Great Learning Offers Free GenAI Courses Pan-India ‘The Great Learning AI Challenge’ to Upskill Students and professionals

• 
  
  Students from colleges across India are invited to this 3-day upskilling sprint, commemorating World Youth Skills Day on July 15th

• 30+ Gen AI Courses, worth Rs 40,000, made free on Great Learning Academy Platform between July 13-15

• Working professionals can also access these courses for free as part of this initiative

 

Great Learning, a leading global edtech company, has announced the launch of The Great Learning AI Challenge, a large-scale, free GenAI upskilling initiative aimed at accelerating GenAI readiness among students and early-career professionals. With India emerging as a global AI hub, the 3-day virtual challenge from July 13 to July 15 offers participants open access to 30+ GenAI courses worth ₹40,000 via the Great Learning Academy. The initiative, commemorating World Youth Skills Day, is designed to democratize AI skills, support talent pipelines for the enterprise sector, and spotlight future-ready campuses contributing to the GenAI revolution. By completing these courses, students will help their colleges climb the national leaderboard and compete to be crowned as ‘AI Champion’.

 

The campaign, taglined ‘Gen Z Goes GenAI — Because careers don’t start with jobs, they start with skills’, highlights the critical need for young professionals to master generative AI skills to thrive in today’s digital economy. The Great Learning AI Challenge is designed to accelerate GenAI adoption among Indian youth, and provide an accessible and affordable platform for obtaining these skills . It encourages youth to build future-ready skills, showcase their learning, and win exclusive rewards — all while laying a strong foundation in one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

 

How to Participate?

To participate, students register by filling out the registration form, sign up to Great Learning Academy and complete any or all of the 30+ designated Generative AI courses between July 13–15. These courses include ‘ChatGPT for Marketing’, ‘Generative AI for Beginners’, ‘ChatGPT for Excel’, ‘ChatGPT for Coders’, ‘Building Intelligent AI Agents’, ‘DeepSeek Foundation for Beginners’, and ‘Build Python APP Using ChatGPT’, among others. Post completion, students must post their certificates of completion on LinkedIn with the caption ‘I completed #TheGreatLearningAIChallenge’, tag Great Learning, and nominate a minimum of five friends. The winning colleges will be crowned the ‘AI Champion’, based on two categories:

 

GenAI Super Squad: Maximum Unique Participants

The college with the highest number of unique students completing at least one eligible GenAI course during the challenge wins this category.

 

GenAI MasterMinds: Maximum Course Completions

The college with the highest number of total GenAI course completions by its students during the challenge wins this category.

 

There will be 1 winner and 2 runner-up colleges for each category. In addition to this coveted title, winning colleges will receive an official trophy, certificate, and verified digital badge. The 3 best student profiles from the winning colleges will get an opportunity to intern with Great Learning.

“AI is reshaping the way we work, create, and innovate, and Gen Z is at the forefront of this transformation. With The Great Learning AI Challenge, we are not just offering free courses, but launching a nationwide movement to make GenAI skills mainstream and accessible. This is about democratising access to future-ready capabilities, creating healthy competition, and celebrating the young talent that will power India’s AI revolution. We are excited to see colleges and youth from every corner of the country step up, compete, and lead the charge towards an AI-first future,” said Aparna Mahesh, Chief Marketing Officer of Great Learning.

 

Great Learning has curated 30+ courses specifically for this challenge, and colleges are encouraged to promote participation through their placement cells and student networks. The leaderboard, tracking both unique participants and total certifications, will be updated daily, building excitement across campuses and spotlighting emerging GenAI talent.

 

About Great Learning

Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional learning and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology, and interdisciplinary domains driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions in various formats such as - certificate programs (ranging from 3-11 months), online degrees as well as hybrid degrees. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities together with its vast network of 7700+ industry expert mentors to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 13 million learners from over 170 countries around the world.

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for June'25

Q1 FY26 Retails

Reflecting on Q1 FY26 Auto Retail results, FADA President Mr. C S Vigneshwar said: “In Q1 FY26, retail sales tracked exactly to our forecasts—overall volumes rose 4.85% YoY, with PV up 2.59% and 2W at 5.02%, alongside 3W +11.79%, CV +1%, CE +10.59% and Trac +6.29%. While 2W showed some early-cycle softness, we remain confident of a robust ramp-up in the coming months as seasonal demand and targeted OEM initiatives take effect.”

  

June’25 Retails

Reflecting on June 2025 Auto Retail results, FADA President Mr. C S Vigneshwar said: “The month of June recorded a healthy 4.84% YoY growth overall. Segment-wise, every category closed in the green: 2W at 4.73%, 3W 6.68%, PV 2.45%, Trac 8.68%, CE 54.95% and CV 6.6%.

 

2W retails dipped 12.48% MoM but still notched a 4.73% gain on a YoY basis. While festival and marriage-season demand provided a boost, financing constraints and intermittent variant shortages moderated sales. Early monsoon rains and rising EV penetration also shaped buying patterns. Several dealers cited compulsory billing and forced stock lifts—often via auto-debit wholesales—leading to mandated high days of inventory aligned with festival-season targets. Overall, June demonstrated a resilient two-wheeler performance amid mixed market signals.

 

PV retails slipped 1.49% MoM yet delivered a 2.45% YoY uplift. Heavy rains and tight market liquidity weighed on footfall and conversion, even as elevated incentive schemes and fresh bookings lent selective support. Some dealers indicated that certain PV OEMs have introduced compulsory billing procedures—such as automatic wholesale debits—to meet volume targets; inventory consequently stands at around 55 days. June thus painted a picture of modest but steadfast PV performance amid varied market cues.

 

CV retails declined 2.97% MoM while achieving a robust 6.6% YoY expansion. Early-month deliveries buoyed volumes before monsoon-induced slowdowns and constrained liquidity dampened enquiries and conversions. Members pointed to the impact of new CV taxation and mandatory air-conditioned cabins, which have elevated ownership costs, alongside muted infrastructure demand. Overall, June reflected a resilient CV segment adeptly navigating cost pressures and a softening economy.”

  

Near-Term Outlook

In the near term, above-normal monsoon rains—forecast at over 106% of the LPA in July, with regional variances—should bolster rural demand even as heavy-to-very-heavy precipitation zones introduce logistical complexities. Early Kharif sowing, up 11.3% YoY to 262.15 lakh hectares, underlines stronger farm incomes and augurs well for two-wheeler uptake in the hinterlands. Simultaneously, robust government capital expenditure through June–August—targeting roads, railways, metros and green-energy projects—will underpin CV and CE segments. However, evolving geopolitical tensions and potential spill-over from US tariff measures warrant vigilant supply-chain management and could temper consumer sentiment. Also, challenges in securing rare-earth materials have stalled component production, further constraining supply and retail volumes.

 

As we enter July 2025, dealer sentiment appears tilted towards slowdown—flat and de-growth expectations (42.8% and 26.1%) exceed growth forecasts (31.1%). Similarly, booking-pipeline traction remains uneven—only 21% of 2W, 38% of PV and 32% of CV dealers report healthy enquiry flows. In the 2W arena, early monsoon showers and renewed rural activity have spurred interest, yet heavy rainfall, variant shortages and price increases effective July are moderating conversions. PV faces high-base effects, limited new-model launches and tight financing, offset in part by festival planning and fresh incentive schemes. CV continues to grapple with muted infrastructure demand, higher ownership costs from new taxation and mandatory AC-cabin norms, even as extended order pipelines provide some relief. Overall, July is likely to witness mixed fortunes—driven by agrarian tailwinds and school reopening’s, yet tempered by seasonal headwinds, elevated price points and liquidity constraints.

 

Against this mixed backdrop, FADA adopts a stance of cautious optimism—leveraging rural demand drivers and government capex while remaining agile to navigate monsoon-related disruptions, supply constraints and liquidity pressures.

 

Key Findings from our Online Members Survey

• Liquidity

• Neutral 48.86%

• Bad 31.82%

• Good 19.32%

• Sentiment

• Neutral 47.73%

• Bad 30.30%

• Good 21.97% 

• Expectation from July’25

• Flat 42.80%

• Growth 31.06%

• De-growth 26.14%

Chef Deepak Chhimwal Appointed as Executive Chef at Taj West End, Bengaluru

Taj West End, Bengaluru, an urban sanctuary of timeless heritage and culinary distinction, announces the appointment of Chef Deepak Chhimwal as its new Executive Chef. With over 20 years of experience across India’s most prestigious kitchens, Chef Chhimwal steps into this role to lead the culinary vision of one of the city’s most celebrated hospitality landmarks.

A modern custodian of Indian gastronomy, Chef Chhimwal brings with him a deep respect for seasonal Indian produce, hyperlocal ingredients, and sustainable kitchen practices. His culinary philosophy fuses regional authenticity with global finesse, crafting menus that are both experiential and grounded in tradition. Prior to this, he served as Executive Chef at Taj City Centre, Gurugram, where he redefined the hotel’s F&B landscape with award-winning concepts.

Chef Chhimwal is the recipient of the Best Chef of the Year award by the Asia Food Congress and is a certified Taj departmental trainer and ISO 22000 internal auditor. A passionate mentor and team builder, he is also known for his role in developing emerging culinary talent and driving wellness-forward dining rooted in Ayurvedic principles and plant-forward innovation.

“At the heart of every dish is a story,” shares Chef Deepak Chhimwal. “Taj West End is a place where legacy meets innovation. I look forward to curating experiences that honour Karnataka’s culinary heritage while embracing mindful, modern approaches to food. LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru is close to my heart as it brings the authentic flavours of North for our guests.”

In his new role, Chef Chhimwal will lead the reimagination of the hotel’s signature restaurants, curate exclusive Chef’s Tables, and champion farm-to-fork initiatives and zero-waste philosophies—bringing sustainable luxury to the forefront of Bengaluru’s culinary scene.

Globalart’s Regional Competition - Kolor Champ ’25, Bengaluru

The Globalart Regional Competition - Kolor Champ ’25 in Bengaluru saw over 350 young artists from across the city come together to showcase their creativity. Children aged 5 to 15 years participated in this vibrant event, where they were given a platform to create their unique artwork based on a topic announced on the spot.

The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Ms. Suparna Das Gupta, Founder and Principal at Euro School, Electronic City, Bengaluru and Mr. Dinesh Victor, Founder & Managing Director of SIP Academy India, which runs the Globalart programme in India.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Suparna Das Gupta emphasized the importance of art in a child’s education, stating, “Art plays a crucial role in a child's overall development — it is not just about colours and brushes, but about expression, imagination, and confidence. I wholeheartedly encourage parents to nurture their child’s artistic journey. It is heartening to see Globalart creating such a vibrant platform for young minds to explore and express their creativity. My best wishes to Globalart, its dedicated team, and all the budding artists for continued success and inspiration.”

Mr. Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy India, highlighted the growing participation each year, saying, “Creativity is essential not only in today’s world but also for the future wherein AI is going to play a vital role. The Globalart programme, which nurtures children’s creativity through drawing and colouring. And, all children love to draw and colour. By cultivating creativity from a young age, our children, will be better equipped to find innovative solutions to the complex challenges of our rapidly evolving world.” Mr. Dinesh Victor also noted, “Many of our former Globalart students, now thriving in creative fields such as interior design, architecture, graphic design, and fashion design, attribute their success to their time with Globalart. In the recent 20th Year Anniversary Celebration of Globalart in Chennai we had many such Alumni testimonies appreciating the programme!”

About Globalart

Launched in India by SIP Academy India in 2005, Globalart is a unique international creative art program for children aged 5 to 15 years. Endorsed by LeFranc & Bourgeois, France, and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia, Globalart operates in 23 countries with over 650 centers worldwide, training more than 275,000 children. In India, Globalart is present in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, the National Capital Region, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Telangana, reaching over 95,000 children across 147 centers. The program’s well-researched syllabus provides systematic training while nurturing creative thinking. Many Globalart alumni have gone on to excel in creative fields like design, architecture, and fashion.

National & International Recognition

• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) featured Globalart children’s work on their website for the ‘Save the Tiger’ and ‘Climate Change’ campaigns.

• Globalart students’ work was displayed at the 2nd World Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, with delegates from 13 tiger-range countries in 2010. WWF Indonesia awarded certificates of appreciation to Globalart and the participating students.

• Special postcards featuring Globalart students’ work were released by WWF in 2012 with appreciation messages for Tiger Rangers.

• Globalart received a Limca Book of Records certification for conducting the 1st International Kolor Champ in India. The competition, held on November 27th, 2010, in Hyderabad, featured 584 children from seven countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, USA, and India).

Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation Launched ‘Used PET Bottle-Free Puri Rath Yatra 2025’

• 
  
  As a part of Maidaan Saaf, the initiative deployed nearly 200 volunteers, 200 PET bins, and 10 helpdesks in Puri to promote responsible waste management

 

To drive collective action on waste management in Puri, Odisha; Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in collaboration with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), Puri Municipality, District Administration (Puri), Odisha Development Management Programme (ODMP), and Y4D Foundation launched the ‘Used PET Bottle-Free Puri Rath Yatra 2025’ initiative.

 

The launch ceremony commenced on 26th June 2025 with a used PET bottle clean-up drive from Digabareni Square to Swargadwar, in the esteemed presence of Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Hon’ble Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Odisha; Jayanta Kumar Sarangi, Former Member of Odisha Legislative Assembly; and Shri Abhimanyu Behera, Executive Officer, Puri Municipality.

 

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, nearly 200 volunteers were deployed to collect used PET bottles and raise awareness among the visitors on responsible waste management practices. Over 200 PET collection bins were installed across select high-footfall areas in the city.  Additionally, 10 help desks, manned by trained vendors, were set up at strategic locations intended to guide and educate visitors on eco-friendly disposal practices.

 

Recognizing the initiative, Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Hon’ble Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Odisha, stated, "The Puri Rath Yatra is one of Odisha’s most revered and high-footfall events. It is our collective responsibility to ensure it remains clean and environmentally sustainable. I commend the efforts of Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), and their partners for launching this meaningful initiative. By engaging communities and deploying practical waste management solutions, they’ve set a strong example of how collaboration drives real change on the ground."

 

Commenting on the effort, Devyani R L Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Coca-Cola India is humbled to support the city of Puri by enabling used-PET bottle collection across public areas. Along with our partners, every element of this initiative has been designed in alignment with the city’s needs and built on the principle of collective action. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to a larger purpose, and to do it with intent. Integrating the Maidaan Saaf campaign into this initiative, demonstrates how innovative recycling solutions can be deployed to encourage visitors to adopt eco-friendly practices."

 

With a focus on creating a social impact, Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs and Sustainability Officer, HCCB, stated, “As we rejoice in a grand cultural and social celebration in Puri, that brings together people from across the country, we recognize our shared responsibility to care for the host city. Our ‘Green Sweep’ initiative is built on the principles of environmental stewardship, where strategic collection points play a pivotal role in collecting, segregating, and transporting used-PET bottles to recyclers. With the trained safai sathis and engaging traditional storytelling through Nukkad Natak in Odia, we aim to make the celebration in Puri free of used PET bottles, together with Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and the Odisha government."

 

A series of community-focused clean-up activities included a beach clean-up drive near GM Law College in Penthakotta and a plog run from Gundicha Temple to Badasankha.  These collective efforts reflect a shared responsibility to environmental stewardship and demonstrate how collaboration between civic bodies, corporate partners, and local communities can drive meaningful change.

Malaysia Airlines Expands Access to Australia with Additional Brisbane Flights and Exclusive Fares

Malaysia Airlines is boosting its presence in Australia with additional frequencies to Brisbane from 29 November 2025, enhancing connectivity for travellers from major Indian cities via Kuala Lumpur. To celebrate the expanded services, the airline is offering limited-time all-inclusive return fares, available for booking until 31 July 2025. 

The additional frequencies on the Kuala Lumpur–Brisbane route further cement Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to expanding its international network and facilitating smoother connections between India and Australia—two key growth markets. The airline currently operates flights from India’s leading cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

 

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “Brisbane is a vibrant gateway to Australia’s east coast and an important hub for education, culture, and eco-tourism. We’re delighted to expand our network and further bridge the growing travel demand between India and Australia by offering greater choice, comfort, and seamless connectivity across Asia and beyond. With our signature Malaysian Hospitality, and enhanced access from major Indian cities, we look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers onboard and making every journey to Brisbane a memorable and enriching experience.”

 

From lush rainforests to urban sophistication, Brisbane offers something for every traveller. Families can enjoy unique experiences such as cuddling koalas at the world-famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, swimming in the sparkling lagoons of South Bank Parklands, or exploring the interactive exhibits at Queensland Museum and Science Centre. Nature lovers can unwind on the white sands of Tangalooma Island Resort, where snorkelling and whale watching await. With panoramic views from Mt Coot-tha and tranquil paths through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the city offers the perfect mix of discovery, relaxation, and outdoor fun.

 

To complement these unforgettable experiences, Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class passengers can expect a seamless and elevated journey, thoughtfully designed to deliver comfort at every touchpoint. From priority check-in and boarding to exclusive access to the Golden Lounge, every detail is tailored for a premium experience. Onboard, guests can enjoy gourmet dining with the Chef-on-Call service, complimentary seat selection, in-flight comfort kits, and award-winning Malaysian Hospitality that sets the airline apart. In addition, all passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi across all cabins, a curated selection of entertainment via MHstudio, and special touches like ‘Pilot Parker’ activity packs for young travellers—ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for every guest.

 

Adding further value, Malaysia Airlines also offers international passengers the opportunity to explore more of Malaysia with its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme. Passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur can enjoy a complimentary domestic return flight to one of seven local destinations, including Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Bharu—making every long-haul trip a multi-destination adventure.

 

For a smooth and hassle-free journey, book your flights now on book your flights now on Malaysia Airlines’ official website: www.malaysiaairlines.com or via the mobile app.

  

About Malaysia Airlines 

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia through its premium and full-service offerings. Malaysia Airlines carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse richness. As the nation’s flag bearer, it embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia; capturing its rich traditions, cultures and cuisines via its inimitable Malaysian Hospitality across all customer touch points. 

 

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), a global aviation organisation that comprises of different aviation business and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs. The airline is committed to facilitating safe and seamless travels by placing safety and hygiene as the anchor across all end-to-end consumer touchpoints in line with its MHFlySafe initiative. Via its alliance with oneworld®, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com and download the Malaysia Airlines app to get the latest promotions conveniently at your fingertips. 

PNB Launches “Monsoon Bonanza 2025” Retail Loan Campaign with Attractive Offers and Concessions

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India's leading public sector bank, has launched “PNB Monsoon Bonanza 2025” retail loan campaign, effective from July 01, 2025. The campaign aims to drive retail loan growth through targeted offers with enhanced customer experience across home loans, car loans, and other retail loan segments. 

During the campaign period, PNB is offering several attractive concessions to make borrowing more affordable for customers:

Home Loans & Car Loans:

• Complete waiver of processing fee and documentation charges.

• For home loan takeovers above Rs. 50 lakh, NEC/Legal and Valuation charges will be borne by the bank.

Additional Benefits:

• Special concession of 5 basis points reduction in card rates for both home loans and car loans.

Shri Subodh Kumar, GM, RABD, PNB, said, “Through our 'PNB Monsoon Bonanza 2025' campaign, we are committed to make credit more accessible and affordable for our customers. The attractive concessions including complete waiver of processing fees reflect our customer-first approach.”