Archives January 2025

January 9, 2025: Mobility OEMs are navigating complex shifts in consumer expectations around cleaner, safer, and reliable vehicles while powering personalized vehicle experiences. At the same time, business dynamics in the global mobility landscape are changing with vehicles needing to be developed much faster at substantially lower costs. This churn will determine the new set of winners in the mobility ecosystem.

KPITs 25+ years of focus and investments in mobility, and experience of working on most Software Defined Vehicle programs globally, give a unique vantage point to bring technology solutions to solve a multitude of business challenges.

“With our focus on mobility for over 2 decades, we have witnessed the paradigms change every few years. Despite being a 100+ year-old industry, new age mobility players and Chinese OEMs have showcased how soon the equations can change. Bringing learnings and insights from our expertise across mobility programs globally and creating business impact is what we focus on. We are excited to bring diverse yet high business impact led solutions to the fore at CES 2025”, said Mr. Kishor Patil, CEO, KPIT Technologies

Substantial Cost Reduction in Vehicle Development:

· Comprehensive validation suite including left shift strategy, middleware platform validation, domain validation and tools that provide 30%+ cost savings to OEMs.

Faster Release of Vehicles & Features:

· Next-gen reference architecture platform that eliminates architectural risks, focussed on feature differentiation, improving reliability, and cutting down vehicle SOP timeline by several months

Enhancing Consumer Experience:

· Unlocking consumer satisfaction and 20%+ boost in end consumer productivity and enhancing experience by deploying immersive in-cabin experiences

· A comprehensive approach to solving electric vehicle charging ecosystem experience with interoperability, seamless payment, and plug & play principles

“While software is unlocking innovation in mobility, OEMs need E/E architecture, Vehicle OS, software-led domain applications to be reimagined to unlock business impact. KPITs depth of expertise across chip-to-cloud, software, and systems integration, investments, and partnerships equip us to create OEM-specific differentiated roadmaps. We are excited to work with OEMs across passenger cars, trucks and off-highway vehicles to create market leadership for them using our technology solutions”, said Mr. Anup Sable, CTO, KPIT Technologies

January 9, 2025 – Genpact, a global professional services and solutions firm delivering outcomes that shape the future, has announced a multi-year partnership with BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ’s), a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs. The partnership aims to enhance BJ’s agility, drive innovation, and support its growth plans. Genpact is collaborating with BJ’s to provide expertise across finance and accounting, indirect procurement, HR, merchandising and other support functions.

“Across the retail industry, the demand for agility is driving smarter, more scalable operations,” said Rajnish Sinha, Global Business Unit Leader for Retail, Genpact. “Genpact is supporting BJ’s operations by applying its expertise in finance and accounting, digital adaptations, and data-driven process governance to position the company for long-term success through continuous innovation.”

The collaboration focuses on the company’s continued growth through strategic technology investments and optimized operations. ServiceNow is serving as the core platform for managing and integrating workflows.

“BJ’s is committed to driving automation and innovation to enhance productivity,” said Graham Luce, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “With Genpact’s proven operations expertise, we are focusing on growth while implementing operational improvements.”

Along with operational improvements, BJ’s is accessing top-tier talent and technology to support its growth plans.

January 7th, 2025: Live Your City today announced the appointment of Ms. Sheetal Birla as General Manager for India. In her new role, Sheetal will lead the expansion strategy and operations of the company known for bringing the Candlelight Concerts across India, focusing on delivering innovative entertainment experiences in the rapidly growing experience economy.

With an illustrious career spanning Fortune Global 500 companies and dynamic startups, Sheetal brings extensive technology leadership experience and a proven track record in scaling businesses across diverse sectors. Her expertise in leveraging AI and data-driven strategies for business growth aligns perfectly with Live Your City’s vision for the Indian market.

Speaking about her appointment, Sheetal Birla said, “I am excited to join Live Your City at this pivotal moment in India’s entertainment landscape. The country’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its appetite for innovative experiences, presents unprecedented opportunities. I look forward to working with the talented team to expand our footprint and create memorable experiences that resonate with India’s diverse audiences.”

Prior to joining Live Your City, Sheetal held transformative positions at several leading organizations, including Falkonry (deep tech and AI), Samsung (mobile), Tesco (retail), and Siemens (telecom), where she consistently demonstrated excellence in brand building, go-to-market strategy development, and revenue growth acceleration. Her global perspective, shaped by living in eleven cities across six countries, brings a unique understanding of diverse markets and consumer behaviors.

Sheetal holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering and an MBA from INSEAD. Her combination of technical expertise and business acumen positions her perfectly to drive Live Your City’s next phase of growth in India’s dynamic entertainment sector.

9th January 2025: Ryan International School is set to expand its national educational footprint in Hyderabad with the launch of two campuses at Kompally and Gandi Maisamma, located near the Outer Ring Road’s Exit. Spread across 2.4 lacs square feet, both campuses are set to commence operations in April 2025. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide a comprehensive and innovative learning environment for students from Montessori 1 through Grade 12, with plans to expand grades annually.

This expansion builds upon the group’s existing strong presence in the city, which already includes Ryan International School at Kondapur and Johnson Grammar School Habsiguda and Mallapur Campuses (Managed School) Hyderabad..

“Our vision is to create an educational ecosystem that goes beyond traditional learning,” says Dr. Grace Pinto, Managing Director of Ryan Group. “We’re not just opening schools; we’re opening gateways to holistic development, where students are nurtured to become global citizens, critical thinkers, and innovative problem solvers.”

Each campus will accommodate up to 2,200 students with 12: 1 1-teacher ratio for the junior years and 15:1 for the other grades ensuring personalized attention for students.

The campuses feature an impressive array of specialized learning spaces that would include Innovation labs, Media studies- Ryan Studio, Creative studio- Art Room, music rooms, libraries, dance with multimedia-enabled classrooms, and dedicated science laboratories. The school’s unique programs set it apart from conventional educational institutions, offering students extraordinary opportunities for growth and exploration.

Highlights of the school’s innovative programs include the English Language Enrichment Programme (ELEP), which will help students develop confident communication skills, and the Math Centre of Excellence, designed to transform math learning into an engaging and enjoyable experience. The Innovation Academy and Innovation Lab provide hands-on STEM learning, introducing students to design thinking, critical problem-solving, and engineering principles from a young age. Ryan Beyond Breaking News (BBN) Program: A program that teaches students about communication and journalism, and helps them develop teamwork and leadership skills. Students learn about the workings of a teleprompter, and gain insights into the field of communication

Dr. A.F. Pinto, Chairman of Ryan Group mentions “We believe in nurturing not just academic excellence, but also developing essential life skills, Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure students develop creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and a global perspective.”

Beyond academics, the school offers a comprehensive approach to student development through:
● KASSM approach: The school’s innovative KASSM framework emphasizes Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Social and Moral Values as foundational pillars of education.
● IKIGAI Centre of Learning: A dedicated center focusing on foundational, passion-building, and vocational initiatives
● Sports Academy of Excellence: A robust sports program with in-school and after-school components, including scientifically planned sessions, specialized coaching, and opportunities for competitions
● Innovative Learner Centered Experiential Learning: An approach that allows students to actively explore themes across subjects through real-life based activities and projects
Health and Safety is not a mere slogan at our schools it’s a school culture. Our Schools are inspected and certified as Safe School with Platinum ratings, in school health and Safety in collaboration with Bureau Veritas the Global leader in Assessment and Certification.

The campuses prioritize student safety with comprehensive Health, Safety, and Child Protection (HSCP) measures. These include CCTV surveillance, a dedicated safety committee, fire safety equipment, an infirmary with a qualified nurse, Student Counsellor, and Special Educators, with a rigorous background, and police verification for all employees and Support staff. School buses are equipped with Female attendants, first aid boxes, Breath Analyzer checks, GPS, CCTV, and speed governors to ensure student security during transportation.

With a legacy of 48 years in education and a commitment to innovative learning, Ryan International School’s new Hyderabad campuses promise to be more than just educational institutions, they are incubators of future leaders, innovators, and global citizens.

9th January 2025: ZELIO Ebikes, a leading force in India’s electric two-wheeler market, Today announced its official rebranding as ZELIO E Mobility Ltd. This new name signifies a bold step forward in the company’s journey, as it looks beyond its roots in electric two-wheelers to embrace a broader vision within the electric mobility landscape. The rebranding follows the company’s recent foray into the electric rickshaw market, marking its first expansion into a new segment of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

ZELIO has made a significant impact in the Indian EV market since its inception in 2021, gaining a loyal customer base of over 200,000 riders and building a robust network of 273 dealerships across 23 states. The company’s electric scooters have become popular for their stylish design, powerful features, and exceptional mileage, contributing to ZELIO’s rapid success and its ability to stand out in a competitive market.

The decision to rebrand to ZELIO E Mobility Ltd. reflects the company’s intent to go beyond electric scooters and become a key player in multiple segments of electric mobility.ZELIO recently launched its first three-wheeler e-rickshaw models—Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS- which were met with widespread interest at the EV India Expo 2024 in New Delhi. These e-rickshaws are specifically designed to cater to both urban and semi-urban markets, addressing the growing demand for affordable, eco-friendly shared transportation solutions.

Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., commented on the rebranding, stating, “The shift to ZELIO E Mobility Ltd. marks a defining moment for us as we expand beyond our core two-wheeler offerings. It’s a reflection of our ambition to provide diverse, innovative electric vehicles that cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions. We are excited to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the electric mobility landscape and remain dedicated to leading India’s transition to cleaner, greener mobility options.”

The company’s ambitious growth plans align with the rising demand for electric vehicles in India. In addition to its well-established presence in key regions like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, ZELIO E Mobility Ltd. is actively expanding into new markets, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and several North-Eastern states. The company plans to grow its dealership network to 400 outlets by March 2025, making its innovative electric vehicles more accessible to customers across India.

With the Indian EV market booming due to the country’s focus on sustainability and eco-friendly transportation, ZELIO E Mobility Ltd. is focused on not only expanding its footprint and diversifying its product offerings but also prioritizing customer satisfaction. As a 100% Indian company, ZELIO is dedicated to continuously enhancing the customer experience through innovative solutions, high-quality products, and exceptional service, ensuring it remains a trusted leader in the electric mobility sector.

9th January 2025 – Revivo, a tech-first laundry and dry-cleaning startup has successfully raised an undisclosed amount in a PreSeed Series A Round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The funds will drive technology enhancements, strategic branding efforts, and talent acquisition to accelerate growth and strengthen market positioning.

Revivo is disrupting the fragmented laundry industry with its D2C model, leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships with local service providers. With operations across Gurgaon and Delhi, Revivo processes over 5,000 orders monthly and manages 3 lakh garments every month, all while prioritizing sustainability with eco-friendly packaging and reusable delivery boxes.

REVIVO is co-founded by Khushboo Gupta, an FMS alumna with expertise in research, analytics, and people management, and Vikas Agarwal, an IIT-IIM graduate with over a decade of experience in marketing and business development. Their combined vision drives REVIVO’s strategic growth and operational excellence.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says: “Laundry and dry-cleaning industry has always been an important part of urban culture. Families are busy taking care of kids, elders, partners, and demanding careers; this often leaves limited time for household chores. Recognising this, Revivo assists hundreds of urbanites manage their laundry, dry cleaning, premium laundry, ironing, carpet and upholstery cleaning, etc, right from pick-up to delivery at a highly competitive price. We believe this idea has a lot of potential for growing India where people want to prioritise productivity more than ever.”

Revivo stands out with its technology-driven, asset-light, and highly scalable business model. Supported by 15+ trusted processing partners and a dedicated logistics fleet, Revivo ensures seamless and reliable garment care services.

Khushboo & Vikas, Co-Founders, Revivo, say: “At REVIVO, we are revolutionizing the laundry industry by combining convenience, quality, and eco-conscious practices. As pioneers in introducing quick commerce ironing services to meet daily needs, we’ve set a new benchmark with our 6-hour turnaround time. Leveraging unorganized players while ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery, we are committed to simplifying everyday chores with trusted, innovative solutions. REVIVO is not just a service—it’s a promise to make life easier, one perfectly laundered piece at a time.”

The startup has achieved significant milestones, including being selected for the prestigious Gurukul Accelerator Program, introducing an innovative 6-hour ironing service, and earning recognition in Entrepreneur Today’s 35 Under 35 list.

India’s laundry and dry-cleaning market, valued at $47.9 billion, remains largely unorganized, with 95% of players operating independently. Revivo aims to capture $1 billion in market share over the next decade.

January 09th 2025: Barracuda Networks, Inc., a leading cybersecurity company providing complete protection against complex threats, has published its predictions for how phishing techniques will evolve in 2025. The predictions are based on innovations in phishing techniques observed in 2024 by Barracuda’s India-based threat analysis team. They show how phishing remains a dangerous and adaptable threat to businesses in India and the growing importance of robust and multilayered cybersecurity strategies.

According to threat analysts, credential theft will remain the primary goal of phishing scams over the coming year, with around 50% of such attacks relying on Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) kits, up from 30% in 2024. These advanced kits are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Some can steal multifactor authentication (MFA) codes, which presents a challenge to security teams trying to strengthen access and identity policies.

In terms of malicious email content, phishing attackers are expected to make more use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly personalized and targeted phishing campaigns, analyzing social media and communication histories to craft emotionally manipulative and convincing messages that are likely to have a higher rate of success in convincing victims to respond.

In terms of technology, attackers are expected to make greater use of innovative evasion techniques including text-based QR codes, specially crafted URL links, and moving phishing content from email bodies to attachments such as PDFs. These methods are designed to bypass traditional security measures, making detection increasingly challenging.

Ashok Sakthivel, Director of Software Engineering at Barracuda Networks, said “P Phishing remains a powerful cyber threat. It is often used by attackers as a reconnaissance tool, providing valuable insights while offering a high likelihood of success. Our reports during 2024 show how phishing attacks are becoming more varied, opportunistic, and sophisticated. It is essential to have agile, innovative, multi-layered defence strategies and cyber resilient incident response, and to foster a strong security culture to stay ahead of this ever-evolving threat.”

The predictions are based on Barracuda’s extensive threat detection data and analysis throughout 2024 and represent a forward-looking view of emerging phishing challenges.

3 Spices, the signature dining destination at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, invites you to embark on a culinary journey with its exclusive Bao Pop-Up. This multi-day gastronomic event celebrates the beloved Asian delicacy, bringing together a variety of innovative and flavorful bao creations crafted to perfection.

Food lovers can look forward to indulging in a menu that balances traditional flavors with creative flair. The pop-up offers an enticing selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian baos, including the Prawn Chilli Garlic Bao, Korean Chicken Bao, Char Sui Pork Bao, Broccoli and Cheese Bao, Mushroom Bao, and Sichuan Vegetable Bao. Each bao is thoughtfully prepared, promising a delightful combination of soft, pillowy textures and bold, well-rounded flavors.

This pop-up is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant culinary traditions of Asia, with the spotlight firmly on baos—a dish that transcends cultures and regions. Set against the elegant ambiance of 3 Spices, it promises a dining experience that is both intimate and indulgent.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of Asian cuisine or simply curious to explore new flavors, this bao pop-up is an invitation to treat your taste buds to something truly special.

Extend this celebration and indulge in authentic Teppanyaki cuisine at Miyuki, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad and let the flavors transport you on a delightful culinary adventure.

09 January 2025: Doctors at Fortis Hospital Noida have successfully performed Uttar Pradesh’s first case of Endoscopic Fundoplication a minimally invasive stomach valve repair procedure, on a 45-year-old woman, who was suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD since last 2 years. It is a common condition where the stomach acid regularly flows back or refluxes into the food pipe and causes irritation and inflammation. The team of doctors led by Dr Sushrut Singh, Additional Director – Gastroenterology, Fortis, Noida performed the procedure in a mere 45 minutes with the help of advanced technology. The woman was discharged in a day in a stable condition.

The patient was suffering from severe acid reflux (occurs due to incompetence of valve present between the food pipe and stomach) due to hiatus hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. Despite lifestyle modification and standard medical management, she continued to have severe symptoms. Usual treatment of such refractory GERD is mostly laparoscopic surgeries, where the surgeon makes small incisions to repair and tighten the valve. However, after thorough medical evaluation and discussion with family, the doctors opted for this novel procedure- Endoscopic Fundoplication. This non-surgical procedure tightens the stomach valve using tiny clips inserted through the mouth. The procedure was successful, and the patient experienced a smooth recovery, and the patient was discharged on the same day, whereas patients opting for laparoscopic surgical repair needs hospitalization for 2-3 days.

Giving details of the case, Dr Sushrut Singh, Additional Director – Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “The patient underwent a minimally invasive procedure to tighten the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This was done to stop stomach acid from flowing back into the food pipe. Instead of traditional surgery with large cuts, tiny tools were inserted through the mouth to make the repair. While in this procedure, there is no incision or scar on skin and can be done as a daycare procedure, where patients can be discharged the same day itself, and recovery is quick. This novel procedure is a safe, simple, effective and risk-free , which is a boon in patients suffering from chronic reflux disease.”

Mohit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “This is Uttar Pradesh’s first case of Endoscopic Fundoplication which was done on this patient. It was a challenging procedure, however, the expert team of doctors led by Dr Sushrut Singh meticulously handled the case and executed the surgery with great precision and care. Such cases require correct diagnostic approach and management strategies, and Fortis Hospital Noida is well-equipped to manage such challenging cases.”

Team Innovation, in partnership with Spacebound, proudly announces the highly anticipated India debut of &ME, the globally acclaimed DJ and producer from the iconic Berlin-based collective, Keinemusik. This momentous two-city tour will see &ME perform at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course on March 22nd, 2025 and Bengaluru’s Nice Grounds on March 23rd, 2025. This groundbreaking event marks a significant leap forward for the Indian electronic music scene, bringing one of the most sought-after artists in the world to Indian shores for the very first time.

Audiences can expect to immerse themselves in &ME’s signature sound: a masterful fusion of sultry Afro-house rhythms, captivating melodies, and deep, hypnotic grooves that seamlessly blend deep house, techno and Afrobeat influences. His transformative sets are renowned for their ability to transport listeners to another realm, seamlessly merging raw energy with intricate musicality.

Mohit Bijlani, Co-Founder, of Team Innovation, states, “We’re thrilled to bring Keinemusik’s &ME to India! His trailblazing artistic repertoire and global appeal perfectly align with the evolving tastes of the Indian concertgoers. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering world-class experiences that not only enrich the Indian music scene but also demonstrate the power of electronic music to transcend cultural boundaries and unite people through shared passion.”

Karan Singh, CEO, Spacebound states, “Keinemusik’s genre-defying artistry and global influence make them the perfect act to bring Indian fans together and embrace the magic they bring to every stage.”

Beyond &ME’s individual brilliance, the Keinemusik collective – comprised of &ME, Rampa, Adam Port, and Reznik – is celebrated for its innovative spirit and genre-defying approach. Their influence on modern electronic music is undeniable, consistently pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation of artists. &ME’s solo performances are particularly sought-after, showcasing his distinct ability to weave together intricate soundscapes while maintaining a visceral connection with the crowd. His hit tracks, such as ‘The Rapture Pt. II’ and ‘Fairchild’ have cemented his place as a true icon in the techno and house music world.

This India tour promises an all-encompassing experience: cutting-edge sounds, dazzling visuals and a vibrant atmosphere guaranteed to leave an indelible mark. Prepare for an electrifying journey through &ME’s diverse soundscapes, from the subtle nuances of his deep house explorations to the pulsating intensity of his techno-infused tracks. The event will cater to seasoned electronic music aficionados and newcomers alike, creating a shared space of pure musical enjoyment.

Team Innovation’s dedication to delivering top-tier live event IPs underlines its mission to enrich the country’s burgeoning music scene. This partnership with Spacebound underscores their commitment to bringing exceptional musical experiences to the forefront, further cementing India’s place on the global electronic music map.

Whether you are a dedicated Keinemusik follower or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, &ME’s India debut is not to be missed. Tickets are live exclusively on BookMyShow