The Chanakya Playbook: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Entrepreneur, authored by Abhiraj Gupta, Executive Director at IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, has been receiving an overwhelming response from readers across India following its recent launch. The book has generated interest among management students, young professionals, startup founders, and business leaders looking for practical insights on leadership, strategy, and decision-making

The Chanakya Playbook

Available on Amazon and leading bookstores, the book is inspired by the timeless principles of the Arthashastra. It presents Chanakya’s strategic wisdom in a contemporary and accessible format for today’s business environment. It offers practical insights on leadership, governance, discipline, and business growth ideas which are the areas increasingly relevant in a fast-changing and highly competitive world.

The enthusiastic response to the book reflects a growing demand for management thinking rooted in Indian knowledge systems while remaining relevant to modern business realities. Readers have particularly appreciated its practical approach, relatable examples, and the way it connects classical strategy with present-day entrepreneurial challenges.

Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chairman Emeritus of Trident Group shared his thoughts about the book by saying, ”The Chanakya Playbook is a rare and intellectually rigorous book that bridges ancient Indian strategic wisdom with the realities of modern enterprise.”

Similar sentiment resonated in Mr. Chandrasekhar Sripada, Clinical Professor (OB), Indian School of Business words who said, ”Covering a wide range of critical issues in corporate growth and governance, Abhiraj Gupta presents insightful perspectives on navigating modern business dilemmas.”

Speaking on the response, Abhiraj Gupta, said, “Our country’s rich culture and heritage hold timeless solutions that remain highly relevant to many of today’s modern challenges, and I strongly believe in applying that wisdom in a practical way. With this thought, I penned the book with the belief that its ideas would be meaningful in today’s context. It is deeply encouraging to see readers connect with the perspectives shared in the book. My objective was to present Chanakya’s wisdom in a practical manner for today’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and students. The response so far has been truly humbling. I firmly believe that in life and business alike, we must always adopt a solution-oriented approach and continue learning from the wisdom available to us.”

About the Author

Abhiraj Gupta is the Executive Director of IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited, one of India’s largest API and specialty chemicals company. With academic foundations from the University of Warwick and the Indian School of Business, he bridges ancient strategic wisdom with modern corporate practice. His leadership experience spans research and development, regulatory strategy and large-scale manufacturing. The Chanakya Playbook reflects his commitment to building resilient, ethical and future-ready organizations grounded in India’s strategic intellectual tradition.

Arena365 has announced T20 superstar Nicholas Pooran as its Official Brand Ambassador, marking the launch of a new approach to athlete partnerships in cricket.
 

Rather than a traditional sponsorship, the collaboration is built around a more connected model — bringing fans closer to the game through real-time moments, interactive experiences, and a new way to engage with cricket as it unfolds.
 

Nicholas Pooran joins Arena365, the home of Next Over predictions
 

Pooran, former West Indies captain and one of the most explosive players in world cricket, is widely recognised for his impact across global T20 competitions.
 

Arena365 is building a cricket-first platform for a global audience — designed around speed, simplicity, and live engagement across every over.
 

From matchday experiences to real-time predictions, the focus is simple: making cricket faster, more immersive, and more connected for fans everywhere.
 

Tom Gant, Chief Marketing Officer at Arena365, said, “Most partnerships in sport are just logos and posts. This isn’t. We’re building something that actually connects fans to the game in real time — faster, simpler, and built around how people experience cricket today. This is a different model, and it’s exactly where the space is going.”
 

Nicholas Pooran added, “Cricket moves fast, and the way fans experience it should match that. Arena365 feels built for the moments that matter — live, simple, and right in the middle of the action. I’m excited to be part of something that’s pushing the game forward.”
 

The partnership signals Arena365’s ambition to become the world’s most recognisable cricket-first platform, bringing a new kind of fan experience to audiences globally. And this is only the beginning of what Arena365 plans to build in cricket.

• Unveils recycled plastic benches and waste collection bins under its Bottles for Change Initiative

• Collection of 219 metric tonnes of used plastic from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation in the year 2025-26

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), today unveiled recycled plastic benches and plastic collection bins at a ceremony held at the PCMC premises. The initiative, part of Bisleri’s flagship Bottles for Change programme, underscores the company’s commitment to plastic waste management via collection and recycling.

As part of the Greener Promise campaign, Bisleri has installed benches made from recycled plastic and plastic collection bins at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation along with senior officials from PCMC’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department and CSR Cell. Bisleri was represented by Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs.

Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Through sensitisation about waste segregation at source, awareness drives and engaging with institutions, Bisleri and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have demonstrated a successful, practical avenue for waste management. Bisleri is committed to forging meaningful collaborations with various institutions to ensure that proper waste management becomes a norm rather than an exception in India.”

Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) spoke about Bisleri’s continued partnership with the PCMC Municipal Corporation, “Our partnership with Bisleri is a testament to what corporations and governance bodies can achieve when they work together. The company’s initiatives in the city will deflect a significant amount of waste from landfills, raise citizens’ awareness about waste management, and build a foundation for a circular economy.”

Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation added, “Our focus has been on building robust systems for efficient waste management at scale. Bisleri’s ‘Bottles for Change’ initiative is accelerating our progress towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient urban ecosystem.”

The Mayor accompanied by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner – Health, presented certificates of recognition to 8 educational institutions across Pimpri-Chinchwad in acknowledgement of their sustained commitment to collecting plastic waste on their campuses throughout the year.

A highlight of the event was a presentation of the impact of Bottles for Change programme in FY 2025–26. Through Bisleri’s partnerships with municipalities, institutions, and citizens across India, 30,309 metric tonnes of plastic waste has been collected and sent for recycling.

The partnership with PCMC represents Bisleri’s continued expansion of its municipal collaborations that engage and enable communities to adopt good waste management practices. These initiatives are a part of the company’s Greener Promise campaign that include driving plastic circularity, enabling community-led recycling practices, supporting water conservation, and building sustainable waste management ecosystems.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com. 

The Directorate of Admissions at Manipal University Jaipur successfully organized an Open House at the Smt. Vasanti R. Pai Auditorium, drawing a large number of prospective students and their parents.

Open House organised by Manipal University Jaipur

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Madhura Yadav, Dean–Student Welfare, who highlighted the university’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment. This was followed by a leadership address by Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro-President, who elaborated on the institution’s academic vision and its focus on holistic student development. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Prakash Ramani, Director–Admissions.

The Open House served as an interactive platform for attendees to gain comprehensive insights into the university’s academic offerings, infrastructure, and career prospects. Faculty members and university officials engaged directly with participants, addressing queries related to academics, placements, research opportunities, international collaborations, alumni engagement, and student welfare initiatives.

Departmental representatives also facilitated in-depth discussions and conducted guided campus visits, allowing visitors to experience the university’s academic and residential environment firsthand.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kotegar emphasized the significance of such initiatives in helping students and parents make informed academic choices. “The Open House is an important platform for transparent interaction. We are encouraged by the enthusiastic response and remain committed to guiding students in shaping their academic journey,” he said. He further stressed the importance of holistic development and lifelong learning, urging parents to consider these aspects while planning their children’s future.

The event was well received by attendees, reflecting the university’s dedication to fostering student-centric engagement and maintaining academic excellence. The strong participation underscored the growing interest among students seeking quality higher education opportunities.

For more information, visit the official website of Manipal University Jaipur jaipur.manipal.edu 

Bisleri International continues to build on its largest-ever cricket season association with a high-energy, digital-first campaign in collaboration with Punjab Kings. Rooted in cultural relevance, the brand has unveiled a cinematic digital film featuring fan-favourite cricketers Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Ben Dwarshuis.

Bisleri cracks the hydration strategy with Punjab Kings

With Punjab Kings, Bisleri delivers a film that builds like a breakthrough moment in the boardroom. Featuring Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Ben Dwarshuis, the narrative begins with Shreyas declaring, “Maine crack kar liya,” instantly sparking a sense of urgency among the players.

The tension builds as the players master the #BottleFlip, a challenge requiring steady nerves to land the bottle on its base, before flipping into a clever reveal. The “breakthrough” turns out to be something far simpler: the idea that balanced hydration is the ultimate key to winning. Blending humour with a relatable insight, the film draws a playful link between balance and performance, landing on a simple truth: when hydration is right, everything else tends to follow.

Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, added, “We are delighted to partner with Punjab Kings to place hydration at the centre of the cultural conversation. Our latest reveal swaps high-decibel shouting for a smart and playful boardroom face-off with Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Ben Dwarshuis, proving that the ultimate ‘breakthrough’ is actually just a well-timed sip. By combining this clever narrative with the #BottleFlip, we’re shifting from passive ads to immersive storytelling that is sure to strike a chord with the digital-first cricket audience.”

Commenting on the association, Mr Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings, said, “Our partnership with Bisleri goes beyond visibility. It’s about creating engaging experiences for fans. The film captures the spirit of the game in a light-hearted yet impactful way, and we’re excited to see how audiences respond to it.”

The campaign is conceptualised and executed by Bisleri’s in-house creative team.

Earlier this season, Bisleri announced its largest-ever cricket association, partnering with five leading franchises to strengthen its presence in the sports hydration space. Through a mix of on-ground visibility, digital storytelling, and franchise-led content, the brand continues to reinforce its leadership while connecting with millions of fans across the country.

Link to the film: www.instagram.com/reel/DXOa7aEoGLA/?igsh=bm9pOGh1Mmh3a29q

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Kauvery Hospital successfully performed a high-risk brain surgery on a 59-year-old woman, removing a massive frontal tumour that occupied nearly half the brain. The patient, who had undergone brain surgery following a haemorrhage seven years ago and had since been bedridden and dependent on tracheostomy support for breathing, showed signs of recovery within 48 hours after the procedure.
 

Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani
 

When the patient was brought to Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani she was in critical condition. Investigations revealed a massive frontal brain tumour causing significant compression of surrounding structures. Despite limited margins for error due to her prolonged bedridden state, tracheostomy, and overall frailty, the surgical team, led by Dr. Ranganathan Jothi, performed a bifrontal craniotomy, surgical opening of the front skull to access both frontal lobes, and successfully removed the tumour in full. Post tumour removal, reconstruction of the skull base was carried out using the patient’s own tissue to minimise the risk of complications such as infection or cerebrospinal fluid leak.

In his comments, Dr. Ranganathan Jothi, Chief – Brain & Spine Surgeon, Director of Neurosciences, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani said, “Operating on a previously operated brain is itself a significant challenge. The procedure was further complicated by scar tissue, distorted anatomy, and the tumour’s proximity to critical brain structures and blood vessels, making it highly complex and demanding exceptional precision. Further complicating matters, the tumour’s size and the patient’s condition, having been bedridden for seven years with a tracheostomy, added further layers of complexity. However, leaving the tumour untreated was not an option. The patient responded well to the intervention, and such early recovery is particularly significant, marking a clear shift from her pre-surgical state and placing her on a positive path to rehabilitation.”

Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, commented, “This patient went beyond a complex tumour removal – it involved intervening in a patient who had been bedridden for seven years with very limited physiological reserve. Successfully managing a massive brain tumour in a previously operated, tracheostomy-dependent patient underscores the expertise, planning, and teamwork required in such high-risk scenarios. The intervention demonstrates that meaningful recovery is possible even in long-standing neurological disability when timely, precise surgical intervention is combined with coordinated critical care.”