SRM University-AP has been conferred QS-I GAUGE Diamond Rating for overall institutional excellence — a recognition that reflects the university’s steadfast pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

QS-I GAUGE Diamond Rating Certificate Awarded to SRM University-AP

The university’s advanced Facilities were certified with Platinum Rating, whereas key domains such as Employability, Teaching & Learning, Research, Diversity & Accessibility, and Internationalisation were recognised with Gold Rating. A Silver Rating was credited for its Governance and Structure – reaffirming that teaching-learning practices, infrastructure, governance, and student engagement of the university align with the highest global standards.

“The QS I-GAUGE evaluation highlights SRM AP’s strengths and areas for investment. We will use these insights to refine how we allocate resources and to reinforce our competitive edge in the education sector,” remarked Dr Karthik Rajendran, Associate Dean, Office of the Dean – Quality Assurance and Rankings.

Vice Chancellor (I/C), Prof. Ch Satish Kumar expressed his appreciation stating, “We are deeply honoured for the QS I-GAUGE Diamond Rating that reflects our university’s culture of excellence. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the curiosity and drive of our students, and the unwavering support of our leadership and stakeholders.” He also asserted that this recognition further strengthens the university’s resolve to advance knowledge, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to India’s progress as a hub of world-class higher education.”

The QS I-GAUGE Rating provides a holistic 360-degree audit on SRM AP’s performance and offers a structured and comprehensive framework to assess key parameters. As a new-age institution committed to build a research-intensive, globally connected academic ecosystem that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility, this external validation anchors SRM University-AP as a global benchmark upholding high standards in delivering quality education.

• Max Estates achieved the Dual 5-Star Rating in GRESB for the first time with its highest score of 100 points in Development and 92 points in Standing Investments.

• Max Estates ranks in the top 20 percent of real estate entities globally.

Max Estates Limited (Max Estates), a leading real estate developer in the NCR, has achieved the highest possible score of 100 points in the Development Category of the 2025 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), attaining the No. 1 rank amongst global peers for this category.

Max Towers, Noida

The company has achieved a dual 5-Star Rating in the Development (100/100) and Standing Investment (92/100) categories of GRESB. This comes with the No. 1 rank assigned across its predefined peer entities by GRESB in both categories, thereby reflecting industry wide recognition. This milestone positions Max Estates among the top 20 percent of real estate entities globally in terms of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.

Max Estates’ ESG initiatives are deeply anchored in its LiveWell and WorkWell philosophy. ESG initiatives focus on both physical and social initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to make an impactful influence on the environment by nurturing communities that are safe, sustainable, and lively throughout the real estate lifecycle, from construction to operation.

Sharing his remark on the achievement, Sahil Vachani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Max Estates, said “We, at Max Estates, are immensely proud of receiving the prestigious GRESB 5-Star rating and being ranked No. 1 among the peer entities predefined by GRESB, placing us in the top 20% of real estate entities worldwide for our ESG practices. Guided by our LiveWell and WorkWell philosophy, we remain committed to creating spaces that promote the holistic well-being of all who are part of our LiveWell and WorkWell Experiences. This recognition is a testament to our continuous efforts and the trust our stakeholders place in us. GRESB’s acknowledgment fills us with pride and also inspires us to further strengthen our ESG initiatives—delivering long-term value for our stakeholders and the communities we serve.”

Having participated in GRESB since 2022, this accomplishment marks a historic milestone for the company and underscores its institutional commitment to ESG excellence.

GRESB is an organization that provides ESG benchmarks for real estate organizations across the world. Each year, GRESB recognizes and celebrates participants from across the world with the expectation that these organizations will help drive ESG improvements across the industry. 

Max Estates’ ESG disclosures are aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and undergo independent assurance to uphold the highest levels of transparency and credibility.

About Max Estates Limited

Established in 2016, Max Estates Limited is a leading Real Estate developer in the NCR region. With the purpose of ‘Enhancing Quality of Life through spaces it creates’, it has chosen to create premium commercial and residential spaces in Delhi NCR. The company has developed a very well diversified portfolio of real estate across the two asset classes in Delhi NCR and in this pursuit has partnered with New York Life Insurance Company (NYL).

Max Estates also has a real estate services & management company – Max Asset Services. Max Estates Limited is listed on NSE and BSE.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential and target dates for project related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.

Chandigarh University’s Student Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), world’s largest travel promotional organization, has received the “PATA Best Sustainability Initiative Award” for its exemplary efforts in promoting sustainability and social responsibility.
 

Chandigarh University Registrar along with students after receiving Global PATA Award for Excellence in Sustainability & Social Responsibility at Gharuan campus
 

Chandigarh University is the first university in India to be awarded the “PATA Best Sustainability Initiative Award” which is given to a Student Chapter whose activities over the past year have demonstrated excellent support for sustainability, social responsibility, the environment and the responsible development of the tourism industry.
 

Congratulating Chandigarh University’s Student Chapter for winning this prestigious award, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University, said, “We are immensely proud to become the first university in India whose Student Chapter has been awarded the Best Sustainability Initiative Award. This award acknowledges Chandigarh University’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. Over the past year, our students were characterized by diverse and impactful initiatives that promoted sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement. Through awareness campaigns, outreach initiatives, and innovative events, our students actively participated and contributed to meaningful change, demonstrating the Chapter’s dedication to promoting responsible behavior and impacting both the university and society. This appreciation underscores the Chapter’s significance in facilitating substantial change by integrating sustainability with social and cultural values. It exemplifies Chandigarh University’s commitment to cultivating responsible leaders of the future and promoting sustainable practices among students.”
 

“PATA Student Chapters are the most impactful platform for youth around the world to be changemakers and drive the responsible and sustainable development of the tourism industry alongside PATA which is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy,” he added.
 

Bridging the gap between academia and industry practice, Chandigarh University (CU) is only the third varsity in India to have Student Chapter of the prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at its campus.
 

The PATA India Chandigarh University Student Chapter has positioned the CU among the select universities in the in the Asia Pacific region with such a collaboration with PATA, the largest travel promotional organization in the world.
 

Besides providing Chandigarh University students real-world experience with opportunities to participate in research projects, case studies, and industry internships, this Student Chapter provides CU students networking opportunities with access to a network of industry leaders, peers, and potential employers.
 

This PATA Student Chapter is the cornerstone for Chandigarh University students, from the departments of Tourism, Airlines, Hotel Management, and Culinary Arts, University Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, aspiring to become tourism professionals. It brings together students, educators, and travel industry leaders to groom the next generation of tourism professionals.
 

With this Student Chapter, CU students get exclusive access to PATA’s extensive network and resources including professional development workshops, unique industry insights, and networking opportunities with elite professionals in the travel and tourism sector to get valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and new opportunities in the sector.
 

By facilitating knowledge sharing and networking, PATA India Chandigarh University Student Chapter explores strategies and practices that enable students to conduct research that benefits not only the tourism industry – encompassing companies, DMOs, travelers, and communities – but also enhances their own professional growth.
 

The PATA India Chandigarh University Student Chapter helps students benefit from Educational Workshops and Seminars with tailored sessions covering the latest trends, technologies, and best tourism practices.
 

The PATA India Chandigarh University Student Chapter also provides Chandigarh University students global exposure with participation in international conferences, webinars, and collaborative projects.
 

Founded in 1951, the PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
 

The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organizations, which include government, state and city tourism bodies, international airlines and airports, hospitality organizations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional members across the world.

About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.
 

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

TaskUs (Nasdaq: TASK), a global leader in outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience, has emerged as a standout achiever at the 2nd Edition of the Outlook Business Spotlight Nation Builders Excellence Awards 2025 held in Mumbai. The company was honored with two prestigious accolades: the ‘Women in Leadership Excellence Award,’ presented to Sapna Bhambani, Senior Vice President of Operations and Country Leader at TaskUs India, and the ‘Asia’s Leading People-First Workplace Award’.

TaskUs Honored with Dual Recognition at the 2nd Edition of the ‘Outlook Business Spotlight Nation Builders Excellence Awards 2025′

The awards event was a platform for recognizing companies whose visionary leadership, innovation and contributions are shaping India’s growth story and driving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The evening was graced by Shri Ram Shinde, Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India, as Guests of Honour.

These recognitions underscore TaskUs’ steadfast commitment to building a culture that values diversity, empowers leadership and places people at the core of every success story. With women comprising 49% of its global workforce and 27.7% of managers and above in India – well above industry averages, TaskUs champions leadership diversity across metros and Tier 2 cities alike. Beyond representation, the company offers comprehensive benefits that extend to employees’ families and well-being, including medical coverage for children with special needs, mental wellness assistance and the ‘Hope Beyond Life’ program. By fostering equality, compassion and purposeful engagement, TaskUs continues to build a workplace that inspires both its people and the communities it serves.

On receiving the awards, Sapna Bhambani, Senior Vice President of Operations and Country Leader, TaskUs India, said, “These honors are a powerful reminder that when you put people at the heart of everything you do, excellence follows. At TaskUs, we are committed to building workplaces that are not only inclusive and empowering but also reflective of the values we stand for- compassion, trust and resilience. Winning the Women in Leadership Excellence Award and being recognized as Asia’s Leading People-First Workplace are testaments to the collective strength of our teams and the culture we’ve built together. This recognition belongs to every teammate who makes TaskUs what it is today – a community where people thrive, lead and create lasting impact.“

Winning two awards at this year’s Nation Builders Excellence platform reinforces TaskUs’ mission to combine operational brilliance with human-centric leadership. As the company continues to scale across India and global markets, its ethos of “people-first” stands as the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.

About TaskUs India
TaskUs India is a vibrant and rapidly growing arm of TaskUs, offering tech-enabled digital services, customer experience, AI operations and back-office solutions. With over 14,000 teammates across five modern sites- Indore (Rangreza), Gurugram (Jamboree), Mohali (Oorja), Navi Mumbai (Dreamland), and Noida (HeritEdge) our operations are grounded in creativity, well-being and cutting-edge innovation.

Each site is thoughtfully designed to reflect regional culture and inspire teammates: Rangreza celebrates colorful artistry, Jamboree brings a jungle-themed fantasy escape, Oorja channels energetic sports and gaming elements, Dreamland evokes the vibrancy of Bollywood and HeritEdge draws inspirations from Indian traditions, artistic stories and city life.

TaskUs India has also been recognized as one of the Top 10 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia, ranking No. 5, an achievement that underscores our strong culture of inclusion, well-being, employee voice and purposeful leadership.

For more information, kindly visit: www.taskus.com/locations/india

The Indian Institute of Technology Jammu formally convened its 6th Convocation Ceremony on 11th October 2025, marking a significant milestone in its journey of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. Held at the scenic IIT Jammu campus, the ceremony brought together distinguished guests, faculty members, proud families, and graduating students in a vibrant celebration of achievement and aspiration. 

The Class of 2025 steps forward, inspired by curiosity, resilience, and vision at IIT Jammu’s 6th Convocation

A total of 386 degrees were conferred during the ceremony — including 211 B.Tech, 114 M.Tech, 25 M.Sc., and 36 Ph.D. degrees — reflecting IIT Jammu’s steady growth as a hub of research, innovation, and academic rigor. 

The event was graced by Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest. In his inspiring address, Dr. Kalyanaraman urged graduates to embrace the opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. He emphasized the importance of innovation, adaptability, and mentorship, encouraging graduates to remain connected with their alma mater and contribute to India’s journey as a global leader in science and technology. 

Delivering the Director’s Address, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, congratulated the Class of 2025 and shared an insightful message on curiosity, resilience, and purpose. Drawing inspiration from India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, he highlighted how perseverance and innovation can overcome constraints, urging students to transform challenges into opportunities. Prof. Gaur encouraged the graduating class to continue lifelong learning, create meaningful impact through their work, and remain grounded in their values as they explore new frontiers. 

A special highlight of the Convocation was the unveiling of “Trishunya: The Infinite Circle of Growth,” a magnificent new sculpture dedicated to the graduating class of 2025. The artwork symbolizes the human spirit of pursuit through its three spheres — Curiosity, Resilience, and Vision — representing the Institute’s core ethos of continuous learning, growth, and creation. Standing tall at the campus, Trishunya embodies IIT Jammu’s belief in staying grounded while reaching infinitely upward. 

In recognition of exceptional academic excellence, Aashray Gupta (B.Tech, Computer Science and Engineering) received the President Gold Medal for securing the highest CGPA among all B.Tech graduates. The Director Gold Medal was awarded to Ahuja Sneha Brijkishor (B.Tech, Materials Engineering) for the best overall performance. The Institute Gold Medal was awarded to Saqib Khursheed Wani, a student of M.Tech in Civil Engineering, for obtaining the highest CGPA amongst all graduating students of the Master of Technology program, and to Monika, a student of M.Sc. in Chemistry, for obtaining the highest CGPA amongst all graduating students of the Master of Science program.

Institute Silver Medals were presented to top-performing students across departments: Gaytri Sachdeva (Chemical Engineering), Aditi Agarwal (Civil Engineering), Sadanand Sharma (Electrical Engineering), Sanskar Purwar (Materials Engineering), and Priya Sharma (Mechanical Engineering) at the B.Tech level. Among postgraduates, silver medals were awarded to Rakshith V.S., Dammu Akshay Kumar, Shweta Girijesh Tripathi, Aman Kumar Singh, Juhi Dubey, Vikas Kumar Tomar, and Amar Jangid for outstanding academic performances across M.Tech and M.Sc. programs. 

The 6th Convocation of IIT Jammu stood as a testament to the institute’s growing legacy — a celebration of intellect, resilience, and purpose. As the Class of 2025 embarks on its next journey, they carry forward IIT Jammu’s vision of fostering innovation, excellence, and meaningful societal contribution. 

Mr. Ramanan Balagangatharan, Managing Director and a paragon of leadership in the realm of global enterprise, continues to ascend the echelons of international acclaim. A figure widely regarded for his strategic brilliance and transformative vision, Mr. Ramanan was recently accorded the rare distinction of participating in two of the most eminent global gatherings, each underscoring his preeminent status as a thought leader and innovator of the highest order.

Mr. Ramanan Balagangatharan Honored Amongst the World’s Foremost Visionaries at Prestigious Global Assemblies

Celebrated for his profound intellect, unwavering ethical compass, and an extraordinary ability to anticipate and adapt to global shifts, Mr. Ramanan has become a lodestar for aspiring entrepreneurs and policymakers alike. His body of work has not only revolutionized business ecosystems but has also contributed significantly to thought architecture in areas spanning technological innovation, sustainable development, and cross-border collaboration.

On January 20, 2025, Mr. Ramanan was invited to attend the exclusive Pre-Inaugural Dinner hosted by President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C., an elite gathering reserved for a handful of the world’s most influential minds. Among his distinguished peers were Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Mr. Elon Musk, Mr. Mark Zuckerberg, Mr. Jeff Bezos, Mr. Sundar Pichai, Mr. Ashish Jain, and Mr. Kalpesh Mehta—a veritable constellation of global leadership. His inclusion in such an illustrious assembly stands as a resounding affirmation of his stature on the world stage.

The dinner functioned not merely as a ceremonial event, but as a dynamic forum for ideation—where challenges were met with visionary discourse and opportunities were envisioned with clarity and purpose. Mr. Ramanan’s contributions to these deliberations further solidified his repute as a sage voice in matters of economic foresight and international cooperation.

Affirming his growing influence in diplomatic and governmental spheres, Mr. Ramanan was subsequently extended a formal invitation by The White House to attend a special address delivered by The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, on April 22, 2025, at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur. This occasion, attended by key stakeholders from across sectors and continents, further accentuated Mr. Ramanan’s role as a bridge between nations, industries, and ideas.

His presence at both these eminent convocations is not only a personal honor but a powerful reflection of the values he espouses—integrity, insight, and innovation. Mr. Ramanan continues to illuminate paths for global progress through his articulate leadership and visionary counsel, setting a benchmark for excellence that resonates far beyond the corporate sphere.

In an era defined by rapid change and global interdependence, Mr. Ramanan Balagangatharan remains a beacon of purpose-driven leadership, guiding industries and institutions toward a more enlightened and prosperous future.

For more details, please visit: elephantine.co

The 15th edition of the PrintWeek Awards 2025 celebrated the finest achievements in India’s print, publishing and packaging industry at a grand awards night hosted by Haymarket Media India. The evening brought together industry leaders, innovators and creative minds to honour outstanding performance, quality and sustainable innovation across the country’s most dynamic printing businesses.

Winners for PrintWeek Awards 2025

In his opening address, Ashish Bhushan, Country Head – India, Haymarket Media, set the tone for the evening by applauding the innovation, collaboration and resilience that define the Indian print and packaging community. “We come together not only to celebrate achievements but also the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives our industry forward,” said Bhushan. “This year, we received entries from more than 100 companies and over 1,000 print samples, proof that print in India continues to raise benchmarks in R&D, sustainability and technology. Our goal at Haymarket Media India is to create a stronger voice for the industry through knowledge-sharing and meaningful collaborations.”

Bhushan also announced new initiatives for 2025, including the Year of the Printed Book in partnership with Bindwel, a nationwide celebration of India’s book printing community, and an upcoming label industry project led by WhatPackaging? magazine. Both initiatives aim to highlight excellence and strengthen industry engagement throughout the year.

The biggest winners of the evening were Letra Graphix and Brilliant Printers, each taking home three awards across diverse categories.

Letra Graphix shone across digital and packaging segments, winning Digital Printer of the Year, Label Printer of the Year (both joint wins), and Packaging Converter of the Year – Pharma. Brilliant Printers matched this feat with wins for Book Education Company of the Year, Book Printer of the Year – Education (joint), and Green Company of the Year – Large (joint), earning praise for quality, sustainability and forward-thinking innovation.

Manipal Technologies clinched the top honour, PrintWeek Company of the Year, and also won Book Printer of the Year – Specialty and Trade. Accepting the award, the Manipal Technologies team said, “It’s been an incredible 25 years in print. The recognition we receive today is a testament to our team’s commitment to creating sustainable value for all stakeholders. These are exciting times, full of innovation and change, and we’re proud to be part of this evolving journey.”

Other key winners included Parksons Packaging, Printmann Group, Parakh Flexipacks, Khetan Corrucase, Replika Press, and Silverpoint Press. CDC Printers was named Factory of the Year, while ITC Packaging and Printing Business earned Customer Service Company of the Year. Prachi Jain from IIT Roorkee was recognised as Student of the Year for her research on scalable bio-based packaging.

In a first for the Awards, PrintWeek introduced knowledge-sharing sessions as part of the celebration, an initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and learning among industry leaders. Bhushan noted that these new formats mark a shift from a traditional awards night to a more holistic industry platform “a celebration of excellence, exchange and evolution.”

The PrintWeek Awards 2025 reaffirmed that India’s print and packaging industry continues to grow as a global benchmark of creativity, craftsmanship and sustainable innovation, proving once again that the power of print remains timeless.

About PrintWeek

PrintWeek is a nationwide title that covers issues and news of the Indian print industry. PrintWeek has a print run of 11,000+ which is delivered to print professionals in more than 350 cities across India. Every month, PrintWeek gives its readers new insights into today’s printing topics ranging from commercial printing, sheetfed, web offset, digital, inkjet and outdoor. Added to this is an eclectic collection of original and thought-provoking features spanning topics from fine art production to print’s most colourful characters along with profiles of industries and key print cities, and individuals who have had a profound effect on the Indian print community.

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused NGO, has been honoured with the “Doing Good for Healthcare” award at the Doing Good for Bharat Awards 2025. The recognition celebrates Smile Train India’s impactful and sustained efforts to empower local medical professionals and to support free, safe, and high-quality cleft treatment across the country.

Smile Train India recognised as one India’s most credible honours in the CSR and sustainability space

The Doing Good for Bharat Awards, a flagship segment of the 12th India CSR and ESG Summit (ICES 2025), took place on 9th October 2025 in New Delhi. Recognised as one India’s most credible honours in the CSR and sustainability space, the “Doing Good for Healthcare” category highlights Smile Train India’s holistic approach to improving access to cleft care, from surgery to speech therapy and comprehensive rehabilitation, ensuring every child born with a cleft has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Expressing her gratitude, Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia, Smile Train, said, “This recognition is a powerful validation of our work in India and the impact we’re making by creating smiles and changing lives. Our network of partner hospitals and medical professionals across the country continues to make a lasting difference, one child at a time. We share this honour with every partner, donor, and well-wisher who believes in our work.”

With over 35,000 children born with clefts in India each year, many face bullying and isolation due to their facial differences. If left untreated, cleft can lead to difficulties in eating, hearing, speaking, and breathing. However, timely medical interventions can dramatically transform their lives, giving them the opportunity to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.

Over the past two decades, Smile Train India has supported more than 750,000 cleft surgeries and continues to work with a network of 130+ medical partner hospitals in 30 states and Union Territories in India to support 100%-free and quality cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children in need. Through its “teach a person to fish” model, Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to deliver safe, timely care. This sustainable model strengthens healthcare systems, allowing communities to become self-reliant and continue transforming lives for generations.