The graduation ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including officials from the Uzbekistan Ministry of Health, representatives from Bukhara State Medical Institute, and members of the Uzbekistan Embassy. This event marks a significant step forward in the growing collaboration between India and Uzbekistan in medical education, paving the way for more Indian students to pursue their aspirations abroad while maintaining strong ties with their home country.

 As per the five-year partnership, TCS will streamline operations, lead workforce transformation, and accelerate AI adoption, ensuring seamless, technology-driven experiences for over 15 million passengers annually.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has signed a five-year partnership with Air New Zealand to modernize the airline’s digital infrastructure and position it at the forefront of AI-driven innovation. This collaboration aims to enhance Air New Zealand’s digital capabilities, improve customer experience, and drive operational efficiencies across various aspects of its business, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services.

The agreement, announced at a formal signing event at TCS’ Banyan Park Campus in Mumbai, supports Air New Zealand’s vision to become the world’s most digitally advanced airline. The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran, and TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K. Krithivasan. 

This partnership strengthens TCS’ commitment to New Zealand, where it has been a trusted partner for digital transformation for over 37 years, driving innovation across industries. With an office in Auckland and a team of 460 professionals, TCS serves 20+ blue-chip customers in the region across banking, retail, construction, manufacturing, and local government. Through the TCS Co-Innovation Network^TM (COIN), the organization works closely with top universities in New Zealand to advance research in cybersecurity, sustainability, and AI. TCS also led the development of the Asia Pacific Digital Sustainability Index in 2022, shaping the region’s approach to sustainable digital transformation. Beyond business, TCS is committed to fostering digital talent in New Zealand. Its flagship STEM empowerment programs, goIT^TM and goIT^TM Girls in the region, are inspiring students to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand Executive Officer, said, “Leveraging TCS’ expertise in cutting-edge technologies will help us enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and reinforce our commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. This collaboration aligns with our vision to be a digitally enabled airline of the future. We began working with TCS in September 2024, and in just a few short months, we’ve seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions. Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our Cargo Digital Transformation and improve our Digital Retail capability. We’re excited about the benefits this partnership will bring for our customers and the aviation industry.”

K. Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS, said, “We are excited to partner with Air New Zealand in its journey to become a digitally advanced airline. With our aviation expertise and ability to drive large-scale innovation, TCS will enable Air New Zealand to set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. We aim to reimagine operations, enhance passenger experiences, and build a more agile and resilient airline by leveraging AI, automation, and cloud technologies. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping global enterprises adapt, grow, and unlock new opportunities through technology.”

Air New Zealand operates a global network offering air passenger and cargo services across 49 domestic and international destinations. Each year, the airline flies more than 15 million passengers on over 3,400 weekly flights. This transformation marks a significant step in Air New Zealand’s commitment to secure, innovative, and technology-driven experiences for travelers worldwide. TCS will streamline Air New Zealand’s digital services across a diverse landscape of more than 600 applications, by integrating AI-driven automation and cloud technologies into critical airline functions. This will drive innovation across cargo service, disruption management, retail offerings, maintenance systems and crew operations.

Workforce transformation will also be a key focus of this engagement, with TCS leading large-scale upskilling programs to strengthen digital capabilities across Air New Zealand’s teams in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering. The collaboration also includes enhancements to Air New Zealand’s digital retail and loyalty program experiences.

With three decades of leadership in aviation, TCS partners with the world’s leading airlines, offering consulting-led approaches, a cognitive-powered portfolio of business, and technology and engineering services. TCS leverages industry-specific solutions, like  TCS Aviana, a unified, autonomous, digital, cloud-ready platform for intelligent airline operations. Its contextual understanding of airline operations and AI-led technology capabilities will help Air New Zealand unlock new growth opportunities and drive innovation across its entire business ecosystem.

The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Delhi and India’s University Grants Commission (UGC), hosted an Internationalisation Workshop at its Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi.

The event provided a roadmap for Indian universities to establish dual and joint degree programs, focusing on regulatory frameworks, international credit systems, and strategies for cross-border academic partnerships.

The workshop, attended by multiple Indian university leaders, aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises internationalisation and flexible learning models. By introducing transnational education (TNE) through dual degrees and blended programs, Indian students can access top-ranked global universities while remaining connected to local opportunities. This approach ensures affordability, flexibility and relevance in India’s diverse educational landscape.

Since 2008, the University of Melbourne has been working with Indian organisations to develop scalable models to strengthen institutional capacity. Its Bachelor of Science (Blended) program, launched in 2016, is now offered at five Indian universities, including University of Madras and Savitribai Phule Pune University. Co-developed with Indian institutions, the program ensures cultural relevance while reducing financial barriers to global education.

Professor Rita John, Head of the Department of Theoretical Physics and Coordinator of the B.Sc. (Blended) Science Program at University of Madras, said: “The Dual Degree program’s structure—where Indian professors teach the first four semesters—bridges the academic gap for students transitioning directly from school, giving them a strong foundation before studying at Melbourne.”

In March 2023, the University of Melbourne introduced a dual Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) degree, also known as BSc Dual Degree, which allows students to undertake their studies in both India and Australia. Shoolini University was the first Indian partner institution to offer this dual degree program. This model allows students to complete two years of study in India, significantly lowering costs compared to full overseas degrees.

Discussions are currently underway with other leading Indian universities interested in joining the program, including institutions that participated in the workshop to explore transnational education opportunities.

Australian Minister-Counsellor for Education & Research, George Thiveos stressed the bilateral importance of this collaboration: “Education is a great way to connect our societies, but it shouldn’t be a one-way street.  That’s why we fully support initiatives such as this that reflect our joint commitment to creating pathways for Indian students to access global opportunities while fostering long-term strategic collaborations between Australian and Indian universities.”

Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Director of the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, reflected on the strategic approach: “Our partnerships are designed to build long-term capacity. The BSc Blended program, co-developed with Indian universities, ensures students receive a globally recognised foundation”.

“Our dual degree model, launched in 2023, offers pathways for students to study in Melbourne. These programs are part of a decade-long effort, supported by PhD scholarships and research collaborations through the Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy (MIPA),” Professor Ashokkumar explained.

Established in 2018, MIPA has enrolled joint PhD candidates from top Indian institutions like IIT Kharagpur and IISc Bangalore, with several completions recorded last year. The initiative has facilitated over 70 academic exchanges and generated ₹26.5 crore (AU$5 million) in external research funding through partnerships like the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) and the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF).

The University of Melbourne continues to explore new disciplines for its blended learning model while deepening partnerships with Indian institutions, ensuring students and institutions are equipped to excel in a global academic landscape.

Orchids The International School is leading the change towards a greener future with the launch of a new paper recycling initiative aimed at reducing paper waste and promoting environmental responsibility. The program invites students, teachers, and staff to unite in an effort to reduce paper waste on campus while enhancing awareness of sustainability. Students craft handmade paper using the paper-making machine, transform it into unique watermarked and artistic creations, and showcase their entrepreneurship skills and commitment to sustainability.

Speaking about this initiative, Naresh Ramamurthy, Chief Academic Officer, Orchids The International School, said, “We are thrilled to introduce this initiative as part of our broader sustainability efforts. This program not only aims to minimize our environmental footprint but also empowers students to actively engage in meaningful, hands-on sustainability practices. By teaching our students the importance of recycling, we hope to inspire them to become lifelong environmental stewards. The students also learn about entrepreneurship by showcasing the recycled papers during the Financial Literacy exhibition and other entrepreneurial events..”

Orchids commitment to environmental stewardship, the paper recycling program includes the installation of designated recycling stations throughout the campus to encourage the recycling of paper products, including notebooks, printer paper, and cardboard. With this initiative, Orchids The International School is not only addressing the immediate need to reduce paper consumption but also instilling eco-friendly habits among students.

Mr. Ramamurthy further added, “Orchids have already made a significant impact, using half a tonne of paper in the first few months of the program alone. Students have been encouraged to play an active role in this transformative project by volunteering as “eco-ambassadors,” taking on leadership roles to monitor recycling stations and educate their peers on proper recycling methods. This student-driven approach ensures that the message of sustainability is communicated effectively throughout the entire school community.”

The launch of the paper recycling initiative is part of Orchids The International School’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among its students and staff. With plans to expand the program, the school aims to continue reducing its environmental footprint and inspire the broader community to adopt eco-friendly practices.

In the bustling city of Delhi, snacking is a go-to solution for boosting mood and enhancing celebrations. According to the STTEM 2.0 report, 62% of Delhi residents prefer snacking to uplift their mood, while 49% snack to elevate their IPL viewing experience.

Godrej Yummiez offers Cheese Corn Nuggets & Cheesy Pizza Fingers—the perfect blend of creamy cheese and delicious corn wrapped in a crispy coating. The Cheesy Pizza Fingers are a mouthwatering delight with their gooey cheese filling, making them the perfect snack for festive moments and cozy evenings alike. For Delhiites looking to add more joy to their snacking moments, Yummiez has got them covered.

Investment platform aims for a first close of $130 million by June 2025

 Venturi Partners, a leading growth-stage consumer-focused investor in India and Southeast Asia, has announced the launch of its second fund, targeting $225 million, with a hard cap of $250 million. Building on the success of its first fund, the new fund will continue to focus on Venturi’s core strategy of backing consumer brands that are disrupting their sectors and creating innovative products and services tailored for the evolving Asian consumer.

The second fund will target high-growth sectors such as retail, education, healthcare, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), with a continued focus on India and Southeast Asia. Venturi is aiming for a first close by Q2 CY2025, with visibility towards $130 million, backed by continued strong support from existing investors.

In April 2022, Venturi had raised $180 million from prominent families in Europe & Asia. Venturi’s first fund has invested in 7 high-growth consumer companies across various sectors such as education, F&B subscription, beauty & personal care, retail, and home interiors. Its existing portfolio includes Livspace, Country Delight, Believe, Pickup Coffee, DALI, K-12 Techno and JQR.

Nicholas Cator, Founder of Venturi Partners, said: “Our investment philosophy remains unchanged, backing brands that create meaningful change and deliver innovative solutions to consumers. We take an active ownership approach with our portfolio companies, working closely with founders to help unlock growth and scale their businesses. With this second fund, we are excited to continue partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs across the region.”

Venturi’s unique hands-on approach is centred around working closely with management teams to scale operations and create lasting value. The firm’s expertise in identifying and scaling consumer businesses has made it a trusted partner for founders in India and Southeast Asia.

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         With support from ACC and the Adani Foundation, 13 women from Deori Majhgawan’s Shakti Peeth SHG have launched an on-the-spot soil testing initiative.

·         They utilise a spectrometer-based soil testing device for affordable, chemical-free, onsite testing to help local farmers make informed decisions and improve crop yields.

·         Testing eight soil parameters, the initiative boosts farm productivity and promotes organic farming.

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is driving a transformative initiative in Deori Majhgawan village, Kymore. ACC along with the Adani Foundation, has supported 13 women from the Shakti Peeth Self-Help Group (SHG) in establishing a rapid soil testing initiative, equipping farmers with on-the-spot chemical-free soil testing through the AgroNxt Bhu-Parikshak device.

Equipped with this advanced spectrometer-based soil testing device, the women SHG members visit any farmland, collect soil samples, and input them into it. The machine then tallies the soil components with its database across eight parameters and prints out the results instantaneously. This saves the farmers’ time and resources needed for visiting physical soil testing labs.

This initiative enables local farmers to make informed decisions regarding correctly matched manure and fertilisers to maintain optimum soil health, improve crop yields, and strengthen their livelihoods. What began as a community-led effort has evolved into a sustainable micro-enterprise, empowering women with economic independence while promoting organic and sustainable farming.

Competing against 12 SHGs across five states, Shakti Peeth SHG earned the prestigious Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav Puraskar Second Best SHG Award, along with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000. The group has reinvested the amount to expand their soil testing services, now covering eight critical parameters, ensuring more farmers benefit from scientific soil health management and improved agricultural sustainability.

ACC’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and sustainable development is underscored by such initiatives. By facilitating access to advanced soil testing and promoting eco-friendly farming, ACC is strengthening rural livelihoods and nurturing a resilient agricultural ecosystem.

This is the fourth co-lending partnership for Piramal Finance, following similar collaborations with Axis Bank, Central Bank of India and RBL Bank

Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited (Piramal Finance), a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), and Punjab & Sind Bank, one of India’s premier public sector banks, have entered into a strategic co-lending partnership to enhance credit availability for middle- and low-income borrowers, with a special emphasis on rural and semi-urban regions.

This collaboration brings together Punjab & Sind Bank’s deep financial expertise and extensive network of 1575 branches with Piramal Finance’s unique ‘High Tech + High Touch’ approach. Additionally, Piramal Finance’s strong presence across 514+ branches in 13,000 pin codes, serving 4.5 million customers in 26 states, will further strengthen outreach and accessibility.

Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director, Piramal Finance Ltd said, “We are pleased to partner with Punjab & Sind Bank, our fourth collaboration with a major financial institution, to expand access to credit in underserved markets. Partnerships are key to scaling impact in a vast and diverse country like India, allowing us to serve deeper markets and reach more customers. By combining our strengths, we’re making formal credit more accessible, driving economic growth, and empowering individuals and businesses across Bharat with greater financial security.”

By leveraging their combined strengths in customer reach, strong underwriting standards, and advanced credit assessment tools, the two lenders aim to bridge the credit gap for MSMEs, home loan seekers, and borrowers. The partnership will offer competitive interest rates and customized credit solutions, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, supporting financial inclusion and economic growth.

Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, a 100% subsidiary of Cosmo First and a one-stop solution for a range of Adhesives, Masterbatches, and Coating Chemicals, has announced the launch of its innovative COSEAL-601 heat seal coating solution. The company’s heat seal coating technology has demonstrated remarkable market performance, consistently outperforming industry benchmarks across various temperature ranges.

Recent performance data shows COSEAL-601 achieving superior sealing strength compared to market alternatives, particularly in the crucial 120-160°C temperature range. The product has demonstrated exceptional versatility across both 2-ply and 3-ply aluminium foil laminated structures, making it ideal for diverse packaging applications.

Backed by strong financial performance and superior technical specifications, the company’s innovative approach has witnessed Cosmo Specialty Chemicals achieving 60% sales growth over last year (Dec 2024 YTD basis) and EBITDA in high teens.

Mr. Raj Sharma, Business Head of Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, said, “Our COSEAL-601 represents a significant breakthrough in heat seal coating technology. The product’s superior performance, particularly in high-speed manufacturing environments, has resonated strongly with our customers. The impressive growth in our contribution margins reflects our ability to deliver tangible value to our customers’ packaging operations. As we continue to innovate, we remain focused on developing solutions that combine operational efficiency with sustainability.”

The COSEAL-601 coating offers several key advantages with its ready-to-use formulation for immediate application, superior adhesion to aluminium foil laminate structures, optimal sealing performance at 120-140°C, low coefficient of friction with a block-free formulation, enhanced compatibility with high-speed manufacturing and superior resistance to water and oil

The product has been specifically engineered for both 2-ply structures (45-60 GSM Paper/6.35-9µ Foil/HSL coating) and 3-ply structures (45-60 GSM Paper/10-12µ PET/6.35-9µ Foil/HSL coating), offering versatility across different packaging requirements.

Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC, focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has expanded its product suite with the launch of its Commercial Vehicle (CV) Secured Loan Business. This new offering aims to bolster the essential logistics and supply chain sectors, by enhancing transportation capabilities for CV operators. The loan covers Small, Light, and Intermediate & Heavy Commercial Vehicles from all major manufacturers, supporting both new and used vehicle purchases. Customers will also benefit from flexible, structured payment and repayment options.

As part of this launch, PFL has also introduced a technology solution aligned with its risk-first approach. The solution focuses on reducing the documentation process for customers, enabling faster turnaround time and a seamless onboarding experience. By integrating with various technology partners, the company has developed assessment framework with validation from verified sources.

With a strong focus on Bharat's tier 2 and tier 3 markets, PFL plans to initially enter 68 locations across 12 states in the first phase, with further plans to expand to 400 locations across 20 states through a hub-and-spoke model in the next phase. CV loans will be offered through direct-to-customer, dealers, and channel partners. The company has onboarded industry professionals to provide tailored financial solutions and enhance customer experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, Managing Director & CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp, said “Commercial transport sector continues to be the backbone of our growing economy. Our new Commercial Vehicle Loan directly facilitates the financial needs of transporters with streamlined processes and hassle-free documentation. It also adds clear strength to the bouquet of our secured businesses.”

India’s booming e-commerce sector, rapid industrial growth, and ambitious infrastructure development have fueled a rising demand for both new and used commercial vehicles nationwide. The used commercial vehicle segment, projected to form a significant part of PFL’s Commercial Vehicle loan portfolio, stands as a cornerstone of this initiative, driving affordability and opportunity across the transport and logistics ecosystem.

Adopting a strategic, risk-first approach, PFL not only facilitates quicker loan disbursements but also ensures that fleet owners and transporters can expand their operations with confidence and stability. The company continues to focus on simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences, which are its top priorities.

For more details, visit the website or download the Poonawalla Fincorp app.