EKA Mobility Welcomes Mohit Sharma As New Chief Human Resource Officer

EKA (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), India’s leading electric vehicle and technology company, announces the appointment of Mr. Mohit Sharma as its Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).

With a distinguished 27-year career in Human Resources, Mr. Sharma has held leadership roles at renowned organisations like Whirlpool, VVF Group, and Parle Agro. He is an expert in talent management, organizational transformation, performance-driven culture building, employee engagement and global HR strategy. In his role at EKA Mobility, he will be responsible for strengthening people-centric policies, nurturing a high-performance work culture, talent management and driving employee satisfaction.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Mohit Sharma, CHRO, EKA Mobility, said, "It is a privilege to be part of EKA Mobility’s journey towards building a world-class organisation. I look forward to supporting the company’s growth by enhancing talent strategies, building a performance culture, driving innovation, and fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace for all."

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, EKA Mobility, added, "At EKA, our people are at the core of our success. Mohit's deep HR expertise and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our organisational culture, talent development, and employee engagement as we continue to scale and drive innovation in the electric mobility sector.”

EKA Mobility reaffirms its commitment to developing a top-tier firm by maintaining an exceptional culture and investing in talent.

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations Releases February’25 Vehicle Retail Data

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for February'25.

February’25 Retails

FADA President, Mr. C S Vigneshwar, shared his perspective on the Auto Retail performance for February 2025:

“February witnessed a broad-based downturn across all categories, a trend that was anticipated in our previous survey which projected a ‘Flat to De-growth’ sentiment for the month. Overall, the market closed with a -7% YoY decline, with 2W, 3W, PV, Trac and CV falling by 6%, 2%, 10%, 14.5% and 8.6% respectively. During the month, dealers began expressing concerns about inventory being pushed to them without their consent. While such initiatives may serve broader business objectives, it is critical to align wholesale allocations with genuine demand to protect dealer viability and ensure healthy inventory management.

In the 2W segment, despite an 8.57% FY YTD growth, retail sales dipped by 6.33% YoY. Urban areas experienced a sharper decline of 7.38% compared to a 5.5% drop in rural markets. Rural performance was better due to better agricultural sentiments and seasonal marriage demand. Dealers attributed this to inventory imbalances, aggressive pricing adjustments (notably post-OBD-2B), weak consumer sentiment, lower enquiry volumes and limited finance availability. Concerns over slow-moving models and external economic pressures, such as liquidity constraints and inflation, further intensified these challenges.

The PV segment, despite a modest 4% YTD growth, saw retail sales fall sharply by -10.34% YoY. Dealers noted weak market sentiment which specially continues in the entry level category, delayed conversions, challenging targets and stressed that OEMs should avoid overburdening dealers with excessive inventory—a practice that risks unmanageable stock levels given the cyclical nature of the industry. This feedback underscores the need for greater alignment between national strategies and local dealer insights. Inventory levels in this segment remained in the range of 50-52 days.

Finally, the CV segment, which saw a modest YTD decline of -0.5%, retail sales dropped by -8.6% YoY. Dealers pointed to a challenging commercial environment, with weak sales in transportation sector, tightening finance norms and pricing pressures delaying customer decisions—particularly in bulk orders and institutional contracts. While robust order bookings, notably in the tipper segment driven by increased government spending and steady supplies offered some relief, the prevailing negative sentiment and structural market shifts call for a more adaptive approach. There is cautious optimism that the market will improve in March as dealers recalibrate their targets to better align with current demand.”

Near-Term Outlook

The near-term outlook for auto retail in March 2025 is cautiously optimistic, with dealer expectations indicating that nearly 45% foresee growth, 40% expect flat performance and only 14% anticipate de-growth. However, challenges remain, as five consecutive months of declining stock markets have dampened consumer confidence—with investors closing more SIPs rather than opening new ones and reduced discretionary spending driven by dented profitability. Despite this, the convergence of multiple festivals—ranging from Holi and Gudi Padwa to the onset of Navratri—and year-end depreciation benefits is expected to provide a much-needed boost to vehicle purchases.

Segment-specific insights also support a more positive outlook. In the 2W segment, positive Agri-output and the festive calendar are seen as catalysts, even though the booking pipeline slowed towards the end of February. The CV space is likely to benefit from increased government spending and a spike in institutional buying, despite some liquidity challenges. Meanwhile, PV space is expected to gain traction, fuelled by attractive schemes, the impact of preponed festival sales and fiscal year-end advantages. Overall, while mixed sentiments persist, an adaptive market strategy that leverages festive demand and favourable financial incentives is anticipated to drive a recovery in March.

Key Findings from our Online Members Survey

Liquidity

Neutral               51.89%

Bad                      28.30%

Good                   19.81%

Sentiment

Neutral               44.03%

Bad                      30.82%

Good                   25.16%

Expectation from March’25

Growth               45.28%

Flat                      40.25%

De-growth         14.47%

Uber Expands Uber Pet To Delhi And Mumbai To Travel Together In Comfort

* Partners with Pet care brand Heads Up for Tails to offer special discounts to pet parents

Uber, India’s leading ride-hailing app, is launching Uber Pet to Delhi and Mumbai, making it easier for pet parents and their furry family to travel together in comfort. After debuting the service in Bengaluru last year, Uber Pet is now available across three cities in India, bringing more flexibility and convenience to pet parents.

Uber Pet will be available both on-demand and as a Reserve option, offering riders the flexibility to book rides with their pets instantly or in advance. The new on-demand option makes Uber Pet the most hassle free way for pet parents to hit the road without leaving their pets behind.

To make this launch even more exciting, Uber has partnered with India’s leading pet care brand, Heads Up for Tails (HUFT) to offer special discounts on Uber Pet rides for riders traveling with their pets to HUFT stores & spas across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The collaboration also introduces exciting deals for pet parents at HUFT stores and Spas, on showing their Uber Pet receipt at the counter.

Commenting on the announcement, Shweta Mantri, Head, Rider Verticals, Uber India and South Asia, “We’re excited to bring Uber Pet to Delhi and Mumbai, offering even more flexibility for pet owners to travel with their furry friends. After listening to the feedback from pet parents, we’re now offering the option to book Uber Pet on-demand, making travel with your pets easier than ever. Our collaboration with Heads Up for Tails ensures that pet parents have an even more enjoyable experience, with great perks at HUFT stores. Together, we’re making travel with pets not just easier, but more fun too!”

Rashi Sanon Narang, Founder, Heads Up For Tails, added: “At Heads Up For Tails, we’ve always believed that pets are family, and every pet parent deserves a seamless, joyful experience when stepping out with their furry family. We’re delighted to join forces with Uber Pet to bring pet-friendly travel to new heights in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Our partnership is all about enhancing the pet parent experience—from seamless rides with Uber Pet to exclusive in-store perks that make every journey more rewarding. Together, we're committed to making every adventure with your pets safe, fun, and effortless!”

With Uber Pet, dogs, cats, and other pets can now tag along for the ride, whether it’s a trip to the vet, a visit to a pet-friendly park, or just an afternoon out.

Since launching Uber Pet, Uber has been on a mission to make life easier for pet parents, and now, with the help of Heads Up for Tails, traveling with your pets is more rewarding than ever.

How to book Uber Pet

*      Open the Uber app and enter your destination in the ‘where to’ box

*      Select Uber Pet at the bottom of the screen

*      Review booking details and tap confirm

*      Enjoy your ride

About Uber

Uber entered India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over the past decade, Uber has completed more than 3 billion trips and operates in over 125 cities across India, offering a range of transportation options including Moto, Auto, Cars, and Buses for diverse travel needs. With a focus on enhancing mobility and creating earning opportunities for over 1 million driver-partners, Uber remains committed to reimagining how the world moves, ensuring mobility solutions that are safe, reliable, and efficient. As Uber celebrates its 10th anniversary in India, it continues to prioritize innovation and customer satisfaction, keeping India moving forward.

Saviynt Offers Free Identity Security Certification To Bridge The Global Cybersecurity Talent Gap

* The Identity Authority will upskill 100,000 students and professionals through ISAA certification by 2026.

Saviynt, a leading provider of cloud-native identity and governance platform solutions, today announced the launch of its Identity Security for the AI Age (ISAA) certification through Saviynt University to help close the growing cybersecurity skills gap. This is a foundational course designed to empower university graduates and IT professionals with foundational knowledge in identity security, enriched with cutting-edge insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming cybersecurity.

With the global cybersecurity skills gap widening, demand for skilled identity security professionals has never been greater. According to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the industry is facing a shortage of more than 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide, a 19% year-on-year increase since the 2023 study. By offering free access to self-paced training and certification, Saviynt is lowering barriers to entry and ensuring that more individuals can build a career in AI-powered identity security.

This initiative builds upon the success of Saviynt University, which was launched to provide public access to training and certification in identity security. As part of Saviynt’s commitment to talent development in cybersecurity, this program aims to educate 100,000 students and professionals on cybersecurity fundamentals, identity security, and Saviynt’s industry-leading solutions.

“Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly, especially in the age of AI. As bad actors leverage AI to launch more sophisticated attacks, defenders need to harness AI to detect, prevent, and respond faster. The ‘Identity Security for the AI Age’ certification helps future professionals build skills that are not only foundational but also future-focused, preparing them to work with AI-driven identity intelligence and risk management,” said Shankar Ganapathy, chief operating officer at Saviynt. “Our goal is to empower the next generation of cybersecurity talent with the identity skills needed to secure the digital enterprises of tomorrow.”

The ISAA certification is designed for individuals looking to break into cybersecurity, including engineering graduates and IT professionals seeking to cross-skill into identity management. This free certification program will serve as a gateway to Saviynt’s professional certification tracks, enabling learners to advance their expertise and improve their employability.

A core highlight of the certification is its dedicated module on Saviynt Intelligence Suite, which has groundbreaking AI and ML capabilities. This module introduces learners to the transformative role of AI and ML in modern identity security — from delivering real-time risk analysis to automating threat detection and accelerating decision-making through AI-driven recommendations and approvals. Additionally, the initiative will help Saviynt’s partners by creating a larger pool of certified professionals with verified knowledge of Saviynt’s Identity Cloud.

“As businesses increasingly prioritize identity security, there is a growing need for well-trained professionals who can help organizations secure their digital ecosystems,” said Suraj Krishnaiah, vice president enablement and solutions at Saviynt. “Through this initiative, we are not just addressing the talent gap but also building a workforce that understands how to leverage AI and ML to secure identities more effectively. By fostering this community of identity security professionals, we are helping organizations future-proof their cybersecurity strategies.”

The ISAA certification is now available globally, with universities and training institutions encouraged to incorporate it into their cybersecurity education programs.For more information and to enroll in the ISAA certification, please visit Saviynt University.

About Saviynt

Saviynt empowers enterprises to secure digital transformation, safeguard critical assets, and meet regulatory compliance. With a vision to provide a secure and compliant future for all enterprises, Saviynt is recognized as an industry leader in identity security whose cutting-edge solutions protect the world’s leading brands, Fortune 500 companies, and government organizations. For more information,  visit www.saviynt.com.

Emids Names Veteran Healthcare And Digital Transformation Executive Abhishek Shankar As CEO To Support Its Next Phase Of Growth

Emids, a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for the healthcare and life sciences industries, today announced the appointment of Abhishek Shankar as its new Chief Executive Officer. This announcement marks a pivotal milestone in Emids’ 26-year journey, as it further strengthens the company’s commitment to helping healthcare and life sciences organizations navigate complex transformation initiatives with cutting-edge digital solutions.

Mr. Shankar brings more than two decades of extensive experience in driving innovation and delivering enterprise-wide technology modernization at the intersection of the healthcare and technology sectors. Most recently, he served as President, Communications Business, Americas at Tech Mahindra, where he supported various global technology service providers with developing and executing large-scale digital transformation initiatives. Previously, Mr. Shankar served as Senior Vice President at HCL, where he led the Technology and Life Sciences Americas business and established it as a market leading enterprise studio that advanced data-driven healthcare solutions and provided end-to-end lifecycle services to HealthTech and Life Sciences companies.

"The rapid evolution of digital solutions in recent years has created an unprecedented opportunity for transformation in the healthcare and life sciences industries,” said Mr. Shankar. “Emids is strongly positioned to guide organizations through this frontier, particularly as AI revolutionizes healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. I am thrilled to lead Emids into this next chapter of purpose-driven growth and innovation, where we will continue to partner with visionary healthcare organizations to create solutions that not only drive efficiency and accessibility, but fundamentally reimagine what's possible with patient care.”

Under Mr. Shankar’s leadership, Emids is set to deepen its role as a premier technology partner for healthtech, payer, provider, and life science organizations. Emids will accelerate digital adoption and transformation across the healthcare ecosystem by further strengthening its AI, interoperability, and cloud-driven solutions to enhance efficiency across organizations and improve patient outcomes.

“With Abhishek’s deep expertise supporting companies undergoing significant growth and digital transformation, we will continue to generate outsized positive outcomes for patients in this increasingly complex healthcare landscape,” said Saurabh Sinha, Founder and Chairman of Emids. “We are thrilled to welcome Abhishek to Emids, and we are excited to work with him to further our mission of advancing the future of health through technology innovation.”

“With New Mountain Capital’s continued investment in Emids, we are doubling down on our commitment to AI-led transformation,” said Prasad Chintamaneni, Managing Director at New Mountain Capital and Executive Board Member at Emids. “Abhishek’s visionary leadership, deep expertise in AI and automation, and experience scaling high-impact digital solutions will be instrumental in expanding our capabilities and market reach, allowing us to deliver even greater value to more clients as we redefine the future of healthcare technology.”

About Emids

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Nashville, Emids is a leading provider of AI-driven engineering and digital transformation solutions purely for the healthcare and life sciences industries. With over 26 years of experience, Emids partners with clients to design human-centered digital experiences, build scalable platforms, and enable interoperability, with a mission to advance the future of health through AI and technology innovation.

For more information, visit www.emids.com.

Volvo Car India Launches New XC90: Elevating The Flagship SUV With Enhanced Features And Design Upgrades

* Priced at Rs. 1,02,89,900 Deliveries Commencing March 2025

Volvo Car India today unveiled the new XC90, setting an innovative benchmark for luxury SUVs. Priced at Rs. 1,02,89,900 (ex-showroom), the new XC90 showcases a suite of advanced technology and refined design elements, further elevating the award-winning and best-selling flagship SUV. The launch event was held at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi, graced by the presence of His Excellency Jan Thesleff and Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director of Volvo Car India.

“This iconic SUV has long been a cornerstone of our success, and we are thrilled to unleash the new XC90 onto the Indian market,” stated Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. “The SUV embodies the pinnacle of Swedish luxury and design, seamlessly integrating innovation and safety, the hallmarks of the Volvo brand. This vehicle delivers unparalleled comfort, spaciousness, versatility, and efficiency. Its refreshed, contemporary exterior design reinforces its commanding presence on the road.”

His Excellency Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India also shared his thoughts and said, "The enduring friendship between India and Sweden is fuelled by growing economic and technological ties, and shared principles. Sweden's dedication to growth and innovation shines through in the new Volvo XC90, a masterpiece of advanced engineering and design. The brand's success in India underscores the trust consumers have in Swedish quality. I'm confident this SUV's unique combination of luxury, safety, and performance will have a strong appeal to Indian consumers.”

Uncompromising Safety Standards

As with every Volvo, the new XC90 is designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road. It features a robust safety cage and a comprehensive array of active safety technologies, ensuring the protection of occupants and other road users.

Utilizing the radar and front camera, the new XC90 can detect unintentional lane drifts and automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane, preventing potential collisions. It also includes run-off road mitigation and collision avoidance systems that can detect and react to other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Legendary Comfort and Refinement

The new XC90 delivers unparalleled driving experience, characterized by exceptional seating comfort and an upgraded standard suspension. The individual dampers now adapt mechanically to real-time road conditions, optimizing both comfort and stability for a confident and relaxed journey.

The optional air suspension system, working in conjunction with an active chassis, monitors the vehicle, road, and driver 500 times per second to ensure the most comfortable ride. This system allows ride height adjustments, lowering the vehicle by 20mm for improved aerodynamics or raising it by 40mm for challenging terrains. Enhanced insulation further reduces wind and road noise, creating a serene cabin environment.

Luxurious and Intuitive Interior

The redesigned interior of the new XC90 reflects contemporary Scandinavian design, featuring a more horizontal dashboard with premium recycled material decorative panels and new vertical air vents. Enhanced ambient lighting adds to the luxurious ambiance.

A new 11.2-inch central touchscreen with higher resolution and an updated user interface provides seamless access to a range of features, apps, and over-the-air software updates.

Exterior Enhancements:

*        New grille and grille iron mark

*        New front bumper and sculpted hood

*        New front fenders and 20-inch wheels

*        New exterior color: Mulberry Red

*        Visually upgraded rear lamps with darkened design

*        New slim signature T-shaped headlights with Matrix-design LED technology

*        Improved comfort chassis with FSD damper technology

Interior Enhancements:

*        New upholstery and decors

*        New shape of decor inlays

*        New 11.2-inch (28.44 cm) center display with new user interface

*        New second-row captain seat armrests with integrated cupholders

*        New Bowers & Wilkins speaker mesh for instrument panel and door panels

*        New vertical air blade vent design

*        New interior light guide for decor inlays

*        New tailored tunnel console top with a new 2+1 cupholder

*        Improved sound insulation

*        Upgraded steering wheel with new iron mark

*        Upgraded instrument panel and door panels with new chrome inserts

*        Highest level of interior illumination standard

*        Improved wireless phone charger

*        Improved 360° camera with split screen

Key Specifications: XC90 B5 Ultra (Petrol Mild-Hybrid)

*        Capacity: 1969 cc

*        Max output: 250 hp

*        Max Torque: 360 Nm

*        Automatic 8-speed AWD

*        Advanced Air Cleaner (4 zone) with PM 2.5 sensor

*        Android-powered infotainment system with Google Services

*        Apple CarPlay (wired)

*        Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound (1410W, 19 Speakers)

*        Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist

*        Lane Keeping Aid and Blind Spot Information System with Cross traffic alert

*        Collision Mitigation Support (front & rear)

*        360-degree camera and Parking Assistance (front, rear & sides)

*        Volvo Cars App and Graphical Head-Up Display

*        Ventilated Massage front seats and Nappa leather upholstery

*        Air suspension and New 11.2-inch (28.44 cm) frameless screen

Volvo Cars in India

Volvo Cars established its presence in India in 2007 and currently markets its products through 25 dealerships across the country.  

About Volvo Car Group

Founded in 1927, Volvo Cars is a globally recognized automotive brand with sales in over 100 countries. As of December 2024, Volvo Cars employed approximately 42,600 full-time employees.

SuryaCon Bengaluru 2025: Karnataka’s Premier Solar Energy Thought Leadership Conference

EQ Magazine, India's No.1 media network in solar energy, is set to host the SuryaCon + Solar Buyer-Seller Meet + C&I Green Energy Meet & Karnataka Annual Solar Awards at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. This premier full-day event will spotlight solar energy, sustainability, decarbonization, and the future of green energy in Karnataka.

Bringing together key stakeholders—including developers, EPCs, policymakers, financiers, and technology experts—SuryaCon Bengaluru will feature powerful panel discussions, CXO-level insights, technology presentations, and networking opportunities.

Key Focus Areas:

* Utility & Distributed Solar – Market outlook, policy shifts & project pipelines

* Rooftop & Smart Solar Tech – Innovations, grid integration & regulatory updates

* Manufacturing & O&M – Emerging technologies, EPC quality & performance optimization

* Karnataka’s Solar Vision – Policy reforms, investments & government initiatives

With solar energy poised to play a critical role in Karnataka’s 25+ GW potential, the conference will drive meaningful dialogues and strategic collaborations to accelerate the state’s transition towards a sustainable and net-zero future.

As India's No.1 and oldest solar energy media network, EQ Int’l Magazine continues to be at the forefront of industry knowledge, reaching over 400,000 professionals digitally and 75,000 readers through print circulation.

For event details & participation: www.EQMagPro.com