, “Through our planned investments, we aim to build scalable, sustainable and AI-ready data centre campuses featuring advanced liquid cooling technologies- that will help build a robust digital backbone for hyperscale clients, enterprises and communities in Maharashtra. Our teams remain focused on responsible growth, guided by principles of ESG, safety, ethics and inclusion.”

On this occasion, Mr. Devender Fernandes, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Maharashtra said, “STT GDC India’s investment marks a major milestone in advancing the State’s digital ambitions. This collaboration brings us closer to our vision of establishing Maharashtra as India’s digital and innovation powerhouse. The government will extend full support to ensure the timely execution of these projects and foster opportunities for skilled talent and ancillary industries across the State.”

STT GDC India’s expansion in Maharashtra reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening India’s digital infrastructure. These landmark projects will support next-generation technologies and drive innovation and growth for enterprises and communities in the digital age. 

About STT GDC India 
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (India), a leading co-location data centre services provider in India, is a majority-owned subsidiary of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. The company has been at the forefront of the Indian colocation market for more than two decades with an impeccable record in the design, build and operations of data centres. It currently manages one of the largest white space areas, with more than 400MW of critical IT load spread across 30 facilities including facilities under development, across 10 cities in India.  The company has a well-diversified portfolio of customers, including many Fortune 500 companies. Its mission-critical solutions comprise best-in-class offerings, delivering industry-leading quality of services and uptime to its customers.  ​

The company is committed to achieving carbon neutral data centre operations by 2030 and emphasises responsible growth by focusing on ESG, safety, ethics, integrity and inclusion. ​

Rishabh Shekhar, Co-founder and COO of Pepper & Anirudh Singla, Co-founder and CEO of Pepper

The rebranding introduces a refreshed visual identity featuring a new logo, colour palette, and tagline, along with expanded services designed to empower creators, marketers, and brands to scale storytelling with intelligence and impact.

Anirudh Singla, co-founder and CEO of Pepper, said, “The marketing landscape has outgrown traditional agency systems. Pepper is building an AI-native model where creativity and technology work seamlessly to drive business outcomes at scale. Accenture has consultants. WPP has networks. Pepper has AI-native teams that ship faster. Where holding companies add cost, Pepper adds scale.”

The new structure positions Pepper as a next-generation alternative to legacy agency networks and consultancies. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Pepper integrates proprietary technology, AI-driven workflows, and productized marketing services to deliver speed, precision, and measurable growth.

Over the past three years, Pepper has grown more than 300% across North America and India, helping global brands such as Unilever, ITC, Amazon, HSBC Bank, and Mutual of Omaha accelerate organic and performance growth. Today, Pepper operates with teams across India, North America, and the Middle East, servicing clients in more than 15 countries. Its proprietary platform combines elite freelance talent with custom-built AI agents to create hybrid “super teams” that execute faster and outperform traditional models.

Rishabh Shekhar, co-founder and COO of Pepper, said, “Pepper is defining a new category in marketing services. CMOs today need systems that combine top creative talent with AI agents to achieve speed, efficiency, and performance that go far beyond traditional setups.”

Pepper was born AI-first, built as a unified platform that connects strategy, creation, and distribution into one intelligent ecosystem. The result is faster execution, measurable outcomes, and dramatically improved marketing efficiency.

To serve the evolving needs of global marketers, Pepper is introducing four flagship offerings. Pepper Content scales high-impact content across every stage of the customer journey, while Pepper SEO maximizes brand discoverability across search and emerging AI interfaces such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and AI Overviews. Pepper Creative integrates AI into every step of the creative process, enabling personalization, amplification, and bold ideas at a fraction of the traditional cost. Pepper AI builds custom enterprise AI agents that automate workflows and multiply team productivity, giving marketing leaders a decisive advantage in the AI age.

As Pepper expands across global markets, the company aims to set new standards for creativity, agility, and technology in marketing. Its vision is to make AI-native marketing the new industry default, empowering businesses to move faster and achieve more in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Marketing leaders seeking to modernize their marketing systems can request a complimentary strategy consultation at peppercontent.io.

Indian developers reclaiming time due to AI-assisted coding

This first edition features insights from 1,129 senior developers and 50 project managers across 63 countries and 100+ industries, including 143 participants from India.

Indian Developers Race Ahead on AI Adoption and Upskilling

• Indian developers using AI tools for coding save 10 hours per week, reclaiming over a full workday per week, 2.7 hours above the global average.

• 72% of Indian developers worry about falling behind on AI skills.

• On average, they are spending 5 hours per week on AI upskilling, 1 hour above the global average.

• YouTube tutorials (56%) and on-the-job learning (56%) are the most popular ways for Indian developers to learn AI.

“Developers are embracing AI. They’re boosting productivity, learning faster, and discovering greater purpose as they shift to high-value problem-solving. However, the survey also reveals a critical gap: while developers race ahead, many companies are lagging behind. It is time for businesses to invest in upskilling and AI integration to avoid being left out of the next wave of innovation,” said Nacho De Marco, CEO and Co-Founder of BairesDev. “The Dev Barometer gives us an unfiltered look at how tech professionals are shaping and perceiving the evolving tech landscape. We hope these real-time insights will help businesses navigate this shift with confidence.”

Informal Learning Drives AI Skill Growth

Most Indian developers are taking a self-driven route to stay ahead. Only 14% participate in formal training or certification, while 11% join vendor-led bootcamps. Nearly half (48%) aim to upskill in AI and machine learning in the next quarter, more than twice the share prioritizing DevOps and Cloud (22%).

AI Improves Code Quality and Job Satisfaction

• 43% of Indian developers say over a quarter of their code is now written with AI assistance.

• 92% agree AI tools have improved their work, mainly by enabling faster coding (67%), better code quality (43%), and higher productivity (38%).

• 81% say AI makes their work more fulfilling.

• 88% believe AI is unlocking new career paths through automation, faster progression, and new AI-agent-based workflows.

Businesses Still Catching Up

Despite high individual adoption, enterprise integration remains limited. Globally, according to project managers:

• 64% of AI projects are still in exploratory phases.

• Only 3% have AI fully integrated into delivery pipelines.

• Data privacy (62%), unclear client policies (52%), and legacy systems (50%) are the top barriers to wider AI adoption cited by Indian developers.

• Globally, project managers also cite unclear ROI (38%) and resource constraints (36%).

Access the full report here or contact press@bairesdev.com

About the Dev Barometer Survey

The survey was conducted in July 2025 among 1,129 developers, 56% of whom had 8+ years of experience, and 50 project managers working across 125 projects. India was the country with the second-highest participation in the Dev Barometer survey, with 143 developer respondents.

About BairesDev

BairesDev is an award-winning nearshore software development company trusted by 500+ clients, including Google, Pinterest, Adobe, J&J, and more. Access 4,000 senior software engineers, experienced in 100+ technologies and programming languages. Choose from three flexible engagement models: staff augmentation, software development teams, and end-to-end software outsourcing.

By bringing ANRK into its fold, Baker Tilly ASA India is enabling Pune-based companies to access a much wider spectrum of services from advisory and assurance to tax and business solutions, backed by its national scale and global reach.

“India’s growth story needs strong Indian firms that can partner with businesses at scale,” said Ajay Sethi, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly ASA India LLP. “Pune is a vibrant hub for innovation, industry, and entrepreneurship. With our expansion here, clients can tap into the full strength of Baker Tilly ASA India local expertise powered by national scale and global reach.”

With ANRK’s deep local relationships now integrated into the Baker Tilly ASA India platform, Pune’s dynamic business community will benefit from seamless access to broader capabilities, sectoral expertise, and global best practices without losing the personalized trust and continuity they value.

This milestone marks another step in Baker Tilly ASA India’s journey to be a Made in India success story, built on People, Passion, and Performance and dedicated to empowering businesses for tomorrow.

IIFL Capital presents JITO Connect 2025 in Hyderabad, a 3-day conclave celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation & legacy building

A Platform for Growth and Legacy
With its philosophy of “transforming wealth into legacy,” IIFL Capital brings its expertise in wealth creation, financial insights, and investment opportunities to JITO Connect 2025. As a firm managing $30 billion in assets under advice, management, and custody, IIFL Capital will engage participants through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and thought leadership around capital markets, innovation, and the future of wealth.

Commenting on the partnership Shri. Mr. R Venkataraman, Managing Director at IIFL Capital said, “JITO Connect has grown into one of the most impactful platforms for our community of entrepreneurs and investors and beyond—bringing together leaders, innovators, and change makers. At IIFL Capital, we believe that true wealth is built not only in financial markets but also through the values of entrepreneurship, integrity, and collaboration. Our goal is to empower families and entrepreneurs to convert wealth into a lasting legacy.”

Event Highlights

Day 1 – October 3, 2025

• The inaugural session features Shri Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, and Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, alongside dignitaries from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• Leadership Insights by Smt. Smriti Irani, former Cabinet Minister, will set the tone on governance and policy.

• IIFL Capital Session: A panel on “Capital, Conviction & the Last Decade” with market stalwarts Shri Nilesh Shah and Shri A. Balasubramaniam, followed by a keynote from Raj Narayanam (Zaggle).

• Keynote addresses includes Shri Nirmal Jain (Founder, IIFL Group) and Shri Sridhar Vembu (Founder, Zoho Corporation), with insights on entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Evening celebrations include special performance by Shankar Mahadevan & Sons.

Day 2 – October 4, 2025

• Two sessions on markets & economy features leading investors and entrepreneurs - Shri Utpal Seth, Shri Vijay Kedia, Shri Atul Chordia, and Shri Vijay Darda, Shri Navneet Munot, and Shri R. Venkataraman, highlighting India’s growth trajectory.

• Shri Daaji (Kamlesh D. Patel) will take a spiritual masterclass on conscious living.

• Celebrated cricketer Suryakumar Yadav and actor Boman Irani will inspire audiences with personal journeys of discipline and creativity.

• Smt. Rupali Ganguly and Smt. Bhagyashree will lead powerful engagements with women entrepreneurs.

• Evening entertainment includes Pritam Live, delivering a memorable music experience.

Day 3 – October 5, 2025

• Thought-provoking sessions like “India Towards 2047” by Dr. Anand Ranganathan will examine opportunities for India’s future.

• IIFL Capital Sessions:

• “Business Opportunities with IIFL Capital” – keynote by Shri Praveen K, VP South, Franchise Acquisition & Development. and “Algorithmic Trading – Efficiency, Discipline and Investing” – keynote by Shri Saurav Sisodia.

• Cultural evenings features poetry and music performances by Shri Manoj Muntashir and Dr. Kumar Vishwas.

About IIFL Capital

IIFL Capital is one of India’s leading wealth management firms with $30 billion in assets under management, advice, and custody. Guided by the philosophy of “transforming wealth into legacy,” IIFL Capital offers holistic solutions across wealth creation, preservation, and succession, empowering families and entrepreneurs to build enduring legacies.

About JITO Connect: JITO Connect is the flagship initiative of Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), envisioned to unite professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders through global trade summits, youth programs, and business networking opportunities. Over the years, it has grown into a premier platform celebrating entrepreneurship, community service, and innovation.

In today’s connected age, the first touchpoint for most dining decisions begins online. Customers expect reliability, accuracy, and instant accessibility, making digital visibility a cornerstone of business trust and growth. This collaboration brings together Americana’s scale and heritage with RightChoice’s advanced hyperlocal marketing expertise to solve one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: ensuring consistent and high-impact presence across multiple geographies and platforms.
 

RightChoice will work closely with Americana to enhance discoverability on Google Maps and other platforms eliminating information gaps, strengthening brand reliability, and delivering seamless customer experiences. By aligning Americana’s purpose of “Building communities around the joy of food” with RightChoice’s technology-first approach, the partnership creates a synergy that goes beyond visibility, it is about creating digital pathways that connect people, food, and culture across borders.
 

Rishabh Karwa, Co-founder, RightChoice, said, “Americana’s purpose of building communities around the joy of food aligns perfectly with our vision at RightChoice. As an Indian platform powering global brands, this partnership is a proud milestone for us. Together, we are creating smarter digital pathways that not only improve visibility but also bring Americana closer to its vision of being the fastest and most trusted food operator in the world. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sumedh Nilakanth - Head of Customer Service Experience of Americana Restaurants for his support and trust.”
 

With operations spanning 12 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Kazakhstan, Americana serves millions of customers daily. Guided by its Mission to “create awesome experiences for customers and value for shareholders” and its Vision to “be the fastest growing and most trusted food operator in the world”, Americana continues to set benchmarks in the F&B sector.
 

RightChoice is an AI Hyperlocal Marketing Software co-founded by Rishabh Karwa, Marouf Shaikh, Prateek Kataria & Kushal Karwa. They are currently working with 200+ brands and manage over 100,000 business listings across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, working deeply with Google, Apple, Bing, ChatGPT, Waze & other platforms.
 

RightChoice.AI has empowered top brands like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, BlueStone, StayVista, Physics Wallah, Birla Opus, and more than 100+ such brands to dramatically boost their local search visibility and engagement. We are also working with many brands in the MENA Region, including Talal Group, Al-Guhair Group, and others. The Americana collaboration reinforces its position as a Made-in-India platform enabling global growth stories by bridging the gap between local discovery and brand purpose.

Fynd, India’s leading AI retail technology company, today announced its entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, establishing a regional headquarters and operational hub in the Middle East. This marks a major milestone in Fynd’s international journey and positions it as one of the first India-born unified commerce companies to go global.

With its expansion into the GCC, Fynd aims to unlock omnichannel growth for ambitious retail brands operating across the region. The company’s modular, cloud-based platform unifies online, in-store, and backend operations — enabling faster digital transformation for retailers navigating rising consumer expectations and operational complexity.

To support regional deployment, Fynd has partnered with Yavi Technologies, which will lead GCC operations, including local compliance, invoicing, and 24/7 merchant support. The company’s unified commerce platform is built to adapt to regional nuances - with Arabic and English storefronts, localized tax configurations, and native support for GCC-specific compliance frameworks such as ZATCA e-invoicing.

Farooq Adam, Founder, Fynd

“GCC is undergoing a profound digital transformation, fueled by ambitious national visions like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Dubai’s AI Vision 2031. These shifts align perfectly with Fynd’s mission to help retailers eliminate legacy silos and leapfrog into AI-native, unified autonomous commerce,” said Farooq Adam, Founder of Fynd. “We’re proud to bring our platform to, enabling both global and regional brands to simplify operations and elevate customer journeys.”

Fynd’s unified commerce stack includes OMS, POS, WMS, PIM, TMS, Storefront, and GenAI-powered retail tools — all pre-integrated for faster deployment and lower total cost of ownership. Backed by Reliance Industries, Fynd powers over 300+ brands, including Puma, Coach, and Kate Spade.

We are already working with leading retailers in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and other major GCC markets, across fashion, consumer electronics, grocery, and department stores. Fynd’s growth strategy includes onboarding a regional partner network of commerce agencies and system integrators to accelerate adoption at scale.

Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer (Global), Fynd

“We see the GCC as one of the fastest-growing retail markets globally, where digital adoption and high consumer spending are reshaping commerce. With shoppers moving seamlessly between online and offline channels, retailers in the GCC are demanding unified commerce solutions to deliver consistent experiences across stores, marketplaces, and e-commerce,” said Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer (Global) at Fynd. “Supported by pro-business government initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s push for digital transformation, the GCC offers a unique opportunity for Fynd to scale its AI-driven unified commerce platform, helping global and regional brands bridge physical and digital retail in a market that thrives on innovation and luxury.”

With this expansion, Fynd is not only growing its international footprint - it is demonstrating how Indian innovation can power the next wave of retail transformation across high-growth economies worldwide.

About Fynd
Fynd is an AI-native retail technology company headquartered in Mumbai, India. It serves over 20,000+ stores and 300+ enterprise retailers, offering a modular commerce stack that unifies in-store, online, and logistics operations. Backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, Fynd is expanding across the GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia to power next-generation retail experiences.

For more information, visit www.fynd.com.

Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

With growing interest among NRIs in the Indian real estate market, the company conducted these programmes to gain insights into their preferences, understand the challenges they face when buying homes in India, and explore ways to better cater to their needs.

The programmes, led by Signature Global’s Director, Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, offered attendees the opportunity to interact directly with the leadership team and learn more about Signature Global’s ongoing and upcoming projects, including the recently launched Cloverdale SPR, which has already generated strong interest among NRI buyers. Other notable projects, such as Titanium SPR and Deluxe DXP, were also showcased, highlighting the company’s diverse portfolio and commitment to quality.

Sharing her experience, Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, "Our journey at Signature Global has always been guided by understanding what our customers truly want. During my recent visit to the US, I had the opportunity to interact with NRI investors firsthand, learning about their preferences, expectations, and the challenges they face while investing in India. This experience reinforces our commitment to delivering homes that combine the right location, innovation, and trust. Events like this allow us to connect directly with our global customers, share insights about our ongoing and upcoming projects and ensure transparency and excellence in everything we do."

Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd., during the Investor Engagement Programme in the USA

These direct interactions not only offered attendees a closer look at Signature Global’s projects but also provided the company with valuable feedback on NRI expectations and requirements. The discussions also provided deeper insights into NRI buyers’ preferences when investing in India, including desired home sizes, layouts, and essential amenities.

Leveraging the knowledge gained from these engagements, Signature Global plans to set up a dedicated team in India by the end of October to analyze feedback, refine strategies, and ensure its offerings align perfectly with the expectations of NRI buyers from the USA. With these initiatives, the company aims to establish itself as the top choice for NRIs investing in India, emphasizing on-time delivery, uncompromised quality, and homes designed to meet global standards.

Turning visions into ventures: DuDigital Global hosted an advisor-exclusive Delhi session on UAE company formation; strong turnout and new partner onboardings

Hosted in association with Meydan Free Zone, the session focused on actionable pathways for Indian advisors to expand client services into Dubai through streamlined licensing, compliant structures, and concierge-led execution. The discussions emphasized practical use cases, referral workflows, and go-to-market enablement for channel partners.

Manoj Dharmai, Group CEO, DuDigital Global, said, “We are delighted by the response from Delhi’s advisory community. The quality of discussions and immediate sign-ups validate our proposition of trusted execution, transparent processes, and measurable outcomes for clients expanding to the UAE.”

Shivaz Rai, Director, DuDigital Global, added, “This activation was designed for decision-makers like CAs, lawyers, and travel leaders who advise growth-focused clients. We’re pleased to have onboarded several partners and will continue to equip them with training, sales enablement, and on-ground support in Dubai.”

Mohammad Bin Humaidan, Director, Meydan Free Zone, commented, “Our collaboration with DuDigital Global is helping us engage India’s advisory community more effectively. The strong turnout in Delhi and multiple onboardings demonstrate the demand for a simplified, compliant, and growth-oriented pathway to establish businesses in Dubai.”

If you missed the session and would like to explore becoming a channel partner, please write to info@dudigitalglobal.com and a concerned associate will connect to guide you through program details and onboarding.

About DuDigital Global

DuDigital Global Limited (NSE: DUGLOBAL), established in 2015, leads digital transformation in global mobility—simplifying international travel, identity, and business establishment for individuals and enterprises. The company manages visa application centres and consular services, offers end-to-end UAE company formation (Free Zone and Mainland), and provides investment-led Residency and PR pathways. DuDigital is a trusted partner to embassies and tourism boards, including the Embassy of India in South Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization, and is the developer of DuVerify, a digital document authentication platform. DuDigital has a strong presence across India, South Korea, UAE, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

About Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone, centrally located in Dubai, provides entrepreneurs and businesses a premium platform with 100% foreign ownership, tax advantages, multi-activity licensing, and modern infrastructure, supported by streamlined setup and concierge services.

DigiComm, the Digital Venture of ICCPL Group, Wins Digital Marketing Agency of the Year

DigiComm, the digital marketing arm of ICCPL Group, has established a strong reputation since its inception in 2017 by providing comprehensive digital marketing solutions, including SEO, SMO, and content marketing, as well as ORM, Lead Generation, and Website Development. Its diverse clientele spans through real estate, Hospitality, E-commerce, Education, and Automobile Sector, making it one of India’s most dynamic digital-first agencies in India. The recognition underscores DigiComm’s role in shaping brand narratives in an evolving digital ecosystem.
 

Commenting on the win, Dushyant Sinha, Founder of DigiComm Marketing Services LLP, said, “This win reaffirms our position as a leading communications and marketing agency in the country today. We have always been a leading and one of the most reputed PR firms since our inception as ICCPL group in 2011, and when we ventured into the digital marketing space with DigiComm in 2017, our vision was to provide a platform to communicate with a larger audience and help ease the transformation of communications from offline to online! Today, we can proudly say that through our multiple divisions under our communications platform, we are able to service our clients better and meet their expectations more efficiently.”

Shrey Gupta, Associate Director, Digicomm Marketing Services LLP, added, “This award is very special for us at Digicomm because it validates the belief we started with, that digital marketing has to be more than just promotions, it has to create real impact for clients. Over the years, we’ve endeavoured to combine creativity with strategy, creating digital solutions that are both innovative and results-driven. We see this recognition as a team win, because it’s our passion and consistency that have brought us here. It also motivates us to keep evolving with the industry and stay ahead of the curve for our clients.”
 

This recognition marks a defining moment in DigiComm’s journey, reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading digital-first agencies. With a clear focus on innovation, creativity, and measurable outcomes, the company is committed to scaling new heights and setting benchmarks in digital marketing excellence.

About DigiComm
Founded in 2017, DigiComm is the digital wing of ICCPL. It offers end-to-end digital marketing solutions (SEO, SMO, ORM, Content Marketing, Lead Generation, Website Development and much more) for multiple sectors, including real estate, hospitality, e-commerce, education, and automobile. Over the past eight years, DigiComm has served more than 250 clients and executed over 150 successful campaigns. Its mission is to deliver transformative digital solutions that enhance reach, visibility, brand recognition, and conversions. It was also awarded the Best Digital Marketing Agency of the Year at The Corporate Titans Awards, held in Mumbai in 2022, and recognised as the Digital Marketing Company of the Year by Silicon India in 2020.

Funds advised by Convergent Finance LLP (“Convergent”), announced an investment of INR 2,400 million (USD 27.4 million) in Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (“Knowledge Marine”). The investment is part of a larger fundraise of INR 2,848 million (USD 32.5 million),in a mix of equity shares and warrants. Sujay Kewalramani, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Knowledge Marine, is subscribing to INR 148 million (USD 1.7 million) worth of warrants, reflecting his strong belief in the business. Upon completion, funds advised by Convergent will hold approximately 10.3% of Knowledge Marine. The investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval.

Knowledge Marine is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

Founded in 2015, Knowledge Marine has rapidly emerged as one of India’s leading providers of marine engineering solutions, specialized in dredging, marine infrastructure and vessel services. The Company executes critical capital and maintenance dredging projects for major ports, inland waterways and coastal authorities across India. Knowledge Marine currently operates a modern fleet of 40 vessels including dredgers and support craft. With the recent strategic acquisition of Kamal Marine & Engineering Works Pvt. Ltd., the company is also positioned to benefit from expansion into the shipbuilding industry.

Sujay Kewalramani, the CEO, commented, “India’s maritime industry is at an inflection point with the growing emphasis on infrastructure and inland waterways. Partnering with Convergent Finance will help us accelerate our next phase of growth and expand our fleet and deepen our execution capabilities to serve India’s long evolving maritime infrastructure needs.”

Harsha Raghavan, Managing Partner at Convergent Finance LLP said, “Knowledge Marine has established itself as a high-quality engineering and services company, led by the best team in the country. The company has a diversified fleet and technical capabilities to execute marine engineering contracts in India and globally. We are excited to work with Sujay and the team to scale operations, invest in new assets and pursue both domestic and international opportunities.”

About Knowledge Marine

Founded in 2015, Knowledge Marine is a marine-engineering solutions and dredging company. The company’s diversified fleet, combined with strong engineering capabilities, enables the company to deliver technically complex projects with high-quality standards. The company has built long-term contracts with Port Trusts and other government and private entities.

About Convergent Finance LLP

Convergent Finance LLP is an investment management and advisory partnership at the forefront of bringing together Ideas, Capital, and passionate Entrepreneurs. The Convergent investment process involves identifying proprietary platform and bolt-on opportunities, speed of execution, and a relentless focus on performance improvement. The Convergent value investing approach believes in paying fair and reasonable valuations through bilaterally negotiated transactions.

Avtar Group, Chennai headquartered leading workplace culture consulting and Inclusion Solutions firm, announced the second Edition of Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) list. BCWG is an influential benchmarking initiative spotlighting organizations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region that excel in fostering gender diversity and inclusive workplace policies. The announcement was made at the Best of Best (BOB) Conference held in Dubai.

Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group

Avtar Group in partnership with US based Seramount has been hosting the Best Companies for Women initiative in India since 2016. The study titled Best Companies for Women in India, has completed nine successful editions in India and has raised the bar on gender inclusion goals and practices in corporate India. The tenth edition of the listing in India is expected to be announced, by end of September. The “Best Companies” initiative with its data centric approach, has helped organizations refine their inclusion strategy through diversity benchmarks and inclusion best practices that emerge from the comprehensive application process that captures 300+ talent strategy metrices pertaining to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The 2025 BCWG study unveiled the Top 10 companies and other Best Companies in the Gulf region that are leading the change in creating inclusive work environments for women. Companies were evaluated on parameters including:

• Recruitment and retention of women professionals

• Representation of women in leadership roles

• Pay equity and benefits

• Parental and caregiving support policies

• Flexible work arrangements

• Management accountability on DEI

This year’s winners represent diverse sectors, from technology and manufacturing to retail, and financial services.

The 2025 Top 10 Best Companies in Gulf, listed alphabetically are:

• A A Al Moosa Enterprises Car Rental Division (Thrifty & Dollar)

• Al Shirawi Facilities Management LLC

• Diversey- A Solenis Company

• DKHOON AL EMIRATIA

• Easa Salel Al Gurg Group

• Ecolab

• EY

• Finastra UK Limited

• KONE MIDDLE EAST LLC

• TruKKer

Nine more companies qualified to feature in the list. Listed alphabetically, they are:

• Apparel Group

• Beauty Steps

• Canon Middle East

• CBRE Advisory Services LLC

• GIG GULF Insurance

• House of Shipping Management Consultancies FZCO

• Ingram Micro Company

• MCA MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS & MCA AUDITING

• Wipro Limited

Key Highlights are as indicated below:

• Women’s representation in Best Companies is at 33%

• 42% of all hires in Best Companies is women

• 28% of all women in Best Companies were promoted - this is higher at 34% in Top 10 companies

• 95% companies provide leadership training and 79% provide formal mentoring and 79% provide executive coaching, all contributing to this facet of career advancement.

• Towards enabling women’s engagement, 63% companies have employee resource groups

• Towards ensuring equity in career advancement, 63% best companies provide assured performance rating during paid maternity leave

• Towards fostering emotional support, 63% offer postpartum stress/depression counselling

• 95% companies foster an inclusive culture through programs to resolve Diversity, Equity & Inclusion grievances

Please note the winners of 2025 BCWG are listed alphabetically

www.avtarinc.com/enrich/best-companies-for-women-in-gulf-bcwg_new

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group, said, “As the Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) study completes its second edition in the Gulf Co-operation Council, we are delighted to see the commitment to gender inclusion, growing in the region. Best companies, hailing from across industry sectors have instituted comprehensive inclusion frameworks, to ensure women’s advancement is recognised as a strategic growth priority. From leadership training to coaching, mentoring and sponsorship, these organizations promote a culture of allyship and advocacy alongside creating equitable pathways for career growth. By fostering opportunities for women to excel, lead, and thrive, the best companies have set a gold standard for progressive organizations in the region, inspiring the larger business ecosystem. We are proud to honour these frontrunners!”

Subha V. Barry, President, Seramount, said, “Seramount and Avtar share a deep commitment to advancing global inclusion, and we’re proud to celebrate the continued momentum of the Best Companies for Women in the Gulf initiative,” said Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount. “This year’s Top 10 and Best Companies are taking meaningful action to support women in the workplace—through sponsorship, mentorship, ERGs, and benefits that empower talent advancement. These organizations are not only investing in equity, they’re helping shape a more inclusive future of work. At Seramount, we’re honored to recognize their leadership.”

About Avtar

Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Asia’s leading workplace culture consulting and inclusion solution firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. As the earliest firm in the region to provided end to end inclusion solutions, Avtar’s services span a broad spectrum, including culture diagnostics, inclusion enablement trainings, conferences & events and culture-first hiring solutions. For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Strait Times & INSEAD at Singapore in 2022.

To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com

About Seramount

Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Over four decades, we've established a strong, data-driven understanding of the employee experience, which lays the groundwork for everything we do. Seramount partners with over 450 of the world’s most influential companies, large and small, to offer pragmatic solutions including best practice DEI research, workplace assessment, employee learning and development, and talent sourcing. These offerings empower companies to navigate a dynamic corporate environment and to cultivate a resilient, connected workforce that achieves extraordinary outcomes.

To know more, visit www.seramount.com