Vanesa Announces Bollywood Superstar Kiara Advani as the New Brand Ambassador

Mumbai, 9th April, 2025: Vanesa, the premium fragrance brand for modern women, has announced Bollywood sensation Kiara Advani as its new brand ambassador. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone in Vanesa’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women and inspiring confidence in them.

Kiara Advani, known for her poise, charm, and authenticity, perfectly embodies the essence of Vanesa. Her journey in the film industry reflects confidence and self-expression, qualities that align seamlessly with the brand’s philosophy.

KiaraXX Vanesa

For Kiara, fragrance is more than just a scent; it’s an extension of her personality. Kiara’s personal fragrance preferences reflect her dynamic persona – fresh and floral scents for the day and warm amber notes for the evening. With this partnership, Vanesa aims to translate this duality into a collection that resonates with modern consumers who seek versatility and elegance in their fragrances.

Expressing her excitement, Kiara Advani said, “I’m beyond thrilled to be associated with Vanesa. For me, confidence is about embracing my true self, owning my strengths and vulnerabilities, and walking through life with authenticity. This is what makes working with Vanesa so special, as the brand celebrates individuality, and that’s something I truly believe in.”

Saurabh Gupta, MD & CEO, Hamilton Sciences Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to welcome Kiara Advani to the Vanesa family. Kiara embodies the essence of our brand with her elegance, charm, and relatable appeal. Her journey and personality perfectly align with Vanesa’s philosophy of celebrating individuality and modern femininity. We believe this collaboration will inspire women to embrace their individuality with confidence.”

Vanesa’s legacy of working with strong, inspiring women continues with Kiara, following in the footsteps of its first brand ambassador, Kareena Kapoor Khan. As Kiara steps into this role, she brings a fresh, modern perspective to the brand while honouring its timeless essence.

Revolutionizing the Green: Hero MotoCorp Tees Up Golf’s Next Chapter

Bengaluru – April 9, 2025: Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, proudly announces a three-year partnership with professional golfers Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala as its global ambassadors.

This partnership reinforces Hero’s commitment to fostering world-class sporting talent while celebrating excellence, perseverance, and ambition – values deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA. As two of the most promising young golfers on the PGA Tour, Akshay and Sahith represent a new era of global achievers driven by passion and determination.

The partnership will officially tee off this week, with both players proudly sporting the Hero logo as they compete on the global stage.

Akshay Bhatia & Sahith Theegala: Embodying Hero MotoCorp’s Values

Akshay Bhatia: A Symbol of Progress and Perseverance

A rising talent on the PGA Tour, Akshay Bhatia embodies Hero’s ethos of progress. His relentless dedication, exceptional skill, and commitment to continuous improvement make him a perfect representation of the brand’s pursuit of excellence.

Sahith Theegala: The Spirit of Determination

Known for his dynamic playing style and remarkable performances on the PGA Tour, Sahith Theegala’s journey from a promising amateur to a professional golfer mirrors Hero MotoCorp’s core belief in overcoming challenges, pushing boundaries, and striving for greatness.

A Proud Moment for Hero MotoCorp

“We are thrilled to welcome Akshay and Sahith to the Hero family. These exceptional young golfers, both of Indian descent, embody our core values of passion, integrity, and courage. Their dedication and achievements align perfectly with our mission to champion excellence in sports globally.

As a proud Indian brand with a strong legacy of supporting athletes across disciplines, we take immense pride in fostering talent of Indian origin on the world stage. Hero MotoCorp is globally recognized for innovation and sustainability, and as we continue to expand our brand’s influence, we engage with youth icons who inspire the next generation. Akshay and Sahith’s journey will further strengthen our long-standing association with golf, and we wish them great success this week and in their future endeavors.”

Dr. Pawan Munjal

Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp

Words from the Champions

“Partnering with a global brand like Hero MotoCorp is truly a dream come true, especially given my ambition to compete and share my passion for golf around the world for many years ahead. India, and specifically the Hero Indian Open, holds special significance as an integral part of my family’s heritage”

Akshay Bhatia

“I am honored to have been selected by Hero MotoCorp to represent them worldwide. Akshay and I are very good friends, and we are excited to be working with Hero to increase their brand visibility through all our appearances. Like Hero, we are both committed to encouraging the success of young athletes from around the world in their sports and personal endeavors.”

Sahith Theegala

Rising Golf Stars Join Hero’s Illustrious Sports Legacy

The addition of two rising golf stars to Hero’s esteemed roster of sports ambassadors further reinforces the brand’s continued commitment and efforts to empowering athletes and advancing sporting excellence on a global scale.

As one of the world’s foremost corporate supporters of sports—including Cricket, Golf, Football, Field Hockey, and Motorsports—Hero has cultivated a proud legacy of nurturing talent and driving athletic growth, both in India and around the world.

With Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala now part of the Hero family, the brand strengthens its commitment to shaping the future of golf and inspiring the next generation of athletes worldwide.

Hero MotoCorp has long been a pioneering force in the world of golf, playing a pivotal role in elevating India’s presence on the international stage. From the prestigious Hero World Challenge on the PGA Tour to the iconic Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the esteemed Hero Indian Open on the DP World Tour, and the Hero Women’s Indian Open on the Ladies European Tour (LET), Hero continues to lead with impactful global initiatives.

Golfing legend and 15-time Major champion Tiger Woods has served as Hero’s Global Corporate Partner since 2014, while top Indian golfers like Shiv Kapur, Diksha Dagar, Pranavi Urs, and Tvesa Malik proudly represent the brand as ambassadors. Furthering its commitment to inclusivity and growth, Hero is also a key promoter of women’s golf through its ongoing support of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour in India.

ION Mobility’s IP and Assets to Boost TVS Motor’s Electric Vehicle Push in Southeast Asia

Chandigarh, April 9, 2025: TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a leading global manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, is set to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) presence in Southeast Asia through the integration of ION Mobility’s assets, intellectual property, and talent into its operations. Southeast Asia represents one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for motorbike usage, offering a significant opportunity for expansion.

TVSM has been a strategic investor in ION Mobility, a full-stack EV company known for its robust in-house capabilities across industrial and product design, mechanical and electrical engineering, embedded and power electronics, firmware, software, and supply chain solutions. This integration, combined with TVSM’s deep expertise in electric mobility, marks a major step toward unlocking new possibilities in the region.

Commenting on the development, Sharad Mohan Mishra, President Group Strategy, TVS Motor Company, said: “We were an early strategic investor in ION Mobility, attracted by their focus on delivering smart, sustainable, and exciting mobility solutions for ASEAN markets. Our ‘Reimagine 2030’ vision strongly aligned with their mission. With the acquisition of ION Mobility’s assets, IP and core team, we are thrilled to bring their entrepreneurial energy, design thinking and engineering strength into TVSM. Combined with our R&D depth, quality systems, and manufacturing scale, this partnership positions us to accelerate market penetration and grow our share across Southeast Asia.”

TVS Motor is already a formidable player in the global EV landscape, with nearly 600,000 customers choosing its flagship electric scooter, TVS iQube. The company has developed end-to-end in-house capabilities across EV components – battery systems, battery management, vehicle control units, and connected platforms – and holds more than 650 patents in the EV domain.

Earlier this week, TVS Motor Company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd acquired select assets from ION Mobility and also divested its stake in the company. Following this move, James Chan, Founder and CEO of ION Mobility, has joined TVS Motor Company as Senior Vice President. He will lead TVSM’s business across ASEAN while also spearheading the development and launch of the M1-S electric mobility platform. The M1-S is already generating strong interest in ASEAN markets for its striking design, impressive range, agile acceleration, and suitability for daily commutes.

SBI College Youth Ideathon 2025 Finale Celebrates Trailblazing Student Innovators

New Delhi | April 9th, 2025 – The Grand Finale of SBI College Youth Ideathon (CYI) 2025), India’s best entrepreneurship launchpad for college students, held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, which has emerged as the academic capital of Indian entrepreneurship. The event brought together the country’s most promising student entrepreneurs in an inspiring celebration of innovation, ambition, and transformative ideas.

Jointly organized by IIT Delhi, MEPSC (under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship), and ThinkStartup Foundation, with State Bank of India (SBI) as the title sponsor, CYI 2025 has been a landmark initiative fostering entrepreneurial spirit across India’s college campuses. More than 44,000 students from 1000 colleges across 200 cities participated in the SBI College Youth Ideathon 2025. It also witnessed submission of over 15,000 startup ideas.

iit delhi

Through rigorous rounds of evaluation, mentoring, and shortlisting, the top 100 student teams were invited to IIT Delhi for the two-day Grand Finale. These young entrepreneurs showcased their innovations, interacted with top mentors and investors, and competed in live pitch rounds. The Final Pitch featured the Top 15 student startups, who presented to a jury of VCs, founders, and innovation leaders. The Top 10 winners were announced at the closing ceremony, with each winning team receiving a prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

Delivering a stirring closing keynote, Vivek Wadhwa, renowned tech entrepreneur and futurist, inspired the finalists, saying, “The future belongs to those who dare to dream and execute. You have the power to build groundbreaking solutions that will define the world of tomorrow.”

According to Anil Pokhriyal, CEO, MEPSC, “These students are not just building startups—they are building hope, equity, and impact. The diversity and depth of ideas from across India have been truly inspiring.”

Prof. Narayanan D Kurur, Dean, Academics at IIT Delhi, emphasized the role of institutions in fostering innovation: “IIT Delhi is committed to empowering young entrepreneurs from all over India. CYI 2025 reflects this mission, bringing together the brightest minds to solve real-world challenges.”

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India, said, “We are proud to be a part of this initiative that aids in transforming academic knowledge into innovative solutions and ventures. It’s encouraging to see the young generation understanding the importance of spatial intelligence and incorporating the same in their business ideas. This insightful thinking will lead to the creation of powerful solutions that will effectively solve the business and social challenges of the future. I congratulate the participants and winners and wish them the best for their future endeavors.”

Shivani Kapoor, Founder, ThinkStartup, added, “This generation of students isn’t waiting for opportunities; they’re creating them. Their fearless approach to problem-solving is truly inspiring.”

Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director, CYI, summed up the spirit of the event: “The Youth Ideathon has proven that India’s next wave of entrepreneurs is already here, driven, passionate, and ready to lead.”

CYI 2025 – TOP 10 WINNING TEAMS

  1. Heat & Eat (Dayananda Sagar University)
    Startup: Self-heating food boxes for hot meals on the go – no electricity or fire needed.
  2. GFoot (IIT Delhi)
    Startup: Low-carbon footwear tech reducing emissions by 80%, redefining sustainable fashion.
  3. Neuroxo Labs (GL Bajaj Institute of Management)
    Startup: India’s smartest and most affordable muscle-controlled prosthetic arm.
  4. The PathFinders (NIT Jalandhar)
    Startup: AI-powered autonomous robot for disaster relief, surveillance, and security.
  5. Arvora (Delhi Technological University, NSUT)
    Startup: Wellness and lifestyle brand with offerings from organic sanitary pads to wildforest honey.
  6. ReZen (Jaypee University of Information Technology)
    Startup: A mental health platform offering therapy, meditation, and emotional wellness tools.
  7. Afforda (BITS Pilani – Pilani & Goa Campuses)
    Startup: Pay-as-you-stay hotel model offering hourly booking options for travelers.
  8. MemoTag (Masters’ Union, ISB Hyderabad)
    Startup: Wearable device offering smart, real-time caregiving support for dementia patients.
  9. Shakti Group (Chitkara University)
    Startup: AI-based disaster response tech using thermal imaging, LiDAR, and live 3D mapping.
  10. SheSafe India (Madras Christian College, Karunya Institute of Science and Technology)
    Startup: Smart, accessible panic-alert system ensuring safety for women and children.

 The Sheatwork Award was conferred upon Team Vitality from Government Polytechnic Jehanabad, Bihar. Their startup, Vitality, is creating a portable support system to help women manage PCOD and PCOS symptoms, empowering menstrual health awareness from the grassroots level.

Beyond student awards, CYI 2025 also recognized key contributors to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem including Entrepreneurship Catalyst Awards (Presented to colleges fostering student entrepreneurship), Innovation Evangelist Awards (Recognizing faculty mentors guiding student innovators), E-Cell Awards (Honouring top-performing student entrepreneurship clubs). Collectively 50 teams were felicitated as part of the CYI 2025 to motivate spirit of entrepreneurship in youngsters.

Top 10 student startups during CYI 2025 showcased bold, impact-driven innovations — from self-heating meal kits and low-carbon footwear to AI-powered rescue bots and digital mental health platforms. Standout ideas included Heat & Eat’s fire-free food box for travelers, GFoot’s sustainable shoe soles from IIT Delhi, Neuroxo Labs’ affordable prosthetic arm, and ReZen’s all-in-one wellness app. Whether redefining safety with SheSafe, empowering caregiving through MemoTag, or reimagining hospitality with Afforda, these ventures reflect the creativity, compassion, and technological prowess of India’s youth.

Over 5,000 Screened as Ujala Cygnus Drives Kidney Health Awareness in Kanpur & UP Assembly

Delhi, Apr 9, 2025: Ujala Cygnus Kulwanti Hospital, Kanpur, in collaboration with Noble Hospital, Kanpur, successfully concluded their month-long Kidney Health Screening Campaign at the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. This impactful campaign, which commenced on March 1, 2025, has screened over 5,000 individuals across various locations in and around Kanpur, besides the UP Assembly in Lucknow, raising crucial awareness about kidney health and the early detection of kidney diseases.

 On its concluding day, the campaign facilitated 250 kidney health screenings at the UP Legislative Assembly, where staff members, delegates, and other guests underwent free diagnostic tests assessing their kidney function and metabolic health. The initiative aimed to emphasize the importance of proactive healthcare and early detection, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where kidney disease remains a significant public health concern.

 Dr. Yuvraj Gulati, a Nephrologist and Kidney Disease Specialist at Ujala Cygnus Kulwanti Hospital and Noble Hospital spearheaded this initiative with his team of medical professionals. He emphasized the urgent need for greater kidney health awareness and the role of preventive healthcare measures in reducing the burden of kidney disease in India.

 “Kidney disease is often a silent ailment that progresses unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. Through this campaign, our goal was to educate people about the significance of routine health screenings and lifestyle modifications to prevent kidney-related complications. The response has been overwhelming, and we are committed to continuing our efforts in promoting kidney health awareness,” said Dr. Yuvraj Gulati.

 Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder & Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, expressed: “At Ujala Cygnus, we believe that quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a basic right for every individual—irrespective of where they live. This campaign is a reflection of our commitment to taking preventive care to the grassroots. By reaching over 5,000 people, including those who shape public policy, we’ve taken a meaningful step toward building a healthier Uttar Pradesh. We will continue to lead such impactful initiatives across underserved regions.”

 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing concern in India, with millions of individuals unknowingly suffering from impaired kidney function due to diabetes, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. This campaign aimed to bridge the gap in early detection and treatment by bringing healthcare directly to the community.

 The free-of-charge screenings conducted throughout March reached various communities, educational institutions, corporate offices, and public spaces in and around Kanpur. The initiative not only provided valuable diagnostic services but also educated participants about healthy dietary habits, hydration, and risk factors associated with kidney disease.

 The event at the UP Legislative Assembly was particularly significant as it ensured that lawmakers, administrative personnel, and government officials—who play a vital role in shaping healthcare policies—received firsthand experience of the importance of kidney health awareness. The success of this campaign highlights the importance of regular health check-ups and proactive healthcare initiatives in curbing the rising incidence of kidney diseases.

 Ujala Cygnus Group remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality, accessible, and preventive healthcare solutions to the people, especially in North India. This campaign is part of a larger continuum of efforts under the Ujala Cygnus umbrella, which regularly conducts such initiatives not only in major cities but also in smaller towns and remote villages.
Through its focused approach to last-mile healthcare delivery—reaching patients in underserved or hard-to-reach areas with essential services and medical supplies—the hospital group addresses challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited access to care.

 By delivering tertiary-level healthcare to tier 2 and 3 cities under a holistic, inclusive model, Ujala Cygnus is actively working to bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide and improve health outcomes at the grassroots level.

Flipkart to Launch Alcatel’s ‘Make in India’ Smartphones via E-commerce & Quick Commerce

India, April 09, 2025: Alcatel, the French consumer technology brand, today announced its strategic retail partnership with Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce marketplaces. Through this collaboration, Alcatel will launch its latest range of smartphones on both Flipkart’s main platform and its quick commerce arm, FK Minutes.

This partnership emphasizes Alcatel’s commitment to democratizing technology and strengthening its footprint in the Indian market. The brand’s “Make in India” smartphones will combine premium innovation, stylish French design targeting digitally savvy consumers across metros, Tier II, and Tier III cities.

As part of its ongoing commitment to delivering patented, next-generation technology experiences to the Indian youth, Alcatel is combining its global innovation expertise with Flipkart’s extensive e-commerce network to introduce a new era of smartphones in India. With a digital-first approach, Alcatel is well-positioned to meet the dynamic needs of today’s tech-savvy consumers—especially the rapidly expanding youth segment across urban and non-urban regions. This strategic collaboration enables Alcatel to reach users nationwide and deliver cutting-edge technology that resonates with modern lifestyles.

Mr. Atul Vivek, Chief Business Officer, said:

As we chart our path forward, our vision is to build a complete ecosystem of products that deliver a truly connected and unified experience for Indian consumers. We are enthusiastic about our upcoming launches and the steady expansion of our footprint in the Indian market. This strategic partnership with Flipkart is instrumental in bringing that vision to life. Leveraging Flipkart’s expansive reach and deep market insights, we aim to offer high-quality products backed by a reliable, seamless after-sales service, ensuring an elevated consumer experience across the country.

Mr. Ansh Rathi, Chief Operating Officer, added:

We are proud to join hands with Flipkart to bring world-class quality and service to Indian consumers. This collaboration marks a significant step in elevating the smartphone experience by introducing feature-rich, premium devices at compelling price points. At Alcatel, our commitment lies in creating a seamless, connected ecosystem across devices and platforms. Guided by our core philosophy of delivering exceptional product experiences, we believe Flipkart’s vast network will help us build strong, meaningful connections with the youth across both urban and emerging markets in India.

Alcatel is committed to building a strong, nationwide service infrastructure to deliver fast, dependable support to consumers—no matter where they are in India. Looking ahead, the brand is set to expand its product portfolio with a vision to create a fully integrated consumer tech ecosystem. With a range of connected devices on the horizon, Alcatel aims to offer a seamless, elevated experience across multiple touchpoints in the lives of modern Indian consumers.

Gujarat Titans Onboard Finkeda as Their Digital Payments Ally

Hyderabad- 09, April, 2025: Finkeda, a leading digital banking and fintech solutions company announces its association with Gujarat Titans. Finkeda, also known as Ikeda, brings their financial expertise under this strategic partnership with Gujarat Titans, who has a proven streak in the high-octane cricket league. This adds to the vision of the Gujarat Titans in ensuring an all-round seamless experience to its growing global fan base.

The partnership is part of Gujarat Titans’ efforts to ramp up fan engagement initiatives with ease of access in mind. As an official partner, Finkeda will bolster efforts to bring financial innovation and convenience to tier 2, tier 3 and tier 4 cities. In reaching out to a wider audience through their association with Gujarat Titans, Finkeda aims to create greater awareness about their innovative digital banking solutions.

Colonel Arvinder Singh, COO of Gujarat Titans, said, “This association with Finkeda aligns with our larger goal of broadening avenues for seamless user experience. With their expertise in fintech and digital financial solutions, GT fans are up for some exciting new opportunities to know finances better. We are hopeful that this will add up to an enriching overall experience combined with the excitement of play.”

Mr. Manish Kumar Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director at Finkeda, said, “Gujarat Titans have shown the country and the world that it is possible to be a disruptor despite being new and competing with established players. It is a proud moment for all of us at Finkeda to be a sponsor of Gujarat Titans, a team that has created such a huge impact in such little time. We share their passion and motivation to win and believe that every individual and business, regardless of where they are located in India, deserve access to efficient and state-of-the-art fintech solutions.”

Since its inception in 2019, Finkeda has not only grown its user base, but has also expanded its operations to include digital payment solutions, cash withdrawal, Domestic Money Transfer, Aadhar Banking, Micro ATM, Utility Bill Payment, Travel and Insurance investments such as Mutual Funds, Non-convertible Debentures, P2P Lending, among others. Finkeda is a rapidly growing, one-stop destination for essential financial services and digital banking needs of urban as well as rural India.

Gujarat Titans’ growing popularity in the league is expected to give an increased visibility to Finkeda, which will bring it closer to its goal of educating consumers in far reaches of the country regarding the benefits of cutting-edge fintech services. This association is likely to help Finkeda penetrate previously untapped markets and drive greater levels of engagement with its target audience.

West Bengal’s Pranjal Nadhani Secures Rs11 Cr for Cautio, Months After Rs6.3 Cr Raise

Kolkata, April 2025: Cautio, an AI-powered video telematics startup dedicated to making India’s roads the safest in the world, has raised ₹11 crore as part of its ongoing seed round. The round saw participation from 9Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, Antler India, Infynite.club, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) through PIEDS – BITS Pilani and CARS24 Founders – Gajendra Jangid and Vikram Chopra. The raise also saw strong backing from early customers and industry leaders who believe in technology’s life-saving potential and Cautio’s mission.

 Every day in India, millions of families wait anxiously for their loved ones to return home safely. For commercial drivers, fleet operators, and logistics companies, road safety isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a matter of survival. Understanding the need of the hour, Cautio is on a mission to help reduce accidents proactively, prevent financial losses for fleet operators, and ensure everyone returns home safely.

 “We often hear about accidents and incidents, but what we don’t hear are the voices of those who suffer – families who lose their only breadwinner, children who wait for parents who never return, and drivers who are blamed for incidents beyond their control,” said Pranjal Nadhani, Co-founder & CTO at Cautio. “With AI-driven video telematics, we are changing this narrative. We are giving fleet operators, drivers, and passengers a chance to be safer, more responsible, and more accountable on the road,” added Pranjal.

 With its advanced video telematics platform, Cautio has enabled over 3 crore kilometers of safe travel and safeguarded 16 lakh+ trips, reducing risks, enhancing accountability, and optimizing operations. Trusted by top mobility and logistics providers like Shoffr, Euro Cars, Namma Yatri, IITs, Cityflo, etc., Cautio ensures safer and more efficient journeys daily. Operating in 35+ cities across India, Cautio has also delivered over 50 crore location data points through its APIs – thus equipping businesses with real-time insights for smarter, data-driven fleet management.

 “For fleet operators and drivers, every trip carries responsibility – not just for the safety of the passengers and the cargo but also for the lives of the drivers and the pedestrians on the road. With Cautio, we help them ensure that every journey is not just completed but completed safely,” added Ankit Acharya, Co-founder & CEO of Cautio.

 Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder & Managing Director, 9Unicorns & Venture Catalyst said- “At 9Unicorns and Venture Catalyst, we believe in backing visionary startups that leverage technology to solve real-world challenges. Cautio is addressing one of India’s most pressing concerns – road safety – by integrating AI-powered video telematics into mobility solutions. Their approach has the potential to significantly reduce accidents, improve fleet efficiency, and save lives. We are excited to support their journey as they scale and bring safer roads to millions.”

 Nitin Sharma, Partner at Antler, emphasized the critical role of AI in transforming road safety: “As investors, we are excited to support founders like Ankit and Pranjal, who are leveraging cutting-edge AI to make road safety more accessible and cost-effective. Cautio goes beyond just data collection – it transforms insights into action, improving driver behavior, enhancing safety, and laying the foundation for autonomous mobility. Road safety in India is a massive challenge, with uncertainty and risk affecting millions daily. Cautio’s AI-driven technology empowers fleet operators and drivers to proactively take control of safety rather than merely react to accidents. We are proud to back their mission to make Indian roads safer.”

 Vikram Chopra and Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founders, CARS24, said: “Most tech chases efficiency. Cautio is chasing something harder, consequence. In India, road safety isn’t broken because we lack vehicles or infrastructure. It’s broken because accountability is invisible. Cautio’s AI makes it visible , in real time, where it actually changes how people drive. We believe this is a big lever for impact. At CARS24, we believe better drives lead to better lives. Cautio is building the kind of system that makes both possible. We are excited to see a (safer) road ahead.”

  Ankita Tandon and Joylita Saldanha – Founders, Infinyte Club said: “Cautio’s founders aren’t just building technology; they’re solving a massive infrastructure gap – making Indian roads safer with AI at the wheel. Their ability to blend video telematics, behavioral insights, and proactive safety measures is exactly the kind of purposeful innovation we love to back at Infinyte Club.”

 With this funding, Cautio aims to expand its technology across India, strengthen its AI capabilities, and work closely with fleets to build a culture of proactive safety. Every step taken towards preventing accidents today means fewer tragedies tomorrow – and that is the mission Cautio is dedicated to achieving

FTCCI Hosts Interactive Session with DGP Dr. Jitender on Modernizing Vigilance and Safety

Hyderabad, April 8, 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) is set to host an interactive session with Dr. Jitender, Director General of Police, Telangana State, on April 9, 2025, at 3:30 PM at FTCCI’s Surana Auditorium.

The theme of the session is “Innovation for Better Vigilance and Public Safety.” This dialogue aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the business community by fostering collaborative approaches toward enhanced vigilance and public security.

Key Focus Areas:

  •  Innovative vigilance mechanisms
  • Technological interventions in modern policing
  • Security challenges in today’s business environment
  • Strengthening public-private sector collaboration

The session will be graced by Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President, FTCCI, R. Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President, K.K. Maheshwari, Vice President, and Ajay Kumar Agarwal, Chair – PR Committee, among other distinguished members.

This vital interaction is expected to bring valuable insights into evolving strategies for a safer and more secure society.

Medical Breakthrough Paves Way for New Understanding of Rare Disorders

The groundbreaking study, which was published in Nature and involved Newcastle University, used a novel analytical technique to pinpoint the genetic foundation of uncommon diseases, potentially leading to more patient diagnoses and the creation of novel therapeutic interventions. Globally, between 4% and 6% of people suffer from rare diseases. Even after genome sequencing, up to 80% of persons with uncommon diseases go undetected due to a lack of knowledge about the genetic variants that could cause the condition, despite advancements in genetic testing.

 An international team of researchers has created rare variant gene burden analysis, an analytical framework for determining the genetic aetiology of Mendelian disorders (mutations in a single gene), to address the problem. The framework was then applied to 34,851 individuals and their family members’ genomic records (a total of 72,690 genomes) from Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project.

 The study found genetic variations in 69 genes that were previously thought to be linked to rare diseases. In 30 of these instances, the innovative approach’s accuracy was confirmed by the new genetic discoveries being corroborated by pre-existing experimental data. The newly identified genetic variations for rare forms of diabetes, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) illness, and anterior segment ocular abnormalities were, crucially, backed by the strongest overall genetic and experimental data.

 John Sayer, Clinical Professor of Renal Medicine at Newcastle University and Consultant Nephrologist at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, stated: “Newcastle has established itself as a global leader in rare disease research, continually advancing genomic medicine to identify new genetic causes and enhance diagnostic and treatment strategies for rare conditions. Our study demonstrates how we are harnessing the power of genetics to improve patient outcomes.”

 Recruitment of patients for the rare disease component of the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project was greatly aided by Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals.

 Neil Rajan, Professor of Dermatogenetics at Newcastle University and Consultant Dermatologist at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “For patients with rare diseases lacking a known genetic cause, this research highlights how large-scale national genome sequencing projects can provide crucial answers. The ‘diagnostic odyssey’ remains a significant challenge for the rare disease community, and identifying new genes is an essential step toward improving diagnosis and outcomes for these patients.”

 To find individuals who would benefit from the trial, Newcastle University’s established Rare Diseases Centre and expertise in genetics and clinical genomics were essential. The project team recruited patients and gathered a lot of clinical data by working directly with patients and their families.

 The study’s principal author, Damian Smedley, a professor of computational genomics at Queen Mary University of London, commented, “The 100,000 Genomes Project data has provided a singular chance to illustrate the clinical utility of extensive statistical techniques in rare illness research. Finding novel genetic connections and ending the diagnostic journey that many patients with rare diseases and their families must endure are made possible by this strategy.”