NUVO Champions Data Ownership And Inclusion With Its Blockchain-Powered Data Wallet

Inclusivetech startup NUVO is redefining how individuals access, own, and share their personal data. Founded in 2023 by Smriti Chaudhary and Saurav Raaj, the startup addresses a key challenge in India’s digital ecosystem — improving data access and control to strengthen financial and healthcare inclusion, especially among rural

women. With over half of rural women lacking mobile phone ownership and limited awareness of data rights, millions remain excluded from essential digital services, while organizations struggle with compliance due to inadequate consent management systems.

To bridge this gap, NUVO has built a Personalized Data Wallet powered by blockchain and enhanced with Zero Knowledge Proof Computation. This privacy-first platform enables users to securely manage digital identities, store verified data, and share it with institutions through a Universal Consent Layer that ensures privacy and compliance. It empowers individuals to take charge of their personal information while providing organizations with a trusted, consent-based data exchange framework.

Participation in the Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme provided NUVO with strategic mentorship, business insights, and access to a strong network of partners and experts. The programme helped NUVO refine its technology roadmap and strengthen its model for scalability and impact.

Smriti Chaudhary, Co-founder of NUVO, said, “At NUVO, our goal is to create a future where every individual has full control over their data. Kotak BizLabs played a crucial role in helping us sharpen our strategy and align innovation with real-world inclusion.”

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., said, “NUVO reflects the spirit of inclusive innovation that Kotak BizLabs strives to nurture. By building technology that bridges access gaps and strengthens trust, startups like NUVO are laying the foundation for a more equitable digital future.”

With its privacy-first, blockchain-powered solution, NUVO is setting new standards in inclusivetech — making data ownership a right and driving meaningful inclusion across India’s digital economy.

Large-Scale Indian Study Validates Rapid Visual Recovery With AI-Enabled SMILE Laser Tech Co-Developed By Bengaluru Surgeon

* Co-developed by Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, the technology demonstrated high precision, faster recovery, and AI-driven accuracy in a 1,500-eye clinical study

* The study conducted at Nethradhama found 98% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision and 99% reached target correction within 15 days, reaffirming India’s leadership in advanced laser vision correction

A large-scale clinical study involving 1,500 eyes has confirmed that the latest generation of SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) laser technology delivers highly precise and safe outcomes for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Conducted at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Bengaluru using the VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser system, the study represents one of the largest reported datasets globally for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. VisuMax 800 laser, the second-generation femtosecond laser was developed by ZEISS in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru.

The retrospective study using data from 770 patients under 45 years of age, found that 98% of eyes achieved 20/20 or better vision without glasses, and 99% were within ±0.50 diopters of the intended correction within just 15 days after surgery, demonstrating rapid visual recovery and high refractive accuracy. As a pioneer in adopting next-generation ophthalmic technologies, Nethradhama’s experience and clinical rigor added significant depth to the analysis. The procedure was effective across all levels of myopia, and younger patients experienced faster recovery.

Nethradhama was among the first five centres in the world, and the first in India, to adopt the VisuMax 800 platform. The hospital is also the first one to conduct global trials assessing the system’s safety and efficacy.

Dr. Supriya Samak Sriganesh, Executive Director of Nethradhama and co-author of the study, said, “This study represents one of the largest datasets on SMILE surgery and contributes valuable evidence to global ophthalmology research. The results reaffirm Nethradhama’s position among the world’s leading centres for laser vision correction, achieving 98% accuracy. By systematically analysing outcomes across a diverse patient population, including long-term follow-ups, we are able to demonstrate both the safety and sustained effectiveness of this technology. The research underscores the importance of rigorous data collection, clinical monitoring, and evidence-driven innovation in delivering world-class eye care.”

The study also reported significantly reduced intraoperative risks, such as suction loss, which occurred in just 0.06% of cases compared to 0.5% in previous systems.

Commenting on the technology, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh said, “We’re glad to position India at the forefront of global ophthalmic innovation and research, by co-developing and adopting advanced technologies like this. The VisuMax 800 laser has transformed the efficiency of SMILE surgery. Its high-speed operation and automated alignment tools allow surgeons to perform procedures in under 10 seconds of laser time while maintaining precision and safety. This reduces surgical stress, improves patient comfort, and accelerates recovery. With AI-enabled Nomograms and digital Centration & cyclotorsion control, the system ensures highly predictable outcomes, making advanced vision correction more reliable and accessible.”

The system includes AI-enabled Nomograms with centration guidance (CentraLign) and digital cyclotorsion control (OcuLign) to enhance procedural accuracy.

“The VisuMax 800 platform sets new standards for precision, patient safety, and surgical efficiency. By demonstrating the sustained effectiveness and reliability of SMILE, the study reinforces its status as a global benchmark in laser vision correction. Further, it showcases how rigorous, evidence-based adoption of advanced technology can drive world-class eye care and shape the future of refractive surgery internationally,” Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh added.

Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh has been recognized among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by Stanford-Elsevier (2025) for the2nd Year in a Row. This recognition reflects his lifelong dedication, pioneering spirit, and relentless pursuit of advancing eye care for patients everywhere.

The latest data from India reinforces that next-generation laser platforms are setting new standards in accuracy, recovery time, and patient experience. The procedure is completely painless, performed using only anaesthetic eye drops, and takes approximately 5–6 minutes for both eyes. It requires no admission; patients can simply walk in, undergo the treatment, and walk out. Most are able to resume normal activities the very next day without the need for extended rest.

The procedure is suitable for individuals above 18 years with stable short-sightedness or astigmatism (stable refractive power for at least one year). Comprehensive screening tests such as corneal topography and corneal thickness assessments are performed to determine suitability. More than 13 million SMILE procedures have now been performed worldwide, making it the fastest-growing refractive procedure for correcting short-sightedness and astigmatism. Its widespread adoption is driven by its high safety profile, comfort, predictable outcomes, and strong long-term efficacy.

Johnson Controls Metasys 15.0 Open Building Automation System Sets New Standard With Leading Scalability, Resiliency & Energy Intelligence

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the launch of Metasys 15.0, its flagship open building automation system. Engineered to meet the demands of mission-critical environments, Metasys 15.0 delivers unmatched scalability, built-in resiliency and instant energy intelligence giving facility managers the tools to optimize building performance, ensure compliance and accelerate decarbonization. New features include support for up to 1,000 IP devices per server — 60 percent more than most Building Automation Systems available today, along with multi-server redundancy offering simultaneous backup and a preconfigured ready-to-use Energy Management suite that delivers real-time insights and actionable data.

“Building operators today must navigate a complex landscape of energy goals, operational demands and evolving workforce needs,” said Kaishi Zhang, vice president of Product Management for Building Automation Systems at Johnson Controls. “The latest release of Metasys delivers a secure, intuitive BMS platform that ensures reliability, simplifies energy oversight and reduces reliance on specialized labor – essential for deploying across critical applications where performance and uptime matter more than ever before. We’re thrilled to launch this highly anticipated release, a technology that symbolizes the roots of Johnson Controls and where our experts continue to redefine building automation.”

Metasys 15.0 simplifies deployment and can be scaled across multiple buildings and sites, bringing competitive advantages to mission critical industries such as healthcare systems, data centers and large campuses, while bolstering uptime and efficiency. Key features include:

Market-leading scalability: With support for 50,000 objects and 1,000 IP devices per server, Metasys 15.0 can be seamlessly deployed across large healthcare campuses, universities or multi-site enterprises without costly hardware upgrades. By allowing IP devices to communicate directly with the server, organizations can reduce infrastructure costs by up to 60% by eliminating the need for intermediary components.

24/7 data resiliency: New multi-server redundancy ensures critical alerts, trends, and audit logs are backed up on two Metasys servers simultaneously, helping to ensure operational continuity, data availability and compliance in mission-critical environments like hospitals and data centers.

Ready-to-use energy management applications: The Energy Management suite offers ready-to-use applications which allow users to easily access and understand data across energy management, engineering productivity and cybersecurity to improve operations and planning.

Fast industry configuration: Facility managers can now more easily configure and manage the system directly using a web client, reducing equipment setup time by nearly 95% compared to previous versions and eliminating the need for server shutdowns or external support.

Interoperability – as an open BAS solution, Metasys 15, along with previous iterations, is widely recognized by field technicians for its leading ability to support a wide range of third-party IT and OT protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, API and more.

Metasys is a cornerstone of the Johnson Controls’ product ecosystem, delivering seamless integration across a broad spectrum of building technologies to unlock energy efficiency, system-wide optimization and thermal performance. The combined impact of Metasys together with Johnson Controls’ advanced HVAC, fire, security technologies as well as the OpenBlue smart building ecosystem and network of more than 40,000 field and service technicians can deliver lower operating costs and a stronger return on investment.

To learn more about Metasys from Johnson Controls and the full range of its capabilities, visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/building-automation-and-controls/metasys

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on social platforms.

Pexpo Partners With Upcoming Bollywood Star Studded Film “Dhurandhar” Starring Ranveer Singh

~A collaboration celebrating strength, sustainability and the spirit of modern India, while proudly advancing the Made in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision~

Pexpo, a leading Indian brand in sustainable steel bottle manufacturing, announced its strategic association with the highly anticipated film “Dhurandhar”, starring youth icon and Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh. The film is set to hit theatres on 5th December 2025.

As a proudly Made in India brand driving self-reliant manufacturing, Pexpo continues to champion homegrown innovation through such impactful collaborations.

This collaboration brings together the shared values of strength, resilience, health and conscious living, elements central both to the film’s narrative and to Pexpo’s brand ethos. As a brand that resonates strongly with young India, Pexpo’s partnership with Ranveer Singh, who commands massive youth appeal, creates a powerful platform to inspire better choices among consumers.

Ranveer Singh’s persona and his role in Dhurandhar reflect strength, commitment and physical endurance, qualities that mirror Pexpo’s promise of durable, safe and sustainable stainless-steel products.

Health and fitness being core to both Ranveer’s lifestyle and the brand’s philosophy, this collaboration highlights the importance of staying hydrated the right way, with non-toxic, reusable, eco-conscious steel bottles instead of single-use plastics.

The film showcases the central message of “Strength”, as portrayed by Ranveer Singh, and aligns seamlessly with Pexpo’s belief that real “Dhurandhars” make choices that are better for themselves and for the planet.

Speaking about the collaboration, Vedant Padia, Director, Pexpo, said, “Our partnership with ‘Dhurandhar’ and Ranveer Singh is a strong representation of what the brand stands for, which is strength, better choices and long-term value. Ranveer’s energy, dedication to fitness and strong national appeal deeply resonate with Pexpo’s vision for a healthier, more sustainable India. Through this association, we want to inspire more people to shift to sustainable, reusable stainless-steel products and support a lifestyle that is healthier and more responsible.”

Link to watch the ad film - https://youtu.be/tjREVBZq9Xk?si=HZcrAO0gubZs1at4

Kovai.co’s Document360 Surpasses $10 Million ARR, Sets Sights On $25 Million By 2028

With ₹220 Crore Investment In Coimbatore Development Centre Hub
“Bootstrapped SaaS leader becomes one of the few companies globally to build two $10M+ ARR products without external funding.”

Kovai.co, a bootstrapped, AI-first software company offering multiple products at scale in the B2B SaaS space, today announced that its flagship knowledge management platform, Document360, has crossed $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The company has set a target to scale Document360 to $25 million ARR by 2028, fueled by accelerating global demand for AI-powered knowledge automation and a planned ₹220 crore investment in its Coimbatore Development centre over the next three years.

Document360 marks the second product from Kovai.co to achieve $10M+ ARR, following BizTalk360, positioning the company among a select few bootstrapped organizations worldwide to develop two category-leading SaaS solutions at this scale without venture capital. BizTalk360 is an all-in-one solution to efficiently administer, operate and monitor your Microsoft BizTalk Server environments.

With overall revenue now exceeding $20 million, Kovai.co is reinforcing its commitment to its Tier 2 hometown through this substantial investment, which will drive product development, enhance AI capabilities, and support global expansion.

“This is a landmark moment not just for Kovai.co, but for Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and the Indian SaaS ecosystem,” said Saravana Kumar, Founder & CEO of Kovai.co. “In an era where AI is transforming how enterprises create, manage, and deliver knowledge, Document360 is emerging as a mission-critical platform. Our ₹220 crore commitment to Coimbatore will supercharge product innovation, deepen AI capabilities, and solidify the region's status as a global technology center while enabling us to build more world-class products from here.”

Document360 is expected to grow 40–45% annually over the next three years, with Coimbatore serving as the central hub for advanced engineering, AI development, and talent scaling. “By focusing on deep tech and SaaS expertise in Coimbatore, we're not only powering our global roadmap but also elevating the area as a hub for innovation,” Kumar added.

Launched in 2019 to address gaps in the self-service knowledge base market, Document360 has evolved into one of the world's top platforms, directly competing with major Knowledgebase providers and securing enterprise wins. It now serves over 1,500 customers, including large enterprises, unicorn startups, global technology firms, and government organizations across key verticals such as IT, SaaS, manufacturing, and healthcare. Notable clients include VMware, NHS, Ticketmaster, Payoneer, Virgin Red, and Comcast.

As businesses increasingly embrace AI-driven automation, Document360 provides essential structured knowledge, instant answers, and intelligent search functionalities for teams worldwide.Looking ahead, Kovai.co is accelerating the growth of its third product, Turbo360, with the goal of making it the next $10M ARR success in its expanding portfolio. Turbo360 (Formerly Serverless360) is an advanced Cloud Management platform that identifies significant Azure Cost savings and provides Infra Monitoring for complex Azure Environments.

Care Health Insurance Issues Public Advisory On HEPA Filter Use Amid Rising Respiratory Illnesses And Worsening Air Quality Conditions

Demonstrating its continued commitment to public health and preventive care, Care Health Insurance today issued an urgent advisory encouraging households and workplaces to adopt HEPA-certified air filtration in response to escalating respiratory illnesses due to the increasing pollution.

In recent weeks, multiple regions have reported a sharp surge in asthma flare-ups, respiratory infections and pollution-related medical emergencies. This trend has been intensified by the high pollution levels.

According to recent national and global air quality assessments:

● Air pollution remains a leading contributor to premature mortality in India, accounting for millions of pollution-linked illnesses annually, including asthma, COPD and cardiovascular complications.

● India’s PM2.5 concentrations frequently rank among the highest globally, exposing populations to hazardous fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.

● Asthma prevalence continues to be a public health concern, with tens of millions of individuals living with chronic symptoms that worsen during pollution spikes.

Care Health Insurance’s Advisory includes the following recommended measures:

Use HEPA-certified air purifiers in indoor spaces to reduce exposure to particulate matter and maintain them with timely filter replacement.

Keep windows and doors closed during severe pollution hours and ventilate only when air quality improves.

Limit outdoor activity and strenuous exercise during peak pollution times. Choose indoor exercise and avoid running, jogging or cycling outdoors in polluted air.

Use N95 or equivalent masks when stepping outdoors to reduce inhalation of harmful particles, and use lubricating eye drops if irritation occurs (on advise by a doctor).

For people with Asthma, follow prescribed medical guidance, keep inhalers and essential medication accessible, stay hydrated to reduce airway irritation, and maintain a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet to support respiratory health.

Minimise exposure to indoor pollutants by avoiding incense, candles and other smoke-generating elements during this period.

Speaking on the advisory, Manish Dodeja, Chief Operating Officer, Care Health Insurance, said:

“We are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of various factors impacting our air quality. These have a direct impact on our respiratory health. As a responsible health partner to millions, Care Health Insurance is committed to guiding our policyholders with timely, preventive measures. The use of HEPA filtration is a simple yet highly effective step individuals can take to safeguard their indoor air quality.”

Care Health Insurance continues to monitor environmental health indicators closely and remains committed to issuing timely guidance that supports the well-being of its customers and the broader community.

About Care Health Insurance

Care Health Insurance is a specialized health insurer offering products in the retail segment for Health Insurance, Top-up Coverage, Personal Accident, Maternity, International Travel Insurance and Critical Illness along with Group Health Insurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance for Corporates, Micro Insurance Products for the Rural Market and a Comprehensive Set of Wellness Services. With its operating philosophy being based on the principal tenet of ‘consumer-centricity’, the company has consistently invested in the effective application of technology to deliver excellence in customer servicing, product innovation and value-for-money services.

Care Health Insurance was conferred the ‘Overall Achievement Award’ (SAHI category) at the ASSOCHAM 16th Global Insurance Summit & Awards; ‘Smart Insurer’ and ‘Sales Champion’ awards in Health Insurance category at the 11th ET Now Insurance Summit & Awards 2024; ‘Claims Service Leader for the Year’ & ‘Best Health Insurance Company in Rural Sector’ awards at the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, and ‘Best Health Insurance Plan – Care Plus’ at the Global Financial Planner’s Summit 2024. The company was also awarded ‘Best Health Insurance Product’ and ‘Best Health Insurance Agents’ at the Insurance Alerts Awards, 2021 and ‘Best Health Insurance Product Award’ at FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2019.

Air Purifier Demand Climbs 30 Percent Year-On-Year At Croma

~ Delhi NCR alone accounts for nearly three in four air purifiers sold at Croma in 2025 ~

Croma, India’s trusted omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, has released insights on air purifier purchases based on its 2025 sales data across online and offline channels. The study highlights where the demand originated, evolving customer preferences, and the growing influence of design and technology on buying decisions.

According to the report, Delhi NCR accounted for 72% of all air purifier sales at Croma, reflecting the region’s response to persistent air quality challenges. Maharashtra followed with 12%, and Karnataka contributed 4%, indicating rising awareness and adoption in other states as well.

HEPA filters remain the top choice for customers, thanks to their proven ability to remove airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and mould. Many shoppers also opted for advanced models featuring multi-layered protection—combining pre-filters, activated carbon filters, and UVC LED technology—for comprehensive defence against pollutants and odours.

“Air purifiers are no longer viewed as niche or seasonal products, they’ve become an essential year-round necessity, especially for customers in cities like Delhi NCR. At Croma, our focus is to guide customers in choosing the right purifier based on room size, budget, and health needs, while ensuring they have access to advanced technology and designs that fit seamlessly into their homes.” said a spokesperson at Infiniti Retail ltd.

White is the preferred colour that was witnessed amongst consumer purchases. The study shows that 77 percent of air purifiers sold across India were in white, followed by 19 percent in black and 4 percent in metallic shades. This suggests that customers still prefer neutral, minimalist colours that blend easily with most home interiors.

The study found that the budget range of ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 price band is the largest segment by volume, contributing 49 percent of total air purifier sales at Croma. The super-premium segment is the next big category with a 36 percent contribution, indicating that more customers are ready to invest in higher end products with better coverage and smarter features. Philips and Dyson together commanded 84% of overall air purifier sales at Croma in 2025, reinforcing their leadership in this category.

Croma recorded its highest weekly air purifier sales in a single week alone, which accounted for 27 percent of the company’s annual air purifier sales. As compared to the last year, this year saw an increase of 30 per cent in the purchase of air purifier, proof of the prevailing air quality. This sharp spike reflects how customers increasingly respond to visible pollution alerts, changing weather and news around air quality by quickly upgrading their homes with air purifiers.

Approximately 12 per cent customers also chose to protect their devices with Croma’s ZipCare plans, adding extended warranty and service support to ensure long term performance of their air purifiers.

Croma’s constant analysis of customers’ purchases and existing external conditions ensure they cater to every customer’s requirement.

About Croma:

Infiniti Retail Ltd. is one of the first organised consumer durables and electronics retailers in India operating under the brand name Croma. With over 570+ stores across 200+ cities, the company continues to aggressively open new stores to expand its presence especially in suburban region of metro cities along with tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Croma offers its customers a world-class ambience to shop both in-store and staged at www.croma.com and allows for a seamless ‘omni-channel’ shopping experience that lets a customer enjoy the best of both worlds. Through its deep integration with the Tata Neu ecosystem, products from Croma are also available on the Tata Neu app. Croma has been featured among the 100 most valuable Indian brands by Brand Finance India 100 report for two years in a row.

Samsung To Announce Its DX Vision At ‘The First Look’ Event At CES 2026

Samsung Electronics will host The First Look on January 4 at 7:00 PM PST [8.30 AM IST on January 5] in the Latour Ballroom at the Wynn Las Vegas. At the event — set to take place two days before the opening of CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics show — the company will unveil its vision for the DX (Device eXperience) Division in 2026, along with new AI-driven customer experiences.

TM Roh, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division, will be the keynote speaker for The First Look. SW Yong, President and Head of the Visual Display (VD) Business, and Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances (DA) Business, will also appear on stage to share their respective business directions for the upcoming year.

The event will be streamed live on Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Electronics’ official YouTube channel and as well as Samsung TV Plus, the company’s FAST (free, ad-supported TV streaming) service. Additional Samsung events and exhibitions will take place at the company’s exclusive exhibition at the Wynn Las Vegas through January 7.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Tab A11 In India: A Sleek And Refined Tablet For Everyday Use

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled the Galaxy Tab A11, a tablet that brings together immersive entertainment, smooth performance and versatility for users across age groups.

Galaxy Tab A11 comes with an 8.7" display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering an unparalleled viewing and smooth scrolling experience in any lighting condition—whether you are browsing the web, catching up on social media, or streaming your favourite shows. The Galaxy Tab A11 also features Dolby-engineered dual speakers that deliver rich, multidimensional audio, perfect for movies, music, or video calls.

Powered by a 6nm-based octa-core processor, Galaxy Tab A11 delivers fast and power-efficient performance, ideal for seamless multitasking. It also packs a 5100mAh battery that supports long sessions of browsing, gaming, and binge-watching.

Galaxy Tab A11 comes with a 5MP front camera for sharper, clearer video calls. Whether you are catching up with family or collaborating with your team, the enhanced clarity lets you see every expression in lifelike detail.

Available in classic Gray and Silver, Galaxy Tab A11 offers up to 8GB of memory, enabling fast and seamless multitasking. It also comes with 128GB of storage, providing plenty of space for large files. Additionally, users can expand the storage up to 2 TB with a microSD card.

Price and Availability:

Galaxy Tab A11 will be available on Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart and select retail stores.

Friends of Figma Mumbai x f1Studioz Wireframed Designathon Sets The Tone For India’s Next Design Year

The Friends of Figma (FOF) Mumbai x f1Studioz Wireframed Designathon drew an impressive footfall of 250 young creators, early-career designers, and industry leaders, transforming the 24-hour offline event at Atlas SkillTech University ISDI into a vibrant hub of collaboration and rapid prototyping. The event also awarded ₹1,00,000 in cash prizes to the top three winners along with exclusive subscription perks.

Bringing together mentors, practitioners, and top design minds on one platform, the Designathon showcased breakthrough thinking and set the stage for the next year of product and experience design in India. The event featured real-world challenges across domains such as elderly care, financial literacy, nutrition accessibility, and civic participation for the professional track.

A dedicated student track ran in parallel, with 50 ISDI students participating in a focused design sprint evaluated by an independent jury. Their challenges spanned public policy documents, women safety, government service experience, and financial awareness for students.

Across the 24-hour event, the work of participating designers revealed a clear shift in how India’s design ecosystem is evolving. Designers are moving toward systems-first thinking, creating connected and scalable experiences rather than isolated features. This was matched by a growing build and ship mindset, where design extends into rapid prototyping, testing and iteration. The approach reflects a new generation that blends creativity with execution and is increasingly focused on designing products that are inclusive, adaptable and intuitive for India’s diverse user base across languages, abilities and contexts.

The event also highlighted the rise of a community-driven learning culture. India’s design talent is choosing collaborative, mentor-led environments such as designathons, meetups and rapid sprints over siloed learning. This shift is strengthening a vibrant, practice-led ecosystem where knowledge flows through shared problem-solving and hands-on creation, reinforcing the country’s position as a fast-growing hub for user-first design.

Speaking on the momentum created at Wireframed 2025, Dhayan Kumar, Founder and CEO of f1Studioz, said: “The event not only produced strong prototypes but also surfaced clear directional insights on where India’s design industry is headed. What we witnessed at Wireframed went far beyond talent, encapsulating intent, ambition and the willingness to solve real problems with real impact. With this collaboration, we aim to nurture a culture of speed, experimentation, and community — creating a space where ideas move boldly, prototypes evolve intelligently, and meaningful, accessible products take shape for the world.”

Sooraj Nair, Community Lead at Friends of Figma Mumbai said, “Wireframed wasn’t just an event - it was a milestone in Mumbai’s design history. Seeing teams travel from across India to build together under one roof felt like the start of a new era. This is just the beginning; 2026 is going to be even bigger for designers in this country.”

The Wireframed Designathon marks the beginning of a year-long partnership between Friends of Figma Mumbai and f1Studioz, focused on cultivating India’s next generation of product thinkers and experience designers through events, masterclasses, mentorship programs, and industry-led challenges.

About f1Studioz:
f1Studioz is a global UI/UX design company known for building user-centric digital products. They work with enterprises, global brands, and fast-growing startups to create high-impact design systems and experiences.

About Friends of Figma Mumbai:
With more than 3500 designers, FOF Mumbai is the largest Friends of Figma chapter in the world. It’s a non-profit community which brings together designers, product builders, founders, and students to collaborate, learn, and build meaningful design-led solutions. You can know more about the community at fofmumbai.com.

Laghu Udyog Bharathi, North Bangalore, To Organise “NAMMA KHARKHANA EXPO 2025” On Dec 5 & 6 At Peenya Gymkhana

Laghu Udyog Bharathi (LUB), North Bangalore, is organising NAMMA KHARKHANA EXPO 2025 on December 5 and 6, 2025, at Peenya Gymkhana, NTTF Cross, Bengaluru – 560058. The expo is being held under the leadership of its newly elected President, Sri Mayank Kaushik, President – LUB, North Bangalore.

Bringing together small manufacturers, traders, MSMEs, vendors, and service providers, NAMMA KHARKHANA EXPO 2025 aims to serve as a one-stop platform showcasing everything an industry needs under one roof — from screws to compressors. The expo is designed to strengthen Bengaluru's industrial ecosystem by connecting buyers and sellers, encouraging collaboration, and showcasing innovative and essential industrial products and services.

The event will feature a wide range of exhibitors from sectors including engineering, electrical, tools and machinery, automation, safety equipment, logistics, packaging, raw materials, and allied services. It will provide valuable opportunities for networking, business expansion, product sourcing, and knowledge exchange for entrepreneurs and small-scale industries.

Speaking about the initiative, Sri Mayank Kaushik said that the expo reflects LUB’s commitment to empowering small manufacturers, traders, and industries, giving them visibility, access to new markets, and opportunities for sustainable growth.

NAMMA KHARKHANA EXPO 2025 is expected to attract a large number of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and stakeholders over the two-day event, further strengthening Peenya’s identity as one of Asia’s largest industrial hubs.

For more information and participation details, contact: +919845025181.

Samsung Powers India’s Digital Workforce From Uttar Pradesh: 2,150 Youth Certified In Future-Tech Skills

Uttar Pradesh emerges as one of the fastest-growing states under Samsung Innovation Campus; 550 students felicitated at Noida International University

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today strengthened Uttar Pradesh’s position as a rising technology talent hub with the felicitation of 550 students under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme at Noida International University.

As part of Samsung’s national mission to skill 20,000 youth in 2025, the newly certified batch includes:

150 students in Coding & Programming

400 students in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This milestone takes the total number of SIC-trained students in Uttar Pradesh to 2,150 in 2025, marking strong progress toward the state’s 5,000-youth target and reinforcing its role as a digital-skills accelerator for India.

The ceremony was joined by Dr. Vikram Singh, Chancellor, Noida International University; Dr. Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor, Noida International University; and Mr. Saroj Aapto, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI).

Rapid Expansion of Inclusive Tech Skilling

Samsung Innovation Campus is aligned with the Skill India and Digital India missions and is already active across 10 states. With strong participation from semi-urban and aspirational districts, the programme ensures access to cutting-edge learning for students from diverse backgrounds.

Key highlights of the nationwide programme:

Future-tech focus: AI, IoT, Big Data, Coding & Programming

Strong inclusivity: 44% women participation

Industry readiness: Soft-skills training & placement support via ESSCI

UP’s rapid adoption reinforces its position as a key contributor to India’s technology-led growth.

Building Workforce Pathways for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Alongside SIC, Samsung’s DOST (Digital & Offline Skills Training) programme continues to support youth with retail and frontline job skills — fostering both employability and innovation.

Together, these initiatives strengthen Samsung’s long-term commitment to a skilled, innovation-ready, future-focused workforce in India.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-powers-indias-digital-workforce-from-uttar-pradesh-2150-youth-certified-in-future-tech-skills

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Xiaomi India Launches REDMI 15C 5G With Sleek Design, Dependable Performance And Priced Between Rs 12,499 To Rs 15,499

Xiaomi India today announced the launch of the REDMI 15C 5G, a smartphone designed to deliver a sleek aesthetic, a spacious 17.53 cm immersive display, and dependable all-day performance for users who seamlessly switch between work and entertainment.

Commenting on the launch, Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, Xiaomi India said, “With REDMI 15C 5G, our goal was to build a phone that feels effortless in the hands of everyday users. The combination of a big immersive display, a reliable all-day battery and a refined royale design reflects how people now watch, learn and work on their phones. As we look ahead, our focus is on keeping the REDMI experience reliable and built around what truly matters to our users.”

The REDMI 15C 5G features a slim, polished body with a 3D quad-curved back for a balanced grip and a distinctive floating crater camera design. It comes in Moonlight Blue, Dusk Purple and Midnight Black, with Moonlight Blue crafted through a dual-colour magnetic ink process.

The 17.53 cm HD+ display with up to 120Hz AdaptiveSync delivers smooth, responsive viewing, while the 50MP AI dual camera ensures clear, vibrant photography across bright, indoor and low-light conditions.

A large 6000mAh battery powers the device through extended use, supporting 23 hours of video playback and 106.9 hours of music. With 33W turbo charging, the phone reaches 50% in just 28 minutes, and 10W reverse charging offers added on-the-go convenience. It also comes with a 33W charger in the box.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 octa core processor, the REDMI 15C 5G delivers smooth multitasking, with up to 16GB RAM (with memory extension) and 1TB expandable storage. It runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, offering smart features such as Circle to Search with Google, built-in Google Gemini, and Xiaomi interconnectivity tools including Call Sync and Shared Clipboard.

Engineered for everyday durability, the device includes IP64 dust and water resistance and a 200% volume boost for clearer audio in noisy environments.

The REDMI 15C 5G will be available in 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB variants. The pricing has been set competitively, with the 4GB+128GB variant priced at ₹12,499, the 6GB+128GB variant at ₹13,999, and the 8GB+128GB variant at ₹15,499.

vTitan Launches vCardio, AI-powered Cardiac Monitor Across India

vTitan Corporation, a MedTech company focused on innovative healthcare solutions, today announced the launch of vCardio, a single-lead, wearable point-of-care cardiac monitor. The device is entirely designed and manufactured in India, making vTitan one of the first companies in the country to deliver an end-to-end solution from hardware to cloud-based AI analytics in the health-tech space.

vCardio has been engineered to provide smart, continuous monitoring for early detection of cardiac events and vigilant post-surgery care. With this launch, the company aims to make point-of-care services more accessible for patients and clinics.

“The cardiac monitoring market faces a critical gap," said Prasad Maganti, CEO, vTitan. "There is an unmet need for point-of-care cardiac screening at ambulatory clinics, for continuous monitoring in pre-and-post-surgical step-down environments, and for prolonged home-based monitoring in cardiac risk patients. When we built vCardio, an edge-AI-enabled cardiac monitor, from ground up keeping clinical work flows in mind, , our aim was to meet this market need, and make cardiac care safer, smarter, and more accessible.”

vCardio is a lightweight, compact point-of-care cardiac monitor designed for remote patient monitoring in homecare, geriatric care, and clinical settings. With Bluetooth connectivity, the device integrates seamlessly with the vCardio mobile app and software platform. Its lightweight construction ensures patient comfort during extended wear periods, supporting continuous monitoring throughout post-care recovery.

With vCardio, patient registration and monitor activation can be done easily, enabling continuous ECG capture and real-time analysis. The system detects abnormalities and alerts clinicians instantly. In clinics, vCardio offers quick 5-10 minute recordings with on-device edge-AI processing. For 7-10 day home monitoring, data is securely uploaded to the cloud for in-depth analysis. It generates cardiac event-based snapshots along with hourly and daily summaries for physician review. Hospitals and clinics can also manage patient records securely while monitoring patients remotely.

vCardio employs AI-powered algorithms to detect and classify over 20 clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias in real-time as well as in the post-recording analysis of cardiac data over the course of a week. With clinically-validated accuracy, and beat-to-beat analysis, vCardio empowers healthcare professionals with faster, more precise rhythm insights, enhancing diagnostic confidence, streamlining clinical workflows, and improving patient outcomes.

In rural areas, where access to medical specialists is limited, vCardio aims to plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery. By utilising baseline data to flag potential health issues through screening, vCardio helps with prevention and mitigation strategies for heart health, providing a vital point-of-care solution for outpatient services in underserved areas.

“By combining patient-friendly design with advanced remote monitoring capabilities, we are aiming to transform cardiac care delivery by eliminating traditional barriers to remote patient monitoring. Our platform empowers healthcare systems to extend clinical-grade cardiac surveillance beyond the hospital walls, driving better outcomes while reducing the cost and complexity of care coordination, no matter where the patient is located,” he added.

Established in 2010, vTitan today offers a wide range of med-tech solutions across infusion, radiology, urology, monitoring, and cardiology, all developed, designed, and manufactured in-house. The company remains committed to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

About vTitan Corporation:

vTitan Corporation, is a MedTech company specialising in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced medical technologies. Committed to enhancing patient care and empowering healthcare professionals, vTitan delivers safe, reliable, and innovative medical devices. Operating from an ISO 13485-certified facility, the company holds patents in infusion therapy and radiology, reflecting its focus on breakthrough healthcare solutions. For more information, visit www.vtitan.com

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) Launch In India: 2X Battery life, Better Video Capture

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) AI glasses will be available in India starting today, bringing sharper video capture, significantly improved battery life, upgraded Meta AI experiences, and refreshed styles that blend iconic design with everyday utility. The collection will be available nationwide at Ray-Ban India and leading optical and eyewear retailers, with prices starting at INR 39,900.

Next-Generation AI Glasses for Every Lifestyle

Building on the success of the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) delivers sharper 3K Ultra HD video capture, ultrawide HDR, and upgraded Meta AI experiences. With up to 8 hours of battery life, fast charging to 50% in 20 minutes, and a charging case providing an additional 48 hours of power, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is designed to keep up from sunrise to sundown. New capture modes like hyperlapse and slow motion will roll out through software updates later, making storytelling even more creative and immersive.

New Styles, Colors, and Limited Editions

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 arrives in the legendary Wayfarer, the modern Skyler, and the popular Headliner styles. This year’s lineup introduces seasonal colors such as Shiny Cosmic Blue, Shiny Mystic Violet, and Shiny Asteroid Grey.

Smarter, More Helpful Meta AI

Meta AI becomes more useful across everyday scenarios. Users can say “Hey Meta” to get instant answers, recommendations, or creative prompts. Conversation Focus enhances voices in loud settings and Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) now supports full Hindi interaction, allowing users to speak naturally to Meta AI for tasks like asking questions, capturing photos and videos, controlling media, and responding to messages.

Meta AI Now Has Celebrity AI Voice

Recently, Meta AI introduced Celebrity AI Voice, enabling users to interact with the assistant in natural spoken conversation. People can now interact with Deepika Padukone’s AI voice. She joined Meta AI’s global lineup of voices for the assistant, including many other recognizable celebrity voices to choose from.

Testing UPI-Lite payments

Soon, you’ll be able to experience a new feature that allows you to make secure UPI QR-code payments directly from your Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) glasses. Simply look at a QR code while wearing your glasses and say, “Hey Meta, scan and pay” to complete a UPI Lite payment – no need to reach for your phone. Payments will be processed through your WhatsApp-linked bank account, making everyday transactions quicker and more seamless than ever.

We look forward to more people across India experiencing the all new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 smart glasses.

William Penn Awards Creative Mandate For Luxury Brand Lapis Bard To Sunny Side Up

Integrated Communications Agency Will Handle Brand Strategy and Creative Execution for the Brand

Sunny Side Up, an integrated communications agency, has been awarded the creative mandate for Lapis Bard, the luxury writing instrument and accessories brand from William Penn. The agency will be responsible for developing the brand’s overall strategy, creative execution, and integrated communications across all platforms.

The appointment follows the brand's push to solidify its premium positioning and expand its market presence.

Nikhil Ranjan, Managing Director, William Penn, commented on the selection: “Lapis Bard represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design within our portfolio. As we look to elevate its stature, we sought an agency partner that understands the nuances of luxury and possesses the creative firepower to articulate the brand’s story effectively. Sunny Side Up demonstrated a clear strategic vision and a creative approach that aligns with Lapis Bard’s ambition.”

The mandate includes managing the brand’s creative output, digital content strategy, and campaigns for product launches.

Shyam Nair, Creative Director, Sunny Side Up, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership: “Lapis Bard has a beautiful, intrinsic truth rooted in craftsmanship and legacy. Our job is to translate that inherent elegance into an unmistakable and contemporary visual language. The challenge, and the opportunity, is creating communication that doesn't just sell a pen or a bag, but asserts Lapis Bard's definitive role in the modern luxury narrative.”

About Lapis Bard

Lapis Bard is a luxury British brand specializing in handcrafted writing instruments and leather accessories, founded in 2012 and acquired by William Penn in 2016. The brand's philosophy is to create timeless, functional designs inspired by art and architecture, using high-quality materials. They produce unmatched pieces of artfully crafted leather bags, sleek wallets, off the cuff cufflinks, watch chests, pen cases and belts to cinch your outfits. A collection of intoxicating inks and smooth writing instruments add to their timeless pieces.

About Sunny Side Up

Sunny Side Up is a communications agency specializing in brand strategy, advertising, and integrated creative solutions.

For more information, please reach out to tashina@sunnysideup.in

Aequs Limited’s IPO Opens From December 03-05, 2025; Price Band Fixed At ₹ 118 To ₹ 124 Per Equity Share

· The Floor Price is 11.80 times and the Cap Price is 12.40 times of the face value (₹ 10 per share) of the Equity Shares.

· Bid / Offer will open on Wednesday, December 03, 2025 and close on Friday, December 05, 2025 (“Bid Dates”).

· The Anchor Investor Bid / Offer Period shall be Tuesday, December 02, 2025.

· Bids can be made for a minimum of 120 Equity Shares and in multiples of 120 Equity Shares thereafter. (“No. of Bids”)

· RHP Link: https://live.jmfl.com/od/UploadedFiles/D0456858-180C-4361-83F0-946D0B04EDA6.pdf

Aequs Limited (The “Company”), shall open the Bid/Offer in relation to its initial public offer of Equity Shares on Wednesday, December 03, 2025.

The Price Band of the Offer has been fixed at ₹ 118 to ₹ 124 per Equity Share. (“Price Band”).

Bids can be made for a minimum of 120 Equity Shares and in multiples of 120 Equity Shares thereafter. (“Minimum Bid Lot”)

The initial public offer of Equity Shares of face value ₹ 10 per share (“Total Offer Size”) comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹ 6,700 million (₹ 670 crores) and an offer for sale of up to 2,03,07,393 equity shares of face value of ₹ 10 each.

The Anchor Investor Bid/ Offer Period shall be Tuesday, December 02, 2025. The Bid/Offer shall open on Wednesday, December 03, 2025 and close on Friday, December 05, 2025.

The Equity Shares offered through this Red Herring Prospectus are proposed to be listed on the Stock Exchanges being BSE Limited (“BSE”) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE” and together with BSE, the “Stock Exchanges”). For the purposes of the Offer, NSE is the Designated Stock Exchange.

JM Financial Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are the book running lead managers to the Offer ("BRLMs").

All capitalised terms used herein but not defined shall have the same meaning as ascribed to them in the Red Herring Prospectus.

The Offer is being made in terms of Rule 19(2)(b) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules (“SCRR”) read with Regulation 31 of the SEBI ICDR Regulations. The Offer is being made through the Book Building Process, in compliance with Regulation 6(2) of the SEBI ICDR Regulations, wherein at least 75% of the Net Offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Qualified Institutional Buyers (“QIBs”) (the “QIB Portion”), provided that our Company in consultation with the Book Running Lead Managers, may allocate up to 60% of the QIB Portion to Anchor Investors, on a discretionary basis in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations (the “Anchor Investor Portion”), of which one-third shall be reserved for domestic Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received from domestic Mutual Funds at or above the price at which Equity Shares are allocated to Anchor Investors. In the event of under-subscription or non-allocation in the Anchor Investor Portion, the balance Equity Shares shall be added to the QIB Portion (excluding the Anchor Investor Portion) (“Net QIB Portion”).

Further, 5% of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Mutual Funds only and the remainder of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to all QIBs (other than Anchor Investors), including Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Offer Price. If at least 75% of the Net Offer cannot be Allotted to QIBs, then the entire application money will be refunded forthwith. Further, not more than 15% of the Net Offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional investors (“Non-Institutional Investors” or “NIIs”) (the “Non-Institutional Portion”) of which one-third of the Non-Institutional Portion shall be available for allocation to Bidders with an application size of more than ₹ 0.20 million and up to ₹ 1.00 million and two-thirds of the Non-Institutional Portion shall be available for allocation to Bidders with an application size of more than ₹ 1.00 million and under-subscription in either of these two sub-categories of Non-Institutional Portion may be allocated to Bidders in the other sub-category of Non-Institutional Portion in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Offer Price.

The allocation to each Non-Institutional Investor shall not be less than the minimum application size, subject to availability of Equity Shares in the Non-Institutional Portion and the remaining available Equity Shares, if any, shall be allocated on a proportionate basis in accordance with the conditions specified in this regard in Schedule XIII of the SEBI ICDR Regulations. Further, not more than 10% of the Net Offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual investors (“Retail Individual Investors” or “RIIs”) (the “Retail Portion”) in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Offer Price. Further, Equity Shares will be allocated on a proportionate basis to Eligible Employees applying under the Employee Reservation Portion, subject to valid Bids being received from them at or above the Offer Price (net of Employee Discount, if any, as applicable).

All Bidders (other than Anchor Investors) shall mandatorily participate in this Offer through the Application Supported by Block Amount (“ASBA”) process and shall provide details of their respective bank account (including UPI ID for UPI Bidders (defined hereinafter)) in which the Bid Amount will be blocked by the SCSBs or the Sponsor Bank(s), as the case may be. Anchor Investors are not permitted to participate in the Offer through the ASBA process.

About the company:

Aequs Limited is the only precision component manufacturer operating within a single special economic zone in India to offer fully vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities in the Aerospace Segment, which sets the Company apart from other contract manufacturers with selective manufacturing capabilities amongst its peers (Source: F&S Report). Aequs Limited had one of the largest portfolios of aerospace products in India, as of March 31, 2025 (Source: F&S Report).

While the Company primarily operates in the Aerospace Segment, over the years, it has expanded its product portfolio to include consumer electronics, plastics, and consumer durables for its consumer clients. The Company’s diverse consumer product portfolio includes consumer durables such as cookware and small home appliances, plastics such as outdoor toys, figurines, toy vehicles and components for consumer electronics such as portable computers and smart devices.

Aequs Limited’s key clients include Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Collins Aerospace, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, Safran, GKN Aerospace, Mubea Aerostructures, Honeywell, Eaton and Sabca in the Aerospace Segment, and Hasbro, Spinmaster, Wonderchef, and Tramontina in the Consumer Segment.

Apollo Hospitals Strengthens Karnataka’s Transplant Ecosystem With Dedicated Heart & Lung Unit

Apollo Hospitals today announced the launch of its dedicated Heart & Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Unit at Seshadripuram, in the presence of Dr Ravishankar J IAS, Managing Director, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. This marks a significant expansion of Apollo’s quaternary cardiac and respiratory care services in Karnataka.

While the group has long been a leader in transplant medicine, this is Apollo’s first fully integrated heart and lung transplant programme in the state—positioning the centre as a major hub for Karnataka and neighbouring regions, which remain among India’s most active contributors to the organ donation pool. The launch follows the widely acknowledged success of the recent heart transplant where Namma Metro played a critical role in rapid organ transport, significantly reducing transit time and supporting a favourable patient recovery.

Speaking at the event, Dr J Ravishankar IAS, Managing Director, BMRCL, said: “We are proud that Namma Metro played a vital role in the timely transport of a donor heart in this landmark initiative, demonstrating how public infrastructure can directly support life-saving healthcare. In a rapidly growing city like Bengaluru, urban mobility is becoming essential to time-sensitive emergency care. Apollo’s new programme strengthens the city’s capacity to save lives, and BMRCL is committed to supporting such advancements where every second counts.”

The new programme at Seshadripuram features specialised operating theatres, transplant-ready ICUs, advanced monitoring systems, and dedicated rehabilitation services. Patients will receive end-to-end, protocol-driven care from evaluation to long-term follow-up. The centre will offer the full spectrum of advanced therapies including:

* Heart, lung, and combined heart–lung transplantation
* Select multi-organ transplants such as heart–liver and heart–kidney
* Temporary and durable MCS and ECMO
* A specialist retrieval team capable of managing critically ill patients across the region

Dr Kumud Kumar Dhital, Programme and Surgical Director – Heart & Lung Transplantation and MCS, Apollo Hospitals, said: “Over the past two years, our teams in Chennai and Bengaluru have built a robust, clinically strong transplant service for the region. With this formal launch, we can now deliver seamlessly integrated care for patients with end-stage heart and lung disease, supported by the infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise needed for consistently safe and successful outcomes.”

Dr Srinivas Rajagopala, Lead, Lung Failure and Transplant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, added: “Successful lung transplantation depends not only on surgical excellence but on meticulous, sustained pre- and post-transplant care. This programme enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive support backed by standardised protocols and advanced monitoring systems.”

Dr Ravi Kumar, Clinical Lead – Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist, said: “Complex cardiopulmonary conditions require tightly coordinated multi-specialty care. This programme brings greater systemisation and alignment to evaluation, stabilisation and long-term planning—critical factors in achieving predictable, consistent outcomes.”

Mr Uday Davda, Vice President, Apollo Hospitals Seshadripuram, said: “This programme strengthens Karnataka’s specialised care pathways, ensuring advanced transplant and mechanical support services are available closer to home. As one of India’s leading contributors to the organ donation pool, Karnataka stands to benefit greatly from enhanced transplant capabilities that honour every precious donation.”

Mr Akshay Oleti, CEO – Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka Region, said: “With this dedicated Heart & Lung Transplantation Unit, we are taking a major leap in advancing cardiac and respiratory care in Karnataka. Our expert clinical team, coupled with state-of-the-art infrastructure and innovative partnerships like the one with Namma Metro, will enable world-class, life-saving treatments for the region.”

Patients who have benefitted from Apollo’s transplant programmes shared their stories, expressing profound gratitude to donor families and medical teams. The recent heart-transplant recipient, whose donor heart was transported via Namma Metro, said the experience demonstrated how seamless infrastructure and skilled clinical care can converge at a critical moment, enabling a life-saving transplant that would otherwise not have been possible.

Photo Caption: Apollo Hospitals today launched a dedicated Heart & Lung Transplantation and MCS Unit at Seshadripuram, in the presence of Dr. Ravishankar J., IAS, Managing Director, BMRCL

Culturelytics Named To Forbes India & D Globalist’s “Select 200 Companies With Global Business Potential” For 2025

Women-founded, women-led AI CultureTech company joins an elite global cohort of innovators influencing the future of organisational intelligence, leadership, M&A, and ESG strategy from India to the world.

Culturelytics, the pioneering AI-driven CultureTech company transforming how organisations measure and manage culture, has been selected by Forbes India & D Globalist as one of the Select 200 Companies with Global Business Potential for 2025.

This highly regarded cohort represents over 1,000 founders, including nearly 20% of India’s unicorn leaders, and innovation-driven companies that have collectively raised more than USD 19 billion and expanded into 30+ countries. The selection places Culturelytics among a distinguished group of ventures positioned to scale globally and influence the next decade of organisational strategy.

Culture as the New Business Technology

As CEOs navigate unprecedented complexity, from hybrid work and cultural fragmentation to cross-border M&A and ESG accountability, Culturelytics is redefining culture as a quantifiable, predictive business asset.

Powered by behavioural science and responsible AI, its proprietary Culture Coherence Quotient (CCQ(R)) and multi-language analytics engine give leaders unprecedented visibility into organisational alignment, leadership coherence, risk patterns, and transformation readiness.

Culturelytics’ clients include organisations preparing for M&A integration, private equity value creation, leadership restructuring, global expansion, and ESG reporting, where culture has become both a strategic differentiator and a risk variable.

Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, Founder & CEO, Culturelytics, said, “Being part of the Select 200 reinforces a belief we held long before the world was ready: culture is a business technology. Culturelytics was built to decode culture with behavioural science and responsible AI, enabling leaders to treat culture with the same strategic rigour as financial and operational metrics. As workplaces grow more complex and globally interconnected, culture intelligence is becoming essential for CEOs — not optional. This recognition strengthens our resolve to take CultureTech from India to the world.”

Smita Tharoor, Co-Founder, Culturelytics, said, “Culture will define the next era of leadership. Around the world, organisations are struggling with belonging, trust, inclusion, and cross-cultural cohesion. Culturelytics brings clarity and science to challenges that were once addressed only through intuition. Being recognised among global-first innovators signals how urgently leaders need this intelligence — and how relevant an India-born solution can be for the world.”

Karnataka Bank Innovates With IBM To Build Future-Ready API Platform For Faster Service Delivery To Customers

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL), one of India’s leading 'A' Class Scheduled Commercial Banks, collaborated with IBM to modernize its digital banking infrastructure using IBM Cloud Pak for Integration on Red Hat OpenShift. Implemented by IBM ecosystem partner, Fyrii, along with IBM Customer Success Team, the transformation enabled Karnataka Bank to establish a secure, scalable, and agile Application Programming Interface (API) platform while reducing total cost of ownership and reinforcing its digital foundation.

Through this collaborative innovation, Karnataka Bank developed a modern, secure, and scalable API platform that reinforces the bank’s digital infrastructure while reducing operational costs. This platform enables quicker rollout of services such as digital payments, loan processing, and third-party integrations, while maintaining secure connections with multiple systems both internally and externally.

“This marks a major milestone in our digital journey,” said Venkat Krishnan, Chief Information Officer, Karnataka Bank Limited. “With IBM Cloud Pak for Integration on Red Hat OpenShift, we now have an agile and secure platform that allows us to scale operations across India, simplify system management, and reduce costs—all while improving the overall customer experience,” he added.

The upgraded API infrastructure strengthens security while boosting scalability by 50% and cutting operational costs by 30%. These gains come from migrating to an optimized container‑based platform purpose‑built for efficient microservices. The framework enables the bank to implement digital gateways to manage all API traffic. It also allows external partners to access the bank’s AI foundation models as APIs via AI Gateway. This facilitates seamless communication between internal, external and cloud systems while ensuring smooth integration with UIDAI, CERSAI, GST, Reg-Tech and CBDT services. The streamlined implementation process supports rapid adaptation to evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements.

“Today’s banking sector is more complex than ever, comprising many systems and data sources in constant use. To stay ahead, banks require intelligent automation that not only streamlines operations but also anticipates issues before they arise. Karnataka Bank’s modernization showcases how intelligent automation and integrated systems can reduce complexity, boost efficiency and accelerate the delivery of secure, reliable digital services at scale,” said Viswanath Ramaswamy, Vice President, Technology, IBM India & South Asia.

The implementation was led by Fyrii, with IBM’s Expert Labs supporting the critical phases of the rollout. The project is a key pillar of Karnataka Bank’s broader digital transformation strategy, Startup@100, which emphasizes agility and innovation as the bank celebrates 100 years of service.

Commenting on the collaboration Padma Subramanian, Co-founder and CEO, Fyrii said, “As IBM’s implementation partner, we at Fyrii are proud to support Karnataka Bank’s modernization journey by leveraging our Unified Fintech Platform alongside IBM Cloud Pak for Integration. This collaboration with IBM and Karnataka Bank demonstrates how we at Fyrii use our platform to accelerate digital transformation with greater agility and secure API enablement, helping form a foundation for the bank to innovate and serve customers seamlessly.”

About Karnataka Bank Limited

Established in 1924 and headquartered in Mangaluru, Karnataka Bank Limited is a premier private sector bank in India. As of 2025, the bank operates a network of 957 branches, 1,188 ATMs and cash recyclers, and 588 e-lobbies/mini e-lobbies across 22 states and 2 union territories, serving over 11 million customers nationwide.

Karnataka Bank offers a comprehensive suite of digital banking solutions, including KBL Mobile Plus, KBL mPassbook, BHIM KBL UPI App, KBL POS Manager, and KBL MoneyClick Internet Banking. In its centenary year, the bank continues to embrace technology-led innovation through its 'Startup@100' vision, aiming to enhance customer experiences and drive financial inclusion across the country.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Only 1 in 3 Enterprises Fully Automates Software Security, CleanStart Data Reveals

New Study Highlights Persistent Gaps in Software Supply Chain Security as 40% of Detected Vulnerabilities Remain High or Critical Severity

CleanStart, a platform that helps build secure and safe software, has recently conducted a study that highlights significant gaps in enterprise software supply chain security. The study reveals that most organizations have yet to adopt the level of automation required to secure modern CI/CD pipelines. Based on aggregated telemetry across thousands of pipeline executions, the findings show that while development velocity has increased dramatically in recent years, security practices have not kept pace.

According to the study, only about one-third of the CI/CD environments observed have implemented fully automated, policy-based validation for container images. Despite clear performance advantages such as nearly 60 percent fewer manual review cycles and patch-to-deploy timelines that are more than twice as fast in automated pipelines, the majority of organizations continue to rely on partial automation or manual approvals. This limited adoption creates a widening gap between the speed at which software is built and the rigor with which it is validated.

The report also finds that the average time from vulnerability detection to achieving policy compliance is approximately 26 days, suggesting that many organizations remain exposed to known risks for nearly a month before remediations are fully enforced. At the same time, foundational practices such as visibility and provenance remain inconsistent. Fewer than half of all analysed pipelines generate or attach a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) during the build process, and roughly one in four validated container images lacked signature verification or complete provenance metadata at the point of analysis.

Perhaps the most striking finding is the density of known vulnerabilities within container images. Across the registries studied, the average container image contained around 450 known CVEs, with roughly 40 percent classified as high or critical severity. This indicates that even widely deployed and production-bound images often carry significant, unresolved security risks, further emphasizing the need for more standardized and automated validation practices across industries.

CleanStart’s study concludes that while enterprises have made considerable progress in accelerating software delivery, the underlying security processes embedded in their pipelines remain fragmented and inconsistent. The report underscores the urgent need for greater adoption of automated validation mechanisms and stronger enforcement of policy-driven controls to reduce systemic exposure across the software supply chain.

MILKMAID Commemorates India’s Love For Kheer With World Kheer Day

Nestlé MILKMAID, a name synonymous with delicious desserts announces World Kheer Day on 30 November, a day dedicated to the dessert that every Indian home has grown up with.

Kheer is one dessert that truly unites India – divided in recipes and ingredients, united by the warmth and nostalgia it evokes. From festivals, homecomings to everyday celebrations, it continues to be a symbol of togetherness across the country. MILKMAID has helped keep this tradition alive in a way that is easy, quick and just as comforting.

Manav Sahni, Head, Dairy Business, Nestlé India, said, "World Kheer Day is our way of celebrating a dessert that connects generations across the country. Kheer is prepared differently in every region, but it holds the same warmth and nostalgia everywhere. With MILKMAID, we hope that our consumers can enjoy rich and creamy Kheer which tastes amazing."

Kheer takes on a new name and a new form in every corner of India – yet it carries the same heartbeat everywhere. In the North, it’s the creamy elegance of rice kheer. On fasting days, sabudana kheer brings comfort and devotion. Eid arrives with the richness of sheer khurma, a celebration in every spoon. Maharashtra stirs up sheviyanchi kheer with festive pride. Bengal serves payesh – an apt embodiment for its love for life. Odisha offers kheeri, rich in tradition and blessings. And the South welcomes you with payasam – from semiya to palada – the warm hugs in a bowl. The ingredients may vary, the names may change, but the emotion remains constant – a universal sweetness, shared across a nation.

Nestlé MILKMAID, known for making desserts easy and delicious for over 100 years, aims to make this celebration simple for every home. This World Kheer Day, MILKMAID invites everyone to make their preferred kheer, use MILKMAID for convenience and enjoy a dessert that continues to bring people together. Kheer recipes and preparation ideas are available on the MILKMAID website to explore and try at home.  

ABD Maestro unveils YELLO Designer Whisky, A Bold New Fusion Of Scotch And Indian Malts

Powerhouse Ranveer Singh and ABD Maestro quickly follow the launch of Rangeela Vodka with a Whisky custom-made for modern India.

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits brand company and a subsidiary of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), today announced the launch of YELLO Designer Whisky, a unique fusion of Scotch Malts and Indian Malt whiskies.

Following the launch of Rangeela Vodka from Ranveer Singh, Co-Founder and Creative Partner of ABD Maestro, the company’s YELLO Designer Whisky, introduces a breakthrough packaging that mirrors the pulse of modern India — expressive, youthful, and born to stand out. It grabs the spotlight for its colour, sleek lines, and the ‘whisky window’.

For the flamboyant whisky, YELLO fuses the best of Speyside and Highland Scotches with the richness of Indian Malts, which is making news globally. The result is an exceptional spirit that partners the distinctive characteristics of both worlds. The Scotch malts, matured in ex-bourbon oak, infuse YELLO with notes of vanilla caramel and gentle oak, while the Indian malts add warmth, richness, and a bold, lingering finish.

Bikram Basu, Managing Director of ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., commented, “YELLO is designed for an innovative, daring and youthful brand construct for product, packaging and communication. It’s born to stand out, with outstanding whisky sitting in the bottle. At ABD Maestro, we build with quality, creativity and consumers at its heart.”

As India rapidly progresses to a major global economy, the super-premium and luxury spirits segment is seeing strong growth. New-age consumers increasingly value self-expression and strong identity with the brands that they choose. YELLO Designer Whisky, bold in packaging, positioning and taste, talks to this new generation of confident, culture-forward consumers.

YELLO Designer Whisky has debuted in Maharashtra at a MRP of Rs. 2,700/- for a 750ML. Goa, West Bengal and markets of North India will follow in quick succession.

About ABD Maestro Private Limited

ABD Maestro Private Limited is a new super-premium and luxury spirits brand company and a subsidiary of ABD. The brands which ABD Maestro is marketing currently include Arthaus Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Zoya Special Batch Gin and its flavours, Rangeela Contemporary Indian Vodka, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Malt Whisky, Pumori Small Batch Gin and Pink Gin, Segredo Aldeia Café and White Rums. Through its partnership with Roust Corporation, the company has introduced Russian Standard Vodka to India in three distinct segments: Original, Gold, and Platinum.

Nick Jonas And Priyanka Chopra Jonas Launch Beyond Type 1’s First Campaign In India - #TheBeyondType

A pathbreaking campaign redefining diabetes with real stories of people with

type 1 diabetes lived experience

YouTube link of campaign film - #TheBeyondType

Co-founder Nick Jonas, board member Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Beyond Type 1 today launch #TheBeyondType in India. Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 13 years old, co-founded the diabetes non-profit Beyond Type 1 10 years ago. #TheBeyondType is their first campaign in India. The campaign lifts up real lived experiences to challenge stigma and show that diabetes does not define those living with type 1 diabetes. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support grassroots organisations doing critical work on the ground.

India has more young people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) than anywhere in the world, and the second highest number of people living with diabetes overall[1]. Yet awareness remains low and stigma persist.

The Beyond Type highlights incredible everyday people who are thriving with type 1 diabetes and following their dreams. They are the unstoppable type, the determined type, the relentless type, the inspiring type - they show that type 1 diabetes does not define you.

“India has extraordinary people living with Type 1 diabetes, yet their stories are rarely heard,” shared Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “I came to understand this community more deeply through my husband Nick, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength and determination that so many people living with T1D carry every single day. The Beyond Type brings a few of these stories forward, and shows that with proper care and access, diabetes does not define them or limit what they can achieve.”

“I know for myself how diabetes doesn’t have to limit you, but only when you have access to the right care, tools, and support,” says Nick Jonas. “That’s why we’re here in India, where awareness is low and stigma remains high, to help make that possible for everyone. Through my own family, I’ve come to love India deeply, and I’m proud of the progress already underway”.

#TheBeyondType launched on Instagram in a joint post from Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Nick Jonas and Beyond Type 1 who collectively have a combined reach of 135 million. The campaign captures individuals whose stories show that diabetes does not stop them from doing what they want to do: a triathlete Lt Col Kumar Gaurav; 13-year-old karate champion Mehrin Rana; pastry chef Nishant Amin; toy designer and entrepreneur Shreya Jain; dancer and actor Indu Thampy; and vegetable vendor and marathon runner Harichandran Ponnusamy. As Mehrin shares, “Diabetes is just a part of my life, not a limit. A person with type 1 can do everything in their life without any limits.”

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, not something caused by lifestyle or age. Yet stigma keeps many families from recognising the early signs — excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue and unexpected weight loss. When these signals are missed, diagnosis is delayed. By sharing real-life inspiring stories through #TheBeyondType, the campaign begins to break stigma and open the door to earlier awareness and understanding.

A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health, Invisible Inequities in Type 1 Diabetes Care in India[2], reinforces the urgency of this work. Conducted in Karnataka with a small group, it found that many young people with T1D hide their diagnosis, some avoid or delay insulin injections in public to escape judgement, and families, especially girls, are pressured to stay silent due to marriage concerns. Healthcare providers reported that young people with T1D are frequently viewed as weak or treated differently in school and at work, showing how stigma shapes daily life and access to care.

The same commitment to lived experience that anchors #TheBeyondType also drives Beyond Type 1’s support for grassroots organisations working across high-need regions in India:

HRIDAY (Delhi–NCR): A youth-driven public health organisation strengthening school and community awareness about early signs and prevention.

Nityaasha Foundation (Pune, Maharashtra): Supporting children from underserved backgrounds living with T1D through education, guidance and medical assistance.

Gram Jyoti (Deoghar, Jharkhand): Bringing early health awareness into classrooms to help families better understand chronic conditions.

SAMATVAM Trust (Bangalore, Karnataka): Empowering girls with T1D through medical care, financial support and life skills training, helping them stay in school and build independent futures.

“At Beyond Type 1 we believe real change begins with the people closest to the work on the ground,” said Seema Srivastava, Beyond Type 1’s Director of Social Impact and Global Advocacy. “By partnering with grassroots organisations, we are helping families recognise early signs, reduce shame and misinformation, and access education, supplies and peer support.”

Learn more at BeyondType1.org/India

About Beyond Type 1

Beyond Type 1 is a global nonprofit changing what it means to live with diabetes, serving the world's largest digital diabetes community. Co-founded by Nick Jonas and Juliet de Baubigny in 2015, we provide tools, education, and support to help people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes survive, thrive, and drive innovation toward prevention and cures.

Visit BeyondType1.org to learn more.