Archives 2025

17th September 2025 – Baweja Automotives Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL), a Group Company of Ahmedabad Roadlines Pvt Ltd), is a diversified enterprise with expertise in warehousing, logistics, and automotive distribution, announced its continued growth and expansion across India with state-of-the-art facilities and robust service capabilities. With operations spanning warehousing, full truck load (FTL) logistics, and specialized distribution solutions, the group has rapidly established itself as a trusted partner for leading brands in white goods and the automotive sector.

Over the past two years, BAPL Group has expanded its warehousing footprint to over 4,50,000 sq. ft., covering major hubs such as Palwal, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The company’s latest warehouse in Palwal, launched in September 2024, provides end-to-end supply chain solutions that include primary transportation, hub handling, and last-mile delivery. With this, the group manages an average inventory worth ₹1,800 crore while ensuring efficiency and accuracy through advanced operations such as daily physical inventory counts and advanced inventory categorization, SKU-level tracking, and daily physical inventory counts.

Since the launch of its first warehouse in Kolkata in February 2023, BAPL Group has consistently delivered measurable value for clients. Turnaround times have reduced by more than 60%, on-time delivery rates have exceeded 99%, and damages and shortages have been significantly minimized. The Mumbai warehouse, started in March 2024, has further enhanced service reach, enabling deliveries to the last destination within 48 hours.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Rohiet Baweja,Director who has over 24 years of experience in logistics and spearheaded the group’s warehousing business, said:
“Our focus has always been on efficiency, reliability, and customer delight. With each new facility, we have strengthened our ability to provide integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients in white goods, automotive, and beyond.”

The group also operates through its associate company Ahmedabad Roadlines Pvt. Ltd. (ARL), further strengthening its logistics backbone and nationwide service coverage.

BAPL Group’s journey reflects its commitment to building a future-ready logistics ecosystem that enables faster, safer, and smarter supply chains. With a focus on continual expansion, process innovation, and maintaining the highest service standards, the company is well positioned to become a frontrunner in India’s warehousing and logistics industry.

Porto, September 17, 2025 – Comau presented its vision on the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing sector at ETFA 2025, the 30th edition of the IEEE International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, held from September 9 to 12 in Porto, Portugal. This internationally renowned event brought together experts, companies, and industrial operators to share innovative solutions and challenging projects in the field of factory automation, with a strong focus on enabling technologies.

As part of a packed program of events, Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Advanced Robotics at Comau, spoke at the event on September 12, giving a presentation on “Industrial Heritage For Training Advanced Robotics Neural Networks,” in which he outlined Comau’s commitment to developing intelligent applications based on machine learning to optimize the efficiency of robotic plants and automation systems.

As Di Stefano explained, in an industrial landscape characterized by the large-scale use of Artificial Neural Networks aimed at multiplying human skills and optimizing processes, Comau’s strength lies in its ability to leverage unique skills and knowledge to develop customized AI models tailored to the specific technical needs of its customers, both old and new, across all sectors, not just the automotive industry. This is possible thanks to Comau’s more than 50 years of experience in industrial automation, an experience that has already been largely digitized thanks to many years of experience in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, and the resulting availability of a large archive of industrial data that has enabled it to train neural networks on real use cases to manage complex industrial applications.

Comau is currently experimenting with the use of AI to enhance innovative technologies and applications in various sectors. In particular, the company has developed proprietary intelligent tools to calculate the actual stiffness of robot joints in order to ensure better movement quality. AI algorithms have also been used to automatically design robotic welding gripper arms more quickly and accurately, reducing design costs and time. Another successful example is the MI.RA (Machine Inspection Recognition Archetypes) family of intelligent vision systems, specifically MI. RA/OnePicker, an AI-based solution that allows robots to autonomously pick up generic and heterogeneous objects in the environment, increasing productivity and efficiency. Added to this is MI.RA/Thermography, an innovative in-line quality verification and control system that uses AI to verify the quality of welding processes in the assembly of new-generation batteries.

“It was an honor to participate as a speaker at ETFA 2025, an event of great importance in the global debate on technological innovation and the use of intelligent solutions for industry,” explained Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Engineering Advanced Robotics at Comau. “Thanks to customized AI tools, automation companies such as Comau can gain significant competitive advantages in the market, improving productivity and processes without having to resort to developing new and expensive algorithms. We believe that the use of AI is not a risk for the future of the industrial system but a decisive business opportunity. It allows us to leverage a wealth of data, acquired over many years of activity, to train proprietary AI models through specific and consolidated skills, which are essential for making our technologies increasingly advanced and improving customer productivity in a variety of applications”.

Mumbai, September 17, 2025- Oberoi Mall, in collaboration with Swayamsiddh Yog, successfully hosted the 8th Monsoon Walkathon on September 14, 2025, uniting over 150 enthusiastic participants, families, and wellness advocates. This year’s event focused on the vital theme of “First Aid Awareness” and aimed to raise funds for the treatment of a critically ailing child.

The event was graced by Amarjeet Singh Chawla, a 100% blind, 69-year-old athlete and adventurer who has completed 160+ half marathons and achieved numerous records, including the 19,830 ft. Kailash Parikrama, bungee jumps, and paramotoring. Fondly known as the “Sporty Sikh,” Chawla is the only blind Indian (60+) to hold this record and has been honoured with over 10 national and community awards, including the Star Sports Believe Award. His presence and journey inspired participants to embrace resilience, health, and community action.

The Walkathon featured 3K, 5K, and 10K walk categories, drawing participants of all ages and abilities, transforming Oberoi Mall into a hub of fitness and purpose. SwayamsiddhYog, a wellness institution with decades of experience in yoga and holistic health, co-hosted the event, enriching it with their philosophy of self-perfection and community well-being.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sameep Pathak, CEO, Malls, Oberoi Realty Limited said, “At Oberoi Mall, we are committed to building experiences that extend beyond retail, fostering wellness and community connection. The success of the 8th Monsoon Walkathon reflects our vision to create purposeful platforms that inspire change and encourage a healthier, more informed society. This initiative reinforces Oberoi Mall’s role as a destination that not only offers exceptional retail experiences but also champions meaningful causes.”

Over the years, Oberoi Mall’s Monsoon Walkathon has become a signature annual community event, proving that a mall can be more than a retail space it can be a hub for positive action and wellness.

Mumbai, September 17, 2025 – In a disruptive collaboration that exemplifies innovation in digital marketing, Dun & Bradstreet India, the nation’s premier business decisioning data and analytics leader with over 42 million business records, has partnered with Infidigit, one of the most award-winning digital marketing agencies, to spearhead the transformation of AI-powered search at an exclusive executive workshop.

This strategic alliance represents a pivotal moment in search marketing evolution, as AI Overviews now appear in 47% of Google searches and 60% of searches complete without clicks, fundamentally reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. The workshop at Dun & Bradstreet’s Mumbai headquarters brought together senior marketing leaders to address the most pressing challenge facing businesses today: maintaining visibility in an AI-first search landscape.

Revolutionary Results Define Industry Leadership

Infidigit’s transformative impact on Dun & Bradstreet India has set new industry benchmarks:

• 1,500+ keyword placements secured in Google’s AI Overview
• 57-fold increase in traffic from LLM platforms within just three months
• Complete strategic realignment for AI-driven search environments

These extraordinary results position both organisations at the forefront of the $17.6 billion AI content marketing industry that’s projected to grow at a 25.68% CAGR through 2033.

Addressing Critical Industry Transformation

The workshop tackled the seismic shifts revolutionising search behaviour:

Traditional Search Disruption: With Google’s Search Engine Results Pages evolving from basic listings to AI-generated summaries, traditional organic strategies face unprecedented challenges. Recent studies show a 34.5% drop in position 1 click-through rates when AI Overviews appear.

Emergent Platform Dominance: LLM-powered platforms, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, are establishing themselves as primary search destinations, with ChatGPT reaching 10 million monthly mobile downloads and 31% of Gen Z searches now occurring on AI platforms.

Measurement Revolution: Organisations are abandoning traditional rank-and-traffic models for sophisticated metrics, including brand presence within AI answers and conversational search outcomes – capabilities that Infidigit’s proprietary Infigrowth platform delivers with unprecedented precision.

Strategic Framework for Future Dominance

The session concluded with actionable strategies for maintaining competitive advantage:

• Structured content development optimised for AI interpretation
• AI-focused SEO frameworks that anticipate algorithm evolution
• Real-time optimisation platforms like Infigrowth for emerging search environments
• Brand presence strategies within AI-generated responses

Industry Leadership Voices

Vipul Oberoi, Director – Marketing, CSR & Learning Solutions, Dun & Bradstreet India, emphasised the transformative impact: “Infidigit’s AI workshop connected critical dots between AI’s influence on Google SERPs and our adaptive SEO strategies. Their Infigrowth insights on AI Overviews proved invaluable, positioning us to make confident, data-driven decisions in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

Kaushal Thakkar, Founder and CEO of Infidigit, positioned the collaboration within broader industry transformation: “We’re witnessing search’s most significant evolution in decades. AI Overviews and LLMs are fundamentally rewriting discovery rules, and brands moving decisively now will capture disproportionate benefits. Our partnership with Dun & Bradstreet exemplifies both immediate measurable impact and strategic preparation for AI-first search futures.”

Market Leadership Through Innovation

This collaboration underscores both organisations’ market-leading positions:

Dun & Bradstreet India celebrates 30 years of business intelligence leadership, generating ₹14.7 billion economic impact in FY24 alone and supporting over 10,600 jobs nationwide.

Infidigit maintains its position as India’s premier digital marketing innovator with 70+ award-winning campaigns recognised by SMX, APAC Search Awards, ET BrandEquity Shark Awards, and E4M IDMA. Recent accolades include dual wins at the BW Merit Awards 2025 and recognition by Forbes ‘India’s Promising Brands 2025.

Industry Transformation Imperative

Industry analysis confirms the urgency driving this partnership. With AI searches reducing organic web traffic by 15-25% and 58% of informational queries triggering AI overviews, businesses across sectors are fundamentally rethinking digital strategies. Consumer expectations have shifted toward instantaneous, conversational answers, making visibility within AI-driven results critical for sustainable brand growth.

Pic Credit: pEXEL

Introduction: What is GST

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, indirect tax that was introduced in India on July 1, 2017. It replaced a complex system of multiple taxes like excise duty, service tax, and Value Added Tax (VAT) with a single unified tax structure. GST is levied on the supply of goods and services, making taxation simpler, more transparent, and efficient across the entire country. Its main objective is to create a common national market by removing the cascading effect of taxes—meaning, no tax on tax—thus reducing the overall tax burden on consumers and businesses.

GST is classified into different slabs—0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—based on the type of goods or services, with essential items generally taxed lower or exempted to ensure affordability.

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was a game-changer for India’s economy, but its ripple effects have been especially transformative for the cooking and food industry—from kitchen appliances to packaged food, and even the small vendors at your local market.

Simplifying Taxes, Empowering Kitchens

Before GST, kitchen appliances and food products were taxed under multiple indirect tax regimes like excise duty, VAT, and service tax, each with its own rates and compliance hassles. This complexity often pushed up costs and made pricing unpredictable.

GST unified these into a single tax system, making the process seamless. For consumers, this means clearer pricing on everything from induction cooktops to packaged spices. For manufacturers and retailers, GST reduced compliance burdens and lowered the cascading effect of taxes (tax on tax), which in turn reduced final costs.

Making Healthy Cooking More Affordable

One of the major impacts of GST has been on essential food ingredients and kitchen appliances:

Essential Food Items: Staple ingredients such as pulses, flour, and edible oils are either exempt or taxed at minimal rates (0%-5%). This helps keep the cost of home cooking affordable, supporting millions of households across India.

Kitchen Appliances: GST rates on essential kitchen appliances like mixers, grinders, and gas stoves have been rationalized, mostly kept around 18%. This encourages more households to upgrade their kitchens, leading to healthier and more efficient cooking practices.

Boosting the Packaged Food and Restaurant Sector

GST helped integrate the fragmented tax structures across states, which was a boon for the packaged food and restaurant industries. Previously, different states levied different taxes, complicating interstate sales.

Packaged food brands can now distribute products nationwide without worrying about multiple tax compliances, reducing costs and increasing availability.

For restaurants, GST rates were standardized, leading to transparency in billing and pricing, which benefits consumers and businesses alike.

Encouraging Formalization and Growth of Small Food Businesses

GST has brought many small food vendors and home-based kitchen entrepreneurs into the formal economy. The threshold exemption for small businesses (up to ₹40 lakh turnover) and simplified compliance through online filing means that even small-scale players can thrive and grow, contributing to local economies.

This formalization also improves quality control and food safety standards, benefiting consumers.

Impact on Inflation and Consumer Spending

By eliminating multiple tax layers and reducing tax rates on essential food items and kitchen appliances, GST has helped contain inflation in the food sector. Lower prices on staple ingredients and cooking equipment mean families have more disposable income to spend on other essentials, boosting overall demand and economic growth.

GST and the Supply Chain Efficiency

GST has streamlined supply chains by allowing seamless movement of goods across states without the previous burden of multiple checkpoints and taxes. For food producers and kitchen appliance manufacturers, this has translated to faster delivery times and lower logistics costs, making products more affordable and readily available in remote areas.

Challenges and Way Forward

While GST has been largely successful, some challenges remain—such as the complexity in classifying certain food items and appliances under appropriate tax slabs, occasional compliance issues for small vendors, and the need for continuous simplification.

Ongoing reforms and technology-driven solutions promise to address these hurdles, making the system more user-friendly and inclusive.

Conclusion: GST as a Catalyst for a Modern Indian Kitchen

GST is not just a tax reform; it is a catalyst that has modernized India’s cooking and food ecosystem. By simplifying taxes, lowering costs, and promoting formalization, it empowers households to cook healthier meals, supports small businesses, and drives growth in the food industry.

As India marches toward a self-reliant economy, GST will continue to play a crucial role in making everyday essentials affordable, ensuring transparency, and boosting economic prosperity—from the kitchen to the marketplace.

In today’s fast-paced business world, marketing professionals face the constant challenge of staying ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. While technical skills, creativity, and knowledge of digital tools are essential, one of the most powerful drivers of professional success remains business networking. Building meaningful connections, cultivating relationships, and creating a professional circle of trust can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and growth for marketing professionals.

This article explores the importance of business networking, strategies to master it, and its role in advancing careers and marketing effectiveness.

Why Business Networking Matters for Marketing Professionals

Marketing, by its nature, thrives on relationships—with customers, clients, partners, and colleagues. Networking extends this principle by helping professionals foster connections that can directly and indirectly influence their career and business trajectory.

Here are some key reasons why networking is vital:

1. Access to Opportunities
   Networking introduces professionals to potential clients, job openings, partnerships, and industry events that might not be publicly advertised. Many marketing contracts, speaking opportunities, and collaborations emerge from personal connections rather than formal applications.

2. Knowledge Sharing and Learning
   The marketing landscape evolves rapidly with trends like AI, influencer marketing, and data-driven strategies. Through networking, professionals gain insights into new tools, techniques, and best practices directly from peers who are actively experimenting and learning.

3. Building Credibility and Trust
   A strong network enhances credibility. When respected peers recommend you or your services, it boosts trust with potential clients and employers. This is particularly important in marketing, where personal reputation often influences decision-making.

4. Career Growth
   Networking can help professionals position themselves as thought leaders. By engaging with the right circles, sharing insights, and contributing to discussions, marketing professionals increase their visibility and stand out in the industry.

Types of Networking for Marketing Professionals

Networking doesn’t always mean attending large conferences or exchanging business cards at mixers. For marketing professionals, there are several avenues to build and strengthen networks:

1. Professional Associations and Organizations
   Groups such as the American Marketing Association (AMA), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), or regional marketing councils provide structured networking opportunities through events, seminars, and online forums.

2. Industry Conferences and Trade Shows
   These events allow professionals to meet potential clients, vendors, and collaborators face-to-face, fostering deeper connections.

3. Digital Networking Platforms
   Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and niche marketing forums offer space for professionals to share content, engage in discussions, and connect with industry peers globally.

4. Alumni and Local Business Groups
   University alumni networks or local chambers of commerce provide a close-knit community of professionals who often support each other in business ventures.

5. Mentorship and Peer Groups
   Joining masterminds, peer groups, or mentorship circles allows marketing professionals to exchange ideas and gain guidance from experienced leaders.

Effective Networking Strategies

Networking is not about collecting the most contacts but about building authentic, long-term relationships. Here are some strategies to help marketing professionals succeed:

1. Give Before You Ask

Offer value to others before seeking help. Share industry insights, connect people within your network, or provide feedback. This establishes goodwill and strengthens bonds.

2. Be Consistent

Networking isn’t a one-time event—it requires continuous effort. Follow up with contacts after meetings, engage with their posts online, and check in periodically.

3. Leverage Social Media

Share thought leadership content, comment on discussions, and participate in groups to expand your reach. LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful tool for marketing professionals.

4. Personalize Your Approach

Instead of generic introductions, personalize your outreach. Show genuine interest in the person’s work and highlight common ground to build rapport.

5. Attend with a Purpose

When attending events, set clear goals—such as meeting three potential collaborators or learning about new marketing technologies. This ensures productive interactions.

6. Build a Diverse Network

Don’t restrict networking to your niche. Connect with professionals from related industries like sales, technology, and entrepreneurship, as cross-industry connections often lead to innovative collaborations.

Networking in the Digital Era

The rise of remote work and digital platforms has transformed how professionals connect. Virtual events, webinars, and online communities are now powerful networking tools. For marketing professionals, this means:

• Webinars and Online Workshops: Attending and speaking at online sessions enhances visibility and credibility.

• Content Collaboration: Partnering on blogs, podcasts, or social media campaigns with peers broadens reach.

• Virtual Networking Apps: Tools like Slack groups, Meetup, and Clubhouse foster real-time interactions with industry experts.

Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid

While networking offers immense benefits, some missteps can harm your reputation:

1. Over-Pitching Yourself
   Constantly promoting your services without listening to others can drive people away. Focus on genuine conversations first.

2. Neglecting Follow-Ups
   Failing to reconnect after the initial meeting results in lost opportunities.

3. Not Being Authentic
   Insincere or transactional networking rarely leads to strong connections. Authenticity builds trust.

4. Ignoring Online Presence
   An outdated or inactive online profile undermines credibility in today’s digital-first world.

How Networking Fuels Marketing Success

For marketing professionals, networking does more than build connections—it directly impacts performance:

• Client Acquisition: Referrals and introductions from trusted contacts often lead to high-quality leads.

• Partnerships: Collaborations with other businesses, influencers, or agencies expand reach.

• Market Insights: Networking provides real-time feedback on consumer behavior and competitor strategies.

• Professional Development: Exposure to new perspectives and mentorship helps professionals refine their skills and strategies.

Final Thoughts

Business networking is not just an optional activity—it is an essential strategy for marketing professionals looking to grow their careers and businesses. In a world where relationships often precede opportunities, building a strong, authentic network can be the key differentiator between good and great marketing professionals.

By embracing both traditional and digital networking avenues, avoiding common pitfalls, and consistently adding value to their connections, marketing professionals can position themselves as trusted experts while unlocking opportunities for growth, collaboration, and long-term success.

Mumbai, September 17th, 2025: S. P. Mandali’s Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, and the ‘Lead from the back’ (LfB) Team, officially signed a landmark agreement to embrace and promote the LfB philosophy. The philosophy is grounded in a book written by former CEO, vice chairman, Tata Motors, Mr. Ravi Kant.

The signing ceremony, held at WeSchool, Mumbai campus brought together senior leadership and their teams, highlighting a shared vision to work towards embedding and spreading the philosophy of LfB across the world.

In his address Group Director – WeSchool, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, highlighted the importance of individuals and teams in creating value for both organizations and society. Dr. Salunkhe emphasized that this partnership reflects the institution’s core belief in ‘leading with purpose’, which connects seamlessly with the foundational principles outlined in Mr. Kant’s book.

Mr. Ravi Kant addressed the WeSchool team and shared his LfB philosophy about leadership and empowering teams. In his address, he encapsulated the philosophy of ‘lead from the back’ which gives people the expertise of creating powerful teams which go on to achieve the impossible. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would help embed this philosophy in organizations, educational institutions amongst students and professionals thereby strengthening the leadership ecosystem.

The signing of the agreement outlined the broad areas for joint initiatives, including leadership workshops, curated sessions for faculty and students, short-term programs, research projects and integration of Lead from the Back insights into WeSchool’s offerings. 

This partnership marks a transformative step in leadership education—one that aims to shape a generation of leaders who will embrace the philosophy and acquire expertise in creating powerful teams which will go on to achieve the impossible.

With the festive shopping season approaching, the excitement is higher than ever. Meesho’s Mega Blockbuster Sale begins on September 19, followed closely by Amazon’s Great Indian Festival and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days from September 23. These sales are expected to bring significant discounts across categories, ranging from smartphones, laptops and smart televisions to fashion, beauty, furniture, home décor, kitchen appliances and more.

However, great deals often arrive before payday, leaving many buyers worried about missing out. Quick loan apps are increasingly becoming the bridge that allows shoppers to access funds instantly and make timely purchases during such high-demand sales. Below are five apps that can help you be sale-ready without financial delays. 

BharatLoan

BharatLoan is designed with a simple three-step loan process that makes borrowing quick and efficient. The app ensures rapid approvals and fast disbursals, ideal for shoppers who want to act quickly during limited-period sales. With its streamlined system, users can rely on it for both big-ticket items and everyday purchases. From premium smartphones to festive gifting, BharatLoan enables buyers to shop without delaying their plans. Its convenience makes it especially appealing during high-demand events like Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho sales.

Rupee112

Rupee112 provides a completely digital loan journey, removing paperwork and unnecessary delays. Once users apply through the app, funds are credited swiftly after eligibility is confirmed. This speed becomes an advantage during lightning deals or flash sales that require immediate checkout. Rupee112 can support a wide range of purchases, from electronics and home appliances to fashion and lifestyle products. For those who want instant access to money when shopping opportunities arise, Rupee112 is a dependable option.

Lendingplate

Lendingplate positions itself as a flexible and modern loan platform that gives borrowers more control. Its application process is straightforward, with quick approvals and timely credit into bank accounts. The platform works well for higher-value purchases such as laptops, televisions and furniture that often feature in festive sales. By offering smooth digital services, Lendingplate appeals to busy professionals who do not want to spend time on lengthy procedures. It ensures that shopping plans during big sales are not restricted by monthly cash flow limits.

KreditBee

KreditBee is among the most widely used quick loan apps, particularly trusted by younger professionals. The app offers loans up to three lakh rupees, making it suitable for both small and large festive purchases. Its intuitive interface allows borrowers to apply, track and manage loans with ease. KreditBee’s speed of disbursal ensures that customers can seize attractive offers before stocks run out. For those aiming to shop across categories during Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho sales, KreditBee provides the flexibility they need.

CASHe

CASHe stands out with its use of AI-powered systems to process applications quickly and reduce waiting times. The platform has built its reputation on delivering funds on the same day, which is critical during festival discounts. It caters to both small-ticket and mid-size loans, covering everything from gadgets to lifestyle shopping. CASHe’s user-friendly app design makes the borrowing process simple for working professionals. With its focus on speed and convenience, CASHe is well-positioned for the demands of the upcoming festive season sales.

During festive sales, deals often disappear within minutes. By keeping these loan apps installed and ready, you’ll always have a backup plan to shop electronics, fashion, home essentials, lifestyle products and more without stressing about cash in hand.

Delhi,17 september 2025: Motorists using automated driving systems overestimate their situation awareness and readiness to respond but are slower to recognise hazards compared with active “hands on” driving, a new study from Macquarie University shows. The findings, published in the journal Applied Ergonomics, raise significant concerns about driver performance and road safety as increasingly advanced automation systems are integrated into new vehicles, the authors warn.

Researchers from Macquarie’s Performance and Expertise Research Centre studied participants who used a sophisticated simulator to “drive” about six kilometres in automated and non-automated driving modes, asking them to rate their situation awareness and measuring their responses to hazards. Surprisingly, drivers under automated driving conditions self-reported higher levels of situation awareness than those actively driving in non-automated mode. However, they also demonstrated significantly poorer hazard recognition compared to those participants in non-automated driving conditions, taking a longer driving distance to react to both anticipated hazards (such as another vehicle with its turning indicators on) and surprise hazards (such as a pedestrian emerging suddenly from behind a sign). Globally, there are approximately 54 million automated cars, which is expected to grow to 80 million units worldwide, and in India, there are 1.2 million units, and the number is expected to grow to 4.5 million by the year 2030.

Shedding a little light on the psyche of the drives, Mr. George Nasser, the researcher, said, “This paradox is an example of what we call the ‘out-of-the-loop’ phenomenon. When they’re relieved of responsibility for control, and as their trust in the vehicle increases, drivers tend to pay less attention to monitoring what the automated systems are doing. Under these conditions, the driver’s situation awareness declines and so does their ability to get back ‘in the loop’ and take control should they need to in the event of a hazard or malfunction.”

The disconnect researchers found between drivers’ perceptions and their actual driving performance suggests they develop inaccurate understandings or “mental models” of the automated driving system and what it does. As an example of a worst-case scenario, Mr. Nasser cites a fatal 2016 crash in the US involving a Tesla electric vehicle in which the driver had his hands on the steering wheel for only 25 seconds while the vehicle’s ‘autopilot’ system was active for 37 minutes. An incomplete understanding of the system’s limitations led to the driver not intervening when the automated system failed to detect and respond to a truck crossing the vehicle’s path.

Speaking on the subject, Mr. Nasser said, “The driver’s mental model – in other words, how fully and accurately the driver understands the automation system and the information it feeds back to them – determines their ability to take control. What complicates this area is that our mental models of driving are constantly changing as we encounter more automated systems built into new cars.”

Mr. Nasser further added, “What the review highlights is a need to keep drivers ‘on the loop’ — monitoring without direct control but remaining vigilant and ready to intervene, if necessary. Evidence suggests interfaces and visual displays that provide the driver with continuous, easy-to-interpret feedback about system status and limitations are the best way to support accurate mental models and optimise take-over performance.”

“Automation in vehicles is here to stay, and the challenge now is ensuring it works with drivers, not against them. If we design systems that keep drivers engaged, we can enjoy the safety benefits of automation without compromising lives on the road,” concludes Mr. Nasser.

Bengaluru, India, 17th Sept’25 -– OrbitAID Aerospace, India’s first space-tech startup in the field of On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR), today inaugurated its state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) facility spanning 6500 sq.ft in Bengaluru with an investment of over $2 million to extend the lifetime refueling services to current and upcoming satellites. 

The R&D facility was officially opened by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who unveiled OrbitAID’s next chapter of innovation and growth in the upcoming years. This facility is India’s largest commercial and one of the world’s biggest for Rendezvous Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD) infrastructure, for servicing and refueling operations. The facility consists of a high end control room for operating the RPOD facility, class 10000 cleanroom, and fuel transfer facilities for assembling and integrating its satellites. OrbitAID’s new R&D center represents a significant step in India’s journey towards space sustainability at a global stage after the success of ISRO’s SPADeX mission. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO congratulated the OrbitAID team on their achievement and emphasized the importance of developing technologies such as docking & refueling interfaces and the significance of providing services such as life extension for satellites in shaping the future of India’s space ecosystem. He also spoke about how ISRO has recently opened up to private players in the space ecosystem & in the upcoming missions, ISRO will also invite companies specialising in On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR) technologies to work with the organisation. 

Sakthikumar Ramachandran, Founder & CEO, OrbitAID, said, “This facility begins a new story in OrbitAID’s journey in making India, the champion of space sustainability at a global stage. With this new development and our TRL 7 docking and refueling interface SIDRP, we are positioned to provide life extension services for the current and upcoming satellites in both Indian and global markets.”

OrbitAID, which raised initial funding earlier this year from Unicorn India Ventures, is also planning to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu, where the company will establish a manufacturing facility to build India’s first private propellant handling and satellite servicing hub with an aim to build a circular economy for the global space tech ecosystem. The Company will strengthen collaborations with local universities, startups, and global partners.

Together, the Bengaluru facility and the upcoming Tamil Nadu expansion will serve as cornerstones for developing and validating critical subsystems, laying the foundation for OrbitAID’s future missions and India’s leadership in OOSR technologies. 

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, added, “We are proud to be one of the early backers of OrbitAID. They have demonstrated that audacious goals can be achieved without becoming a capital guzzling machine. The discipline and focus of the team has led them to open a state of the art R&D facility and to have it inaugurated by Dr Narayanan is just the encouragement and inspiration OrbitAID needed. We congratulate them and will continue to back Sakthi in his future expansion plans.”

The inauguration was also graced by the presence of His Excellency Achim Burkart, Consul General of Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency  Mr. Giandomenico Milano, Consul General of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Beat Schmid, Deputy Consul General of the Swiss 

Federation, and Mr.Sivarajah Ramanathan from StartupTN and Shreya Ganesh from Unicorn India Ventures. Also, officials from ISRO, Indian Space Association (ISpA), defence officials, policymakers, academia, and executives from the space ecosystem were also present during the opening ceremony.