Marriott International Appoints Kiran Andicot As Senior Vice President, South Asia

Hospitality leader with extensive multi-disciplinary experience to drive Marriott International’s South Asia region in the next phase of growth

 

Marriott International Inc. has appointed Kiran Andicot Senior Vice President, to lead its South Asia region.  The promotion will see Kiran overseeing Operations and Development across Marriott International’s South Asia portfolio.  In this expanded role, he will align growth with operating performance, deepen owner partnerships, accelerate conversions and openings, and strengthen the region’s leadership bench.

 

Kiran has almost 30 years of experience leading teams across various hospitality disciplines in India and South Asia, from hotel operations, consultancy, planning and feasibility to development. Kiran joined Marriott’s Development & Feasibility team in 2006, rising through the ranks over his 19-year tenure. His vast range of expertise, and in-depth market knowledge stands Marriott International in good stead as the company continues its trajectory of sustained growth in South Asia, and cements Marriott’s position as the largest hospitality chain in India.

I

n his role leading Development in South Asia, Kiran has been instrumental in delivering unprecedented growth momentum in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh, signing more than 220 hotels for the region.

 

In India alone, Kiran and his team secured a record signing of 42 hotels and 7,000 rooms in 2024, and earlier this year, signed a landmark founding deal with Concept Hospitality to affiliate The Fern portfolio of 115 properties with Series by Marriott. The signings extend Marriott’s footprint beyond gateway cities and into Tier 2 and 3 cities, with anticipated property openings in cities like Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg among others. Alongside geographical expansion is the diversification of Marriott’s portfolio into the residences segment.

 

“These accomplishments are a testament to Kiran’s deep understanding of South Asia markets, strong relationships with our owner partners, incisive business acumen and steady leadership.  I am confident that with Kiran’s vast expertise supported by our experienced leadership bench, will position Marriott well as we continue our trajectory of sustained growth in South Asia,” said Rajeev Menon, President Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China.

 

Prior to joining Marriott, he spent four years in real estate and hospitality consultancy with EY and HVS, and seven years in hotel operations with IHCL and Oberoi group at various locations across India.

Tata Motors’ Aarogya Programme Transforms Over 6.6 Lakh Lives Through Healthcare & Nutrition Interventions

~ Achieves 87% recovery among severely malnourished children and 80% anaemia reduction in women ~

As India observes National Nutrition Week, Tata Motors is also making significant strides in advancing community healthcare across the country through its Aarogya Programme. The programme adopts a three-pronged approach focused on addressing child malnutrition, enhancing heath awareness among women and adolescents, and delivering both preventive and curative healthcare services.

 

In FY 24-25, Aarogya reached nearly 6.66 lakh beneficiaries, achieving 87% recovery among malnourished children and an 80% reduction in anaemia among women. These outcomes underscore Tata Motors’ commitment to harnessing the power of early health and nutrition interventions and its long-lasting impact across communities.

 

Operating in regions with critical healthcare needs, including rural communities and urban slums across Jamshedpur, Pune, Pantnagar, Dharwad, Lucknow, Sanand, and Mumbai - the Aarogya programme has delivered measurable improvements by making nutrition, health awareness, and preventive and curative services accessible to those who need them most.

 

In Jamshedpur, Aarogya has positively impacted nearly 3 lakh community members across East Singhbhum district and its remote areas.  Recognising the unique challenges faced by the urban underserved communities, Tata Motors extended its efforts through Project Aarogyasampanna in the slums of Trombay, suburban Mumbai, significantly reducing the instances of severe malnutrition among children by an impressive 90%. Building on this momentum in FY’25, Tata Motors launched Project Addressing Malnutrition in Sanand, enabling 506 severely malnourished children to receive targeted care and achieving 88% recovery rate.

 

Speaking on the impact of Aarogya, Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head, Tata Motors, said, “At Tata Motors, we view nutrition as a cornerstone of resilience and a critical enabler across the human life cycle. Through our Aarogya programme, we are addressing child malnutrition and maternal health with a holistic, community-driven model that strengthens long-term well-being. Anchored in our strategic CSR framework and enabled through convergence with government initiatives, partners, and local communities, Aarogya reflects our commitment to creating scalable and sustainable health outcomes. The positive impact we witness inspires us to continue advancing national priorities such as Poshan Abhiyaan while fostering a healthier and more equitable India.”

 

With a footprint across 26 states and 8 union territories, Tata Motors is advancing community healthcare by combating child malnutrition, promoting health awareness, and extending preventive and curative care, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Aarogya Programme exemplifies how targeted, data-driven interventions can create lasting change in India’s nutrition landscape—proving that when purpose meets scale, transformation follows.

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 180 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570; NSE: TATAMOTORS), a USD 52 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.  

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2025, Tata Motors’ operations include 93 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, four joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

WinZO Partners With Top IIMs & FMS To Build The Global Consumer Tech Talent Pipeline

WinZO, India’s largest homegrown digital entertainment platform with over 250 million users and a growing global footprint, successfully concluded the fifth season of its flagship initiative Battle of Super Scholars (BOSS) in collaboration with the country’s premier business schools including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi.

The WinZO BOSS program is designed to shape the future of consumer tech and digital innovation by transforming academic excellence into real-world applications and nurturing a pipeline of leaders capable of creating export-quality technology and intellectual property from India for global markets. 

As part of WinZO’s Global Center of Excellence, launched with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), BOSS connects India’s brightest young minds with WinZO’s 200+ member team drawn from premier institutions. The collaboration emphasizes mentorship, exchange of ideas, and industry-academia partnerships that fuel WinZO’s ambition to position India as a global leader in digital innovation 

2025 Edition Highlights: The fifth edition of BOSS showcased breakthrough solutions in GenAI applications, international expansion strategies, global monetization pathways, and culturally-rooted yet globally scalable formats, all designed to strengthen WinZO’s innovation pipeline. Winning teams will benefit from foreign exchange programs with top global universities, scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities with WinZO’s leadership, enabling them to refine their ideas and scale globally in partnership with WinZO.

Driving India’s Tech Exports: WinZO’s global competitiveness is anchored in its 100+ technology patents spanning live streaming, real-time game engines, GenAI-powered vernacular companions, one-click game integration, and AI-driven cybersecurity. With expansion across India, Brazil, and the U.S., WinZO continues to scale India’s technology to global markets while serving as a cultural and intellectual bridge.

Speaking on the program, Paavan Nanda, Co-founder of WinZO, said: “Our greatest investment has always been in people, the talent that dares to innovate with a vision for the world and respond to market dynamics with agility. At WinZO, we believe the next leap in consumer tech will be driven not just by products, but by the extraordinary minds that create them. That’s why we remain committed to investing in our team and in India’s young innovators, because the future of global digital innovation will be written here.”

By partnering with WinZO on the BOSS challenge, academia is helping drive innovation and echoing the shared vision of building for the world.

Professor Viswanath Pingali, IIM Ahmedabad: “The global gaming industry is undergoing a transformative shift, and India has the potential to lead this change not just as a consumer market, but also as a creator of intellectual property. Bringing industry into the classroom is a welcome move, and I wish the very best to the students and the firm.”

Professor Prem Prakash Dewani, IIM Lucknow: “India is at a pivotal juncture where talent, technology, and entrepreneurship are rapidly scaling. WinZO’s initiatives are launchpads for future industry leaders. We are happy to support WinZO in helping students innovate from India for the world.”

Professor Amit Bardhan, FMS Delhi: “This is a timely initiative that aligns with our mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking and industry-ready talent. It gives our students the rare opportunity to solve real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly growing digital economy.”

For WinZO, talent is an asset. The company’s patents, global expansion into Brazil and the U.S., and upcoming launches in short-drama entertainment and beyond are all built on the foundation of its people. From classrooms to boardrooms, programs like BOSS and the Bharat Tech Triumph Program (BTTP) stand as proof that India’s young innovators are ready to take on the world.

WinZO’s message is clear: we are building, we are innovating, and we are doing it together, with its people at the core.

Fastrack Launches MYND – AI-Powered Smartwatch For India’s AI-Savvy

Featuring market-first innovations with infinite AI-driven watchfaces, AI Search and Voice Command. MYND is the go-to companion for play, work and health for AI-savvy consumers.

Fastrack, India’s leading youth smartwatch brand, announced the launch of Fastrack MYND, an AI-powered smartwatch designed for consumers comfortable with AI. At a time when AI is reshaping the global wearables market, MYND brings this innovation to the Indian youth segment with features like AI-enabled personalization, contextual reminders, and infinite watch faces that reflect the user’s personality, mood and imagination. By merging advanced AI and a complete health and fitness suite, Fastrack reinforces its leadership in the fashion-tech space, offering next-gen, trend-forward design and smart functionality.

Power Meets Design: Key Features

●        4.9 cm Curved AMOLED Display: For edge-to-edge clarity

●        AI-powered watchfaces: Watchfaces that reflects user’s mood and imagination

●        Voice assistant: Voice-enabled assistance for reminders and quick answers.

●        Full health & fitness suite: Heart rate, SpO₂, sleep insights, women’s cycle tracking, and 100+ sports modes.

●        Fast USB-C Charging: A quick top-up even through your phone gives you hours of battery life

●        10 mins charge equals 1-day battery: Built to last through busy weekdays and weekend adventures.

●        IP68 Water and Dust Resistant: Ready for sweat, splashes, and all your outdoor adventures.

●        Seamless Android + iOS compatibility: Syncs with your world, whichever OS you use.

●        Bold, youth-driven design with dual tone straps in trendy colours: Built to match every mood and style.

MYND is made for those who do it all, in one fast-moving rhythm. Every element of MYND is crafted with contemporary design in mind, from its sleek, modern look to intuitive controls that fit an active, style-conscious lifestyle. Its contextual AI features seamlessly simplify wellness, boost productivity, and amplify self-expression. It’s not just a device you wear; it’s tech that lives your lifestyle.

 

“Our strategy on product innovation for Smartwatches is informed by the rapidly evolving consumer mindspace and the dynamic developments in the tech domain. And our latest Fastrack smartwatch, MYND, is at the intersection of these two. Today, our consumers are comfortable with AI, and are exploring the infinite possibilities that it provides for work, play and health. With a multitude of AI features, Fastrack MYND is an engaging device that provides a limitless possibility for self-expression even as it simplifies multiple tasks. We are excited to see how our consumers make their MYND smartwatch uniquely theirs. Fastrack MYND is the beginning of another innovative journey for the Smart Wearables team at Titan’s Watches & Wearables Division.” says Seenivasan K, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Wearable Division.

Fastrack is transforming the smartwatches segment with intelligent AI features that seamlessly adapt to every aspect of your lifestyle. Step into the future of smart living with MYND, designed to keep pace with your creativity, self-expression, and wellness. Priced at just ₹3,999, Fastrack MYND is available at Fastrack stores, Titan World outlets, leading watch + mobile phone dealers and e-commerce platforms, and at www.fastrack.in.

Early Detection Saves Lives: Let’s Not Wait To Fight Cancer

By Dr Nandish kumar Jeevangi, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology At HCG Cancer Centre Kalburgi

In the world of cancer treatment, timing can make all the difference. When the illness is found early, care tends to work better, chances of survival improves, and recovery is often less painful—both physically and mentally. Still, in India, many people are diagnosed late.

Why does this happen so often? In many cases, the early signs do not show an urgency. A small lump, some unusual discharge, or a sore that will not heal, can feel easy to dismiss—especially when there is no pain. For some, it is fear. Seeing a doctor might confirm something they are not ready to hear and ignore rest of the medical attention. But that wait often gives the disease the time to grow.

When detected early, cancer is usually more manageable. It often responds well to treatment and may require less aggressive therapy. In some cases, limited surgery or focused radiation may be enough. But once the disease spreads, treatment becomes more complex and outcomes more uncertain. That’s why recognising early signs—and acting on them—can make all the difference.

The challenge is that early-stage cancer does not always announce itself. Symptoms may be mild, or confused with something else entirely. Persistent fatigue, a change in bowel habits, Persistent cough, Per-vaginal discharge or bleeding, difficulty in swallowing, non healing ulcer,  unexplained weight loss, a new lump anywhere in body, or ongoing discomfort in one part of the body—these aren’t always dramatic symptoms, but they’re worth checking.

Awareness is our first line of defence. Knowing what to watch for, and understanding that small changes may matter, empowers people to seek care without delay. Screening tests, too, play a vital role. Depending on age, gender, and family history, doctors may advise certain routine checks that help catch abnormalities before they become dangerous. Mammography & Pap-smear are a must for all women after 50 years.

Reaching more people with screening is a work in progress. Mobile clinics, outreach programs, and digital consultations are making inroads into areas where access was once difficult. But access means little without participation. A test only works if someone chooses to take it.

Doctors have a role to play, too. General physicians and frontline staff need to stay alert to symptoms that don’t go away. A timely referral, a basic test, or even a listening ear can shift what happens next. When people feel heard and treated with care, they’re more likely to return, follow through, and stay with treatment.

Technology continues to improve how we detect and treat cancer. Precision diagnostics, targeted therapies, and improved imaging are all moving cancer care forward. But none of it can replace the impact of simply noticing a symptom and acting early.

Finding cancer early does not just help the patient—it eases the load on families & society too. With fewer hospital visits, simpler treatments, and better outcomes, the stress—both emotional and financial—can be far less. What changes is not just care, but life around it.

When cancer is found early, treatment starts sooner, options are wider, and outcomes are often far better. The difference between early and late can be life-changing. Acting at the right time does not just improve chances—it can shape the entire course of the disease.

Tata Motors Launches All-New LPT 812, Sets New Benchmarks In Profitability India’s First 4-Tyre Truck with 5-Tonne Payload

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced the launch of the all-new Tata LPT 812, its latest offering in the Intermediate, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicles (ILMCV) segment. Setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency, and total cost of ownership, the Tata LPT 812, with its higher payload capacity, is engineered to deliver greater profitability for fleet owners.

 

Equipped with factory-fitted air-conditioning, the LPT 812 is India’s first 4-tyre truck with a 5-tonne rated payload – offering unmatched payload capacity with easy urban operability. Built on Tata Motors’ proven LPT platform, the vehicle delivers the ruggedness of a 6-tyre vehicle with the efficiency, agility, and lower maintenance of a 4-tyre truck. Offered with multiple load body options, the vehicle supports a wide range of applications including industrial goods, market load, F&V, courier, among others.

 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The launch of the Tata LPT 812 sets a new benchmark in customer profitability in the segment. This category-defining truck addresses the growing need for improved productivity, while delivering superior fuel efficiency, ease of operations, and maximum uptime. It reflects our commitment to understanding evolving market requirements, and developing advanced solutions that drive long-term business growth for our customers.”

 

Powered by the trusted 4SPCR diesel engine, the Tata LPT 812 delivers 125hp and 360Nm torque—ensuring superior performance with high fuel efficiency. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox and a booster-assisted clutch for smooth gearshifts and reduced driver fatigue. Safety and durability are enhanced through improved braking and heavy-duty radial tyres for effortless load carrying. Built for optimal comfort and handling, the truck features parabolic front suspension with an anti-roll bar, full S-Cam air brakes, and tilt & telescopic power steering. Backed by a 3-year/3 lakh km warranty, the LPT 812 assures long-term reliability, peace of mind, and strong value for fleet owners.

 

Tata Motors offers the widest range of products in the ILMCV range, from 4-19 tonnes GVW. The vehicles are robustly engineered and rigorously tested to cater to the varied needs of customers across multiple applications. The portfolio is complemented by a range of value-added services for comprehensive vehicle lifecycle management through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. Leveraging Fleet Edge, Tata Motors’ next gen digital solution for optimal fleet management – operators can maximize vehicle uptime and minimize total cost of ownership. Combined with 24x7 support from India’s largest service network of over 3200 touchpoints, Tata Motors offers the highest uptime for its vehicles.

 

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 180 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570; NSE: TATAMOTORS), a USD 52 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

 

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2025, Tata Motors’ operations include 93 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, four joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Samsung Launches New Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Range To Deliver Smarter, Faster And Convenient Laundry For Modern Indian Homes

• With intelligent features like AI Wash, AI Energy, AI Ecobubble™, and the convenience of no-load transfer, this all-in-one washer dryer range ensures smart, efficient, and personalized fabric care through all seasons

• Its hygiene and care related features like Air Wash, SmartThings™ integration, and Wrinkle Prevent make it a great choice for complete fabric care all through the year be it summer, monsoon or winter

• Available starting at INR 63990, the Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Combo is driven by values that directly benefit consumers: Easy, Save and Care

 

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of its new Bespoke AI Washer Dryer (12KG Wash / 7KG Dry) that’s designed for modern Indian households. Samsung’s new 12KG washer dryer combo brings the convenience of no-load transfer, all-weather laundry, and Intelligent Fabric Care in a single integrated unit, making it a space-saving appliance built for larger families and urban homes.

 

According to a recent consumer study done by Samsung India, demand for washer dryers is rising as households look to protect clothes from dust and germs while saving the effort of air-drying across all seasons. This shift reflects the growing need for appliances that combine performance with convenience, especially for families that manage larger loads and have limited drying space. Samsung’s range of Bespoke AI Washer Dryers is designed to meet these evolving preferences, offering the benefit of no-load transfer and convenient washing and drying throughout the year, driven by values that directly benefit consumers: Easy, Save, and Care.

 

Samsung’s new integrated washer dryer combo comes with “no-load transfer” between Washer and Dryer, allowing consumers to transfer clothes from the appliance directly to the clothing line.

Additionally, there is no dependency on weather when it comes to drying clothes. Whether it is summer, winter, or monsoon, both washing and drying are taken care of with the Bespoke AI Washer Dryer. Its AI Wash feature uses advanced five-step sensing to enhance washing performance and minimize waste. It detects the weight and softness of the fabric in each load, actively monitors the level of soiling, and optimizes water and detergent levels to achieve the best wash results quickly and efficiently. The Auto Dispense function automatically releases the right amount of detergent and softener for each load, ensuring that consumers don’t have to worry about using too much or too little detergent. It also holds enough detergent for up to one month of washing, so there is no need to refill the detergent tank after every wash. The AI Control feature personalizes washing by remembering your habits, suggesting cycles and displaying timely information.

 

The new Samsung washer dryers come with an AI Energy feature that helps reduce energy consumption by up to 70%. The digital inverter technology in the new washer dryers helps consumers benefit from greater energy efficiency*, less noise, and long-lasting performance. Samsung’s new washer dryers also offer outstanding durability, backed by a 20-year warranty. Its SuperSpeed feature washes a full load in just 39 minutes, delivering powerful cleaning while protecting fabrics.

 

The new range of washer dryers comes with AI Ecobubble™ technology that enhances washing performance by improving soil removal by up to 20%, while still being gentle on fabrics. The Air Wash feature refreshes laundry without washing, boiling, scrubbing, or using detergent by deodorizing garments and bedding so that they smell fresh. Finally, the SmartThings™ Wrinkle Prevent feature helps keep dried clothes wrinkle-free, reducing the hassle of ironing.

 

“Our new Bespoke AI Washer Dryer range understands modern lifestyles, delivers convenience, and makes everyday laundry smarter and more efficient. The intelligent features provide perfect solution for modern day living at a time when weather unpredictability is rising and consumers struggle with high pollution and dust. Samsung’s Bespoke AI technology not only optimises wash cycles based on fabric type and load, but also helps save energy and water while ensuring hygiene. Our new range is designed with higher capacity to handle larger loads, along with features that save time, protect fabrics, and maintain hygiene, all while reflecting the core values of 'ease, save, and care'. I am confident that our new convenient, intelligent, and connected appliances will transform the way Indian households experience laundry, making it simpler, faster, and more reliable,” Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances Business, Samsung India said.

 

Pricing & Availability

The new range of Samsung Bespoke AI Washer Dryer will be available in India, across Samsung.com, retail outlets, and leading e-commerce platforms, at prices starting from INR 63990.

 

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, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in.