Archives January 2026

New Delhi, India, Jan 27:  Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced several key leadership appointments and expanded roles across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. These changes reinforce Zebra’s commitment to strengthening customer engagement and partner collaboration, enabling businesses to better address significant labor shortages, persistent supply chain disruptions, and the urgent need to modernize operations to stay ahead.

To support customers and partners in accelerating their adoption of AI-powered automation, Zebra has made two strategic appointments in the APAC region. Tom Christodoulou has been appointed as Sales Vice President, overseeing Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), Southeast Asia (SEA) and Korea. 

Based in Singapore, Christodoulou will lead sales strategy for an expanded territory covering ANZ, SEA and Korea. He was formerly the Vice President of Sales for Australia, New Zealand, and India Subcontinent. He will be closely supported by a strong local leadership team, including Brett Newstead, Sales Director for ANZ, and Heejung Seo, Country Lead for South Korea. Bringing over two decades of industry experience, Christodoulou will focus on helping organizations in these regions build more resilient supply chains by empowering their connected frontline with real-time asset visibility and AI-driven decision-making.

“Organizations are under immense pressure to improve productivity and meet rising customer expectations,” said Tom Christodoulou, Sales Vice President, Australia & New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Korea, Zebra Technologies. “We will continue helping businesses solve these challenges with intelligent automation, and I’m excited to deepen our collaboration to support their critical modernization journeys.”

Christanto Suryadarma is stepping into the newly formed role of Head of Partnerships for APAC. Previously, Suryadarma was the Sales Vice President of Southeast Asia, Korea and Channels for Asia Pacific (excluding China). In his new strategic role, Suryadarma will lead Zebra’s partnership strategy and expand a diverse partner ecosystem that delivers asset visibility, connected frontline workers and intelligent automation solutions for the retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and healthcare industries. With more than 25 years of regional leadership experience, Suryadarma will be instrumental in empowering partners to help customers better modernize their operations.

“Our partners are essential for deploying solutions that build more intelligent operations for customers,” said Christanto Suryadarma, Head of Partnerships, APAC, Zebra Technologies. “I look forward to empowering our ecosystem with stronger collaboration and the best solutions to solve the intelligent operations challenges of today and tomorrow.”

To further support growing customer demand in key APAC markets, Zebra has also appointed two new country leaders:

• Subramaniam Thiruppathi has been appointed Country Lead for India Subcontinent (ISC). With nearly two decades at Zebra, he has been central to accelerating technology adoption in the region’s manufacturing, retail, and logistics industries.
• Joelle Booi has been appointed Country Lead for Singapore. She brings over 15 years of experience at Zebra and has been instrumental in advancing technology adoption in Singapore’s public and private sectors, particularly in manufacturing and AI.

Ryan Goh, previously Senior Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific, will now also lead Zebra’s Global OEM business, driving the worldwide strategy for Zebra’s OEM portfolio, enabling customers to embed Zebra’s solutions like scan engines into their specialized market solutions.

“The pace of change across APAC is accelerating rapidly. Businesses, especially those in India and Japan, are facing significant pressure from increasingly disrupted supply chains and rising labor shortfalls,” said Ryan Goh, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific and Global OEM, Zebra Technologies. “Our expanded leadership bench across APAC strategically positions our best talent to collaborate closely with our customers and partners, driving productivity and advancing digital capabilities. This team’s deep expertise will be crucial in guiding organizations, as they adopt intelligent automation to build more resilient operations and empower the connected frontline workforce.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Zebra has strengthened its APAC leadership to help customers navigate key industry trends like supply chain disruption and AI adoption.
• The strategic appointments include Tom Christodoulou, leading sales for ANZ, SEA and Korea, Christanto Suryadarma heading the new APAC Partnerships role, and Ryan Goh also guiding Zebra’s Global OEM business in addition to the region.
• The leadership expansion deepens local expertise in key markets like India and Singapore, aligning resources with growing customer demand for modernization.

WHO IS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES?

Zebra provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions powered by AI. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day.

Rooted in warmth, tradition, and soulful flavours, Parsi cuisine takes centre stage at Taj Bangalore with a thoughtfully curated culinary pop-up celebrating its rich heritage and timeless recipes. Set within the refined ambience of the hotel, this three-day showcase invites guests to experience the soul of Parsi culinary traditions through flavour, storytelling, and shared moments.

At Tamarind, the pop-up is curated by Chef Firozi and Chef Rashna, presenting a chef-driven Table d’Hôte menu alongside select à la carte offerings. The menu highlights beloved Parsi specialties such as Patra ni Macchi, Chicken Farcha, Sali Gosh, and the iconic Dhansak served with caramelised rice. Nostalgic desserts including Lagan nu Custard and Bawa Mawa Cake complete the experience, paired with specially crafted beverages.

Elevated with heritage-inspired tableware and chef-led storytelling, the experience offers an immersive dining journey that honours tradition while celebrating culinary craftsmanship.

• Join us from 30th January to 1st February 2026.
• Timings: Lunch – 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM | Dinner – 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Reserve your table at Tamarind, Taj Bangalore, and savour a Parsi dining experience where heritage, flavour, and gracious hospitality come together.

SKF Strengthens Leadership in Tribology as Platinum Sponsor of International Nanotribology Forum 2026 in India

Mumbai, Jan 27: SKF India (Industrial) Ltd., a leading provider of premium bearing solutions and rotating equipment services, is the Platinum Sponsor of the International Nanotribology Forum (INF) 2026, a globally recognised platform advancing the science of friction, wear, and lubrication at nano and bio scales.

Scheduled from 26 to 30 January 2026 at Hotel Chandela, Khajuraho, INF 2026 continues a distinguished legacy of international nanotribology forums previously hosted across Asia, reflecting its strong global relevance and scientific credibility.

This year’s edition will focus on Soft Tribology and Biotribology, alongside core themes such as adhesion and friction fundamentals, wear mechanisms, and emerging experimental and analytical techniques in nanotribology. The programme will feature invited and contributed lectures, poster sessions, and in-depth technical discussions, fostering collaboration between leading researchers, academicians, and industry practitioners.

SKF’s association with INF 2026 is closely aligned with its purpose of ‘Less Friction, More Progress’. Tribology sits at the heart of SKF’s innovation engine—enabling higher efficiency, longer asset life, and more sustainable industrial performance. By supporting platforms such as INF, SKF reinforces its commitment to bridging fundamental research and applied engineering, accelerating the translation of scientific insight into real-world solutions.

Speaking on SKF’s association, Sanoj Somasundaran , Chief Technology Officer India & Director- Technology Development, ISEAM, said,

“Tribology is central to how we reduce friction, improves reliability and sustainability. The International Nanotribology Forum brings together some of the world’s most respected minds in this field, and as Platinum Sponsor, SKF is proud to support a platform that advances scientific understanding while strengthening its application in industry. We are in the right direction of less friction more progress”

INF 2026 will feature renowned speakers from leading institutions across the United States, Europe, Asia, and India, reinforcing its position as a key global congregation for the tribology community.

The forum will be hosted in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its architectural and cultural legacy. Well connected by air and road, the city offers an inspiring setting that blends rigorous scientific exchange with rich cultural heritage.

By: Prof. Seema Mahajan, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director, School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management, SVKM’s NMIMS Mumbai

On International Day of Education, it is imperative to recognise that education has shifted from a degree-granting function to a strategic capability-building engine for global readiness. In a hyper-connected world, learning can no longer be geographically siloed or confined to institutions. Competitive advantage in education now emerges through purposeful cross-border knowledge exchange—where institutions, faculty, industry, and learners co-create solutions to complex and competitive global challenges.

Equally critical is the design of inclusive learning ecosystems that democratize access across gender, geography, and generations, enabling every learner to participate in and benefit from global opportunity structures.  International partnerships must evolve from symbolic MoUs to outcome-driven collaborations encompassing joint degrees, faculty co-creation, applied research, and mobility frameworks. As disruption accelerates across industries, education must develop adaptive leaders with systems thinking, ethical judgment, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The future of education will be shaped by globally aligned institutions that collaborate, not compete, to build resilient and future-ready societies.

IEEMA Strengthens Southern Presence; Launches Telangana Power Conclave to Boost Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Industry

Hyderabad, Jan 27: The Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) today inaugurated the first edition of the Telangana Power Conclave in Hyderabad. The first-of-its-kind event in the state power conclave was inaugurated by Shri Navin Mittal, special chief secretary to the Government, Energy Department, Government of Telangana. Telangana Power Conclave is the sixth in the line of State Power Conclave launched by IEEMA to grow its regional engagement with industry and showcase the business potential of states in the country.

Speaking at the Telangana Power Conclave, Shri Navin Mittal, special chief secretary to Government, Energy Department, Government of Telangana, said:

“The state is focusing on expanding solar, wind, and energy storage capacities, including BESS and pumped storage. While Gujarat and Rajasthan are India’s wind and solar capital, Telangana aims to become India’s PSP capital. Transmission and distribution networks are being strengthened, with data centres emerging as key demand drivers, supported by strong government policy backing.” 

He further added, “IEEMA’s initiatives like Telangana Power Conclave provide a strong platform that connects the government’s vision with industry execution. Telangana is a fast-growing state and is on track to become a $3 trillion economy by 2047. The energy sector is expected to grow at 10% annually, with installed capacity set to increase five-fold. Power consumption is projected to rise from 95 TWh currently to nearly 780 TWh by 2047, and planning has been aligned accordingly.”

Talking about Telangana’s growth and industry potential, Shri Vikram Gandotra, President, IEEMA said,

“Telangana is a powerhouse of economic vitality and now the 9th largest state economy in India, its Clean and Green Energy Policy is redefining the state’s infrastructure landscape and commended both the industry and the Telangana government for their strategic planning and sustained investments.”

Addressing the gathering, Shri Siddharth Bhutoria, IEEMA President-Elect said,

“Telangana’s rapid progress in expanding power access and setting ambitious renewable energy targets clearly demonstrates how commitment and innovation can drive industrial and social growth.”

The conclave focused on state specific opportunities and challenges, Telangana’s Roadmap for 2047, green energy, green data centers and the resilience of T&D Grid.

The event featured technical sessions, policy plans, dialogues, and networking opportunities focused on capacity building, innovative technologies & solutions. The event saw a turnout of over 300 participants.

SalaryOnTime, a credible FinTech Marketplace that addresses the credit needs of working professionals, announced the introduction of their AI-based Risk Assessment System, which targets credit accelerating loan approvals with high degrees of precision and compliance. This newly introduced system uses advanced technologies like AI with the help of machine learning algorithms on the real-time information that the customers are providing. This further enables faster credit decisions and a smoother digital lending journey.

With the integration of the AI-based evaluation process, the organization can easily assess the key parameters like the salary profile, employment pattern, repayment ability, or credit behavior on the spot. This eliminates time consumption and involves automated risk scores instead, thus optimizing time while still deriving the offered decision. There are also intelligent signals related to fraud detection that assist in the identification of potential risks, hence reducing the occurrence of fraud risks.

The launch comes at a time when borrowers are increasingly demanding instant, transparent, and reliable access to credit. The system, through the elimination of document requests and other verification procedures, enables customers to get faster responses and updates on their eligibility and the online application process. The faster response and accurate decision, along with safer practices, help build customer trust.

In addition to optimizing speed and efficiency, this new risk assessment tool utilizing AI will further solidify SalaryOnTime’s commitment to responsible and compliant lending practices. The system aligns with RBI-compliant digital lending guidelines and facilitates improved KYC, check eligibility criteria, and repayment abilities, establishing itself as a regulated ‘customer-first,’ lender focused on long-term financial well-being.

Commenting on the launch, Ankit Modi, Managing Director of SalaryOnTime, said,

“Our vision was not only to disburse these loans quickly, but to also ensure a much safer and responsible experience for working professionals. The new AI- based risk assessment system further strengthens our promise to deliver transparent and ethical lending, with faster and more accurate results without compromising on compliance or customer trust.”

With this latest technology upgrade, SalaryOnTime continues to invest in intelligent digital infrastructure that balances the scales of speed, accuracy, and risk management. Its focus on providing secure, scalable, and responsible lending solutions that meet the expectations of today’s salaried employees in the industry.

Ghaziabad, Jan 27: India’s first operational hi-tech city, Wave City, celebrated the 77th Republic Day with grandeur and patriotic fervor at its Sales Pavilion on Monday. 

Wave City, with ~ 4,200 acres of planned development is well secured gated community which is guarded by 500+ security personals. To make this occasion special, all the guards were awarded at Wave City to honor their undeterred bravery to make Wave City a safe place for its residents.

Speaking on the occasion, C J Singh, COO, Wave City said,

“Republic Day is a reminder to celebrate the valour of our security forces and pay tribute to the martyrs. At Wave City, we are committed to fostering a community that reflects these ideals—where innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity thrive. We should respect their sacrifice and do whatever we can in the interest of the nation”.

Jan 27: The British company Cornelius Electronics will invest approximately €5 million to expand production at the Edineț Industrial Park located in the Republic of Moldova’s North-Western region. The project includes the construction of three production halls totaling over 3,000 m², intended for the manufacturing of wiring harnesses and connection systems used across 14 industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, railway transport, and renewable energy. Cornelius Electronics currently employs 81 people, of whom over 80% are women. All production is destined for export, serving industrial clients in the European Union.

“Cornelius Electronics SRL is a fast-growing business built on passion, dedication, and the desire to deliver real value to our clients. Through continuous investments in technology, modern equipment, and team development, we have strengthened our position as a trusted partner in a transforming industry. Our mission remains clear: high-quality services, continuous innovation, and full customer satisfaction”,

stated Diana Popovici, Managing Director of Cornelius Electronics SRL.

The expansion of Cornelius Electronics was supported and made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Invest Moldova Agency, Innovate Moldova, and the Municipality of Edineț, which envisages amendments to the industrial park’s infrastructure plan and allows the extension of existing production halls.

“Cornelius Electronics is an example of how international expertise can be integrated into the local industrial ecosystem. We are pleased that, after several years of validated business activity in Moldova, Cornelius Electronics is managing to attract more clients for its production, making it possible to expand its investment in the country”,

said Natalia Bejan, Director of Invest Moldova Agency.

“Through investments in the Edineț Industrial Park, we are contributing to the transformation of the entire northern region. Each new hall brings dozens of jobs, more prosperous communities, and a more competitive national economy, based on engineering, innovation, and modern, export-oriented manufacturing”,

said Sergiu Rabii, Director of the Innovate Moldova Programme.

The investment fits into the positive dynamics of bilateral economic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom, grounded in the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed on December 24, 2020. According to data from the National Bank of Moldova, British foreign direct investment increased from USD 78.8 million in 2009 to over USD 257 million in 2024, with the bulk concentrated in value-added sectors such as IT, electronics, agro-industry, and services. Currently, 235 companies with British capital operate in the Republic of Moldova, with a total share capital investment volume of approximately MDL 840 million.

The approximately €5 million investment in Edineț, made by Cornelius Electronics, aims to bring British capital and technology in the future, support professional training, and create opportunities for better integration of Moldova into regional value chains, strengthening the country’s role as a stable supplier in the European electronics sector and regional value chains.

The Republic of Moldova’s electronics sector is an essential supplier to European markets, accounting for a significant share of the country’s exports. According to UN Comtrade, between 2019 and 2024, Moldovan exports of electrical equipment and components to the European Union totaled USD 3.37 billion, accounting for over 90% of the sector’s total exports.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, Jan 24: DriveX, a pioneering pre-owned two-wheeler platform, today announced the opening of its two newest company-owned and company-operated (COCO) outlets at Kasturi Nagar and Rajajinagar. These additions mark another important milestone in DriveX’s expansion across Karnataka and reinforcing its growing presence in Bengaluru.

With the addition of the Rajajinagar outlet, DriveX now operates six company-owned stores in Bengaluru and more than 50 outlets across multiple cities, spanning both COCO and FOFO (franchise-owned and franchise-operated) models. This continued expansion strengthens the brand’s footprint in key urban markets and underscores its leadership in India’s fast evolving pre-owned two-wheeler ecosystem.

Strategically located on Outer Ring Road, the Kasturi Nagar outlet offers strong connectivity and access to high-density residential and commercial neighbourhoods in East Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the Rajajinagar COCO store enhances DriveX’s reach in West Bengaluru, catering to a well-established, high-demand micro-market. Together, these locations reflect DriveX’s focused approach to improving accessibility, convenience, and trust for customers seeking quality pre-owned mobility solutions, making it the right choice for the customers.

At both new COCO stores, customers can explore a wide range of quality-assured pre-owned two-wheelers supported by DriveX Finance solutions designed to enhance affordability. Every vehicle undergoes a standardized quality inspection to ensure reliability and peace of mind. Both outlets offer comprehensive customer support, including financing, warranty options, and after-sales services and assistance, creating a seamless, transparent, and value-driven buying experience.

These launches are a part of DriveX’s broader growth strategy to expand deeper into high-potential urban micro-markets. In the coming months, the company plans to further strengthen its presence across India, including cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and other key regions, through a balanced mix of COCO and FOFO outlets. This accelerated rollout aims to make trusted pre-owned two-wheelers more accessible while reinforcing DriveX’s customer-first philosophy.

Commenting on the launch, Devesh Taparia, CEO, DriveX, said:

“Bengaluru continues to be a cornerstone of our growth strategy. With the launches at Kasturi Nagar and Rajajinagar, we are taking another step towards building a strong, organized retail network across key city micro-markets. As we expand, our focus remains on addressing real customer challenges in the largely unorganised pre-owned segment by offering transparent processes, trusted products, and meaningful choice, positioning DriveX as the right choice for reliable mobility partner.”

The openings of the Kasturi Nagar and Rajajinagar COCO stores mark another milestone in DriveX’s  mission to build a nationwide, organised pre-owned two-wheeler network. With continued expansion across key markets and a strong emphasis on trust, affordability, and customer choice, DriveX is redefining  the future of pre-owned mobility in India.