Samsung Becomes First Brand To Cross INR 10000 Crore In TV Sales In India

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced today that its television business has crossed INR 10000 crore in sales in calendar year 2024. This makes Samsung the first brand in India to achieve the significant milestone in the television industry. Samsung said it is confident of achieving double-digit growth in 2025, driven by an expansive portfolio of premium offerings and growing demand for large-screen, AI-powered televisions.

“2024 was a landmark year for Samsung India. In value terms, we achieved a turnover of INR 10000 crore. We now aspire to grow in double-digit this year backed by our new AI TV lineup that breathes new life into every frame, setting a new benchmark for cinematic excellence at home. With this new era of AI-powered screens, we are confident of accelerating next-generation TV adoption and strengthening our leadership in India’s premium television segment,” said Viplesh Dang, Senior Director, Visual Display Business, and Samsung India.

Samsung recently unveiled its 2025 TV lineup of Vision AI-powered televisions in India, with the introduction of more than 40 models across Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, QLED and The Frame. Samsung Vision AI represents a major leap in making screens smarter, more intuitive and deeply personal. It transforms televisions into adaptive hubs, responsive to their environment and user behaviors. They seamlessly blend into everyday life, making the TV an intelligent partner rather than just a display. Samsung Vision AI delivers real-time optimization of picture and sound, gesture-based navigation, and smart home integration via SmartThings.

Samsung’s 2025 lineup, priced between INR 49490 to INR 1100000, underscores Samsung’s strategy to democratize cutting-edge innovations across wider price points and screen sizes. The Vision AI-enabled line-up also introduces innovations like AI Upscaling Pro, Glare-Free viewing, and Generative Art Wallpapers, making Samsung TVs not just entertainment devices but intelligent lifestyle hubs for the modern Indian home.

Samsung is positioning itself for long-term leadership in India’s TV market as it continues to cater to value-conscious consumers through its 43-inch and mass-market range, while driving value and volume growth in the expanding premium category. With a strong offline footprint and a robust product roadmap, Samsung is well placed to accelerate the shift towards AI-enabled, immersive home entertainment in India.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Launches All-New “CB750 Hornet” And “CB1000 Hornet SP”

* ‘Bookings Open’

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) announced the launch of two powerful new additions to its premium portfolio – the “CB750 Hornet” and the “CB1000 Hornet SP”. Bookings for both the motorcycles are now open and their deliveries are set to commence from June 2025 onwards. The All-New Honda CB750 Hornet has been priced at Rs. 8,59,500 and the CB1000 Hornet SP has been priced at Rs. 12,35,900, ex-showroom Gurugram. The CB750 Hornet will be available across all BigWing Topline and BigWing dealerships while the CB1000 Hornet SP will be sold exclusively through BigWing Topline dealerships in India.

Introducing the new premium motorcycles, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Indian premium motorcycle segment has shown tremendous growth over the years, especially among young and passionate riders looking for performance with style. With the launch of the CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP, we aim to further strengthen our presence in the fun biking space. These motorcycles are a true representation of Honda’s legacy of engineering excellence, aggressive design, and thrilling performance. We are confident these Hornets will strike a chord with riders who seek a dynamic and sporty riding experience.”

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Hornet has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, and with the introduction of the CB750 and CB1000 Hornet SP, we are taking that legacy to the next level. These motorcycles combine cutting-edge technology, iconic design, and a commanding road presence, making them a compelling choice in their respective segments. The growing appetite for performance motorcycles in India excites us, and we believe these Hornets will resonate with every thrill-seeker out there. We look forward to a great response from the biking community.”

Aggressive Streetfighter Design and Striking Colour Options

Under the styling concept of ‘Aggressive X Pure’, both the CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP flaunt a muscular streetfighter design with sharp bodywork, and aggressive tank shrouds. They also get an all-LED lighting system with a striking headlamp that enhances their commanding road presence. The CB750 Hornet will be available in two bold colour schemes – Matte Pearl Glare White and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic. The flagship naked streetfighter, CB1000 Hornet SP, will be available in a single Matte Ballistic Black Metallic shade and its strength is given a special touch with the addition of gold accents.

Advanced Hardware and Hi-tech Features

Engineered for high-performance fun maneuvering, both these street naked motorcycles feature top-tier hardware components. The CB750 Hornet comes equipped with a SHOWA SFF-BPTM inverted fork at the front and a monoshock damper with Pro-Link swingarm at the rear for high quality ride comfort in speed ranges on a variety of roads. The CB1000 Hornet SP features a SHOWA SFF-BP inverted fork at the front and new ÖHLINS TTX36 at the rear for high-speed operability.

Braking duties are managed by dual front disc brakes with 310mm Brembo radial-mount calipers for CB1000 Hornet SP and at the rear it gets a 240mm disc. The CB750 Hornet gets 296mm dual front disc brakes and a 240mm disc at the rear. Both the models feature dual-channel ABS for additional safety. These naked streetfighters boast a 5.0-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda’s RoadSync app connectivity that allows seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, call alerts, and music control via Bluetooth. They also get a new illuminated multi-functional switch on the left side of handlebar which facilitates operations intuitively such as adjusting ultiple settings.

Brisk Performance and Electronic Aids

Powering the Honda CB750 Hornet is a newly developed inline 2-cylinder, 755cc, 4 Stroke,

8 valves, liquid cooled engine with a 270-degree crank. This motor churns out 67.5 kW of power at 9,500 RPM and 75 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 RPM. The flagship CB1000 Hornet SP is powered by a 999cc, liquid cooled, 4 Stroke, 16 valves, Inline Four DOHC engine that puts out a whopping 115.6 kW of power at 11,000 RPM and 107 Nm of torque at 9,000 RPM. They come mated to a 6-speed gearbox and get an assist & slipper clutch as well.

The CB750 Hornet gets four riding modes – Sport, Standard, Rain, and User. The flagship CB1000 Hornet SP gets five riding modes. While Sport, Standard, and Rain modes remain the same for both models, it gets two rider customizable User modes which allows the riders to customize it as per their preference. Additional rider aids include Honda Selectable Torque control which can be adjusted at three different levels to suit to rider’s preference, and emergency stop signal, making every ride safe. The CB1000 Hornet SP also features a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

Pricing and Availability

The all-new 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet has priced at Rs. 8,59,500 (ex-showroom), while the flagship CB1000 Hornet SP carries a price tag of Rs. 12,35,900 (ex-showroom). Bookings for both the motorcycles are now open and their deliveries are set to commence from June 2025 onwards. One can also book them online via Honda BigWing India’s official website (www.HondaBigWing.in). The CB750 Hornet will be available across all BigWing Topline and BigWing dealerships while the CB1000 Hornet SP will be sold exclusively through BigWing Topline dealerships in India. With a legacy rooted in performance and style, the new Hornets are all set to create a buzz in the market.

Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka Achieves Landmark ‘Single-Use Plastic Free’ Certification

Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka has been recognised for championing action against the usage of ‘Single Use Plastic’ (SUP),  underscoring the Company’s focus on driving holistic sustainability & in ensuring adherence to global standards. Vedanta IOK has been certified as a ‘Single-Use Plastic Free Operation’ mining site, thus becoming one of the first mining operation sites in India to achieve this milestone.

This certification, issued by the Indian Register Quality Systems (IRQS), a division of IRCLASS Systems and Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (ISSPL), was authorised by Shashi Nath Mishra, Chief Operating Officer, ISSPL, and recognizes Vedanta Sesa Goa’s unwavering commitment to eliminating SUP across its operations, from administrative offices to mining sites. The development is in line with the World Environment Day 2025 theme – ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, with a focus on ending plastic pollution.

On receiving the certification, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta – IOK said, “I am extremely proud of the ‘Single-use plastic’ certification received by Vedanta – IOK & congratulate the entire team for achieving te same. Over the years, we at Vedanta IOK, have demonstrated continuous commitment towards environmental sustainability through cleanliness awareness sessions, sapling plantations, deployment of EVs & water conservation. We are proud to lead by example & will continue to progress our efforts for fostering a more sustainable Planet.”

To qualify for the presitigious certifications, Company’s go through a rigorous audit & Vedanta IOK successfully implemented a multi-pronged strategy for elimination of SUP. Actions that were taken included biurcation of plastic waste and a ban on Single-use plastics, replacing plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives, plastic tumblers with ceramic and steel tumblers, plastic & paper plates with ceramic plates, plastic bubble wrap with paper bubble wraps or air pillows for packaging, installing water refill stations to eliminate bottled water, and conducting awareness drives and sessions for employees and local communities.

As a part of sustainability efforts, Vedanta IOK has gradually adopted RE, onboarded EVs for commute & also introduced EV wheel loaders, consistently carried out water conservation & plantation drives. The ongoing campaign across Vedanta Sesa Goa - ‘IronWill4GreenerPlanet’ – is spreading awareness among both internal & external stakeholders.

The SUP free certification of Vedanta IOK is a step towards IOK becoming a green mining site, and the team is now focused on promoting circular economy models, boosting green innovations, and driving large-scale behavioural change towards environmental protection.

Mark Every Milestone In Style With Mia By Tanishq’s Exciting Offers, This ‘Joy Of Gifting’ Season

* From aisle walks to graduation caps—make every moment sparkle 

Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, announces the ‘Joy of Gifting Festival’, just in time for the wave of the wedding season and graduation celebrations. This limited-time offer gives customers flat 20% off on making charges of diamond jewellery, making it the perfect time to gift something precious for the many milestones life brings.

With the wedding season in the air, Mia offers a thoughtful curation of jewellery that makes gifting effortless—whether you're honouring the bride on her big day, curating meaningful pieces for the bridesmaids, or looking to gift the family and friends of the couple. Mia’s contemporary yet timeless designs cater to every kind of celebration, ensuring that your gift is as memorable as the moment itself.

Beyond weddings, the Joy of Gifting Festival arrives at the perfect moment for students graduating into new chapters of their lives. Celebrate academic milestones with a piece of fine jewellery that marks not just achievement, but the promise of what lies ahead. Whether it’s for a loved one or a personal reward, Mia's stunning assortment of collections are perfect to make graduation moments shine.

Mia by Tanishq offers an array of collections, made in 14kt and 18kt gold, adorned with certified natural diamonds. Available at sweet selling price points, the brand offers versatile pieces that can be worn everyday or thoughtfully gifted to loved ones. Innovative designs, including elaborate earcuffs, brooches that double as pendants, lightweight earrings, stackable bracelets, trendy sui-dhagas and intricate ring. The brand’s latest collection – The ‘Mia Fiora’ Collection brings delicate floral motifs to life, featuring intricate designs that reflect the freshness of spring and the essence of personal growth. Gold filigree petals, dainty layered patterns, and hand-carved stones come together to create pieces that celebrate sophistication and individuality.

Available from 23rd May to 8th June, the offer is valid at all Mia by Tanishq stores and online at www.miabytanishq.com. Don’t let the offers slip away – visit your nearest Mia store or shop online at their website.

*Terms and Conditions apply. 

PETRONAS TVS Racing Gears Up For The 17TH INSC With Stellar Rider Line-Up And Upgraded Race Machines

Backed by a rich racing pedigree since 1982, PETRONAS TVS Racing is set to ignite the track once again at the 2025 season of the FMSCI Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), which begins in Vadodara on May 23–24, 2025. After a dominant 2024 season that reaffirmed its leadership in Indian two-wheeler racing, India’s first factory racing team returns with renewed focus, upgraded machines, and a powerful 8-rider line-up. The squad includes seasoned champions and expert riders like Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, and Prajwal V, who will compete in Group A – Foreign Open SX1, along with Imran Pasha, Banteilang Jyrwa, and D Sachin, who will race in Group B – Indian Expert category. They are joined by rising talents Jayden Wandame Nongkhlaw and Shailesh Kumar, who will compete in the Indian Novice Group B.

PETRONAS TVS Racing will field its state-of-the-art TR 300X (Group A – up to 500cc) and TR 200X (Group B – up to 260cc) race machines this season. These upgraded bikes feature advanced camshaft and cylinder head designs that deliver superior mid-range torque and high-RPM performance. With improved suspension systems and refined ergonomics, the machines promise enhanced control, traction, and cornering agility giving TVS racers a competitive edge on the track.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, "Building on last year’s championship triumph, PETRONAS TVS Racing is geared up to set new benchmarks in 2025. All upgrade to our machines and every hour dedicated to rider development reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Our 8-rider line-up is a perfect blend of experience and emerging talent, ready to push the limits. We are proud of the incredible momentum we've built over the years — from consistent podium finishes to nurturing India’s finest Supercross champions. This year is even more special as we celebrate 20 years of our flagship performance brand, TVS Apache, which perfectly embodies our ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. As we charge into the new season, we aim not just to race, but to raise the bar for motorsports in India once again."

Underscoring its long-standing commitment to developing Indian motorsport talent, PETRONAS TVS Racing continues to invest heavily in training of the racers. For the new season of INSC, TVS Racing has invested in Advanced SX training sessions, especially for SX1-class riders, aimed at enhancing endurance, agility, and tactical skills to equip athletes for the rigorous physical and strategic demands of elite Supercross racing.

For over 43 years, TVS Racing has been at the forefront of Indian motorsports, continuously pushing the boundaries of racing excellence. This commitment to innovation and performance extends beyond the racetrack into TVS Motor Company’s flagship motorcycle brand, TVS Apache, which celebrates 20 years of engineering excellence this year. The TVS Apache series embodies TVS Racing’s ‘Track to Road’ philosophy, integrating race-derived technology into high-performance motorcycles. Spanning 160cc, 180cc, 200cc, and 310cc models, the lineup features segment-first innovations, from ride-by-wire technology to race-tuned fuel injection.

With over 400,000 riders in the Apache Owners Group (AOG), TVS Apache has built a passionate global community, bringing the thrill of racing to streets and track enthusiasts alike. As it enters its next chapter, TVS Apache remains dedicated to offering cutting-edge performance, redefining what it means to ride with power and precision.

Classmate Partners With Grand Masters Praggnanandhaa And Vaishali - Launches 30-City Campaign For eduGAMES Infinity

·         Students can play eduGAMES Infinity everyday, featuring the popular last-page puzzles from Classmate notebooks with world-renowned chess Grandmasters

·         Exciting Daily rewards including a VR Headset to be won every single day

ITC's Classmate, India's leading notebook and stationery products brand has launched eduGAMES Infinity an innovative gamified notebook that seamlessly blends play with education. It encompasses a fun and engaging initiative aimed at transforming learning into a delightful experience. Classmate eduGAMES Infinity is now launching a unique campaign, participation in which will provide a chance to visit Hong Kong Disneyland, a once in a lifetime opportunity!

At the core of Classmate eduGAMES Infinity is the idea that learning should be joyful igniting the fun side of learning. Building on the iconic last page of Classmate notebooks — loved by generations of students — eduGAMES Infinity takes this concept to a new paradigm by making last page puzzles interactive, gamified, and rewarding. Students can scan the last page of the notebook and play a new game every day.

To bring this to life, Classmate is rolling out a 30-city campaign starting 24th May, inviting students to join the movement by simply buying a Classmate notebook and playing eduGAMES Infinity.

This season, the campaign gets even more exciting with a special opportunity to play with world champions. Celebrated sibling duo and Indian chess Grandmasters, R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, will also dive into eduGAMES Infinity for 30 days, sharpening their minds daily through the power of puzzles. They believe that engaging the mind with puzzles is a great way to stay focused and mentally agile.

R Praggnanandhaa said, “Classmate eduGAMES Infinity is not just about games — it’s a fun and effective way to train your mind. I’m excited to take on a new puzzle every day and see how students across the country challenge themselves too.”

R Vaishali added, “We grew up solving puzzles at home, and they really helped us stay sharp and focused. It’s amazing to see Classmate bring that joy of learning to life for today’s generation in such an engaging manner.”

Expressing their feelings about this initiative, their parents stated “When our children were young, we encouraged them to play puzzles and brain games every day. We’ve seen first-hand how these small habits helped build their mental discipline. Classmate eduGAMES Infinity reminds us of that journey — and it’s a wonderful way for other children to begin theirs.”

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive, Education and Stationery Products Business Division, ITC Ltd. said “At Classmate, we have always believed that learning should be joyful and must keep alive the spirit of creativity, curiosity and fun endeavour brings that belief to life. Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are perfect role models and their success and achievements are a reflection of the fact that focus, agility and the right tools can shape champions. We hope this initiative inspires students across India to explore eduGAMES infinity and become sharper from within.”

Participants from these 30 cities can compete on the EduGAMES leaderboard for a chance to win exciting daily prizes including a Meta Quest VR headset, and the final reward — a magical trip to Disneyland.

Campaign Reach and Visibility

The campaign will be rolled out across digital platforms, regional print & TV and influencer partnerships, ensuring wide visibility across participating cities. This leg of the campaign will run in tandem with the national Disneyland EduGAMES campaign, which continues to reward curiosity, consistency, and clever thinking.

PokerBaazi Launches Upgrade 2025, Showcasing A New Era In Online Poker Excellence

In a defining moment for the Indian Poker landscape, PokerBaazi, India’s biggest Poker platform, today announced the launch of the PokerBaazi (PB) Upgrade 2025. This significant evolution of its both mobile and desktop apps is a bold step forward in delivering a world-class playing experience. The new upgrade was officially unveiled at the PokerBaazi Experience Meet 2025, the company’s yearly digital showcase of product advancements.

The leadership at Baazi Games, including Founder and CEO Navkiran Singh, alongside Avneet Rana, Co-Founder & Chief of Technology & Product, and others spearheaded the pre-launch and personally unveiled the upgrades introduced at the PokerBaazi Experience Meet 2025. (Click here to watch)

Speaking about the PokerBaazi Upgrade 2025, Navkiran Singh, Founder and CEO of Baazi Games, said, "At PokerBaazi, we live our motto of ‘never stop improving’. With this product launch, we can proudly have our made in India apps compete with global Poker products. What we have built is a trusted, player-first ecosystem where skill is celebrated, aspirations are nurtured, and every game is a step toward excellence. It is great to lead this transformation and remain committed to setting new standards for the future of online Poker."

Enhancing the Core Experience:

-          One of the most significant highlights of the showcase was the introduction of PokerBaazi’s new Desktop App — an all-new application built on a completely different front-end technology, delivering superior speed, stability, and bringing a fresh UI/UX that will significantly boost user experience as well as the app performance, catering to both casual and professional players.

-          The Kingmaker which is an in-house, fully modular game engine has now been introduced to power the tournament format as well. It is designed to enhance scalability and add a lot of micro-interactions enabling real time game updates for a more dynamic and responsive game play experience. It also drastically reduces the time needed for building new game features.

Empowering Player Growth Through Analytics & Content:

-          Pokershots 2.0 is a refined analytical tool designed to enhance player performance through simplified data insights, featuring an intuitive UI/UX and new capabilities such as tagging specific hands for in-depth post-game analysis. This tool empowers players dedicated to mastering the mind sport of Poker.

-          Baazi SensAI incorporates AI into gameplay analytics, acting as an in-app AI coach that assists users by analysing their gameplay, providing insights, and summarising hand histories. This feature will empower players to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their strategies.

-          The Revamped Poker TV offers a bold new avatar for PokerBaazi’s content hub, providing richer, more engaging content for learning and entertainment related to the game.

Player-Centric Innovations:

-          The All-in Club is an exclusive membership club offering premium features and unparalleled rewards.

-          New Advanced Cash Game Features include Interactive R.I.T. (Run It Twice) and EV Cashout to enhance strategic gameplay options.

-          Enhancements in Responsible Gaming tool which is a personalised system that fosters mindful gaming through player-specific guidance and support, reinforcing a healthy approach to the mind sport.

Building a Trusted & Secure Ecosystem:

Delivering a robust and fair gameplay environment, the Upgraded Security Infrastructure includes partnerships with GTO Wizard and a 'no bot' certification from GLI Labs. Sophisticated algorithms and AI are used to track down fraudulent behaviour, ensuring integrity in the mind sport.

A Vision for the Future

Navkiran Singh further added, “With the 2025 upgrade, we are reimagining the way players engage with the game and ensuring both our mobile and desktop platforms set a global benchmark in terms of technology, gameplay, and user engagement.”

The latest enhancements reaffirm PokerBaazi’s commitment to building a secure, fair, and immersive digital ecosystem that empowers players at every level in this evolving mind sport. By unveiling a series of transformative updates at the Experience Meet, PokerBaazi has further cemented its leadership as a driving force in shaping the future of online Poker in India. You can go to https://www.pokerbaazi.com/ to download the latest version of the app with Upgrade 2025 updates.

Marriott International Announces Global Launch Of New Regional Collection Brand: Series By Marriott™

* Company Signs Founding Deal with Concept Hospitality Private Limited in India to Affiliate The Fern Brands with Series by Marriott

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced the global launch of its new collection brand for the midscale and upscale lodging segments—Series by Marriott™—as the company continues to expand its lodging offerings around the world. Series by Marriott is expected to expand Marriott’s global presence by bringing well-established regionally created brands and hotels that champion consistent quality and service into the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Series by Marriott will offer guests comfortable stays in more places and provide regional owners access to the benefits of Marriott’s platforms, including the company’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, all while maintaining their portfolio’s independent identity.

Series by Marriott marks its initial launch through a founding deal with Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL) in India, a key growth market for Marriott. Established in 1996 by Param Kannampilly, CHPL, is one of India’s leading hotel management companies with a portfolio of six brands and over 100 hotels operating in 90 locations. Under the strategic agreement between CHPL and Marriott, CHPL's flagship brands—The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat—will affiliate with Series by Marriott on an exclusive basis across India and Marriott will make a small equity investment in CHPL. The Fern portfolio is currently comprised of 84 open properties and 31 executed pipeline deals, totaling 115 properties and approximately 8,000 rooms. Fern properties are expected to join Marriott’s portfolio in India over time following discussions with the third-party hotel owners and execution of long-term franchise agreements with those owners. CG Hospitality, the hospitality division of the multi-national conglomerate CG Corp Global, is the majority stakeholder in CHPL.

“Series by Marriott furthers Marriott’s commitment to delivering lodging offerings in the right place at the right price with basics done well,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott’s reach among value-conscious travelers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners.

“We are thrilled to launch Series by Marriott through our founding deal with CHPL. This deal will help meaningfully expand Marriott’s leading position in India, a key market for the company.  We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world. The Fern portfolio throughout India is highly regarded and CHPL’s commitment to operational excellence and meeting the needs of regional travelers embodies the spirit of the Series by Marriott brand,” said Capuano.

“India is one of Marriott’s most dynamic and strategic markets, making it the ideal launchpad for Series by Marriott,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Our founding deal with CHPL allows us to scale purposefully with a trusted local brand that resonates with regional travelers. This collaboration combines CHPL’s deep market knowledge with Marriott’s global platform—broadening access to quality hospitality and unlocking strong growth potential across the country. Launching Series by Marriott in India reflects the region’s critical role in our long-term growth strategy.”

“Through our majority stake in CHPL, we’ve nurtured The Fern brands as standard-bearers for eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality in India. Being part of Series by Marriott will allow us to amplify our reach. The Fern brands are expected to benefit not only from the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and global distribution systems, but also from strategic growth opportunities,” said Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global.

“We are thrilled to partner with the world's largest hospitality company in driving a new era of growth in India’s midscale segment. Our vision is to unlock the immense potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as lesser-known destinations across India that are rich in culture, heritage, and opportunity. This strategic collaboration underscores our commitment to expanding access to quality hospitality, fostering local economies, and meeting the rising demand for sustainable, comfortable, and accessible stays in emerging markets,” said Param Kannampilly, Chairman, Concept Hospitality Private Limited.

A Series of Hotels: Regionally Created, Globally Connected

Series by Marriott is designed to deliver a simple and approachable experience for travelers with a focus on fundamentals and well-executed basics. Hotels in the portfolio will offer quality and value with clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, daily coffee or tea, with breakfast, fitness centers and meetings and event spaces available at certain properties. Hotels will reflect the regions and customers they serve while delivering Marriott’s global standards for safety and cleanliness. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, members staying at Series by Marriott properties will be able to earn and redeem points and enjoy member benefits.

Global Growth Opportunity for Owners

Series by Marriott has been created to bring strong, regionally relevant brands and hotels into the Marriott portfolio with industry leading revenue generation capabilities and affiliation cost structures. Owners will have the ability to maintain their portfolio’s independent identity while leveraging the power of Marriott’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program with nearly 237 million members globally, and digital platforms like Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app to generate direct bookings.

In addition to its founding deal with CHPL, Marriott is also in active discussions about the Series by Marriott brand with owners in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Photo Caption: Marriott International Announces Global Launch of New Regional Collection Brand: Series by Marriott™ in a strategic deal with Concept Hospitality

From L-R:  Mr. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, Development - South Asia, Marriott International; Mr. John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer, APEC - Marriott International; Ms. Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia - Marriott International; Mr. Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, APEC - Marriott International; Mr. Rajeev Menon, President, APEC - Marriott International; Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global; Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director, CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Global; Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, Concept Hospitality; Mr. Avneet Bhutani, Vice President – Asset Management, APEC – Marriott International; Mr. Raymond Tan, Senior Director of Hotel Development, APEC – Marriott International.

Dvara Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services (Dvara KGFS) Secures “Long Term Capital” From FIIs

* Expansion on the cards as equity of 3Mn Euros and Subordinated debt of 5Mn USD raised

Dvara Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services (Dvara KGFS), a major NBFC working in India’s financial inclusion space, has successfully raised Equity of 3Mn Euro from Sparkassen International Development Trust  GmbH (SIDT) and 5Mn USD through issuance of Subordinated Bonds to FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank.  This infusion will further strengthen the capital base of the Company thus enabling it to augment its growth plans and expand its outreach. The company is strategically pivoting towards enhancing wholistic financial access to Micro Entrepreneurs in the inclusion space.

SIDT is part of the German Sparkassen Group, considered the largest financial group in Europe. SIDT launches its first equity participation in the Indian financial inclusion space with this investment in Dvara KGFS.

FMO Entrepreneurial development bank is a public-private development bank supervised by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB). FMO’s first investment in Dvara KGFS came in FY24.

Speaking about the funding, Mr. LVLN Murty, Managing Director and CEO, Dvara KGFS, said, "At a time when the inclusion space in India is witnessing unprecedented challenges, this fund raise is a testimony of the resilience, agility and scalability of the Dvara KGFS business model and lending infrastructure.  With the strong backing of our highly reputed investors and lenders, we are confident in our ability to deepen our impact in providing finance to the underserved and reinforce our mission to enable financial well-being at the last mile by opening  50 branches in this financial year that would originate Enterprise Loans exclusively, thereby taking the total branch strength to 477 by the end of this fiscal  This fund raise not only fortifies  our capital base but also validates the impact driven, resilient path we have charted in the financial inclusion ecosystem. The company is investing in digital transformation using artificial intelligence for enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience.”

On the development, Ms. Shilpa Bhatter, CFO, Dvara KGFS, said, “We have embodied highest standards of corporate governance and financial discipline in our organization. This infusion of capital reinforces our commitment to ethical and prudent portfolio management and further fortify our lending infrastructure by investing more meaningfully into state of the art technology and data analytics capabilities, thereby strengthening our core operations while continuing to deliver measurable social and financial outcomes.”  

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Carsten Steffan from Sparkassen International Development Trust GmbH said, “We are pleased to support Dvara KGFS in its mission to improve financial access in rural India. As part of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, our focus is on enabling responsible and inclusive financial services in emerging markets. This investment reflects our commitment to creating sustainable impact by supporting institutions that demonstrate deep local insight, strong governance, and scalable models. We look forward to a long-term collaboration that contributes to financial empowerment and community development in India.”

Dvara KGFS provides an array of loans and third-party products tailored to meet its customers' diverse financial needs through an omnichannel approach. It remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the financial gap and empowering individuals and micro businesses through its financial services in the inclusion space. With the success of this fundraise, Dvara KGFS is positioned to significantly enhance its impact on the lives of its customers.

Union Bank Of India Empowers Dreams: Chhonzin Angmo Becomes First Visually Impaired Woman To Conquer Mount Everest

Chhonzin Angmo has etched her name in history by becoming the first visually impaired female to stand atop the world's highest peak! Her quest to the pinnacles of glory was supported by Union Bank of India. With unwavering determination, Angmo reached Mount Everest, inspiring millions with her achievement.

Having lost her sight at eight due to a reaction to medication, Angmo's journey is a testament to her resilience and courage. Despite her disability, the 29-year-old employee of Union Bank of India  has already climbed several peaks such as Siachen Kumar post (15632 ft), unnamed peak (19717ft )Ladakh, before embarking on her Everest journey. She received National Award from Hon’ble President of India for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2024 under the ‘Sarvshresth Divyangjan’ category.

Her successful ascent showcases her perseverance, trust in her team, and unrelenting spirit. Angmo's achievement is a shining example of how courage, resilience, and determination can overcome adversity. Union Bank of India celebrates Angmo's achievement as an inspiration to humanity, embodying the spirit of empowerment and inclusivity that the Bank strives to promote. Angmo's story encourages both the underprivileged and privileged to push beyond perceived limitations.

Parvati Nair Guest Of Honour At Apollo’s Rafaelo Treatment Launch

Renowned South Indian model and actress Parvati Nair was Guest of Honour at the launch of the Rafaelo procedure at Apollo Hospitals today. 

Addressing the gathering, actress Parvati Nair, who is known for her work in South Indian cinema and her roles in critically acclaimed films and who is also an advocate for preventive healthcare, said, “It is heartening to see Apollo's relentless pursuit of healthcare excellence through investments in future-ready medical technology. As someone who strongly believes in the power of preventive health, I can’t stress enough on the importance of putting our health first—before symptoms force us to. Regular health check-ups, early detection, a balanced diet, staying physically active, and being mindful of our mental well-being are the simple yet powerful tools we all have access to. Let’s continue to make fitness as a priority in our lives—not just through exercise, but by being proactive about our health choices.”

Apollo Spectra Hospitals has introduced the Rafaelo Procedure in Chennai, marking a major advancement in proctology care in South India. 

This minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for internal haemorrhoids uses targeted radiofrequency energy to shrink haemorrhoidal tissue with minimal discomfort and faster recovery. Performed by senior colorectal surgeon Dr. Vani Vijay, the 15–20-minute procedure allows same-day discharge and preserves healthy tissue. With lower risks and quicker healing compared to traditional surgery, the Rafaelo Procedure is ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.

“Routine health check-ups, timely screenings, a nutritious and balanced diet, staying physically active, and caring for our mental health are all small yet powerful habits that can drastically improve our quality of life.” advised Ms Parvati.

She also highlighted that fitness should not be seen as a temporary goal, but a sustainable lifestyle anchored in awareness and proactive choices. “It’s not just about hitting the gym or following trends—it’s about taking responsibility for our bodies and minds every single day,” she said. “Let’s inspire each other to lead healthier lives—not out of fear, but out of love for ourselves and those we care about.”

Parvati Nair’s address served as a powerful reminder that true wellness begins with prevention. By embracing consistent health screenings, mindful living, and active choices, individuals can take control of their health journey. Her message aligned seamlessly with Apollo’s vision for future-ready healthcare—underscoring the collective responsibility to prioritise well-being before illness takes hold.

Imperial College London To Co-Create World-Leading Science And Technology Research With Indian Partners

* New hub will expand scientific and innovation links between Imperial and partners in India 

* Imperial Global India will support research and innovation collaborations, student scholarships, collaborative PhD programmes and fellowships 

* Business leaders, policymakers and scientists herald potential of new hub to drive India-UK cooperation 

* One of the world’s top universities, Imperial College London, has launched its new science hub in Bengaluru. 

* Imperial says that research programmes with Indian partners will focus on helping to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in areas such as climate change and sustainability, food and water security, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

* The hub, Imperial Global India*, will strengthen partnerships between Imperial and leading universities and institutes in India, act as a communication channel to form closer ties with industry and policymakers, and provide a platform for greater collaboration in science and technology innovation between India and the UK. 

Imperial has today announced that the hub, which is being established as a Liaison Office, will support joint research projects, long-term collaborations, student scholarships, collaborative PhD programmes and fellowships. 

Imperial Global India has announced its first key initiatives: 

The India Connect Fund will support up to 25 joint research projects every year between Imperial and partners in India in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, biotech and clean energy.  

The Future Leaders Scholarship is Imperial’s biggest ever scholarship programme for Indian scientists and will support 75 STEMB students over the next five years. 

The establishment of six high-impact Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Global Faculty Fellowships with the National Centre for Biological Sciences and Indian Institute of Science to develop a London-Bengaluru AI in Science Network. 

Investment in a Global Challenge Lab programme to bring together hundreds of UK and Indian students each year to jointly co-create innovative solutions to UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Investment in high-impact doctoral training networks in science and technology through a new collaborative PhD programme with the Indian Institute of Science, bringing together UK and Indian PhD students to work on joint research projects. This will be enhanced by a Global Fellows programme facilitating doctoral-level exchanges between leading laboratories in the UK and India. 

The hub was formally launched at an event at the Science Gallery Bengaluru where India’s top business leaders, policymakers and scientists discussed ways to expand India-UK partnerships in science, technology and innovation. 

Speakers included: N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder – Infosys Limited; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group; Srinath Ravichandran, Cofounder & CEO, Agnikul Cosmos; Dr Anjana Badrinarayanan, Associate Professor at National Centre for Biological Sciences and Schmidt AI in Science Fellow; Vidit Aatrey, CEO and Founder, Meesho; Mr Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka; and Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka. 

The event was hosted by Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, Vindi Banga, Chair of Imperial’s Council, and Imperial Global India Academic Co-Directors Professor Sanjeev Gupta and Dr Elena Dieckmann.     

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said: “Our new science hub Imperial Global India will forge and strengthen links between Imperial and partners in India.  

“Through the hub we will support several flagship programmes including research projects, long-term collaborations, student scholarships, collaborative PhD programmes and fellowships in areas such as telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology and health-tech, and advanced materials.  

 “These initiatives will help deliver solutions to the world’s biggest challenges." 

The hub is being led by Earth scientist Professor Sanjeev Gupta and biomaterials researcher Dr Elena Dieckmann.   

Imperial is ranked second best university in the world and top in the UK in the latest QS World University rankings. 

The UK and Indian governments share ambitions for deeper collaboration on science to drive economic growth, create skilled jobs and improve lives in the UK, India and worldwide.  

Through the hub Imperial will seek to develop joint projects that leverage the best of UK and India science and innovation, whilst also engaging with joint government priorities in areas ranging from telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology and health-tech, and advanced materials.  

Imperial already has a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, that is supporting joint research projects in a range of scientific areas, as well as close links with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). 

Imperial academics are collaborating with partners from 400 Indian institutions across India.

Top collaborators include the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), Christian Medical College Vellore, the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi. 

Imperial also has a growing number of strong industry connections in India. Imperial and Tata Steel’s Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing is developing innovative new manufacturing processes to help decarbonise steel production.   

Imperial Global 

Imperial’s strategy, Science for Humanity, set out plans to establish a network of hubs in strategic global cities to amplify Imperial’s impact.  

The network is building long-term collaborations with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders, fostering new high-impact partnerships with industry, government and knowledge organisations, and developing deeper links with alumni.  

Imperial Global India will join the Imperial Global network of hubs in Singapore, San Francisco, USA and Accra, Ghana.   

* Pending the completion of regulatory formalities to be able to set up our own liaison office, Imperial Global India will initially be managed by a service provider duly appointed by Imperial College London. 

Additional quotes: 

Mr Priyank Kharge, Honourable Minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, said: “I am proud that Bengaluru has emerged as a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a testament to the creativity and dynamism of our ecosystem that Imperial College London – one of the world’s foremost institutions in STEMB and innovation – has chosen our city to launch its India hub. We share common goals, including the ambition to harness the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, agritech, and biotechnology to protect our environment and enhance quality of life. By bringing together our innovation and research communities, we can catalyse the co-creation of breakthrough technologies and solutions. I am excited to see the impact this collaboration will generate in the years to come.” 

Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, said: “I am pleased to welcome Imperial College London – one of the world’s leading universities with a distinguished reputation across the STEMB disciplines – to Bengaluru.  

“This international collaboration creates a vital knowledge bridge between our two countries, opening meaningful opportunities for mutual learning and exchange. Initiatives like this empower our students, educators, and innovators to work alongside like-minded global peers, advancing research and innovation across the full spectrum of science and technology. By uniting our talent and expertise, we can drive progress toward a more climate-resilient and healthier future.” 

Dr Elena Dieckmann, Academic Co-Director of Imperial Global India, said: "Imperial Global India will connect leading researchers, students, and industry pioneers from India and the UK to drive scientific collaboration and innovation. The hub will be a platform to rapidly develop and scale groundbreaking ideas into real-world technologies and applications." 

The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs said: “Education lies at the heart of the UK's relationship with India. It forms the core of the living bridge between our nations and unlocks opportunities that benefit both countries. I'm delighted that Imperial College London, one of the world's best and most international universities, is strengthening its partnerships in science, technology and innovation with India. 

“The UK-India Technology Security Initiative, agreed on my visit to Delhi in July 2024, sets out how we will work with India across many of the defining technologies of the decade. The new hub will make critical contributions to these shared UK-India ambitions, driving economic growth, creating skilled jobs, and improving lives in the UK, India and worldwide. These new partnerships will further create a dynamic two-way flow of ideas and talent to drive shared prosperity and address global challenges in areas ranging from health and climate to telecoms, AI, quantum, biotech and critical minerals.” 

 UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Science is international by definition. We can aim higher and go further when we work together. This is especially true for the UK and India, where deep links in areas like life sciences are bolstered by our deepening trade relationship, and our unique historical and cultural bonds. 

“Imperial’s presence in Bengaluru will enable its international community of students, researchers and innovators to work with their India-based counterparts, on efforts that could drive growth, unlock investment, and deliver breakthroughs from health to energy, and beyond. It also boosts a formidable global network the University is building, across the world. These efforts are a prime example of why working on science research with international partners like India, is an important part of the Government’s Plan for Change.” 

About Imperial College London  

We are Imperial – a world-leading university for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB), where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. 

As a global top ten university in London, we use science to try to understand more of the universe and improve the lives of more people in it. Across our nine campuses and throughout our Imperial Global network, our 22,000 students, 8,000 staff, and partners work together on scientific discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. Their work navigates some of the world’s toughest challenges in global health, climate change, AI, business leadership and more. 

Founded in 1907, Imperial’s future builds on a distinguished past, having pioneered penicillin, holography and fibre optics. Today, Imperial combines exceptional teaching, world-class facilities and a habit of interdisciplinary practice to unlock scientific imagination. 

About Professor Sanjeev Gupta 

Professor Sanjeev Gupta is the Academic Co-Director of Imperial Global India and a Professor of Earth Sciences at Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. A geologist by training, his primary research is in reconstructing environmental evolution on planetary surfaces. He studies modern landscapes to understand the environmental factors governing their form and analyses sedimentary rocks to decipher ancient landscape evolution.  

His early research involved exploring the submerged landscapes of the English Channel using sonar data, which led to the discovery that catastrophic megafloods separated Britain from Europe, and explained how Britain became an island. Together with colleagues at the Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur, he has worked on how rivers controlled early urbanisation in the Bronze-age Indus Civilisation and on quantitatively characterising groundwater resources and aquifer depletion in the Ganga basin, a major environmental issue in India.  

He subsequently shifted research area to explore ancient environments and habitability on Mars. He is on the science teams and a Long Term Planner for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity and M2020 Perseverance rover missions. These studies have led to the discovery of the first in situ evidence for ancient rivers, deltas and lake systems at the martian surface. He is applying this experience to preparing for Europe’s first rover mission to Mars, the European Space Agency ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover that will explore the Oxia Planum region of Mars. 

About Dr Elena Dieckmann 

Dr Elena Dieckmann is an Imperial researcher, entrepreneur and innovator specialising in sustainable material development.  Her convergence science research approach focuses on the circular economy, deeptech translation and composite materials, and integrates material science and economic viability, leading to community-driven solutions.    

She is a Lecturer at Imperial’s Dyson School of Design Engineering where she earned her PhD.  She leads the MSc Cleantech Innovation programme and co-leads the Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc with the Royal College of Art. 

Her research and its industry applications have earned her widespread recognition, including winning the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award in 2017 and being listed by Forbes as one of 30 Under 30 to watch in industry in 2018. 

In collaboration with research partners at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), one of Dr Dieckmann's current projects involves developing solutions to tackle the growing global issue of decommissioned solar panels by repurposing them for use as architectural materials. 

Imperial in numbers 

2nd in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) 

1st in Europe and the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025) 

University of the Year (Daily Mail University Guide 2024) 

University of the Year for Graduate Employment (The Times and Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2024) 

Greater proportion of world-leading research than any other UK university (Research Excellence Framework)  

Gold Award (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Photos Caption: “From left to right: Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala; Vindi Banga, Chair, Imperial College London; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon; N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys; Priyank Kharge, Cabinet Minister for Information, Biotechnology, and Rural Development; Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London.”

30 Years Of Transforming India: Johnson Controls Celebrates A Legacy Of Building Smarter, Sustainable Future

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy, safe and sustainable buildings, is celebrating 140 years of achievements and industry-firsts. Since its founding in 1885, Johnson Controls has continuously improved the built environment, delivering the first automatic sprinkler and then the first room thermostat shortly after. Today, Johnson Controls is serving customers throughout the building lifecycle with one of the largest portfolios of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and controls in the world, coupled with a world-class fire protection and smart security portfolio. The company is laser focused on enhancing and protecting essential buildings ranging from data centers to advanced manufacturing to education, hospitals and pharmaceutical labs, creating environments that improve society and help customers run mission-critical operations.

As Johnson Controls celebrates 140 years globally, 2025 also marks 30 years since it began its journey in India, a milestone shaped by innovation, purpose, and people. From pioneering smart building solutions to supporting mission-critical sectors like healthcare, airports, and data centers, Johnson Controls India has grown into a trusted partner for progress. With more than 8,500 employees and a strong network of engineering centers, manufacturing sites, and OpenBlue Innovation Hubs, the company continues to empower India’s infrastructure story, building smarter, safer, and more sustainable environments for generations to come.

Johnson Controls continues to innovate with its ever-growing portfolio of more than 8,000 patents and billions of dollars invested in engineering, research and development in recent years. While portions of the business have been around longer, with its Grinnell and York brands celebrating more than 150 years in existence, the company is united in its inventive spirit and end-to-end partnership with customers. From original engineering and design of equipment to installation, service and ultimately replacement and upgrade, Johnson Controls is about trust and deep commitment to customers. 

“This year marks a very special milestone for Johnson Controls, our 140th anniversary. And this anniversary is a chance for us to reflect on our journey. We are humbled by and grateful for those who came before us and feel the responsibility to forge ahead, continue solving our customers’ problems, and find new and better ways to advance technologies to make a difference,” said Johnson Controls CEO Joakim Weidemanis. “It’s no doubt the secret to our longstanding success is our talented teams around the world and I thank our employees, customers and partners for their role in helping us reach this exciting milestone. As we celebrate what we’ve accomplished, we’re also excited about the future. We feel like we have just gotten started. We are ready to accelerate our technology-based innovation and continuous improvement together with our customers to keep transforming our industry for the next 140 years.”

“As we celebrate 140 years of Johnson Controls globally, we’re equally proud of the role India has played in that journey since we established operations here in 1995,” said Arun Awasthy, President & Managing Director, Johnson Controls India. “Over the past three decades, India has contributed engineering expertise, innovation, and on-the-ground execution to some of the most complex building solutions across critical sectors. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable future — not just for India, but as part of a connected world.”

Looking ahead, Johnson Controls has a more simplified portfolio serving customers over the lifecycle of a building. Combined with world-class service teams reaching more than four million customers anywhere and at any time, our customers are saving money, energy and their own time. The portfolio is further enabled by digital by integrating IoT while connecting equipment, harnessing award-winning AI and machine learning, and offering enhanced real-time analytics – making buildings smarter than ever before. Whether it’s protection from extreme weather conditions, mitigating rising energy prices or developing the latest technology, Johnson Controls is a trusted partner with global expertise and local presence to serve customers now and in the future.

To learn more about Johnson Controls’ 140 years of innovation leadership and its history, visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us/our-company/celebrating-140-years. 

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 @Johnson Controls on social platforms. 

Kotak811’s New Campaign Celebrates The Rise Of India’s Digital-First Banking Generation

Kotak Mahindra Bank (“KMBL”/“Kotak”) today introduced a bold new chapter for Kotak811, its flagship digital banking platform, with a campaign that celebrates the seamless, intuitive, and full-service experience it now offers. Designed for India’s digital-first generation, the new Kotak811 is more than just an app—it’s a complete bank in your pocket.

India is undergoing a remarkable transformation in consumer behavior, fueled by widespread smartphone usage, affordable internet access, and increasing confidence in digital ecosystems. With over a billion mobile connections and a youthful, tech-savvy population, the stage is set for a digital banking revolution. Today’s consumers demand more than traditional banking—they want speed, simplicity, and security, all seamlessly integrated into a mobile-first experience. This is precisely the space Kotak811 is designed to lead.

Speaking at the launch of campaign, Rohit Bhasin, CMO and Head – Propositions, said “At the heart of this evolution is a vibrant campaign featuring Ranveer Singh, capturing the essence of what modern banking should feel like: effortless, fast, and smooth. The campaign’s core message—“Banking so smooth, it’s Makkhan”—reflects the app’s frictionless user experience and its ability to meet every financial need with just a few taps.”

Manish Agarwal, Business Head, Kotak811, said, “India stands on the brink of a digital banking breakthrough, and Kotak811 is built for this very moment. From instant onboarding in under five minutes to seamless UPI payments, smart investment tools, and cashbacks—backed by the credibility of Kotak Mahindra Bank—our platform delivers a truly digital-first experience. It’s not just about ease of use; it’s about trust, security, and a user journey that feels second nature. That’s our differentiator.”

Jay Kotak, Co-head, Kotak811, emphasized the customer-centric approach behind the platform’s evolution, “This is not just a new campaign—it’s a reflection of how deeply we’ve listened to our customers. Today’s Indian consumer expects more than just an amazing payment app. They want a full-service bank that’s fast, intuitive, and always accessible. Kotak811 delivers exactly that.”

TVC Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDPdLf0CVwM

Agency Credits:

Creative Agency – MYO

Campaign team members:

Deepa Geethakrishnan

Shalini Degan

Ankush Pande

Garima Khandelwal

The new Kotak811 new app is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 31st December 2024, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 2,068 branches and 3,337 ATMs (incl. cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A To Introduce A New Extended Stay Experience

* Spacious living accommodations arrive, offering a seamless blend of serviced apartments and hotel

Hyatt Hotel Corporation (NYSE: H) announced plans for the Hyatt House brand to debut in the National Capital Region of India as part of a landmark mixed-use development, the Flagship. Located in Noida, the signing of this 127-key, extended stay hotel, owned by IT Infrastructure Park Private Ltd, a subsidiary of CRC Group, will be strategically located within the 11.16-acre site.

As Noida and Greater Noida continue to emerge as thriving economic hubs, Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A is poised to meet the rising demand for premium accommodations driven by the rapid expansion of key industries. With a dynamic influx of corporate activity from major conglomerates in IT/ITeS, electronics manufacturing, automobile, and food processing sectors, the hotel will be strategically positioned to cater to business travelers seeking a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and modern amenities. By offering an elevated hospitality experience tailored to the needs of professionals, this hotel is set to become a preferred choice for corporate stays in this fast-growing region.

A New Benchmark in Extended Stay Hospitality

Designed for both transient and extended-stay guests, Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will offer contemporary, residential-style accommodations to meet the growing demand from project-based stays, international business visitors, and corporate relocations. The hotel will serve professionals and business travelers whether they need accommodations for a single night or several months.

Elevated Amenities and Thoughtful Dining Experiences

Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will feature thoughtfully designed spaces, including:

A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a stretching area, and an outdoor pool.

A recreational zone with indoor activities, gaming consoles, billiard tables, and board games.

A vibrant food and beverage offering, including a 125-seat, all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and a market-style café with grab-and-go options.

Outdoor seating and a private dining room for 20-25 guests.

Large conference and event spaces, catering to corporate meetings, symposiums, training sessions, and social gatherings.

Dhruva Rathore, Vice President of Development, India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt, said, “We are delighted to announce plans to introduce the Hyatt House brand to Delhi NCR. Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A, a vibrant and contemporary extended-stay hotel, will offer the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and a sense of community. Ideally situated in Noida’s commercial hub, this property is set to be a top choice for business travellers, expatriates, and families seeking a seamless home-away-from-home experience. As we expand our brand footprint in India, we remain committed to redefining extended-stay hospitality by anticipating evolving guest needs, fostering meaningful connections, and delivering exceptional service. With Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A, we look forward to elevating long-term stays while contributing to the region’s dynamic growth.”

Kunal Bhalla, Founder and CEO, CRC Group, and Director of  IT Infrastructure Park Private Ltd, commented “Noida’s rapid rise as a commercial and industrial center has led to a growing need for high-quality extended-stay accommodations. Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will be ideally positioned to address that need, aligning with our broader vision for The Flagship and the region’s evolving business landscape.”

Salil Kumar, Director-Marketing and Business Management, CRC Group and spokesperson for IT Infrastructure Park Private Ltd, said, “This hotel will play a key role in shaping a dynamic ecosystem within The Flagship development. We’re proud to work with Hyatt to introduce an offering that blends global brand standards with the local business community’s unique needs.”

About Hyatt House

Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests seeking spacious and well-equipped living accommodations with everything they need and more for short- or long-term stays. At more than 130 locations worldwide, the Hyatt House brand delivers home-like amenities, purposeful service, and contemporary spaces, including complimentary home-cooked breakfast for guests, a creatively curated menu at H Bar; and indoor and outdoor communal spaces for working, socializing, or relaxing. For more information, please visit hyatthouse.com. Join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram and tag photos #HomeIsWhere

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2025, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information,  visit www.hyatt.com.

EKA Mobility Awarded “Automotive PLI Certificate” By ARAI For Its Bus Platform

EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicles & technology company has been awarded the Automotive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Certificate (Under Advanced Automotive Technology Vehicles) by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

The certification, granted by ARAI – the designated testing and certification agency under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is a testament to EKA’s commitment to advancing India’s clean mobility goals. It recognizes EKA’s compliance with the stringent eligibility requirements laid out under the PLI scheme for advanced and indigenized electric vehicle platforms.

Dr Sudhir Mehta Founder & Chairman EKA Mobility said, “Securing the Automotive PLI Certificate for the EKA bus platform reflects the evolving readiness of India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem to deliver globally benchmarked, locally engineered mobility solutions. The certification affirms the significance of a vertically integrated approach where product development, supply chain localization, and advanced technology converge to create commercially viable electric vehicles. As India accelerates its transition to sustainable transport, such recognitions help catalyze deeper industry-government collaboration and reinforce the potential of indigenous innovation to lead the shift.”

EKA Mobility’s electric bus platform has been built with a focus on modular architecture, local value addition, and cutting-edge technology, aligned with the objectives of the PLI scheme and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Featuring a streamlined monocoque chassis, and lightweight construction, the platform's modularity makes it easy to adapt to varying bus lengths, allowing for versatile configurations based on specific operational needs.

The platform is designed to offer a low total cost of ownership (TCO), making electric mobility more profitable, accessible and viable for mass adoption.

Indian Glove Industry Awaits Implementation Of Quality Control Order

* Incidents of regulatory violations and illegal dumping on the rise due to absence of formal notification

* QCO uploaded with World Trade Organization (WTO) on 22-02-2025

* Industry continues to face huge losses and struggle for survival

Indian Glove manufacturers are calling for the prompt implementation of the Medical and Surgical Gloves (Quality Control) Order (QCO), which has now been in the public domain for 60 days following its submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement. The QCO, introduced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, mandates Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for all medical and surgical gloves—both imported and domestically manufactured.

While the industry welcomes and appreciates the government's decisive step toward protecting public health and supporting the domestic glove manufacturing sector, stakeholders are increasingly concerned over delays in enforcement. 

Manmohan Gulati, Secretary of the Indian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (IRGMA) said, “The 60-day WTO consultation period, which allows member countries and stakeholders to provide feedback, has now concluded. However, in the absence of formal notification, incidents of regulatory violations and illegal dumping of substandard gloves have continued to rise.”

K. Anindith Reddy, Managing Director of Enliva – Wadi Surgicals, stated that, “The formal implementation of the QCO will be a breakthrough for domestic manufacturers which have been struggling to compete against the influx of low quality, non-compliant gloves. With the notification of QCO, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified gloves will be prohibited. The timely implementation of the QCO is critical not only to curb the influx of low-quality imports but also to strengthen India's Make in India initiative by ensuring fair competition and promoting high-quality domestic production.”

The QCO is poised to address a major loophole exploited through the import of illegal, substandard gloves by mandating strict compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and ISI certification on all gloves, both imported and domestically manufactured. Industry estimates that the new QCO will directly impact the average annual import of ?450–500 crore worth of such illegal products, thereby ensuring only safe, certified gloves enter the Indian market. The industry, while supportive of the regulation, is keenly awaiting the final notification and enforcement mechanism. The Indian Glove manufacturing industry urges for a timely implementation of the QCO to protect public health from the risks posed by poor-quality medical gloves.

LinkedIn Launches AI-Powered Job Search To Help Professionals Look For New Roles In Their Own Words

Two-thirds (61%) of professionals in Bengaluru say they’re open to new opportunities but don’t know what job titles or industries to search for, according to new research by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network. The top three ways Bengaluru define professional progress today are (#1) learning something new, (#2) taking the next step with confidence, and (#3) finding a role that truly fits. While the desire for purposeful growth is clear, finding the right opportunity remains a challenge.

LinkedIn has introduced a new AI-powered job search experience to help job seekers find relevant roles that align with what matters most to them. Available for Premium subscribers, the tool uses generative AI to understand a job seeker’s intent, skills, and goals, even if they don’t know the exact title or keyword, so they can discover opportunities in their own words. At a time when 80% of professionals in India are seeking better tools to assess fit and potential, AI-powered job search is designed to make job discovery more relevant, helping them make career moves with greater confidence.

Premium subscribers will get added benefits, including scenario-based role play like interview prep and My Career Journey — a personalised learning plan to help them build in-demand skills on LinkedIn Learning. They’ll also be able to view Hiring Insights, showing how active a hirer is, how quickly they respond, and whether they’re reviewing applications, offering more visibility into the hiring process.

India Sr. Managing Editor and LinkedIn Career Expert Nirajita Banerjee shares tips to help young professionals stand out from the crowd:

“Be strategic in your applications: Work smarter, not harder when it comes to job hunting. Almost five in 10 (49%) people say they’re applying to more jobs than ever, but hearing back less* and hirers are also finding the process increasingly challenging. Instead of mass applying, get strategic. LinkedIn’s job match helps you zero in on roles that actually suit your skills and helps you quickly understand how your qualifications match any job postings in seconds.

Get comfortable with AI: The technology is becoming increasingly integrated into all aspects of work, and the more you understand it, the more you can use it to your advantage in your career growth. Whether it’s brushing up on prompt writing or diving into a free course, such as Job Hunting for College Grads, How to Boost Your Productivity with AI Tools, and The Step-by-Step Guide to Rock Your Job Interview, available until June 30. A little know-how could majorly pay off later.  

Make adaptability your new BFF: As AI becomes integrated, companies are looking for people who keep up with new tech and still bring the human touch (spoiler: people skills are in, according to this year’s Skills on the Rise).

Build your network: Don’t be afraid to start growing your network by connecting with alumni, new colleagues and friends. Building your connections and engaging with posts on LinkedIn from time to time can help foster stronger relationships, keep you on people’s radar and open doors to opportunities such as job referrals and even the inside track on job openings.

Embrace the journey: The path to success is not always a straight line and it might take a while before you find what’s right for you – and that’s ok. Say yes to the random networking event, volunteer for the side projects and grab a flat white with someone outside of your team. Professionals entering the workforce today are on track to hold nearly 2x as many jobs over their careers compared to 15 years ago, so take your time, explore and trust the process.”

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 1 billion members and offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com

Sify Announces Pay-Per-Use Colocation Pricing At All NVIDIA-Certified AI-Ready Hyperscale Data Center Campuses Across India

Sify Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: SIFY), India’s leading Digital ICT solutions provider announced the launch of its unique Pay-per-use model to support the burgeoning requirements for AI Cloud Services. 

This follows the recent expansion of Sify’s portfolio of DGX-Ready Data Centers, certified for up to 130 KW/rack capacity under NVIDIA’s DGX-Ready Data Center program – Sify’s latest hyperscale data centers in Chennai and Noida have now been certified by NVIDIA, joining Sify’s Navi Mumbai data center which was certified in 2024.  Sify will offer this innovative, colocation pricing program at all three of these campus locations.

The hourly pricing model is inclusive of hosting, power and infrastructure costs.

By pricing its services on an hourly basis, Sify is removing the entry-cost barrier and fixed-cost infrastructure risk, enabling its GPU Cloud partners to set up and respond quickly to the growing AI market.  Sify’s converged ICT ecosystem will also offer an extensive array of services like Global connectivity, White Glove IT infrastructure and Managed Services. Initially, Sify will support the NVIDIA H100, H200, B200, GB200 NVL72, and GB300 NVL72 platforms, including liquid-cooled variants.

Speaking on this market disruption, Sharad Agarwal, CEO, Sify Infinit Spaces Limited, the data center subsidiary of Sify Technologies Limited, said “By investing ahead in state-of-the-art infrastructure, Sify already has the most extensive footprint of NVIDIA-certified data centers and a network connectivity with the lowest latency to hyperscale clouds. Now, by introducing colocation pricing on an hourly basis, we aim to make it much faster and easier to deploy these platforms in India to support on-demand applications.  Sify’s colocation partners can bring the latest NVIDIA GPUs to India, while Sify will manage all of the local infrastructure to support this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.”

“India is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player in the global AI race, with its deep talent pool, cost advantages, and rapidly advancing digital infrastructure. Sify’s pay-per-use colocation model, built on NVIDIA-certified platforms, is a timely innovation that removes traditional barriers to AI adoption. By enabling global enterprises to tap into India’s AI capabilities through scalable, high-performance infrastructure, Sify is well positioned to support domestic innovation and position India as a global hub for AI workloads and transformation”, quoted Rajiv Ranjan, Associate Research Director, IDC Asia Pacific.

About Sify Technologies

A multiple times award winner of the Golden Peacock from the Institute of Directors for Corporate Governance, Sify Technologies is India’s most comprehensive ICT service & solution provider. With Cloud at the core of our solutions portfolio, Sify is focussed on the changing ICT requirements of the emerging Digital economy and the resultant demands from large, mid and small-sized businesses. 

Sify’s infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art Data Centers, the largest MPLS network, partnership with global technology majors and deep expertise in business transformation solutions modelled on the cloud, make it the first choice of start-ups, SMEs and even large Enterprises on the verge of a revamp.

More than 10000 businesses across multiple verticals have taken advantage of our unassailable trinity of Data Centers, Networks and Digital services and conduct their business seamlessly from more than 1700 cities in India. Internationally, Sify has presence across North America, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Sify, www.sify.com, Sify Technologies and www.sifytechnologies.com are registered trademarks of Sify Technologies Limited.