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WAE Announces Association with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group to Advance Carbon-Neutral Water Solutions in Hospitality

WAE Ltd., India’s leading carbon neutral water infra company, proudly announced its association with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group as a preferred partner for in-situ water glass bottling plants for the Indian Subcontinent, marking a significant step forward in enabling more sustainable and responsible hospitality operations.
 

WAE is privileged to be associated with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group as preferred OEM for sustainable drinking water
 

This association reflects a growing shift within the hospitality sector: from traditional bottled water supply chains towards smarter, more elegant, and environmentally responsible water solutions. By enabling premium-quality water to be purified, bottled, and served on-site in glass bottles, WAE’s in-situ bottling systems help reduce plastic dependency, cut transportation-linked emissions, and support the larger journey towards carbon-neutral water.

 

At a time when luxury hospitality is being redefined by both guest experience and environmental stewardship, this move underscores a new standard – where refinement and responsibility go hand in hand.

 

Commenting on the association, A Vikram Joshe, Managing Director, WAE, said, “Hospitality is one of the world’s most visible expressions of care, and the future of care must include care for the planet. Our association with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group is a meaningful milestone in that journey. With in-situ glass bottling solutions, hotels can move towards carbon-neutral water in a manner that is operationally efficient, environmentally responsible, and fully aligned with the expectations of modern guests. We believe the next chapter of premium hospitality will be defined not by excess, but by intelligence, elegance, and sustainable intent.”

 

WAE’s in-situ water glass bottling plants are designed to help hospitality brands transform water from a logistical burden into a statement of responsible luxury. By integrating purification, bottling, and presentation within the property itself, the solution supports both sustainability goals and a more elevated brand experience.

 

This association with two globally respected hospitality groups reinforces WAE’s commitment to shaping the future of water solutions for hotels that seek to combine operational excellence with environmental leadership.

 

About WAE
WAE is a leading OBM providing carbon-neutral water and wastewater reuse infrastructure in the Indian subcontinent, with science, sustainability and innovation at the core of its business philosophy. The company manufactures products and delivers integrated solutions and services that support responsible resource use, operational excellence and future-ready infrastructure across sectors.

Indian Pump Industry Welcomes Government's Stabilising Measures Amid Global Uncertainty

Leading pump manufacturing associations — Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA), Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association (SIEMA) and Rajkot Engineering Association (REA) — have welcomed the timely steps taken by the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to maintain stability and normalcy in the country amid the current geopolitical uncertainties.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/35083_ipma_image.jpeg

K.V. Karthik, President, Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA)

 

To help industry manage the present global volatility, the associations have suggested targeted policy support measures, including a special working capital credit line, temporary relaxation in MSME payment norms, enhancement of working capital borrowing limits and waiver of safeguard duties on critical raw materials.

 

However, the associations expressed serious concern over the unprecedented rise in raw material prices over the past six months, which is placing severe stress on the MSME-driven pump manufacturing sector.

 

Over the past year, copper prices have increased by more than 50%, rising from about ₹800–850 per kg to ₹1,200 per kg. Copper alone accounts for 25–30% of the material cost in several categories of pumps. At the same time, sharp increases in aluminium, steel, cast iron, polymers, cables and other key inputs have resulted in overall manufacturing cost escalation exceeding 20%, significantly eroding industry margins.

 

Industry leaders cautioned that continued absorption of raw material inflation could push many pump manufacturers — particularly MSMEs — into an existential crisis. To partly absorb these abnormal cost increases, manufacturers have already initiated a phased price revision of around 10% with reference to October 2025 price levels, to be implemented before 31 March 2026. Given the continuing volatility in metal prices and supply uncertainties, the situation now warrants a further minimum price increase of 7.5 -10% effective from April 2026.

 

The associations also reiterated that water pumps are primary agricultural machinery, essential for irrigation, groundwater management and rural livelihoods. In view of this, the industry has urged the Government to reduce GST on water pumps from 18% to 5%, to support farmers, sustain organised manufacturing and promote energy-efficient technologies.

 

For Further information, please visit  www.ipma.world.

Jagmag Ayodhya: Signify Lights up a Host of Sacred Heritage Sites for Millions of Devotees Ahead of Ram Navami

As Ayodhya prepares to welcome millions of devotees for Ram Navami celebrations, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has illuminated eight of the city’s most sacred heritage sites. The initiative brings advanced lighting solutions to key spiritual heritage landmarks, enhancing the experience for pilgrims visiting the holy city during one of its most significant festivals.
 

Stone in Jalpadevi Mandir
 

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, continues to draw devotees from across India and around the world each year. As the city comes alive with spiritual celebrations, the newly illuminated landmarks by Signify will enhance the sacred atmosphere, making the pilgrimage experience more immersive and memorable for devotees.
 

The project covers several historically and spiritually significant locations central to Ayodhya’s landscape. Nageshwar Nath Temple, one of Ayodhya’s oldest shrines, stands as a symbol of deep-rooted faith and timeless devotion, has been illuminated to enhance the spiritual ambience for devotees. The initiative also includes the illumination of Dashrath Samadhi, the sacred memorial of Maharaj Dashrath, father of Shri Ram.
 

The lighting initiative further extends to Prachin Bharat Mandir in Nandigram, symbolizing Bharat’s devotion during Shri Ram’s exile, and Hanuman-Bharat Milap Mandir, commemorating the revered meeting between Hanuman and Bharat described in the Ramayana. Vandijalpa Devi Temple, an ancient Shakti Peeth and Kuldevi shrine of the Raghu Kul lineage and Ram Gulaila Mandir, part of the Ram Janmabhoomi darshan and parikrama circuit, have also been illuminated, enhancing the experience for pilgrims and visitors.
 

Nageshwar Nath Temple
 

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Strategy and Marketing, Signify, Greater India said, “Ayodhya stands as a timeless center of faith and cultural heritage, deeply admired by millions across India and the world. Through this initiative, we have leveraged lighting not just as infrastructure, but as a medium to highlight the divine and spiritual essence of some of its most significant sites, creating a more immersive experience after sunset. At Signify, we are committed to bringing the best of innovations to our customers and believe that lighting can play a meaningful role in celebrating our country’s heritage while transforming how people engage with culturally important spaces.”
 

Krishan Kumar Singh, I.A.S, Chief Development Officer of Ayodhya added, “Ayodhya is undergoing a transformative phase, with an enhanced focus on infrastructure and enriching the experience for devotees and visitors. The illumination of these sacred sites under Jagmag Ayodhya, is an important step in showcasing the city’s spiritual heritage while elevating its visual and cultural landscape. Signify’s continued efforts in Ayodhya have positively impacted millions of lives across healthcare and rural development, further strengthening the city’s overall ecosystem. Lighting up scared heritage site initiatives enhance the overall ambience positioning Ayodhya as a globally significant spiritual and cultural destination helping pilgrims experience the heritage in a new light.”
 

With these landmarks illuminated around Ram Navami, Ayodhya’s sacred sites are set to welcome devotees in a vibrant and spiritually enriched setting, as the city prepares one of its most significant celebrations.
 

About Signify
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating. News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

Indian Pump Industry Welcomes Government's Stabilising Measures Amid Global Uncertainty

Leading pump manufacturing associations — Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA), Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association (SIEMA) and Rajkot Engineering Association (REA) — have welcomed the timely steps taken by the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to maintain stability and normalcy in the country amid the current geopolitical uncertainties.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/35083_ipma_image.jpeg

K.V. Karthik, President, Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA)

 

To help industry manage the present global volatility, the associations have suggested targeted policy support measures, including a special working capital credit line, temporary relaxation in MSME payment norms, enhancement of working capital borrowing limits and waiver of safeguard duties on critical raw materials.

 

However, the associations expressed serious concern over the unprecedented rise in raw material prices over the past six months, which is placing severe stress on the MSME-driven pump manufacturing sector.

 

Over the past year, copper prices have increased by more than 50%, rising from about ₹800–850 per kg to ₹1,200 per kg. Copper alone accounts for 25–30% of the material cost in several categories of pumps. At the same time, sharp increases in aluminium, steel, cast iron, polymers, cables and other key inputs have resulted in overall manufacturing cost escalation exceeding 20%, significantly eroding industry margins.

 

Industry leaders cautioned that continued absorption of raw material inflation could push many pump manufacturers — particularly MSMEs — into an existential crisis. To partly absorb these abnormal cost increases, manufacturers have already initiated a phased price revision of around 10% with reference to October 2025 price levels, to be implemented before 31 March 2026. Given the continuing volatility in metal prices and supply uncertainties, the situation now warrants a further minimum price increase of 7.5 -10% effective from April 2026.

 

The associations also reiterated that water pumps are primary agricultural machinery, essential for irrigation, groundwater management and rural livelihoods. In view of this, the industry has urged the Government to reduce GST on water pumps from 18% to 5%, to support farmers, sustain organised manufacturing and promote energy-efficient technologies.

 

For Further information, please visit  www.ipma.world.

The World Famous American Pan-Asian Brand, P.F. Chang's, Debuts in the Tricity with Mohali Restaurant at HLP Gallerria

P.F. Chang’s, the globally celebrated culinary brand known for its elevated Pan-Asian cuisine and immersive dining experience, opens its first restaurant in Mohali at HLP Gallerria. Marking its debut in the Tricity region, the launch is in line with the brand’s strategic expansion plans in North India and the next chapter of its growth journey in the country.

 

P.F. Chang’s debuts in Mohali at HLP Gallerria, marking its entry into the Tricity and expanding its North India presence with elevated American Pan-Asian cuisine, famous across the globe

 

Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent over three decades honoring the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking, bringing high-heat technique, scratch preparation and layered Asian flavors to more than 300 restaurants across 20+ countries. With Mohali, the brand extends this global legacy to a new audience that appreciates bold flavors and contemporary Asian food served with honor. 

 

With seven restaurants already operating across Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, the Mohali restaurant is P.F. Chang’s eighth restaurant in India, extending the brand’s presence beyond established metro strongholds into high-potential Northern markets.

 

Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd, said: “At P.F. Chang’s, we have built a loyal following in India by staying true to our culinary roots while evolving with the modern Indian diner. Mohali today is one of North India’s most happening food destinations, with guests who are eager to experiment. Our entry here today is therefore perfectly timed to fit into this vibrant food culture by offering bold, new flavors and globally benchmarked experiences.”

 

Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development, P.F.Chang’s, stated: “Expanding into the Tricity market is a proud milestone in our strategic growth across India, a market that remains a top priority for P.F. Chang’s. We look forward to delivering our signature bold flavors, world-class standards, and ‘wok-first’ culinary heritage to Mohali.”

 

At the heart of the experience lies the brand’s signature 700-degree wok fire, designed to preserve texture, flavor intensity and nutritional value. Guests can savor iconic American Pan-Asian dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp and Kung Pao Chicken, alongside an expansive menu curated for Indian diners, including vegetarian and Jain selections. Guest favorites like the Great Wall of Chocolate, the always ordered Orange Chicken and the Lo Mein are also sure to attract new fans. All dishes are served completely MSG-free, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and purposeful cooking. Recognizing Punjab’s affinity for robust, comforting flavors, the menu also highlights chicken-forward classics that showcase the brand’s layered approach to spice, heat and texture.

 

Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head- Restaurants, said: “Our cuisine is built on technique and precision. High-heat wok cooking, fresh ingredients and sauces prepared from scratch every day are fundamental to what we do. Alongside globally loved classics, the Mohali menu introduces locally crafted expressions inspired by the P.F. Chang’s culinary legacy, including dishes such as Hunan Chili Chicken, Ring of Fire Shrimp and Crispy Lotus Root, each bringing bold flavor, balance and the signature wok-fired intensity the brand is known for.”

 

In addition to its culinary offerings, P.F. Chang’s is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience characterized by attentive service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Mohali outpost will feature stylish interiors, making it an ideal setting for family gatherings, celebrations and casual dining.

 

As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion into key Northern markets, the focus remains clear: tradition, embrace innovation and deliver bold Asian flavors served with purpose.

 

About P.F. Chang’s

Website: pfchangs.in

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pfchangsindia/?hl=en

 

Founded in 1993 by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang, P.F. Chang’s created a modern Asian dining experience within a premium casual format. The brand’s culinary foundation lies in traditional wok cooking and scratch preparation, with dishes cooked over high heat to retain texture and flavor balance.

 

P.F. Chang’s operates more than 300 restaurants across 20+ countries and positions itself as a destination for social dining and shared meals.

 

In India, P.F. Chang’s currently operates seven outlets:

Mumbai — Lower Parel (Lodha), Khar, Andheri, Borivali (Sky City Mall)
Delhi-NCR — DLF Mall of India (Noida), Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj), CyberHub (Gurugram)

 

Fact Sheet

Where: Ground Floor, West Court HLP Gallerria, Sector 62, Mohali.
Timings: Dine in operational hours – 12 to 11 pm

West Region of India Reflects Balanced Financial Readiness with Strong Protection Awareness: HDFC Life's Ready for Life Index

  • West India’s Ready for Life Index score stands at 59, at par with the All-India average, though has a relatively wider gap in Intent vs. Action, as compared to All India

  • The region shows the highest ownership of term insurance, reflecting strong protection awareness

  • Consumers in the West region maintain the most diversified financial portfolios across zones, with high ownership of health insurance, mutual funds, and equities

  • The findings highlight an opportunity to initiate retirement planning earlier and strengthen emergency preparedness

 

HDFC Life has launched regional findings related to the West region of India, based on insights from its ‘Ready for Life Index’ (RLI) study. 

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/35078_Vineet-Arora.JPG

Mr. Vineet Arora, Executive Director and Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life

 

The Ready for Life Index 2025 is a proprietary research initiative by HDFC Life, conducted in partnership with Ipsos India. Based on 1,836 face-to-face interviews with working men and women aged 25–55 years across metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, the study evaluates India’s life readiness across four key pillars — Financial Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Health & Well-being, and Retirement Strategy.

 

The index aims to bridge the gap between perception and preparedness, encouraging a shift from short-term saving to structured, long-term financial planning.

 

The findings of West region reflect national readiness values, with key regional competencies existing in diversified investment and protection awareness. West India shows an index score of 59 in the Ready for Life Index, which is equal to the average for the whole country. West India, however, has an opportunity gap of 29 points in the context of perceived versus actual action, which highlights high financial confidence with an opportunity for greater readiness in areas like retirement planning.

 

Emergency preparedness in West India presents a mixed picture. This region has a near-equal number of people with and without an emergency corpus.  Among those who have built a corpus, access and adequacy are relatively stronger; over two in five respondents can access their emergency funds within 48 hours, while nearly half indicate that their savings could sustain expenses for more than four months. These findings indicate the need for stronger emergency preparedness planning through proper procedures, which can also lead to a shift toward healthier practices.

 

Children’s education and funding are priorities for the West region along with highest ownership of Term insurance 

 

Financial planning priorities in the West remain well in line with national trends, with children’s education remaining the number one savings priority. Worth mentioning is that funding or scaling up business remains one of the primary goals.

 

  • Consumers in West India have the most diversified financial portfolios among the various regions, with high ownership levels for health insurance, mutual funds, and stocks.

  • The region also reports the highest ownership of term insurance, underlining strong awareness of protection needs. 

  • Key triggers for buying term insurance include protection of the family’s future, high cover affordability, and life-stage changes like marriage or parenthood. 

  • Medical underwriting concerns, lack of benefit awareness, and discomfort with mortality contemplation continue to guide decision-making and point to further needs for engagement and education.

 

Retirement Planning needs focus

In terms of retirement planning the West region reflects a stronger focus on short-term goals, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating that they have not yet started planning for retirement. However, among those who have planned, there is greater realism around long-term needs.

 

  • A significant proportion recognises the need for a retirement corpus of up to ₹3 crore, and more than half believe their savings could last for over 20 years. 

  • The region also reflects better awareness of increasing medical costs, anchored by a strong focus on health insurance as part of retirement strategy.

 

Vineet Arora – Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life, elaborated more on the insights for the West Zone, “The study highlights that for the West region of India, financial readiness, diversification, and awareness of risk solutions – all are in balance. In the HDFC Life Ready for Life Index, there is an opportunity to leverage these strengths by encouraging more people to begin retirement savings and emergency preparation earlier. With evolving financial needs, awareness to action will be crucial in developing financial resilience.”

Arisinfra Consolidates ArisUnitern to Create a Unified Project Lifecycle Platform with 10x Scaling Potential

ArisInfra Solutions Limited, (ARIS), one of India’s leading tech-enabled supply and services companies for the construction and real estate sectors, has approved the amalgamation of ArisUnitern RE Solutions, its Developer-as-a-Service subsidiary. 


The scheme is subject to requisite regulatory and statutory approvals, including NCLT, SEBI, stock exchanges, shareholders, and creditors, and carries an appointed date of April 1, 2026.


The amalgamation formalises a model that has already been operating in an integrated manner across customers, supply chains, and execution. By linking procurement, development, and delivery within a unified framework, the integrated model enables deeper engagement with customers along with higher value capture per engagement. It also removes structural complexity associated with separate legal entities, placing both businesses on a single balance sheet and enabling more streamlined decision-making across the organisation. 


Sharing how this development changes operations at ARIS, Ronak Morbia, Chairman & Managing Director, Arisinfra Solutions Ltd said, “Our technology stack now operates with direct visibility across both supply and execution, allowing data from project-level activity to inform demand forecasting, pricing decisions, and credit control with greater precision. At the same time, the Developer-as-a-Service business is able to draw more seamlessly on the supply network to manage costs and timelines. This creates a closed-loop system where each project strengthens the underlying intelligence of the platform, enabling more consistent and efficient outcomes across procurement and on-ground delivery.”


The shift also enables closer engagement with developers, infrastructure clients, and vendor partners through a single interface, positioning the company as a single accountable partner across the value chain. Developers and landowners benefit from a more coordinated approach across capital structuring, procurement, execution, and sales, reducing complexity and improving timelines. Infrastructure clients gain from more consistent supply, clearer pricing, and deeper project-level engagement. Vendor partners can see stronger demand visibility, improved capacity utilisation, and more predictable order flows across projects.


Post-merger, ARIS will consolidate 100% of ArisUnitern’s earnings, eliminating non-controlling interest and improving return ratios.


Shedding light on the rationale behind the merger, Navin Dhanuka, Director, ArisUnitern RE Solutions Pvt. Ltd said, “ArisUnitern’s growth over the past three years gives us strong confidence in this model. Revenue has scaled from INR 130 million in FY23 to INR 432 million in FY25, with INR 517 million recorded in the first nine months of FY26 and a profit before tax of INR 329 million. This represents more than threefold growth over the period and reflects strong margin quality, indicating that the model has held up across cycles and can scale with discipline.


Having both sides of the business within one structure changes how we engage across projects. Each mandate can now extend across a wider set of services, increasing value per project while improving how work is planned and delivered. With a network of over 3,000 customers and 2,000 vendors, we are seeing strong network effects across projects and geographies. The asset-light nature of the business positions us to scale this platform up to 10x with limited incremental capital, while the interaction between execution mandates and supply relationships creates a compounding cycle of demand across the system, opening up opportunities across new categories and markets.


Additionally, the restructuring simplifies internal structures by removing duplication across entities and bringing governance under a single framework. This is expected to improve working capital management and enable faster, more coordinated decision-making across the business. The company operates at a national level, supported by a growing services portfolio that can expand further on the same underlying infrastructure. 


Over time, ARIS aims to establish itself as an operating layer for construction in India, organising a fragmented ecosystem through a combination of supply, services, and technology. As the business deepens its capabilities, the focus will remain on expanding the network, enhancing execution capacity, and building AI-led intelligence across systems, while retaining an asset-light model with growth largely self-funded through internal accruals.

 

About Arisinfra Solutions Ltd.
Arisinfra Solutions Limited is a Mumbai-based technology-enabled B2B company operating in the real estate and construction sectors, bringing together material supply, project services, and proprietary technology within a single network. Positioned as a control tower for construction, the company connects developers, contractors, and vendors through an integrated system that manages procurement, logistics, execution, and data flows.


Built on an asset-light model with execution at its core, ARIS combines supply capabilities with project-level services to ensure continuity from sourcing to delivery. Its technology stack enables visibility across orders, deliveries, documentation, and credit, allowing for more disciplined operations and improved coordination across stakeholders.


Backed by a network of over 3,000 customers and 2,000 vendors, ARIS operates at a national level. Its delivery capabilities are supported by a team with over 250 years of combined industry experience and a portfolio spanning more than 22 million square feet and approximately $2 billion in managed value. The asset-light structure allows the company to expand while maintaining discipline across capital deployment and operational performance.

Puravankara's First Redevelopment Project in Mumbai Crosses Rs. 800 Crore in Sales at Launch

Puravankara Ltd has marked a defining entry into Mumbai’s redevelopment segment, recording sales exceeding Rs. 800 crore at the launch of its first redevelopment project— Purva Estrella at Lokhandwala Circle, Andheri West. Phase 1 of the launch witnessed exceptional traction, with 85% of its initial inventory already absorbed. This milestone underscores robust market demand and positions Puravankara as a key contributor in Mumbai’s consolidating real estate landscape.

 

Puravankara’s first Mumbai redevelopment project crosses Rs. 800 crores, reflecting strong buyer trust

 

The strong response signals a clear and structural shift in homebuyer preference towards design-led and wellness-centric residences—where execution certainty, transparency, and long-term asset value are paramount.

 

At Purva Estrella, premium 2, 3, and 4 BHK residences with ticket sizes ranging between Rs. 3 crore and Rs. 7 crore, in line with prevailing benchmarks for high-quality redevelopment-led housing in Mumbai. The strong absorption reflects a decisive evolution in buyer behaviour, with increasing emphasis on developer credibility, proven execution capabilities, and future value appreciation.

 

Building on a legacy of more than five decades, Puravankara has significantly expanded its portfolio through premium redevelopment projects in Mumbai. During 9MFY26, Puravankara continued to strengthen its development pipeline, adding over 12.7 million sq. ft. of potential developable area with an estimated gross development value of approximately Rs. 13,900 crore across key markets, including Bengaluru and Mumbai.

 

Looking ahead, the company is set to further strengthen its Mumbai presence with upcoming launches in Thane, Malabar Hill, Breach Candy, Pali Hill, and Chembur, with approvals already received for Thane, Pali Hill, and Breach Candy. In a sector historically challenged by fragmented delivery, Puravankara’s legacy of trust, institutional processes, and consistent track record of timely execution are emerging as key differentiators—positioning it as a preferred real estate brand for both societies and discerning homebuyers.

Actor Pratik Gandhi Comes Onboard as Brand Ambassador for TimBuckDo

TimBuckDo Innovations Pvt. Ltd. has transformed a standout moment from the business reality show Ideabaaz into a strategic collaboration by appointing actor Pratik Gandhi as its brand ambassador. What began as a compelling on-screen interaction has now evolved into a high-intent partnership, anchored not just in visibility, but in shared perspective and ecosystem building.

 

TimbuckDo Appoints Actor Pratik Gandhi as Brand Ambassador: A power-packed collaboration to redefine the future of work


This association reflects TimBuckDo’s approach of converting moments of relevance into long-term strategic value. The initial interaction, where Pratik Gandhi highlighted the lack of structured early work opportunities, created a strong alignment with the platform’s core mission. That alignment now extends beyond communication into contribution.


While Pratik Gandhi comes on board as the face of the brand, the collaboration is designed to go deeper. Within TimBuckDo’s communication and campaigns, he is positioned as a Chief Bro Officer (CBO), a symbolic role that reflects guidance, relatability, and trust.


The intent is to move beyond traditional celebrity endorsement and build a voice that feels closer to students. Through this lens, Pratik Gandhi emerges as a “big brother” figure, someone who brings lived experience, shares perspective, and helps students navigate their early journeys in the gig economy with more clarity and confidence. The collaboration also extends beyond communication, with Pratik Gandhi bringing in his perspectives to support broader ecosystem and strategic thinking. His journey through multiple early gigs before finding stability lends authenticity to this positioning, making the messaging both aspirational and grounded.


As a two-sided platform, TimBuckDo operates at the intersection of demand and talent supply, guided by a 60-30-10 execution framework focusing on employer acquisition, student onboarding, and brand-building. This collaboration is designed to strengthen all three levers by enhancing trust, relatability, and ecosystem engagement.


The move is backed by data-led validation across digital campaigns, campus activations, and interactions with 1,000+ students, which showed a clear lift in engagement, recall, and platform trust with Pratik Gandhi, making this a performance-driven decision, not just an endorsement.


Commenting on the announcement, the founders of TimBuckDo, Mythri Kumar and Apoorv Sharma, said, “We are excited to welcome Pratik Gandhi as we enter our next phase of growth. This is not a conventional brand ambassador partnership. Today’s generation engages with brands very differently; they value authenticity, relatability, and real stories. This collaboration is built on that shift, where influence comes from lived experience, not just visibility. We see this as a strong lever to deepen trust, drive participation, and strengthen the ecosystem.”


Sharing his perspective, Pratik Gandhi said, “I come from a phase where every early opportunity was a learning curve, but there was no guidance to navigate it. What TimBuckDo is building changes that. If today I can contribute to a platform that not only creates opportunities but also brings direction and confidence to students, that’s something I truly believe in. This is not just an association, it’s something I want to actively be part of.”


With this move, TimBuckDo aims to strengthen its positioning as a structured and scalable bridge between students and employers, while also building a more insight-led, guidance-driven ecosystem for early work opportunities in India.

 

About TimBuckDo Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
TimBuckDo is India’s first social-commerce platform designed exclusively for students, enabling them to earn, build skills, and achieve financial independence through structured gig opportunities. It addresses a key gap in the workforce landscape by unlocking a dependable, flexible talent pool driven by students.


Leveraging AI-led matching and a fast-growing campus network, TimBuckDo connects businesses with a verified student workforce for part-time and project-based roles. This enables companies to meet dynamic staffing needs efficiently, while offering young individuals hands-on exposure and practical experience alongside their education.


Today, TimBuckDo powers a network of nearly 5 lakh students and 5,000+ employers, positioning itself as a trusted ecosystem for student-led work. By making flexible roles more accessible and dependable, the platform is fostering a culture where students actively participate in India’s evolving on-demand economy.

Manipal Global SDG Convergence 2026 Begins at MAHE, Bringing Global Experts Together for Sustainable Futures

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today inaugurated the Manipal Global SDG Convergence 2026 (MAGSCON 2026), a three-day international conference focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, KMC, Manipal, Karnataka. The event has been organised in collaboration with global stakeholders to accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The objective of the conference, scheduled for March 24 to 26 in Manipal, is to strengthen collaborative action toward sustainable development through higher education and innovation.

 

MAGSCON 2026 commenced at MAHE Manipal on March 24, 2026, setting the agenda for sustainability and global partnerships


Inaugurating MAGSCON 2026, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “MAGSCON 2026 reflects MAHE’s enduring commitment to fostering responsible leadership and sustainable development. As institutions of higher learning, we must go beyond knowledge dissemination to actively contribute to solutions that address global challenges and improve the quality of life.


Delivering a special address, Dr Line Joranger, University of Southeastern Norway, said, “Global challenges demand global collaboration. Platforms like MAGSCON 2026 enable meaningful exchange of ideas and partnerships across borders, empowering institutions to work collectively towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” 


Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, emphasised, “At MAHE, we believe universities play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. MAGSCON 2026 brings together diverse stakeholders to collaborate, innovate and drive impactful change aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.”


Dr Satish Kumar, President and Executive Director, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), and Dr Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, graced the inaugural event.  The event organising committee chair, Dr Christopher Sudhakar, Director, Quality, and co-chair, Dr Sandeep S. Shenoy, Director, Compliance, MAHE, were also present on occasion.


The event also brought together distinguished dignitaries including Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu; Dr. Atul Khosla, Vice Chancellor, Shoolini University; Prof. Puttaswamy, Director (Technical), Department of Ecology, Environment and Forests, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Vik Singh, Consul (Commercial), Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade in South Asia. 


MAGSCON 2026 has been conceptualised as a global platform to bring together universities, research institutions, industry partners, NGOs, policymakers, and students to collectively accelerate progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The conference features plenary talks, panel discussions, master classes, poster presentations, and interactive sessions focused on climate action, sustainable health, innovation, higher education transformation, and global partnerships.


The three-day programme includes thematic panel discussions on Reimagining Higher Education for Inclusive, Future-Ready Learning; Climate Action and Biodiversity; Health and Community Resilience; Youth Leadership and Social Innovation; and Sustainable Technology and AI for People and Planet, among others. The conference also brings together eminent speakers and vice-chancellors from leading institutions across India and international partner universities, reflecting MAHE’s strong global academic engagement.


The conference is also expected to provide a strong platform for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and visibility for sustainable initiatives undertaken by universities and institutions worldwide. With participation from academicians, students, research scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability practitioners, MAGSCON 2026 aims to strengthen partnerships and create actionable solutions aligned with the UN SDGs.


Through initiatives such as MAGSCON 2026, MAHE continues to reinforce its commitment to global sustainability goals and to enhancing the international visibility of its academic, research, and community engagement efforts. The conference is expected to result in meaningful collaborations, knowledge-sharing platforms, and long-term partnerships that contribute to sustainable development and future-ready education.


About Manipal Academy of Higher Education
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.