Archives 2025

IHA’s Eggofest Culinary Challenge Brings Out the Best in Aspiring Chefs

New Delhi: The Indian Hotel Academy (IHA) recently hosted the much-anticipated Buddy Chef Culinary Competition – Eggofest, a dynamic celebration of culinary talent and innovation. The event brought together 60 passionate participants, who showcased their creativity and skills across three exciting categories, all revolving around one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen – eggs.

Eggofest Culinary Challenge IHA

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of Executive Chefs from leading hotels, including Chef Sireesh Saxena, Chef Vivek Saggar, Chef Sanjay Agrawal, Chef Rajiv Malhotra, Chef Rajiv Chopra, Chef Sanjeeb Ghatak, Chef Bharat Khemani, Chef Bharat Alagh, Chef Anirudh Sethi, and Chef Kishan Kumar Anand. Their collective expertise ensured that the competition maintained a high standard, while providing invaluable insights and feedback to the participants.

Ms. Devipshita Gautam, Founder of Indian Hotel Academy, commented on the significance of the event, saying, “Eggofest was not just a competition, but a celebration of creativity, skill, and the passion that drives the culinary world. It provided a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs to innovate, interact with industry experts, and showcase their talent. Events like these are pivotal in shaping the future of the hospitality industry and fostering a new generation of culinary leaders.”

The event was further honored by the presence of key industry figures such as Mr. Anuj Soin, General Manager of Radisson Blu, Sector 29, Gurugram; Mr. Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director of Procurement at Le Meridien; Mr. Dishant Kapil, Executive Member of the Intellectual Cell and Core Committee Member of Vishesh Sampark Samiti Delhi; and Mr. Kapil Aggarwal, Executive Member of the Intellectual Cell and Core Committee Member of Vishesh Sampark Samiti Delhi.

A masterclass titled “The Incredible Benefits of Eggs in Daily Life” was conducted by Chef Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Executive Chef at Jaypee Hotels & Resorts. The session provided valuable insights into the nutritional benefits and diverse culinary applications of eggs, further enhancing the students’ understanding of this essential ingredient.

Eggofest was supported by several prestigious brands, including Abhi Eggs as the Resource and Support Partner, the Association of Hospitality Professionals as the Hospitality Partner, Digi Uprise as the Social Media Partner, and Brand Stand as the PR Partner. Their contributions played an essential role in ensuring the event’s smooth execution.

BLS International Financial Performance Soars to New Heights in Q3FY25

New Delhi, 13th February 2025: BLS International Services Limited, an Indian multinational corporation and a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024.

Q3FY25 Performance Highlights

BLS International – Consolidated Financials

  • The company’s Revenue from Operations expanded by 17.1% YoY to Rs. 512.8 Crores in Q3FY25 from Rs. 437.9 Crores in Q3FY24.
  • The company’s EBITDA surged by 78.5% YoY to Rs. 158.1 Crores during the quarter as compared to Rs. 88.6 Crores in Q3FY24.
  •  EBITDA Margin increased to 30.8% in Q3FY25 from 20.2% in Q3FY24. Margin expansion was enhanced by the ongoing transition from a partner-run to a self-managed model and the integration of newly acquired businesses.
  •  PAT for the quarter scaled to Rs. 127.9 Crores as compared to Rs. 87.2 Crores reported in Q3FY24, a growth of 46.7% YoY.
  •  Post acquisitions done in FY25, the company’s net cash balance stood at Rs. 690Crores as of 31st December 2024.

Segmental Performance

1. Visa & Consular Business

  •  Visa & Consular business revenue grew by 3.1% YoY in Q3FY25 to Rs. 375.7 Crores as compared to Rs. 364.4 Crores reported in Q3FY24.
  •  The transition from partner-led to the self-managed business model and integration of newly acquired businesses led EBITDA of the Visa business to grow by 77.3% YoY to Rs. 140.3 Crores in Q3FY25
  •  EBITDA Margin witnessed a robust expansion of 1,564 bps to 37.4% in Q3FY25 from 21.7% registered in Q3FY24.
  •  Net Revenue per application stood at Rs. 2,837 for Q3FY25 vs. Rs. 2,250 for Q3FY24, a robust growth of 26.2% YoY.

2) Digital Business

  •  Revenue for the Digital business expanded by 86.7% YoY to Rs. 137.2 Crores in Q3FY25 from Rs. 73.5 Crores in Q3FY24. Q3FY25 revenue includes Aadifidelis Solutions’ revenue of Rs 52.7 Crores consolidated from 26th Nov 2024 onwards.
  •  EBITDA surged to Rs. 17.7 Crores (including Rs 2.3 Crores EBITDA of Aadifidelis Solutions) during the quarter as compared to Rs. 9.4 Crores in Q3FY24, up by 88.1%. EBITDA Margin increased to 12.9% during Q3FY25 from 12.8% in Q3FY24.
  •  The Business Correspondent business witnessed over 3.43 Crore transactions with a Gross Transaction Value of over Rs. 21,000 Crores during Q3FY25.
  •  At the end of the quarter, the digital business had 41,500+ CSPs and 136,700+ touchpoints.
  •  Digital business generated loan leads worth Rs. 2,900 Crores in Q3FY25 for various financial institutions. This includes loan leads of over Rs 1,600 Crores achieved by Aadifidelis Solutions.

9MFY25 Performance Highlights

BLS International – Consolidated Performance

  •  The company’s Revenue from Operations grew by 22.1% YoY to Rs. 1,500.5 Crores in 9MFY25 as compared to Rs. 1,229.1 Crores in 9MFY24.
  •  EBITDA of the company surged to Rs. 455.2 Crores from Rs. 255.4 Crores in 9MFY24, registering a growth of 78.3% YoY.
  •  EBITDA Margin expanded to 30.3% in 9MFY25 from 20.8% in 9MFY24.
  •  PAT stood at Rs. 394.4 Crores as compared to Rs. 240.2 Crores in 9MFY24, a growth of 64.2% YoY. With this, the company significantly surpassed the profits of Rs 325.6 Crores reported in FY24.

Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International Services Ltd. said: “The company continues to report remarkable performance during this quarter as well, outlined by a robust growth across all key financial and operational metrics. In line with the company’s focus on improving EBITDA, we reported a 78.5% YoY growth in Q3FY25 and 78.3% YoY growth in 9MFY25. This growth was driven by strong operational efficiencies and supported by the transition to a self-managed model from the partner-run model, along with the integration of new businesses.
During the quarter, we completed the acquisition of a controlling stake of 57% in Aadifidelis Solutions Pvt. Ltd and its affiliates. With the total investment of over Rs 1,000 Crores done in FY25 for the new acquisitions, which were primarily funded through internal accruals, the company still has a robust balance sheet with net cash of Rs. 690 Crores as of 31 December 2024.

The company is strategically positioning itself to increase its share in the industry by penetrating newer markets worldwide, by leveraging the asset-efficient and tech-driven business model. We endeavor to continue to focus on delivering strong performances in the future and maintaining our strong balance sheet, through a balanced mix of organic and inorganic growth routes.”

Chartis Research Highlights BCT Digital as a Category Leader in 2024 Model Governance Solutions Quadrant

Chennai, 13th February 2025: BCT Digital, a global risk technology and compliance products company, has been recognized as a category leader in Chartis Research’s 2024 Model Governance Solutions Quadrant. The company’s rt360 Model Risk Management (MRM) solution was highlighted for its comprehensive capabilities in model coverage, governance framework, model inventory management and model risk analytics.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO, BCT Digital

The Chartis Research report evaluated BCT Digital’s rt360 MRM solution across several criteria, including its ability to manage the lifecycle of financial models, mitigate model risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, commented, “Being named a category leader in the Chartis Model Governance Solutions Quadrant reflects the strength and impact of our approach to model risk management. Our focus is on delivering solutions that simplify complex model governance challenges, enabling financial institutions to maintain robust control over their models while adapting to an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.”

The solution automates model governance processes, including model validation, monitoring, and risk assessment, streamlining collaboration between departments. Features such as centralized Model Register acts as the single source of truth for all model-related activities, improving transparency and traceability. The Workflow Engine automates tasks and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration for improved efficiency. The MRM solution also enables financial institutions to reduce reliance on external validation services, streamline model risk management processes, and scale operations with minimal added cost.

In recent years, banks and financial institutions have prioritized MRM solutions. They are seeking robust and sophisticated software to automate model monitoring and quarterly assessments. This focus on automation ensures compliance with the guidance and standards set by their respective central banks. For instance, the Central Bank of UAE published new regulations and standards on Model Management Standard (MMS), applicable to all models used by banks, and the Model Management Guidance (MMG), specifically focused on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) models.

SK Telecom Announces FY 2024 Results

sktlecom

Seoul, February 13, 2025 – SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) today announced its earnings for the fiscal year 2024 on a K-IFRS consolidated basis: revenue of KRW 17.9406 trillion and operating income of KRW 1.8234 trillion. This was thanks to solid revenue growth in both fixed and mobile communications and AI businesses, each increasing by 1.9% and 4.0% respectively compared to the previous year. The net income was recorded at KRW 1.4388 trillion.

On a non-consolidated basis, SK Telecom’s revenue was KRW 12.7741 trillion and operating income stood at KRW 1.5232 trillion, each increased 1.5% and 4.6% year over year (YoY), respectively. A non-consolidated net income was KRW 1.3322 trillion.

SK Broadband’s revenue and operating income, recorded at KRW 4.4111 trillion and KRW 351.7 billion respectively, increased by 3.1% and 13.7% YoY. The growth was led by increased pay TV subscribers and B2B businesses.

SK Telecom is embarking on the establishment of an AI Infrastructure Superhighway, leveraging the company’s competitiveness in AI technology and services. The company plans to actively pursue the monetization of AI business.

Furthermore, the company plans to continue improving its fundamental business competitiveness, considering both short-term profitability and long-term sustainability, by continuously strengthening its Operation Improvement (O/I) efforts.

■ Accelerating the setup of the AI Infrastructure Superhighway via global partnerships

SK Telecom is accelerating the construction of its AI Infrastructure Superhighway, focusing on three axes: AI data center (AIDC), GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), and Edge AI.

To boost the AIDC business, SK Telecom invested strategically in Lambda, a global GPU cloud company, and signed an investment contract with Penguin Solutions, a leader in integrated AI data center solutions.

Leveraging these partnerships, SK Telecom opened the Gasan AI data center in cooperation with Lambda last December, and it’s accelerating its AI Infrastructure business with the introduction of the ‘SKT GPUaaS.’

SK Telecom plans to continue its ongoing cooperation with Penguin Solutions for AIDC global expansion, joint R&D and commercialization, and the development of next-generation memory appliances.

Telco Edge AI, a crucial technology for next-generation infrastructure evolution, is being actively promoted for standardization by the company.

■ Restructuring AI Divisions and Showcasing Key Achievements in AI Sector

SK Telecom has restructured into seven key divisions centered around telecommunications and AI. These include the AI Transformation (AIX), AIDC, A. (A-Dot), and Global Personal AI Agent (GPAA) units, established to enhance AI execution capabilities and drive business outcomes.

With this structure, SK Telecom’s AI-related revenue grew by 19% YoY.

The AIX business recorded a significant 32.0% YoY growth, driven by the expansion of its AI cloud business and robust performance of AI B2B solutions, including AI Contact Center (AICC) and Vision AI.

Revenue from the AIDC business increased by 13.1% YoY, reaching KRW 397.4 billion, due to higher operational rates of new data centers, such as the Gasan Data Center in Seoul, South Korea.

In the Personal AI Agent (PAA) sector, a crucial pillar of SK Telecom’s AI business, the company is actively pursuing a dual-track strategy: ‘A.’ for the domestic market and ‘Aster’ for the global market.

Last year, SK Telecom newly launched A, equipped with multi-large language model (LLM) agent capabilities and a PC version. Alongside this, the company introduced ‘A. Phone’ by enhancing AI call features in the T Phone application. These large-scale service upgrades rapidly expanded AI-powered personal services from AI calls to LLM-based search, resulting in A.’s user base exceeding 8 million by the end of 2024, a 160% increase YoY.

SK Telecom’s global personal AI agent, Aster, was first revealed at the ‘SK AI Summit 2024’ and demonstrated a model for comprehensive daily life management at CES 2025. The company plans to launch a beta service in the U.S. in the first half of this year.

The company continues to collaborate with major global LLM companies such as Anthropic and Perplexity. It has also developed a telecom-specialized LLM, already integrated into customer service platforms, including SK Telecom’s customer centers and T World.

“Last year, we strengthened our competitiveness in the telecommunications sector and laid the foundation for our transformation into an AI company,” said Kim Yang-seob, CFO of SK Telecom. “In 2025, we will continue to pioneer the AI era through determination and innovation, further solidifying our corporate value.”

SK Telecom’s Board of Directors has approved a Q4 2024 dividend of KRW 1,050 per share. Including the previously paid dividend of KRW 2,490 per share, the total annual dividend per share is KRW 3,540, subject to final approval at the annual general shareholders’ meeting in March.

Nonstop revolutionizes India’s premium rehab market with Global Mobility Solutions

Nonstop store

Wednesday, 13th February 2025: India’s senior population is growing rapidly. As of 2024, the country has approximately 138 million people aged 60 and above, a number projected to surpass 200 million by 2030. With changing family dynamics and increasing geographical distances, traditional family-based care systems are facing significant challenges. This demographic shift highlights the urgent need for an evolved geriatric care system. Technology integration into senior care offers a solution to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and quality. Reflecting this shift, India has seen a remarkable 45% increase in demand for premium rehabilitation products, driven by rising affluence and a desire for improved quality of life.

Recognizing this growing need, Nonstop is set to redefine the Indian premium rehab market by bridging the gap with world-class products and unparalleled service. Despite the rising demand, no major brand has yet to lead this space in India—until now. What sets Nonstop apart is its unique approach: offering an extensive range of international premium brands, trial options, and an omnichannel model to ensure accessible and comfortable personal mobility solutions.

Nonstop’s portfolio boasts an impressive selection of 35 trusted international brands alongside 5 in-house brands, guaranteeing customers world-class quality and innovative solutions. The company has embarked on its journey with the launch of its first store in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, and is excited to expand to 50 additional locations, making premium rehab solutions more accessible to individuals across India.

“Nonstop proudly stands as India’s first international mobility and rehab store, partnering with industry leaders in mobility and healthcare. Through a robust national distribution and marketing network, Nonstop is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of India’s senior population” said Iftekhar Ahmed, CEO of NONSTOP.

Nonstop offers an exclusive Distributor Model, presenting a unique investment opportunity where innovation meets profitability. This model allows investors to be part of India’s rapidly expanding healthcare and mobility sector, contributing to a meaningful cause while achieving financial success.

With its vision to revolutionize the premium rehab market, Nonstop is set to become a game-changer, ensuring that India’s senior citizens receive the best in comfort, care, and convenience.

Resonance Creates a Stir with Outstanding Performance in JEE Main 2025 Session 1 Results

Hyderabad, 13th February 2025: Students of Resonance Junior Colleges, Hyderabad; created history and reaped an unprecedented performance in the JEE main 2025 January attempt, announced today. Resonance is a nationally renowned premier institute known for producing the top rankers in IIT, NIT, NEET, and the Medical entrance exams.

53 students of Resonance Junior Colleges scored above the 99 percentile in the exam. The outstanding performers, parents, and teachers were felicitated by Sri Purnachandra Rao, Director, Resonance Educational Institutions, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, felicitated outstanding performers, parents, and teachers at the Resonance Junior College, Madhapur.

resonance

Speaking on the occasion of the JEE Main 2025 Results Celebration, Sri Purnachandra Rao expressed his immense pride and joy over the outstanding achievements of Resonance Hyderabad students. All the students for achieving this tremendous success in JEE first attempt. This is a different JEE after many years, after COVID, every JEE we have seen fancy results. After a lot of gaps, the original JEE results has come out. So last year, in the same occasion, I think, from Telugu states alone, almost like 20 students scored 100 % for this time, it came to two, that means the JEE is back with its true potential and the paper standards, everything is increasing. So maybe the similar standard of quality in the JEE advanced paper also you can expect and also in the JEE Second attempt also you can expect. This session 1 has given mixed experiences to multiple students. Out of all those arts, there are some students who have done extremely good and came forward and produced these extraordinary results. So this shows the hard work and dedication of the students and faculty members.

He stated, “Resonance has once again set a benchmark of excellence with exceptional results in the latest JEE Main exam. Our students have showcased their hard work, perseverance, and dedication, achieving phenomenal success in one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. This accomplishment is not just a testament to their relentless efforts but also a reflection of the unwavering support and guidance provided by our experienced faculty and the trust of parents who believed in us.”

He further added, “This incredible milestone reaffirms Resonance’s commitment to academic excellence and quality education. Our well-structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and a student-centric approach have enabled our students to perform at the highest level. The success of our Resonites is a collective achievement of students, teachers, and parents, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of them.”

He concluded by saying, “This is just the beginning! We look forward to seeing our students excel further in JEE Advanced and achieve their dreams of securing seats in IITs and NITs. Resonance will continue to support and empower aspiring engineers with the best resources, strategies, and motivation to succeed.”

H.D. Kumaraswamy Explores EV Scheme for Electric Tractors with AutoNxt

H.D. Kumaraswamy Explores India's EV Scheme Inclusion for Electric Tractors with AutoNxt

New Delhi, 13th February 2025: AutoNxt Automation, India’s pioneering electric tractor manufacturer, recently had the honor of engaging in a productive discussion with Hon. H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries. The meeting focused on the critical need to include electric tractors in the existing EV promotion schemes, a move that could significantly bolster India’s position as a global leader in tractor manufacturing and drive sustainable transformation in agriculture.

The AutoNxt Automation leadership team shared their on-ground insights and experiences, highlighting how the inclusion of electric tractors in EV promotion initiatives could accelerate the adoption of sustainable technology, reduce emissions, and support Indian farmers with cost-effective and reliable solutions.

Kaustubh Dhonde, Founder & CEO of AutoNxt Automation, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are deeply thankful to Hon. H.D. Kumaraswamy for providing us with this opportunity to present our vision for sustainable agriculture. The Minister’s attention to the challenges faced by the industry and his guidance on the next steps have given us immense motivation to continue driving innovation in the sector.”

Pankaj Goyal, Co-Founder & COO of AutoNxt Automation, added, “This meeting is a testament to the government’s proactive approach towards promoting clean and green technologies in agriculture. The inclusion of electric tractors in EV promotion schemes will not only help reduce emissions but also empower farmers with affordable and efficient solutions.”

The discussion highlighted the transformative potential of electric tractors in reducing carbon footprints while enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector. AutoNxt Automation remains committed to collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate India’s journey toward sustainable farming.

As India moves closer to achieving its sustainability goals, such initiatives reflect a shared commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good of the nation. AutoNxt Automation eagerly looks forward to continuing its contributions to the sector and supporting the government’s vision for a greener future.

Diksha Dhami Shares Jaipur Memories from ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain

Sometimes, a change of place brings with it new experiences and valuable life lessons. Actress Diksha Dhami, who is playing the lead role of Chaina in Shemaroo Umang’s newly launched show ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’, recently shared her memorable shooting experience in Jaipur. Filming in the heart of Rajasthan not only gave her a taste of the vibrant culture but also helped her grow as an actor.

Diksha shared with a smile, “Filming in the villages around Jaipur was an unforgettable experience. The charm of the traditional farms, forts, and authentic culture left me in awe. Despite the cold weather, where I was running around in my ghagra choli while everyone else was bundled up, every moment was worth it! On our last day, we explored the vibrant markets of Jaipur, picking up beautiful jewelry and clothes that made the whole trip even more special.

She further added, “The warmth and kindness of the villagers was incredible. For them, seeing the shoot was something exciting and new, and for us, it was a chance to witness their raw, natural beauty. The experience of being surrounded by the rich colors and traditions of village life, not just on screen but in reality, was inspiring. It was a true learning experience, one that I will always cherish.”

At the core of ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’ is the intense rivalry between Chamkeeli and Chaina. While Chaina fights for justice and tradition, Chamkeeli uses cunning and manipulation to achieve her goals. This clash of right versus wrong creates a rollercoaster of drama, emotions, and shocking twists that will leave audiences hooked.

England Triumphs at IIHM Young Chef Olympiad; India-UAE Team Lifts Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge Trophy

Pune, 13 February 2025: Kamran Taylor, a young chef from England, was crowned champion at the world’s largest competition for young chefs, the IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, which featured participants from 50 countries.

In a glittering Grand Finale of the 11th edition of YCO, contested by the top ten teams after the first two rounds, Armenia’s Arsen Armenakyan secured the Silver, while Yves Gabriel Cabrera Po from the Philippines won the Bronze Trophy.

The 11th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad was organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London.

The host country, India, made the nation proud as Chef Aliakbar Mustafa Rampurawala from IIHM Bangalore won the prestigious Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge Prize, along with UAE’s Jasmin Ali Maher Lutfi Jarrar. This unique category featured 28 teams, which were not placed in either the Grand Finale or the Plate rounds. They were divided into 14 pairs, representing two countries each, in a spirit of culinary collaboration.

olumpaid

The Plate Trophy, contested by teams ranked between 11 and 20 after the first round, was proudly lifted by South Korea’s Shi-Hyun An.

The YCO Champion, Plate Trophy winner, and Dr. Suborno Bose International Culinary Challenge recipients were chosen after two rounds of intense competition showcasing the best culinary talents from around the world.

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the Young Chef Olympiad, said, “The world of culinary arts is united under the grand Kolkata sky. Culinary diplomacy means this. In a united world of young chefs, it’s the best way to make the world happy and sustainable through food. Only in India can you achieve something like this. This year, YCO felt like a family, and we had a new venue for the opening ceremony in Goa, on the banks of the Arabian Sea.”

Prof David Foskett OBE, Chairman of the Jury for YCO said, “YCO is a grand celebration of friendship, Unity and Passion. It depicts the unifying power of food in a world of conflict. YCO can happen only in India, under the visionary leadership of Dr Bose, who does again and again and again.

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor remarked, “YCO is surely about compassion. But when you do it for 11 years, you multiply the compassion. YCO is also about competition with collaboration. Dr Bose is not only a lovable madman with a golden jacket, but he is a man of steel.”

Dr. Bose also highlighted IIHM’s efforts in integrating AI into hospitality and hospitality education. He announced IIHM’s Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality with 50 countries, promoting inclusivity, human touch, and sustainability.

Tata Elxsi, Garuda Aerospace Collaborate to Establish Centre of Excellence for UAV Design at Aero India 2025

Bangalore, 13th Feb 2025– Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Garuda Aerospace, a pioneering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025, Asia’s biggest Airshow, being held from February 10th –14th. This partnership establishes a dedicated UAV design, engineering, and certification center to develop indigenous drone technologies specifically for Indian defence applications, along with agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025. In addition, a demonstration of indigenised UAV components highlights India’s advancements in autonomous UAV technologies.

Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturisation, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimisation. Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure regulatory adherence and safety. By integrating its proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi will enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months.

Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace signing MOU

Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defence and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery. The drones developed under this initiative will cater to multiple applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries.

The Indian defence forces and Border Security Force are expected to be key beneficiaries of this collaboration, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities. Additionally, this initiative will create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector.

Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway, Tata Elxsi, stated: “Our partnership with Garuda Aerospace marks a major milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. By driving AI-powered UAV advancements, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.”

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “This strategic collaboration with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous innovation. Over the next three to five years, we will focus on fully indigenised production and supply of airborne and ground systems, strengthening India’s leadership in UAV technology.”