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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Johnson Controls: 

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agency Credits:

Creative Agency – MYO

Campaign team members:

Deepa Geethakrishnan

Shalini Degan

Ankush Pande

Garima Khandelwal

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

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

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

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

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

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

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

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

A New Benchmark in Extended Stay Hospitality

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

Elevated Amenities and Thoughtful Dining Experiences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Hyatt House

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

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Glove Industry Awaits Implementation Of Quality Control Order

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

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

* Industry continues to face huge losses and struggle for survival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has 1 billion members and offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Sify Technologies

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

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

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