Trust & Safety India Festival 2025 Spotlights Digital Leadership And Collaborative Innovation On Day 2

Trust & Safety India Festival (TASI) 2025 entered its second day in New Delhi, further catalysing international momentum around digital safety, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion. The ground-breaking forum, which has convened over 200 policymakers, technology experts, academics, and champions of digital rights from 15+ countries, continues to lay the foundation for global best practices in trust and safety. 

Day two's dynamic program included candid fireside chats, cutting-edge panels, and diverse workshops led by experts shaping the future of safe digital ecosystems. Highlights included conversations on ethical frameworks for AI, the well-being of online trust & safety workers, and the challenges of building privacy-first, youth-centered digital spaces. Sessions addressed topics such as combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence, strengthening women’s voices and participation online, and ensuring the ethical direction of AI companions and child influencers in the creator economy.

 

Honourable Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament, Government of India, during the event, said, “Digital platforms have made it easier for women to enter politics, helping them build authentic voices, mobilize communities, and drive real social impact. Yet, this empowerment comes with new challenges, especially online harassment that often targets them personally rather than politically. It’s reassuring to see stronger safeguards like the DPDP Act and the government’s focus on AI ethics, ensuring that technology continues to empower women instead of intimidating them.”

 

Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research and Chairperson, Alliance for Trust and Safety, said, “As we bring Trust & Safety India Festival into its second day, it is inspiring to witness such genuine collaboration between leaders, innovators, and advocates dedicated to safe, inclusive digital spaces. Our goal is to build resilient frameworks for future generations, where every young person and every woman can thrive online without fear. With India taking a visible leadership role, these conversations are transforming into commitments and collective action, echoing our responsibility to create a safer, more equitable digital world for all.”

 

Notable guest speakers included Dr Rabindra Narayan Behera, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, S. Krishnan - Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India, Yoel Roth, SVP, Head of Trust & Safety, Match Group, Andras Molnar, Senior Digital Policy Manager and Director of Online Safety, TUM Think Tank, Manisha Kapoor, CEO of Advertising Standards Council of India, Kriti Trehan, Founder, Data & Co - Law & Policy Advisors, Dr. Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health and Farshida Zafar LL.M., Executive Director, Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship; CEO, ROOM among others. 

 

Discussions underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, regulatory sandboxes, and anticipatory governance frameworks to address complex challenges such as online exploitation, youth privacy, and workplace wellness for trust & safety professionals. The interactive workshops empowered participants to co-create solutions for safer digital citizenship, reflecting India’s distinctive strengths as both an innovation hub and a service leader in the global trust & safety community.

 

Hosting TASI 2025 highlights India’s pivotal role not just as a participant but as a proactive architect of the global digital safety dialogue, ensuring that diversity, equity, and collaborative innovation remain at the heart of digital transformation.

 

Professionals Can Now Add Their Notice Period And Expected Annual Salary When Using Open To Work On LinkedIn

 

LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ feature has long helped professionals indicate when they’re ready for their next opportunity. Globally, 85% of professionals who share that they are ‘Open to Work’ on the platform say they have received help or encouragement from their connections. Building on this, LinkedIn is introducing updates that give members greater control and transparency in their job search.

AI Cuts IT Resolution Time By 76%, India Ahead Of Global Averages: Freshservice Benchmark Report 2025

AI improves customer satisfaction with 65% ticket deflection and saves 431,000+ agent hours

 

Artificial Intelligence in IT Service Management has moved from promise to performance—no longer just about innovation, but about solving real, persistent problems. By 2024, AI adoption was cautious and experimental. In 2025, the shift is clear: AI has arrived, and it’s not just disrupting—it’s delivering.

 

The Freshservice Benchmark Report 2025 by Freshworks captures the current state of IT service delivery and outlines how organizations can transform employee experience from an operational necessity into a competitive advantage. The study analyzed more than 187 million tickets across 10,743 organizations in 118 countries, including India, highlighting the transformative role of AI in IT service management at scale.

 

Key findings from the study:

 

With Freddy AI Copilot, Indian IT teams reported the fastest average first assignment time at 8.045 hours, an average resolution time of 13.75 hours, and an impressive First Contact Resolution rate of 81.96%. These results put India ahead of global benchmarks and established markets such as the US and UK—demonstrating how the country is setting new standards in speed, efficiency, and employee experience.

 

Between 2024 and 2025, organizations saw marked efficiency gains driven by AI adoption. CSAT (customer satisfaction score) rose from 97.4% to 97.83%, while average resolution time reduced from 24.15 to 21.96 hours. Average first response time decreased from 10.82 to 9.36 hours, and average assignment time improved from 17.47 to 15.80 hours. FCR (First contact resolution) increased to 74.14% from 73.9%. Globally, AI-enabled teams achieved a 76.6% reduction in ticket resolution time and a 41.1% improvement in first response time, proving AI’s impact in accelerating IT service delivery and enhancing employee satisfaction.

 

The impact of the Freddy AI Agent, Freshworks’ AI-powered virtual agent, was equally significant, deflecting 65.7% of tickets entirely and saving over 431,270 hours of agent time—equivalent to nearly 49 years of cumulative work.

 

Beyond AI adoption, overall service performance also improved between 2024 and 2025. Customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores rose from 97.4% to 97.83%. Average resolution time dropped by 2.19 hours, first response time improved by 1.46 hours, and first assignment time reduced by 1.67 hours. Together, these gains reflect faster handling of employee requests, higher efficiency, and stronger reliability—delivering tangible ROI today, not in the distant future.

 

The report makes it clear that whether you are a CIO focused on cost efficiency, an IT manager chasing faster resolutions, or a CHRO striving to improve employee experience, the future of service management is no longer a distant vision. It is here, it is AI-powered and automated, and it is fundamentally changing how work gets done. Crucially, AI is not about replacing teams but freeing them up to focus on higher-value, more fulfilling tasks.

 

About Freshworks Inc.

Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) provides people-first AI service software that organizations use to deliver exceptional customer and employee experiences. More than 74,000 companies, including American Express, Bridgestone, Databricks, Fila, Nucor, and Sony choose Freshworks’ uncomplicated solutions to increase efficiency and loyalty. For the latest company news and customer stories, visit www.freshworks.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

ePlane Accelerates Urban Air Mobility Innovation With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

 • Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform will accelerate ePlane’s aircraft design, and streamline certification processes for its compact eVTOL aircraft 

• The ePlane Company, India’s leading designer developer of electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircrafts, is the first company to have Design Organization Approval for 2-19 seater aircrafts from India’s DGCA

 

Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced the advancement in transformation of urban air mobility through its 3DEXPERIENCE Platform with ePlane, an Indian aviation startup at the forefront of sustainable, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

 

ePlane leverages Dassault Systèmes’ industry-leading 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including the on-cloud applications, to enable rapid, model-based system engineering and end-to-end digital simulation. Dassault Systèmes’ cloud-based solutions have allowed ePlane to accelerate full aircraft design iterations, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration, and optimize complex engineering workflows, ensuring safety, reliability, and accelerated time-to-market.

  

"With Dassault Systèmes’ robust cloud and simulation technologies, our engineering team can validate designs faster and more efficiently, despite the inherent complexity of eVTOL geometries. Digital continuity across all phases of aircraft development significantly reduced engineering cycle times and de-risked critical certification milestones,” said Dr. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder & CTO, The ePlane Company. 

 

Founded in 2019 by Satya Chakravarthy, ePlane’s mission is to revolutionize urban transportation with its all-electric, zero-emission e200x, designed to be the world’s most compact eVTOL, with a 8x10  meter footprint,115km range, and a Pilot+200 kg payload. The ePlane Company is the first private entity in India to receive Design Organization Approval for 2-19 seater aircraft, from DGCA. The Type Certification process of e200x is also well underway with DGCA accepting the application in Dec 2024, positioning ePlane’s  air-ambulance to be type certified and operational readiness by 2027-28. 

 

"ePlane’s work in urban air mobility demonstrates the transformative potential of digitalization in aerospace. By leveraging Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud, ePlane is accelerating innovation and achieving efficient, safe, and certifiable development of their ePlane e200 air taxi. We are glad to be the technology partner enabling their vision for zero-emission, accessible, and sustainable urban transportation in India and beyond,” said Deepak NG, INDIA Managing Director, Dassault Systèmes.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

CII To Host Its 21st Edition Of India Innovation Summit From Oct 10–11 In Bengaluru – Innoverge 2025

* The Summit this year will focus on the theme “Make in India, Developed India & Digital India.” 

CII’s 21st edition of its flagship India Innovation Summit – Innoverge 2025, themed “Make in India, Developed India & Digital India” scheduled on 10–11 October 2025 at The Taj West End, Bengaluru, will spotlight Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation as key drivers of India’s growth, sustainability, and global leadership in innovation.

 

The Summit is led by esteemed committee of the leaders who have led innovation with passion and commitment, the summit mentor Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, Past President CII & Chairman, Axilor Ventures & Co-Founder Infosys Ltd. views “India's future competitiveness hinges on strengthening its Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem, which requires increased investment, improved infrastructure, and stronger collaboration between academia and industry. While India has made strides in R&D, particularly in certain sectors like defense and pharmaceuticals, significant gaps remain compared to global benchmarks, especially in terms of R&D spending as a percentage of GDP and the number of researchers. Strengthening collaboration between research institutions and industries is crucial for translating research into practical applications and commercial products. India needs to prioritize R&D in emerging technologies like AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy to stay competitive in the global landscape..”

 

Mr Kamal Bali, Chairman CII India Innovation Summit & President & Managing Director Volvo Group India Pvt Ltd highlights that “India is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The vision is to make the country independent and self-reliant in all senses: Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer in India's growing sector's, automating processes, improving quality, and optimizing supply chains. Key industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and healthcare technology stand to benefit significantly. With this background & to bring in a lot more future focus on “Make in India, Developed India & Digital India”, the 21st Edition of CII India Innovation Summit focus on collaboration with all the stakeholders for a futuristic world of high-end innovation.  The Summit will be organized in Hotel Taj West End on 10-11 October 2025.”

 

The two-day summit will also host the Innovation Showcase & Tech Walkthroughs, offering a glimpse into cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough ideas shaping India’s innovation journey. The event will further celebrate visionary leaders and organizations through the Innoverge Recognitions 2025, honouring India’s innovation champions. A special session on “Innovation & Strategy in Warfare” by the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor will highlight innovation from a national security perspective. With Bengaluru’s unparalleled ecosystem of technology, research, start-ups, and talent, the city continues to be the natural home for this prestigious summit, which aims to align industry, policy, and academia towards realizing the vision of a Make in India, Developed India, and Digital India.

 

The Summit will highlight the transformation in Energy and Mobility, Mr N Venu, Past Chairman CII Karnataka and industry stalwart in Energy sector shares that “The convergence of mobility, digital transformation and energy transition can drive sustainable development.  The ecosystem transformation enablers, namely: availability of renewable energy, the infrastructure required, new energy supplier network, customer demand, the product and services offerings, as well as future skill demands will be catalyzed by partnership across stakeholders and adoption of AI.”

 

Another key area which will be deliberated upon is Entrepreneurship and Startups, which Mr Rabindra Srikantan Chairman CII Karnataka notes “For India to emerge as a global economic powerhouse and meet its Viksit Bharat ambitions, Startups along with small and micro enterprises must play a central role for, in their growth lies the ability to make a significant contribution to GDP, exports, and employment generation.  AI has the potential to be a key enabler, helping entrepreneurs unlock new opportunities by making innovation more accessible and affordable. For Indian entrepreneurs, it could also help level the playing field to be globally competitive.

 

In the Summit, Manufacturing & Logistics will form a major focus area, with Mr Guruprasad Mudlapur Vice Chairman CII Karnataka views that “AI will drive the growth in Manufacturing & Logistics sector. It will involve the adoption of technology for tactical and operational decision making, routing, fleet optimisation, data analysis, or strategic. AI Led Innovation is a way to promote cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial risk-taking, and global integration and logistics integration for India in Manufacturing & Logistics sector.”

 

Supported by Companies who have pioneered innovation in their respective sectors Volvo Group, RSB Transmission, Lakshmi Machine Works, Maini Group, 3M India, Kennametal, EY India, Paradeep Phosphates, ASM Technologies, Bosch India, Hitachi Energy, Infosys Ltd, Manipal hospitals, Kauvery Hospitals, Sona Stars, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and others, the format will include a Tech Showcase and Innoverge Recognitions (an initiative fostering a culture of innovation) apart from industry leaders deliberating on the topics.

 

Over the years, CII Innoverge has become the go-to platform on innovation related narratives and strategies, and for shaping India’s transformation in this digital era. Be there and learn the new rends of innovation!!

 

For programme and registration details, visit :

https://ciiindiainnoverge.in/innoverge-2025/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/indiainnovationsummit/posts/?feedView=all

Embassy Group Leads With People-First Initiative, Announces 9-Day Festive Break

~Embassy Group reinforces its commitment to employee wellness with extended festive leave and celebration initiatives~

Embassy Group, one of India’s leading real estate developers, announced the return of its much-awaited festive break for employees to celebrate Diwali. The break will commence on 18th October 2025 and conclude on 26th October 2025. This initiative provides employees with the opportunity to completely switch off from work, spend quality time with their families, and return refreshed. The move reflects Embassy’s commitment to building a workplace culture that values employee well-being and mental health.

Several reports and studies show that extended breaks have a positive impact on employees’ mental health and productivity. By giving employees the space to disconnect, recharge, and focus on personal connections, companies can foster stronger and more resilient teams. The 9-day festive leave is designed not only to enable employees to celebrate the festive season with their loved ones but also to enhance long-term creativity, focus, and performance at work.

As part of the celebrations, employees will enjoy the company’s annual Diwali celebration and gift-giving, reinforcing community spirit and a sense of belonging within the organisation.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Maria Rajesh, Chief Human Resources Officer, Embassy Developments Limited, said: “At Embassy, we want to reinforce the importance of switching off from work and spending meaningful time with family in today’s fast-paced world. We deeply value the individuals who power our organisation, and initiatives like these reflect our belief that rest, and recognition is essential for sustained growth. As we bring back the festive break this year, we hope our workforce takes this time to rejuvenate, reconnect with loved ones, and return refreshed for the journey ahead.”

 

This initiative is part of Embassy Group’s broader commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. The company continues to provide mental well-being resources through its ‘Well-being on the Web’ programme, offering employees access to expert-led support and self-care tools.

 

With its progressive work practices and people-first approach, Embassy Group continues to set benchmarks in employee experience and organisational culture within the Indian real estate sector.

 

About Embassy Group

Embassy Group is a leading real estate developer. The over 75 million sq. ft. of commercial, residential, industrial and warehousing, hospitality, services, retail, and education spaces we have delivered and manage emphasise high standards of quality, world-class services, environmental management, and safety. Founded in 1993, our operations now span the Indian and international markets of Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Pune, the NCR, Serbia, and more. Our 21 million sq. ft. of ready residential developments encompass branded residences, uber-luxury villas, exclusive villaments, sky condominiums, integrated developments, senior living, and contemporary homes. Embassy was a sponsor of India’s first publicly listed and Asia Pacific’s largest Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). We strive to build a resilient ecosystem and proactively foster the social, economic, and environmental development of the communities we work in. Further information is available at www.embassygroup.com

Bringing back Timeless Gifting, Diwali With Marriott Bonvoy Unveils its Limited Period Indulgent Mithais

As Diwali approaches, homes shimmer with the glow of diyas, as the season’s excitement builds; not just for celebration, but for discovering gifts that truly light up family get-togethers. This Diwali, celebrate with the seventh edition of Diwali with Marriott Bonvoy — where traditions sparkle, artistry delights, and every mithai takes you to India’s diverse delicacies for Diwali.

 

Our specially curated festive boxes blend the richness of heritage with a contemporary touch. Each offering is crafted with subtle elegance, intricate embossing, and accents of gold and iridescence — designed to bring festive joy and a sense of refined celebration. Available in options including the Box of 36 Sweets (INR 2,800 + GST), Box of 18 Sweets (INR 1,800 + GST), Variety Box of Nuts & Sweets (INR 2,100 + GST), Festive Crunch Box (INR 1,200 + GST), and Diwali Treasures (INR 1,500 + GST) there’s something to make every moment special.

 

The mithais, prepared by Marriott’s master chefs, are a creative reimagining of tradition: The Rosette, a luxurious peda with finger millet flour, Kerala cardamom, wrapped in rose petals and crowned with 24-karat gold foil; Citrus Noir, with rich cacao layered between vibrant orange and candied orange cubes; Cashew Bloom, pairing orange and chocolate barfi topped with marzipan; and Besan Soleil, a golden besan tartlet with a mango cashew sphere, almond flakes, and crowned with Pishori pistachio.

 

For those who crave savory crunch, the nut selection is irresistible: Kashmiri Ver Almonds with authentic Kashmiri spices, Tamarind & Curry Leaf Pecans, Bombay Bhel Spiced Cashews with smoked hickory and kasoori methi, and rustic yet refreshing Mint Cashews.

 

Marriott Bonvoy members can make their celebrations even more rewarding by earning points on every festive box purchased, apart from using existing points to gift the mithai boxes to your loved ones.

 

The exquisite festive boxes are available at Marriott Bonvoy hotels across India. Pre-booking is now open, with availability till Diwali, making it the perfect time to secure your celebrations in advance.

This Diwali, let your gifts tell a story - of timeless elegance, thoughtful gestures, and joyful celebration.

Visa To Showcase The Future Of Commerce At Global Fintech Fest 2025

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, will be a key participant at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, demonstrating how it is leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in payments to build a smarter and more inclusive financial ecosystem. The event is scheduled from October 7–9 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Visitors can engage with Visa at booths L2 and M2 to experience the next generation of payment innovations.

 

At the GFF, Visa will demonstrate how it is shaping the future of commerce by uniting its global expertise with local partnerships, announcing a series of new products and solutions with leading banks and fintechs. The focus will be on tangible innovations in intelligent commerce through Agentic AI, technologies enabling frictionless transactions and advanced AI for payment security. Attendees can experience this directly via live demonstrations of seamless transit solutions and the launch of a new white paper, “Automation to Autonomy: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Payments,” which explores the future of personalized, secure retail.

 

As India's digital economy continues its rapid expansion, with digital transactions surging by 42% in the last fiscal year alone, the need for trusted and intelligent payment solutions has never been more critical. Visa is at the forefront of this transformation, developing innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers and businesses.

"India is a global leader in fintech innovation, and agentic AI is the key to unlocking the next phase of growth in digital payments," said Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head of Products, Visa India and South Asia. "At Global Fintech Fest 2025, we are excited to showcase how Visa is harnessing the power of Agentic AI to create more personalized, intuitive, and secure payment experiences. Our focus is on building a digital ecosystem that empowers consumers and businesses, fostering a more inclusive and intelligent financial future for all."

Join Visa at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 to witness firsthand how the company is shaping the future of payments and contributing to a smarter, more inclusive digital India.

 

About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.