Archives December 2025

Gurugram, Dec 16: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, a luxury urban sanctuary, announces an exquisite year-end celebration featuring thoughtfully curated dining experiences, refined entertainment, and the brand’s signature warmth. As the year draws to a close, guests can immerse themselves in bespoke evenings across the hotel’s distinguished restaurants, each presenting a unique expression of culinary artistry and hospitality.

Spectra: A Global Culinary Showcase for the Final Night of the Year Festivities unfold at Spectra, the hotel’s award-winning all-day dining destination. Celebrated for its seven live culinary islands, Spectra presents a vibrant year-end experience featuring an expansive array of global flavours crafted by expert chefs. Live music enhances the ambience, as the restaurant transforms into an immersive and spirited setting for the last night of the year.

Diya: Indian Cuisine Presented with Live Ghazals 

Those seeking the warmth of Indian hospitality can immerse themselves in the refined setting of Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian restaurant. An elegant ambience, complemented by dishes crafted with authenticity and finesse, shapes a thoughtful culinary journey. Soft traditional melodies further elevate the dining experience, creating a graceful close to the year.

Rubicon: A Sophisticated Lounge Experience for an Elevated Celebration

For guests wishing to mark the occasion with sophistication, Rubicon Bar and Cigar Lounge offers an indulgent lounge atmosphere. An exclusive tapas bar experience is paired with privileged access to Spectra’s grand buffet dinner and live music. 

With each venue presenting its own blend of flavour, ambience, and design, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences curates New Year celebrations to suit every palate and preference. From global feasts to elegant Indian cuisine and sophisticated lounge soirées, the hotel is ready to welcome 2026 rooted in luxury, enriched by artistry, and imbued with the inimitable warmth of The Leela.

Mumbai,  Dec 16: IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab successfully concluded the grand finale of its national-level cybersecurity competition Capture The Flag today at its Powai campus. The event brought together some of India’s most promising young cybersecurity minds for a full-day challenge designed to mirror real-world digital threat scenarios.

 A Capture The Flag  is a cybersecurity competition where participants solve challenges to find “flags,” special strings serving as proof-of-hack. It tests skills across cryptography, reverse engineering, web security, forensics, and networking. Players analyse vulnerable programs or services, identify weaknesses, and submit the flags for points. In the IITB Trust Lab CTF, challenges covered Cryptography, Web Exploitation, Reverse Engineering, and Miscellaneous categories.

This initiative by IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab comes at a time when the demand for cybersecurity talent in India is rising sharply, even as nearly 50% of cybersecurity jobs reportedly remain unfilled reflecting an urgent need to strengthen the country’s talent pipeline.

The competition drew 480 teams from top engineering institutes, cybersecurity clubs, and technology universities across India. Participants competed individually or in teams of two. From this pool, the top 50 finalists were shortlisted for the on-campus finale, where they undertook a series of escalating technical challenges developed by cybersecurity researchers from Trust Lab.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, said;

“CTF competitions are globally accepted as one of the most effective ways to build hands-on cybersecurity capability. Participants are required to solve challenges across domains such as reverse engineering, cryptography, application security, digital forensics and system exploitation the skills crucial for combating online scams, financial fraud, phishing, ransomware, and emerging digital risks targeting individuals and institutions,” adding, “With India’s digital footprint expanding rapidly from UPI and fintech to smart infrastructure and AI-powered services the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab aims to nurture this talent through competitions, workshops, research collaborations, and real-world testing platforms.”

At the conclusion of the competition, the first place was secured by Team ‘Gingers’, followed by Team ‘Chatpata Vada Paav’ in the second place and Team ‘Daalbaatichurma’ in the third place, with all three teams representing IIT Roorkee. The fourth place was awarded to Team ‘fl4g0rD13’ from IIT Madras, while the fifth place went to Team ‘Deathwing’ from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune.

In addition, Shriyansh Gupta from Team ‘JEE is Tuff’ received a special mention for his exceptional performance. Notably, Shriyansh is an 11th standard student from Kendriya Vidyalaya Delhi, who competed alongside undergraduate students from some of India’s leading technical institutions.

Prof. G. Sivakumar, Principal Investigator of IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab;

 said, “Competitions like this are crucial for closing the gap between academic learning and the rapidly evolving threats confronted by industry. They force participants to think like real adversaries, apply core technical principles under pressure, and build the instincts that modern cybersecurity demands. The CTF finale also immersed students in IIT Bombay’s advanced cybersecurity research ecosystem offering direct interactions with faculty, exposure to cutting-edge defence frameworks, and insights into the latest global attack techniques.”

Mr. Mukul Joshi, Program Director of IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab, said,

“While Trust Lab has been fostering a community and culture of cybersecurity among students through CTFs, we are also witnessing growing interest from industry to conduct similar challenges for their employees. IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab has successfully collaborated with industry partners in the past and will continue to leverage this platform to enhance the skills of working professionals as well.”

Trust Lab has been a trailblazer in shaping India’s CTF culture. At a time when cybersecurity competitions were still emerging in the country, Trust Lab launched one of India’s earliest large-scale national CTFs, attracting exceptional talent from premier institutes. As one of the first institutions to actively sponsor and champion CTF initiatives, Trust Lab has played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and catalysing a competitive ecosystem that continues to strengthen year after year.

New Delhi, Dec 16: Fenesta Building Systems – India’s most trusted windows and doors brand,  has announced the opening of its new showroom in Ghana, marking the company’s entry into the African market. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Fenesta’s international growth journey following a strengthened footprint in key South Asian markets, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

The move also strengthens the brand’s long-term international strategy, paving the way for further expansion across Africa.

Africa’s evolving construction landscape, characterised by growing urban development and a shift toward contemporary architectural design, presents significant opportunities for advanced fenestration systems. The continent’s urban population is estimated to double by 2050 to 1.4 billion people, creating strong demand for modern, high-performance building products. Fenesta’s entry aligns with this momentum, introducing its complete portfolio, including uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, solid panel doors, façades, and premium hardware, to a market that is embracing reliable, design-led, and climate-responsive solutions.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta, said,

 “Our entry into the African market marks an important milestone in Fenesta’s global growth journey. Africa is undergoing a structural transition in its built environment, and we are well-positioned to support that shift with our proven expertise, product leadership, and service capabilities. As we scale globally, our priority remains to bring the Fenesta advantage to new geographies. Our focus remains steadfast on delivering advanced products backed by trusted service.”

With over two decades of expertise, Fenesta, part of the Rs. 12,741 Cr DCM Shriram Ltd conglomerate,  has consistently advanced the category with an integrated approach to providing building solutions with an end-to-end model that spans the designing, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and post-sales services.

Fenesta has recorded over 5 million installations across more than 500,000 homes, reaffirming its leadership in the category. This achievement has been driven by a strong and expanding dealer network, customer-centric processes, and a continued emphasis on innovation aligned with diverse climatic and architectural requirements.

Jaipur, Dec 16:- The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh as Hotel Manager of The LaLiT Jaipur.

With over 16 years of experience in the luxury and international hospitality sector, Mr. Ghosh brings deep expertise in Rooms Division operations, guest experience strategy, large-team leadership, and operational excellence. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the leadership team at The LaLiT Jaipur as the hotel continues to elevate its service benchmarks and guest offerings.

Mr. Ghosh’s distinguished career spans leadership roles with some of the industry’s most respected brands, including ITC Hotels, Novotel Kolkata, Sheraton Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott (Bengaluru and Bhopal), along with a notable tenure in GMR’s airport hospitality vertical at IGI Airport, New Delhi. Across these roles, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to enhance service quality, introduce innovative operational systems, optimize revenue performance, and build high-performing teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said,

“At The LaLiT, we strongly believe in nurturing talent from within and creating leadership pathways for our people. We are delighted to promote Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh, who has been an integral part of The LaLiT family and most recently served as Resident Manager at The LaLiT Mumbai, to the role of Hotel Manager and Unit Head at The LaLiT Jaipur. His strong operational acumen, people-centric leadership style, and deep understanding of luxury hospitality make him an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, The LaLiT Jaipur will continue to set new benchmarks in guest experience while staying true to our ethos of refined Indian hospitality.”

Mr. Ghosh’s appointment further reinforces The LaLiT Jaipur’s commitment to delivering culturally rich, personalized, and immersive luxury experiences that reflect the grandeur and heritage of Rajasthan.Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh said,

“I am truly honoured to join The LaLiT Jaipur, a property that beautifully reflects Rajasthan’s heritage, architecture, and gracious hospitality. My vision is to elevate the guest experience by combining heartfelt service with operational precision and innovative practices. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to create memorable moments for every guest and to further strengthen The LaLiT’s legacy as one of Jaipur’s most distinguished luxury destinations.”

With this appointment, The LaLiT Jaipur embarks on an exciting new chapter focused on growth, innovation, and elevated guest engagement.

Hyderabad, Dec 16:  KLH Aziz Nagar Campus successfully hosted IDEA Expo 2025, a flagship innovation showcase organised by the Design Thinking and Innovation (DTI) Team of the Freshman Engineering Department. The expo served as a dynamic platform for first-year engineering students of the Y25 batch to present innovative concepts and functional prototypes, emphasising on innovation-driven education, creativity, and experiential learning.

IDEA Expo 2025 featured a wide spectrum of student projects across domains including agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, information technology, and social innovation. The exhibits reflected strong interdisciplinary collaboration, technical proficiency, and practical applicability, showcasing the students’ ability to translate classroom learning into meaningful innovations.

The expo was further enriched by the presence of eminent academicians and industry experts, including Mr. Mihir Kumar Parial, Vice Chairman, Ekalavya Foundation; Dr. P. Srinivasulu, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR–IICT; and Dr. P. Sudharshanam, Professor, IIT Hyderabad. Student projects were evaluated by a panel of external and internal jury members, comprising senior faculty and domain experts, who provided valuable insights and mentorship. The jury appreciated the originality, depth of innovation, and real-world relevance of the student ideas, commending their clarity of thought and execution.

Er. Koneru Lakshman Havish, Vice President, KL Deemed to be University, conveyed his message highlighting the institution’s vision for nurturing innovators from the very first year of engineering education. He stated that platforms such as IDEA Expo play a crucial role in shaping students into confident problem-solvers, creators, and future entrepreneurs. He further emphasised that KLH is committed to providing an ecosystem where ideas are encouraged, mentored, and transformed into impactful solutions with global relevance.

The successful conducting of IDEA Expo 2025 was made possible through the collective support of the Management, Principal Dr. A. Ramakrishna, R&D Department, Entrepreneurship Development (ED) Cell, faculty members, staff, and student volunteers. The event created a vibrant academic and innovation-centric atmosphere on campus, motivating young minds and reaffirming KLH’s commitment to nurturing future-ready engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders.

New Delhi, Dec 16: Funskool India Ltd., the country’s leading toy manufacturer, announced its entry into the electronic toys category with the launch of a new range of products this December.

With this strategic move, Funskool aims to leverage its decades of expertise in toy design, manufacturing, and distribution to deliver innovative, interactive, and learning-focused toys for children across various age groups.

Backed by its advanced manufacturing facilities in Ranipet and Goa, Funskool is well-equipped to scale production to meet rising domestic and global demand for electronic toys. These units—renowned for high production standards and international safety certifications—have recently been upgraded with electronic assembly lines and enhanced R&D capabilities to support the company’s expansion into this new segment.

Marking this milestone, Funskool introduces a range of products under its in-house brand Giggles, including My First Learning Pad, Cargo Truck, Dump Truck, My First Learning Laptop, and My First Melody Book.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. K.A. Shabir, CEO of Funskool said:

 “We are excited to enter the electronic toys space, a category that is transforming how children play and learn. This expansion is part of our broader ambition to build India into a global toy-manufacturing hub. Our foray into electronic toys will help us increase our overall market share. The trust that Indian families have placed in Funskool continues to inspire us to deliver safe, high-quality toys that offer fun, entertainment, and holistic development for children.”

The newly launched toys are priced from Rs 1249/- onwards and will be available across a wide range of toy stores and e-commerce platforms.

Chennai, Dec 16, : The Grand Finale of Avinya, a nationwide initiative by Veranda K-12 designed to foster innovation among students from Grades 8 to 12, concluded on a high note at IIIT-Bangalore. The event celebrated the creativity and determination of India’s young minds, who presented innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

The finale marked the culmination of an inspiring journey that began with over 385 entries from 15 cities across India. After a rigorous evaluation process, the finalists underwent specialized training sessions and mentorship, helping them refine and present their ideas effectively.

Top Winners of Avinya 2025

• Winner: Chitrashree C & Divyanshi Soo  Deeksha Stem School, Bangalore

• First Runner-Up: H Praveena Sri Dhurka  BVM Global Group of Schools, Perungudi, Chennai

• Second Runner-Up: S. Meena & R. Dharshine  Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Govt. Girls Hr. Sec School, Ambattur, Chennai

These participants showcased exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative approaches to real-world challenges.

Empowering Changemakers of Tomorrow

Avinya’s mission is to inspire students to think creatively, solve pressing problems, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. For more information, visit: www.verandak12.com/avinya.

The finale featured live presentations judged by a distinguished panel, including:

• Mr. Chaitanya Shravanth, Founder & CEO  Circle Health

• Mr. Navratan Katariya, Director  Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IoT & AI), NASSCOM

• Mr. Prateek Madhav, Co-founder & CEO  AssisTech Foundation (ATF)

• Ms. Kalpana Subbarramappa, Program Manager  Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc

Prior to the finale, participants attended an intensive Bootcamp, providing insights into ideation, implementation, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with tools to transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions.

Insights from Industry and Academic Leaders;

Mr. Deepak Paul, Managing Director, igus (India) Pvt. Ltd, Chief Guest at the Inauguration Ceremony, highlighted the importance of fostering innovation early.

“Clarity of thought, flexibility, and the ability to define problems correctly are the foundations of effective problem-solving and innovation,” he said, appreciating the initiative for nurturing future-ready young minds.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, Chief Guest at the Awards Ceremony, emphasized the role of purpose in innovation;

“Innovation is not merely about technology, but about responsibility and impact. Avinya provides a meaningful platform for young innovators across the country to address real-world challenges. At IIIT-B, sustainability is a lived practice, reflected in our commitment to clean energy, responsible resource use, and environmental stewardship. Initiatives like Avinya empower students to become problem-solvers and changemakers for a sustainable future.”

Mr. Rajesh Pankaj, Joint CEO, Veranda K-12, added;

“Avinya was conceived with a simple yet powerful belief: innovation and purpose must begin early. At the Grand Finale, we witnessed not just creativity, but deep thinking, empathy, and a genuine commitment to solving real-world problems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. At Veranda K-12, we are proud to provide a platform that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence to build solutions for a better tomorrow.”

New Delhi, Dec 16: Fenesta Building Systems  India’s most trusted windows and doors brand, has announced the opening of its new showroom in Ghana, marking the company’s entry into the African market. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Fenesta’s international growth journey following a strengthened footprint in key South Asian markets, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

The move also strengthens the brand’s long-term international strategy, paving the way for further expansion across Africa.

Africa’s evolving construction landscape, characterised by growing urban development and a shift toward contemporary architectural design, presents significant opportunities for advanced fenestration systems. The continent’s urban population is estimated to double by 2050 to 1.4 billion people, creating strong demand for modern, high-performance building products. Fenesta’s entry aligns with this momentum, introducing its complete portfolio, including uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, solid panel doors, façades, and premium hardware, to a market that is embracing reliable, design-led, and climate-responsive solutions.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta, said,

 “Our entry into the African market marks an important milestone in Fenesta’s global growth journey. Africa is undergoing a structural transition in its built environment, and we are well-positioned to support that shift with our proven expertise, product leadership, and service capabilities. As we scale globally, our priority remains to bring the Fenesta advantage to new geographies. Our focus remains steadfast on delivering advanced products backed by trusted service.”

With over two decades of expertise, Fenesta, part of the INR 12,741 Cr DCM Shriram Ltd conglomerate, has consistently advanced the category with an integrated approach to providing building solutions with an end-to-end model that spans the designing, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and post-sales services.

Fenesta has recorded over 5 million installations across more than 500,000 homes, reaffirming its leadership in the category. This achievement has been driven by a strong and expanding dealer network, customer-centric processes, and a continued emphasis on innovation aligned with diverse climatic and architectural requirements.

Greater Noida,  Dec 16: In a landmark moment reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s growing prominence on the global education map, Galgotias University received high praise from the  Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, during a special interaction. Commending the University’s impressive performance in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education the Chief Minister described Galgotias University as a leading example for higher education institutions across the state and a matter of pride for Uttar Pradesh. He further encouraged the University to continue its upward trajectory and blessed it to achieve even greater heights in global rankings in the years ahead.

During the interaction, the  Chief Minister emphasised the pivotal role of educational excellence, innovation-driven learning, and global collaborations in positioning Uttar Pradesh as an emerging knowledge hub. He noted that the progressive governance and development model of Uttar Pradesh is increasingly becoming a benchmark for other states across the country, particularly in advancing education, infrastructure, and global engagement. In this context, he appreciated Galgotias University’s consistent efforts to build a world-class academic ecosystem and observed that institutions like Galgotias inspire others across the state to aspire to international benchmarks and global recognition.

A key highlight of the interaction was the Chief Minister’s appreciation of Galgotias University’s pioneering student-centric education philosophy G-SCALE (Galgotias Student-Centred Active Learning Ecosystem). Recognised as a future-ready academic model, G-SCALE ensures immersive, personalised, and experiential learning aligned with global best practices. The University’s learning framework is further strengthened through academic inspiration drawn from the InsPIRE model at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to internationally benchmarked education.

The Chief Minister expressed particular satisfaction on learning about Galgotias University’s focused initiatives in emerging and strategic technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor education and research, and Drone technology. He noted that such forward-looking programmes play a crucial role in preparing students for next-generation industries while contributing to India’s vision of technological self-reliance and innovation-led growth.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the strategic advantage of Greater Noida’s rapidly evolving global infrastructure, including the upcoming Noida International Airport, which significantly enhances international connectivity, global faculty engagement, and student mobility. Galgotias University’s expanding network of global faculty, visiting professors, and international research collaborations was highlighted as a key contributor to its rising global academic stature.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said,

“We are deeply honoured by the encouraging words and blessings of  Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath ji. His recognition of Galgotias University’s achievements in the QS and THE rankings is a strong validation of our efforts. Through our G-SCALE learning ecosystem, academic inspiration from the InsPIRE model at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and focused initiatives in AI, Semiconductor, and Drone technologies, supported by active global faculty engagement, we are building a truly future-ready academic environment. Our mission is to contribute meaningfully to Uttar Pradesh’s vision of becoming a global destination for quality education while nurturing leaders who will drive India’s growth story.”

This recognition further energises Galgotias University’s mission to deliver globally benchmarked education rooted in innovation, research, and industry relevance. As the University continues to strengthen international partnerships, global faculty engagement, and future-focused academic initiatives, it remains steadfast in preparing students for opportunities in a rapidly transforming world. The milestone reinforces Galgotias University’s standing as one of India’s most progressive and future-ready institutions.

Mumbai, Dec 16: – EVM India, a fast-growing name in the Indian consumer electronics and mobility accessories segment, today announced the launch of its latest innovation  the EVM EnAura 100W Bluetooth Soundbar with Subwoofer. Designed to meet India’s rising demand for high-quality yet affordable home audio solutions, EnAura strengthens EVM’s presence in the fast-expanding soundbar category and opens a compelling business opportunity for distributors across the country.

With more Indian households upgrading to smart TVs and OTT-first entertainment, the soundbar market has witnessed double-digit growth. EnAura has been engineered to capture this demand curve  offering premium acoustics, robust build quality, and wide compatibility at a affordable price point.

EVM EnAura, Made in India soundbar delivers a total output of 100W, optimized for cinematic clarity, richer bass, and an immersive home-theater experience. The product comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 for faster pairing and stable wireless playback, making it ideal for everyday entertainment across devices.

Speaking on the launch, Ankit Shah, COO at EVM India, said:

“EnAura has been strategically designed for the Indian market  where Indian consumers demand powerful performance, simple connectivity, and great value. For our partner network, this launch represents a strong product with high market relevance, excellent demand drivers, and a competitive price-to-performance ratio.”

To ensure broad compatibility across new and legacy setups, EnAura supports HDMI (ARC), Optical, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth, making it suitable for smart TVs, set-top boxes, laptops, gaming consoles, and older television units. Its frequency response of 160Hz–20kHz ensures balanced treble for dialogues and impactful bass for movies, sports, and music.

The soundbar sports a sleek, minimal design with a built-in LED display, designed to blend effortlessly into Indian living rooms  an important purchase factor for families investing in home entertainment upgrades.

In line with Hundia InfoSolutions Pvt. Ltd.’s strong commitment to after-sales reliability, EnAura is backed by a 1-year warranty, and EVM’s extensive network of 500+ service centers across India, including the brand’s signature on-site service. This ensures faster turnaround, reduced dependency on retailer support, and a worry-free experience for end consumers   resulting in smoother sales for partners.

The EVM EnAura Soundbar will be available in an elegant Black finish across leading distribution channels, offline retail, and e-commerce platforms. EnAura Soundbar is now available at an introductory price of INR 5,999 on Amazon.