Archives November 2025

Pune, Nov 21:- Onix, a global leader in data, cloud, and AI transformation and a 16-time Google Cloud Partner of the Year, today announced that it has been recognized as a Leader in Everest Group’s 2025 PEAK Matrix® for Google Cloud Services Specialization.

The recognition highlights Onix’s leadership in helping enterprises modernize, innovate, and scale through AI-first, data-driven cloud solutions built on Google Cloud. Everest Group’s independent assessment evaluates providers based on their market impact, vision, and capabilities in enabling business transformation through Google Cloud technologies.

“Recognition by Everest Group as a Leader in Google Cloud services underscores the depth and success of our strategic partnership with Google Cloud,” said Sanjay Singh, Chief Executive Officer at Onix. “For over 20 years, our Google-first approach as a trusted Google Cloud partner has fueled customer success and innovation across industries. By combining Google Cloud’s advanced technologies with our IP-led, agentic AI approach, we are leading the industry in equipping organizations with the intelligence, agility, and autonomous systems needed to lead in this era of continual change.”

Recognition Highlights;

In its 2025 PEAK Matrix® assessment, Everest Group highlights  Onix’s strengths in:

• Deep Google Cloud expertise across modernization, data analytics, AI/ML, and industry-specific solutions, backed by 16 Google Cloud Partner of the Year wins.
• Outcome-driven engagement models that align delivery with business KPIs and transformation metrics.
• Innovative use of agentic AI and IP-led assets such as the Wingspan platform to automate and optimize cloud operations.
• High customer satisfaction for agility, delivery excellence, and partnership flexibility.
• Strong leadership depth, with former CDOs, CTOs, and CIOs guiding strategy and execution for enterprise transformation.
• Launch partners for Google Cloud Gemini Enterprise.

“Onix demonstrates strong capability as a Google Cloud specialist partner, supporting enterprises in modernizing data, applications, and AI workloads through integrated transformation programs. It showcases deep alignment with Google Cloud’s AI-driven modernization vision through multiple specializations, proprietary IPs, marketplace presence, and launch partners for offerings such as Gemini, Agentspace, and Google Distributed Cloud. Clients commend Onix for combining strong technical expertise with strategic partnership alignment, delivering value-driven outcomes and tech-enabled growth. These factors have contributed to its positioning as a Leader and Star Performer on Everest Group’s Google Cloud Services Specialist PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025,” says Zachariah Chirayil, Practice Director, Everest Group.

Driving Next-Gen Transformation with Agentic AI and Google Cloud;
Onix’s success in Google Cloud services stems from its agentic AI approach, which embeds autonomous, self-learning agents into enterprise workflows to drive efficiency, performance, and innovation. Powered by the Wingspan platform—combining proprietary IP, automation, and AI accelerators—Onix streamlines modernization and ensures every solution delivers measurable, outcome-based business value.

Trusted by Industry Leaders, Guided by Cloud and AI Veterans;
Onix’s leadership team of seasoned industry executives brings a blend of technical depth and business foresight to every engagement. The company’s partnership-led model with Google Cloud emphasizes long-term transformation, ensuring customers gain not just cloud capability but sustained competitive advantage through AI-driven modernization.

De De Pyaar De 2 recently hit theatres, six years after the first film, bringing back Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh while introducing R. Madhavan in a pivotal role. In an exclusive conversation with IMDb, Devgn and Madhavan highlighted how their mutual understanding, improvisation, and effortless rapport elevated their performances. The duo also reflected on the film’s take on generational differences and the evolving societal acceptance of modern relationships.

Speaking about their long-standing rapport, Devgn said,

“Working with Maddy feels effortless—we’re more like friends. He’s a fabulous actor, and that always helps. The kind of rapport we share always makes the scene better because there’s a tuning, an understanding. I know what he’s going to do, he knows what I’m going to do, and it works out very well.”

Madhavan added,

“Ajay sir comes with a body of work that’s awe-inspiring. On the sets, his devotion to the subject gives you the freedom to work your way. There’s a scene where he doesn’t speak at all—it’s just Rakul and me in a dramatic conversation. Without saying a word, he delivers the impact the moment needs with just a turn, just silence. For me, that was like going to university.”

Reflecting on why De De Pyaar De 2 resonates with audiences today, Madhavan shared,

“At a time when these relationships were uncommon, they were often looked down upon. Back then, this film would have been radical. Today, differences don’t make a difference in relationships, but for older generations, acceptance is still a challenge. For me, learning how to be a modern father is difficult. The ways I was raised worked for me, but I can’t do the same with my son anymore. I’ve had to redefine the rules to have the same impact on him. This film, in a way, provides a perspective for families encountering similar situations, which makes it even more exciting.”

Devgn added, “Today’s youth believe in the right to make their own choices, and you cannot deny or defy that. In modern society, these conflicts exist, but there are multiple valid perspectives. Both points of view have merits and challenges, and that tension is what makes the story so interesting.”

Amazon MX Player’s I-POPSTAR Kicks Off Journey to Grand Finale with Neeti Mohan, Electrifying Performances, & Pop History in the Making

Mumbai, Nov 21st: Amazon MX Player’s I-POPSTAR kicked off its Grand Finale with an electrifying first chapter, transforming the stage into a celebration of original music, fearless performances, and India’s emerging pop voices. The event felt less like a competition and more like a historic milestone for indie-pop, as mentors, finalists, and a roaring audience came together to launch the final stretch of the season.

All four mentors  King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma stormed the stage to thunderous applause, setting a celebratory tone. In a playful moment, Aditya joked about having three of his own contestants in the Top 6, quipping, “Team Rikhari sab par bhari,” instantly lifting the energy in the room.

The Top 6 finalists – Rohit Raut, Rishabh Panchal, Maan Pannu, Charan Pathania, Jaya Rohilla, and Radhika Bhide received a grand welcome. Together, they performed a stirring rendition of “Sitare Hai Yahaan Saare”, joined by returning contestants, creating a goosebump-inducing moment that captured the spirit of the show.

Special guest judge Neeti Mohan joined the mentors, praising the contestants and the platform. She remarked, “This is insane. I’ve been watching all the reels and listening to so many original songs. This show is history. India is choosing to listen to these artists, and that is the power of independent music.” Mohan also performed her new track “Mirza” live on stage for the first time.

The evening was packed with standout performances. Jaya Rohilla showcased her Haryanvi roots with a high-energy act, engaging mentors in an impromptu hook-step sequence. King performed a medley of his hits, including the debut live performance of “Tu Itni Kamal Hai” from his upcoming album, leaving the audience in awe. Maan Pannu delivered a soulful performance that highlighted why he is one of the season’s most talked-about voices, joined by Neeti in a heartfelt duet of his track “Hope.”

Host Sunny added light-hearted moments, while Neeti and finalists Radhika, Rohit, and Jaya shared dynamic duets, blending energy and emotion seamlessly. The mentors were celebrated in a fun montage, with Parmish Verma named ‘Life Lesson Guru,’ Aditya Rikhari ‘Aalap Guru,’ Aastha Gill ‘Hasya Guru,’ and King ‘Dance Guru,’ reflecting the camaraderie and humor of the season.

Adding to the excitement, comedian Munawar Faruqui made a surprise appearance to promote his upcoming Amazon MX Player series First Copy Season 2, bringing fresh energy to the finale.

With emotions running high and careers on the brink of transformation, India is now just one step away from crowning its first-ever I-POPSTAR. The second chapter of the Grand Finale streams on 28th November exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available for free on mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

New Delhi, Nov 21st: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi will celebrate the vibrant flavours of Southern Italy this November as One Michelin-starred Chef Riccardo Sculli returns to Sorrento for an exclusive five-day culinary showcase from 26 to 30 November 2025. Drawing inspiration from the coast of Calabria -where land and sea meet in effortless harmony – the pop-up will offer guests a rare opportunity to experience Chef Sculli’s signature expressions of purity, provenance, and elegant simplicity on the plate.

The award-winning Italian restaurant Sorrento – honoured with the prestigious Golden Q from Ospitalità Italiana – has long stood as the city’s benchmark for refined Italian cuisine. Renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship and devotion to natural, high-quality ingredients, the restaurant now invites Chef Sculli to reinterpret its culinary story. This collaboration introduces Delhi to a dining experience that is both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly contemporary, rooted in heritage yet expressed through a distinctly modern lens.

At his Michelin-starred restaurant Gambero Rosso, perched along Calabria’s azure coastline, Chef Sculli has reimagined Southern Italian cuisine with a philosophy grounded in integrity. For him, cooking begins not with recipes but with nature’s charm, what the fishermen bring in that morning, what the fields yield that day. The sea dictates the menu, and seasonality shapes the story. The outcome is a meal that carries the quiet confidence of restraint, dishes that linger like memory.

The curated set menu unfolds as a journey through Calabria’s coastal soul, beginning with choices such as Cold Tuna Tataki or a vibrant Marinated Vegetable Salad. The primi course showcases Chef Sculli’s mastery with offerings such as Risotto with Hokkaido Scallops or handmade Tortello filled with Ricotta and a surprising as well as succulent Aubergine reimagined with a modern take. For the second, guests may choose between Farm-Raised Chicken Breast with Organic Carrot and Ginger, Pan Seared Lamb Rack with Cauliflower and Hazelnut, or Eggplant Parmigiana featuring glazed eggplant, hazelnuts, and red onion for a refined vegetarian celebration. The experience concludes with indulgent dolce options, including a rich Hazelnut, Cocoa and Vanilla creation and the classic Coffee Panna Cotta – “Cappuccino”. 

Beyond the set menu, the à la carte selection presents Chef Sculli’s culinary signatures in their full glory. Standouts include Tiger Prawns adorned with Sea Urchin Emulsion and Burrata, Saffron Lobster with an unexpected pairing of Raspberries and Soya, Spaghetti with Prawns and Black Winter Truffle. The offerings span from Chilean Sea Bass with White Asparagus to Pan Seared Lamb Rack. Each dish is a testament to the chef’s commitment to letting premium ingredients shine through with thoughtful, minimal intervention.

Born in Toronto to Calabrian parents, Sculli’s journey began in his family’s kitchen and matured into a pursuit of culinary expression that bridges continents. His plates reveal his dual identity – the precision of a classically trained chef and the intuition of someone who still cooks with the sea breeze in mind. Each composition, from delicately cured fish and handmade pasta to contemporary seafood pairings, recalls his mastery of balance, lightness, and depth.

For his Delhi showcase, Chef Sculli presents a bespoke tasting and à la carte menu, crafted exclusively for Sorrento. 

Speaking about the collaboration, Abhishek Sadhoo, General Manager, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, says

“Welcoming Chef Sculli to Sorrento is a celebration of shared values – of artistry, respect for produce, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Through this collaboration, we invite our guests to experience not just Italian cuisine, but a way of life defined by beauty and authenticity.”

The set menu and a la carte menu are available for Lunch and Dinner. The set menu is priced at INR 5000 plus taxes, while diners looking for a more layered, indulgent experience can choose the wine-accompanied menu at INR 7500 plus taxes.

 Hyderabad,Telangana Nov 21:-Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited (BSE: 539607), a fast-growing innovator in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, enterprise solutions, and 5G technologies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) to invest ₹400 crores in the state’s healthcare technology sector. The MoU was formalized at APIIC Towers, Mangalagiri, Guntur District, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

Under this MoU, Blue Cloud will launch its flagship project “BluBio” in either Amaravati or Visakhapatnam. Spanning a 30-acre development site, BluBio represents a major commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and digital infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

By 2027, the company aims to generate 1,200 direct jobs across research, development, operations, and administration. The initiative is also projected to create nearly 20,000 indirect employment opportunities across supply chain, logistics, services, and ancillary sectors significantly boosting the regional economy.

The investment will accelerate innovation across healthcare, defense, finance, and cybersecurity, with Blue Cloud integrating advanced AI-led technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and security. BluBio is expected to emerge as a scalable model for AI-driven transformation, further positioning Andhra Pradesh as a high-tech growth hub.

APEDB will serve as a strategic facilitator coordinating introductions, enabling clearances, and supporting Blue Cloud’s engagement with state and central government bodies, including the Union Government. Land allocation, incentives, and related benefits will be handled by specialized departments of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory norms.

The MoU outlines a collaborative framework focused on accelerating industrial development, advancing large-scale infrastructure, and fostering technology-led progress in the state. It remains in effect for 12 months from the signing date and is non-binding, enabling both parties to explore opportunities and streamline project execution while maintaining flexibility.

This partnership reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s vision of becoming a leading destination for high-impact, innovation-driven investments. It underscores Blue Cloud’s commitment to contributing to sustainable, inclusive economic growth while uplifting regional technological capabilities.

Reflecting on this milestone, Mr. Tejesh Kodali, Group Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited, commented:
“The signing of this MoU marks a transformative moment for Blue Cloud and the state of Andhra Pradesh. By combining our technological leadership with the state’s forward-looking vision, we aim to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful, inclusive growth.”

Hyderabad,  Nov 21: Elior India, a leading institutional and workplace dining company, announced plans to double its investments in Hyderabad over the next 24 months, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of India’s most dynamic growth hubs. The expansion underscores Hyderabad’s rapidly rising prominence as a centre for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and high-quality workplace experience ecosystems.

Since commencing operations in mid-2024, Elior India has recorded an impressive 80% CAGR over the last 14 months, fuelled by strong client partnerships and growing demand for fresh, high-quality meals across diverse industry segments. The company has expanded its Hyderabad portfolio to over 25 clients, reflecting the city’s increasing appetite for premium, chef-led dining solutions. Its state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen now serves thousands of meals daily to some of Hyderabad’s most prominent GCCs, blending global culinary standards with authentic local flavours.

“Hyderabad continues to be at the heart of our expansion journey,” said Vijay Krishnan Vazhvelil, Chief Commercial Officer, Elior India. “We’ve seen tremendous growth here, and we plan to scale further doubling investments, expanding our team, and strengthening partnerships with clients who value quality, consistency, and care in workplace dining.”

Elior’s success in Hyderabad mirrors the surge in India’s institutional dining sector, where workplace food experiences are increasingly viewed as a crucial driver of employee well-being, culture, and retention. Reflecting this vision, Elior recently partnered with Millet Marvels, a Hyderabad-based food enterprise championing millet-based nutrition. The collaboration reinforces Elior’s commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and promoting healthier dining choices.

Over the past year, Elior has also expanded across multiple cities, adding new pan-India clients several of whom now operate in Hyderabad as well highlighting strong market trust in its chef-led culinary model and operational excellence.

“Our focus is on deepening relationships with our clients in Hyderabad and continuing to deliver world-class culinary experiences that balance taste, technology, and thoughtful dining,” Vijay added.

With new partnerships and investments in the pipeline, Elior India stands firmly positioned as one of the fastest-growing players in the institutional dining industry, poised for accelerated growth in Hyderabad and beyond.

ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services, has achieved a significant milestone in its India journey with the successful award of 280 MW / 2-hour battery storage capacity in the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) auction. Part of the national 2 GW / 4 GWh tender, this represents one of India’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) allocations to date and marks ENGIE’s formal entry into utility-scale storage in the country. With this win, ENGIE’s India portfolio expands to approximately 2.75 GW, further strengthening its position as a long-term partner in advancing India’s 500 GW clean energy vision and enabling firm, future-ready renewable power.

This development comes at a defining moment for India’s renewable energy landscape. As solar and wind installations grow at record pace, the need for large-scale storage solutions has become critical to deliver clean, reliable power, minimise curtailment, and enhance grid stability. ENGIE’s GUVNL BESS project will help manage peak loads, facilitate seamless 24/7 renewable integration, and support India’s ongoing grid modernisation efforts.

Globally, ENGIE has set an ambitious target of achieving 95 GW of renewable and storage installed capacity by 2030. With 55 GW already in operation and 6 GW under construction, the Group brings deep technological expertise and proven global experience to India’s rapidly evolving storage sector. The GUVNL award leverages this global strength and positions ENGIE to deliver a new generation of dependable, flexible, and intelligent clean energy solutions for the country.

Amit Jain, CEO & Country Manager, ENGIE India, and Managing Director Renewables & Batteries (India & South-East Asia), said:

“India’s renewable story is entering a decisive phase, where scale must be matched with firmness, flexibility and digital intelligence. Storage is the bridge that will take us there. This award strengthens ENGIE’s mission to build the next generation of hybrid and storage-backed infrastructure that can support peak demand, integrate more renewables, and deliver dependable clean power to millions. Backed by ENGIE’s global storage expertise, we are committed to shaping an energy system that is resilient, efficient, and ready for the future India is building.”

The win reaffirms ENGIE’s long-term commitment to India’s clean energy roadmap. With scalable, technology-driven renewable and storage solutions, ENGIE continues to play a pivotal role in building a resilient, low-carbon energy ecosystem aligned with India’s 2030 and 2047 climate goals.

The IndianOil WNC Navy Half Marathon has emerged as one of Mumbai’s most prestigious sporting events, blending the spirit of endurance with a celebration of national pride. Organized by the Western Naval Command as part of the Navy Day celebrations, the event offers civilians a unique opportunity to run alongside the men and women in white who safeguard India’s maritime frontiers.

The 2025 edition shall be flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command, and Mr. Arvinder Singh Sahney, Chairman, IndianOil. Their joint presence underscores the robust synergy between India’s maritime guardians and its energy backbone.

In its inaugural 2016 edition, the WNC Navy Half Marathon saw 4,560 registrations. The event found the perfect catalyst for growth when IndianOil became the ‘Title Sponsor’ in 2018. Since then, total registrations have gone up exponentially year after year. The momentum is now unstoppable, with more than 20,000 runners expected this year. This partnership has amplified the event’s scale and has enhanced the runner experience, helping the race earn a World Athletics Road Race Label.

One of the biggest draws is its breathtaking route, cited by runners as one of the most scenic in the country. The race flags off from the heritage precinct of Ballard Estate, surrounding runners with the colonial charm of Old Bombay. As participants make their way past CSMT and Oval Maidan, they are greeted by the majestic High Court and Rajabai Tower. The crown jewel of the course is the Marine Drive stretch. As runners hit the “Queen’s Necklace,” they are treated to the vast Arabian Sea on one side and Mumbai’s iconic Art Deco skyline on the other. For the 21K runners, the route extends to the Worli Sea Face, providing a flat, fast, and breezy course perfect for achieving a personal best.

IndianOil widely recognised as the “Energy of India” and as a Maharatna company, plays a pivotal role in fuelling the nation’s growth, with a presence that touches every corner of the country. By powering events like the WNC Navy Half Marathon, IndianOil continues to champion the cause of a healthier, fitter, and more vibrant India.

Brazil, Nov 21: At COP30, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and supported by Italy’s Ministry for the Environment and Energy, announced Phase II of the Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) Initiative, advancing 14 new digitalization projects across Africa and Brazil.

Phase II: Expanding Digitalization Across Energy & Agri-Food Systems

Building on the success of Phase I, the new phase broadens 3DEN’s scope beyond the power sector to include the agri-food system, where digital tools can significantly cut energy use, improve water efficiency, and enhance climate resilience.

Although renewables are now the world’s cheapest source of electricity, many nations struggle to use them effectively due to rigid grids, outdated infrastructure, and the absence of smart digital tools.

The 3DEN Initiative helps countries develop smarter, more resilient, low-carbon energy and agri-food systems, enabling higher renewable integration while improving efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Phase II aims to fast-track the digital innovation needed to modernize these systems and unleash the full potential of clean power.

Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, noted:

“We have the renewable resources and the technologies to decarbonize fast, but without modern grids, these solutions cannot deliver their full value. 3DEN Phase II fills this critical gap by helping countries strengthen the digital backbone of their power systems.”

Supported by €23 million from Italy, Phase II builds on the strong foundation of Phase I.
Italy highlighted its pride in conceiving and funding 3DEN, emphasizing how digital technologies — from smart meters to distributed renewables — strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and equality.

Phase I: A Proven Model for Digital Energy Transformation

Launched in 2021, Phase I deployed innovative digital tools in Brazil, Colombia, India, and Morocco, including forecasting systems, flexibility solutions, improved regulatory frameworks, and better integration of distributed generation.

Key Results from Phase I:

• Brazil: Homes equipped with solar, batteries, and digital monitoring tools saw energy use drop by 456 kWh annually, bills cut by 60–70%, and outages reduced by 60%.

• India (New Delhi): A digital twin of four grid areas helped identify weak points, cut losses, avoid costly upgrades, and save US$ 3,600 per transformer annually.

• Phase I reached 340,000 people, added 26 MW of clean power, mobilized US$ 9.2 million, and reduced over 5,000 tonnes of CO₂.

These outcomes demonstrated how smart digital investments accelerate clean energy adoption, strengthen resilience, and support climate and development goals.

Phase II Project Selection

The 14 projects in Phase II were chosen through an open call for proposals held from January to May 2025, which received 93 applications from eight countries. The final projects — representing a combined investment of US$ 28.6 million — span both agri-food and urban energy systems, reflecting 3DEN’s expanded mission to digitalize sectors critical for climate resilience and sustainable development.