Thursday, April 10, 2025

Marriott International Signs Agreement With The Balwa Group To Debut Le Méridien In Mumbai


* Anticipated to debut in January 2029, Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport is set to be a hub for travellers to explore Mumbai in style

Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed agreement with The Balwa Group to introduce Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to Mumbai, a dynamic metropolis where tradition and modernity intertwine. To support the growing demand for premium hospitality accommodations, Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport will invite travelers to savor the moment and connect with Mumbai’s kaleidoscope of creativity, culture and dynamic culinary scene through the brand’s timeless perspective on modern travel. Located at a convenient two kilometers from the Mumbai International Airport, the hotel is anticipated to open in January 2029.

“Le Méridien has always inspired travelers to explore the world in style and savor the good life through the lens of its creative-minded spirit, and what better city to continue this journey than in the lively, ever-evolving city of Mumbai”, said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “The brand’s mid-century design, captivating spaces and chic, signature programming will offer a distinct stay experience to world travelers visiting the city. This signing marks a strategic step in expanding Marriott International’s lifestyle portfolio across the region, and we are excited to once again collaborate with The Balwa Group, ensuring delivery of the highest standards of hospitality, in line with our values.”

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Marriott International through the signing of Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport said – Mr. Rafiq Balwa, Director and Vice President of The Balwa Group. This marks the third hotel collaboration between the two groups, following the success of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport and the soon-to-open The Ballard – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This hotel will be a landmark in our portfolio – combining global design sensibilities with the cultural richness of Mumbai. Le Méridien, a brand known for unlocking the charm of each destination through curated experiences and timeless style, will bring a fresh perspective to Mumbai’s hospitality scene. As we continue to expand our hospitality footprint, we are committed to creating iconic destinations that offer exceptional experiences and reflect our unwavering passion for excellence.”

Anticipated to feature 161 contemporary guest rooms and suites, Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport will inspire travelers to explore Mumbai in style and enjoy experiences that enrichen and broaden horizons. Plans for the property include a specialty restaurant, a patisserie, and the brand's signature – Le Méridien Hub - a modern reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby that offers an array of opportunities for guests to gather, connect, and savor the moment, serving custom-brewed, barista-crafted coffee during the day and beverages in the evening at the signature Latitude/Longitude Bar.

Recreational facilities expect to feature a fitness center, an open-air swimming pool and a spa. Plans for the hotel also include a 1,357 sq meters of banquet space with expansive outdoor lawns and an open-air terrace, ideal for both large and intimate gatherings, as well as business meets.

Samsung To Outpace Industry Growth In AC Segment In India


* Samsung’s AC sales grew 2x year-on-year between January and March, 2025 on the back of 19 new AC models

* The new Bespoke AI WindFree AC models focus on intelligent cooling, energy efficiency, and connected living, and are designed for the evolving demands of Indian consumers

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today said that sales of its Air Conditioners grew 2x between January and March, 2025, outpacing the industry growth of 20-25%. The industry-leading growth helped Samsung secure 10% market share in the first quarter of the calendar year in India.

"Our AC business is growing at a robust pace. In the March quarter, we grew by 2X, which helped us secure 10% of the market, according to our internal estimates. We are confident that we are going to lead the growth in the industry, and with better growth we will have good market share as well," said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung.

Samsung expects broad-based growth across channels and regions, helped by a rise in disposable income, growing aspirations and increasing electrification in smaller cities and towns. Samsung has increased its distribution footprint by 40% and has partnered with leading financial institutions for providing zero-cost EMI for purchase of room-air conditioners.

“We have launched 19 new models this year with a clear focus on superior cooling, energy efficiency, durability, and future readiness. Our new Bespoke AI WindFree ACs learn consumer patterns and behavior - whether they are home, sleeping, or coming in from a hot day. Based on these patterns, the AC adjusts itself to deliver optimal comfort,” Alam added.

The Bespoke AI WindFree ACs come with AI Energy Mode that intelligently adjusts the cooling settings to save up to 30% energy. This addresses the top key buying factor for consumers while buying an air conditioner – the demand for energy-efficient appliances without compromising on comfort.

The AI Fast & Comfort Cooling feature ensures instant relief by rapidly reducing room temperature with maximum fan speed. Once the desired temperature is achieved, the system intelligently switches to WindFree Mode to maintain consistent cooling, ensuring a comfortable environment for activities like sleeping or entertaining guests.

The new Bespoke AI WindFree ACs start at INR 32990 and go all the way to INR 60990 for the most premium  model. Samsung ACs come with 5-year comprehensive warranty and consumers benefit from a strong service and installation network covering 19000+ PIN codes in the country.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

Atlassian Team '25: Atlassian Opens Up AI Teammate Rovo For All Customers


Collaboration software company Atlassian announced today that its enterprise AI solution, Rovo, will be available to all customers. Atlassian also announced the new Rovo Studio app, which lets users create custom AI-powered agents with low-code/no-code options. Company co-founder and CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes shared the news onstage during the company’s annual Team '25 conference in Anaheim, California.

Atlassian also unveiled new collections: curated sets of apps and agents designed to solve specific challenges for different types of teams. Teamwork Collection includes Jira, Confluence, and Loom as well as teamwork-focused AI agents. Strategy Collection helps business leaders assess how their teams' day-to-day work ladders up to larger company goals and strategic initiatives. Part of the Strategy Collection, Talent, is a new workforce planning app to help leaders make sure the right people are working on the most important priorities.

Rovo for all

Rovo, which was unveiled at last year’s Team gathering, is the first Atlassian solution developed in and for the AI era. It combines the apps Rovo Search, which surfaces the most useful information from across both Atlassian tools and third-party sources, and Rovo Chat, which distils tremendous amounts of company data into a tailored conversation, with Rovo Agents, out-of-the-box or custom-made AI teammates that can take action on a user's behalf, saving days of work and achieving better results.

Rovo has proven so effective for teams that Atlassian has moved to make it available to all Jira, Confluence, and Jira Service Management users as part of their subscriptions—starting with Premium and Enterprise, with Standard customers to follow.

“AI isn’t a nice-to-have anymore - it’s a must-have for teams that want to win. Over a million people use AI on the Atlassian platform each month, and that number’s growing fast," says Mike Cannon-Brookes, Co-Founder and CEO, Atlassian.

“When you have a great product, you want to get it into as many hands as possible - that’s what’s next for Rovo. We’re not just focused on the Fortune 500, we’re aiming to reach the Fortune 500,000 and beyond. AI has the power to unlock potential for every team, in every industry, everywhere. And we’re just getting started.”

As part of bringing Rovo to all Atlassian customers, the company is rolling out usage quotas of AI credits and Indexed Objects in all plans and collections. These quotas are designed thoughtfully so that all customers can experience Rovo's many benefits.

Leaning into the agentic AI revolution: Rovo Studio

Alongside Rovo Search, Chat and Agents, Atlassian also unveiled Rovo Studio. This new app is a one-stop-shop for:

Building custom AI-powered agents with low-code/no-code options

Tailoring processes and rules with automation

Modelling real-world objects with assets and schemas

Curating rich, interactive views of content with hubs

Developers will also be able to use Forge to create custom skills, build agents with code, or extend the user interface of their apps.

Rovo getting better every day

Rovo Search now has 50 connectors (and counting) across Atlassian and third-party tools like OneDrive, Gmail, or Notion, making context-switching, lost information and knowledge siloes a thing of the past. Atlassian has made deep investments in stronger capabilities for Rovo Chat, such as Deep Research (coming soon). Deep Research synthesises insights from organisational Teamwork Graph data and tailors them for each individual user. This allows users to rely on Rovo Chat for long-term strategic planning, big decisions, and understanding tradeoffs.

Additionally, Atlassian has added new out-of the-box agents for facilitating teamwork, supporting developers and improving company-wide service delivery. Teamwork Graph, a data intelligence layer that connects Atlassian with third-party data, powers each of these innovations; it understands how all work objects across an organisation—like teams, messages and goals—interconnect by mapping billions of data connections across over 10 billion data objects.

Introducing Teamwork and Strategy Collections

In an effort to assist organisations as they implement a unified System of Work—and work to partake in the human-AI collaboration of the future—Atlassian has released new Collections of apps and agents tailored to specific use cases.

Atlassian’s new Strategy Collection connects leaders to every part of their organisation and provides a clear view of the connection between strategy and execution, replete with real-time data showing whether teams are driving towards the highest-priority outcomes.

This specialised collection brings together three apps: Focus (now available to the general public), Talent (a brand new app) and Jira Align:

First introduced at Team '24 Europe, Focus transforms a static strategic plan into a living artifact where leaders can see in real time how the company is tracking against top priorities and key results. Focus provides a central hub for mapping and tracking goals, work, teams and funds related to strategic initiatives or priorities.

The new Talent app gives leaders an up-to-the-minute view of how resources are deployed to a Focus Area, and helps them ensure people are in the right place to support both short- and long-term goals. If a project is lacking a vital skill set, AI can help; leaders can use the Talent Finder agent to search for employees with skills matching project demands.

Align empowers enterprise-wide work planning from idea to delivery. It tells teams what they should work on next, which roadblocks and risks are appearing, and how work is translating into value. Existing Align customers will get access to the full Strategy Collection at no additional cost.

Teamwork Collection is designed to enable cross-functional collaboration and align technical and business teams towards a common goal.

Today’s teams are under immense pressure to deliver value at a faster clip; a staggering 89% of leaders believe their organization must move more rapidly than ever to keep up with competition. Unfortunately, work silos, ineffective AI and disconnected tools impede everyone’s progress.

Teamwork Collection is a curated selection of apps and powerful AI agents designed to give every team the resources collaborate effectively:

Jira helps all teams plan and track work.

Confluence provides a workspace for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Loom enables video communication for all teams to move work forward, both in and out of meetings.

Rovo agents, from the Brainstorm Facilitator to the Diagram Creator or Workflow Builder, supercharge workflows to improve, not just expedite, decision-making

Each app and agent contributes value on its own, but the magic happens when they’re used together. By leveraging their combined strengths, teams can use Jira, Confluence, Loom and Rovo agents to break down silos and foster a culture of teamwork that empowers everyone to contribute.

Bringing the Atlassian Cloud Platform to the most complex organisations

Atlassian’s continued investments in its infrastructure layer will soon enable even the most complex organizations to utilise the benefits and innovations available on the Atlassian Cloud Platform.

The Atlassian Isolated Cloud, launching in 2026, is a virtual private cloud solution made for enterprises with the most stringent requirements for handling highly sensitive data. Isolated Cloud will join Atlassian Government Cloud, which is built for US government teams and kicked off early access in February.

More information on all announcements can be found on the Atlassian blog. Live recordings of sessions from Atlassian Team '25 will be available to watch on demand soon.

About Atlassian

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our software development, service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 300,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, BMW, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HCL, Wipro, Bajaj, Adani, Royal Enfield, TVS Motor, PhonePe - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira, Confluence and Jira Service Management at https://atlassian.com. 

Mumbai Emerges As One Of APAC’s Most Competitive Data Centre Leasing Markets: Knight Frank


* Global Data Centre Market Projected 46% Increase In Capacity By 2027

Knight Frank in its latest report Global Data Centres Report, identified Mumbai as one of the most competitive leasing markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The city’s data centre ecosystem is being transformed by AWS, which is significantly scaling through large-scale colocation leases rather than self-builds. This strategic approach is accelerating Mumbai’s emergence as a regional data centre powerhouse.

Navi Mumbai’s 90 MW data centre has been developed specifically to support hyperscalers like AWS. This facility is designed with rapid scalability and high-density capacity, aligning perfectly with AWS’s growth needs. These large-scale colocation deals are driving the expansion of Mumbai’s availability zones (AZs). Currently, Mumbai has three AZs, but their footprint is growing with deployments spreading from Airoli and Juinagar to Panvel.

The report also highlights Chennai as another emerging data centre destination in India. The city is drawing attention due to its strategic coastal location, which offers robust connectivity and disaster resilience, making it attractive for hyperscalers and enterprise-grade operators looking for diversified infrastructure.

Globally, the data centre industry is expected to grow by 46% by 2027, adding 20,828 megawatts (MW) in capacity. This expansion could scale up to 177% by 2030, backed by a projected £229 billion in capital expenditure. This surge is driven by soaring demand for digital infrastructure to support AI, cloud computing, and enterprise digital transformation.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said "India’s data centre industry is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven by rapid digitalisation, policy support, and a growing appetite for cloud-based services. Cities like Mumbai and Chennai are emerging as key anchors in the global data centre map, offering scalable infrastructure, power availability, and robust connectivity. As demand from hyperscalers and large enterprises intensifies, India is well-positioned to become a regional hub for digital infrastructure investment.”

Regional Growth Highlights:

• North America remains the dominant global market, with 11,638 MW in new capacity, reflecting a 54% growth rate and a staggering £128 billion in capital being deployed to support this expected growth. The region benefits from a combination of homegrown hyperscale dominance, increasing enterprise colocation demand, and strategic expansion into emerging secondary markets.

• Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) is set to expand by 4,529 MW (44%), requiring a £49.8 billion investment. European markets are experiencing a shift towards secondary hubs such as Milan and Madrid, primarily driven by power constraints in core markets like Frankfurt and London.

• Asia-Pacific (APAC) is projected to grow by 4,174 MW (32%), with £45.9 billion in investments. Alongside established hubs like Tokyo and emerging locations such as Johor, Malaysia, Mumbai, and Chennai are witnessing increased interest, offering cost advantages, regulatory support, and growing colocation ecosystems.

Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank said, “The global data centre industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with hyperscaler and colocation providers prioritising markets that offer access to power, robust connectivity, and a favourable regulatory environment. We’re increasingly seeing sustainability considerations shaping investment strategies, with an increasing focus on renewable energy adoption and energy-efficient design. Real estate investors and developers are positioning themselves to capitalise on this demand, with an emphasis on acquiring strategically located land and securing long-term power agreements. As global capital races to capture the next wave of digital infrastructure growth, the competition for prime development sites, particularly in power-constrained locations, will intensify. Industry stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities, power availability concerns, and sustainability requirements to remain competitive in this high-growth sector. Operators, investors, policymakers, and partners, each have a role to play in shaping this future. The task ahead is to build infrastructure that not only supports innovation but also safeguards sustainability, security, and equity.”

BLDEA College Of Engineering & Technology Vijayapura Wins TCS TechBytes State Finals 2025


* IT quiz conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and BITES, evaluated students in emerging technologies

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES) an autonomous body promoted by Government of Karnataka, announced the winners of the 16th edition of TCS TechBytes.

Winner: Ayman Patil –  BLDEA College of Engineering & Technology, Vijayapura

Runner-up:_Aditya Raj – IIIT, Dharwad

TCS presented a education scholarship worth Rs 85,000 to the winner, while the runner-up received Rs 50,000. All finalists were also awarded education scholarships of Rs 10,000 each. The prizes were distributed by Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru and Dr. D.N. Sujatha, Executive Director BITES. The program was also attended by Dr. Puttaraju, Academic Director BGS & SJB group and Dr. K V Mahendra Prashanth, Principal of SJB Institute of Technology.

Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru, said “TCS TechBytes is a great engine to explore diverse trends in the technology space. Our program embodies our commitment to develop a future ready talent pool so that they are equipped with relevant skills for their careers. Through such initiatives, we aim to help students sharpen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and quick decision-making skills. It also provides them with the opportunity to stay updated with the latest advancements in technology, which is essential in an ever-evolving industry.”

The quiz took place over five segments that tested students’ acumen in various technologies.

Prof S Sadagopan, Chairman, BITES, said, “TCS TechBytes builds a culture of excellence, which is vital in today’s competitive environment. This program not only enhances students' technical knowledge but also fosters a spirit of healthy competition that encourages them to strive for their best. By providing a platform where students from diverse backgrounds can come together and showcase their skills, TCS TechBytes instills values of teamwork, resilience, and fair play. We are proud to partner with TCS in this important initiative as it provides students across Karnataka a platform to expand their tech knowledge.”

Students from over 115 engineering colleges across Karnataka participated in the program this year. Six regional finals were conducted at Hubballi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Tumakuru and Kalaburagi. TCS TechBytes is a campus outreach program that strives to provide a better understanding of IT to students of all streams of engineering. The objective is to enhance the knowledge and awareness of students and enable them to compete in a technology intensive industry. 

MAHE Hosts FINENT 25: A Confluence Of Ideas, Innovation, And Finance


Manipal Academy of Higher Education hosted the second edition of FINENT 25, the annual flagship conclave of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, on 4th April 2025.   Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and academics, the event served as a vibrant platform to explore the idea of evolving intersections of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Organized by the Department of Humanities and Management, MIT Manipal, the conclave was held in collaboration with FIS Global, dlabs Hyderabad, and Young Indians, Mangalore.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Madhav Nair, CEO – India, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Bank Association, serving as Chief Guest.  An alumnus of MIT’s 1993 batch, Mr. Nair reflected on his journey from engineering to banking.  Drawing parallels between personal choices and broader economic shifts, he urged students to “catch the wave” of change — staying alert to trends, continuously upgrading their knowledge, and embracing responsible innovation in the fintech domain.

Mr. Ramkumar Narayanan, EVP, Technology & Services (India & Philippines), FIS Global, the Guest of Honor, spoke on entrepreneurship, technology, and finance as three forces that will define the future. He encouraged students to leverage these fields for innovation but to consider how they can be used for broader social impact.  Presiding over the session, Cdr (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director, MIT Manipal, highlighted the institution’s forward-looking initiatives in semiconductor technology, Healthtech, and fintech. He emphasized the importance of proactive skilling, urging students to tap into freely available certification opportunities that align with emerging industry demands.

Mr. Madhav Nair delivered a keynote address titled “Viksit Bharat – Role of the Banking Sector,” examining how the banking industry plays a vital role in India’s growth story. Mr. Ramkumar Narayanan spoke on “AI Opportunities in Fintech,” exploring how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve customer experiences and drive innovation in financial services. In his keynote, Mr. Upendra Namburi, ideator and Founder of ideaearth, explored “New Age Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Fintech,” providing insights into emerging business models and the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.  In a lively fireside chat, Mr. Shiv Ram Krishna Pande, a 2011 MIT, Manipal alumnus and founding team member at BitSave, discussed the relevance and future of cryptocurrency in a session titled “Bitcoin Matters.” Another engaging segment, “Author’s Voice,” featured Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan, VP – HR at Flipkart and author of two motivational books. He spoke about the entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, and innovation, drawing lessons from his own experience and writing.

The FINENT 25 conclave featured a significant panel discussion on "Building a Fintech Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in India," moderated by FIS Global's Senior VP Mr. Venu Madhav with experts from BlackRock, Green Light, ideaearth, Equifax, and SP Jain School of Global Management.  The panelists explored India's fintech landscape, startup challenges, and ecosystem development strategies.  The event concluded with a valedictory session emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from MAHE founder Dr. TMA Pai, with Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan as Chief Guest and Mr. Venu Madhav as Guest of Honor, presided over by MIT Manipal's Joint Director Dr. Somashekara Bhat.  The conference was organized under Dr. Yogesh Pai P's, with Mr. Lidwin Kenneth Michael and Dr. Rajesh R Pai serving as convenors, supported by co-convenors Dr. Sumukh S Hungund and Dr. Raveendra Rao.

KIMS-Sunshine Hospital, Hyderabad Collaborates With Medtronic To Establish Specialized Center For Renal Denervation Therapy


KIMS-Sunshine Hospital, one of Hyderabad’s premier healthcare institutions has partnered with Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology to establish a specialized center for renal denervation therapy. Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this collaboration is dedicated to enhancing treatment options for patients with resistant and uncontrolled hypertension, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

Through this initiative, Medtronic will support the upskilling of medical personnel in the field of renal denervation therapy by conducting training programs and workshops. These efforts will ensure that healthcare professionals have access to the latest knowledge and techniques required for the effective management of hypertension. Additionally, Medtronic and KIMS-Sunshine Hospital will drive patient awareness programs, empowering patients, and caregivers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their medical treatment for difficult to control blood pressure. By increasing awareness of renal denervation therapy, this initiative aims to provide patients with an alternative treatment option to better manage their condition.

Speaking on the collaboration Mandeep Singh Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President of Medtronic India said “At Medtronic, our commitment is to transform healthcare through a series of continuous innovation and effective collaborations. Our partnership with KIMS-Sunshine Hospital empowers medical professionals with advanced training and raises awareness about renal denervation therapy. In the battle against hypertension, together, we aim to improve patient care by providing effective solutions for managing resistant and uncontrolled hypertension. By leveraging our technology and fostering collaboration, we are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and fulfilling our Medtronic mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life."

Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, KIMS Group of Hospitals commented, "Hypertension, particularly when resistant and uncontrolled with conventional treatment, remains one of the most critical health concerns of our time, posing serious risks to long-term patient wellbeing. Our strategic collaboration with Medtronic represents a transformative step toward broadening access to advanced, evidence-based therapies like renal denervation. This initiative goes beyond technology — it is about building a holistic ecosystem of care that empowers our clinicians with world-class training and equips our patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Together, we are not just addressing a medical condition; we are shaping the future of hypertension management by attempting to set a new standard in precision care and patient outcomes.”

Dr. A. V. Gurava Reddy, Managing Director, KIMS-Sunshine Hospital commented, “This collaboration is a significant leap forward in our commitment to delivering innovative, patient-centric care for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. By integrating technology from Medtronic with our dedicated expertise, we are paving the way for a new era in hypertension management. Our goal is to not only improve clinical outcomes but also to empower our patients with effective, sustainable treatment options beyond pharmacotherapy. Together, we are endeavoring to set a benchmark for excellence in healthcare delivery.”

Dr. Sridhar Kasturi, Head of Department, Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery, KIMS-Sunshine Hospital said “Renal denervation therapy offers a promising alternative for patients who struggle with uncontrolled blood pressure despite conventional and pharmacological treatments. By integrating advanced training and patient education technology, we are poised to offer more effective solutions and empower our patients with better management strategies for their condition. This initiative marks an important step forward in our comprehensive approach to healthcare."

The specialized blood pressure treatment center at KIMS-Sunshine Hospital will serve as a hub for the advanced renal denervation procedure, offering state-of-the-art care to patients suffering from uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension.

About KIMS Hospitals:

KIMS Hospitals is one of the largest corporate healthcare groups in India with hospitals in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala providing multi-disciplinary integrated healthcare services, with a focus on tertiary and quaternary healthcare at an affordable cost. Our network of 18 hospitals and over 5500 beds is spread across Telangana (Secunderabad, Kondapur, Gachibowli, and Begumpet), Andhra Pradesh (Nellore, Rajahmundry, Srikakulam, Ongole, Vizag - 2 units, \Anantapur, Guntur and Kurnool), Maharashtra (Nagpur, Nashik and Sangli) and Kerala (Kannur and Kollam). Our new units, under construction, include 2 hospitals in Bangalore and one in Mumbai.  We offer a bouquet of comprehensive healthcare services across 25 specialties including cardiac sciences, oncology, neurosciences, gastric sciences, orthopaedics, organ transplantation, renal sciences, and mother & child care.

Agrifields DMCC Will Expand Into Korea, Introduce New Age Water Soluble Fertilizer Products In India By End FY'26: Amit Gupta


Agrifields DMCC, a leading fertilizer and phosphate manufacturing company headquartered in Dubai, today announced its plans to expand into newer markets by the end of FY'26.

Agrifields DMCC plans to expand its footprint into Korea which is driven by the growing demand for agricultural products and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices. The company aims to leverage its expertise and experience in the agricultural industry to tap into the new market and increase its global footprint.

Speaking in detail about the plans, Mr Amit Gupta, Founder & CEO of Agrifields DMCC said, "The expansion into Korea is a strategic move for Agrifields DMCC, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our goal is to become an important player in the global agricultural industry, and we believe that this expansion will help us achieve that goal.”

"We are confident that our expertise and experience in the agricultural industry will enable us to succeed in new markets. We look forward to exploring new opportunities and building strong relationships with our partners and customers," added Mr. Gupta.

As part of its expansion plans, Agrifields DMCC will also introduce new age water soluble fertilizer products to the Indian market. These products are designed to promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health, harnessing the organic bio chain. 

"The new fertilizer products we are introducing in India are a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We believe these products will play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing food security in the region and growth in yields, which will directly improve farmer netbacks," said Mr. Gupta.

About Agrifields DMCC:

Agrifields DMCC is a leading fertilizer and phosphate manufacturing company headquartered in Dubai, providing innovative solutions and products to farmers and agricultural businesses in India and other countries. The company is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture practices and enhancing food security globally.

For more information, visit www.agrifields.com

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

MAHE Bengaluru To Host "Wavelength" Media Conclave On April 10-11, 2025


The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DLHS) at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, will be hosting the first edition of Wavelength – a two-day Media Conclave that will bring together industry leaders, academic experts, and aspiring media professionals to engage in stimulating discussions, share insights, and explore the current landscape of the media world.

Wavelength promises to be an exciting and informative event for those looking to deepen their understanding of the contemporary media landscape. The conclave is structured around four core themes: Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), Public Relations and Corporate Communication, Journalism, and Digital & Audio-Visual Production, thereby fostering a broader understanding of the real-time industry scenario.

The event will open with a keynote address from Dhanya Rajendran, Editor-in-Chief, The News Minute, setting the tone for two days of learning and navigating our way through the media industry. Each thematic panel will bring together a distinguished lineup of top industry professionals, renowned academics, and influential voices from across the communication spectrum. This will be followed the next day by a masterclass by Bejoy Nambiar, Filmmaker- Shaitaan(2011), Wazir, and others. The list of panellists includes Ayshwarya Sharma, Adyasha Roy Tomar, Nandita Lakshmanan, Tanay Sukumar, Meera Krishnan, and many other respected professionals across advertising, journalism, PR, and digital media

The media conclave Wavelength at MAHE, Bengaluru promises to be an exciting and informative event that will explore evolving trends across media, marketing, and storytelling. By exploring the intersections of Integrated Marketing Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, and Digital and Audio-Visual platforms, the conclave will provide a holistic view of the media and communication industries, preparing the next generation of media professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.

When – 10th – 11th April 2025

Where - MAHE Bengaluru, BSF Campus, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

Sheeltron Digital Systems Collaborates With Seagate Technology To Offer Enterprise Data Storage Solutions In India


Sheeltron Digital Systems Pvt Ltd. (“Sheeltron Digital Systems” or the “Company”), an IT solution provider, today announced its collaboration with Seagate® Technology (“Seagate”), a leading innovator of mass-capacity data storage, to deliver Seagate’s cutting-edge enterprise data storage solutions to India.

With this agreement Sheeltron Digital Systems incorporates Seagate’s enterprise data storage solutions into its comprehensive suite of IT services and solutions, further enhancing its offerings to meet the growing storage demands of businesses in India.

With over 45 years of innovation, Seagate is a global leader in mass-capacity data storage solutions. Its enterprise data storage systems portfolio is uniquely designed to address the storage challenges businesses face in managing, accessing, and protecting their data. This includes Seagate’s Exos® CORVAULT™, a self-healing, high-performance, efficient, and durable multi-petabyte capacity block storage system.

Chandraprakash Parekh, Director of Sheeltron Digital Systems, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Seagate, a leader in mass-capacity data storage, to offer advanced, scalable and secure storage solutions to our diverse customer base, including SMEs, public companies and government agencies in India, addressing the evolving market demands. This collaboration is not only a significant milestone for India’s enterprise landscape but also a key step in our journey to becoming a comprehensive IT solutions provider in the enterprise storage sector.”

Sameer Bhatia, Director of Asia Pacific Consumer Business Group and Country Manager for India & SAARC at Seagate, said: "We are excited to work with Sheeltron Digital System to bring Seagate’s enterprise data storage solutions to businesses across India. As India continues to embrace digital transformation and AI, Seagate is committed to delivering breakthrough technology that help businesses navigate the evolving data landscape. With Sheeltron Digital Systems’ local expertise and Seagate’s industry-leading solutions, we are confident that businesses in India will be well-positioned to navigate their evolving data challenges and achieve sustainable growth.”

About Sheeltron Digital Systems Pvt Ltd.

Sheeltron Digital Systems is a leading IT System Integrator and Solution Provider with 35+ years of presence in the Indian market and a team of 350+ employees spread across the nation. Headquartered in the “Silicon Valley of India”, Bengaluru Sheeltron has over 10 branches in India and a great pool of partnerships with international System Integrators and Vendors for our global customers. We provide expertise in the Enterprise IT hardware solutions i.e., servers, storage and networking systems and Managed IT services with clients mainly across CSP’s, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Fintech and many more…The main business verticals of Sheeltron include Stock and Sale of Enterprise IT hardware, E-waste management, Refurbishment of IT hardware including laptops and desktops and Rental of IT equipment.

Birla Fertility & IVF Mangalore Turns Multiple IVF Failures Into Success With Personalised Care


Birla Fertility & IVF Mangalore helped a couple from Kerala fulfil their dream of parenthood with twin babies after enduring years of emotional strain and multiple failed IVF cycles at various other clinics. Under the guidance of Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi, Senior Consultant & Centre Head at Birla Fertility & IVF Mangalore, a personalised treatment strategy based on an in-depth clinical evaluation of the couple’s condition was implemented.

The couple, aged 40 (wife) and 45 (husband), had been through a long and emotionally exhausting journey, facing several failed IVF attempts over the years, with each setback taking a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, leading them to disappointment, and a growing sense of hopelessness. Despite exploring various treatment options and visiting multiple clinics, they were unable to conceive after multiple IVF cycles using both self and donor eggs. The couple then turned to Birla Fertility & IVF Mangalore for a solution to their concerns.

At Birla Fertility & IVF Mangalore, a comprehensive assessment revealed that the female partner had a diminished ovarian reserve, while the male partner was diagnosed with reduced sperm motility, as well as abnormal sperm size and shape. Additionally, the female partner consistently showed a favourable endometrial lining during her natural cycles. Based on this, Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi recommended a modified natural cycle IVF, incorporating donor eggs and the husband’s sperm to best address the couple’s specific clinical profile.

Giving details of the case, Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi, Senior Consultant & Centre Head at Birla Fertility & IVF Mangalore, said, “This couple had endured the emotional toll of multiple IVF failures, we developed a tailored treatment plan that addressed both their medical and emotional needs. Given the wife’s low ovarian reserve and the husband’s sperm challenges, we opted for a modified natural cycle IVF to minimise the physical and emotional strain of medications, optimising their chances of pregnancy.”

“Additionally, we used Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves taking a concentrated form of the patient's own blood cells and applying it to the uterine lining. This makes the lining thicker and healthier, helping the embryo attach better. After that, we carefully placed two high-quality embryos into the wife’s uterus. This was an important step to give the embryos the best chance to grow and develop.” Dr. Gujarathi added.

After years of uncertainty and emotional hardship, the couple was overjoyed to learn that the treatment had been successful. The wife conceived and gave birth to healthy twins, marking a moment of immense relief and joy for a couple who had endured significant challenges throughout their journey.

At Birla Fertility & IVF, we believe in offering care that goes beyond just medical treatment. Our approach focuses on providing individualised care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of our patients. We understand that each couple’s journey is unique, and through advanced medical techniques, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate support, we aim to help our patients navigate their path to parenthood. We are thrilled that this approach led to success for this couple, bringing them the joy they had longed for.

About Birla Fertility & IVF

Birla Fertility & IVF, a leader in fertility care, offers advanced treatment options in Mangalore.  As India’s fastest-growing IVF chain, we have 50 centers across 37 cities in 18 states. Our team of 120 fertility specialists has successfully performed over 120,000 IVF cycles, assisting 2.3 lakh patients achieve their parenthood dream. 

Accor And InterGlobe Forge A New Landmark Partnership To Redefine Hospitality In India


·         A unified and autonomous organization between two historical partners to capture India’s booming hospitality market

·         The objective is to create India’s fastest-growing hospitality business with an ambitious network target of 300 hotels under Accor’s brands by 2030

In a groundbreaking move set to transform India’s hospitality landscape, Accor, a global hospitality leader, and InterGlobe, India’s foremost travel conglomerate, announced today the strengthening of their partnership to create India’s fastest-growing Hospitality Enterprise - offering an unmatched network, a portfolio of brands and distribution across all market segments. With the ambition of capturing India’s booming hospitality market and combining the strengths of global leaders across the industry, the new platform will target a network of 300 hotels under Accor brands by 2030.

A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE BUILT ON STRENGTH

This landmark partnership combines the unique strengths of each stakeholder:

·       Accor, a leading global hospitality group, has established an impressive presence in India over the last many years, and currently operates 71 hotels in the country with 40 more in development, spanning from economy to luxury brands. Through this alliance, Accor will significantly expand its footprint and streamline operations, deepening its commitment to solid growth in the Indian market across all segments from economy to lifestyle and luxury.

·       InterGlobe, a leading Indian conglomerate, brings its unparalleled expertise in travel and hospitality, coupled with a proven entrepreneurial track record in aviation (IndiGo), hotels (in India and Internationally), airline management, logistics, travel and AI enabled technology. InterGlobe is the largest stakeholder of IndiGo, India’s largest airline with over 400 aircraft serving over 130 destinations with more than 2200 daily flights, carrying over 118 million passengers in FY 25. It is one of the most valued airlines globally in terms of market capitalization.

UNLEASHING INDIA’S HOSPITALITY POTENTIAL

·         With an economy growing at an estimated ~7 % GDP rate and a population of 1.4 billion, India is on track to become the world's fifth-largest outbound travel market and third-largest domestic travel market by 2027. A rapidly emerging middle class, improved infrastructure, and increased air connectivity have fueled an unprecedented boom in domestic tourism and international travel, notably into the Middle East and Asia Pacific, where Accor is the leading hotel operator.

·         India’s hotel industry remains highly fragmented, presenting a major opportunity for organized, branded players. By strengthening its long-lasting strategic partnership with InterGlobe, Accor aims to unlock India’s full hospitality potential, leading the transformation of the sector while catering to Indian travelers both domestically and globally.

A BOLD EXPANSION STRATEGY

This strategic collaboration between Accor and InterGlobe is structured around the following key initiatives:

Creating a hospitality powerhouse covering all segments

·         Accor and InterGlobe will bring together their currently owned assets, development and management businesses in the country to form one autonomous, integrated platform.

·         This new entity will become the exclusive vehicle for growing all Accor brands in India, including luxury and lifestyle brands from Ennismore, Accor’s fast-growing hospitality portfolio.

·         Accor will continue to lead operations and brand management and provide full access to its brands and services.

Exclusive partnership with Treebo

·         Treebo, one of India’s leading branded budget hotel platforms, manages 800 hotels across 120 cities through its unique tech-driven approach and efficient distribution systems.  Accor and InterGlobe will jointly invest in and become the largest shareholder in Treebo. Treebo will take the lead to develop the Ibis and Mercure brands in India through a master license agreement.

·         Under this partnership, Treebo reached an agreement with various property owners to sign ten new Mercure’s, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion in India.

·         Accor’s brands will leverage Treebo’s state of the art technology to tap into India’s vast unbranded hotel market and accelerate growth. The combined Accor and Treebo portfolio will create India’s third-largest hospitality player, with over 30,000 rooms.

A GAME-CHANGER FOR INDIAN HOSPITALITY AND FOR ACCOR BRANDS IN INDIA

With a shared vision and a common ambition of transforming India’s hospitality industry, this alliance between InterGlobe and Accor is poised to turbocharge Accor’s presence in India with a target of 300 hotels under the Accor brands by 2030. By combining Accor’s global hospitality expertise, InterGlobe’s deep market knowledge and entrepreneurial approach, and leveraging Treebo’s innovative tech-driven successful hospitality operations, this partnership is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape in India.

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor said: "This landmark partnership marks a transformative moment for Accor and its brands in India. By aligning with our long-term successful and trusted partner InterGlobe and bringing together the best of hospitality, tech and entrepreneurship in India, we are unlocking unprecedented growth potential in one of the world’s most exciting travel markets”.

Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director, InterGlobe Enterprises added, “At InterGlobe, we have always believed in our commitment to building meaningful and enduring relationships with both our partners and the guests we serve. Today, I am delighted to further strengthen our two-decade long association with Accor through this strategic partnership. Together with InterGlobe’s deep market insights, Accor’s world-class services, India’s dynamic growth and evolving travel landscape, we aim to redefine the hospitality experience by offering exceptional value to our guests and setting new standards for excellence in the industry.”

Bengaluru-Based Credit Saison India Raises Record USD 300 Million In Maiden ECB Issuance


Key Highlights:

*        Raised maiden ECB of USD 300 million, reflecting growing investor confidence

*        Syndicated facility of USD 200 million from leading Asian financial institutions, including the USD tranche from Axis Bank, DBS Bank, and JPY tranche from CTBC Bank;  USD 100 million from a Public Sector Bank

*        Aims to accelerate business expansion, support a growing customer base, and uphold financial resilience

Credit Saison India, a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has secured USD 300 million through its maiden syndicated & bilateral External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) to drive growth. This milestone marks Credit Saison India's first external fund-raise to expand business operations, drive digital transformation, and enhance customer acquisition.

The multi-currency issuance – one of the largest borrowings for a first-time issuer – includes USD 200 million raised through a syndication deal with Axis Bank, DBS Bank and CTBC Bank, reflecting strong support from leading financial institutions. Additionally, a further USD 100 million ECB has been secured from a Public Sector Bank on a bilateral basis.

Credit Saison India was granted its NBFC license in 2019, marking the beginning of its journey in India’s financial sector. Initially focused on wholesale lending and strategic tech-driven partnerships with leading NBFCs and fintechs, the company quickly diversified into embedded finance, offering seamless credit solutions to consumers through platform partnerships. Alongside this, Credit Saison India expanded its direct lending operations to MSMEs, supported by a rapidly growing physical presence that now spans 60+ branches across the country.

In just five short years, Credit Saison India has achieved remarkable scale—building a portfolio of 2+ million active loans, an AUM about USD 2 billion, and a team of over 1,300 employees. This rapid growth is a testament to the strength of the company’s operations, the expertise of its management team, and the unwavering confidence of its investors.

Ms. Presha Paragash, Whole Time Director & CEO of Credit Saison India, said, “The successful ECB syndication highlights our robust growth and marks a pivotal step in our expansion journey. The capital will accelerate our India-focused strategy, driving growth in wholesale lending, co-lending partnerships, and direct lending products. We're doubling down on our presence by expanding beyond our 60+ branches to serve more customers nationwide, growing our secured lending portfolio for sustainable diversification and strengthening partnerships with fintechs and NBFCs. As a trusted lender, we remain committed to financial inclusion through innovation and responsible growth, reinforcing our position as a leading NBFC in India's underserved credit markets.”

Kosuke Mori, CEO of Saison International, the international headquarters of Credit Saison, responsible for the global businesses of the group outside of Japan, said “This latest ECB issuance, the first for Credit Saison India, marks a significant milestone in our global expansion journey and our commitment to grow our presence in India. It also reflects the rising confidence of leading financial institutions in our strategy for resilient, scalable growth across markets, and operational capabilities, with India in focus. We look forward to deepening our partnerships with our investors as we work toward our vision of being a global lender in underserved markets where access to capital can significantly drive financial inclusion at scale.”

Mr. Anudeep Ganguli, Chief Treasury Officer of Credit Saison India, added, “Securing funding from top lenders underscores their trust and confidence in Credit Saison India’s business model and long-term strategy. By diversifying our funding sources, we are able to optimise and expand our loan book while ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective funding base as we continue our business growth. This multi-party, multi-currency transaction is a significant step towards further liability diversification and ensuring financial resilience.”

The ECB funding is aimed to bolster Credit Saison India’s ability to scale the assets under management and further its mission of enhancing credit accessibility for underserved segments. This capital infusion aligns with the company’s long-term vision of becoming a leading, diversified lending franchise in India.

About Credit Saison India:

Credit Saison India is a fast-growing non-banking financial company (NBFC) focused on wholesale, MSME, and consumer lending. Credit Saison India is backed by parent, Credit Saison Japan and are an Associate Company of Mizuho Bank, Japan. Credit Saison Japan, is also a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed financial services firm. Credit Saison India has an AUM about USD 2 million with over 2 million active loans. The company leverages technology-driven financial solutions and its extensive network of 60+ branches to drive inclusion and growth in the Indian lending ecosystem. Established in 2019, Credit Saison India now has over 1,300 employees across India (registered name: Kisetsu Saison Finance India Pvt Ltd is a CRISIL AAA & CARE AAA rated NBFC registered with RBI).

About Credit Saison and Saison International

Credit Saison Company Limited (CS Japan), founded in 1951, has an established franchise in Japan’s consumer and SME finance space. Credit Saison is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and as a group has a Balance Sheet of approx USD 30B. Recognized as one of Japan’s top credit card issuers, Credit Saison has evolved into a diversified financial services provider with a global presence across payments, finance, and lending. Saison International is Credit Saison’s international headquarters in Singapore that oversees all of Credit Saison’s Global Business divisions. It currently operates in Singapore, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico and Brazil.

Mumbai Ends Delhi’s Run As Most Forgetful City; Wedding Saree, Gold Biscuit Among Unique Items Left Behind In Ubers In 2024


*        Uber’s Annual Lost and Found Index gives a peek into items forgotten by riders in their Uber

*        Pune 3rd most forgetful city, Hyderabad least forgetful among metropolitan cities

Uber has released the 9th edition of its Lost and Found Index, a snapshot of the most frequently forgotten items, the most forgetful cities, as well as the days of the week and times of the year when Uber riders tend to be most forgetful.

Mumbai edged out Delhi to bag the title of the most forgetful city in the country, ending the National Capital’s two-year run at the top. Pune jumped up two places to end 2024 as the 3rd most forgetful city, even as Bangalore dropped a place to 4th. Kolkata made an entry into the ‘top 5’, claiming a spot as the 5th most forgetful city during the year gone by. Backed by insights and data, Uber’s Lost and Found Index aims to educate riders in a fun yet informative manner about in-app options available to them at the tap of a button, in case they lose or forget something in their Uber during their trip.

Over the last year, objects including bags, earphones, phones, and wallets topped the list of items left in Ubers across India, followed by spectacles, keys and clothing. Jet-lagged Indians also made a habit of forgetting their passports in Ubers during 2024.

In terms of unique items left behind in Ubers, a rider forgot their wedding saree, while another forgot a gold biscuit. Forgetting either of those two items in a street-hailed vehicle with no option to retrieve it could have been a big jolt to both. A rider forgot 25 kilograms of ‘cow ghee’ in their Uber, while another forgot their cooking stove - both of those losses had the potential to ruin dinner plans.  

Commenting on the Index, Shiva Shailendran, Director - Consumer and Growth, Uber India South Asia, said, “We’ve all been there - that facepalm moment when we realised we forgot a cherished belonging in a cab. At Uber, we've made it easy to retrieve lost items with just a few steps in our app. We appreciate the trust our riders place in us each time they choose Uber, and we believe it's the perfect moment to offer a quick refresher on how to recover items left behind.”

Analyzing the patterns:

*        Saturdays were the peak days for Uber riders to forget their belongings.

*        Red-colored items were the most commonly forgotten in Ubers, followed by blue and yellow.

*        The likelihood of forgetting items increases in the evenings, with 7 PM being the prime time for such occurrences.

*        Samsung device users were notably more prone to forgetfulness over the past year.

*        The highest number of items left in Ubers occurred on festive days.

*        Among major cities, riders from Hyderabad were the least likely to forget their items.

Below is the snapshot of insights from Uber Lost and Found Index India 2025:

Top 10 Most Commonly Forgotten Items

Backpack / bag

Earphones / speaker

Phone

Wallet / purse

Spectacles / sunglasses

Keys

Clothing

Laptop

Water bottle / bottle

Passport

Top 5 Most ‘Forgetful’ Cities (As a percentage of overall trips)

Mumbai

Delhi NCR

Pune

Bangalore

Kolkata

Top 3 Most Forgetful Days of the Year

August 3 (Saturday, Shivratri)

September 28 (Saturday)

May 10 (Friday, Akshay Tritiya)

Top 3 Most Forgetful Days of the Week: The Weekend

Saturday

Sunday

Friday

The Most Forgetful Time of the Day for Indians: Evenings

7PM

8PM

6PM

Top 5 Colours of Forgotten Items

Red

Blue

Yellow

Top 3 Phone Brands Left in Ubers

Samsung

Apple

OnePlus

Top 10 Most Unique Lost Items

Cow Ghee 25kg

Wheelchair

Bansuri (flute)

Hair wig

Gas burner stove

Wedding saree

Gold biscuit

Telescope

Ultrasonic dog bark control device

Hawan kund (sacred fire altar)

Here’s a quick guide for riders looking for “Lost Items”:

*        Tap on “Menu” icon

*        Tap “Your Trips” and select the trip where you left something

*        Tap “Report an issue with this trip”

*        Tap “I lost an item”

*        Tap “Contact my driver about a lost item”

*        Scroll down and enter the phone number you would like to be contacted at. Tap submit

*        If you lost your phone, enter a friend’s phone number instead

*        Your phone will ring and connect you directly with your driver’s mobile number.

*        If your driver picks up and confirms that your item has been found, coordinate a mutually convenient time and place to meet for its return to you

*        If you are unable to connect with the driver, use ‘in-app support’ to report the loss, and Uber Support Team will step in to help you

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. Since 2013, we’ve revolutionized mobility in India with cars, autos, bikes, and buses, helping millions of riders get where they need to go. Today, Uber is available in over 125 cities across India, connecting people to seamless travel options and helping over 1,400,000 Indians earn a sustainable income. From everyday commutes to once-in-a-lifetime journeys, we’re committed to reimagining the way the world moves, and bringing people closer to the moments that matter.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

TCS, Accenture, And Infosys Rank Top 3 On LinkedIn’s 2025 Top Companies India List


* Companies from Finance, IT and Software sectors together claim 19 of the 25 spots

* Fidelity Investments (#4), ServiceNow (#17), and Stripe (#21) debut on this year’s list

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, today unveiled the 2025 Top Companies list for India showcasing 25 large companies where professionals can grow their careers. Based on the activity of millions of professionals on the platform, the list provides insights on in-demand skills, top locations, and the largest job functions within these companies, helping job seekers find their next opportunity.

Derived from LinkedIn data across eight pillars — including ability to advance, skills growth, external opportunity, and company affinity — the top companies list highlights organisations that are investing in employees and hiring now, in a highly competitive job market.

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor said, “The biggest learning from this year’s list is that companies are not just hiring for where they are today, but also for where they want to be tomorrow. Nineteen of the top 25 companies come from technology, finance, and enterprise software sectors, looking for technically fluent professionals who can work across teams, think critically, adapt quickly, and grow with the business. For anyone looking to land their first or next job, this is the time to test and build your range. Strengthen your core expertise, explore transferable skills, and stay close to how industries are evolving. In a job market that’s constantly in motion, career resilience is the superpower that will set you apart.”

For another year, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) retained the top spot, followed by Accenture (#2) and Infosys (#3). And with Cognizant ranked #5, this year’s list highlights the dominance of Computer, IT and Software sectors in offering career progress opportunities in India today. Core skills in development tools, data storage technologies and enterprise software remain central to their hiring focus, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Nearly half – 12 out of 25 companies — are new to this year’s list, reflecting broad shifts in the opportunities available to Indian job seekers. Fidelity Investments (#4) is the highest-ranking debut, followed by ServiceNow (#17) and Stripe (#21). Financial services firms take seven spots on this year’s list, including JPMorgan Chase (#7), Wells Fargo (#15), and American Express (#25). Common roles being hired for in these companies include business operations analyst, fraud analyst and financial analyst, with key skills in capital markets, investment banking and commercial banking.

The list also shows global technology companies continuing to expand their footprint in India. Amazon (#8), Alphabet (#9), and Salesforce (#12) are hiring for roles such as software engineer, data analyst and account manager. Artificial intelligence, AI engineering and mobile application development are the most sought after skills at these firms. Synopsys Inc (#13), Continental (#14) and RTX (#20) are investing in their design engineering, test engineering and quality assurance teams, with skills in computer hardware, signal processing and electronic control systems.

Here are tips from Nirajita on connecting with and exploring job opportunities at a Top Company:

Boost your discoverability: Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital handshake because it’s often the first impression recruiters get. A well-crafted profile can make you stand out and increase your chances of being noticed by top companies. Use it to showcase your professional journey authentically. For an extra edge, take advantage of LinkedIn’s AI-powered Premium tools to refine your Headline and About sections.

Show companies you’re interested in them: Use LinkedIn’s “I’m Interested” feature to express interest in a company, even if they don’t have open positions. This increases your visibility to recruiters searching for potential candidates. LinkedIn Top Choice Premium feature also helps you make it clear to hiring managers that you’re eager to join their team when the opportunity arrives.

Research companies like a pro: Before applying at a company, do your homework. Start with the company’s LinkedIn page to get a sense of its culture, values, and leadership. Following key executives can give you insight into the topics they care about and evaluate whether these align with your priorities. LinkedIn Premium also offers several features for professionals to further increase visibility, learn insights, and find suitable job matches.

Network. Network. Network: Building connections with current and former employees at your target company can open doors that you don’t even know of. Engaging with them, commenting on their posts, or even requesting an informational chat can give you a valuable inside perspective. A strong network can also help with referrals. LinkedIn data shows that applicants are 4X more likely to land a job through their connections.

Showcase & strengthen your skills: With AI transforming the job market, leaders and recruiters are most sharply focused on finding the right mix of skills. Make sure your profile highlights your relevant skills and abilities – both technical and non-technical. You can also explore new courses and skills on LinkedIn Learning to stay competitive in an evolving market.

Here are the 25 companies that made it to the 2025 Top Large Companies India list:

Tata Consultancy Services

Accenture

Infosys

Fidelity Investments

Cognizant

Oracle

JPMorgan Chase

Amazon

Alphabet

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC)

Capgemini

Salesforce

Synopsys Inc

Continental

Wells Fargo

HCLTech

ServiceNow

Morgan Stanley

Mastercard

RTX

Stripe

Atlassian

MSCI Inc.

Eli Lilly and Company

American Express

Methodology:

The methodology for Top Companies is built on research around what it means to build a great career, matched to exclusive LinkedIn data that can uniquely tell that story for our members. There are eight key pillars to the methodology, each revealing an important element of career progression: 

Ability to advance: Tracks how employees are getting ahead at the company as well as how they move up when they move to a new company.

Skills growth: Tracks how employees are gaining skills across the company while employed there.

Company stability: Tracks attrition and retention at the company.

External opportunity: Looking at recruiter outreach across employees at the company.

Company affinity: Tracks internal connection volume, controlled for company size: Gets to the idea of “culture” with a metric.

Gender diversity: Measures gender parity within a company and its subsidiaries.

Educational background: Tracks spread of educational background from no degree through doctorates.

Employee presence in the country: Company size in the country relative to other companies.

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way 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 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com.

10 Things To Experience In Abu Dhabi This Easter: Sunshine, Culture And Delightful Spring Adventures


* From children’s activities to rejuvenating retreats, Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone to see, do and discover this springtime

Easter in Abu Dhabi offers a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, against a backdrop of endless sunshine. The wide variety of Easter-themed activities and offers make Abu Dhabi the ideal destination for your spring break, alongside pristine beaches, rich culture, and year-round options for family fun.

Here's a selection of just some of the top Easter activities coming soon—and why Abu Dhabi should be your go-to spring destination.

Easter feasts and spa bliss at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is pulling out all the stops this Easter with special menus, a themed brunch, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Guests can savour curated menus across the hotel’s restaurants for a truly memorable celebration.

Celebrate with an Easter brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Families can expect a vibrant Easter celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. With dedicated Easter-themed activities planned for children all weekend and a specially themed Chef’s Brunch for the family on 19 April, expect a festive atmosphere to celebrate the holiday. While little ones enjoy craft-making and exciting games, parents can indulge in a selection of thoughtfully crafted dishes.

Step into a living canvas at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Opening on 18 April 2025 within Saadiyat Cultural District, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi offers a multi-sensory journey where art, science, and technology collide. Spanning 17,000 sqm, this immersive experience features dynamic, ever-evolving exhibits that engage sight, sound, and touch, ensuring no two visits are the same. Pre-book your tickets here.

Ocean views and spring offers at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island

Relax in nature by the shores of Saadiyat Island, home to the region’s most stunning beaches. Guests booking a four-night stay at Jumeirah Saadiyat can enjoy a 15% discount, making it the perfect spring escape. For art and culture lovers, the resort is just a short distance from the nearby Saadiyat Cultural District, home of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Watch Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular with the whole family

This spring, enjoy Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular at Etihad Arena on Yas Island (8-20 April). Celebrating 40 years of the iconic musical, this impressive production features a cast and orchestra of over 65, a new set design, and timeless songs like I Dreamed a Dream and One Day More.

Easter egg hunting at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is hosting an exciting lineup of Easter activities for children, including an egg hunt, egg decorating, face painting, themed games and even a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Families can also enjoy an Easter-themed brunch, making it the perfect choice for a family-friendly weekend celebration.

Extend the Easter festivities at Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi

Looking to extend the Easter holiday fun? Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi’s "Stay Longer" promotion, available to guests booking through Expedia, offers special rates for guests wanting to make the most of the spring festivities. Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or a city adventure, this is an ideal promotion to make the most of the spring festivities.

A wellness escape for the whole family at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

For those looking for a relaxing getaway, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is offering a wellness retreat for the whole family, designed to rejuvenate the mind and body this Easter. Special Easter-themed wellness activities for kids are available, such as mindfulness colouring sessions and a mini yoga class—alongside healthy dining options to suit every taste.

Meet the Easter Bunny at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

Celebrate Easter in style at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana with a delicious brunch featuring spring specials, a ‘Lazy Breakfast’ served anytime from 7am to 9pm, and indulgent cakes, pastries and chocolate bunnies at The Lounge Lobby Café. Little ones can meet the Easter Bunny and join in the Golden Egg Hunt for a chance to win exciting prizes.

The ultimate pop culture celebration at Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025

Don’t miss the region’s biggest pop culture festival—MEFCC is back in Abu Dhabi from 18-20 April. Celebrate movies, gaming, anime, cosplay, and more, all while getting the opportunity to meet celebrities, explore the Artist Alley, and enjoy some family-friendly fun.

Make Abu Dhabi your Spring thing

With these dedicated Easter and Spring activities, Abu Dhabi promises a season of unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're unwinding with a spa retreat, or making memories with family-friendly festivities, Abu Dhabi has something special in store for every member of your family this season.

Head to visitabudhabi.ae to plan your Easter getaway.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.

Decimal Point Analytics Appoints Eric Yuen As Partner And Head Of Data Science


Decimal Point Analytics, a leading AI and data analytics company serving global financial institutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Yuen, as Partner and Head of Data Science.

Eric joins Decimal Point Analytics with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of finance, technology, and data science. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Head of Data Science at Blackstone Credit, where he was responsible for building and leading a high-impact data science team supporting both Liquid and Private Credit strategies. Under his leadership, the team drove innovation across investment diligence, market intelligence, and portfolio management.

Prior to Blackstone, Eric held a variety of senior leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. over a distinguished 19-year career. His tenure included overseeing digital strategy and fintech investments, driving enterprise-wide regulatory initiatives, and leading business operations for global commodities and capital management functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric Yuen to Decimal Point Analytics,” said Shailesh Dhuri, CEO of Decimal Point Analytics. “His unique blend of financial expertise, technological foresight, and data-driven thinking aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver a performance advantage to our clients. Eric’s leadership will be pivotal as we continue expanding our AI and data science capabilities across global markets.”

Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of New South Wales and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) from CPA Australia. He has also served on the boards of private companies and educational institutions.

Commenting on his appointment, Eric Yuen said, “Decimal Point Analytics has a bold vision for transforming how data and AI drive insights in the financial sector. I’m excited to join a firm that is deeply committed to innovation and look forward to contributing to its next phase of growth.”

About Decimal Point Analytics

Decimal Point Analytics is a technology-driven data analytics and AI solutions firm, empowering businesses with actionable insights and automation. With expertise in financial analytics, AI-driven decision support, and digital transformation, we enable clients to optimise operations, mitigate risks, and drive growth. Our global team blends deep domain knowledge with cutting-edge technology, delivering scalable solutions across financial services, healthcare, CPG, and other industries. Headquartered in India, with a presence in the US and UK, we are committed to innovation, precision, and excellence in data-driven decision-making.

Our commitment to innovation and excellence has earned us multiple industry accolades. Decimal Point Analytics has been featured in Dun & Bradstreet's premier publication, Leading SMEs of India 2024 & 2022. We were recognised as the ISV of the Year 2023 by Oracle Global Leaders, highlighting our outstanding contributions to the industry. The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) awarded us the title of Indian SME of the Year, while ET Edge acknowledged our excellence in innovation in 2023. Additionally, CEO Insights magazine has named us one of the Top 10 Brands in Finance, further reinforcing our position as a leader in data analytics and AI-driven solutions.

For more information, visit www.decimalpointanalytics.com

GE HealthCare Launches ‘Cervical Cancer-Free Mahadevapura Block’ initiative In Bengaluru


* Jivika Foundation, FPA India, and GE HealthCare unite to vaccinate 1,400 adolescent girls against cervical cancer

GE HealthCare, a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator, in collaboration with Jivika Foundation and Family Planning Association (FPA) India, successfully launched the Cervical Cancer-Free Mahadevapura Block initiative at Ramagondanahalli Government School, Mahadevapura Block, Bengaluru.

This transformative program is dedicated to vaccinating all girls aged 9-14 years across government schools in Mahadevapura Block against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. By enabling early and preventive intervention, the initiative marks a significant step in advancing public health and reducing cervical cancer incidence.

The launch event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, partners, and community representatives, underscoring the collective commitment to safeguarding the health of young girls and strengthening public health infrastructure in the region.

Highlighting the importance of prevention and early vaccination, Chaitanya Sarawate - President & CEO-India & South Asia, GE HealthCare said, “HPV Types 16 and 18 accounts for nearly 77% of cervical cancer incidence in India. Prevention is the need of the hour. HPV vaccines work best if administered prior to exposure to HPV. With this Cervical Cancer Vaccination drive, we will ensure that 1400 adolescent girls are protected from this cancer. At GE HealthCare, as we aim to make healthcare limitless for all. This drive will help us spread awareness about HPV & cervical cancer, encourage early detection and reduce incidence of this terrible disease in our communities.”

Jignesh Patel, Director, Jivika Foundation added, “Jivika Foundation is proud to lead this initiative and collaborate with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector. Our vision is to make HPV vaccination accessible to all, eliminating cervical cancer from India, one block at a time.”

This initiative sets a benchmark for community-driven healthcare interventions, ensuring that every girl receives the protection she deserves against cervical cancer.

Monday, April 7, 2025

Harshavardhan Chauhaan’s #NCAYB Powers $10M Fund To Support The Next Generation Of Entrepreneurs


The Young Entrepreneurs Fund (YEF), a $10 million initiative, was launched today by Harshavardhan Chauhaan, the veteran marketing strategist behind billion-dollar retail and D2C ventures. Fueled entirely by proceeds from Chauhaan’s incendiary new book, #NCAYB (Nobody Cares About Your Brand), this radical fusion of literary provocation and venture capital targets early-stage founders driving innovation in Deep Tech, Clean Energy, Rural Platforms, and National IP. Chauhaan, whose career spans scaling hypergrowth startups and redefining brand psychology, positions YEF as both a critique of outdated marketing dogma and a capital engine for those rewriting India’s economic future, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, Karmyogi Bharat, and Vishwa Vyapi Bharat.

The fund’s structure defies conventional venture models, mirroring Harshvardhan Chauhaan’s unorthodox approach to consumer influence. Unlike traditional investors fixated on pitch decks and financial projections, YEF allocates $10,000-$250,000 grants to raw, pre-revenue ideas, prioritizing societal impact and scalable solutions over spreadsheets. This ethos stems directly from #NCAYB’s core thesis, that consumer trust, not product-centric frameworks like the 1960s-era 4Ps of Marketing, now dictates market success. Proceeds from every copy of #NCAYB sold directly go to the YEF, creating a self-sustaining loop between thought leadership and founder empowerment.

Commenting on the fund launch, Harshvardhan Chauhaan, said, “The true revolution in business won't happen in boardrooms where executives cling to century-old theories. It will emerge from garages and Discord servers where founders understand that consumers don't follow brands, they follow trust architectures. Through the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs Fund, our aim is to go beyond funding business plans by investing in neural networks of influence that rewrite consumer behavior from the subconscious up. When the history of 21st century commerce is written, it won't mention advertisements or product features; it will document how trust became the only currency that mattered.”

Beyond financial backing, YEF provides grantees with mentorship from global brand strategists, growth marketers, and serial entrepreneurs who understand the evolving dynamics of consumer trust and fractional loyalty. Ashish Soni, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, serial entrepreneur, and industry leader in AI and emerging technologies, has joined YEF a pro bono mentor and board advisor. With over 14 years of experience across innovation, product development, and tech consulting, Ashish will help guide the fund's direction, ensuring high-impact value creation and strategic excellence.

The fund’s mandate spans four strategic sectors critical to India’s transformation. In Deep Tech, YEF will support startups pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced robotics, technologies poised to redefine global technological frontiers. Clean Energy innovators will receive backing for solutions in renewable energy generation, green infrastructure, and carbon-neutral technologies, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. Rural Platforms form another key focus area for YEF, aiding ventures that democratize access to agritech tools, rural fintech ecosystems, and digital literacy programs to bridge the urban-rural divide - a direct contribution to the Viksit Bharat ideal.

Apart from these, YEF will also help National IP initiatives gain traction by scaling indigenous innovations, from traditional crafts to climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring these ideas achieve global resonance under the Vishwa Vyapi Bharat framework. These verticals align with #NCAYB’s principles of The Trust Algorithm, Fractional Loyalty, and the Influence Flywheel, while anchoring YEF’s role in fostering a Karmyogi Bharat where skill development and entrepreneurial grit converge. By channeling resources into these domains, the fund aims to cultivate a self-reliant economy where trust-based consumer relationships and homegrown innovations drive progress.

Applications for YEF open April 14, 2025, exclusively at NobodyCaresForYourBrand.com

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