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  • Executive education turns to AI, labour codes and digital tools as IIM Raipur readies its September programmes

    The institute has placed emerging technologies, workplace policy and sector-focused courses at the centre of its upcoming short offerings for managers and industry leaders

    The world of executive education is no longer confined to general management or broad leadership sessions. Institutes across India are recasting their short-term programmes to match the immediate demands of industry, and IIM Raipur’s September schedule is a case in point.
    The institute will host a set of seven programmes across the month, covering themes that reflect the changes taking place in boardrooms and shop floors alike. Artificial intelligence, digital strategy and analytics form one stream of focus, while workplace regulation, design thinking, healthcare management and leadership development anchor the others.

    Faculty members note that requests from industry partners increasingly centre on specific capabilities rather than wide-ranging refreshers. Human resource managers want clarity on the implementation of new labour codes, healthcare administrators are looking for structured management inputs, and business leaders are searching for tested ways to apply AI tools without disrupting existing systems.
    By running compact courses through September, IIM Raipur is responding to a demand for bite-sized, practice-oriented learning. These sessions are aimed at managers who cannot step away from work for long stretches but still need structured guidance on pressing issues.

    Observers say the shift shows how management development is becoming more specialised. Technology has moved from the periphery to the core, while regulation and sectoral expertise now sit alongside leadership as essential parts of training. For institutions, this means continuously revising content and delivery; for professionals, it means choosing modules that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

    The September programmes at IIM Raipur underline this transition. Rather than being framed as isolated courses, they are evidence of a larger movement in management education — one where relevance, speed and sector focus matter as much as theory.
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  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Japan visit sees TruAlt Bioenergy and Sumitomo sign bioenergy agreement in Tokyo

    The agreement includes new biogas plants in Karnataka and Maharashtra, future plans in ethanol and aviation fuel, and collaboration under Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Japan this week witnessed the signing of a significant clean energy agreement between TruAlt Bioenergy Limited of India and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan.
    The agreement was formalised at the Japan–India Next-Generation Economic Forum in Tokyo, held in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. It marks a new chapter in India–Japan cooperation on renewable energy and climate-focused technologies.

    The first phase of the agreement covers the construction of four compressed biogas (CBG) plants in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The projects are expected to generate about 700 jobs and support up to 1,000 additional rural livelihoods through feedstock supply and related services.
    Beyond the initial plants, the two companies said they plan to expand their cooperation to ethanol production and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), both seen as critical for India’s clean energy goals and global decarbonisation efforts.

    The joint venture will be structured with TruAlt holding 51 percent and Sumitomo 49 percent. The collaboration will operate under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), Japan’s framework that links international investment with measurable greenhouse gas reductions.
    Speaking at the event, Vijay Nirani, Founder and Managing Director of TruAlt Bioenergy, said the agreement reflects the shared vision of India and Japan to accelerate clean energy adoption while empowering farmers and rural communities. He added that biofuels are central to India’s path to energy independence.

    The agreement underscores how India and Japan are aligning national policy goals with private-sector collaboration. For Japan, it strengthens the reach of the JCM framework in South Asia. For India, it demonstrates how international technology and investment can support domestic targets under the Paris Agreement and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
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  • Five Years On, Elista Targets ₹1,500 Crore Revenue as It Refreshes Brand Identity With Built for U

    The homegrown consumer electronics brand, part of TeknoDome Group, says the new tagline reflects its customer-first focus as it expands from 20,000 Indian retail touchpoints into UAE, Africa, CIS, Asia and Tanzania

    New Delhi, September 2025 Elista, the Indian consumer electronics and appliances company that entered the market in 2020, has marked its fifth anniversary with a sharp revenue ambition and a new identity. The brand has set a target of ₹1,500 crore in turnover by FY2026, up from its current ₹500 crore run rate.
    As part of its anniversary milestone, the company has refreshed its positioning under the tagline Built for U, which it says represents a sharper commitment to consumer-centric design and affordability. Executives described the change as part of a broader effort to stay relevant in a competitive marketplace that is increasingly defined by customer experience.

    Elista’s footprint has grown quickly over five years. From its launch as a challenger brand, it has expanded to more than 20,000 retail outlets across India and built a presence in categories spanning televisions, washing machines, speakers, refrigerators and IT accessories. The company, part of the Dubai-based TeknoDome Group, is now looking outward, with expansion plans for UAE, Africa, CIS, Asia and Tanzania.

    Industry analysts say the ₹1,500 crore target is ambitious but not unrealistic given Elista’s trajectory and its appetite for new geographies. The use of a customer-first brand statement at this stage underscores the company’s intent to compete not only on pricing but on loyalty and recall.

    For Elista, the five-year mark is less about celebration and more about setting the stage for its next phase of growth. Built for U is being positioned as both a tagline and a strategy, a reminder that product design, distribution, and after-sales must revolve around consumer needs as the brand enters its second phase of expansion.
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  • At NAREDCO’s 17th National Convention, Smt. Meghana Sakore Bordikar Says Maharashtra Will Align Housing and Infrastructure Policies With Industry Needs

    The 17th National Convention of NAREDCO, the real estate developers’ body, was held in the capital this week, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and investors to discuss growth, regulatory consistency and the future of housing in India.

    Addressing the gathering, Smt. Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Minister of State for Housing, Government of Maharashtra, said the State would work to align housing and infrastructure policies more closely with the requirements of the real estate sector. She told the convention that supportive policies are essential to ensure both affordability and growth, and stressed that Maharashtra is committed to providing that stability.

    NAREDCO leaders said the industry could achieve annual growth of around 15 percent if it has policy predictability and steady financing support. They also spoke of the need for sustainable construction practices and infrastructure that keeps pace with demand in urban and semi-urban markets.

    Delegates at the convention noted that India’s housing sector is entering a period of transformation, shaped by demand from a younger population, urbanisation and changing financing models. They said forums like the NAREDCO convention provide a platform for open discussion between government representatives and industry players.

    For both policymakers and developers, the message from the 17th convention was clear: long-term growth in housing and real estate will depend on steady policy alignment, sustainable practices and collaborative engagement between the State and the industry.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube.
  • University of Tokyo Launch Navi Japan App to Guide Indian Students in Pursuing Higher Education in Japan

    Backed by the Government of Japan’s Study in Japan from South Asia initiative, the app and personal service will give Indian students access to universities, scholarships, housing, and career pathways across Japan

     Indian students considering higher education in Japan now have a new digital guide. Acumen, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo), has launched the Navi Japan app, a platform that combines information with personalised services under the Government of Japan’s Study in Japan from South Asia programme.
    The app provides step-by-step support for students across India who wish to apply to Japanese universities. It offers details on admissions, scholarships, housing, and career opportunities. Beyond information, the app links users to counsellors who can guide them through preparation, application, and settlement processes.

    Officials at UTokyo said the aim was to simplify what often feels like an overwhelming journey. With multiple application systems, diverse scholarship schemes, and cultural adjustments to plan for, the path to Japanese higher education can be complex. Navi Japan attempts to bring clarity by putting all the essential tools in one place.
    Acumen, which has worked with universities and governments on student mobility projects in India for over two decades, is handling the on-ground rollout. Its role includes outreach across schools, colleges, and coaching centres, ensuring that Navi Japan reaches students beyond metro cities.

    For Japan, the initiative is part of a broader effort to attract more international students and strengthen academic ties with South Asia. For Indian students, it represents a chance to access world-class education in science, engineering, humanities, and emerging disciplines with the backing of one of Asia’s most advanced economies.

    The launch of the app and service underscores a larger trend: international higher education is no longer about isolated exchanges but about creating smoother, tech-enabled pathways that reduce barriers. As Japan competes with the US, UK, Australia, and Germany for global talent, tools like Navi Japan may prove crucial in making the country a stronger choice for South Asian students.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube.
  • Oriflame Expands Optimals Line With Hydra Radiance Range, Aiming for Simple and Effective Skincare

    The Swedish beauty company says the products focus on hydration, barrier strength, and microbiome balance, reflecting the global shift toward ‘skinimalism’

    Stockholm, September 2025 Swedish direct-selling beauty brand Oriflame has expanded its Optimals portfolio with the launch of the Hydra Radiance range, placing its bet on consumers who prefer pared-down but reliable skincare.
    The new line includes day and night creams, a serum and an eye cream. Each product has been developed to target three priorities of modern skincare: sustained hydration, reinforcement of the skin barrier, and balance of the skin’s microbiome. Company representatives described the range as part of the wider global move toward “skinimalism,” a trend that emphasises fewer steps and multifunctional products over elaborate routines.

    Oriflame’s Optimals line has been a long-standing presence in its catalogue, positioned as a science-based skincare collection rooted in natural ingredients. The addition of Hydra Radiance reflects the company’s effort to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive skincare market where consumers are more selective about formulations and results.

    The brand, which operates across Europe, Asia and Africa, has also noted that its Indian customer base has been especially receptive to multi-benefit products that combine hydration with protection against environmental stress. With Hydra Radiance, Oriflame says it aims to meet those expectations while presenting its version of a modern, streamlined routine.

    Industry analysts suggest that the launch is timely. With inflation driving consumers to seek value, and younger audiences rejecting complicated regimens, a focused range like Hydra Radiance gives Oriflame a stronger position in conversations about affordable, effective skincare.
    For Oriflame, the release underlines its larger strategy: using its Optimals brand to bridge science, nature and consumer demand, while staying aligned with emerging lifestyle shifts.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube.
  • CARE Hospitals Turns to Tech Mahindra to Build a 24×7 Patient Access Hub in Hyderabad

    The centre will give callers help in multiple languages, use integrated scheduling systems, and aims to reduce the waiting and confusion patients often face

    For many patients in India, the first challenge is not the treatment itself but getting through to the hospital. Calls go unanswered, information is fragmented, and language remains a barrier. To address this gap, CARE Hospitals has opened a round-the-clock call centre in Hyderabad, developed in partnership with Tech Mahindra.
    The facility is designed to work like a single gateway for anyone trying to reach CARE’s network. Staffed and supported by Tech Mahindra’s business operations team, it will field large call volumes daily and connect patients directly to appointment scheduling, service information, and emergency support.

    One of the key features is language access. The centre is set up to respond in ten Indian languages, making it easier for callers from different states to interact without confusion. The system is also linked to customer-relationship management software and scheduling tools, which means that once a patient speaks to an agent, the request can be logged and acted upon without repeat calls.

    CARE Hospitals leaders said the hub is not only about answering phones but about rethinking how patients experience their first interaction with the hospital. By moving to a centralised model, the group hopes to cut down on waiting times, reduce missed connections, and build trust through consistent service. Tech Mahindra’s role is to provide the technology and operational support that allows the model to run at scale.

    The opening in Hyderabad is being seen as a pilot for how large hospital groups might professionalise patient access in India. If successful, the model could be replicated in other locations where demand is high and communication gaps are common.
    For patients, the promise is simple: a voice at the other end of the line, available day and night, ready to provide clear information in a familiar language. For CARE, it is a chance to show that accessibility is now as central to healthcare as clinical expertise.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube.
  • Global Impact Capital Flows Into Rural India as SAVE Joins Women’s Livelihood Bond Program

    The microfinance firm has raised USD 3 million through the bond’s seventh edition, reflecting how social debt instruments are shaping access to credit for women entrepreneurs

    August 2025 Access to affordable credit for women in rural India is still limited, even as more women step into small business activities. Instruments such as the Women’s Livelihood Bond are being used to direct money from international investors to microfinance institutions that serve borrowers at the grassroots.
    This month, SAVE Microfinance, part of the Bihar-based SAVE Group, said it had raised USD 3 million through the seventh edition of the bond. The instrument is listed in Singapore and is increasingly being used by Asian microfinance lenders to bring in funds from global investors.

    For SAVE, the capital will help expand its loan book and reduce dependence on a few domestic lenders. The company, which operates across rural northern and eastern India, described the raise as part of its effort to provide steady financial access for women who are often excluded from mainstream banking.
    Ajeet Kumar Singh, Managing Director of SAVE Group, and Pintu Kumar Singh, Chief Financial Officer, noted that the money would go into supporting women running small enterprises such as sewing units, food stalls, and petty shops and into building stronger financial systems at the village level.

    Observers say the move also signals a gradual shift in microfinance funding. Instead of relying only on Indian banks, lenders like SAVE are beginning to use blended finance structures, which give them more stable and diversified funding. That matters in a sector where continuity of credit lines can make or break outreach.
    The Women’s Livelihood Bond programme, set up by Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), has already directed significant amounts of capital to lenders across Asia. Its seventh issuance, which SAVE has now joined, is another step in linking international capital markets with rural entrepreneurs in India.

    For the women who borrow, the results will be measured in practical terms: more reliable access to loans, more chances to expand a small shop, and more room to run home-based businesses without falling into informal debt traps. For SAVE, the raise is less about headlines and more about giving its borrowers the credit lines they need to keep going.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube.
  • Why Kriti Sanon’s Association With Campus Activewear Signals a Shift in India’s Women’s Athleisure Market

    The actor’s new role as the face of Campus’ women’s footwear reflects a growing focus on female consumers in sports and lifestyle fashion, with leadership calling it a key growth driver

    The Indian sportswear and athleisure market has grown rapidly over the past five years, yet women’s categories have often remained underrepresented in mainstream campaigns. That may be changing, as Campus Activewear, one of the country’s largest footwear brands, has brought Kriti Sanon on board as the face of its women’s portfolio.
    For Campus, which dominates in affordable sports and casual footwear, the decision reflects a larger shift. The company has identified the women’s segment as a critical growth driver, with rising demand among younger consumers who see footwear as an expression of identity as much as performance.

    Sanon’s association is not being framed as a traditional endorsement but as a cultural positioning. Known for combining mainstream film roles with entrepreneurial ventures, she embodies what the brand calls individuality and everyday confidence. That framing ties into the company’s effort to capture not only metros but also aspirational Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where women’s lifestyle choices are evolving rapidly.
    Nikhil Aggarwal, CEO of Campus Activewear, described the women’s portfolio as central to the brand’s next growth phase. He noted that Sanon’s presence helps underline both style and comfort, making the products relevant to women who balance professional, social, and personal demands.

    Industry analysts point out that this is part of a broader shift in India’s footwear and athleisure business. With global competitors increasing their focus on female consumers, domestic brands like Campus are investing in design, marketing, and retail formats tailored for women. The choice of a high-visibility cultural figure signals an understanding that women’s categories need to be aspirational and relatable at the same time.

    For consumers, Sanon’s presence may simply mean seeing familiar campaigns across retail and digital channels. For the industry, however, it marks a moment when women’s sportswear and athleisure in India are being given their own space rather than being treated as an extension of men’s categories.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube
  • In France, a New Classmate Named Milo Will Test How Far AI Can Blend Into Campus Life

    Developed at ECE under the Omnes Education group, Milo is designed not as a teaching tool but as a peer who attends lectures, interacts with students, and participates in the daily rhythm of academic life

    Paris, August 2025 When students at ECE, the engineering school of the Omnes Education group, return for the new academic year, they will be sharing their classrooms with an unusual peer. His name is Milo, and he is not a professor, not a tutor, but an AI created to live student life alongside humans.
    Unlike digital assistants that sit quietly in the background, Milo has been programmed to attend classes, ask questions, and take part in discussions. The idea, researchers say, is not to replace faculty or diminish human exchange but to see how artificial intelligence can behave when placed in the same rhythm as a real student.

    ECE’s intelligence lab, which developed Milo, describes him as a full-time enrolment experiment. That means he will be present at lectures, participate in group work, and even join social activities on campus. The deployment will take place across multiple ECE sites, including Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Bordeaux, and Toulouse, making the project one of the most visible attempts in Europe to humanise AI in higher education.

    For Omnes Education, which oversees schools ranging from management to design, the experiment is also about learning how students respond. Will they treat Milo as a tool, a novelty, or an equal peer? Will AI be able to adapt to humour, scepticism, or the unpredictable pace of student life?
    The initiative raises as many questions as it tries to answer. In an era where universities are searching for the balance between technology and human teaching, Milo represents a deliberate step toward treating AI not just as software but as a social actor inside the campus community.

    Whether Milo becomes an accepted classmate or remains an outsider, the experiment will add to the global debate on how education can evolve with machines in the room, not only behind the screen.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube.