Can Your Retirement Income Keep Pace With The Future?

For many people, retirement planning is about building a corpus. But what matters even more is what happens after retirement begins.

A fixed pension may offer stability, but it often struggles to keep up with rising living costs and healthcare expenses. On the other hand, market-linked investments can offer growth, but they come with uncertainty.

The challenge is simple: how do you ensure a steady income that lasts for life while still giving your savings the opportunity to grow?

Tata AIA Life Insurance’s Shubh Flexi Pension Plan aims to address exactly this challenge. Designed as a flexible retirement solution, it combines the security of guaranteed lifetime income with the potential for market-linked growth, helping individuals build a retirement strategy that adapts to changing financial needs.

A Pension Plan that Balances Security and Growth

Shubh Flexi Pension Plan is built around the idea that retirement income should not only be stable but also capable of keeping pace with inflation.

· Guaranteed Lifetime Income: The plan provides annuity payouts for as long as the policyholder lives, ensuring financial stability throughout retirement.

· Market-Linked Growth Potential: A portion of the annuity can be linked to the performance of the NIFTY 50, offering the possibility of higher income over time.

· Flexible Income Structure: Customers can choose how much of their income remains guaranteed and how much participates in market performance.

· Protection for Family: With the Return of Purchase Price option, the original purchase price can be passed on to nominees.

What Sets It Apart

Traditional annuity plans typically focus on safety but may lack growth potential. Shubh Flexi Pension Plan takes a more balanced approach.

· Combines guaranteed annuity income with equity-linked growth opportunities

· Allows customers to allocate between 60%–90% guaranteed income and 10%–40% market-linked income

· Designed to help protect retirement income from inflation over the long term

This hybrid structure gives retirees a way to maintain stability while still benefiting from the potential upside of equity markets.

Flexibility for Different Retirement Journeys

Retirement planning is rarely one-size-fits-all. Recognising this, the plan offers several choices that allow individuals to tailor the solution to their needs.

· Start Planning Early: Individuals can begin building their retirement corpus from as early as age 35.

· Immediate or Deferred Income: Choose to start annuity payouts immediately or defer them for up to 20 years to grow the retirement corpus.

· Flexible Premium Options: Invest through a lump-sum payment or spread contributions over a period of 2–12 years.

These options allow customers to align the plan with their retirement timeline, financial goals, and investment preferences.

Designed for Modern Retirement Needs

Shubh Flexi Pension Plan is relevant for a wide spectrum of retirement planners:

· Young professionals starting their retirement journey early

· Pre-retirees looking for predictable income streams

· Retirees seeking stable income with growth potential

· NPS subscribers exploring annuity options for retirement income

A Step Towards Confident Retirement

Retirement should be about enjoying the freedom to pursue passions, spend time with family, and live comfortably without worrying about financial uncertainty.

By combining lifetime income assurance with market-linked growth potential, the Shubh Flexi Pension Plan offers a modern approach to retirement planning — one that seeks to deliver stability today while preparing for tomorrow’s financial realities. 

Coca-Cola® India Brings Diljit Dosanjh And Janhvi Kapoor Onboard To Reimagine ‘Halftime’ Moments

Coca-Cola® today announced its campaign featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Janhvi Kapoor, bringing the idea of a “coca-cola halftime” to life in everyday moments. At its core, the idea is built on the belief that a halftime should do more than simply pause the day, it should draw you back into it.

Coca-Cola, with its delicious and refreshing taste, plays the role of that uplifting break, creating a sense of warmth and connection within everyday experiences. It becomes a simple, accessible ritual, a small yet powerful halftime that allows people to feel more present, feel closer to those around them, and stay in tune with their surroundings.

Karthik Subramanian, Senior Director, Marketing, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia said: “Today’s consumers are navigating lives that are fuller and faster than ever before. And yet, what they increasingly value are small, meaningful breaks that help them stay grounded in the moment. Coca-Cola, known for its signature taste, has long been part of these everyday rituals, and this campaign celebrates how a simple halftime can bring people closer to what matters around them.”

Conceptualized by WPP Open X led by VML., the films, launched as part of the campaign, find beauty in the ‘in-between’, those autopilot moments where we are physically present but mentally elsewhere. Whether it is Diljit Dosanjh caught in the rhythm of a rehearsal or Janhvi Kapoor immersed in her thoughts during a hangout, Coca-Cola acts as a refreshing spark. A single sip brings the world back into focus, turning a routine break into an uplifting experience that grounds you in the present.

Speaking about the film, Nakul Sharma & Tirtha Ghosh, Executive Creative Director, VML shared, “For us, this campaign was about capturing that universal human truth. We all crave presence, but modern life constantly pulls us away. We wanted to show how Coca-Cola isn't just a drink…it's a micro moment of reconnection. It’s the simple, uplifting beat that helps you snap back into the now, transforming those checked out moments into something truly alive. It's about bringing back the joy of being here.”

Rolling out across key markets including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, the campaign is supported by a strong television, digital, and social presence. It is further brought to life through locally rooted storytelling, with Diljit Dosanjh’s film rolling out across Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, while Janhvi Kapoor features in the Tamil adaptation, alongside a dedicated Kannada film.

The campaign is complemented by an original soundtrack by Donn Bhat, with vocals by Vivek Hariharan and Aarifah Rebello, adding a distinctive retro sonic layer. Through these locally rooted narratives, Coca-Cola continues to strengthen its connection with audiences, celebrating the power of a simple coca cola halftime.

About The Coca‑Cola Company

The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

48% Of Indian Customers Cite Lack Of Empathy In CX, But Only 19% Of Leaders Address It With AI

India's business leaders are backing AI with boardroom conviction, but their customers are not feeling it yet. That is the central finding of ServiceNow's Customer Experience Report 2026, The CX Shift, which captures perspectives from customers, service representatives, and leaders across India. Business leaders are increasingly prioritizing AI in customer experience, yet a striking gap has emerged between where organisations are investing and what customers actually need — presenting both a challenge and a defining opportunity for 2026

The Ambition Is Real. The Execution Is Not.

Indian leaders are backing their intent with investment; 60% say their organisation will take a connected enterprise approach to deliver next-level customer experiences over the next three years, 81% will consolidate customer data into a single view, and 69% plan to optimise unified omnichannel CRM engagement across sales and service. Yet the research reveals a more nuanced picture, one where the direction of investment matters as much as the scale of it.

"The ambition in Indian boardrooms is real — I see it in every conversation. Leaders want to move fast on AI, and the investment intent is there. But ambition without a connected foundation is just noise that customers eventually stop listening to. The organisations that will pull ahead are not the ones evaluating the most platforms. They are the ones that stopped evaluating and started building." said Sumeet Mathur, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, ServiceNow India.

Leaders Are Solving the Wrong Problem

The perception gap between Indian business leaders and their customers is striking. While 53% of Indian customers cite unclear explanations about processes and policies as a top frustration, only 22% of business leaders recognise this as a significant challenge. Similarly, 48% of customers name a lack of empathy as a key pain point, yet only 19% of leaders view it as a priority concern.

The misalignment extends to being transferred between departments, with 45% of customers frustrated by this experience, compared to just 23% of leaders who acknowledge it as a problem. On the need to repeat information to agents, 37% of customers are frustrated versus 25% of leaders who agree. These perception gaps are consequential. They cause organisations to build solutions for the wrong problems, leaving customers' most significant pain points unaddressed.

Siloed Systems Are Blocking AI's True Potential

The structural root of the problem is fragmentation and it is showing up in the customer experience directly. Customers are frustrated by being transferred between departments and having to repeat their information at every interaction. These reflects a deeper underlying failure: organisations that have not yet connected their people, data, and processes into a coherent foundation for AI to work on.

The numbers tell that story clearly. Only 38% of Indian organisations have integrated data into a single source of truth. Just 34% are breaking down barriers for seamless AI integration across departments. And only 31% have optimised their CRM for cross-functional collaboration that consistent service actually requires.

Sumeet Mathur further adds; "Speed is the entry ticket, not the prize. Our research shows Indian customers will leave over slow service — but they will also leave over service that is fast and still feels like it doesn't understand them. Leaders are building for the first problem. The second one is where the loyalty gap actually lives, and right now only 19% of organisations are making real progress there."

The Window is Narrowing

India’s business leaders are not short of ambition when it comes to AI. What ServiceNow’s research reveals is something more uncomfortable: the gap between intent and impact is widening — and customers are already feeling it.

The challenge many organisations face today is not a lack of options. It is the opposite. A crowded landscape of AI platforms, each making compelling promises and each requiring meaningful commitment, has created a new kind of organisational risk — the risk of waiting for certainty that may never arrive, while customers quietly make their own decisions.

The data makes the cost of inaction concrete. 44% of Indian customers say they will switch to a competitor over slow or inadequate service. 45% of business leaders themselves report high churn from poor experiences. And yet only 30% have made significant progress connecting the people, data, and processes that would allow AI to actually deliver on its promise.

The organisations that will define the next chapter of customer experience in India are not necessarily those with the most advanced AI. They are the ones that recognise the window for building a connected, empathy-first foundation is open now — and that the longer fragmented systems remain in place, the harder and more expensive it becomes to close the gap that customers are already experiencing.

The question for India’s business leaders is not which AI to choose. It is whether the organisation is structured to make any AI work. That is a decision that cannot wait for the next product cycle.

Research Methodology: To examine how AI is reshaping customer experience, ServiceNow partnered with research firm ThoughtLab to conduct a comprehensive global study spanning 18 countries and eight industries. The India edition is based on insights from 5,000 Indian consumers, 425 customer service professionals and 280 Business leaders. Link to the Report.

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is the AI control tower for business reinvention. The ServiceNow AI Platform integrates with any cloud, any model, and any data source to orchestrate how work flows across the enterprise. By unifying legacy systems, departmental tools, cloud applications, and AI agents, ServiceNow provides a single pane of glass that connects intelligence to execution across every corner of business. With more than 75 billion workflows running on the platform each year, ServiceNow helps organizations turn fragmented operations into coordinated, autonomous workflows that deliver measurable results. Learn how ServiceNow puts AI to work for people at www.servicenow.com. 

AI specialist, content creator among fastest growing roles for fresh graduates in India: LinkedIn

* Fastest-growing functions for career starters are Human Resources, Consulting, IT, and Project Management

* Strongest early career momentum is led by Utilities, Education, Government Administration, Transportation and Logistics, and Energy Technology

* Vijayawada, Bhopal, Jaipur, Indore, Gwalior, and Vadodara record rapid growth as hiring hubs for early career talent

For fresh graduates entering the job market, knowing where opportunities lie can be a game changer. To help them navigate an evolving jobs landscape, LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, has released its Grads’ Guide 2026, offering insights into the fastest-growing roles, industries, and locations in India. According to LinkedIn’s data, roles such as AI Specialist, Generative AI Engineer, and Digital Content Creator are seeing strong demand for young talent.

Growing opportunities across business and people-centric sectors

Opportunities for young professionals are widening beyond technology into business-building and people-focused industries and functions. ‘Utilities’ is now among the fastest-growing industries for career starters, along with Education, Government Administration, Transportation and Logistics, and Energy Technology. Entry-level opportunities are growing across functions including Human Resources, Consulting, Information Technology, Marketing, Program and Project Management, and Business Development.

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn News says, "The best advice for young professionals starting their career is to stay open to unconventional paths and opportunities in unexpected places. The right opportunity might not be where you expect it. It could be in a different industry, a new city, or a role you hadn't considered. In today's dynamic jobs market where skills can travel across sectors, it is critical that professionals build a versatile skill set. Early careers are increasingly shaped by experiences across roles and industries. While the path to a first job isn’t always linear, being open to diverse experiences can help you build momentum and find the right fit.”

Here are this year’s fastest growing Roles, Sectors and Functions for graduates according to LinkedIn Grads’ Guide 2026:

Fastest Growing Roles	Fastest Growing Sectors	Fastest Growing Functions
AI Specialist	Utilities	Human Resources
Generative AI Engineer	Education	Consulting
Digital Content Creator	Government Administration	Information Technology
Brand Representative	Transportation and Logistics	Marketing
IT Specialist	Energy Technology	Program and Project Management
Media Production Crew
Bid Manager
Category Manager
Technical Support Consultant
Storage Engineer

Hiring momentum grows among smaller firms and non-metros

Smaller companies are growing as pivotal entry points into the job market, making it imperative for career starters to rethink opportunities beyond large employer brands. For bachelor degree holders, hiring into firms with 1 to 10 employees grew 64% between 2023 and 2025, while for the broader entry-level cohort, it grew 168%. Opportunities are also democratising across geographies. Cities such as Vijayawada, Bhopal, Jaipur, Indore, Gwalior, and Vadodara are now part of India’s main hiring story alongside metros, offering career starters more options beyond traditional job hubs.

Bridging aspirations through internships

Across every function, a larger share of entry-level hires in 2023 to 2025 had completed an internship, than in 2020 to 2022. LinkedIn data reveals that the biggest jumps are in Legal, Product Management, Consulting, Engineering, and Business Development. Post-graduation internships are also rising, especially in Program and Project Management, Engineering, IT, Media, and Marketing.

If you are just starting out, here are some tips from LinkedIn Career Expert, Nirajita Banerjee that can help navigate the job market confidently:

Don't miss out on the “invisible” job market. Your skills are more versatile than you think, and LinkedIn’s AI-powered job search is designed to prove it by showing you roles that match your background, even those roles and industries that you may have never considered. AI powered job search is now rolling out in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German.

Focus your effort where it’s most likely to pay off. Instead of applying to everything, prioritise roles where your skills are already a strong match. Tools like LinkedIn job match can help you quickly spot where you are a closer fit, so you can spend more time on the applications that have a better chance.

Show proof, not just potential. If you do not have years of experience, that is okay. What matters is showing what you can do. Share projects, examples of your work, and the skills you have built. Verifying your skills, such as AI tools you use like Loveable or Replit, can also help employers quickly see your capabilities.

Stay organised and keep momentum. After you apply, it’s easy to feel like you are in limbo. Use LinkedIn’s job tracker to track your status, your follow-ups, and identifying who in your network can help you stand out.

Hit follow to learn. Only connect with people you know and trust. For everyone else, just tap “Follow.” You’ll still see their posts and be able to engage with their content. *LinkedIn’s new people search also makes it easier to find and connect with professionals whose career paths inspire you (available in the US only).

Methodology

Grad’s Guide is data-driven by analyzing the career paths of millions of professionals. The list identifies the fastest growing jobs, industries, and cities by country, ranked by the annual growth rate over the past 3 years.

Career Starter: All LinkedIn members whose most recent training during the three-year analysis period was a high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or apprenticeship.

Entry-Level: Entry-level employees are defined as LinkedIn members who are within the organizational structure of a company and individually contribute with basic training and guidance.

Fastest Growing Jobs: LinkedIn Economic Graph researchers analyzed the job titles held by members in their first full-time position after graduation and compared the average share of hiring for that metric between, excluding internships, student roles, volunteer positions, and interim roles.

Fastest Growing Industries: Fast-growing industries were ranked using the company listed under the first position members held after graduating.

Fastest Growing Cities: LinkedIn Economic Graph researchers examined the first position held by members after graduating and the location listed for the position.

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms how companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1.2 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com

Tata Motors Achieves 10 Lakh Commercial Vehicles Production Milestone At Its Lucknow Plant

* Commemorates 35-years of industrial excellence and skill building in Uttar Pradesh

Tata Motors Ltd., India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today marked a defining milestone with the rollout of the 10th lakh commercial vehicle from its Lucknow facility, commemorating more than three‑and‑a‑half decades of its presence in Uttar Pradesh and its contribution to industrial excellence, economic growth, skill development and sustained livelihood creation. At a time when India’s commercial vehicle industry is undergoing rapid transformation towards cleaner, smarter and more efficient mobility solutions, this milestone underscores Tata Motors’ leadership in shaping the future of mobility. The milestone vehicle, a zero-emission electric bus, highlighted the shared commitment of Uttar Pradesh and Tata Motors to green mobility, aligned with the state’s net-zero 2070 vision and the company’s net-zero target of 2045.

It was flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, and Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons Ltd., in the presence of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak, along with Mr. Girish Wagh, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tata Motors Ltd., and eminent Ministers, public representatives, senior bureaucrats, government officials and senior leaders from Tata Motors.

Speaking on the occasion, Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, said, “The rollout of 10 lakh trucks and buses from Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility is a moment of pride for the entire state. It is a recognition of the state’s capabilities and immense potential, as well as of its talented people. Our vision is to transform Uttar Pradesh into a one‑trillion‑dollar economy, with industry and entrepreneurs playing a pivotal role in this journey. The state offers a conducive ecosystem for scalable businesses, supported by a vast consumer market, a young, skilled workforce, and seamless connectivity. Tata Motors’ success in Uttar Pradesh reflects the strength of this ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to fostering responsible industrial growth, creating jobs, building skills and advancing sustainable socio‑economic development.”

Established in 1992, Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility has evolved into one of its most significant commercial vehicle manufacturing hubs, producing trucks and buses that meet global standards across multiple powertrains, including zero‑emission electric and fuel‑cell electric vehicles. Spread over ~600 acres, the plant combines manufacturing scale with a strong focus on people and sustainability—supporting over 8,000 livelihoods, building industry‑relevant skills through flagship training programmes, and operating as a water‑positive facility powered by 100% renewable energy, underscoring Tata Motors’ commitment to inclusive growth and sustainability ingrained responsible industrialization. The facility also supports a robust supplier ecosystem, enabling MSMEs and ancillary industries across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons Ltd., said, “The production of Tata Motors’ 10th lakh commercial vehicle from its Lucknow facility reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with Uttar Pradesh. Over more than three decades, this collaboration has demonstrated how industry, government and communities can come together to drive industrial excellence, create livelihoods and build capabilities at scale. We are deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the entire state for their continued support and for fostering a progressive, growth-oriented approach. As Uttar Pradesh accelerates its journey towards sustainable and inclusive growth, we remain firmly committed to contributing to its progress and to shaping a future‑ready mobility ecosystem.”

The landmark production milestone of 10 lakh vehicles underscores Tata Motors’ enduring commitment to Uttar Pradesh—anchored in manufacturing excellence, people-centric growth and responsible industrialisation. As the company advances its net‑zero journey, the Lucknow plant will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable mobility future for India.

Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, Lucknow: Manufacturing Excellence Anchored in People, Sustainability and Scale

Manufacturing Trucks and Buses of International Standards and Scale

Established in 1992, Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle manufacturing facility at Lucknow has evolved into one of the company’s most significant and technologically advanced production hubs. Spread across an expansive ~600-acre campus, the facility manufactures a comprehensive range of cargo and passenger commercial vehicles across multiple powertrains, including next-generation zero-emission electric buses and trucks, as well as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Designed for flexibility and scale, the facility has an annual production capacity of over one lakh vehicles and is a centre of manufacturing excellence, underpinned by rigorous standards of quality, safety and operational efficiency. Vehicles produced at Lucknow support commercial mobility needs across India and are also exported to international markets, reinforcing the facility’s role in delivering world-class products to customers globally.

Building Shared Prosperity through People, Skills, and Inclusion

At the heart of Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility lies a deep commitment to people, opportunity, and inclusive growth. The Plant reflects the company’s belief that progress is most meaningful when it is shared—through sustained investment in skilling, equitable workplaces, and long‑term community development.

The facility enables over 8,000 employment opportunities, strengthening the regional economy while supporting families and communities across Uttar Pradesh. Tata Motors’ continued presence in the state has played a meaningful role in nurturing livelihoods and reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a reliable, future‑ready destination for large‑scale manufacturing.

Reflecting a sustained effort to build environments that value equity, dignity, and equal opportunity, women today constitute a significant portion of the entire workforce. As a next step towards inclusivity, this Plant has also created employment opportunities for People with Disabilities from across the state.

The facility also serves as a cornerstone for a robust skilling and training ecosystem in the region, with its flagship Earn and Learn programmes such as Kaushalya, Lakshya and Saksham. Through its novel Dual System of Training (DST) and large-scale apprenticeship initiatives, Tata Motors has been working closely with local communities to build pathways to meaningful employment. These programmes have equipped thousands of youth across the state with industry-relevant skills, enabling them to progress confidently towards dignified, respected livelihoods that provide stability, pride of work, and long-term opportunity.

Driving Environmental Stewardship with Large‑scale Manufacturing

Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility exemplifies modern, responsible manufacturing—bringing together scale, sustainability and advanced technology. Designed with environmental stewardship at its core, the Plant is CII‑certified water positive and is operating with 100% renewable electricity significantly lowering the facility’s carbon footprint. Advanced Digital & Industry 4.0 technologies—including automation & robotics in critical manufacturing operations and AI‑enabled platforms—ensure high standards of safety, efficiency, quality, and resource optimisation.

Together, these capabilities position the Lucknow plant as a model for future‑ready manufacturing that delivers excellence while remaining deeply conscious of its environmental and social responsibilities.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):

Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

ITC Achieves A Nation-First Certification For Sustainable Agri sourcing; Strengthens Global Market Access For Indian farmers

· ITC Achieves global Milestone in Sustainable Sourcing of wheat and paddy

· Becomes first company in India to be certified FSA 3.0 for these crops

· Over 3,500+ farmers in its FPO ecosystem covered under the global farming standard

· Implements climate smart practices, residue management, traceability and inclusivity

· Strengthens global market access for farmers; ensures quality compliance for ITC

ITC has been working on various interventions for farmers empowerment and connecting them to global markets through sustainable and traceable sourcing. Demonstrating its leadership in sustainable agriculture, ITC has become the first company in India to receive the globally-acknowledged Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA 3.0) certification for wheat and paddy.

For ITC, FSA certification helps build credibility with global customers by demonstrating that sourcing is responsible, traceable and aligned with international expectations. For buyers, especially in regions like the EU, it supports compliance with sustainability commitments and due diligence around issues such as agronomic practices, deforestation and labour standards.

The standards followed and adopted deliver clear benefits both for farmers and the environment. For farmers, they lead to better yields and price-realization with stronger market linkages. From an environmental perspective, these practices help improve soil health and reduce emissions by promoting efficient use of fuel, water, fertilizers and crop protection inputs.

ITC has successfully implemented the FSA 3.0 global farming standards across 22,000+ acres in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, engaging 3,500+ farmers across 70+ FPOs. The initiative was anchored within ITC’s large-scale Crop Development Programme that integrates sustainability, traceability and inclusivity, earning it the prestigious third‑party validation.

The Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) standards, developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) platform with over 190 member organizations, is an internationally recognized framework used by global food and agri companies to assess value-chain sustainability. The latest version, FSA 3.0, was introduced in April 2021.

Commenting on the development, Mr. S Ganesh Kumar, Divisional Chief Executive, Agri Business, ITC Ltd, said “ITC is deeply committed to empowering farmers by providing them with the knowledge, tools and support needed to adopt globally benchmarked sustainable practices. By promoting cultivation of traceable, high-quality agri produce, we are linking Indian farmers to global markets, addressing needs of international buyers and ensuring higher farmer incomes. Our continued focus on building resilient, farmer-centric value chains demonstrates that sustainability and business competitiveness can go hand in hand, creating long-term benefits for communities and the environment, while strengthening the country’s agri-export competitiveness.”

To achieve FSA 3.0, ITC rolled out a well-structured and clearly documented set of on-ground initiatives covering training, advisory, implementation, monitoring and sourcing. These efforts were supported by a strong three-tier external evaluation system to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

To support these efforts, ITC developed around 30 formal policies and guidance documents aligned with FSA standards. These covered key areas such as agronomy, soil and nutrient management, health, hygiene and safety, use of crop protection inputs, waste handling, water use, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, air quality and emissions, traceability, and overall farm management.

Based on a detailed gap assessment, focused training and capacity building sessions were conducted for both farmers and field teams. At the farm level, demonstration plots and farmer field days were used to promote adoption of sustainable practices. Farmers were introduced to methods such as direct seeded rice, zero tillage, drone spraying, micro-irrigation and water saving techniques. Practices like soil test based nutrient application, integrated nutrient management and use of climate resilient crop varieties and advanced nano-fertilizers were also encouraged.

Digital tools played a key role in monitoring and traceability. All participating farms were geo-fenced through ITCMAARS, enabling farm level tracking and oversight. Sourcing was made end-to-end traceable, supported by separate storage and Volume Accounting System for accurate tracking. ITCMAARS (Metamarket for Advanced Agriculture and Rural Services) is a "phygital" ecosystem that provides farmers with digital AI-enabled crop advisories, high-quality inputs, and direct market linkages delivered through a dedicated super-app and physical hyper-local agri-services anchored by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). The ITCMAARS ecosystem has so far benefitted more than 2.2 million farmers and over 2100 FPOs across 11 states.  

International Institute Of Hotel Management Graduates Secure Global Placements With High Starting Packages

India Hospitality education in India is undergoing a decisive transformation, with graduates from the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) emerging as highly sought-after professionals across global markets. With starting salary packages reaching up to ₹31 lakh per annum, IIHM graduates are not only securing international placements but are also stepping into leadership, entrepreneurial and cross-industry roles.

Recent placement highlights reflect this growing global demand:

• Jay Bansal secured a package of ₹32 LPA at Banff Resort, Canada

• Nischal Agir received ₹27 LPA at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, England

• Rohin Lalani joined Restaurant Bartholdi, France with a package of ₹26 LPA

• Mandar Patil secured ₹24 LPA at Le Logis du Péré, France

These outcomes underline a larger shift highlighting hospitality is no longer limited to traditional roles but is emerging as a high-growth, global career pathway.

This shift reflects a deeper evolution in how hospitality talent is being shaped. IIHM’s education model is designed to be industry-relevant and ahead of its time, integrating artificial intelligence and technology across both operational and management disciplines. Rather than treating AI as an add-on, it is embedded into the core curriculum, ensuring students are equipped to navigate and lead in a rapidly transforming global hospitality ecosystem.

Speaking on the larger vision, Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM, has consistently emphasized the institution’s mission to redefine hospitality education, said, “We are not just creating hotel professionals. We are shaping AI-powered global leaders who represent their culture on the world stage."

As a result, IIHM graduates are no longer confined to traditional hotel operations. They are increasingly visible in boardrooms of multinational organizations, leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures and diverse sectors including international banking, IT and facility management, demonstrating the expanding scope of hospitality careers.

Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bangalore, said, “Our curriculum is designed to go beyond conventional hospitality training. By integrating AI and technology into every aspect of learning, we are preparing students not just for operational roles, but for leadership positions across industries. Today, our graduates are equally comfortable in boardrooms, global corporations, and entrepreneurial ecosystems."

A key differentiator is IIHM’s globally aligned, research-driven curriculum, which ensures that students are both academically strong and operationally proficient. This dual approach has led to widespread international acceptance of IIHM graduates, making them highly preferred by employers worldwide.

The institute further strengthens this edge through immersive global exposure opportunities, where students gain first-hand business insights from international markets. Initiatives such as global study tours and international platforms like the Young Chef Olympiad provide students with real-world learning experiences, helping them understand hospitality at a global scale.

This global exposure, combined with a strong alumni network of industry leaders across the world, enables IIHM students to build not just careers but future-ready professional identities.

Recognized as the Best Hospitality Education Brand, IIHM continues to lead this transformation by focusing on four core pillars such as AI integration, global exposure, high career outcomes and cultural intelligence.

As the demand for future-ready talent grows, IIHM stands at the forefront producing graduates who are not only employable, but globally relevant, technologically empowered and culturally rooted.