Archives June 2025

AI-Powered Travel Tech Startup The Tarzan Way Raises ₹2 Cr in Seed Round from Inflection Point Ventures

Noida, 7th June 2025– The Tarzan Way, an AI-powered travel tech platform redefining how the world travels, has raised ₹2 crore in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilised for product development (35%), operational streamlining (25%), marketing (20%), HR and admin (15%), and miscellaneous expenses (5%). The round also saw participation from Your Trips Limited (UK-based travel company), Prateek Maheshwari (Founder at PhysicsWallah) and other angel investors.

Founded in 2020 by Shikhar Chadha and Shivank Tripathi, The Tarzan Way is an intelligent travel companion that enables users to design hyper-personalised, authentic holiday experiences across the globe in just a few clicks. The company is driven by the mission to simplify and elevate travel through technology.

Both founders bring complementary skills and a shared passion for travel innovation. Shikhar and Shivank aim to break the clutter in the travel industry by combining deep tech with human-centric storytelling, enabling each trip to be memorable and meaningful.

Ankur Mittal, Co- Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “As more people venture out to explore the world, the demand for experiential travel — journeys that are immersive, personalized, and meaningful — is rapidly rising. Yet, most travellers still rely on traditional travel agencies that offer rigid plans, or they find themselves overwhelmed trying to plan it all on their own. Tarzan Way bridges this gap by using AI and technology to create smart, tailored travel experiences that act as a true companion throughout the journey — making every trip not just a getaway, but a story worth remembering.”

The startup operates on a global scale and is fast emerging as a go-to platform for immersive travel experiences. The fresh funds will be deployed towards product development, operational efficiency, marketing, and team building, alongside the launch of its new “Exploration App.”

What makes The Tarzan Way stand out is its hyper-personalised itineraries, AI-backed booking engine, 24×7 live concierge support, and one-click booking experience. Their platform integrates local flavours and authentic experiences with tech-powered efficiency.

“Our passion lies in creating memories that last. We don’t just plan trips; we help people craft stories that stay with them forever. That’s the core spirit behind The Tarzan Way,” said Shikhar Chadha, Co-founder, The Tarzan Way.

In terms of performance, the company has witnessed a 300% YoY revenue growth and 70% MoM user growth. With 35K+ social followers and over 10M content views, it has already clocked ₹13.5 Cr in gross value of bookings.

The Indian travel & tourism sector contributed over $199B to the GDP in 2023 and is projected to touch $512B by 2028. The space is primed for disruption, especially with the rise of AI and experiential travel.

IGP Cake Fest Brings Together Bakers and Cake Lovers for a First-of-its-Kind Celebration

Mumbai, 07 June 2025: IGP, a global D2C multi-category gifting platform, is set to host the country’s most indulgent event — the first-ever IGP Cake Fest — on Sunday, June 8, from 2 PM to 8 PM at Versova Social, Mumbai. This one-of-its-kind, community-led celebration will bring together bakers and dessert lovers for a high-energy experience that blends cake, culture, and creativity.

The festival aims to spotlight India’s freshest baking talent by crowning the best local bakers, creating iconic cake moments, and turning dessert into a full-blown cultural experience. Central to the event is “Battle of the Bakers” ,where one standout baker will win a grand prize of ₹1 lakh and the opportunity to feature their cake on igp’s D2C website which has a global customer base of over 5 million. The celebration will feature celebrity chef Natasha Gandhi as the headline judge – top finalist for Masterchef India. Attendees and cake lovers will also cast live votes to determine the Popular Choice Award, recognizing the crowd’s favorite creation.

Adding to the flavor of the day will be a stand-up performance by the much-loved comedian Shreeja Chaturvedi. The event promises a lively atmosphere with dessert tastings, live cake showcases, engaging games, photo ops, and branded giveaways.

The IGP Cake Fest isn’t just a fun competition; it’s a powerful testament to IGP’s position as a leading brand in cakes across India. More than an event, it serves as a vibrant platform for emerging bakers, creators, and dessert enthusiasts to connect, create, and be celebrated. It reflects IGP’s commitment to building communities around food and reinforces its role in shaping the future of India’s cake and gifting culture.

Commenting on the launch of Cake Fest, Tarun Joshi, Founder & CEO of IGP, said, “IGP has emerged as a leading platform in the cake category in India, delivering joy through thousands of celebrations every day. With Cake Fest, we’re creating a vibrant space for bakers and dessert lovers to connect, express, and be discovered. It’s a natural extension of our belief in celebrating people and their passions — and a step towards building a joyful, inclusive culture around cakes.”

With fun, fandom, and flavor at its core, IGP Cake Fest is gearing up to become Mumbai’s sweetest and most culturally vibrant gathering. This is an open-to-all event, but entry is strictly by invite and RSVP only. Join this slice of celebration and make memories that are as rich and layered as the cakes on display.

RBI’s 100 bps Rate Cut Boosts Housing Demand, Eases EMI Burden for Homebuyers

Mr. Amit Goyal, Managing Director, India Sotheby’s International Realty

The third consecutive rate cut by the RBI, amounting to a cumulative reduction of 100 basis points, is expected to have a meaningful impact on the borrowing landscape. This is particularly beneficial for big-ticket borrowers, especially those availing home loans. A 1% reduction in interest rates can lead to a noticeable drop in monthly EMIs, easing the financial burden for existing borrowers. For new borrowers, the lower interest rate not only improves affordability but also enhances their loan eligibility, enabling them to access higher loan amounts without increasing their monthly outgo. This move is likely to keep the strong housing demand momentum strong , especially in the mid and premium segments.

World Brain Tumour Day- 8th June 2025

Mumbai, 7 June 2025: On World Brain Tumour Day, observed annually on June 8, the medical community highlights the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and better management of brain tumours — conditions that often go unnoticed until they cause significant neurological damage. Brain tumours affect thousands of people every year in India, ranging from benign to aggressive malignant forms. Among them, meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumours, particularly seen in women aged 40–70.  Globally, brain tumours account for a significant portion of neurological diseases, with approximately 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In India, around 40,000 to 50,000 cases are reported annually — and rising.  
Dr. Samir Prekh

When it comes to brain tumours, the word “benign” can be misleading. One of the most common types — meningiomas — may grow slowly, but they can still cause serious and lasting neurological damage if left untreated. A meningioma is a typically slow-growing, extra-axial tumour that arises from the meninges, the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord. These tumours account for 30–40% of all primary brain tumours in adults, with a strong prevalence among women aged 40 to 70 years.
“Meningiomas are often labelled harmless, but that’s not always the case,” explains Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from the Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.
Dr. Samir Parekh Neurosurgeon added, If located near vital brain structures, even a benign meningioma can lead to disabling symptoms. The earlier we detect it, the better the outcome — both functionally and surgically.

Origin and Risk Factors: Meningiomas originate from arachnoid cap cells and are most often benign (WHO Grade 1). However, some can behave more aggressively — Grade 2 (atypical) and Grade 3 (anaplastic/malignant) — with faster growth and higher recurrence risk. Their development has been linked to NF2 gene mutations, hormonal influences (especially in women), and prior radiation exposure to the brain.
While many meningiomas are found incidentally on imaging, symptomatic tumours can cause a range of issues depending on their size and location. These include:Chronic headaches, Seizures, Vision problems, Limb weakness or sensory changes, Cognitive decline or personality changes, Loss of coordination, Cranial nerve deficits. Diagnosis typically involves a contrast-enhanced MRI of the brain. A CT scan may also be used, particularly to evaluate bone involvement.

Treatment of choice is surgical excision, which includes removal of the tumour, surrounding dura, and affected bone if needed. This approach greatly reduces recurrence risk.
Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals adds, “The good news is, most meningiomas, once completely removed, do not come back. The key is not to delay. If you’re experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, don’t brush them off — get evaluated. At Apex Group of Hospitals , our focus is not just on removing the tumour, but also on preserving function and quality of life. Using cutting-edge tools and surgical precision, we ensure safe outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.With advances in neurosurgery and imaging, most patients recover fully and lead normal lives post-treatment. However, early detection remains the most powerful tool in managing these common yet potentially serious brain tumours.” 
With over 25 years of expertise, Apex Group of Hospitals is committed to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare. With more than 350 beds across its Borivali, Kandivali, and Mulund facilities, Apex offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and a patient-first approach to care.

RBI’s Rate Cut and Liquidity Push to Spur Private Investment, Support 7% Growth Potential

By-DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India

“India’s GDP growth has performed admirably well in the post-COVID years. It has averaged 7.8% over the period 2022-23 to 2024-25. This is in spite of a challenging global economic environment where global GDP growth has been limited to 3.5%. Over this period, the contribution of net exports to India’s GDP growth has been 0.2% points, (-)2.8% points, and 2.3% points, respectively. Clearly, India’s growth has been largely driven by domestic demand. Within domestic demand, it is mainly the government’s capital expenditure which has been driving India’s growth. A more balanced profile of growth drivers would call for a tangible pickup in private investment demand and external demand. While much can not be said about the way external demand might evolve, domestic private investment demand can be stimulated. In this context, monetary policy is of considerable importance since it affects cost of capital.

The RBI, in its monetary policy review held on 06 June 2025, lowered the policy rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% with the objective of supporting growth. It projected real GDP growth at 6.5% in 2025-26 driven by private consumption and fixed capital formation. The RBI, however, changed its policy stance to neutral from accommodative. The frontloading of policy rate reduction is welcome. However, given the likely global growth slowdown and trade related uncertainties, the RBI may carry forward the momentum of the present interest rate reduction cycle at least until the policy rate reaches 5%. Conditions are ripe for maintaining this downward thrust since CPI inflation remains below the RBI’s target of 4%. In fact, the RBI has revised downwards its CPI inflation forecast for 2025-26 to 3.7% from 4.0% projected in April 2025. As private investment keeps improving, the ongoing rate reduction cycle could incentivize private investment and take India’s potential growth closer to 7% in the next few years.”

By-DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India

The front loading of the rate cut action plus crr cut indicates focus is on enhancing  the transmission of monetary policy . The neutral stance indicates that the bar for further rate cut is higher but isn’t completely off the table . In the next few policies we expect rbi to remain on pause.

The crr cut which will infuse liquidity in h2fy26 , will ensure system liquidity remains above the 1%of ndtl till March 2026. The need for further omo purchases is much lower now.

‘End Plastic Pollution’: RITES marks Environment Day with 2-week drive

Gurugram, June 07, 2025RITES Ltd., the leading Transport Infrastructure Consultancy and Engineering firm, observed World Environment Day 2025 by undertaking a two-week campaign from May 22 to June 5, aligned with the global theme ‘End Plastic Pollution’. The initiative aimed at driving awareness and collective action towards a greener and sustainable future.

The campaign, ‘Act Now For Tomorrow’, commenced with a green pledge, reaffirming employees’ commitment to sustainable practices. It featured a series of engaging activities including a plastic collection drive, slogan writing competition, eco-awareness quiz, and a ‘Best Out of Waste’ contest. Plogging drives across RITES offices added momentum, promoting on-ground environmental responsibility.

The campaign culminated in the ‘RITES Ecostep Plog Challenge’, organised in collaboration with Yuva Unstoppable at Government Senior Secondary School, Islampur, Gurugram, on June 5. With active participation from senior officials and employees, the event showcased RITES’ active and inclusive approach to sustainability.

Through this campaign, RITES reaffirmed its commitment to embedding environmental stewardship across its operations—guided by its brand mantra: ‘We Shape What Shapes Lives’.

RBI’s Timely 50 bps Rate Cut Aims to Boost Inclusive Growth and Lending Access

By-Tushar Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Stashfin

“The latest 50 basis point rate cut by the RBI comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian economy. Although inflation is easing gradually, global uncertainties remain. Therefore, the RBI’s intent to balance growth alongside stability is crystal clear. As India consolidates its position as the world’s fourth-largest economy and keeps growing rapidly, the rate reduction will help in lowering borrowing costs and expanding credit access, particularly in underserved regions and segments. For fintechs and other digital lenders, it’s an excellent opportunity to offer more accessible, fair and transparent loans. These conducive measures will facilitate the establishment of a lending ecosystem that supports long-term financial health while helping the economy grow inclusively and sustainably.”

Workplace Evolution: How AI, Flexibility, and the Hybrid Model Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Jobs

Unlocking the Potential of the Hybrid Workforce: How Flexibility, AI, and Economic Trends Are Reshaping the Future of Work

The global workforce is undergoing a seismic shift. As businesses face economic uncertainties and rapid technological changes, the hybrid workforce has emerged as a resilient and future-ready model. It blends remote and in-office work, powered by automation and driven by the need for agility, productivity, and sustainability.

hybrid work

What is a Hybrid Workforce?

A hybrid workforce is a flexible employment model that includes both remote and in-office employees, often supported by freelancers, gig workers, and digital tools like AI and automation. It is designed to:

Improve work-life balance

Optimize office space

Access talent beyond geographic boundaries

Boost productivity with technology integration

Why is the Hybrid Workforce Booming Now?

Economic Slowdown

As inflation, geopolitical instability, and market volatility impact global economies, organizations are:

Freezing hiring

Cutting operational costs

Re-evaluating workforce models for greater efficiency

Rise of AI Automation

AI tools are increasingly performing routine tasks, from data entry to customer service and marketing content generation. Businesses are investing in AI to:

Improve turnaround times

Automate repetitive processes

Reduce human error

Lower labor costs

Together, these trends are accelerating the adoption of hybrid work as a cost-effective, technology-enabled workforce strategy.

What Are the 5 Cs of Hybrid Work?

To build a successful hybrid model, organizations must focus on the 5 C’s:

Communication – Foster real-time, transparent, and inclusive communication across remote and on-site teams.

Collaboration – Leverage digital tools to facilitate seamless team interactions, knowledge-sharing, and co-creation.

Connection – Encourage employee engagement and a sense of belonging through virtual events, feedback loops, and leadership visibility.

Culture – Maintain a unified workplace culture rooted in shared values, regardless of location.

Coordination – Align teams with clearly defined goals, KPIs, and flexible work schedules that promote accountability.

Benefits of the Hybrid Workforce in an AI-Driven, Uncertain Economy

Cost Optimization

Reduced need for office space, lower travel costs, and leaner teams.

Global Talent Access

Hiring without geographical limitations opens doors to diverse and skilled professionals.

Enhanced Productivity

Remote work boosts focus, while AI automation eliminates routine tasks, enabling human workers to focus on creative and strategic work.

Workforce Resilience

Hybrid models improve continuity during disruptions—be it a pandemic, recession, or natural disaster.

Common Questions to Ask About a Hybrid Job

When evaluating a hybrid job opportunity, consider the following:

What is the expected remote-to-office work ratio?

Are there flexible working hours or fixed schedules?

What digital tools and platforms are used for communication?

How are performance and productivity measured remotely?

What resources are provided for remote work (laptops, internet reimbursement)?

How is inclusion ensured for remote team members?

What is the Biggest Challenge with the Hybrid Workplace?

The biggest challenge is maintaining cohesion and inclusion across a distributed workforce. Remote employees often report feelings of isolation, missed opportunities for visibility, and unequal access to leadership. This can lead to:

Communication breakdowns

Reduced team morale

Workplace silos

Unclear career growth pathways

Organizations must proactively address these through structured onboarding, equitable performance reviews, and digital engagement strategies.

What Does Research Say About Hybrid Working?

Recent research highlights key trends:

A 2023 McKinsey report found that 58% of employees prefer hybrid work and are more likely to stay with companies that offer it.

Microsoft’s Work Trend Index noted that hybrid workers experience higher job satisfaction and better productivity when provided with the right tools and flexibility.

The World Economic Forum suggests hybrid work can help close gender and location-based gaps but warns of rising inequality if tech access and training aren’t addressed.

Strategies to Build a Successful Hybrid-AI Workforce

Redesign Job Roles for AI Collaboration
Blend human judgment with AI tools for decision-making, data analysis, and creativity.

Provide Continuous Upskilling
Train employees in digital tools, data fluency, and soft skills like adaptability and collaboration.

Create a Culture of Trust and Inclusion
Ensure remote employees feel valued and heard through feedback channels, virtual events, and recognition programs.

Secure the Digital Workplace
Invest in cybersecurity tools, compliance training, and secure cloud infrastructure to protect hybrid workflows.

Track Outcomes, Not Attendance
Focus on deliverables, KPIs, and client satisfaction instead of time spent online or in the office.

Conclusion

The hybrid workforce isn’t just a response to temporary crises—it’s a long-term strategy for business continuity, innovation, and growth. In a world reshaped by economic slowdown and AI disruption, organizations that adopt a human-tech balanced, inclusive, and future-forward hybrid model will gain a clear competitive edge.

By focusing on the 5 Cs of hybrid work, addressing critical employee concerns, and aligning human potential with digital power, the workforce of tomorrow can be both flexible and formidable.

Tracky launches India’s first Bluetooth-connected CGM (continuous glucose monitor), a game changer for diabetes management

National, 6th June, 2025: To tackle one of the country’s most pressing health challenges, Tracky, an innovative healthtech brand by DrStore Healthcare Services, has officially launched its flagship product – India’s first Bluetooth-enabled Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). With this revolutionary device, Tracky is all set to transform diabetes care and preventive health management across the country. This addition comes as a vital addition to the company’s vision of creating a holistic smart medical devices ecosystem.

India, often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world which struggles with access to affordable and advanced glucose monitoring solutions. With the launch of new CGM, Tracky has undertaken the initiative to help people manage diabetes through real-time insights and precision monitoring. The state-of-the-art device embeds modern sensor technology with a bluetooth-enabled transmitter and a mobile app. Ultimately, it emerges as a future-ready solution for glucose monitoring and management for the Indian populace while also focusing on innovation, affordability and accessibility.

Delighted with the launch, Neeraj Katare, Founder of Tracky said, “At Tracky, we have spent years understanding the daily struggles of people living with diabetes from affordability and usability to limited clinical insights. We are excited to bring together next-gen technology, affordability and ease of use all in one device to help users track their glucose data in real time without ever scanning.”

Traditional CGM systems in India remain limited by outdated NFC technology, high sensor costs and inconvenient user experiences. Being recognised as a preventive healthtech player, Tracky changes that narrative by offering real-time, scan-free glucose monitoring at a significantly more accessible price point which brings global innovation within reach of the Indian consumer.

Tracky CGM: Key Specifications

Equipped with real-time Bluetooth Connectivity, Tracky enables automatic syncing with the Tracky Health App every three minutes. It is a scan free solution that delivers instant glucose readings and customizable alerts for high or low levels to empower each user to take a timely action without manual intervention. It enhances convenience, accuracy and consistency to make it easier to manage diabetes on the go.

Additionally, Tracky has designed its Health app on both Android and iOS to offer a complete lifestyle tracking experience. It allows users to log food, medication and physical activity to create a holistic view of their health. The company is planning to integrate AI-enabled features to provide personalised insights, predictive alerts and trend based analytics.

Besides, it also provides a seamless onboarding experience by offering step-by-step installation guides, training videos, chatbot assistance and a dedicated customer support team which makes it simple even for first-time CGM users to get started.

“The 2.0 version of our app is going to be a game changer for this industry. We already have advanced features but the next version is going to be focused at creating integrated reports generated by using AI for detailed insights into one’s glucose trends. Other AI-based features like hypo/hyperglycemia prediction, smart notifications, trend analysis and clinical dashboards are also in development,” Neeraj added.

Uptown by Advant Launches Noida’s Newest Foodcourt Featuring Global Giants and Indian Street Legends

Noida, 6 June 2025: Uptown by Advant is proud to announce the grand opening of its all-new Uptown Foodcourt, a vibrant dining destination located in Sector 142, Noida. Spanning over 12,500 sq. ft., the food court is crafted to meet the rising demand for diverse, high-quality culinary experiences—especially among professionals, commuters, and families in the area.

With seating for 150–180 guests, the foodcourt currently houses four operational outlets, including the Noida debuts of Samosa Party and Indian Stories—both known for their creative twists like Pizza Samosas and Palak Patta Chaat platters. Taco Bell, the iconic global chain, has also launched its outlet here, bringing signature dishes like Naked Veg and Non-Veg Tacos to the local crowd.

“Uptown Foodcourt is built to deliver a premium and diverse dining experience under one roof,” said Mr Sunil Sharma, Managing Director of Uptown by Advant. “By bringing together both beloved favourites and bold new culinary concepts, we aim to create a go-to destination for food lovers across Noida and beyond.”

Designed for comfort and convenience, the food court offers a clean, spacious, and welcoming environment suited for every dining occasion—whether it’s a quick office lunch, a weekend family outing, or a casual catch-up with friends.

With offerings ranging from North Indian and South Indian to Indian Chaat, Chinese, and Burgers, the venue is set to welcome more crowd-favourite brands like Sagar Ratna, Ka-Ching, Aku’s Burger, and Lilly Pilly in the coming weeks.

To enhance convenience, most outlets at Uptown Foodcourt are integrated with Swiggy and Zomato for seamless online delivery. With a projected daily footfall of 3,000–4,000 visitors, the foodcourt is poised to be a high-traffic, high-value hub, thanks to its well-curated mix, affordable pricing, and prime location.

Located within Advant, Uptown is a modern lifestyle destination offering a curated blend of restaurants, clubs, salons, and entertainment venues. Strategically positioned in Sector 142, the newly launched Uptown Foodcourt enjoys excellent connectivity via major roads and public transport—ensuring easy access for thousands of daily commuters and nearby residents.