Agilent launches InfinityLab Pro iQ Series Mass Detectors in India

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  New intelligent mass detectors with high sensitivity, smart automation, and seamless integration.

 

Agilent Technologies today launched its InfinityLab Pro iQ Series mass detectors in India at an exclusive showcase in Bangalore. The highly anticipated series—designed for next-generation liquid chromatography-mass detection (LC-MS)—is poised to transform how Indian scientists detect and analyze impurities, trace contaminants, and complex biomolecules with unprecedented ease and sensitivity.

 

The InfinityLab Pro iQ Series – comprising the Pro iQ and Pro iQ Plus – represents a significant leap forward in LC-mass detection. These intelligent, compact systems are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern analytical laboratories. They offer triple quadrupole-level sensitivity within a single quadrupole system, enabling highly sensitive and accurate detection. The systems incorporate smart automation features that ensure ease of use and consistent performance across workflows. Additionally, they integrate seamlessly with Agilent’s InfinityLab LC portfolio and the OpenLab software suite, creating a unified and efficient analytical environment.

 

Together, these capabilities empower users to manage a wide range of workflows, including impurity profiling, biomolecule characterization, trace-level detection, and mass-based purification. The systems are equally effective for small molecule analysis and for complex biologics such as oligonucleotides, peptides, and intact proteins.

 

“With the launch of the InfinityLab Pro iQ Series in India, Agilent is reaffirming its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower scientists to achieve greater insight and efficiency. The Pro iQ Series makes high-performance mass detection more accessible than ever, empowering Indian labs to move faster, with greater confidence in their data, no matter what they’re analyzing.” said Nandakumar Kalathil, Country General Manager, Agilent India.

 

“These intelligent systems simplify complex analyses and make high-performance mass detection more accessible across a wide range of applications. As India’s scientific landscape continues to evolve, we are proud to support our customers with technologies that help them advance research, ensure quality, and accelerate innovation.”, he added.

 

At the launch event, scientists from top CROs, CDMOs, and pharmaceutical companies witnessed a live demonstration of the system, followed by hands-on sessions and roundtable discussions led by Ian Edwards, Global Strategic Product Marketing Manager for LC/MS at Agilent. Experts emphasized how the system boosts data quality and lab efficiency, especially in high-demand environments.

 

By introducing the InfinityLab Pro iQ Series in India, Agilent continues to redefine the future of liquid chromatography-mass detection. Combining advanced sensitivity, intelligent design, and seamless integration, the Pro iQ Series empowers scientists to push the boundaries of discovery and innovation. As laboratories across India strive for greater precision, efficiency, and insight, Agilent remains a trusted partner—delivering the technologies and support needed to solve today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

 

About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE : A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

GCC 5.0 and the Viksit Bharat Vision: India’s Global Capability Centres Step into a New Era

 With over 300 GCCs and strong state participation, India signals its next leapfrom back-end support to global innovation hubsthrough people-first policies, inclusive leadership, and future-ready workplaces.

The GCC Workplace Awards 2025 by the Zyoin Group proved to be the launchpad for GCC 5.0, a new era of innovation, leadership, and transformation in India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) landscape. Held at Hilton Manyata, Bengaluru, on July 11, this edition emerged as the largest yet, with over 700 nominations and 300+ participating GCCs, 100+ Speakers.

 

GCCs are fast becoming enablers of the Viksit Bharat mission, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s knowledge economy, generating high-value employment, and building globally benchmarked capabilities across sectors. With more than 1.9 million professionals employed by India’s 1700+ GCCs, according to NASSCOM, these centres are helping the country transition from a service destination to a global innovation powerhouse. By investing in advanced tech infrastructure, digital skilling, women leadership, and ESG compliance, GCCs are building a future-ready workforce and creating resilient business ecosystems, directly contributing to India's aspiration of becoming a $5 trillion economy. From AI-driven R&D to global back-office innovation, GCCs are not only enhancing India’s global footprint but are also unlocking opportunities for Tier-2 and Tier-3 talent across the country.

 

What made GCC 5.0 different was how people, policy, and partnerships converged to redefine the future of workplace excellence. As GCCs evolve into strategic, innovation-led units under GCC 5.0, the ecosystem around them is also transforming, ushering in stronger government enablement, deeper collaboration with academia and industry experts, and greater focus on employee experience, sustainability, and leadership development. This evolution directly aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision, where innovation, inclusivity, and global integration go hand in hand to propel India into its next growth orbit.

 

Adding gravitas to the event, state IT Secretary  from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh attended to demonstrate their commitment to India’s growing digital economy and workplace transformation. Several distinguished dignitaries were present, including Bhaskar Katamneni, IAS, Secretary to Government, representative from KDEM, Raman Reddy from KSDA, representative from MON.

 

A major focus this year was on diversity and women leadership. As GCCs continue their shift from cost centers to value creators, women are rising to lead with vision and impact. Several sessions and awards were dedicated to celebrating inclusive hiring, retention, and leadership pathways for women and underrepresented groups.

 

“Talent is at the heart of every workplace, and for us, it’s not just about solutions, but about shaping the entire talent ecosystem. Over the past year, we’ve evolved with a deep focus on GCCs, because this is where the complexity and opportunity truly lie. While Fortune 500 companies are building exceptional GCCs in India, their efforts often go unnoticed. Our platform aims to change that, not just through recognition, but by fostering inspiration and connection as we step into the era of GCC 5.0. It’s about sharing stories, spotlighting best practices, and enabling peer-to-peer visibility across industries. Localization matters, Indian talent has unique needs, and bridging those gaps requires meaningful collaboration. That’s why we created the most comprehensive GCC Playbook yet, with voices from across sectors and the support of the Government of Karnataka. Recognition, inspiration, and connection, that’s how we build the future, together.” Anuj Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Workplace Awards.

 

The event also witnessed the official launch of the GCC Workplace Playbook, co-created with 7 strategic partners: Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), NHRD Bangalore Chapter, Adrenalin, CBRE, BDO, IIM Bangalore, and Zyoin Group.

 

 “GCC 5.0 marks a defining shift in the way global capability centres operate in India, it’s no longer just about cost arbitrage or backend support. Today’s GCCs are innovation-led, talent-first, and deeply integrated with their global counterparts. At CBRE, we’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand: clients are now building GCCs as agile, future-ready hubs with a sharp focus on real estate strategy, talent localization, sustainability, and employee experience. This evolution is why GCC 5.0 is so important. It represents a new operating model where real estate is not just an enabler but a strategic differentiator, offices are being designed around hybrid productivity, wellness, and brand culture. We’re also seeing rising demand from non-tech verticals like pharma, banking, and automotive, all looking to set up or expand their India footprint. As a global real estate and workplace advisory partner, CBRE is proud to play a key role in this shift for what global India will look like in the next decade.” Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Leasing, CBRE India

 

This collaborative playbook now serves as a blueprint for GCCs to scale sustainably, balancing innovation, compliance, people experience, and real estate strategy. From workspace design to digital skilling, it sets a new benchmark for global standards rooted in Indian potential.

 

This year’s awards and summit were not just about recognition. They marked the beginning of a ripple effect, one that empowers organizations to redefine how we work, lead, and grow. As India continues to host the world’s most vibrant GCC community, GCC 5.0 signals the dawn of a bold new phase driven by creativity, collaboration, and care.

Ranju Alex of Marriott International Honored with Bharat Gaurav Award 2025 for Exemplary Leadership

Marriott International is delighted to announce that Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia has been conferred the Bharat Gaurav Award 2025, at a stellar ceremony hosted at the House of Commons, British Parliament in London. This national level honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions towards nation building through their professional excellence and personal integrity. This award comes with a legacy of esteemed awardees such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gaur Gopal Das, and Indra Nooyi.

Held annually, the Bharat Gaurav Awards celebrates those who exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to societal impact. This year, Ranju was recognized not only for her stellar contribution to the hospitality sector but also for her unwavering focus on diversity, inclusion and people-first leadership.

 

With almost three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranju has played a pivotal role in shaping Marriott International’s South Asia portfolio, leading with the mantra -‘Pursuit of excellence with humility in leadership’. She has consistently broken barriers and set benchmarks as one of the few women leaders in the hospitality sector, inspiring future generations with her strategic vision, empathic leadership, and steadfast advocacy for gender equity in the workplace.

 

A true change-maker, Ranju has led several pathbreaking initiatives aimed at cultivating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Among these is Project Pranita, an industry-first initiative launched under her guidance to increase the representation of women in leadership roles across Marriott hotels in India. The program focuses on structured mentorship, upskilling, and career acceleration for women associates, resulting in a tangible rise in women leaders within the organization.

 

In addition, she has championed a number of employee-led initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity, promote inclusion, and support the hiring and integration of persons with disabilities. Her deep belief in inclusive hospitality goes beyond policy—it is embedded in the way teams are built, voices are heard, and opportunities are created at every level of the organization.

 

Sharing her thoughts Ranju Alex commented- “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the Bharat Gaurav Award 2025. To me this recognition is not just a personal milestone but a powerful affirmation of the values we hold dear at Marriott International where we put people first, nurture young talent, and drive inclusive growth. I dedicate this award to every individual and team I have had the privilege to lead and learn from, and to every woman who dares to dream beyond limitations. At Marriott, we believe in creating spaces that are not only exceptional but inclusive and this award reaffirms that belief”.

 

Under her leadership, Marriott International’s South Asia portfolio has expanded its footprint while continuing to champion employee well-being, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth values that reflect the very essence of the Bharat Gaurav Awards. As a champion of diversity, Ranju Alex’s recognition comes at a time when industries across India are seeking stronger, more empathetic leaders who can drive purpose led growth and lasting change.

Kinetic Green announces aggressive expansion of its E2W business with Born Electric range of scooters

* Buoyed by success of its E-Luna, Kinetic Green announces launch of three Born Electric scooter models over the next 18 months, starting with a stylish family scooter this festive season~ 

Reinforcing its leadership, Kinetic Green, India’s premier Electric two and three-wheeler manufacturer has today detailed an aggressive growth roadmap for its electric two-wheeler business. Bolstered by the resounding success of its iconic E-Luna, launched a year ago, the company is now gearing up to launch three high performance Born-Electric scooters over the next 18 months that are poised to blend global design finesse with robust Indian engineering.

 

The first model in this exciting new expansion is a premium, stylish, and tech-forward family scooter, set to launch before the festive season of 2025. With a host of state-of-the-art features, the E2W is thoughtfully designed to blend timeless retro-aesthetics with ultimate convenience for the users. It will be equipped with a vibrant TFT display, advanced IoT capabilities, and an intelligent digital platform co-developed with Jio Things, ensuring a connected and seamless riding experience. Offered in multiple battery variants and backed by fast-charging technology, this E-scooter is thoughtfully designed to meet a wide range of consumer preferences and budget segments.

 

Taking its design game a notch higher, Kinetic Green has partnered with Torino Design, the legendary global design house based in Italy, to co-create a new range of ultra-futuristic scooters. These next-generation models will feature radical styling based on the Born Electric design philosophy signalling a new direction in mobility design and lifestyle. The design language is intended to create a disruptive elegance and be trend setting and youthful.

At the same time, the vehicle engineering and detailing will be based on a unique philosophy coined by the company as “Thoughtful Engineering.” This philosophy ensures a synergy of intelligent design, advanced IoT-based connectivity, and various features aimed at ultimate comfort, convenience, and safety, creating a new benchmark in electric mobility. At the heart of this vision lies the unparalleled legacy of Kinetic Group, which has shaped the evolution of scooters in India for decades. Kinetic Green is drawing on its rich heritage and deep consumer insights to develop products that not only elevate design but also redefine utility and performance in the era of electric mobility. The E-scooters being designed in partnership with Torino Design are expected to hit the market next year.

 

Speaking on the announcement, Dr Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, said: " We are truly excited about our upcoming range of Born-Electric scooters from the house of Kinetic Green. With over a decade of experience in the EV space, we have built deep expertise in electric mobility design and engineering, backed by robust EV R&D and strategic partnerships for fast charging, battery swapping, and proprietary software-driven platform solutions.  We are greatly enthused by the success of our E-Luna and E-scooters recently launched in India. Having sold over 80,000 E2W in this initial phase, created a strong manufacturing infrastructure and a network of 400 exclusive dealers for E2W in the country, we are ready to aggressively expand our E2W business. Now with our design alliance with Torino Design of Italy, a global leader in design and engineering, we aim to re-define electric scooters in the coming months. With foundation built on 'Thoughtful Engineering,' our upcoming scooters will sport a fresh and futuristic styling language, incorporating innovation and a purpose to offer a delightful ownership experience to our customers.”

 

Kinetic Green has been at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle revolution. It began its EV journey in 2016 with a range of “Make in India” electric three-wheelers.  In 2022, Kinetic Green entered the two-wheeler space and launched its iconic E-Luna in 2024. The E-Luna has seen remarkable success across both B2C and B2B segments, standing out as the only EV suited for both personal and commercial use, across urban and rural India.

Encouraged by this response, Kinetic Green is now on an ambitious path to expand its electric two-wheeler portfolio blending its rich legacy with future-ready innovation, design, and technology.

 

The move by Kinetic Green of an aggressive expansion of the E2W business comes at the right time when the country is witnessing increasing adoption of electric scooters. During 2024-25 1.15Mn E2W were sold in India, 1.03Mn (~90%) out of them were E-scooters. The E-scooter market is expected to scale rapidly in India over the next 5 years, with increased E-scooter penetration expected to grow from 15% to 70%*. It is expected that by 2030, the size of the E-scooter market in India will be Rs. 40,000 Crores. Kinetic Green is well positioned to tap this opportunity with its EV R&D and engineering expertise, deep insights into Indian EV consumers, a strong manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem, the well regarded Kinetic Green legacy brand and nationwide dealership network. The differentiated E-Luna along with the range of E-scooters will position the company to tap into this opportunity comprehensively and aggressively.

 

About Kinetic Green:

Kinetic Green is one of the leading players in India’s electric vehicle sector, offering a wide range of electric 3-wheelers and electric 2-wheelers – manufactured in a state-of-the-art production facility near Pune, Maharashtra to advance green mobility solutions aimed at India and global markets.

 

Helmed by Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, a third-generation scion of the Firodia family, Kinetic Green is dedicated to building a robust pan-India EV ecosystem and developing sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, with a vision to democratise electric mobility, and to bring EVs to the mainstream- accessible to not just the classes, but to the masses

 

Kinetic Green has formed a Joint Venture with the world’s leading luxury brand, Tonino Lamborghini of Italy, to develop a range of Electric Golf Carts and Lifestyle Carts for the global markets. To fuel its aggressive growth plans, the company recently secured $25 million in its Series A funding round from UK based PE fund, Greater Pacific Capital and is in the process to raise another $30 million.

 

About Torino Design

Established in November 2005 by Roberto Piatti, TORINO DESIGN is a leading automotive styling and engineering consultancy based in Turin, Italy. With a focus on creative development, high-knowledge skills, and a strong global network, the company has successfully completed over 500 design projects for more than 30 top automotive OEMs worldwide. TORINO DESIGN specializes in styling, 3D modeling, and feasibility engineering, and offers comprehensive project coordination from concept to prototype, particularly excelling in emerging markets.

FES Cafe Raises Rs 3 Crores in Seed Funding from Serial Entrepreneur Aakash Anand and Wolfpack Labs

FES Cafe, India’s first scalable dessert-led Cafe chain, has raised Rs 3 crores in a seed round led by serial entrepreneur Aakash Anand and his venture studio Wolfpack Labs, known for backing high-growth consumer brands. The capital will fuel FES’s aggressive expansion, including its much-awaited entry into Delhi this July, and accelerate its vision of building a national, dessert-first Cafe brand rooted in culture, community, and indulgence, with plans to scale to 100+ locations by FY 2027.

With a 100% eggless menu and a dessert-first approach, FES is reimagining India’s Cafe culture. The brand has become a go-to destination for freshly baked cookies, whipped puddings, alternative-ingredient cakes, innovative seasonal desserts, and scrumptious savoury options, all served in a vibrant third space designed for Gen Zs and Millennials to vibe, work, hang, and connect. Signature experiences like Coffee Raves, Dessert of the Month drops, and limited-edition menus keep the community engaged and coming back for more.

 Since its launch, FES has seen explosive growth, recording:

• 3X revenue growth in the first 3 months

• 29.8% store-level EBITDA by Month 4

• 347% surge in delivery revenue over 90 days

• 10,000+ monthly orders as of June 2025

• EBITDA-positive in just four months at the company level.

• Higher-than-industry-standard revenue per square foot, driven by operational efficiency and strong repeat rates

“FES was born out of one belief: desserts deserve better,” said Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe. “For decades, desserts have been an afterthought in India’s Cafes. We wanted to flip the script, to put gooey cookies, innovative sweets, and indulgence right at the center of culture. With Wolfpack’s backing, we’re building not just a Cafe chain, but a national network of dessert-first third spaces,  powered by community, creativity, and a whole lot of freshly baked joy.”

In addition to capital, Wolfpack Labs brings strategic expertise across product innovation, franchising frameworks, operations, and brand building.

“FES is building what India’s been waiting for: a true community Cafe brand with the buzz of a Central Perk (F.R.I.E.N.D.S show) and the business rigor to back it up,” said Aakash Anand, Lead investor, Wolfpack Labs. “From coffee raves to cult desserts, FES has all the right ingredients: a relatable brand, a loyal following, solid unit economics, and a founder with the hustle to scale nationwide.”

“We’re backing FES because it understands what the next generation wants: a space that’s inclusive, indulgent, and social,” added Prerna Gupta, Founding Partner, Wolfpack Labs. “This is a brand that can grow fast and still feel personal, a rare and powerful combination.”

What’s Next:

• Delhi debut this July, marking FES’s first Cafe in the capital.

• Second Gurgaon outlet opening in a leading corporate park in September 2025

• Jaipur launch scheduled for December 2025

• On track to open 100+ stores by FY 2027 across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities

• Rolling out a hybrid COCO + FICO model

• Delivery-first hubs and packaged dessert formats in development to extend reach beyond physical Cafes.

About FES Cafe

Founded by Vidur Mayor, FES Cafe is India’s first 100% eggless dessert Cafe chain, built around indulgence, innovation, and connection. Designed as modern third spaces for young India, FES brings together freshly baked cookies, whipped puddings, alternative-ingredient cakes, innovative seasonal desserts, scrumptious savoury options and rotating dessert drops, retro arcade corners, and community-driven formats like Coffee Raves to create a one-of-a-kind Cafe culture.

Instagram: @fescafe_desserts | Website: fescafe.in

About Wolfpack Labs

Wolfpack Labs is a venture studio and startup lab supporting India’s next generation of founders. With a hands-on, founder-first approach, the firm provides more than capital, offering deep operational support across product, design, brand, and growth. Focused on building culturally relevant and enduring companies, Wolfpack Labs partners with early-stage startups to drive long-term impact and category-defining success. In parallel, it also works with select companies as a brand-building partner, shaping strategy, identity, and scale from the ground up.

Instagram: @wolfpacklabs.vc | Website: wolfpacklabs.vc

MasterChef India Winner Chef Ashiq Curates "Mungaru Mangaluru" Pop-Up at Ishaara, Phoenix Mall of Asia

Ishaara, Bengaluru's modern Indian dining destination at Phoenix Mall of Asia, is set to host an exclusive culinary pop-up: MUNGARU MANGALURU from this week. Curated by MasterChef India Season 8 winner, Chef Mohammed Ashiq, this event invites guests to experience the rich coastal kitchens of Karnataka. Ishaara, known for its tropical aesthetics and inclusive team, provides the perfect backdrop for this special culinary journey.

“Mungaru Mangaluru,” meaning Mangalore & Monsoons, is a limited-edition gastronomic journey that pays heartfelt tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Mangalore. Inspired by nostalgic Sunday feasts, grandmother’s recipes, and the warmth of home-cooked coastal meals, each dish is an ode to the region’s soulful traditions.

 

Chef Mohammed Ashiq, a self-taught culinary artist from Mangalore, brings his signature blend of bold flavours, refined plating, and deep emotional storytelling to every dish. Guests can expect beautifully crafted plates, soul-stirring flavours, and stories that evoke memories — making this a monsoon dining experience like no other.

 

Come, savour the rains, the roots, and the rich flavours of Mangalore — one soulful plate at a time. Do not miss the chance to be part of this culinary journey, starting at Ishaara, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore.

 

Event Details: 

Event: MUNGAARU MANGALURU

Location: Ishaara – 3rd Floor, Phoenix Mall of Asia – Bangalore North.

Date – 9th July Onwards

Time: 12:00 PM Onwards

Entry: Reservation – 93536 45965 / 97424 78792

Fly More, Earn More: Kotak and IndiGo Relaunch Co-Branded Credit Cards powered by IndiGo BluChips

Love to travel? Now your everyday spending can take you places! Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndiGo have teamed up to relaunch an exciting suite of co-branded credit cards –powered by IndiGo Airlines’ brand-new loyalty program, IndiGo BluChip.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or just planning your next getaway, these cards are designed to daily expenses into travel rewards.

Two Cards, One Goal – Smarter Travel

Choose the card that fits your lifestyle:

*   IndiGo Kotak Credit Card – Perfect for everyday users seeking travel benefits with daily convenience. Customer can earn over 30,000 BluChips on spending ₹6 lacs annually including Milestones, accelerated rewards on travel, dining, entertainment, and more.

*    IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card – Tailored for frequent flyers, this card offers over 70,000 BluChips on annual spends over ₹12 lacs, turning your daily spends into return tickets to your favourite holiday destinations.

Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said:
“At Kotak, we are proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with IndiGo, an airline that has redefined travel for millions of Indians. This collaboration is built around a shared vision, to make everyday banking more rewarding and travel more accessible. Through these co-branded credit cards, we are giving our customers a simple, powerful way to turn daily spends into memorable journeys.”

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: "Through IndiGo BluChip, we strive to offer unmatched loyalty benefits to our loyal customers and this partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank is an integral part of our endeavour. This partnership empowers our customers to earn IndiGo BluChips on their everyday spending and redeem them seamlessly on flights across our domestic and international network. As IndiGo spreads its wings across the globe, we are sure that customers appreciate and enjoy the benefits of these credit cards as they travel across the globe with us.”

• Ready to Take Off?

Getting started is easy:

1.       Apply online via the official link.

2.       Activate your card through Kotak’s app or website.

3.       Start spending and watch your BluChips grow!

Turn your daily expenses into unforgettable travel experiences. Learn more and apply here: https://www.goindigo.in/loyalty/partners/kotak-mahindra-bank-credit-card.html