Setting records in the capital market is never easy, but Highway Infrastructure Limited has achieved just that. The company’s mainboard IPO, coming from Indore after a gap of eight years, received such overwhelming investor confidence that it was oversubscribed 316 times, making it the third most subscribed IPO in India’s history. This milestone is not only significant for the company but also marks a defining moment for Indore’s business landscape, placing the city prominently on the national map. The company’s shares are scheduled to list today, August 12, 2025, on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its growth journey.

From left to right: Arun Jain, Riddhart Jain, Anoop Agrawal

Established in 1995, the company has built a strong reputation in road and bridge construction as well as toll operations. With a track record of completing projects worth over Rs. 2,000 crore approx. on time, a presence across 11 states and 1 union territory, and a diverse portfolio of EPC and toll projects, Highway Infrastructure Limited has established itself as a reliable and balanced player in the sector.

In the Union Budget 2024-25, the Government of India allocated Rs. 11.11 lakh crore towards capital expenditure, with Rs. 2.78 lakh crore earmarked for the road sector. Over the next five years, more than 35,000 kilometres of new national highways are planned for construction. With its strong order book and proven execution capabilities, Highway Infrastructure Limited is well-positioned to play a significant role in this national infrastructure expansion.

Managing Director Arun Jain said, “The record subscription is a testament to investor confidence in our track record and our vision for the future. Our aim is to expand our presence across the country and participate in larger projects to bring meaningful change to India’s infrastructure landscape.”

Whole Time Director Anoop Agrawal said, “With strong support and a robust order book, we are ready to set new benchmarks in technology adoption, efficiency, and quality.”

From the next generation, Mr. Riddharth Jain, Director, is already part of the Board, bringing fresh energy, digital thinking, and a futuristic perspective to complement the senior leadership team.

Subject expertCA Bhavya Mantri stated, “The company’s balanced business model, strong returns, and low debt-equity ratio make it well-prepared for sustainable growth. The enthusiastic response from investors validates this trust.”

From a financial standpoint, the company is in a strong position – with high returns (ROCE 16.56%, ROE 19.03%) and a low debt-equity ratio of 0.61, it is well-equipped for long-term growth. With a solid foundation, clear vision, and the trust of its investors, Highway Infrastructure Limited is ready to make a significant contribution to the nation’s infrastructure story in the years ahead.

India, the land where rivers once sang through the seasons, is now grappling with a hard truth: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat – it’s here. From villages to districts, swathes of the country are grappling with dangerously low groundwater levels. Rivers that once flowed year round are reduced to trickles or memories. Floods and droughts now alternate like a grim cycle, damaging crops, displacing communities, and threatening food security.

JalTara under construction – a low-cost, scalable solution for Indias groundwater crisis

Even with the monsoons sweeping across the land, only 20% of our water needs are met by rainfall and surface water. The remaining 80% – for drinking, cooking, farming – comes from beneath our feet: groundwater. But for over two decades now, India’s aquifers have been draining faster than they can refill.

So where do we go from here

A Vision Rooted in Nature, Powered by People

Under the guidance of spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has stepped up with not just hope – but action. Action that is deeply rooted in ecology, powered by community, and backed by cutting-edge science.

The organisation’s mission is bold: to make India water-positive. And the results, even in just a few years, are nothing short of transformational.

With 72 rivers/streams and tributaries rejuvenated and 1,05,050+ groundwater recharge structures built across 8 states – including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh – this is no small scale effort. Its a nationwide movement, and its changing lives.

What’s the Secret Tailored, Scalable, Local Solutions

Every drop of water saved starts with understanding the land. That’s why The Art of Living’s Water Conservation team is made up of experts – retired ISRO scientists, hydrologists, geologists, civil engineers, and IT professionals – who have spent years studying the terrain.

Using geo-informatics, GIS mapping, and remote sensing, they design region-specific models that treat both the area and the drainage lines. The strategy is simple yet powerful: slow down the rainwater, let it sink, not run away.

Recharge structures like check dams, contour trenches, and recharge pits help retain water, increase soil moisture, prevent erosion, and refill aquifers naturally. The base flow of rivers is sustained, turning seasonal streams into perennial ones.

And the impact Across multiple states, groundwater levels have seen dramatic improvement. In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, for instance, the water table rose by 12 feet – verified by the states Water Supply and Drainage Board.

JalTara: A Game Changer in Farmers’ Fields

Perhaps the most groundbreaking initiative is JalTara, a flagship project of The Art of Living Social Projects. The idea is ingeniously simple: dig a small recharge pit at the lowest point of each farm plot and flank it with two fruit-bearing trees.

This pit acts like a natural funnel – directing rainwater past the impermeable topsoil and deep into the aquifers. In just six months, JalTara can turn struggling farms into thriving fields.

Sulabai Chavhal, a farmer from Jalna, Maharashtra, is just one among thousands of success stories. “Earlier, I barely harvested a single bag of grains,” he says. “Now, my godown is full.”

Ramchandra Mandale of Shirur saw water return and yields rise, thanks to The Art of Living

Ramchandra Mandale, a farmer from Shirur, shares a similar transformation. He recalls that a population of 3,000 had to manage with only one barrel of water per week until The Art of Living Social Projects intervened.

The stats also speak volumes: Water tables are up by 14 feet, crop yields up by 42%, waterlogging down by 100%, farmer income up by 120%, year-round employment up by 88%. With a 100% success rate, JalTara is now set to scale up to 5 lakh structures across 1 lakh villages in the next five years.

Not Just Water, Hope is Flowing Back

This isn’t just about water. It’s about restoring balance – to nature, to rural economies, to people’s lives. When water returns, so does biodiversity, fertility, and livelihood. Farmers grow more. Women walk less. Children attend school. Communities thrive.

Contributing significantly to this revival is The Art of Living’s 4R approach – a holistic model addressing water challenges from every angle. ‘Reduce’ empowers youth through the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), equipping them to raise awareness and inspire communities to reduce water waste through mindful usage. ‘Reuse’ taps into Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat wastewater for daily and agricultural needs. ‘Recharge’ uses terrain-sensitive water structures to replenish groundwater, while ‘Recycle’ employs natural methods like bioremediation and phytoremediation to restore polluted water bodies. Together, these four strategies form a replicable, scalable solution to India’s water crisis.

Achievements are current till August 2025, the count continues:

1,74,52+ Crores worth of water conserved

3,45,00,000+ People empowered

72 Rivers/streams and tributaries being rejuvenated across 8 States

1,05,050+ Recharge structures constructed

2,90,64,668+ Cubic metres desilted

7,00,000+ Trees planted along river basins in River Rejuvenation Projects

As Dr. K. Satyagopal, former Chairman of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Corporation, puts it: “The Art of Living’s ability to mobilise communities – especially women – has been the cornerstone of its success. It shows what can happen when the government and citizens work hand-in-hand.”

And that may be the most powerful takeaway: this isn’t just one organisation doing good work. It’s a blueprint – scalable, science-backed, and people-powered – for every village, district, and state. The results are already visible: as the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reports, several once “critical” regions now have “safe” water levels thanks to these interventions.

Yet the journey is far from over. India’s water future still hangs in the balance – but with committed action and community-led leadership, The Art of Living Social Projects has shown us not just what’s possible, but what’s already underway.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The organisation works closely with the Government of India and Corporate Entities to relieve the country from water scarcity through various water conservation projects.

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Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom. And Independence Day offers are great if you plan to buy or upgrade your home appliances. Bajaj Finserv offers easy financing options on a wide range of products, including washing machines. Combine this with exclusive Independence Day offers at partner stores to buy the washing machine of your choice without straining your budget.

Exclusive Independence Day Deal on Washing Machines

Reasons to buy a washing machine this Independence Day

• Take advantage of partner store discounts along with Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMI plans for excellent savings.

• Modern washing machines are energy-efficient, quieter, and equipped with smart features that save time.

• Independence Day marks the beginning of the festive buying season, making it an ideal time to plan home improvements.

You can explore a wide range of models, compare features, and price on Bajaj Mall. Once you finalise the best fit online, you can complete your purchase at one of the 1.5 lakh+ Bajaj Finserv partner stores across 4,000+ cities in India. Enjoy benefits like Easy EMIs, zero down payment on select models, and instant approval through the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, making your purchase smooth and budget-friendly. Bajaj Finserv’s flexible financing options ensure a smooth, stress-free purchase.

Top washing machine brands and models

When it comes to choosing the perfect washing machine, Bajaj Finserv’s partner stores offer a wide selection from trusted brands. Each brand brings its own set of features designed to meet different needs and budgets, making it easier for you to find the right fit for your home.

Explore these and many more models on Bajaj Mall, where you can compare features, prices, and EMI plans. With easy financing options from Bajaj Finserv and exclusive partner store offers, upgrading your washing machine has never been more convenient.

Disclaimer: The features, availability, and pricing of each model are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.

How to make the most of your washing machine purchase

• Compare features, not just price. Look for wash programs, capacity, energy efficiency, and spin speed.

• Consider your household size and laundry habits to choose the right capacity.

• Use Easy EMI wisely. Select a repayment plan that fits your budget without extra financial strain.

• Look out for exclusive deals. Some partner stores may offer free installation, extended warranty, or special discounts during the Independence Day sale.

Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in.

Gurugram’s real estate has always stayed ahead of the curve. From a satellite town, the city has grown into one of India’s most sought-after real estate destinations, driven by infrastructure upgrades, a booming corporate ecosystem, and rising lifestyle aspirations. But what’s truly setting the tone for the next chapter of Gurugram’s growth is the emergence of new corridors.

Redefining vertical growth along Dwarka Expressway

Among the many growth nodes fueling this momentum, the Dwarka Expressway corridor has emerged as a catalytic force, redefining the city’s residential blueprint. Strategically connecting Delhi to Gurugram, this 8-lane expressway is reshaping mobility, unlocking immense potential for vertical, future-ready developments.

Recent data from JLL shows that 5,168 luxury units were sold in NCR in H1 2025, giving the region a 65% share of luxury home sales across India’s top seven cities. Gurugram alone accounted for an overwhelming 91% of NCR’s luxury sales in the first half of the year. The Southern Peripheral Road and Dwarka Expressway corridors have emerged as key magnets, together contributing 61% of Gurugram’s high-end transactions. SPR alone accounted for 39% of sales, fuelled by new launches from leading developers. The completion of Dwarka Expressway has boosted connectivity, pushed property prices up, and moved more projects into the ₹5 crore-plus bracket.

Riding this wave of change is Rajjath Goel, Managing Director of MRG Group, whose forward-looking approach to real estate is helping shape not just skylines, but self-sustained communities. As cities run out of horizontal room to grow, vertical living has become a response to space constraints. Developers are curating high-rise developments that are thoughtfully planned ecosystems and are part of a larger vision for connected, community-first living. From enhanced security and better air circulation to shared green spaces and curated amenities, vertical townships offer a quality of life that traditional sprawl simply cannot match. At MRG Group, Rajjath Goel has shifted this chasing skyline dominance through projects that are efficient, well-located, and aligned with how people actually live, work, and unwind today.

“To me, vertical growth is not just about constructing taller buildings-it’s a reflection of rising aspirations and smarter urban living. At MRG, we see it as a way to create more meaningful, well-connected communities within compact urban footprints. Our approach to vertical development is rooted in purpose, offering homes that are not only accessible but also aligned with the evolving lifestyle needs of today’s Indian families. From integrated amenities to efficient layouts, we’re focused on delivering value at every level, while contributing to a more sustainable and future-ready urban landscape,” says Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group.

Rajjath’s vision for MRG Group is firmly anchored in realism: understanding what today’s buyers truly value, and responding with thoughtful design, smart engineering, and a commitment to quality that stands the test of time. From meticulous planning and modern construction technologies to choosing strategic, well-connected locations, every decision is made with the end-user in mind. MRG’s projects are well-rounded, award-winning ecosystems built around convenience, sustainability, and the evolving aspirations of urban India.

As Dwarka Expressway steps into its next phase of evolution, Rajjath Goel envisions it as a vertical, inclusive, and sustainable urban canvas; one that reflects the core ethos of MRG Group. By blending luxury with aspiration, and design with purpose, the group is helping redefine what quality living can look like in a modern, fast-growing corridor. The goal is simple yet powerful: to build not just for today, but for a future that’s smarter, greener, and deeply people-centric.

Helios, India’s leading multi-brand destination for exquisite timepieces, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering exclusive experiences at the launch of Herbelin’s collection at a one-of-a-kind event ‘Brew O’Clock: A Coffee Rave with a French Soul.’ Held on August 9th at the brand’s flagship store in Pondy Bazaar, Chennai, the event brought together refined horology and French caf culture in an immersive celebration designed for Chennai’s discerning tastemakers. At the heart of this experience was the unveiling of Herbelin’s bestseller timepieces, Luna and Newport, a collection that effortlessly captured the maison’s distinct French artistry and timeless elegance. The collection reflected this legacy with fluid lines, precision detailing and a sense of understated sophistication. The event was also graced by national award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali.

Actress Aparna Balamurali graces the ‘Helios x Herbelin: Brew O’Clock – A Coffee Rave with a French Soul’ event in Chennai

Balancing classic elegance with contemporary flair, the Luna collection captures the essence of understated French chic and unveils feminine timepieces adorned with captivating reflections and a refined allure. The Newport collection, inspired by the nautical world, blends maritime design elements with the precision and sophistication of fine watchmaking, creating a timeless statement of style and craftsmanship.

Following the unveiling, the event unfolded into a curated Coffee Rave, designed to echo the sensibilities of the Herbelin wearer, refined, contemplative and effortlessly stylish. Guests were treated to artisanal French-style brews handcrafted by a live barista, set to the backdrop of a DJ-led ambient soundscape.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Javed K M, General Manager, Retail-Watches, Titan Company Ltd., said, “As international watchmakers such as Herbelin continue to partner with Helios, our commitment remains focused on delivering multi-sensorial experiences for the discerning Indian consumer, not just through exquisite products, but through immersive storytelling. With ‘Brew O’Clock’, we offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with the French heritage and aesthetics, design sensibilities and cultural identity that define Herbelin. At Helios, we celebrate these brands and what they stand for, bringing alive stories that resonate deeply with the new-age Indian consumer.“

With its thoughtful confluence of craftsmanship, culture and community, the Brew O’Clock experience seamlessly positioned Herbelin’s French horological excellence within the evolving narrative of India’s premium lifestyle aspirations. Helios is redefining the way international watch brands are experienced in India, shifting the narrative from mere transactions to craft moments of discovery, dialogue and deeper connection. By celebrating the heritage, artistry and design philosophies behind each timepiece, Helios is building an ecosystem where storytelling becomes central to the retail experience. Consumers are invited to engage with the legacy, journey and values that make each brand unique.

With this, Helios is not merely participating in the premiumisation wave but playing a defining role in shaping the future of watch retail in India.

To explore the new Herbelin collection, visit your nearest Helios store or log on to www.helioswatchstore.com.

About Helios
Helios, The Premium Watch Store, owned and operated by Titan Company Limited, is Indias largest premium multi-brand watch retail chain with 282 stores across 100 cities. With an extensive portfolio of over 45 international brands, Helios offers the widest collection of affordable luxury watches, ranging from INR 5000 to 2.5 Lac. From Titan to Tommy Hilfiger, Tissot to Swarovski, Fossil to Frederique Constant, and many more, Helios caters to the discerning taste of watch enthusiasts. Embracing an omni-channel model, Helios pioneers the integration of brick-and-mortar stores with assisted e-commerce, prioritizing consumer-centric policies such as same-day delivery, a 30-day exchange policy, and free battery replacement.

As India sets its sights on becoming the world’s largest economy by 2047, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Ramdas Athawale asserted that the nation’s growth story must be rooted in the progress of its farmers and the adoption of sustainable agriculture. Speaking at a national conference in Delhi on sustainable agriculture, he said that keeping farmers at the centre of economic transformation will be essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale with leaders and experts at the inauguration of the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2025 in New Delhi

The 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2025 organized by Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri, and supported by Indian Railway Finance Corporation, Godrej Agrovet, IPL Biologicals, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), brought together an influential cross-section of stakeholders, progressive farmers, industry leaders, scientists, development practitioners and senior bureaucrats from across the country.

“A strong agricultural base will ensure that India’s economic growth is inclusive and resilient,” Athawale said, adding that initiatives which integrate environmental sustainability with farmer welfare will be critical for India’s long-term prosperity.

Setting the tone for the deliberations, Dr Jayadev Sarangi, IAS (Retd), Former Secretary, Government of Delhi and Government of Goa, noted that agriculture today is not just about food security but about economic strategy. “Every investment we make in sustainable agriculture translates into greater national stability and global competitiveness,” he observed.

Such investments, speakers pointed out, need a robust financial backbone. India’s agri-credit flow crossed Rs. 20 lakh crore in FY2024, but much of it remains concentrated in short-term crop loans rather than long-term climate-resilient infrastructure.

Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Railway Finance Corporation, said “The private and public sectors must work in tandem to unlock capital for green and farmer-centric innovations. Financing climate-smart agriculture is an investment in India’s economic future.”

Beyond financing, panellists noted, execution at the grassroots often determines the real impact of policies and programs. District administrations have been central to introducing innovations that not only address climate and resource challenges but also diversify farm incomes in regions dependent on traditional crop cycles.

Highlighting the role of innovative crop diversification, Ms Deepshikha, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Ferozepur, shared her experience from Ferozepur, Punjab. She said the district is boosting farmer welfare by promoting chilli cultivation between paddy and wheat cycles. “This diversification has improved incomes, enhanced soil health, and reduced environmental stress,” she noted. She was among six IAS officers honoured for their district-level sustainable initiatives, alongside Ravi Anand, IAS, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate, Jamtara; Pamela Satpathy, IAS, District Collector, Karimnagar; Hari Chandana, IAS, District Collector, Hyderabad and Himanshu Nagpal, IAS, Chief Development Officer, Varanasi; Rajesh Jogpal, IAS, Haryana.

Such local interventions, speakers observed, work best when complemented by strong market linkages and rural entrepreneurship, enabling farmers to capture more value beyond the farmgate.

Dr Rajendra Prasad, General Manager & Regional Head, SIDBI, noted that while SIDBI’s primary mandate is to support MSMEs, it also has an important role in encouraging entrepreneurship across industries, including agriculture. “As a financing institution, we are leveraging resources from international, multilateral, and bilateral partners to fund mitigation projects that address climate and sustainability challenges. I invite all institutions working in this space to collaborate with us so that together we can channelise these resources towards achieving the government’s vision for Viksit Krishi. We believe the time for action is now,” he said.

Dr Vimala Prakash, Head of the Technology Innovation Center at IPL Biologicals Limited, added that science-led innovation is bridging the gap between farm needs and sustainable outcomes. “Biologicals, precision tools, and data-driven practices can transform Indian agriculture into a global benchmark,” she said.

Siba P Mohanty, Managing Director, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), stressed on the role of responsible input management and water stewardship in securing the future of Indian agriculture. “Innovations like zero liquid discharge systems, efficient nutrient management, and training in water-smart practices show how environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. The future of climate-resilient agriculture lies in blending technology with strong farmer engagement,” he said.

“This summit is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, where agriculture is not a constraint but a catalyst for sustainable growth,” said Dr Navneet Anand, Executive Director of Sustainability Matters.

“Under the banner of Krishi 2047, our aim is to document what’s working on the ground and build a platform for dialogue, recognition, and policy linkages that can take these models national,” Anand said.

The awards ceremony recognised exemplary work across multiple categories, celebrating achievers such as Godrej Agrovet; IPL Biologicals; Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL); SeedWorks International Limited; Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur; Love Kumar, District Agriculture Officer & District Horticulture Officer, Jamtara; Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Bhagalpur; Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation; Dhaksha; and the Federation of Seed Industry of India.

• Agentic isAI is a no-code, autonomous AI platform that learns from behavior and automates enterprise operations without human prompts

• Business Core Solutions is a Chennai-based tech company delivering enterprise-grade automation platforms trusted by global industry leaders

The Chennai-based technology company Business Core Solutions (BCS) has launched Agentic isAI, a path-breaking, autonomous AI platform that reimagines enterprise automation. This first-of-its-kind solution empowers businesses to proactively manage operations, reduce downtime, and automate critical workflows, all without the need for prompts, coding, or training data.

Chennai’s BCS Launches Agentic isAI, a No-Code, Self-Orchestrating AI Built for Business Automation

True to its name, which is inspired by the Tamil word “Isai” – meaning music, Agentic isAI has the ability to bring harmony and intelligence to complex enterprise systems. Unlike traditional AI systems that require extensive training data or manual prompts, Agentic isAI operates with true autonomy – it can observe system behaviour, detect anomalies, and initiate responses without human intervention. The solution is designed as a no-code platform – it learns from real-time patterns instead of relying on pre-trained models, making it faster to deploy and easier to adapt across industries.

Built for enterprise environments, it seamlessly integrates with platforms like SAP, Azure, Salesforce, Oracle, and more. Already in production with leading global clients, it is helping reduce downtime, prevent job failures, optimise cloud usage, and automate critical business operations at scale.

BCS is a Chennai-based enterprise technology company specialising in intelligent automation platforms for global businesses. Its flagship solutions, including Symphony for process orchestration, Anugal for identity governance, and DQView for data quality management, are trusted by Fortune 100 companies and industry leaders across the US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. With the launch of Agentic isAI, BCS continues to push the boundaries of scalable, AI-driven enterprise automation.

In his comments, Mr. Prakash Palani, Founder, Business Core Solutions, said, “We’re proud and excited to launch Agentic isAI, a product that reflects years of deep enterprise insight and cutting-edge innovation. What makes Agentic isAI truly path-breaking is its ability to act autonomously, without prompts, training data, or code, and still deliver reliable, enterprise-grade automation. We believe this platform has the power to fundamentally transform how businesses operate, making them more responsive, efficient, and resilient in a fast-changing world.”

He added: “Innovations like this are often expected to emerge from Silicon Valley or other global tech hubs. But Agentic isAI was imagined, engineered, and brought to life right here in Tamil Nadu. It proves that world-class enterprise technology can be built anywhere, as long as there is intent, talent, and vision. This launch isn’t just a milestone for us. It’s a moment of pride for the entire region.”

Beyond Agentic isAI, BCS offers a suite of powerful enterprise platforms designed to address core operational challenges. Symphony is an AI-powered orchestration platform that streamlines IT and business processes, enabling seamless automation across complex systems. Anugal focuses on identity and access governance, helping organizations ensure compliance, manage risk, and enforce security with precision. Meanwhile, DQView is a modern data quality platform that brings visibility, validation, and trust to enterprise data landscapes. These solutions reflect BCS’s commitment to building deeply integrated, scalable technologies that drive measurable impact for global businesses.

At the heart of BCS is a belief that technology and social responsibility can grow together. The company has consistently invested in inclusive hiring, with over half its workforce comprising individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation graduates, rural youth, women returning to work, and persons with hearing and speech impairments. Through initiatives like the BCS Academy, which trains and places students, and HERizon, which supports women re-entering the workforce, BCS has created not just jobs, but opportunities for transformation. Its social initiatives also extend to improving public education, installing clean water systems, and nurturing local talent, making it a company where business success and human impact go hand in hand.

For more details, please visit: www.businesscoresolutions.com.

On the occasion of World Elephant Day, World Animal Protection is renewing calls for the retirement of the eighty odd elephants that are still kept in captivity in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon in Jaipur and Rajasthan. For more than two decades, activists have been campaigning for the retirement of these elephants that ate kept in captivity for human entertainment.

Elephant in Haathi Gaon Credit: Shubhobroto Ghosh

The elephants of Amer Fort endure a harsh existence to cater to the needs of both domestic and foreign tourists who consider riding them an act of status and curiosity. This activity fuels the traditional stereotype of India as a land of elephants and snake charmers and exotic wild animals, and adds immensely to animal cruelty and the perpetuation of suffering for the National Heritage Animal of India.

More than a decade ago, there were indications that captive elephant management in India would be appositely dealt with and proper measures would be taken to improve elephant wellbeing in captivity and to curb the illegal trade in live elephants in the region.

Unfortunately, even today, we realize that captive elephants like the ones in Jaipur, are subjected to cruelty and abuse and the whole process is being perpetuated with infusion of new animals that appear to be of wild origin. World Animal Protection has a set of standards for the maintenance of captive elephants in well maintained sanctuaries. Apart from animal husbandry and animal welfare, there are major issues surrounding he procurement of elephants and their transport within the country.

“We recognize that continuing the status quo of the captive elephants in Jaipur indefinitely is inimical to animal welfare and conservation,” says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India. “If there is an understanding that this flagrant abuse and exploitation of social and sentient animals that are essentially adapted to pristine wild conditions, then there cannot be any delay in initiating the conversation to retire the captive elephants used for riding and entertainment purposes in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon in Jaipur.”

Several research documents including one by the Animal Welfare Board of India and another by Project Elephant of the Ministry of Environment and Forests show that it is in the best interests of the elephants to have the ride spectacle at Amer Fort in Jaipur phased out in favour of more animal friendly options. With rising awareness among tourists, including overseas tourists to avoid captive wildlife in entertainment venues, it is also a logical conclusion that the phasing out of elephant rides in Jaipur can enhance the international status of Jaipur as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

With animal welfare and wildlife conservation becoming part of standard conversation on environmental issues and beyond, it is well past time that the plight of captive elephants in Jaipur is addressed to take into account the holistic needs of the animals, mahouts as well as the elephant owners. Elephants belong in the wild, where they roam free with their kin. Keep elephants free where they belong, in the wild, this World Elephant Day message ought to resonate in our hearts and minds.

For more information, please contact: Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection In India

Email: gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in

Mobile phone: 9313333283