Archives 2025

SolarWinds’ Rohit Shukla on India’s Shift from AI Pilots to Observability-Led, Agentic Operations

Rohit_Shukla_Headshot_SolarWinds_2000x3000

By:-Rohit Shukla, Senior Sales Director, India & SAARC, SolarWinds

2025 Wrap-up

In 2025, India moved from rapid digital adoption to sustained, large-scale execution. With an estimated 70% of firms eager to use Generative AI for automation, and the emergence of agentic AI, the focus decisively shifted from proofs-of-concept to real-world impact. AI-driven automation, hybrid cloud maturity, and always-on digital services became the norm, significantly increasing system complexity and the demand for real-time visibility across IT environments.

This acceleration made one thing clear: digital innovation without observability is unsustainable. As technology stacks became more distributed, spanning cloud, edge, SaaS, and on-premises, traditional monitoring approaches could no longer keep pace. Without deep observability, teams faced blind spots across dependencies, slower root-cause analysis, rising operational costs, and increased risk to service availability and customer trust. In an always-on economy, even minor disruptions could cascade rapidly, impacting business outcomes.

The launch of the SolarWinds AI agent showed customers how deeply embedded intelligence can move from manual firefighting to guided workflows across complex, hybrid environments. The real breakthrough lies in combining telemetry and business context so agents can sequence actions and hand off to humans only when judgment is truly required.

As India continues to set the pace for global digital adoption, SolarWinds remains committed to supporting this momentum with solutions that bring clarity, stability, and trust to increasingly complex IT ecosystems.”

2026 Predictions

“As we look ahead to 2026, Indian enterprises will rethink how they balance investments between AI and human talent. As AI solutions become more complex and costly, organizations are also contending with a shortfall of more than a million skilled technology professionals in India. This is driving a growing recognition that tools alone are not enough. Successful AI and agentic adoption will depend on deep human expertise through subject matter experts who understand how applications, databases and infrastructure connect to deliver reliable end-user experiences.

India is quickly emerging as one of the fastest‑scaling markets, with over 50% organizations planning to implement Agentic AI by 2026 and digital‑native enterprises moving from pilots to enterprise-wide deployments. Looking ahead, enterprise-wide autonomous workflows will become standard in areas such as incident response and change management, where policies, data quality, and integration boundaries are clearly defined. At SolarWinds, we are committed to enabling this next era of autonomous operations by empowering organizations with secure observability, ITSM, and Agentic AI for measurable business impact.

The real differentiator for Indian organizations will be how effectively they integrate agentic AI with observability and human judgment, rather than deploying AI in isolation. Intelligence is moving beyond post-incident alerts toward proactive, self-directed decision-making, positioning agentic AI as a foundational element of operational and architectural strategy.”

Bridging the Career Guidance Gap for Higher Education Students in Small Towns

For many higher education students in India’s small towns, completing a degree does not always translate into career clarity. Limited exposure to organised career pathways, lack of mentorship, and financial constraints often leave students uncertain about their next steps, particularly those from unorganised and underserved backgrounds. As a result, the demand for structured career guidance and skill development support is steadily growing across Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities.

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In response, career-focused initiatives are increasingly targeting higher education students with programmes that combine counselling, competitive exam preparation, and skill-based learning. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between academic education and employability by helping students align their interests and strengths with real-world career opportunities.

Scholarship programmes introduced across smaller towns are also playing a significant role in addressing affordability challenges. By easing financial pressure, such initiatives allow meritorious students to access quality guidance and training that might otherwise remain out of reach. In states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, collaborations with government bodies have further expanded access, creating pathways for students from unorganised sectors to transition into structured and sustainable careers.

Highlighting the importance of early and informed career decision-making, Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO of Crack Academy, said,

“Students from smaller towns often have the talent and ambition, but not the exposure or direction needed to make confident career choices. By providing counselling, skill development, and financial support, we can help them move towards stable and rewarding career paths.”

Beyond financial assistance, regular workshops, mentorship sessions, and accessible learning models are helping first-generation learners and aspiring professionals gain confidence and awareness of emerging career options. Such exposure is proving critical in helping students navigate new-age roles and evolving industry demands.

As these initiatives continue to expand their reach, they are quietly reshaping how higher education students in India’s smaller towns approach career planning—turning uncertainty into clarity and aspiration into achievable progress.

Relaxo Footwear Launches “BUY & FLY” Winter Campaign with EaseMyTrip

New Delhi, Dec 19: Relaxo Footwears Ltd, India’s largest quality footwear manufacturer has announced “BUY & FLY” an exciting Winter Campaign in partnership with EaseMyTrip, one of India’s leading online travel-tech platforms.The campaign is aimed to bring      together everyday shopping and the joy of travel at the peak of the holiday season. Running from 15th December 2025 to 18th January 2026, the “BUY & FLY” Winter Campaign will be live across 413 Relaxo Exclusive Brand Outlets, offering customers a chance to walk in for footwear and walk out with travel rewards.

The campaign is built around a simple but compelling promise of “Walk with Relaxo, Fly with EaseMyTrip.” or as positioned in Hindi, “Chale Relaxo Ke Saath, Ude EaseMyTrip Ke Saath.” to appeal to buyers. Customers who shop for INR 1,499 or above will receive an assured EaseMyTrip voucher of worth INR 3000,  unlocking instant value on future travel. Customers just need to copy the coupon code given on their invoice and claim it on EaseMyTrip website. Along with this, shoppers will enter a pool of exciting rewards, including weekly holiday vouchers and a Jackpot Couple Trip to Goa, making every purchase a potential gateway to a well-deserved break. The EaseMyTrip voucher is redeemable exclusively on the platform until April 20, 2026.

This collaboration arrives at a perfect moment. With December and January being the height of India’s travel season, the partnership combines Relaxo’s strong retail presence with EaseMyTrip’s reputation as a trusted travel platform. The result is a consumer experience that feels modern, aspirational, and deeply rewarding.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Mr. Aakash Koparkar, Vice President  Retail Business,  Relaxo Footwears Ltd., said,

“Customers today seek value, delight and experiences they can hold on to. The ‘BUY & FLY’ campaign brings exactly that spirit to our winter season. By joining hands with EaseMyTrip, we are turning everyday shopping into an opportunity to explore new destinations. It is our way of thanking customers for choosing Relaxo and giving them something memorable in return.”

Commenting on the partnership, Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, said,

“For most families, the holiday season is that time of the year when they step away and experience something new together. At EaseMyTrip, we want to make that experience easier, more accessible and more rewarding. Partnering with Relaxo allows us to extend this promise beyond the travel ecosystem and into everyday retail.”

With assured vouchers, weekly rewards, and a dream holiday up for grabs, the “BUY & FLY” initiative is expected to drive strong footfall and build festive cheer across all participating stores. More importantly, it positions Relaxo as a consumer-first brand that continues to innovate, surprise, and upscale the shopping experience.

Adani Launches Skill Development Centre in Gangavaram to Empower Women and Communities

Visakhapatnam, Dec 19:Adani Gangavaram Port, in collaboration with Adani Foundation, inaugurated the Adani Skill Development Centre at Gangavaram as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility  initiatives. The Skill Development Centre is designed to provide structured training programs and practical exposure to help youth and women in local communities gain industry-relevant skills and improve livelihood opportunities.

Adani Launches Skill Development Centre in Gangavaram to Empower Women and Communities

The inauguration ceremony was graced by senior leadership from Adani Gangavaram Port Limited and Adani Foundation, along with village leaders, community representatives, trainers, and enthusiastic students. Their presence reaffirmed the Adani Group’s strong commitment towards inclusive growth and community development.

The Adani Skill Development Centre will offer structured training, practical exposure, and continuous support to trainees, aligning with the Skill India Mission and Adani Group’s vision of nation-building. The centre focuses on creating employable talent while fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region.

Speaking on the occasion Adani Gangavaram Port Management said,that the Adani Skill Development Centre is a catalyst for empowering women and youth by providing industry-relevant skills that build confidence, enable financial independence and support sustainable livelihoods. Adani Foundation’s commitment to skill training initiatives that foster empowerment and long-term socio-economic growth. We thank the local community and educational partners for their ongoing trust and support. This initiative is one of the many ways we continue to strengthen our bond with the local community and work towards inclusive development.

Times Network’s India Economic Conclave 2025 Day 1: Charting India’s Strategy Amid Shifting Geoeconomics

Chennai, Dec 19: Leaders from government, industry, and global economic institutions convened today at Times Network’s 11th India Economic Conclave (IEC 2025) at Taj Palace, New Delhi, for the first day of the two-day flagship event. The conclave, themed “Navigating Geoeconomics,” provided a premier platform to examine India’s growth, strategic autonomy, and global positioning in an increasingly multipolar world.

left to right - Vineet Jain , MD, The Times Group with Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, GOI

Day 1 featured high-impact sessions and panel discussions covering economic resilience, trade and capital flows, infrastructure and manufacturing, digital and services-led growth, and emerging priorities including AI, cybersecurity, climate transition, mobility, and defence preparedness. 

Mr. Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, said,

“We meet at a moment when the global order is undergoing rapid calibration. Economic power blocs are shifting, tariff battles are redefining trade flows, technological supremacy is the new currency of influence, and energy geopolitics is reshaping alliances across continents. Our latest GDP numbers reaffirm India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This year’s theme, Navigating Geoeconomics, could not be more timely. The world is entering an era where economics and geopolitics are inseparable. The strategic importance of Supply chains, critical minerals, energy security, digital sovereignty, and trade alliances is now on par with military decisions. Nations that can integrate economic foresight with geopolitical acumen will define the next global chapter. India is unquestionably one of those nations. India’s moment is not approaching, it is here. As we look forward to 2047– 100 years of our independence—we stand at the threshold of a historic transformation. The mission is clear and unwavering:  To make India a fully developed, globally influential nation by the time we mark 100 years of freedom. Economically robust, strategically secure, technologically sovereign, environmentally responsible and globally respected.”

Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, highlighted India’s growth story, its ability to navigate global economic challenges, and the government’s focus on strengthening small businesses. Navigating geoeconomics while remaining a bright spot of fast and steady growth and sustaining that level of growth year after year — is something the people of India are achieving. I believe each one of us, including political parties & critics, should recognise this,” the finance minister said. She also underlined the government’s policy thrust under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly towards micro, small and medium enterprises. “Our government, under Prime Minister Modi, has placed a strong focus on MSMEs,” Sitharaman said, pointing to the sector’s role in job creation, manufacturing and exports.

“Globally, it is now very clear that trade is neither fair nor free,” Sitharaman said, underlining how tariffs and non-tariff barriers are increasingly being deployed as strategic tools rather than economic correctives. “Tariffs have been weaponised globally. India’s intention was never to weaponize tariffs. We have safeguarded our industries,” the finance minister said, stressing that New Delhi’s approach has been calibrated and aimed at protecting domestic manufacturing and jobs rather than exerting pressure on trading partners. 

She cautioned that the evolving environment leaves little room for complacency. “Trade is being weaponised through tariffs and other measures, and India will have to negotiate its way carefully,” Sitharaman noted, signalling that diplomacy and strategic negotiations will be critical as global supply chains fragment and economic nationalism rises. Sitharaman also placed India’s current challenges in a longer historical context. “Nearly 25% of global trade once emanated from India. That is the kind of period we should be aiming to return to,” she said, pointing to the government’s ambition to restore India’s prominence in global commerce despite today’s headwinds.

At the same event, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, mentioned,

“The government no longer faces resource constraints in building highways and transport networks, citing successful road monetisation and innovative financing models. Today, in my experience, we don’t have any resources problem because the way in which we are monetising the road and developing different type of models, DOT, hybrid NUT, NVID, and DOT, there is no problem about resources because the traffic density is very high,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of infrastructure on exports and GDP growth, Gadkari pointed to a sharp reduction in India’s logistics costs. He said, “India’s logistics cost earlier stood at around 16% to GDP, significantly higher than China’s 8% and the 12% average of the US and European countries.”

“In India, previously it was 16%. But the latest study from IIM Bangalore and IIT Kanpur and IIT Chennai, the report indicates that our logistic cost in the road is reduced by 6%. So now from 16 to 10, and the report was three, four months before. So today I’m confident that this logistic cost is a single digit at 9%,” he said.

The minister said lower logistics costs could boost India’s exports by nearly 1.5%, contributing to economic growth and employment generation. “This will not only create wealth but also create more jobs,” he added.

Emphasising the broader impact of road infrastructure, Gadkari said improved highways are transforming multiple sectors. “So by making good roads, not only we are developing trade, business, and industry, but we are developing tourism, and we are also developing good agriculture also. So these are the effects which are very important for the development of our country,” he said.

During her session, Gita Gopinath, Professor of Economics at Harvard University and former Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, said that”with oil prices hovering around $60 per barrel, India has an opportunity to diversify its energy partnerships beyond Russia and recalibrate relations with the United States. “From an economic perspective, this trade-off is not a bad one for India.” 

On the ongoing tariff tensions between the US and China, Gopinath said she does not expect further escalation from Washington. “I don’t think the US will raise tariffs further against China, as it remains dependent on China for rare earth elements, which has become a significant deterrent,” she said.

Discussing how India can capitalise on shifts in global supply chains, Gopinath pointed to improvements in the country’s digital and physical infrastructure, while stressing the need for complementary reforms. She highlighted land acquisition as a major constraint. “It remains very complicated and difficult to acquire land in India. This limits how quickly infrastructure can be built and restricts growth,” she said.

Other distinguished speakers included V Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank, on navigating geoeconomics; Gita Gopinath, Professor of Economics, Harvard University & Former Deputy MD, IMF, on navigating geoeconomics; Mr. Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO – Invest UP, on Uttar Pradesh as an Investment Destination; David Tait, CEO, World Gold Council, on Navigating Volatility – The Golden Opportunity; Patrik Antoni, CEO, IKEA INDIA, on How to Ride the Consumption Wave; and Sridhar Vembu, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist, Zoho Corporation, on IT innovation amongst others. 

IEC 2025 is presented by IDFC FIRST Bank, with strategic support from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Knowledge Partner), World Gold Council (Gold Investment Partner), Radico (Celebration Partner), Axis Max Life Insurance (Insurance Partner), Adani (Associate Partner), Government of Uttar Pradesh (Growth Partner), and NBCC (Infrastructure Partner).

As Day 1 concludes, the conclave has already set a strong platform for robust dialogue on policy strategy, sector-level priorities, and technological innovation. Day 2 will further explore mobility, cyber readiness, AI regulation, workforce strategy, and India’s roadmap for economic leadership and global influence.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute and Siemens Healthineers Partner to Advance Cardiac Care Research

Bengaluru, Dec 19:- Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences and Siemens Healthineers have entered a strategic clinical research collaboration titled, ‘Collaborative Clinical Research in Echocardiography.’ It brings together SSSIHMS’s commitment to free medical care and the leadership of Siemens Healthineers in cutting-edge ultrasound and cardiovascular imaging.

(L-R)SSSIHMS-Dr DC Sundaresh(Director)_Siemens Healthineers-Chaitanya Mehrotra(Head-Ultrasound,Asia Pacific),Kalavathi GV(Head-Global Development Cente

This effort will explore key research areas, which includes advancing 2D and 4D echocardiography capabilities, enhancing quantitative imaging and automated measurements, optimizing workflows and usability, and evaluating imaging performance across diverse patient groups to ensure consistent, high-quality diagnostic outcomes. The collaboration is designed to improve early detection and accurate assessment of cardiac diseases and supports the hospital’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare free of cost.

Dr. DC Sundaresh, director of SSSIHMS said;

“This collaboration aligns strongly with SSSIHMS’s mission of combining clinical excellence with compassionate service. By working closely with Siemens Healthineers on advanced echocardiographic research, we aim to generate meaningful clinical evidence that enhances early diagnosis, improves outcomes, and expands access to high-quality cardiac care for all, especially in resource-constrained settings.”

Kalavathi GV, executive director (India) and head of global Development Center, Siemens Healthineers said, “Expanding access to care is central to our purpose. This clinical research will help understand the region-specific customer challenges and support in developing AI-powered solutions which will improve workflows and enable increased access to cardiac care.”

Chaitanya Mehrotra, head of ultrasound  Asia Pacific region, Siemens Healthineers added;

“We believe that innovation must serve humanity. Our collaboration with SSSIHMS reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality cardiac care. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of echocardiography ensuring that innovation and compassion go hand in hand, while accelerating patient-focused R&D and clinical studies.”

This initiative builds on SSSIHMS’s long-standing association with Siemens Healthineers. The hospital has already integrated Siemens Healthineers technology to deliver advanced, high-precision cardiac and neurovascular interventions.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences was founded in 2001 by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Whitefield, Bengaluru. SSSIHMS is a premier 333-bedded tertiary care hospital established on the unique philosophy of providing world-class medical and surgical care completely free of cost to all patients, without distinction of caste, creed, religion, nationality, or economic status. This institution represents the fourth healthcare initiative of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, created to deliver the best in high-quality healthcare to the poorest of the poor, rooted in compassion and service. The hospital specializes in advanced cardiac sciences and neurosciences, offering comprehensive services including preventive cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, pediatric cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and allied specialties. Over the past 25 years of SSSIHMS and 50 years of SSSGH  the hospitals have provided free medical services with a very conservative valuation estimated at approximately INR 4500 crores, impacting the lives of over 60 lakh patients from across India and beyond. Through its unwavering commitment to service, clinical excellence, and ethical medical practice, SSSIHMS stands as a globally recognized model of compassionate, value-based healthcare.

Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 74,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €23.4 billion. Further information is available at siemens-healthineers.com.

Black Coffee: A Low-Calorie, Antioxidant-Rich Boost for Energy, Weight, and Heart Health

Dr Aditi Apte

By:- Ms. Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior  Clinical Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital.

 

Black coffee is among the easiest beverages you can prepare, that is, coffee powder and hot water only. No cream, no sugar, and no milk to be mixed in. What’s more, the drink that appears to be so simple is packed with a number of powerful benefits that have made it popular not only with fitness enthusiasts, office-workers but also with doctors who moderate its intake and recommend the drink. Since it contains neither sugar nor milk, it is low in calories and at the same time very rich in antioxidants. Hence, it is a better option for those who want to reduce their sugar intake, control their weight, or speed up their metabolism.

Energy and Focus Boost

Black coffee is the most common drink that instantly boosts energy and the main reason why people love it. The caffeine does wake you up, boosts the alertness and it is easier for you to focus. Drinking it in the morning or just before starting your work can make you feel more lively and mentally sharp. It is also a factor that improves one’s reaction time and concentration which is why lots of students and professionals depend on it.

A Great Help in Losing Weight

Black coffee has a very low-caloric content which renders it one of the best drinks for a weight loss diet. Besides, it has a metabolism-boosting effect which means that through the day your body will burn more calories. It also hastens the process of body fat being released. Many persons opt for a cup prior to workout since it gives more endurance and aids in burning the calories more efficiently.

Supports Heart Health 

 If taken in small amounts  which usually means one to two cups a day  black coffee may be able to lower the chances of heart disorders. It enhances the flow of blood, calms down inflammation and the cappillaries get more support. But bear in mind that overconsumption of coffee can actually lead to opposite effects, thus moderation is very important.

Might Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes 

Drinking coffee on a daily basis is, in fac, linked to lower diabetes risk. This is because coffee improves the body’s insulin sensitivity and thus, glucose is used more efficiently. However, this applies only to black coffee and that too, unsweetened. Otherwise, sugar would take the advantage away. 

Helps in Liver Health

Also, black coffee is known for its ability to protect the liver. Moderate and regular consumption is associated with a decreased risk of fatty liver, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. It helps in the control of anti-liver enzymes and the support of general detoxification by the liver system. Thus, black coffee is mainly beneficial for those who suffer liver problems due to their lifestyle. 

Enhances Mood and Brain Activity 

Caffeine boosts dopamine levels  the “hormone of happiness”  which means you feel better and less tired. Besides, black coffee also promotes longevity of the brain and lowers the chances of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The reason is that it not only eliminates the brain cells but also reduces nerve inflammation.

How Much Black Coffee Is Safe?

 1–2 cups daily are regarded as safe for most grown-ups. Over that may cause jitters, stomach upset, insomnia or faster heartbeat. It is advised not to have black coffee late evening or night, as it could disrupt your sleeping patterns.

Who Should Be Careful? 

The ones who are suffering from acidity, stomach ulcers, extreme anxiety or have blood pressure that is not controlled should be careful. Moreover, pregnant women are advised to see a doctor first before making it a habit of drinking caffeinated drinks.

When drinking black coffee at reasonable levels, it can be a great healthy asset to your daily regimen. Its energy-giving, weight loss, liver and heart support, mood enhancing and antioxidant providing properties are among its few benefits.

Magma consolidates its Series A with USD 8 mn close

Magma, Asia’s leading industrial B2B solutions provider, has today announced the close of its Series A round at USD 8 million, following an additional USD 3 million extension to its previously announced USD 5 million raise in April 2025. The USD 3 million fresh infusion includes:

Neal Thakker, CEO & Founder of Magma Group

  • USD 1.2 million from Capria Ventures, Avinya Ventures, extending their existing investment
  • USD 1.3 million from the Gujarat Government’s VC arm, GVFL Ltd.
  • USD 0.5 million from AVNM Ventures

With this USD 8 million Series A round, Magma has raised a total of USD 11.3 million to date, including USD 3.3 million in seed funding. 

Magma is building a first-of-its-kind ‘Industrial Operations Stack’ for India’s factories and contract manufacturers. With deep proximity to industrial clusters and a fundamentals-driven, profitability-first approach, the company works closely with mid-market manufacturers to modernise production, improve throughput, and bring transparency to supply and demand in India’s fragmented industrial ecosystem.

The latest capital will be deployed to scale Magma’s operations across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Telangana; strengthen the company’s precision manufacturing network; accelerate the growth of TerraMag its advanced industrial materials brand; and introduce new factory-focused solutions, to be announced shortly. The company will also double down on Magma Green  India’s leading green manufacturing and materials platform delivering waste-management and recycled-materials solutions across the paper, plastic, agro, and sawdust value chains. 

Magma stands at a powerful inflection point: scaling rapidly across India’s industrial backbone and demonstrating that a profitable, sustainable, tech-enabled B2B enterprise from a non-metro city can attract global capital and help redefine the future of Indian manufacturing.

Neal Thakker, Founder and CEO, Magma, said,

“The continued backing from our investors reinforces our belief in a proximity-first, fundamentals-led model rooted in India’s manufacturing clusters. With this round, we are scaling our footprint across key industrial belts and building the backbone for India’s next wave of precision manufacturing. We are on track to reach an INR 1,000 crore revenue run rate within the next 18 months.”

Surya Mantha, Managing Partner, Capria Ventures, said,

“Magma is solving a very hard and very large problem — modernising India’s industrial backbone. Their traction in mid-market manufacturing clusters, the quality of on-ground operations, and Neal’s clarity on building a durable business give us confidence to increase our investment. We believe Magma is positioned to become a defining company in India’s industrial stack, as they address a USD 36 billion opportunity in one of India’s most underserved industrial supply chains.”

Gaurav VK Singhvi, Managing Partner, Avinya Ventures, added,

“Over the last six months, Magma has delivered what we look for in an industrial platform at scale: steady revenue growth, improving gross margins and disciplined execution. The revenue mix is now anchored in core verticals, the company has added customers across more than 14 states, and it has remained cash generative. The team’s proximity to manufacturing clusters and focus on fundamentals give us confidence to deepen our ownership. We see a clear path to a larger, more profitable business and are excited to support Magma as it builds toward public market readiness.”

Neelgagan Strengthens Position as a Trusted, Full-Spectrum Stationery Brand in India

New Delhi, Dec 19: NEELGAGANIndia’s established stationery destination, continues to strengthen its presence across education, office and large-scale organisational markets through a broad portfolio of paper and plastic stationery products.

Neelgagan Product Range

As education and work environments adapt to digital systems, the need for dependable stationery continues to coexist with these shifts. In response, NEELGAGAN has expanded its role from a traditional stationery brand to a comprehensive solutions provider focused on consistency and scale.

Its product portfolio spans notebooks, notepads, account books, ledgers and a wide range of office stationery, positioning the brand as a dependable partner for bulk and customised requirements. NEELGAGAN is among the few remaining national-scale players in key categories such as notepads and account books, segments that continue to play a critical role in education, administration and small business operations. In many organisations, paper-based documentation continues to run parallel to digital systems, making dependable stationery a non-negotiable part of daily operations.

While several stationery categories have fragmented or become increasingly regional over time, demand for structured record-keeping, daily writing and administrative documentation continues to sustain these core segments. NEELGAGAN’s strength lies in its ability to serve diverse use cases while maintaining consistent quality and supply. The brand’s wide SKU spread also enables organisations to meet multiple stationery requirements through a single, reliable partner.

Beyond retail, NEELGAGAN has developed strong capabilities in customised and large-volume stationery solutions. The company works closely with organisations to meet specific requirements related to size, binding, paper quality and format, enabling flexibility for specification-driven orders. These solutions are widely used across classrooms, examination centres, administrative offices and field operations, where standardisation and supply reliability are essential.

As learning formats and work environments evolve, demand for dependable stationery remains strong. NEELGAGAN continues to focus on understanding regional usage patterns and servicing these markets through an established distribution network.

Speaking on the brand’s positioning, Mr. PRANAV GUPTA, DIRECTOR – MARKETING, NEELGAGAN, said,

Stationery is a fundamental requirement across education, offices and organised workplaces, and its importance is often underestimated. At Neelgagan, our focus has always been on consistency, availability and understanding how stationery is actually used across India. That approach continues to guide how we serve our partners and markets. Our role is to ensure that these everyday tools work reliably, quietly and consistently, wherever they are needed.

Adding to this, Mr. KANAV GUPTA, DIRECTOR – SALES, NEELGAGAN, said,

 “Across markets, what we consistently hear from customers is the need for dependable supply and uniform quality. Whether it is a school, an office or a large organisation managing procurement at scale, predictability matters. Our focus has been on ensuring that partners can rely on Neelgagan not just for product range, but for consistency in availability and service.”

The company remains focused on business continuity, partner relationships and clear external communication, while strengthening its relevance in a changing stationery and learning landscape.

With a legacy spanning over seven decades, NEELGAGAN continues to build on its foundation of trust while aligning its portfolio and distribution to the evolving needs of education, administration and organised users. The emphasis is on staying close to how organisations actually function, rather than on chasing short-term category shifts.

66% of Indian Employees Prefer Pay Cut for Better Work Culture: Study

Mumbai, Dec 19:- Great Place To Work India has released its latest Voice of India study on ‘Job-Switching Trends’, offering fresh insight into how Indian employees are thinking about career moves in 2026. Based on extensive survey data collected nationwide, the study sheds light on shifting expectations around workplace culture, leadership, flexibility, and long-term engagement.
According to the findings, 62% employees working in typical workplaces are actively looking for new roles. Among those already considering a move, 70% expect to leave their current organisation within the next year, reflecting a decisive approach to career transitions.
“Findings from our study show that workplace culture can directly influence retention, leadership trust, and employees’ readiness to exchange compensation for better workplace experiences. We found that 66% of employees contemplating leaving are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for improved workplace conditions and greater flexibility. Moreover, 6 in 10 employees who don’t have a great workplace experience plan to leave, but that number drops to half when they experience a positive workplace environment. Therefore, investing in culture and leadership capability is critical to business resilience and long-term performance.”  Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work
The study also identifies specific workforce segments where the intention to switch jobs is particularly pronounced. In the healthcare, biotech, and pharmaceutical sectors81% of employees considering leaving expect to move within 12 months. Among younger professionals, the trend is equally strong, with 76% of Generation Z and 68% of millennials planning a job change within the year. Notably, 73% of supervisors and frontline managers who are contemplating a switch also expect to exit their roles in the near term. In fact, 87% of employees thinking about leaving cited workplace culture as a key factor when evaluating potential employers.
Satisfaction levels further highlight the areas organisations need to address. Employees preparing to leave reported 20% to 27% lower satisfaction compared to those intending to stay, particularly around fair pay, work-life balance, recognition, and management communication. The study also found that intent to leave drops by 16% when employees express strong confidence in leadership judgment, and by 12% when they experience meaningful opportunities for innovation at work.
Early attrition remains a concern in typical workplaces, with turnover rates within the first two years of employment significantly higher than in Great Place To Work CertifiedTM companies. The data also reveals a gender gap, with 21% more women reporting intent to leave in typical workplaces compared to Certified organizations.
Taken together, the findings underline the urgent need for organisations to invest in culture, leadership capability, and employee experience. As the Indian workforce becomes more discerning, companies that prioritise trust, inclusion, and meaningful engagement are better positioned to retain talent and build resilience in an increasingly competitive employment landscape.