Uber Ties Up With Refex Green Mobility To Deploy 1,000 Electric Vehicles By 2026

Uber has announced a strategic partnership with Refex Green Mobility to deploy 1,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across key cities in India by 2026, furthering its efforts to boost electric vehicles on its platform.

This collaboration aligns with Uber’s global objective of providing 100% emission-free rides by 2040 and reinforces the ride-hailing platform’s ongoing efforts to promote clean energy solutions. The new fleet of 1,000 EVs will be available on Uber to cater to the growing preference for sustainable mobility choices in cities.

Refex Green Mobility Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chennai-headquartered Refex Industries Limited and it operates under the brand Refex eVeelz. The deployment will see electric four-wheelers onboarded onto the Uber platform across Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in Uber’s efforts to electrify urban mobility.

Commenting on the partnership, Aditya Kapoor, Head, Supply and Electrification, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Uber is committed to accelerating the shift to zero-emission mobility in India, and this partnership with Refex eVeelz is a significant step in that direction. It strengthens our efforts to electrify urban transportation, bringing more electric ride options to riders across many new cities in India. We remain focused on removing barriers to EV adoption and driving the transition to a greener future through partnerships that will build a sustainable future for all.”

Sachin Navtosh Jha, Chief of Staff, Refex Group, said, "As a company committed to driving the transition towards sustainable mobility, we are proud to partner with Uber to deliver electric solutions to more cities in India. This collaboration, in addition to our currently existing B2B as well as B2C operations with nearly 1,300 company-owned 4-wheeler EVs will help us contribute to reducing urban carbon emissions and will also play a key role in achieving India’s broader sustainability goals."

As part of its broader electrification push, Uber rolled out Uber Green across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. Uber Green allows passengers to request an all-electric, zero tail-pipe emissions vehicle, providing an on-demand EV experience with a few taps on the app. Uber Green is already the most widely available on-demand mobility solution for no or low-emission rides globally, available in over 100 cities across 15 countries.

With this partnership, Uber and Refex eVeelz are making significant strides in expanding the availability of electric mobility options in India, paving the way for a greener and electric urban transportation ecosystem.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. 10 years and over 3 billion trips later, we continue to build products to help people get where they need to be. Today, Uber is available across 125 cities in India and has become #IndiaKiRide where people can go where they have to on Moto, Auto, Cars and even Buses - designed for their various intracity and intercity travel needs. With just a swipe on the app we make mobility seamless for millions and support over 1 million Indians make a sustainable income by getting in the driver's seat. We continue to reimagine the way the world moves for the better in ever-expanding ways and as we mark our ten-year milestone - we remain committed to keep India Moving Forward.

About Refex Green Mobility Limited

Refex Group is one of India’s leading business organizations that started as a refrigerant gas refilling and bottling company in 2002, and has now been operating for over two decades expanding into several business verticals such as logistics (ash and coal handling, green mobility), renewables (solar, wind energy, and compressed biogas), healthcare (medical technologies pertaining to imaging devices' manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals), airports retail, among other such business verticals.

At present, there are 2 listed entities under the group - Refex Industries Limited (RIL) and Refex Renewables Infrastructure Limited (RRIL). It has been a 22-year journey of learning, serving stakeholders, building resilience, and agility that Refex has traversed where it has aimed for excellence.

Lockton India Strengthens Local Expertise With New Bangalore Office, Reinforcing Its Commitment To South India

Arihant Insurance Broking Services Ltd, a Lockton Group Company (hereinafter to be refered as “Lockton India”)  and being part of Lockton , the world's largest independent insurance brokerage, and risk management firm, has announced the opening of its new office in Bangalore, further strengthening its presence in South India. This strategic expansion is aimed at enhancing Lockton  ability to provide cutting-edge risk advisory and insurance solutions to businesses across the region.

The Bangalore office will serve a diverse range of industries, including technology, fintech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and manufacturing. It will provide specialized expertise in key areas such as Employee Benefits & People Solutions, Cyber Insurance & Liability Risk Management, Trade Credit & Business Continuity Insurance, and Corporate Risk Advisory & Insurance Consulting. With a strong focus on addressing industry-specific risks, the office aims to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses in the region.

Commenting on the expansion, Dr. Sandeep Dadia, CEO & Country Head, Lockton India, said: “Bangalore, India's leading hub for technology and innovation, is home to some of the country’s largest IT firms, fintech companies, and global capability centers (GCCs). Expanding our presence in this dynamic city is a vital step in our growth strategy. We are committed to providing world-class People Solutions, employee benefits, and corporate risk management services to businesses in the region. As one of India’s most influential economic centers, Bangalore plays a key role in shaping corporate strategies, and Lockton India is thrilled to be part of this thriving ecosystem.”

Bangalore is a technology hub and a key center for innovation-driven industries. The opening of the office marks a major milestone in Lockton India’s expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in key financial and commercial hubs nationwide. Following recent office launches in Delhi and Kolkata, Lockton continues to bring its unparalleled global expertise closer to clients in these regions.

About Lockton

What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton’s private ownership empowers its 12,500+ Associates doing business in more than 150 countries to focus solely on clients’ risk and insurance needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results.

Chinese Wok Expands Footprint With 32nd Store In Bengaluru

Chinese Wok, India’s largest Chinese restaurant chain, has announced the launch of its 32nd store in Bengaluru, located at Embassy Manyata Business Park. With this expansion, the brand continues its aggressive growth strategy, aiming to establish 500 outlets across the country by 2027 reinforcing its position as a leader in the Desi-Chinese dining space.

The newly opened outlet in Manyata Business Park boasts a vibrant and modern ambience, featuring trendy interiors, enhanced lighting, and stylish wall décor, creating an inviting atmosphere for customers. Enhancing the dining experience further, Chinese Wok has introduced an Augmented Reality (AR) feature—customers can scan the AR QR code placed on tables to watch a virtual chef come to life, adding an interactive and immersive element to their visit. To engage online customers, Chinese Wok launched an exclusive limited edition Women’s Day packaging that celebrated womanhood by beautifully capturing life’s key moments—friendship, career, self-care, and family—all over a comforting bowl of noodles.

“This expansion marks an exciting milestone for Chinese Wok as we continue to strengthen our presence across India. We are committed to delivering an unparalleled Indo-Chinese dining experience by combining great taste, affordability, and innovation. The introduction of AR technology at our stores further enhances customer engagement, making dining at Chinese Wok both enjoyable and interactive,” said Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks.

To celebrate this launch, Chinese Wok is offering exciting in-store deals:

Superrr Bowl Offer – A Manchurian bowl with fried rice or noodles and a Pepsi for just ?99.

Wok Wednesdays – Buy 1, Get 1 Free on select items.

Super Sundays – Enjoy the full menu at just ?149.

With its continued expansion and innovative dining experiences, Chinese Wok remains committed to redefining the desi-chinese QSR landscape in India, offering customers a perfect blend of taste, convenience, and affordability.

About Lenexis Foodworks

Lenexis Foodworks is a leading quick service food company in India, dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences through its restaurants across high streets and malls. It operates a portfolio of distinct brands—Chinese Wok, The Momo Co., and Big Bowl—that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making it a trusted name in the food and beverage industry.

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok is the flagship brand under Lenexis Foodworks and stands as India’s largest Chinese QSR brand. It is transforming the way Chinese cuisine is enjoyed by staying true to its founding principles of offering high-quality, hygienic Desi-Chinese dishes at affordable prices. It has a footprint of more than 220 outlets in 35+ cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Vadodara, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Jaipur and Hyderabad With plans to introduce new concepts and categories, Lenexis Foodworks is poised to redefine the culinary landscape, delivering delightful experiences to customers across the nation.

For more details, visit https://www.thechinesewok.com/  

Contentstack And Edba Academy Announce Second Edition Of EmpowerHER

* Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to introduce three specialised courses

Contentstack, the category disruptor in digital experiences in partnership with edba Academy, announces the second edition of EmpowerHER in Tech 2025 in Virar, reaffirming its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. Building on last year’s success, EmpowerHER in Tech 2025 program has already garnered 300+ registrations, with over 200 women expected to complete the program. 

Since its launch in 2024, the EmpowerHER in Tech 2025 initiative has been working to equip women college graduates with industry-ready skills. This year, the initiative also introduced three specialised courses: Full-Stack Development, Mobile App Development, and UI/UX Design. The initiative extends beyond technical training and will also provide holistic developments that include 72+ hours of training, industry masterclasses, workplace etiquette sessions, capstone project guidance, internship and project commitments for top performers, resume and communication workshops and access to Women in Tech panel discussion. EdQuest, the Learning Pathways Product by edba Academy, will provide soft skills and career assessments to help candidates evaluate their professional growth. 

Neha Sampat, Founder and CEO of Contentstack, stated, "At Contentstack, we are committed to equipping women with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the tech industry. As we launch the second edition of EmpowerHER in Tech, we are thrilled to see the program’s ongoing impact on the careers of aspiring female professionals. This initiative goes beyond skill development—it aims to nurture a more inclusive future for the technology sector. We look forward to its continued growth and influence in the years ahead."

Vasu Kothamasu, General Manager and Head of Engineering at Contentstack commented, "EmpowerHER in Tech is not just a training program; it is a movement towards building a more equitable technology ecosystem. By providing aspiring women technologists with the right mentorship, resources, and opportunities, we are enabling them to bridge the gap between education and industry expectations."

Kshitija Katare, the General Manager of Edba Academy, added, “Through our collaboration with Contentstack, we aim to provide women with hands-on experience and the tools needed for career success in technology. Our mission is to ensure that more women enter and excel in the field, paving the way for a more inclusive workforce.”

With growing interest and increased corporate engagement, Contentstack’s EmpowerHER in Tech is poised to scale further in the coming years. By continuously refining its curriculum and aligning with industry needs, the initiative will continue to be a catalyst for women entering the technology workforce, ensuring sustained impact and meaningful career pathways.

Contentstack and edba Academy are committed to shaping the future of women in technology, helping them build successful careers while contributing to a more diverse and inclusive industry.

About Contentstack:

Contentstack is on a mission to deliver the world’s best digital experiences with cutting-edge content management, customer data, personalization, and AI technology. Iconic brands, such as AirFrance KLM, ASICS, Burberry, Mattel, Mitsubishi, and Walmart, depend on the Contentstack EDGE platform to rise above the noise in today's crowded and competitive markets, constantly adapting to maintain their edge.

Contentstack and its employees are dedicated to the customers and communities they serve. The company is recognized for its unmatched customer care and tradition of giving back globally through the Contentstack Cares program, including proud support of Pledge 1% and Girls Who Code.

Learn more at http://www.contentstack.com.

About edba Academy

edba Academy is on a mission to revolutionize skill development with a hands-on, learning-by-doing approach. Our industry-focused programs go beyond textbooks, empowering students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and bridge the skill gap among Indian youth.

Driven by innovation and AI-powered technology, we equip learners with future-ready expertise, expanding career opportunities and earning potential. Our vibrant learning community fosters problem-solving mindsets, ensuring students stay ahead in an evolving job market.

Learn more at https://www.edba-academy.com/

Yamaha Launches India’s First Hybrid Motorcycle In The 150cc Category: 2025 ‘FZ-S Fi Hybrid’

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) today announced the introduction of its first-ever[1] hybrid motorcycle, the 2025 'FZ-S Fi Hybrid', priced at INR 1,44,800 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

The 2025 ‘FZ-S Fi Hybrid’ embodies a total balanced and sophisticated design, further refined by the sharper edges on the tank cover and giving it a sleek and well-proportioned look while retaining its signature presence. A key design update includes integrated front turn signals, now positioned within the air intake area, adding to its aggressive and aerodynamic appeal.

Powering the motorcycle is a 149cc Blue Core engine, now OBD-2B compliant, equipped with Yamaha’s Smart Motor Generator (SMG) and Stop & Start System (SSS). These technologies provide quieter starts, battery-assisted acceleration, and improved fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine at idle and restarting with a quick clutch action.

Further enhancing rider convenience, the new ‘FZ-S Fi Hybrid’ introduces a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster that seamlessly integrates with smartphones via the Y-Connect app. It features Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation linked to Google Maps, offering real-time directions, navigation index, intersection details, and road names, ensuring a hassle-free riding experience.

The handlebar position has been optimised for greater comfort on long rides. The switches on the handlebar have been adjusted for better accessibility, even when wearing gloves. Moreover, the horn switch has been repositioned to prioritise comfort and ease of use. The fuel tank now features an airplane-style fuel cap that remains attached during refuelling, further enhancing practicality. The new 2025 ‘FZ-S Fi Hybrid’ is being offered in two colours - Racing Blue and Cyan Metallic Grey.

Speaking at the launch of the first hybrid motorcycle in its category, Mr. Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group said, “The FZ brand has played a crucial role in Yamaha’s journey in India, evolving with every generation to meet the changing expectations and practical requirements of our customers. By introducing hybrid technology in this segment, we are not only elevating performance but also reinforcing our commitment to bringing advanced, rider-focused innovations. Every update to the FZ series has been shaped by customer insights, ensuring a more refined, dynamic, and engaging riding experience. This launch is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to innovation, where advanced technology and rider-centric design come together to shape the future of mobility.”

Coca-Cola India Foundation & MP Tourism Board Launch ‘Project Clean Destination’ In Bandhavgarh For Sustainable Waste Management

The Coca-Cola India and its Foundation, Anandana, and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board have signed an MoU to launch Project Clean Destination in Bandhavgarh, aiming to promote solid waste management over the next three years. The MoU, which aligns with the Government of India’s Responsible Tourism Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, was executed in the presence of Sh. Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust, and Endowments.

The expansion of ‘Project Clean Destination’ in Bandhavgarh National Park builds on Coca-Cola India’s success at Panna National Park, where waste management was implemented across 30 surrounding villages. In partnership with Saahas, Coca-Cola India has engaged local communities, establishing Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and village-level storage centers to streamline waste management. The initiative also creates livelihood opportunities by training Swachh Mitras (Waste Workers) for waste collection. As part of Coca-Cola India’s flagship campaign, Maidaan Saaf, this initiative promotes source segregation, raises awareness about responsible waste practices, and fosters strong community participation for long-term impact.

Speaking on the dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and forging strong public-private partnerships in Madhya Pradesh, Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust and Endowments stated, “The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is proud to strengthen its collaboration with Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation through the expansion of Project Clean Destination. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to preserving the ecological heritage of iconic sites like Panna and Bandhavgarh National Parks. By addressing waste management challenges and fostering community participation, we together aim to set new benchmarks for sustainable tourism in the state, contributing to a cleaner and greener Madhya Pradesh.”

Speaking about the initiative, Rajiv Gupta, Director – Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, “Project Clean Destination continues the vision we set out three years ago when we began our partnership with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board for the cleanliness of national parks, starting with Panna National Park. It reflects our commitment to responsible waste management and eco-friendly practices. By establishing an efficient waste collection and recycling system in the villages around prominent tourist sites in Madhya Pradesh, we aim to protect these vital biodiversity hotspots while empowering local communities to adopt environmentally conscious practices. This partnership is a significant step towards creating scalable models for responsible tourism in India.”

By tackling waste at its source and fostering long-term community ownership, Project Clean Destination contributes to a cleaner, greener future.

Photo Caption:  L to R Smt. Bidisha Mukherjee, IAS, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Rajbir Singh, Project Director – SAAHAS NGO, Rajiv Gupta, Director-CCIF, Smt. Malti Rai, Mayor Bhopal, Sh. Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust, and Endowments, Sh. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sh. Dinesh Jain, IAS, Managing Director, Swachh Bharat Mission, MP.

TCS And Board For IT Education Standards Open Registrations For TCS TechBytes, The Annual IT Quiz For Engineering Students

* Conducted by Tata Consultancy Services in collaboration with BITES, the IT Quiz in its 16th edition will test students’ knowledge in emerging technologies

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES)—an autonomous body promoted by Government of Karnataka, have opened registrations to the 16th edition of TCS TechBytes—the Engineering IT Quiz. This quiz is open to engineering students (BE/BTech) of all streams and semesters across Karnataka.

TCS TechBytes challenges and encourages students to expand their knowledge in technology trends and its diverse application across industries. The objective is to enhance awareness in emerging areas, enabling them to compete in the fast-paced technology intensive industry. Each institution can share names of up to 20 students to participate in the regional finals of the quiz. No participation fee is charged. Entries have to be sent by the respective institutions on or before March 16, 2025, to manager@bites.org.in

Regional rounds of the quiz will be conducted across six locations—Mangaluru (March 18), Mysuru (March 20), Kalaburagi (March 25), Hubballi (March 27), Tumakuru (April 2) and Bengaluru (April 8). The finals will be held in Bengaluru on April 8, 2025. Winners and runners-up of each regional round will receive gift vouchers worth Rs 12,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, as well as the opportunity to compete at the State Finals to be held in Bengaluru on April 8, 2025. The final prize for the winner and runner-up includes an educational scholarship worth Rs 85,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively, among other vouchers.

The quiz will focus on the application of technology across various sectors and aspects such as: the technology environment, the business, its people, new trends, legends, etc. It will also focus on emerging areas such as: artificial intelligence, digital, cloud computing, automation, biometrics, mobility, robotics, telecom, social media and big data, personalities – international and national, software products, history of IT and areas where IT has made an impact such as education, entertainment, books, multimedia, music, movies, internet, banking, advertising, sports, gaming, social networking, cell phones, etc. For more information visit www.bites.org.in.