MIT-WPU Launches “India’s First Private University Battery Research Center Focused On Advanced Li-ion And Na-ion Technologies”

* The facility enables comprehensive end-to-end battery development, including material synthesis, coin cell fabrication, and electrochemical performance evaluation.

In a significant step toward advancing sustainable energy solutions, MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has launched a state-of-the-art battery fabrication and research facility focused on lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) technologies. This pioneering initiative, established for the first time by a private state university, is aligned with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aiming to contribute meaningfully to India’s energy independence.

The facility is designed for end-to-end battery development, featuring comprehensive in-house capabilities ranging from active material synthesis to coin cell fabrication and electrochemical performance evaluation. The MIT-WPU research team is actively engaged in the development of advanced electrode materials to enhance key battery performance parameters, including energy density, cycling stability, and operational safety. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to develop next-generation solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), focusing on materials with high ionic conductivity and thermal stability. These SSEs offer safer and more efficient alternatives to conventional liquid electrolytes, marking a significant leap in energy storage technology.

Innovative approaches such as the use of glass-polymer composite electrolytes and the development of paper-based batteries are also being explored. Additionally, the facility has initiated work on the synthesis of high-purity solvents and electrolytes for Li-ion batteries an important step toward supporting Indian battery manufacturers with high-quality raw materials.

Equipped with the latest tools and instrumentation, the facility supports both academic research and collaborative projects with industry and research institution helping translate cutting-edge ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. Soon, the facility will also be equipped to manufacture cylindrical and prismatic cells, expanding its capabilities for a wider range of battery applications.

Prof. Dr. Bharat Kale, Director, Centre of Excellence in Materials Science at MIT-WPU and former Director of C-MET, MeitY, Govt. of India, MIT-WPU, said: “The launch of this state-of-the-art battery fabrication and research facility marks a major milestone in MIT-WPU’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies. As the first such initiative by a private state university in India, it aligns with national missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aiming to strengthen India’s energy independence. With end-to-end capabilities—from material synthesis to cell fabrication and electrochemical evaluation—we’re developing advanced electrode materials and solid-state electrolytes for safer, more efficient lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries and Lithium sulfur as well.  The grropu is also working on paper batteries in collaboration with MID Sweeden   This facility not only fosters academic and industry collaboration but also serves as a vital platform for training future talent. With greater support from national funding agencies like ANRF and others, private institutions like ours can significantly contribute to India’s clean energy future.”

Beyond research and innovation, the facility is committed to nurturing future talent. It serves as a dynamic platform to train engineering and science students and offers exciting opportunities for Ph.D. scholars and researchers to pursue advanced work in battery technologies.

This visionary initiative reflects the integral mission of Dr. Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, to empower MIT-WPU students with creative competence in future-forward technologies, ensuring they are well-equipped for impactful and successful careers in India’s clean energy transition.

Introducing The Limited-Edition Shelby X Fossil Grand Tourer

Blending speed with style, Fossil is excited to introduce its newest collaboration: an officially licensed, limited-edition timepiece inspired by the iconic performance cars of Shelby American. Fossil captures the spirit of Shelby’s classic automobiles in a striking new watch, designed for both car lovers and watch collectors alike. Founded by the legendary Carroll Shelby, Shelby American is globally renowned for manufacturing high-performance vehicles, including authentic Cobras, from its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The collaboration consists of the Grand Tourer Watch (INR 31,995), Fossil’s most elevated chronograph to date that pays tribute to Shelby’s automotive legacy. Crafted in silver-tone stainless steel, the watch features a Japanese chronograph movement with subdials for minutes and seconds. The dial features Shelby’s distinctive striped finish in their signature shades of Guardsman Blue and Wimbledon White, accented by the Shelby logo—a coiled cobra ready to strike. Finishing touches include the Shelby logo and cobra detail engraved on the caseback with limited-edition numbering, making this timepiece collectible and functional.

The custom packaging is inspired by a car mechanic’s metal toolbox and finished in Shelby's iconic racing stripes. Inside, collectors will find a certificate of authenticity, as well as an interchangeable leather strap inspired by the perforated driving gloves worn in the 1960s.

Visit Fossil.in and select Fossil retail stores to shop Shelby x Fossil beginning June 2, and follow @Fossil.in to stay current on future launches. 

Greener Choices, Healthier Planet: India Inc Commitment This World Environment Day

“On this World Environment Day, we urge everyone to work together to achieve a plastic-free planet, in line with the theme ‘Ending Global Plastic Pollution’. Plastic waste—from industrial activities to everyday single-use items—ends up in oceans and rivers, harming ecosystems and communities. It’s time to embrace alternatives and foster sustainable habits at every level.

At Aarthi Scans and Labs, we’ve reduced PVC film usage by 7%, cutting down about 2,600 kg of plastic films through digital sharing of CT and MRI scans. We have also retrofitted our diagnostic centres with LEDs, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and solar panels, reducing energy bills by 12%.

We must all go beyond this by promoting reusable materials such as jute, glass, steel, and paper, and by strengthening recycling systems. Together, we can make a real difference and create a greener, cleaner world,” says V. Govindarajan, Founder and Managing Director, Aarthi Scans and Labs

Srinivas Chamarthy - Senior Vice President Engineering, Site lead and Country Head, Diligent India. “World Environment Day acts as a reminder that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility, giving both individuals and institutions the opportunity to be agents of change. That said, at the heart of everything we do at Diligent India is our commitment towards supporting environmental sustainability and contributing to community welfare.

We believe in encouraging our employees to support the local communities and take small steps towards preserving the environment. Recently, as part of Global Day of Service, we initiated a lake restoration project at Iblur Lake in Bellandur, Bengaluru. Over 180 employees came together to help restore the lake by installing floating gardens - an ecological intervention designed to de-silt the waterbody, improve water quality, and revive biodiversity.

Building on this momentum, and in line with World Environment Day, we are also engaging employees through an awareness session focused on the importance of waste segregation and sustainable practices. As part of this, we’re hosting a hands-on workshop on making planters from discarded plastic bottles—promoting recycling and reusing everyday materials. Through these ongoing efforts, we aim to foster a culture of responsible citizenship and environmental stewardship within our organization.”

India’s Heart Once Again Beats To The Iconic ‘Namak Ho Tata Ka…Tata Namak’ Jingle

* Campaign takes a leap forward with Iodine’s role in mental development

Inspired by the overwhelming consumer love for its ‘Namak ho Tata ka… Tata Namak’ campaign last year, India’s No.1 iodized salt brand, Tata Salt, returns with a fresh new edition of ‘Namak Ho Tata Ka… Tata Namak’. This 2.0 version builds on the deep emotional connect forged with households across the country, reimagining the iconic jingle to spark renewed love, connection, and purpose.

The new campaign features eight heartwarming and playful brand films, that elevate the nostalgic melody while delivering a powerful message: Tata Salt, with the right amount of iodine, supports children’s mental development, building a sharper generation for future. Reinforcing its position as Desh Ka Namak, the campaign celebrates Tata Salt’s unmatched product trust and functionality in an entertaining, engaging, and musical format.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the multi-asset campaign captures slice-of-life moments, from lullabies and classrooms to kitty parties, weddings, and everyday family scenes, portraying Tata Salt as an inseparable part of Indian homes.

The films reflect everyday life across Hindi heartland families, expressive Bengali homes, and emotionally rich Marathi households. The storytelling also resonates across generations, celebrating real, authentic moments.

In one film, a teacher uses a nostalgic jingle to teach the importance of iodine in a familiar school setting, blending education with emotion. Another showcases a lively Hindi-speaking household, where Tata Salt quietly supports every culinary tradition and loving exchange. With its nostalgic yet catchy tune, the campaign proudly reaffirms Tata Salt as Desh Ka Namak, reaching millions with its rhythm and timeless message with the initial release of four films during IPL.

Commenting on the campaign, Ms. Deepika Bhan, President – Packaged Foods, Tata Consumer Products Ltd., said, " This is a beautiful, natural follow-up to our last year's campaign, presenting the iconic jingle again in a refreshing way. ‘Desh ka Namak’ is more than just an emotion, it’s a promise built on quality, integrity, and generations of trust built over four decades. This campaign will deepen our bond with consumers and reaffirm our commitment to happiness, and trust in every home.

Anurag Agnihotri, Chief Creative Officer - Mumbai & Kolkata, Ogilvy, added, “Tata Salt wanted to tell people about building sharper minds through iodine addition. But how do you make something as vital as child's mental development impossible to ignore? So, we turned to the 80’s, an era that made everything unforgettable through a jingle. We took our iodine story, dressed it in 80s flair, and sent it through every corner of Indian life, from vidaais, to classrooms to kitty parties. This is our love letter to a golden era of advertising, reimagined for today’s India.”

Watch the films here: https://youtu.be/43olT6Pj6GY

About Tata Consumer Products: Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 263 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 15,206 Crs with operations in India and International markets.

For more information, visit www.tataconsumer.com

73% Of Professionals Confident About Job Retention In FY26, Marking An 11-Point Increase From FY25: Upskilling Trends Report 2025-26

* 78% of professionals now express a positive outlook towards AI’s impact on their careers

* 81% of Indian professionals plan to invest in upskilling in FY2026

* 80% of  professionals say they use GenAI to learn new skills; 60% say they use it extensively

India, June 04, 2025: Great Learning, a leading global edtech company in higher education and professional training, has released the fourth edition of its annual ‘Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26’.

The report is based on comprehensive primary research involving over 1,000 professionals across India, spanning various sectors, age groups, cities, industries, and educational backgrounds. This diverse respondent base offers a broad perspective on upskilling trends, job sentiment, and the evolving impact of technology on careers. The findings reflect growing optimism around AI, increased confidence in job retention, despite ongoing technological disruptions, and a strong willingness among professionals to explore new roles and invest in upskilling, especially in high-demand fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Job Retention Confidence Rises Sharply in 2025–26, Especially Among Professionals in Large Firms and Tier-1 Cities

The report indicates that 73% of professionals are confident about retaining their jobs this year, an 11 percentage point increase from the previous year. Confidence levels vary by location and company size, with 31% of professionals in Tier-1 cities feeling ‘extremely confident’ about job retention, compared to only 18% in Tier-2 cities. Additionally, 85% of professionals in companies with over 5,000 employees express confidence in job retention, while the figure drops to 58% among those in companies with fewer than 50 employees.

AI Disruption Met With Resilience: 78% of Professionals Optimistic About Career Impact

As professionals navigate the evolving job landscape shaped by AI and automation, a sense of adaptation is becoming increasingly apparent. 78% of professionals now express a positive outlook towards AI’s impact on their careers. Interestingly, MBA and B.Com graduates are more optimistic (89% and 84%, respectively) than those from B.E/B.Tech backgrounds. This is likely influenced by recent trends in India’s IT sector, where many large companies, traditionally major recruiters of entry- and mid-level talent, have reduced hiring due to increased AI adoption. This shift has sparked widespread discussions about AI’s effects on tech jobs, shaping the outlook of professionals with technology degrees.

Upskilling Gains Momentum as 81% of Professionals Prioritise Future-Proofing Skills in FY2026

In FY 2026, 85% of professionals recognize the importance of upskilling to future-proof their careers, an increase from 79% last year. Intent to upskill remains strong, with 81% planning to invest in acquiring new technical skills this year. 

Professionals in Tier-1 cities are especially motivated, with 46% rating upskilling as ‘extremely important,’ compared to 26% in Tier-2 cities. Company size also influences this outlook — 93% of employees in large firms (1000–5000+ employees) see upskilling as important, versus 75% in companies with under 50 employees.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning top the list of interest areas for upskilling, followed by Software Development (36%) and Cybersecurity (35%). Notably, there’s a shift from preferring Master’s degrees in FY2025 to favoring shorter certificate programs in FY2026. This change highlights a focus on cost-effectiveness, targeted learning, and immediate applicability, reflecting the rising acceptance of micro-credentials by employers, and a strategic approach by professionals to enhance employability in an evolving job market.

Desire for Financial Growth Drives Upskilling — But Lack of Time Holds Professionals Back

Across all age groups, increasing earning potential emerges as the strongest motivator for upskilling, with 23% of professionals citing it as their primary reason, followed by 15% who seek promotions. The motivation for financial growth is stronger in smaller cities (27%) than in metros (21%). 

However, a significant barrier persists - 37% of professionals report that the demands of office work leaves them with little time for acquiring new technical skills. The burden is particularly acute for women, with 25% citing family responsibilities as a barrier compared to 20% of men. Additionally, 8% of early-career professionals (0-3 years of experience) identify affordability as a major constraint, highlighting a need for accessible and time-efficient upskilling solutions.

82% Indians are on a Job Hunt; Professionals Prioritise Work-Life Balance as Much as Money

82% of Indian professionals are job hunting, with 51% actively seeking new roles in 2025 and 31% passively exploring. However, professionals aged 45 to 60 are less inclined to switch roles, with only 39% actively looking. Despite the hiring slowdown easing, global trade tariffs and immigration policies continue to create uncertainty. High market competition and unmet salary expectations challenge 43% of job seekers, while 35% struggle with the need for additional skills or certifications.

The report also suggests professionals are prioritising work-life balance as much as salary, with 19% citing each as the top factors influencing their job search. Notably, 26% of professionals aged 44–60 rank work-life balance higher than pay, highlighting a growing demand for flexibility and well-being at work.

Commenting on the report, Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder, Great Learning, said, “AI is a transformative force reshaping the modern workplace. While it presents challenges, it also simultaneously opens doors for those who are ready and willing to learn and evolve. It’s not just altering job roles and enhancing decision-making processes; it's also paving the way for entirely new career paths. This year’s Upskilling Trends Report captures that spirit of readiness among professionals, reflected in their growing confidence in job retention, optimism about AI’s impact, and strong intent to upskill in high-demand fields like AI and Machine Learning. 

From my experience working with thousands of learners and industry leaders, I’ve seen firsthand how timely and relevant upskilling can be a career game-changer. The gap between talent and opportunity is no longer about access—it's about action. As the pace of disruption accelerates, those who embrace continuous learning will not only remain employable—they’ll lead the transformation. These findings are a call to action for professionals, employers, and policymakers alike: to invest in upskilling as the most future-proof strategy for long-term growth.”

About Great Learning

Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional learning and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology, and interdisciplinary domains driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions in various formats such as - certificate programs (ranging from 3-11 months), online degrees as well as hybrid degrees. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities together with its vast network of 7700+ industry expert mentors to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 12 million learners from over 170 countries around the world.

Samsung R&D Institute Noida Ignites India’s Tech Future With 3rd Startup Summit

* The Startup Summit highlighted AI advancements in healthcare, language models, audio deep fake detection, and extended reality (XR), with a focus on ethical AI and digital trust

* Eight startups, including Sarvam AI, Jivi AI, HealthifyMe, ValidSoft, KOGO AI, NeoDocs, EnableX and Magnimus showcased products and explored collaborations with Samsung’s global R&D centres and business units to drive global scalability

* The event underscored the importance of ethical AI practices, digital trust in shaping the future of innovation and emphasizing Samsung’s commitment to fostering a future ready startup ecosystem in India

Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida) successfully hosted its third Startup Summit, a dynamic event designed to showcase disruptive technologies, foster meaningful collaborations, and spark conversations on the future of innovation.

The latest edition brought together AI-first startups and global tech leaders, focusing on cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, language models, audio deepfake detection, and extended reality (XR), among others.

The Summit highlighted the critical need for ethical AI, digital trust, and next-generation innovation through cross-functional collaboration. It served as a testament to Samsung’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem by leveraging robust technology partnerships, cross-industry collaboration, and talent acceleration.

This year’s event featured eight pioneering startups, including Sarvam AI, Jivi AI, HealthifyMe, ValidSoft, KOGO AI, NeoDocs, EnableX and Magnimus working at the intersection of AI, immersive technologies, healthcare, and natural language processing. These startups showcased their breakthrough products and explored potential pilot collaborations with teams from Samsung’s R&D centers, business units, and Samsung Ventures. The participating startups were carefully selected based on their innovation potential, strategic alignment with Samsung’s vision, and capacity to scale globally.

“As SRI-Noida continues to drive the research and innovation agenda, the success of the third Startup Summit underscores our mission to empower next-generation technology leaders through meaningful upskilling, sustained collaboration, and deep ecosystem engagement. This year’s edition was bigger, bolder, and more impact-driven—addressing contemporary challenges while enabling entrepreneurs to create solutions that are globally competitive and locally relevant,” said Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director of SRI-Noida.

List of participating startups included:

Sarvam AI: A multilingual single model audio LLM platform

Jivi AI: A large-language-model-based healthcare platform delivering AI doctor and analytics.

HealthifyMe: An AI-driven nutrition intelligence engine for personalized dietary recommendations. 

ValidSoft: A cutting-edge audio liveness detection system designed to combat deepfake call threats. 

KOGO AI: Large Action Model (LAM) powering voice-driven applications. 

NeoDocs: Mobile-based diagnostics for real-time, point-of-care health assessments. 

EnableX: Real-time facial expression and feature-detection capabilities for enhanced user interaction. 

Magnimus: Gamified XR-based fitness experiences driving engagement and well-being. 

A standout moment of the event was a dynamic panel discussion featuring startup founders and SRI-Noida leadership. The conversation explored the rise of AI agents, the need for personalized engagement in digital health platforms, and the imperative of transparent data governance. Panellists also emphasized the ethical deployment of AI and the critical role of trust in shaping user adoption. 

Discussions reinforced the growing importance of tailored user experiences and personalized feedback in motivating behaviour change and improving health outcomes. The Summit’s immersive format offered a 360-degree view of Samsung’s innovation network in India, fostering cross-functional collaborations, unlocking new synergies, and aligning startups with global technology trends. Participants praised the platform for facilitating deep-dive conversations with Samsung experts and accelerating product development and market readiness. 

By spotlighting emerging technologies in healthcare AI, language processing, deepfake detection, visual AI, and XR, the Startup Summit reaffirmed SRI-Noida’s pivotal role in driving transformational innovation. The event exemplified Samsung’s larger vision—co-creating a future-ready startup ecosystem that delivers meaningful, human-centered impact at scale.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

[24]7.ai's Video Chat Feature Enables Patelco To Lead The Way In Personalized Digital Banking

[24]7.ai, a global CX leader, has partnered with Patelco, a leading California credit union, to revolutionize digital banking experiences with the deployment of its next-generation Video Chat feature. This strategic rollout seamlessly blends convenience with real-time human support and marks a pivotal shift in how banks and credit unions serve their members.  

Through this collaboration, Patelco is bringing high-touch service directly into their members’ homes and devices. Whether opening an account, resolving a complex issue, or getting financial advice, Patelco members can now instantly connect with virtual agents face-to-face through a seamless, browser-based video experience—no downloads, no delays, just instant access to personalized support.

“This is not just an enhancement to our customer support; this is a paradigm shift in how we build trust, deliver value, and meet our members where they are. [24]7.ai has been an ideal partner in our journey, and with the launch of their cutting-edge video chat feature, we’re sure to drive stronger member relationships, higher resolution rates, and greater operational efficiency.” – Venky Annadurai, VP, Development & Engg., Patelco

Revolutionizing the Digital Banking Experience

The new Video Chat feature—rolled out to Patelco’s members and communities with 16 Virtual agents—is redefining modern banking experiences. Members can now initiate or schedule video calls as needed, supported by powerful, intuitive tools including microphone/camera controls and screen sharing. Virtual agents can seamlessly collaborate with specialists during the video call to address complex issues, accelerating resolution times and ensuring greater accuracy. In the future, every session will be recorded, supporting quality assurance efforts and enabling effective training and continuous optimization.

“Patelco’s visionary approach to digital banking has made them a phenomenal partner, and we’re thrilled to see how they’re leveraging our platform to transform member engagement. This partnership is proving that when innovation meets the right technology, the result is a smarter, more secure, and deeply connected member experience, and this is setting a new standard in the credit union space.” – Jeetu Narayan, General Manager, Products & Cloud Business, [24]7.ai

A Holistic Transformation in Member Engagement

This latest launch builds on Patelco’s long-standing partnership with [24]7.ai, which has already modernized multiple touchpoints across the member journey. From AI-powered chatbots that deliver instant, accurate answers, to secure messaging over Apple Messages for Business and SMS, and multimodal authentication tools, Patelco is meeting modern customer demands at scale. As [24]7.ai continues to lead the CX evolution, this collaboration represents a key milestone in Patelco’s journey and sets a new benchmark for digital-first, human-centric experiences in the BFSI sector.

About [24]7.ai: [24]7.ai is a global leader of Customer Experience (CX) solutions and services and a trusted partner to the world’s leading brands for over two decades. For over 24 years, we have been at the forefront of CX innovation, delivering significant business improvements to the world’s best brands. With CX Solutions and Services, which blend our deep operational expertise, omnichannel support, and award-winning AI-powered products – we deliver consistent, proactive, and hyper-personalized experiences for customers of top global brands. We employ a 15,000+ strong global workforce across 18 locations and 11 countries. For more information, visit https://www.247.ai.

[24]7 and [24]7.ai are trademarks of [24]7.ai, Inc. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

About Patelco Credit Union: Patelco Credit Union is a not-for-profit credit union committed to serving the financial health and well-being of its membership.

With more than $9 billion in assets, Patelco empowers its 500,000 members to live their best financial lives by offering personalized solutions, advice, and expertise. The company was founded in 1936 with $500 by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company employees and is based in Dublin, CA.

For more information, visit https://www.patelco.org/.