Archives 2025

 National,18 september 2025:Gang Entertainment, India’s foremost urban record label founded by multi-platinum artist DIVINE and manager Chaitanya Kataria, is proud to announce the signing of underground sensation 99side (Yash Dandge). Hailing from Bamanwada in Vile Parle, 99side has rapidly emerged as one of Mumbai’s most dynamic voices, blending razor-sharp Hindi lyricism with raw, street-rooted storytelling. His breakout tracks—‘Gondhal,’ ‘Chowk Pe,’ ‘Du Buckle’—and the viral anthem ‘Subhe Subhe’ have earned him critical acclaim, while his run to the MTV Hustle 4.0 finals showcased his commanding stage presence to national audiences.

Chaitanya Kataria, Co-Founder, Gully Gang Entertainment states, “99side represents the evolution of Mumbai’s sound – bold, original, socially conscious and full of energy. We’re thrilled to partner with him and build something meaningful in the years ahead, continuing to elevate the city’s unique musical voice. At Gully Gang, our goal has always been to create opportunities, break barriers, and amplify underground culture. This collaboration is a natural step in pushing that movement forward.”

The addition of 99side comes at a moment of unprecedented growth for Indian hip–hop. By signing a talent whose gritty, grassroots perspective mirrors the label’s cultural ethos, Gully Gang continues to lead the scene crafting live experiences through Gully Fest, developing artists via Gully Gang Records, and curating intellectual properties to extend cultural equity with brands. This marks another step in amplifying and shaping India’s urban music movement. 

Founded in 2019 as DIVINE’s imprint, Gully Gang Entertainment operates as a powerhouse cultural platform – relentlessly focused on discovering and developing the next generation of hip–hop talent, curating high-impact live events, producing cutting-edge brand content, and crafting exclusive merchandise. With an unwavering mission to shape and expand the urban music ecosystem, Gully Gang Entertainment is driving the evolution of hip–hop culture across the subcontinent.

Mumbai, India | September 18, 2025: Jeep® India’s unique initiative, Trail of Faith, has created a unique fusion of devotion and digital innovation during Ganesh Utsav, 2025, earning official recognition from the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for the Largest Digital Collection of Ganpati Wishes wrapped on a Jeep® Wrangler. 

Blending culture, faith and innovation all the way to Bappa, the “Trail of Faith” was a path-breaking campaign on Ganesh Chaturthi. The campaign was co-created and executed by Jeep India and Xperia Group through an integrated mix of social, on-ground, dealership, community and radio activations.

Launched on 27th August, 2025, the campaign captured the imagination of devotees nationwide, receiving more than 110,000 wishes in the first week alone and making it 196847 wishes by the day of Visarjan. At the iconic Khetwadi Cha Raja, one of Mumbai’s most revered Ganpati pandals, the Wrangler became more than a vehicle, it stood as a messenger of faith. Devotees submitted their prayers digitally through QR code, Jeep® India’s website, dealerships, CRM outreach, and Jeep® communities. Each wish was then printed on a vinyl wrap adorning the Wrangler, turning it into a canvas of devotion.

On 6th September 2025, during Visarjan, the Wrangler adorned with lakhs of prayers from across the nation took on the role of Bappa’s vaahan. In a historic moment, the SUV pulled the Khetwadi Cha Raja idol for one kilometer, carrying the collective faith and devotion of people across India.

According to Mr Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director, Automotive Brands, Stellantis India said, “The starting point for Trail of Faith was a simple yet powerful insight: Ganesh Utsav is about collective prayers and shared celebrations. By digitising this sentiment and then giving it physical form on the Wrangler, we created an experience where devotees could see their faith move with Bappa himself. The overwhelming participation that followed has now been recognised as a world record—making this celebration of devotion a truly historic one.”

The record-breaking initiative was brought alive through a 360-degree engagement strategy that spanned digital, physical, and broadcast channels. From QR-enabled entries and dealership activations to CRM outreach, Jeep® communities, and nationwide amplification via social media and 92.5 Big FM (on-air, on-ground, and digital), the campaign ensured maximum visibility and inclusivity for devotees across India.

According to Mr. Saibal Gupta, Managing Director of Xperia Group, “Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is a symbol of wisdom, hope, prosperity, and good fortune. Modern day life throws multiple challenges, stress and unpredictability leaving people restless and hopeless. The rationale was to create a massive “Trail of Faith” campaign with Jeep for engaging devotees to come forward, participate, celebrate and deepen their faith in Lord Ganesha to make their wishes come true. The activation had an overwhelming response from the masses. The sheer enthusiasm of the crowd at the iconic Khetwadi Cha Raja  Ganpati pandal was palpable and response to the campaign was unprecedented.”

By – Venkataraman D, Vice President – Sales & Strategy Crayon Software Experts India

In the digital economy, the real differentiator is not how much cloud an organization consumes, it is how quickly that cloud spend translates into innovation. Businesses that once measured success by the size of their data centers now measure it by how seamlessly they can launch new products, harness AI, and pivot to customer needs in real time. Managed cloud services are emerging as the quiet engine behind this shift, transforming cloud from a cost centre into a strategic springboard for growth, resilience, and competitive advantage.

The Problem Organizations Face Today

Cloud adoption is growing fast and so is its complexity. As organizations scale workloads across multiple providers, cost drift, governance gaps, and security blind spots multiply. The Flexera 2025 State of the Cloud report shows cloud spend is rising and cost efficiency has become the dominant success metric indicating that firms are increasingly prioritizing FinOps and cost governance to avoid runaway bills. That rising complexity is the fundamental constraint holding innovation back.

Why Managed Cloud Services Matter

Managed cloud services act as a force multiplier. Instead of internal teams being consumed by patching, provisioning, and firefighting, MCS providers deliver repeatable operational excellence from continuous optimization and security to platform engineering and FinOps. This creates three practical advantages:

Predictable Cost and Better ROI

Managed providers standardize platform deployments, apply proven cost controls and FinOps practices, and reduce waste. Flexera’s research highlights that organizations are actively focusing on cost efficiency and FinOps to measure cloud progress, a clear signal that third-party expertise in cost management is now a business imperative.

Faster Access to Innovation

MCS providers provide prebuilt platform services, CI/CD pipelines, and guardrails that let product teams iterate quickly. With managed platforms handling reliability, scaling, and compliance, internal engineering can focus on differentiating features (including AI/ML workloads) rather than infrastructure plumbing. IDC’s market outlook underscores growing enterprise demand for managed cloud services as organizations transition from lift-and-shift to outcome-driven cloud consumption.

Improved Resilience and Security Posture

Managed providers embed operational best practices such as automated backups, disaster recovery runbooks, vulnerability management and continuous monitoring so that businesses get enterprise-grade resilience without hiring large specialist teams. MSP industry surveys show that many organizations already rely on MSPs for core IT functions and cybersecurity, reflecting trust in third-party operations to maintain uptime and security.

Adoption, Scale and Economic Signals

Several industry signals show MCS is becoming central to IT strategy. Global IT spending is forecast to rise, creating headroom for cloud and managed services investments; Gartner estimated worldwide IT spending growth trends that point to increased allocations for cloud transformation. These macro trends fuel demand for external expertise to convert spending into business outcomes.

IDC’s managed cloud services forecasts show the market expanding as enterprises prefer managed consumption models for complex, multi-cloud estates rather than trying to do everything in-house. KPMG’s industry guidance and recent industry studies indicate a majority of organizations, in many cases around or above 60%, are using managed services for application management or relying on MSPs for substantial parts of their SaaS and cloud operations, demonstrating that managed models are already mainstream for mission-critical workloads.

How Managed Cloud Services Future-Proof the Organization

• Future-proofing is more than just predicting the next platform, it is about building adaptability. MCS providers deliver that adaptability through:
• Operational maturity and automation: Standardized IaC, SRE runbooks, and automated observability take the risk out of scale and speed.
• FinOps and cost governance: Continuous optimization reduces wasted spend and reclaims budget for innovation. Flexera’s 2025 insights make clear that cost efficiency is the primary yardstick for cloud progress.
• Secure-by-default architectures: Embedding zero-trust, automated patching, and threat detection into managed platforms reduces exposure and speeds compliance. MSP surveys continue to list cybersecurity as a top driver for outsourcing.

Platform-centric delivery: By giving development teams self-service access to well-governed platforms, organizations combine developer velocity with enterprise controls facilitating a prerequisite for rapid AI/ML experimentation and product differentiation.

In conclusion, managed cloud services are no longer a tactical outsourcing decision; they are a cornerstone of modern business strategy. By entrusting operational complexity, cost governance, and security to specialized partners, organizations gain the freedom to accelerate innovation and focus on customer outcomes. In a marketplace defined by rapid technological shifts and rising expectations, this model delivers the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive. The companies that act now will not simply “keep up” with change but will set the pace for their industries.

Mumbai, September 18, 2025 — Enlite, the design-led, product-first company transforming how  buildings are run, announced that it has been granted its first patent: “A Building Management System for  Wireless Control of Equipment and a Method Thereof.” 

The patent marks a major milestone in Enlite’s mission to make the built environment intelligent by  default. The innovation eliminates the rigid, decades-old approach of wired systems and introduces a  wireless, self-commissioning, cloud-connected building management system (BMS) – a breakthrough  that enables real-time control, autonomous decision-making, and seamless operation, both online and  offline. 

At its core, the patented system features: 

• A self-commissioning controller unit for plug-and-play equipment control. 
• A communication module for secure cloud connectivity and real-time processing. 
• A mirrored control algorithm stored onboard for uninterrupted operations in offline mode. ● A feedback module ensuring safe, efficient, and optimized equipment performance. 
• A device discovery module that enables automatic detection of new devices for faster  deployment. 

Garima Bharadwaj, Co-Founder & CTO of Enlite, said: “For a long time, building automation was  treated as a black box—expensive, rigid, and something you had to simply trust without questioning. With  this patent, we’ve not only reimagined how infrastructure can be wireless and adaptive, but we’ve also  brought credibility to a space where trust in technology was missing. It’s a win not just for Enlite but for  the industry, proving that smarter systems can also be reliable and future-ready.”

Gaurav Bali, Co-Founder & CEO of Enlite, added: “Innovation in our space has often been about  promises rather than proof. Securing this patent is validation that our approach is different—it’s not just  an idea, it’s a tested and protected technology that’s already delivering measurable impact. From  eliminating thousands of kilometres of wiring to reducing carbon emissions at scale, this milestone  reinforces that wireless, intelligent systems are not just possible, they’re here, and they’re changing how  buildings are run.” 

The newly granted patent not only strengthens Enlite’s IP portfolio but also enforces its leadership in  wireless, API-first automation systems that define how the real estate industry approaches  sustainability, scalability, and occupant experience.

Mumbai, Maharashtra ,18 September 2025 –Palo Alto Networks (India) Technologies Private Limited is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for August 2025 to August 2026. This prestigious Certification is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Palo Alto Networks India. 

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“At Great Place To Work®, we believe a great workplace is built through trust, purpose, and a people-first approach. By earning this Certification, Palo Alto Networks has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing employee experience and cultivating a culture where people thrive. This milestone celebrates your team’s dedication to creating a workplace that inspires excellence,” said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work, India.

“At Palo Alto Networks, our mission to protect our digital way of life puts us at the heart of one of the most innovative spaces in hi-tech. It is through collaboration that our teams spark innovation, drive transformation, and bring out the best in one another – shaping a workplace we are proud to call a Great Place to Work. This recognition is a testament to our people and the unique culture they create every day,” said Kunal Ruvala, Senior Vice President, Engineering and General Manager, India. 

At Palo Alto Networks India, we foster a truly empowering work environment fueled with innovation, & inclusion. Our state of the art technology centers in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Pune, serve as hubs of innovation and play a vital role in developing cutting edge cybersecurity solutions that make each day safer than the last. Our employees regularly benefit from internal mobility, leadership mentoring and flexible role transitions; focusing on their career and personal success and providing a stimulating work environment. We believe that with a focus on inclusion, continuous learning, and hands-on innovation, we are not just shaping the future of cybersecurity, but are also shaping the future of work itself.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.  

New Delhi – 18 September 2025:  The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in India hosted an economic event in New Delhi, attended by distinguished dignitaries and senior representatives from both Oman and India. The event aimed to promote the wide range of investment opportunities offered by Khazaen Economic City. Event was addressed by H.E. Mr. Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani.Ambassador of Embassy of Sultanate of Oman to India, Mohamed Ahmed Al Siyabi, Commercial Affairs Manager, Mohammed Abdullah Al Salmi,Businesses Development Manage .  The event was supported by Optimax Access and the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.

Oman’s Ambassador to India Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani invited Indian businesses to invest in the nation, particularly in the Khazaen Economic City.   He said, our investment environment is designed for clarity and confidence. For Indian companies, Oman is a natural extension strategy.  The Ambassador also extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the Oman Government and the people of Oman, to strengthen the relationship between the two countries with his guidance.

The program highlighted Khazaen’s unique advantages as an integrated economic gateway, with a particular focus on investment opportunities in pharmaceutical industries, food processing, light manufacturing, and logistics-related activities that the city is well-positioned to support efficiently.

Khazaen offers a comprehensive package of investment incentives through public-private partnerships, positioning it as an ideal platform for production and a gateway for exports and re-exports to regional and global markets.

This gathering took place as part of the year marking the 70th anniversary of Oman–India diplomatic relations, reflecting the depth of a centuries-old partnership built on maritime, trade, and cultural ties that continue to unite the two nations.

Thiruvananthapuram, 18th September 2025: The second edition of Sammohan, a national festival where individuals with disabilities showcase their talents in various performing arts including music, dance and theatre, will be held on September 27 and 28 in Kerala. Nearly 200 participants from across India and Kerala will take part in the festival. Hosted by the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram, the festival will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

 The event will host participants and representatives from esteemed institutions such as the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata; the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC–Nagpur); the neurodivergent music group Chayanit – The Chosen Ones from Delhi; and differently-abled individuals from SATYA Art & Culture Dance Studio, Jajapur, Odisha. A highlight of this year’s festival will be the performance by Chayanit – The Chosen Ones, a five-member neurodivergent band co-founded by Chayan Taneja, 22, a drummer from Delhi, and Devanga Bidrum Kalita, 29, a pianist from Assam. The group has earned acclaim for breaking barriers through music.

Alendra Tripathi, in-charge of Socio-Economic Rehabilitation at NILD, Kolkata, noted: “Sammohan is not just a cultural event; it is a national platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their abilities. Events like these inspire confidence, build skills, and present their talents before the country.”

The festival is part of DAC’s broader mission to build an inclusive cultural and social ecosystem. This vision extends to the upcoming International Institute for People with Disability (IIPD) in Kasaragod, designed to integrate healthcare, education, therapies, arts, sports, and livelihood opportunities under one roof.

“At DAC, we believe in empowering individuals with disabilities through dignified artistic platforms. Sammohan is a call to society to embrace diversity and celebrate every individual’s potential,” said Gopinath Muthukad, Founder and Executive Director, DAC.

An initiative to educate women on prevention, early detection, and care in support of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Swaasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan

Ghaziabad, September 18, 2025: In support of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s Swaasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, launched on his 75th birthday to strengthen preventive healthcare for women, encourage early detection, and raise awareness about nutrition, menstrual hygiene, and mental wellbeing, Yashoda Medicity has launched a two-week long program dedicated to women’s health and family wellness.

To mark the beginning of this initiative, the Yashoda Institute of Cancer Care’s Women’s Cancer Center, in association with the Khora Makanpur Obstetrics & Gynaecological Society (KMOGS), organized an awareness session titled “Preventing Cervical Cancer: Scenarios to Solutions.”

The event was graced by Ms. Sunita Dayal, Hon’ble Mayor of Ghaziabad, who addressed the gathering on women’s journeys through cancer and the importance of timely screenings. The session featured leading oncologists and gynaecologists sharing perspectives on HPV vaccination, Pap smear testing, and solutions for improving awareness and access to care.

Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director, Yashoda Medicity, said, “Our vision is to create a healthcare ecosystem where prevention is as important as treatment. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer if diagnosed early. Through such initiatives, we are working to spread awareness so that every woman has the chance to live a healthier, longer life.”

Ms. Sunita Dayal, Hon’ble Mayor of Ghaziabad, said, “On the occasion of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s birthday, it is inspiring to see the Yashoda Institute of Cancer Care’s Women’s Cancer Center lead efforts in women’s cancer care and preventive health. Such initiatives support healthier families and inclusive global growth.”

Dr. Satinder Kaur, Senior Director & Head of Gynecologic Oncology & Robotic Surgery, added, “Early detection is critical in saving lives. This programme encouraged women to prioritize their health and access screening services without hesitation.”

The two-week campaign will continue with health camps, free screenings, and awareness drives across specialties, reinforcing Yashoda Medicity’s commitment to advancing women’s health.

NBSS National Deputy Chairman extends wishes, praises Prime Minister’s leadership in welfare, development, and cultural revival

September 17, 2025: On the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India (NBSS), visited the Shiva Temple in Chitradurga to offer prayers where he performed special pooja for the Prime Minister’s long life, good health, and continued service to the nation.

Extending greetings on behalf of 140 crore countrymen, Dr. Mallappa said, “Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has transformed public service into visible action—whether in ensuring food on the plate of the poor, clean drinking water to every household, healthcare for every family, or a permanent roof over the heads of millions. His journey is an inspiration for every Indian, showing that real power lies in the resolve to serve the people.”

Dr. Mallappa noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, programmes like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT Scheme have reshaped India’s cities, providing cleaner, safer, and more modern living. Projects such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and Ujjain’s Mahakal Lok have revived India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, instilling pride among citizens.

He also acknowledged the government’s decisive steps in safeguarding national security through bold measures such as the Air Strike and Surgical Strike, which sent a strong message to the world about India’s resolve to defend its integrity.

Highlighting economic reforms, Dr. Mallappa said that campaigns like Make in India, Startup India, and Vocal for Local have accelerated industrial growth, created opportunities for the youth, and paved the way for India to emerge as a global economic power. The Prime Minister’s efforts in securing global partnerships and investment agreements have further strengthened India’s position on the world stage.

Concluding his message, Dr. Mallappa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to India’s growth under the Prime Minister’s guidance. He extended his best wishes on behalf of the People Forum of India and the people of Chitradurga, expressing confidence that the Prime Minister’s vision will continue to lead India toward greater progress, prosperity, and pride.

By Reema Diwan

For decades, the sustainability conversation in India’s hospitality sector revolved around doing less harm. Energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction became standard talking points. But a deeper shift is underway, one that moves beyond preservation into active restoration. Today, the focus is not only on minimising impact but on regenerating ecosystems, cultures and communities.

Completing the Circle of Care

Regeneration is more than sustainability; it is the completion of a circle. Where sustainability seeks to maintain, regeneration seeks to rebuild economies, ecosystems, cultural heritage and human experiences. In the context of Indian hospitality, this means integrating climate-conscious operations with community revival, cultural storytelling and ecological repair.

A Shift from Global to Local

The design philosophy has evolved from global mimicry to local immersion. For years, hotel architecture was heavily influenced by Western aesthetics, overlooking the depth of India’s cultural and environmental narratives. Now, regeneration positions hotels as gateways to authentic local experiences. Guests arriving in a city like Varanasi or a heritage town in Rajasthan or Gujarat are greeted not just by international luxury but by the textures, stories and craftsmanship that belong to the land itself.

Reviving Craft and Heritage

One of the cornerstones of regenerative hospitality is the revival of indigenous strategies and materials. Traditional craftsmanship, once sidelined during globalisation, is being revived and adapted for modern use. However, this revival is not without challenges. Many artisanal skills have faded after decades of neglect, making it difficult to find craftspeople capable of intricate heritage work. When done well, these efforts create deeply immersive environments. Restored heritage properties can immerse guests in the spirit of their location, with every corridor, courtyard and detail of the mahal or haveli telling a story rooted in place. This approach benefits not only guests but also local economies and pride, turning hotels into cultural custodians.

Innovation Meets Ecology

Regeneration is also finding expression through technological innovation. Emerging building technologies, such as advanced facades capable of reducing energy use by up to 40 per cent, are now part of luxury hotel planning. These solutions, once successful in the hospitality sector, have the potential to influence other industries. Water management offers another field for regenerative action, from rainwater-fed lily ponds that double as aesthetic features to on-site wastewater recycling. Similarly, biodiversity-conscious planning, such as preserving mature trees, creating green roofs and protecting gardens, ensures that natural habitats are not sacrificed for construction.

Hotels as Community Assets

The new measure of success is whether a hotel actively benefits its surroundings. Properties are increasingly seen as assets for their local communities, supporting livelihoods, preserving culture and fostering resilience. This shift is as much about mindset as it is about architecture. Established hotel developers, familiar with the long-term value of regenerative design, are often more receptive than emerging players who may still view hotels as status symbols. In urban hotels, where space and function are tightly constrained, there is still hesitancy to integrate eco-sensitive materials, though designers are finding creative ways to bring natural textures and conscious choices into business properties.

Blending Global Benchmarks with Local Realities

Global hospitality brands bring established green benchmarks, but these must adapt to India’s diverse climates and cultural contexts. The best results come from aligning international frameworks with local environmental conditions, prioritising Indian ecological truths first, then integrating broader global standards where relevant.

Bridging Gaps in Policy and Finance

Despite the growing interest, financial and policy support for regenerative hospitality in India remains limited. Certification systems such as LEED are still rare, and more robust incentives are needed to make eco-sensitive design the norm rather than the exception. Regenerative hotels must evolve into a standard, i.e., places where operations, design and guest experience are part of a seamless ecosystem. Here, guests will understand the purpose behind design choices, staff will balance comfort with ecological care, and properties will aim for net-zero or net-positive impact.

Towards a Regenerative Future

Indian hotels can lead this transformation by protecting biodiversity, managing water responsibly, embracing adaptive reuse, engaging with communities and choosing non-toxic materials. In this vision, hotels are no longer just places to stay, but active participants in restoring land, reviving culture and regenerating community well-being. From heritage mansions reborn as immersive experiences to modern city hotels with green roofs and zero-waste kitchens, the shift is already ongoing. The challenge now is scaling it from inspiring examples to an industry-wide standard.

Reema Diwan, Vice President of Design & Technical Services at Accor India & South Asia, is a seasoned hospitality design leader with over two decades of experience and a proven track record of delivering award-winning hotels.