Archives May 2025

New Delhi, May 20, 2025: Kirloskar Industries Limited (KIL) today announced that its Board of Directors, at its meeting held on 20th May 2025, has approved the appointment of Mr. George Verghese as the Managing Director for a period of 5 years, from 21st May 2025 to 20th May 2030 (both days inclusive), subject to shareholders approval.

Commenting on this, Mr. Atul Kirloskar, Chairman of the Board, said, “I am pleased to welcome George to the Kirloskar Industries family. George has worked with various companies within the Group, and has deep experience in business strategy, operational execution, leadership, HR transformation, marketing, and culture, all of which will be useful for Kirloskar Industries Limited.’

Mr. Verghese is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles, with companies like Dell, Reliance Communications, and Cummins. Through his tenure, he has worked in various roles, including business operations, human resources, business strategy, marketing, and branding.

Mr. Verghese joined the Kirloskar Group of companies in April 2021 as the Vice President of Group HR. He later became the CHRO and Chief of Staff of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited, where he was part of the core team responsible for a successful strategic business turnaround effort. George completed his Masters in management from XLRI Jamshedpur, and prior to that, his graduation in engineering from College of Engineering, Munnar.

New Delhi: Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) today welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of a new semiconductor manufacturing facility under the India Semiconductor Mission. With five semiconductor units already in advanced stages of construction, this sixth facility marks another key milestone in India’s march toward self-reliance in the strategically vital semiconductor industry.

Saleem Ahmed

“The Cabinet’s decision will further strengthen India’s position in the global electronics manufacturing value chain and create a robust ecosystem for semiconductors,” said Mr. Saleem Ahmed, Officiating Head, ESSCI. “It’s not just a boost for infrastructure—it’s a major opportunity for youth employment and technical skilling across the country.”

According to ESSCI’s analysis, the semiconductor industry is set to witness a dramatic rise in employment demand. The sector, which is projected to employ 1.70 lakh individuals by 2025, is expected to rise to 1.87 lakh in 2026, and add a total of 1.03 lakh new jobs by 2030. This includes roles in chip design, fabrication, testing, quality control, equipment maintenance, and advanced manufacturing processes.

The rapid expansion of this sector has created an urgent need for a highly skilled workforce. ESSCI is committed to bridging the skill gap through targeted training programs, collaborating with industry and academia to equip young professionals with expertise in chip design, fabrication, and advanced packaging. These initiatives will empower the next generation to drive India’s semiconductor revolution.

Mr. Saleem Ahmed, remarked, “The approval of the sixth semiconductor unit marks a pivotal moment for India’s technological ascent. This initiative not only boosts employment but also positions our youth at the forefront of a strategic industry. ESSCI is dedicated to nurturing a skilled workforce to meet the sector’s evolving demands, ensuring India’s global leadership in semiconductors.” “With the right skills, our youth can become the backbone of India’s semiconductor revolution,” Mr. Ahmed added. “We are running targeted 26+ training initiatives for the Semiconductor & Components category to align with future demand. These are not just jobs—they are high-value, high-impact careers of the future.” ESSCI urges stakeholders to invest in skill development and infrastructure to sustain this momentum. By fostering a robust talent pipeline, India can capitalize on its vast market and geopolitical advantages, solidifying its role in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

She wrote her first book at the tender age of eight. Four National Film Awards and a Padma Bhushan later, Sai Paranjpye has been one of the most iconic creative forces in India. A multi-hyphenate in every sense – a celebrated director, playwright, and screenwriter – she has seamlessly moved between theatre, television, and cinema, building an unmatched body of work that spans more than five decades. From helming iconic films like Sparsh, Chashme Buddoor, and Katha, among many others, to writing and staging acclaimed plays such as Jaswandi, Maza Khel Mandu De, and Sakhe Shejari, her storytelling blends warmth, wit, and a deep understanding of human emotion. But that’s not all! Her documentaries, including the one on Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, further showcase her remarkable range and commitment to telling impactful stories.

Sai Paranjpe

In a heartfelt and revealing episode of In The Ring With Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel, Sai Paranjpye sits down for a candid conversation with Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare. She reflects on her creative journey, the challenges she overcame along the way, and the unforgettable experiences that shaped her legendary career.

When asked about one piece of advice she’d give to her younger self, Sai says with a smile, “Oh, I don’t know that my younger self would listen to me… But I would just say — keep it up, Sai. If there are hurdles, just jump over them. You will get there, finally.” Recalling her childhood imagination and early love for storytelling, she adds, “I was always looked upon as a square peg in a round hole. I imagined a fantasy world of magicians, wizards, princesses — with me as the heroine. I started writing at 8. My mother collected my stories and got them published.”

Speaking about gender dynamics in the industry, Sai shares, “I can’t remember an instance where I felt disadvantaged because I was a woman. I was always respected. I knew what I was good at — creative direction, speech nuances, dialogue delivery — and I also knew what I was not good at — tech. I respected my crew, and they respected me. In fact, being a woman opened doors for me.”

Reflecting on her early professional life, Sai fondly notes, “Sparsh happened at a time when I was already working in television – for Doordarshan in Delhi, as a producer. Back then, I was among India’s first six television directors. I was also teaching speech and drama at FTII. Some of my students included Jalal Agha, Rehana Sultan, who did such an exquisite Dastak, Sadhu Meher, who won the National Award for Shyam’s film, Ankur. And another luminary, Rakesh Pandey, who is today, I think, the Amitabh Bachchan of Bhojpuri cinema.”

On narrating the script of Sparsh to Sanjeev Kumar, she recalls a memorable anecdote: “We sat down to discuss the script, and he asked, ‘You ladies don’t mind if I shave?’ I was a bit surprised at first. He had only given us 15 minutes to narrate the script, but he got completely hooked and he asked, ‘You ladies don’t mind if I shave?’. After 15 minutes, he even asked me to continue, but I told him I had to be somewhere else. Sanjeev loved the script and was eager to be part of it. However, Basu Bhattacharya got involved as the producer. And, unfortunately, their past experience was anything but encouraging. The moment Sanjeev Kumar heard that Basu would be producing Sparsh, he opted out.”

Commending Shabana Azmi’s quiet brilliance in Sparsh, Sai elaborates, “There’s a poignant scene where Naseer’s character tells Shabana’s character, ‘We have to break up. We can’t get married.’ She gently asks me, ‘Sai, will she cry?’ I told her, ‘Yes, but just a single tear, a solitary tear.’ Then she asked the most fascinating question — ‘Left eye or right eye?’ I replied, ‘Left eye.’ The tear gracefully rolls down her left cheek in a silent moment of heartbreak. Watching her capture that nuance was simply fantastic.”

Speaking about the casting of Katha, Sai laughingly reveals, “When they heard that Naseer was to be the Tortoise and Farooq was to be the Hare, they couldn’t believe it! ‘This is wrong casting,’ they said. I said, ‘Guys, are you poster boys or are you actors? Don’t you want any challenge? I mean, will you just keep doing the same roles over and over?’ So finally, I bullied them into agreeing to do the roles — and the result? it’s on screen for you to judge.”

Recounting turbulent moments with Nana Patekar on the set of Disha, she says, “I was warned about his temperament. On the second day of shooting, Nana threw a tantrum, and everyone was stunned. And I’d never experienced such a starry tantrum. Once more, the same thing happened much later. The third time it happened, it was a dubbing thing at BR Studios. That’s when I lost my temper and said firmly, ‘Either you do this or walk out.’ He stormed out, but after half an hour, he returned and said, ‘You are safe… because you are a woman. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been here.’ That was the ultimate moment. Anyway, that was the last bit of dubbing for Nana, and then the film was complete.”

Mumbai, India – 20st May, 2025 – The Rosy Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Rosy Blue, a global leader in the diamond and jewellery industry, proudly announces the official launch of the Arunkumar & Ramniklal Mehta (ARRA) Scholarship, following a successful pilot phase in 2024.

Established in memory of Late Shri Ramniklalbhai Rajmalbhai Mehta and Late Shri Arunkumar Ramniklalbhai Mehta, this flagship initiative aims to provide full financial support to high-achieving Indian students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies at India’s premier institutions.

The ARRA Scholarship reflects Rosy Blue’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent and advancing equitable access to education. By removing financial barriers, the initiative seeks to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers, offering them the platform to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society. The scholarship is open to students from all backgrounds and is agnostic to religion, caste, and creed, reinforcing its inclusive and merit-driven approach.

“The ARRA Scholarship embodies our belief that no deserving student should be denied the opportunity to pursue quality education due to financial limitations. By combining full financial assistance with mentorship and community support, we are investing in the future of India—its youth. We are proud to honor the legacy of Ramniklalbhai and Arunkumarbhai through this initiative.” – Mr. Russell Mehta, Director, Rosy Blue Foundation & Chairperson, ARRA Scholarship

The scholarship is merit- and means-based, awarded to students with annual household incomes below ₹35 lakhs. It is open to top performers in national-level entrance exams and supports study across a wide range of disciplines including Engineering, Medicine, Science, Law, Management, Architecture, Liberal Arts, and more.

In its inaugural year, the ARRA Scholarship awarded nine full scholarships to students pursuing degrees such as B.Tech, B.E, B.Arch, M.Arch, B.Sc. Economics, MBBS, and PGP in Management.

The program currently partners with leading institutions such as Ashoka University, IIT Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad, BITS Pilani, CEPT Ahmedabad, and Seth GS Medical College, with more top-tier institutions expected to join in the coming months.

Looking ahead, the Rosy Blue Foundation aims to expand the scholarship to more institutions, enhance its digital outreach, and provide continuous mentorship. Through these efforts, the ARRA Scholarship seeks to build a robust and engaged network of future-ready leaders—individuals who will serve society with compassion, purpose, and knowledge.

Bengaluru, 20 May 2025: Leading real estate developer Vaishnavi Group has announced its strategic plan to expand its commercial real estate (CRE) footprint in Bengaluru to 6 million sq. ft. over the next 3–4 years. 

Darshan Govindaraju

The expansion is part of Vaishnavi Group’s larger vision to be a dominant player in Bengaluru, where strong demand for high-quality office spaces continues to rise. The region’s attractiveness is fuelled by infrastructure upgrades including the expanding metro network, the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, enhanced road and airport connectivity, and improved social infrastructure — making it an increasingly preferred destination for occupiers and investors alike.

In line with this vision, the group recently completed Vaishnavi Senate, a 500,000 sq. ft. Grade A commercial office development located off the Outer Ring Road on Bannerghatta Road. The 10-level structure, designed with a focus on contemporary architecture and efficient space planning, features large floor plates, private balconies, and exclusive terraces. Its modern precast construction and thoughtfully designed aesthetics are complemented by top-tier amenities, offering a seamless blend of functionality and design to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

Strategically located near key residential areas such as Jayanagar, JP Nagar, Banashankari and BTM Layout, the project is witnessing significant interest from companies exploring satellite offices. Competitive rentals — nearly half of those in Central Business Districts — further enhance the location’s appeal.

Vaishnavi Senate marks the group’s latest commercial development on Bannerghatta Road and is a milestone in its strategy to expand across South Bengaluru’s micro-markets.

Darshan Govindaraju, Executive Director at Vaishnavi Group, commented: “ As an organisation, we are constantly exploring high-growth markets to develop Grade A assets across various real estate segments. While the Central Business District of Bengaluru has been a long-standing focus, the launch of our latest commercial project in Bannerghatta marks a significant milestone in expanding our CRE portfolio. It also reflects our commitment to offering lifestyle-centric, future-ready spaces that cater to evolving business needs and customer expectations.”

A recent CBRE India Office Figures Q1 2025 report underscored Bengaluru’s leadership in the Indian office market, with 4.8 million sq. ft. leased in Q1 2025. The city accounted for the highest share of gross absorption among nine major metros, followed by Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.

With 25+ years of experience, 18 million sq. ft. of residential, commercial and retail developments delivered across Bengaluru and Mysore, and over 10 million sq. ft. of projects in various stages of development, Vaishnavi Group continues to reinforce its position as a trusted and innovative developer. The addition of Vaishnavi Senate compliments the company’s growing portfolio of Grade A commercial and residential projects, solidifying its role in shaping South Bengaluru’s evolving urban landscape.

Tata Consumer Products Limited today announced the launch of its new proposition for Tata Gluco+, “Piyo Goodness. Karo Greatness”. The innovative campaign brings a compelling narrative of how good energy can bring about a positive change, demonstrating the inherent goodness of the brand. While the brand talks about bringing about a positive change, it has also pushed the boundaries by using groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for production.

Set against the backdrop of a stadium post-match, the film narrates the story of a group of cleaners struggling to manage the mess left behind. Witnessing their effort, a young, energetic, driven set of friends are moved by empathy. A few sips of the flavourful Tata Gluco+, harnesses a surge of glucose-powered energy, to blow air with renewed determination. This act sparks a movement, as others join in, creating a symbolic tornado that clears the stadium in a visually striking sequence. The tornado culminates in a basketball-like shot as the collected garbage lands perfectly in a waste truck.

Conceptualized by VML and executed by digital studio RAIDs, this pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone as one of the first AI film developed for an Indian Brand, by an Indian agency, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in creative technology applications to narrate a powerful brand story rooted in social responsibility. The film underscores how the goodness of Tata Gluco+ fuels actions that lead to greatness.

This AI-crafted narrative is both visually engaging and deeply meaningful, delivering a strong message: use energy to do good. It underscores Tata Gluco+’s commitment to inspiring youth to channel their vitality into positive and collective action.

Commenting on the innovative approach, Partha Biswas, President & Head – RTD Business, Tata Consumer Products Limited, said, “Tata Gluco+ has always been about providing instant energy, but with our new positioning “Piyo Goodness Karo Greatness”, we are giving it a new more meaningful twist, to make it more relevant for today’s youth. This production (powered by AI) has allowed us to craft a visually stunning narrative that perfectly captures our essence—demonstrating that when energy is channelled with purpose and compassion, it creates ripple effects of positive change that benefit entire communities.”

The campaign aligns seamlessly with the TATA philosophy of inspiring change and making a positive impact through empathy-driven actions, targeting the new generation with an inspiring message to use energy from Tata Gluco+ to accomplish meaningful goals.

The production technique represents a significant advancement in Indian advertising creativity.

Dr. Sandeep Goyal, Chief Evangelist, RAIDS, expressed pride in the collaboration and said, “We are immensely proud to partner with TATA on this revolutionary project that showcases the technological prowess of India in Gen AI. Every visual frame, environment, and motion sequence was born through artificial intelligence, allowing us to reimagine what’s possible in film production. We leveraged a suite of cutting-edge AI tools. Each tool was selected for its strengths—scene creation, motion generation, texture refinement, or cinematic transitions. What makes this project even more exciting is that many of the most complex shots-such as fluid transitions, aerial-like tracking shots, and high-speed product visuals – were developed using our own custom-built AI pipelines, based on OpenAI’s foundational models.”

The campaign aims to raise social awareness and inspire consumers to transform energy into acts of meaningful change. Tata Gluco+ stands out in the RTD (Ready-To-Drink) segment with its caffeine-free “Better for You” attributes and bold messaging rooted in social responsibility.

Available in five exciting flavors: Orange, Lemon, Lychee, Green Apple, and Berry, Tata Gluco+ caters to diverse taste preferences. The product is widely available in retail stores across the country.

India, 20 May 2025 – Glion Institute of Higher Education hosted on the 14th of May a panel discussion and press lunch in Milan exploring how luxury brands are redefining high-end hospitality through the integration of their aesthetic identity and core values. Held at the Portrait Hotel, part of the Lungarno Collection – the hospitality division of Ferragamo – the event gathered key voices from the luxury, communication, and education sectors to examine the strategic convergence of luxury and hospitality.

Moderated by Massimiliano Sarti, Chief Editor of The Bulletin/Thrends and Italy Correspondent for HospitalityInside.com, the panel brought together:

• Eleonora Cattaneo, Director of the Master in Luxury Management and Guest Experience, Glion
• Cristina Fogliatto, Vice President Branding & Communication, Lungarno Collection and Portrait Hotels
• Margot Canfeur, Managing Director, L’Amour Extrême Agency Milano

The speakers addressed a series of strategic and operational questions concerning the integration of brand identity into the guest experience. A key theme was the mutual value creation in partnerships between luxury fashion brands and hospitality operators.

Margot Canfeur outlined the rationale behind this growing trend, highlighting that luxury brands are increasingly viewing hospitality as a natural extension of their world, a means of curating immersive, multi-sensory experiences that go beyond product and retail.

Cristina Fogliatto offered insight into how hoteliers interpret and operationalise the visual and cultural codes of fashion brands within their properties. She noted that authenticity and consistency across every guest touchpoint are essential. She also discussed the importance of strategic communications, combining traditional PR with social media and influencer engagement to reach niche, high-value audiences.

From a talent perspective, Eleonora Cattaneo emphasised the growing need for hybrid profiles. She also underscored the demand for soft skills such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and storytelling, alongside technical knowledge in brand strategy, customer experience and digital communication.

The discussion concluded with a reflection on the growing opportunities for cross-sector careers and collaborations. All three speakers agreed that blending fashion and hospitality presents both creative and business potential, but demands a deep understanding of both worlds.

Eleonora Cattaneo, Director of the Master in Luxury Management & Guest Experience – Glion Institute of Higher Education:
“In the world of luxury hospitality, basic technical skills, such as using reservation management software or understanding check-in procedures, are fundamental, but can be easily taught. What truly sets a good professional in the sector apart is the ability to understand and interpret the customer’s needs. It’s not just about knowing how to serve, but about recognizing the kind of experience each guest is looking for, often without them expressing it openly. This ability develops with experience, but some are born with a natural sensitivity. For this reason, in our courses, we don’t just teach the theory; our students must deal with real situations, visit luxury facilities, analyze customer behavior and put into practice what they learn. Soft skills, such as empathy, listening ability and reading customer behavior, are essential, but a psychological approach to the relationship with the guest is also crucial, constantly refining these skills through practical experience.”

Cristina Fogliatto, Vice President Branding & Communication Lungarno Collection and Portrait Hotels, states:
“In our hotel group, linked to the Ferragamo family, hospitality is at the center of everything, based on the authenticity and warmth of Italian hospitality. Our goal is not just aesthetic, but to create intimate and profound experiences for every guest, with an offering that goes beyond the hotel, integrating dining, shopping and culture in harmony with the territory. When communicating a luxury property, it is essential to balance traditional channels with social media, which today are fundamental for establishing direct contact with the public. It’s not just about promoting services, but about telling stories, involving people in authentic experiences and creating lasting connections. Instagram, in particular, is crucial to showcasing the brand experience, while cultural events such as art exhibitions allow us to broaden our audience. Luxury communication today is made up of experiences that go beyond selling, building deeper relationships based on values, culture and emotions.”

Margot Canfeure, Managing Director of the agency L’Amour Extreme:
“Many fashion brands are attracted to hospitality because the high-level experience has always been an integral part of this world. It’s nothing new: for some time now, the most exclusive maisons have offered their clients privileged moments, such as private lounges or reserved cafés. Today, however, the hospitality sector allows these experiences to become more accessible, offering light and informal formats that also allow new generations to get in touch with the world of luxury. The concept of exclusivity is indeed evolving, becoming less formal and more open, in a true process of democratization. It’s no longer just about ostentation, but about a more natural and fluid approach to a world once perceived as distant. These experiences help strengthen brand awareness and customer loyalty, because direct interaction becomes an integral part of the brand’s culture. Even if it is not always easy to precisely measure the effectiveness of these approaches, their impact on awareness and engagement is evident.”

20th May 2025, India – The Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) to foster immersive learning, research collaboration, and curriculum innovation in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and design and manufacturing.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, and Smitha Raghunathan, Interim Regional Director, Autodesk India & SAARC, during her visit to India, along with other executives from IIT Palakkad and Autodesk. The signing took place at the Autodesk India corporate headquarters in Bengaluru.

As part of the MoU, IIT Palakkad will collaborate with Autodesk and industry partners to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) and a dedicated Digital Construction Laboratory on campus. This facility will provide students, faculty, and industry collaborators with access to Autodesk’s cloud-based Design and Make platforms, enabling hands-on learning and the practical application of advanced technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), generative design, and additive manufacturing. The initiative aims to deliver industry-oriented programs in BIM and digital construction, co-create research case studies that showcase technology-driven impact, and foster student-led innovation through dedicated incubation spaces within the Autodesk CoE.

Dr. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, said, “We look forward to working together with Autodesk in developing a dynamic and impactful learning platform for our students. This strategic collaboration is in line with our mission to connect academic learning with real-world industrial practice, enabling our students and graduates to possess future-proof capabilities.”

Smitha Raghunathan, Interim Regional Director, Autodesk India & SAARC, shared, “At Autodesk, we are committed to empowering tomorrow’s leaders with the tools and know-how to realize their ambitions in meaningful ways. A testament to this comes in the form of our partnership with IIT Palakkad, which merges academic rigor with world-class tech to get students ready for the emerging challenges of design and make industries.”

“This partnership with IIT Palakkad reflects our deep commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators in India. Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry, so students are not only ready for the future of work but also are prepared to lead it,” she added.

Through this collaboration, IIT Palakkad and Autodesk will integrate advanced digital technologies into academic curricula, strengthen faculty capabilities, and enhance student learning through hands-on, immersive experiences. By fostering applied learning, project-based assessments, and innovation challenges, the partnership aims to spark student-led innovation, nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, and contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving AEC as well as design and manufacturing ecosystem.

The partnership will also focus on curriculum development support and the rollout of student bootcamps, faculty development programs, and design competitions. Faculty members will be exposed to the latest trends in sustainable construction and design automation, with opportunities to pursue Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) credentials.

Autodesk is committed to broadening access to software and technology training to the future workforce of these industries by providing its software solutions across infrastructure, construction, water, manufacturing, media, and entertainment for free to over 100 million students and educators across 160,000 educational institutions around the world. More than five million students in over 14,000 secondary and post-secondary schools across India use Autodesk’s software, learning how to train for in-demand skills.

MUMBAI, DELHI, May 20, 2025: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) announced today its plan to use Honeywell’s Solstice® Air (HFO-1234ze(E) cGMP) propellant to transform respiratory care through the development of next-generation inhalers. Designed for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Honeywell Solstice Air has the potential to prevent the release of high global warming potential (GWP) molecules, marking a major step forward in helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Lupin intends to become the first pharmaceutical company in India to use Honeywell’s Solstice Air product at scale as a next-generation propellant in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). Solstice Air offers an alternative to traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based propellants, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99.9%^[1]. By investigating the use of this innovative, non-flammable propellant in its pMDIs, Lupin is taking a significant step toward minimizing the environmental impact of respiratory solutions while providing effective treatment options for patients with asthma and COPD.

“Lupin’s partnership with Honeywell underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality medicines while working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our patients and communities worldwide. By integrating Solstice Air in our products, we are not only enhancing patient care, but we are also significantly reducing environmental impact,” said Vinita Gupta, CEO Lupin.

“Solstice Air can play a critical role in ensuring that Lupin’s respiratory inhalers provide safe and effective treatment options that also leverage the latest advancements in technology to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ashish Modi, President, Honeywell India. “By continuing to research and develop advanced technologies for reducing carbon, Honeywell is dedicated to driving innovation that enhances the efficacy of health solutions while pioneering emissions reducing practices that support industry advancements.”

The terms of the deal are subject to negotiation and execution of definitive documents acceptable to both Honeywell and Lupin.

Bangalore , May 20, 2025: Bharti Airtel and Google, today, announced a partnership that brings a compelling Google One cloud storage subscription service for Airtel customers, helping address the mounting challenge of limited device storage. All postpaid and Wi-Fi customers will get access to six months of 100 GB Google One cloud storage at no extra cost. They will also be able to share this storage with up to five additional people.

The partnership aims to address the issue of growing data storage constraints faced by users by  ensuring that customers have ample space to store their cherished photos, videos, documents and other digital content without the need to frequently delete files or resort to expensive physical storage expansions. Additionally, WhatsApp chats on Android are backed up to Google Account storage which will make device switching easier for customers. The cloud storage provision is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms, making it widely accessible to Airtel’s diverse customer base.

Siddharth Sharma, Director Marketing and CEO – Connected Homes, Bharti Airtel, said, “With smartphones becoming the main device for managing both personal and professional information, storage has become a significant concern for users. We are pleased to collaborate with Google to address this issue by providing our customers with dependable, secure and user-friendly storage solutions. This partnership will present an opportunity for millions of our postpaid, Wi-Fi customers allowing them access to a further 100 GB of storage.”

 Karen Teo, Vice President, Platforms & Devices Partnerships, APAC, Google, said, “We are excited to partner with Airtel to bring Google One to millions in India. Together, we will make it easier for our users to safely back up photos, videos and important files on their phones with more storage across Google Photos, Drive, Gmail and more.”

As an introductory offer, the 100 GB cloud storage will be available at no extra cost for the first six months from the date of activation, enabling customers to back up their data and experience the convenience of cloud storage. To avail of this offer, customers will have to simply log on to the Airtel Thanks App and claim the benefit. After six months of 100 GB storage at no charge, a nominal fee of ₹125 per month will be added to the customer’s monthly bill. If a customer chooses not to continue the subscription, they can cease to be a Google One member.

With Google One storage, members can:

• Get 100 GB cloud storage to use across Google Photos, Drive and Gmail.
• Keep photos, files and WhatsApp chats safely backed up to the cloud in case of damage or when switching to a new phone.
• Avail of family sharing with up to five additional people at no extra cost.

With the addition of Google One, Airtel customers will now have an unrivalled wealth of digital subscription options at their fingertips, cementing Airtel’s position as a frontrunner in providing a holistic and enriching digital lifestyle experience to its customers.