Archives October 2025

India, 4th october 2025: After winning hearts with his recent hit project Apsara, rising star Mukul Phate is all set to captivate audiences once again, this time with a series of soulful new love songs. Known for his magnetic screen presence and effortless charm, Mukul continues to prove why he is among the most promising young talents in the entertainment industry today.

With Apsara, Mukul showcased not only his versatility as an actor but also his graceful dance moves that left fans mesmerised. The project created a wave across television and social media, establishing him as a name to watch out for. Now, as he steps into the romantic genre once again, expectations are sky-high. What sets Mukul apart is his ability to blend acting and performance with raw emotion, making every frame come alive. Whether it’s the twinkle in his eyes, the sincerity in his expressions, or the passion in his dance sequences, he has an undeniable knack for connecting with audiences on a deeper level. His upcoming love songs promise to carry the same magic, bringing stories of romance, longing, and joy to life in a way that feels fresh and relatable. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, eager to see Mukul spreading his charm once more. Each glimpse and teaser sparks conversations, with many calling him the next big sensation in the world of music videos and films.

Mukul Phate’s journey is just beginning, but with every step he takes, he is carving a path of brilliance. From the success of Apsara to the promise of his new love songs, one thing is clear: Mukul is not just rising, he’s soaring.

NEW DELHI, 04th October 2025: FICCI is organizing the 19th edition of its annual healthcare conference ‘FICCI HEAL 2025’, scheduled on 8-9 October 2025 at FICCI, New Delhi. The two-day event, supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and NITI Aayog, will be addressed by Mr J P Nadda, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Prof (Dr) V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog will share his vision on ‘Revolutionizing Care through AI’.

Mr Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Ayush, Govt of India is slated to address as the Chief Guest for ‘FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2025’ on 8th October along with Mr CK Mishra, Former Secretary to Government of India.

The theme of this year is ‘Care@25 – Defining Moments in Healthcare’, which commemorates 25 years of India’s healthcare transformation while envisioning the roadmap for the next 25. The two-day conference will serve as a platform to reflect on key policy milestones, institutional reforms, and innovations that have shaped the sector, while identifying pathways to build a healthcare system that is future-ready, inclusive, and globally benchmarked.

Dr Harsh Mahajan, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Founder & Chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, “In the past 25 years, India has moved from scarcity to scale in healthcare. Programs such as the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and the rollout of Health and Wellness Centres have expanded access like never before, while indigenous manufacturing and PLI initiatives have strengthened self-reliance. FICCI HEAL 2025 is an occasion to reflect on these defining moments and to deliberate on how we can build the next 25 years around innovation, equity, and global leadership.”

 Mr Varun Khanna, Chair of FICCI HEAL 2025; Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Group Managing Director, Quality Care India Limited (Care, KIMS & Evercare), said, “India’s healthcare ecosystem stands at an inflection point. The future lies in accountable, patient-centric care powered by outcome-based frameworks that balance efficiency with quality. Robust digital systems and evidence-driven decisions will be key enablers. At HEAL 2025, discussions will focus on building a resilient, future-ready healthcare architecture aligned with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’- delivering not just more care, but better care, accessible to all.”

Dr Anupam Sibal, Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, noted, “Over the past 25 years, India’s healthcare sector has witnessed remarkable expansion — reaching nearly US$ 372 billion in FY 2023 and projected to cross US$ 638 billion by 2025. The challenge now is to ensure this growth translates into greater efficiency and better outcomes. At HEAL 2025, the spotlight must be on how technology, AI, and digital innovation can drive smarter delivery models, while also expanding the workforce beyond the current 6 million to meet the demands of the future.”

The conference will start with the plenary – India’s Healthcare Odyssey: Legacy, Leadership & the Road to Viksit Bharat, bringing together industry Legends such as Dr Prathap C Reddy, Brig (Hony) Dr Arvind Lal, Dr Azad Moopen, Prof (Dr) SK Sarin, Dr M I Sahadulla, and Dr Narottam Puri. Sessions during the day will highlight reflections on the journey from the pioneers in Indian healthcare- the Torchbearers like Dr Sangita Reddy and Mr Dilip Jose, and the Visionaries of tomorrow like Mr Gautam Khanna and Dr Upasana Arora, who will share perspectives on growth, access, partnerships & equity, youth-led disruption, and deep tech innovations that will define healthcare in 2047. 

The event will also feature global experts- Mr Dan Vahdat, Founder and CEO, Huma Therapeutics and Ms Rajji Mehdwan, Managing Director & CEO- India & Neighbouring Markets, Roche Pharma, who will share their insights on Digital Health Learnings and Equitable Access to Medicines, respectively. Experts from BRICS nations will share their perspectives on Tackling NCDs in BRICS Economies through Equity and Innovation.

The FICCI HEAL Conference will have the following Thematic Sessions:

• True Accountable Care- Maximising Healthcare Delivery Impact, Efficiently
• From Silver to Strength: Charting India’s Path to Active and Healthy Ageing
• Transforming Primary Healthcare for Bharat through Bold Best and Collaborations
• Revolutionising Care through AI
• Therapeutics through Technology
• Hospital of the Future- Delivery Mechanisms for next 25 yrs

Key Speakers slated to address include:

• Dr (Prof) D S Rana, Chairman (Board of Trustees), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
• Dr Raajiv Singhal, Co-Chair, FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee and Founding Member, Managing Director and Group CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals
• Dr Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director, Paras Health
• Ms Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare, GCC; Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, India
• Ms Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief, Times Now & Times Now Navbharat
• Mr Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief and Chairman, ThePrint
• Dr Arun Agarwal, Chair- FICCI Task Force on Active & Healthy Ageing; Former Dean- MAMC, Former-Additional DGHS, GoI; Medical Advisor- Innovation, Education & Clinical Excellence, Apollo Hospitals Group
• Dr Y P Bhatia, Chairman & Managing Director, Astron Group
• Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services
• Dr Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (AIMSRC), Faridabad & Chief Medical Superintendent, AIMSRC Kochi
• Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers (India)
• Mr Chakravarthy T Kannan, Secretary General, Quality Council of India (QCI)
• Dr Bishnu Panigrahi, Group Head – Medical Strategy and Operations, Fortis Healthcare
• Dr Uthappa P M, Group Medical Director, Narayana Health
• Mr Himanshu Baid, Managing Director, Poly Medicure (Polymed)
• Mr Atul Grover, Managing Director- India & South Asia, BD 
• Ms Malti Sachdev, Senior Vice President and Head Varian, India
• Mr Bharath Sesha, Managing Director, Philips India
• Dr Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman and CEO, SS Innovations
• Dr Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, MD – Aurum Senior & Assisted Living and Director- Metro Group of Hospitals
• Ms Harsimran Kaur, Vice President & Head of Strategy and Innovation, DC, Siemens Healthineers
• Mr Shankar Seshadri, Vice President- Indian Subcontinent, Elekta
• Mr Abhilash Sarangi, Director, Marketing, Intuitive India
• Ms Hema Jagota, Country Director, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier 
• Mr Vipul Jain, CEO, CK Birla Hospitals 
• Pawan Kumar, Director and CEO, Livasa Hospitals
• Dr Raajeev Virmani, Clinical Head- Ultrasound, Wipro GE HealthCare
• Mr Karthik Narayanaswamy, Partner and Head of India, Novo Holdings
• Mr Jagjit Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Care24
• Dr Ravi Gaur, Founder, DRG Path Labs and Chairman- Medical Advisory Committee, Oncquest Labs Ltd.
• Mr Kabir Mahajan, Chief Operating Officer, Mahajan Imaging & Labs
• Dr Suneela Garg, Professor Emeritus, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and Former Head, Dept. of Community Medicine, MAMC
• Dr Monika Puri, Director- Market Access & Policy, Roche
• Mr Jaydeep Biswas, Chair-Policy, Advocacy & Partnerships, UNFPA India
• Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Chief-Geriatric Medicine & Longevity Science, Artemis Hospital and TAG Member for the Decade of Healthy Ageing, WHO

Overview of Swayamgati

The Swayamgati is a groundbreaking development in the field of transportation, representing India’s first autonomous electric autorickshaw, launched by Omega Seiki Mobility. This pioneering vehicle marks a significant milestone in the evolution of urban mobility solutions, particularly in the Indian context, where the demand for sustainable and efficient transport options is on the rise. The autonomous capabilities of Swayamgati enhance its practicality, offering a glimpse into the future of public transportation.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Swayamgati is its design. It incorporates a sleek, modern aesthetic while prioritizing functionality and user comfort. The autorickshaw features spacious seating arrangements, catering to passenger needs without compromising on the essential compact dimensions that allow for easy navigation through crowded urban landscapes. This design not only appeals to users but also contributes to efficient space utilization on busy streets.

Affordability is another critical feature of the Swayamgati. By providing an economically viable option for urban commuters, Omega Seiki Mobility aims to bridge the gap between cost-effectiveness and cutting-edge technology. The integration of electric drive systems ensures lower operational costs, while the reduced maintenance requirements of electric vehicles make this solution attractive for both operators and passengers. In this regard, Swayamgati emerges as a viable alternative to traditional petrol or diesel autorickshaws.

Moreover, Swayamgati’s innovative features extend beyond autonomy and affordability. The vehicle is equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, ensuring a secure ride for its passengers. Additionally, it employs smart technology, facilitating features such as real-time tracking and efficient route optimization. This incorporation of technology not only enhances passenger experience but also contributes to a significant reduction in traffic congestion.

Technological Innovations Behind Swayamgati

The Swayamgati stands as a landmark development in the domain of electric vehicles, notably as India’s first autonomous electric autorickshaw. A noteworthy aspect of this revolutionary vehicle is its integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The autonomous driving system employed in Swayamgati utilizes a sophisticated range of sensors and machine learning algorithms, enabling the vehicle to navigate diverse urban landscapes intuitively. This technology not only ensures the vehicle’s ability to recognize and react to obstacles, but also improves its decision-making processes in real-time environments, thereby enhancing safety for both passengers and pedestrians.

In addition to its AI-driven capabilities, Swayamgati is built on an indigenous electric vehicle platform developed by Omega Seiki Mobility. This platform signifies a substantial stride towards self-reliance in the electric mobility industry. The electric powertrain is designed to optimize battery performance, ensuring an ample range for urban commuting. Combined with regenerative braking technology, Swayamgati effectively extends its driving distance while reducing energy consumption. This efficiency not only accelerates the shift to eco-friendly transport solutions but also portrays a sustainable model suitable for Indian cities.

Moreover, the vehicle’s design incorporates innovations such as real-time route optimization, which allows the autorickshaw to select the most efficient pathways, thereby decreasing travel times and traffic congestion. Its autonomous features further simplify the driving process, making it accessible for individuals without conventional driving skills. The amalgamation of these technological innovations not only positions Swayamgati as a pioneer in autonomous transportation but also reflects a broader commitment towards enhancing urban mobility through sustainable practices.

Applications and Impact on Urban Mobility

The introduction of Swayamgati, India’s first autonomous electric autorickshaw, is poised to revolutionize urban mobility in various settings. Its practical applications extend to a multitude of environments, including airports, smart campuses, parks, gated communities, and urban public spaces. These compact transport solutions are designed to address multiple urban commuting challenges while offering significant environmental benefits.

In airports, Swayamgati can function as a shuttle service, facilitating the seamless transportation of passengers between terminals and parking areas. This application not only reduces wait times but also enhances the overall travel experience by providing efficient, eco-friendly transport. Similarly, on smart campuses, these autonomous autorickshaws can serve students and faculty by linking various facilities, including lecture halls, cafeterias, and dormitories, thus promoting a sustainable commuting option within educational institutions.

Additionally, in parks and gated communities, Swayamgati can serve residents and visitors alike, offering an enjoyable and safe way to navigate large areas. The compact size and maneuverability of electric autorickshaws allow them to easily traverse narrow pathways, making them an ideal choice for such settings. Furthermore, their implementation in urban public spaces can significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, leading to a more sustainable and livable urban environment.

Autonomous electric autorickshaws also play a crucial role in promoting short-distance commutes, which are often overlooked in traditional urban mobility solutions. They provide an accessible transportation alternative for individuals who might otherwise rely on inefficient private vehicles. By integrating Swayamgati into urban planning, cities can foster improved connectivity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and encourage a shift towards greener modes of transport.

Through these applications, Swayamgati stands to make a significant impact on urban mobility, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly transportation systems in India.

Future of Autonomous Vehicles in India

The introduction of Swayamgati, India’s first autonomous electric autorickshaw, heralds the potential transformation of the country’s transportation landscape. As urbanization progresses and the demand for efficient, sustainable transportation systems rises, the adoption of autonomous vehicles is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility in India. The integration of such technologies into everyday commuting presents a myriad of opportunities and challenges.

One of the most significant trends likely to emerge is the increase in public confidence towards autonomous vehicles. Swayamgati, as a pioneering initiative, could pave the way for broader acceptance of similar electric mobility solutions across India. By affording passengers a safe and convenient mode of transport, perceptions regarding autonomy in vehicles may shift positively. Furthermore, public-private partnerships may flourish, allowing for enhanced infrastructure and services that support autonomous and electric vehicles.

However, regulatory challenges will need to be addressed to fully realize the integration of autonomous vehicles. For Swayamgati to serve as a model, comprehensive legislation defining operational parameters, safety standards, and insurance policies must be established. The government’s proactive engagement in creating a favorable regulatory environment will be crucial to mitigate the complexities surrounding the deployment of autonomous electric vehicles.

In this context, Swayamgati reflects the vision of smart transportation solutions where connectivity, sustainability, and efficiency are paramount. As cities evolve into smart urban ecosystems, the importance of integrating autonomous technologies within existing public transport networks becomes evident. By facilitating seamless journeys and reducing congestion, solutions like Swayamgati could ultimately lead to improved air quality and enhanced urban livability.

India, 4th october 2025:Reacting to the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, please find below expert insight by, Mr. Aniruddha Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, Umiya Buildcon Ltd, on its potential impact on the real estate sector:

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged reflects a balanced approach, providing stability at a time when the real estate sector is witnessing strong demand. A predictable interest rate environment is crucial for both homebuyers and developers, enabling better planning and fostering confidence in long-term investments.

We continue to see robust interest in residential properties, particularly in mid-income and premium segments, as well as growing activity in commercial spaces. With the festive season around the corner, this policy consistency creates the right conditions for sustained market momentum.

Looking ahed, the focus should be on supporting affordability and creating frameworks that encourage responsible growth. A stable rate environment, coupled with such measures, will ensure that India’s real estate sector continues its trajectory of healthy, sustainable development.”

Mumbai, 4th October 2025: India’s retail real estate sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation — from fragmented, quantity-driven growth to a more consolidated, quality-led, and institutionally backed market. According to ANAROCK Research, of the 650 operational malls across the country today, a growing share now meets institutional-grade standards, signalling a shift towards a more mature and investment-ready retail landscape.

This shift is led by top players like Nexus Malls (Blackstone), Phoenix Mills, DLF, Lakeshore, Raheja Group, and Pacific, who collectively own 58 malls spanning 34 million sq. ft., with 45+ new projects covering over 42.5 million sq. ft. in the pipeline over the next 3–5 years.

“It’s impressive how institutional investments are expanding beyond metros into Tier 2 cities,” said Anuj Kejriwal, CEO & MD of ANAROCK Retail. “Cities like Chandigarh, Indore, Surat, Bhubaneswar, and Coimbatore are fast emerging as organized retail hubs, driven by rising aspirations and purchasing power.”

Kejriwal added that the evolution of Indian retail is increasingly shaped by consumer demand for standardized, experiential spaces, which aligns with the interests of private equity and REIT investors.

Quality Rising, Vacancies Falling
In 2015, top-grade malls made up a small portion of total retail stock in major cities. By 2027, these high-quality assets are projected to dominate the market. At the same time, vacancy rates in quality malls have declined significantly — a strong indicator of rising demand and better asset performance.

“Grade A properties are now witnessing 5–8% annual rental growth, far outpacing their Grade B and C counterparts,” said Kejriwal. “Underperforming malls are increasingly facing closure, repositioning, or conversion into mixed-use developments.”

Despite this progress, India still lags developed markets, with only 110 million sq. ft. of quality retail stock, compared to 700+ million sq. ft. in the US and 400+ million sq. ft. in China, where retail assets are predominantly institutionally owned.

However, India’s rapid urbanization and strong retail productivity — averaging INR 1,200–1,600 per sq. ft. per month in Grade A malls — point to massive future potential. New malls are now averaging over 1 million sq. ft. in size, setting the stage for increased REIT activity and more ‘bigger, better, branded’ developments.

GST Reforms Fuel Institutional Retail Growth

Recent changes in India’s GST regime, implemented from September 22, are streamlining tax structures and driving transparency. These reforms are reducing compliance burdens, enhancing financial predictability, and boosting investor confidence in institutional-grade retail spaces.

“GST reforms are also positively impacting consumers,” Kejriwal noted. “They simplify pricing, reduce tax cascading, and improve purchasing power. Uniform taxation across states ensures more consistent pricing, ultimately driving demand for premium retail experiences.”

Key Trends:

• From 2005–2015, over 250 malls were built during the organized retail boom

• Between 2015–2020, many were shut down, repositioned, or converted, particularly those lacking quality

• Underperforming malls with high vacancy rates (some exceeding 30%) faced financial stress

• Grade A malls saw positive rental growth, while others remained stagnant or declined

• New mall launches will average 1–1.2 million sq. ft.

• A significant share of smaller malls may be repurposed into mixed-use projects

• 2–3 new retail-focused REITs are expected to launch soon

With rising institutional interest, growing consumer sophistication, and supportive policy reforms, India’s retail real estate market is clearly moving toward a world-class, experience-driven future.

Mumbai, 4th October 2025:“Pharmacy isn’t just about what’s in your textbooks. It’s about applying knowledge, embracing innovation, and staying adaptable,” said Mr. Jeevan Kolhe, Senior Associate Scientist at Johnson & Johnson, while addressing aspiring pharmacists at NMIMS Mumbai.

Drawing from over a decade of experience in India’s pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Kolhe urged students to look beyond academics and gain real-world exposure. “The industry has evolved—from conventional drugs to biologics, cell and gene therapies, and COVID-19 vaccines developed with Indian collaboration. Understanding these shifts, especially the role of AI in quality control and manufacturing, is key to building a successful career.”

He outlined the diverse career opportunities in pharmacy today, including research and development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and data science. Sharing insights from his own journey, he said,     “I began my career in R&D before receiving my master’s results. Though I was offered a lower salary, I accepted the opportunity. Flexibility, a willingness to learn, and clear goals make a big difference early on.”

Highlighting the societal value of pharmacists, Mr. Kolhe noted, “It’s not just about working in labs. In some places, patients mix antibiotics with tap water instead of purified water, risking infections. Educating communities and leveraging technology like AI—used to detect tablet defects in size, shape, or color can greatly enhance safety and efficiency.”

The event was hosted by Reg Sphere, the student-led Regulatory Affairs Committee of NMIMS. Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor, emphasized the importance of the “Three Cs”: Connections, Confluence, and Compliance. “Compliance is fundamental, but you also need to build networks and combine academic knowledge with real-world trends. You can’t work in silos anymore.”

Dr. Jagannath Sahoo, Dean of the Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, encouraged students to contribute to India’s growing pharmaceutical prominence. He highlighted India’s edge as a global pharma hub—thanks to its skilled workforce, strategic positioning, cost advantages, and innovations like biosimilars that improve drug accessibility.

India, 4th October 2025 : PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, is celebrating an extraordinary start to the Dussehra long weekend, with audiences nationwide embracing the festive season with popcorn in hand and smiles on their faces. This Dussehra, which also marked Gandhi Jayanti has already seen over 8.5 lakh admissions, with occupancy crossing 50%, proving that cinema remains the perfect way to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones.

The festival of cinema this week has something for everyone. Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 blends folklore, and breathtaking action, showcasing Rishab Shetty’s magnetic performance. Kantara isn’t just a film—it’s an immersive experience, a cultural spectacle, and a spiritual storm. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has captured audiences with its vibrant cast, catchy songs, and viral energy, making it a Gen Z favourite. Comedy and courtroom drama come alive in Jolly LLB, while Hollywood fans are thrilled by One Battle After Another, starring Sean Penn and Leonardo DiCaprio, with edge-of-the-seat storytelling and cinematic spectacle.

Regional cinema also shines brightly. Titles like Idli Kadai (Tamil/Telugu), Maria (Tamil), Vada Pav (Marathi), and Nikka Zaildar 4 (Punjabi) are making a strong impact at the box office, reflecting the richness and diversity of India’s cultural storytelling

Commenting on the weekend’s performance, Gautam Dutta, CEO – Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Limited said, “This Festive season, our theatres are alive with the energy of audiences across India. Families, friends, and cinephiles are filling every screen, enjoying everything from action-packed thrillers to wholesome family tales. The diversity of films this weekend reflects the strength of cinema today—it brings people together, creates memories, and celebrates stories that matter.”

With Q2 already showing robust growth, PVR INOX is poised for an exciting season ahead. Upcoming releases promise even more thrills, laughter, and emotion, ensuring that the festive energy continues to fill cinema halls nationwide. From international blockbusters to regional gems, PVR INOX offers an unmatched experience that combines technology, comfort, and cinematic magic.

Bengaluru, Oct 4th , 2025: Namma Sarathi Trust (R) announced the launch of “Namma Sarathi” a fleet of pink auto-rickshaws run by women and trans women drivers in Bengaluru. This pioneering initiative aims to transform public transport by creating sustainable livelihoods, ensuring safer mobility for passengers, and challenging long-standing stereotypes in the city’s transport sector.

With Bengaluru’s urban transport expanding rapidly, women’s participation as drivers in the para-transit space remains disproportionately low. The Namma Sarathi project seeks to change this by training, licensing, and supporting women and trans women to become professional auto-rickshaw drivers. The initiative will prepare 1,000 drivers by March 2026 and scale up to 10,000 by 2030, positioning women as a driving force in the city’s mobility ecosystem.

As part of its implementation, five training centres will be established across Bengaluru, offering a structured three-month program covering driving skills, traffic rules, vehicle maintenance, digital and financial literacy, customer service, and self-defense. In partnership with the RTO and financial institutions, the Trust will also facilitate driving license issuance and access to vehicle loans, while working with unions and aggregator platforms to ensure employment linkages.

“Namma Sarathi is not just about auto training, it is about community,” said the Namma Sarathi team. “By putting women and trans women in the driver’s seat, we are creating opportunities for dignity, financial independence, and a safer Bengaluru. Our vision is to normalize their presence on the city’s streets and set an example for other Indian cities.”

Sampath, President, Namma Sarathi Trust,said:“This is a historic moment for Bengaluru. For too long, women and trans women have been passengers but rarely drivers. With Namma Sarathi, we are shifting that narrative.”

Rudra Murthi, Vice President, added: “This initiative is about more than jobs—it is about visibility and representation. Every pink auto on the road will carry a story of courage and change.”

Kavri, General Secretary, remarked: “The program also focuses on equipping our drivers with financial literacy, digital know-how, and self-defense. We want to ensure their empowerment is holistic and lasting.”

Meenakshi, Joint Secretary, said: “Our dream is that when someone sees a woman or trans woman behind the wheel, it feels absolutely normal. That is when we know change has truly arrived.”

Dr Devika Raj, treasurer added: “Namma Sarathi represents more than just pink auto-rickshaws on Bengaluru’s roads – it’s a powerful movement that puts women and trans women in the driver’s seat of both their economic futures and the city’s transformation toward inclusive mobility.”

Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan, Honorary Consul of Namibia and mentor  of Namma Sarathi Trust, added that the initiative is as much about societal transformation as it is about mobility. “This program combines empowerment with impact. By 2030, we envision 10,000 women and trans women drivers leading the way in Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw network. When women are behind the wheel, the entire city moves forward.”

The Namma Sarathi team also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tulsyan, acknowledging his early guidance and motivation. “Dr. Tulsyan’s faith in our vision gave us the courage to begin. His support has been instrumental in shaping Namma Sarathi into a movement, not just a project.”

Through this project, Namma Sarathi expects to create new income streams for women—ranging between INR 15,000–INR 25,000 per month—while providing the public with a reliable and safer transport option. More importantly, it will establish a replicable model of women-led mobility that can be scaled across India.

Gurugram, October 4, 2025 – JSW MG Motor India, in collaboration with leading real estate developers- Confident Group and technology partner IONAGE Technologies, has announced a major expansion of its EV infrastructure under the MG Charge initiative. This partnership paves the way for a more accessible, sustainable electric future, making EV charging a standard feature in residential societies.

The automaker has already installed more than 800 chargers across India as part of its MG Charge initiative. Furthermore, as urban EV adoption surges, JSW MG Motor is working closely with Confident Group to set up charging stations in high-demand locations, especially metropolitan areas.

IONAGE Technologies, an innovator in EV tech, is powering the user experience with a seamless platform for residents – enabling easy slot booking, session monitoring, and effortless charging right at home. The partnership has seen successful deployment of chargers across nine Confident Group properties in Kerala, ensuring residents benefit from convenient, on-premises solutions backed by trusted expertise from all partners.

Commenting on this initiative, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “This partnership marks a significant leap in making sustainable mobility the norm for urban communities across India. By partnering with real estate developers like Confident Group and advanced technology partners like IONAGE, we are advancing towards building confidence in EV ownership. Together, we are empowering residents with convenient, dependable charging at their doorstep, accelerating India’s transition toward a greener and cleaner transportation future.”

Vimal Kumar V, CEO, IONAGE Technologies added – “Our collaboration with JSW MG Motor aims to unlock hassle-free home charging at scale. With our state-of-the-art platform and MG’s commitment to electric mobility, we’re making it simple for residents to adopt EVs and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. We are proud to be enabling over 200 properties with smart charging, with plans to scale to 5000 residential societies by 2028, driving a transformative impact on the nation’s EV landscape.”

Joseph TA, Managing Partner from Confident Group said- “At Confident Group, we are committed to integrating sustainable solutions within our communities. This partnership is enabling us to deliver modern, eco-friendly amenities to our residents, elevating the standard of urban living. The enthusiastic feedback from our homeowners, who can now conveniently charge their vehicles at home, underscores the positive impact of this initiative and our dedication to building smarter, greener residential spaces.”

By integrating EV charging within residential complexes—including flagship projects such as Confident Lotus, Confident Aquila, and others—JSW MG Motor, Confident Group, and IONAGE Technologies are setting new benchmarks in green urban living. This alliance embodies the shared vision of a future where eco-friendly technology, reliable infrastructure, and modern housing come together to reshape the way India moves.

While features such as rear cameras, parking sensors and infotainment systems are considered standard for today’s cars, these depend heavily on the right hardware and software components underneath that must work in tandem. Silently operating in the background, flash storage solutions choreograph such sophisticated functions.

As the auto industry moves towards digital cockpits in cars with screens that are just as good as modern tablets, let us look at how an advanced embedded storage solution contributes to your everyday driving experience.

Bespoke Infotainment: Music, Maps and More

The perfect playlist makes a world of difference to your driving experience. Today’s advanced car infotainment systems use data, analytics, and AI tools to study users’ behavior patterns and offer highly personalized experiences to users, including personalized playlists.

Universal Flash Storage (UFS) solutions offer robust and reliable edge storage to support data demands of not just of cutting-edge infotainment solutions but also Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as navigation, HD mapping, and V2V/V2I (Vehicle -to-Vehicle/Vehicle-to-Infrastructure) communication.

This enables your car to deliver an infotainment experience as familiar as your living room stereo system, but smarter.

Superior Reliability: Meet Your Virtual Co-pilot

Reliability is paramount. Users actively evaluate safety features in a car before making a purchase. It could be an ADAS system that controls the steering wheel and keeps you within the lane or applies the brake when needed. Such tasks are handled by storage solutions that access, and cross-reference data stored from cameras, radars, and sensors in real-time. Modern automotive-grade solid-state drives (SSDs) and UFS modules offer high-speed, reliable, and simultaneous read/write performance, critical for these split-second decisions.

Voice Activated Assistance

Modern gadgets no longer depend solely on touch for prompts, and cars are no exception. For instance, you just need to say “Turn on the AC” or “Play my road trip playlist” to enable your car is all set to give you comfort without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The swiftness at which this command is executed depends on complex voice models securely stored and continuously refined in the vehicle’s memory.

Every voice profile, command history, and routine is cached in storage systems that help protect your privacy while speeding up recognition times. Over time, the vehicle “learns” your accent, phrasing, and unique requests, making your driver assist feel less like artificial intelligence and more like your attentive companion.

Real-time Navigation and Adaptive Routing: No More Lost Time

Advanced navigation systems today rely heavily on the car’s ability to download and cache large maps, traffic data and road condition updates, even enabling offline use in remote areas. Real-time reliable access and processing of this data hinges on the presence of high-speed data storage solutions that manage continuous inflows of sensor data and cloud-based updates, offering you smart routes at every turn.

Catalogued Driver Profiles

Cars, especially family-owned ones, often have more than one regular driver. Each person has their preferred seat position, car temperature, and even mirror angles. Advanced storage-backed features allow users to store preferences – lumbar position, mirror angles, climate schedules, display layouts, favorite apps, even the sensitivity of driver assists. Thus, each driver can simply pick their profiles rather than having to manually adjust the positions etc. every time they drive.

Different profiles live in isolated partitions; the car can switch personas – Parent, teen, guest, valet, etc. – such that each profile retains boundaries without mixing data.

Over the Air Updates: Your Car, Evolving Overnight

As with your phone or laptop, your car can get automatic software updates, over-the-air (OTA). The process depends on the availability of reliable storage to download, verify, and install firmware and software, without interrupting daily use. This dynamic, evolving functionality redefines vehicle ownership, transforming your car into a software-defined device that improves continuously without dealership visits.

Smarter Parking Assistance

Modern parking solutions have made the erstwhile painful process of parking way easier. Sensors and cameras continuously feed data while the storage systems archive your parking maneuvers, environmental details, and spatial analytics for future use.

Every time you park, your car refines its system’s memory to get smarter with each attempt via memory park assist. Such a data-rich environment, supported by rapid read/write storage, lets your car reliably and efficiently navigate tight spots, many times outperforming even experienced drivers in accuracy and finesse.

Conclusion: The Unseen Technology Powering Your Drive

From a familiar welcome greeting as you sit in the car to empowering drivers to park perfectly, the right storage can truly humanize your car. Storage allows your car to perform intricate and complex tasks, such as caching, securing, and verifying. So, the next time you press start, , remember the backstage crew making it look easy: storage, turning raw data into a drive that feels personal, polished, and perfectly in tune with you. No wonder, it is expected that a level 4 and level 5 autonomous vehicle will need 2TB or more of onboard storage1.

Prasad Sandireddy, Vice President, Vice President, Product Development Engineering, Sandisk states that connected, and fully autonomous vehicles depend on high-performance, high-capacity, high-endurance, and reliable storage for in-car applications and experiences.