Bengaluru Based AJAX Engineering Unveils SmartBots Powered By Concrete AI At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

 

* The SmartBots by Concrete AI represent an upgraded version of the Concrete GPT, the first of its kind AI driven platform for the construction and concreting industry in India, launched by AJAX Engineering

* The newer version of the platform features Smart Audio and Video Bots that support advanced voice and visual interactions, currently available in English and Hindi languages

AJAX Engineering, India’s leading concreting equipment manufacturer, unveiled SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, an upgraded version of its AI-driven platform launched earlier in July 2024. Building on the capabilities of the earlier version, ConcreteAI introduces Smart Audio and Video Bots to address the industry’s growing demand for intuitive and role-specific guidance. The addition of the bots takes user interaction to the next level by offering highly contextual, real-time assistance tailored to the unique challenges of the construction industry.

For professionals operating within the construction industry, the Smart Audio Bot enables instant voice-driven access to troubleshooting guides, maintenance protocols, and compliance requirements, cutting downtime on project sites. The Smart Video Bot introduces dynamic, role-specific visual guidance, with avatars designed to walk users through intricate processes such as equipment calibration, workflow optimization, or advanced technical training. By delivering step-by-step instructions in an intuitive, multimedia format, it helps bridge knowledge gaps and reduces dependency on external expertise. These bots also address a critical need for inclusivity in a multilingual workforce, currently supporting interactions in English and Hindi. This ensures that diverse user groups—from site operators to decision-makers—can navigate complex operations effortlessly, making the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI a more accessible, efficient, and productivity-driven solution.

Building upon the foundation of Concrete GPT by retaining key features like its integration with OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Perplexity Models, the platform’s vast repository of research materials and technical resources has been updated with the latest industry trends and regulatory guidelines. Beyond offering immediate technical support, the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI continues to serve as a hub for skill development and training, empowering professionals, students, and suppliers to optimize workflows, adopt sustainable practices, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced project outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, Managing Director and CEO of AJAX Engineering, said, “The construction industry is evolving, and it is imperative to provide tools that simplify decision-making and improve productivity. The SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, offers a more intuitive way for professionals to access vital technical insights, streamline workflows, and enhance project outcomes. This platform reflects AJAX’s vision of empowering the industry with cutting-edge, AI-enabled solutions while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.”

During the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, visitors experienced live demonstrations of the Smart Bots, which showcased real-time interactions and insights tailored to user needs. AJAX’s stall also featured interactive stations equipped with tools for exploring the platform’s functionalities. Apart from this, AJAX Engineering also showcased live demonstrations of their 3D Concrete Printing machine, an immersive VR experience of their SLCMs, and their Self Propelled Boom Pumps. They also announced the launch of their CEV 5-compliant machines, reinforcing their commitment to building sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions for the construction industry.

o9 Opens Office In Hyderabad To Support Global Workforce And Client Base

* o9 launches a strategic collaboration with Young India Skills University to enhance training among graduates in supply chain and logistics management

o9, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider for transforming planning and decision-making, today announced the opening of its newest office in Hyderabad, India, the Company’s third in the country. The Hyderabad office will support o9’s growing global workforce and client base. The o9 team in India carries out research and development, product management, software implementation, and customer support, and the Hyderabad office will be a hub to support the expansion of these operations in the region. 

Additionally, on January 27, o9 will launch “o9 Digital Supply Chain Essentials Professional Certification” program, through a strategic collaboration with Young India Skills University (YISU), Telangana, a State University located in Hyderabad that aligns skills-integrated education with industry demand. This certification program pilot is expected to help upskill recent university graduates with the practical knowledge and industry-relevant training necessary to enhance job readiness. Through this strategic collaboration, o9 and YISU aim to further develop the skills of emerging supply chain professionals and build specialized expertise to support Telangana's strategic partners.

“As Hyderabad and the greater Telangana region continue to invest in technology infrastructure and attract world-class software and technology talent, o9 is dedicated to supporting the professional development and advancement of the region’s workforce by providing an innovative hub to foster professional collaboration and world-class supply chain management training opportunities through our partnership of Young India Skills University,” Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder and CEO of o9, said. “We look forward to contributing to the continued development and growth of the technology sector in Hyderabad for many years to come.”

Learn more by visiting www.o9solutions.com.

AI, Reels, Creators, And WhatsApp Driving Lead Gen For Auto OEMs And Dealerships, Reveals Meta And FADA Whitepaper

Meta, FADA’s ‘Move With Meta’ Initiative Has Successfully Upskilled 6,000+ Auto Dealerships Since 2023, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealerships, and taking the total number of upskilled dealerships to 10,000

72% of new automotive buyers have discovered a brand on the Meta family of apps: Meta x Kantar study

* 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation: Meta x Kantar study

Meta and Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) unveiled a joint whitepaper and playbook highlighting the changing consumer behavior and preferences in the automotive segment driven by digital adoption. With digital influencing consumer behavior and powering the growth of the sector, the findings and recommendations from the whitepaper can unleash digital transformation of auto OEMs and dealerships across India.

In 2023, Meta and FADA had launched ‘Move with Meta’, an upskilling and enablement program to upskill more than 3000 auto dealers across the country. The initiative aimed to help them build a social presence and digitize their customer outreach and lead generation using the Meta Platforms.

Since its launch, the program has delivered exceptional results, driving a 3X growth in dealer digitization and successfully upskilling 6,000+ dealers through the hyperlocal program, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealers. More than 3000 auto dealers had been upskilled before the start of the program, which takes the total number of auto dealers that have been upskilled to 10,000.

The program resulted in improving leads and sales for auto dealers with 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency reported by dealers. In addition, the program has directly impacted sales for leading auto OEMs across the country.

C S Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said, “At FADA, our vision is to empower dealers nationwide with the right digital tools and insights to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Through our partnership with Meta, we’ve not only exceeded our commitment of upskilling 3,000 dealers—surpassing 6,000—but we’ve also seen a 3X increase in digitization and a marked 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency. This whitepaper underscores the potential of AI, Reels, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to strengthen customer relationships and drive growth. We look forward to scaling this collaboration further, bridging the digital gap in automotive retail, ensuring that dealers across India are future-ready, and remain agile in these dynamic times.”

Saugato Bhowmik, Director, Auto, CPG, and D2C for Meta in India said, “Our platforms and products are well positioned to enable rapid and efficient digital customer acquisition and engagement for auto dealers in a hyperlocal manner. Over the last two years we’ve upskilled nearly 10,000 dealers along with FADA to digitize their outreach and experiences through our unique hyperlocal solutions and key products ranging from Reels and AI to messaging. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with FADA and take on the ambitious target of upskilling 5000 more dealers in the next 2 years. This program has not only benefitted thousands of auto dealers but also proven to drive strong sales results for leading OEMs.”

Auto OEMs have reported strong sales and lead generation impact because of the program.

Virat Khullar, Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited said “We’re excited to see outstanding business results through our partnership with Meta and OnlineSales on the Hyperlocal program. Together, we’ve developed a custom model that efficiently onboarded over 600 dealers in record time. In H2 '24, Meta’s hyperlocal program drove a remarkable 37% growth in sales compared to H1, while delivering 29% reduction in Cost per Retail.  As we move forward, we’re eager to scale this partnership further, leveraging cutting-edge AI and messaging solutions to unlock even greater opportunities.”

Manjari Upadhye, Chief Marketing Officer, Auto, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited said “Our partnership with Meta has helped amplify the impact of our passenger vehicle launches. Mahindra has leveraged the best and latest in technology to drive launch impact through Meta’s family of Apps. Some of the key activations include leveraging WhatsApp for Thar ROXX launch, using Partnership ads for driving consideration for XUV 700 (Intent went up +3.3 pts) and the Auto Industry’s first chat-based car configurator on Messenger and Instagram Direct for XUV 3XO, which saw 29% increase in conversation volumes. Our collaboration with Meta has driven significant impact, leading to bookings and sales, and setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

Looking ahead, Meta and FADA aim to further scale the program by upskilling 5,000 additional dealers over the next two years, reinforcing their commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the automotive sector. FADA currently represents 15,000 auto dealers across the country.

Key Insights from the Auto Playbook 2025

Source: New Automobile Buyers Consumer Journey Study by Kantar Profiles. Meta-commissioned online survey with respondents aged 18-64, India, 2023.

Meta’s influence in driving discovery & evaluation, powered by AI: 72% of new automotive buyers who were surveyed in this research discovered the brand on the Meta family of apps. Further, 69% stated that the Meta family of apps played a role in their purchase decision.

WhatsApp Leads Buyer-Dealer Communication: Among new automobile buyers, 48% used WhatsApp to directly connect with dealerships for vehicle availability inquiries, making it the most preferred communication channel. Moreover, 47% expressed interest in receiving service reminders via messaging platforms.

Advantage+ Placements Revolutionizing Advertising: To improve cost per lead and lead volume by Meta for their Hyperlocal dealer campaigns, Hyundai India, used AI-powered Advantage+ Placements to place their dealer ads across all Meta surfaces. They saw 18% an increase in Lead Volume and 34% decrease in Cost Per Lead.

Reels and Creator Content Drive Purchase Decisions: 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation, with 41% regularly engaging with vehicle-related Reels. By partnering with creators, dealers can build authenticity and amplify their reach.

ORRA Fine Jewellery's 'Diamond Festival’ Presents Customers With Stunning Collections And Incredible Discounts

* Experience Unmatched luxury Of ORRA Fine Jewellery With Exclusive Offers And Limited-Edition Collections, Available Only From Jan 18 To Feb 17, 2025

ORRA Fine Jewellery is inviting patrons / customers to bask in the brilliance of their 'Diamond Festival.' This exclusive festival promises an unforgettable journey through the world of fine jewellery, where customers can explore our latest collection, showcasing the finest diamonds in captivating designs. The Diamond Festival has emerged as a celebration of luxury, and this year, each piece has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of contemporary fashion while preserving the timeless charm of diamonds. What’s more is that the brand will also have some first-time offers that you surely don’t want to miss!

The Diamond Festival holds profound significance at ORRA Fine Jewellery, transcending beyond a mere showcase of exquisite diamonds. It symbolizes a commitment to everlasting beauty, precision, and trust. In a world where trust is paramount, ORRA's Diamond Festival becomes a trusted companion in crafting unforgettable memories.

Starting from 18th January to 17th February, patrons will have the unique opportunity to discover an array of stunning diamond pieces that reflect the vibrant energy of the season. And for the first time ever, ORRA will be offering an exclusive discount on the diamond value—a truly unique offering to elevate your jewellery collection.

To make it even more special, ORRA will offer additional discounts and special offers for its curated collections, promising a seamless blend of grace and style for every discerning customer.

Additionally, customers will also get an opportunity to explore a limited-edition diamond jewellery  box-sets curated for Republic Day and Valentines Day, allowing them to mark the occasion with patriotic elegance.

Visit your nearest ORRA Fine Jewellery store to avail these exclusive discounts:

Get 25% off on Diamond Value

0% Interest EMI Facility

0% Deduction on your old gold jewellery exchange

*Terms and Conditions apply.

About ORRA Fine Jewellery:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA Fine Jewellery. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA Fine Jewellery has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA Fine Jewellery is one of India's finest diamond jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 97 stores in 40 cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership, and product innovation with 5 global design centres.

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA Fine Jewellery store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA Fine Jewellery - The Ultimate Diamond Destination.

For more information, visit – https://www.orra.co.in

Quest Global Wins Great Place To Work Certification In India For Fourth Consecutive Year

Quest Global, one of the world’s leading engineering services firms, has been Certified as a Great Place To Work® in India for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious Certification reflects Quest Global’s commitment to the overall well-being of its people and fostering a culture of high trust and high-performance.

In the 2025 evaluation, Quest Global received an impressive 77% Trust Index™ overall score. This reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering an exceptional culture, where the credibility of management, respect for people, workplace fairness, pride, and camaraderie are not just metrics but lived experiences.

Great Place To Work Certification™ is the gold standard that organizations around the globe aspire to accomplish. This recognition is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to creating an environment that goes beyond work tasks – one where employees thrive, feel respected, and actively contribute to the company’s success.

“Achieving the Great Place To Work Certification for the fourth consecutive is a source of enormous pride for us. It is an endorsement of our consistent efforts to create a healthy and inclusive work environment. The satisfaction of our employees is at the very core of our operations and their personal and professional growth remains our utmost priority. Our vision is to establish Quest Global as the organization of choice for talent and this certification reinforces our belief that we are on the right path." said Reshmi Stephen, Global Head – HR Business Partnership, Quest Global.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. In India, the institute partners with more than 1,800 organizations across 20+ industries annually to help them build a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture designed to deliver sustained business results. The institute’s research shows great workplaces are characterized by outstanding leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver the same experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level.

About Quest Global 

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global lives and works in 18 countries, with 78 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 20,000+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, and faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, med-tech & healthcare, rail, communications, and semiconductor industries. 

CheQ Launches “Wisor”: India’s First AI Credit Card Expert

Indian fintech leader CheQ, founded by ex-Flipkart executive Aditya Soni, has unveiled Wisor, India’s first AI-powered credit card expert, designed to turn credit card chaos into clarity. This game-changing innovation is set to redefine how millions of Indians interact with their credit cards, offering personalized insights, effortless management, and maximise rewards—all at their fingertips.

What Makes Wisor a Game-Changer?

Wisor isn’t just another feature; it’s a revolution in credit card management. Built on cutting-edge AI, it simplifies the way users handle their credit cards, saving time, maximizing value, and removing all guesswork.

Here’s how Wisor transforms the experience:

Your Personal Credit Expert: Through a simple and intuitive Q&A chat interface, Wisor delivers instant, human-like responses to all your credit card questions. No more hunting for information—everything users need is just a chat away.

Smart Spend Analysis: For the first time in the industry, Wisor provides detailed comparisons of your spending across all your cards and merchants in one view. No more need to track multiple statements to understand spending trends. Track month-to-month changes, analyze spending by categories, and gain clarity like never before.

Unlock Maximum Rewards: Wisor brings transparency to credit card rewards, putting all users' points, cashback, and benefits in one place. It even advises users on the best ways to optimize them, ensuring no opportunities are missed.

Why This Matters for India:

India’s fintech market is booming, yet credit card management remains a challenge for millions. Wisor bridges this gap by offering a one-stop solution that’s proactive, intuitive, and tailored to the needs of users.

“With Wisor, we want to change how people interact with their credit cards,” said Aditya Soni, Founder of CheQ. “We’ve taken away the frustration of juggling multiple bank websites, Credit Card Twitter (X) threads, or manual spend analysis. Wisor will do it all for you, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking innovations to come.”

CheQ’s Impact So Far:

CheQ is already a powerhouse in the fintech ecosystem. In just two years, it has:

Processed over $4 billion in credit card payments.

Served more than 3 million customers across India.

Wisor builds on this success, showcasing CheQ’s commitment to making financial management simple and rewarding for everyone.

Currently Available to BETA Users

Exclusively available on the CheQ platform, Wisor is being rolled out to 10,000 Beta users, offering an exclusive opportunity to experience the future of credit card management. Wisor is part of the 7 new products that CheQ is launching this month.

About CheQ

CheQ is India’s fastest-growing fintech company, dedicated to simplifying credit card management. With a focus on innovation and user-first solutions, CheQ is redefining the fintech landscape in India.

RBI Lifts Lending Restrictions On Arohan Financial Services With Immediate Effect

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the lending restrictions placed on Arohan Financial Services with immediate effect.

In a release issued on Friday, the Reserve Bank said Arohan initiated remedial action and submitted its various compliances to it. “Now, having satisfied itself based on company’s submissions, and in view of their adoption of revamped processes, systems, and the company’s commitment to ensure adherence to the regulatory guidelines on an ongoing basis, especially for ensuring fairness in the loan pricing, the Reserve Bank has decided to lift the afore-mentioned restrictions placed on Arohan Financial Services, with immediate effect,” the central bank added.

"We are delighted to receive the RBI order on lifting the restrictions today.On behalf of our 23 lac bottom of the pyramid borrowers and 10,000 employees we thank the RBI with whom we worked very closely to understand, explain and make the necessary changes.We pride ourselves on being high on corporate governance in the Aavishkar Group and will continue to do the needful in this key business of Financial Inclusion". Said Manoj Nambiar, Managing Director, Arohan Financial Services Limited.