All posts by team

MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts has appointed Varun Mehrotra as Assistant Vice President – Sales & Marketing at its Corporate Office. With over 23 years of experience in sales leadership, strategic marketing, brand positioning, revenue optimization, and market expansion, Varun brings a wealth of expertise that will play a crucial role in strengthening the brand’s market presence, accelerating revenue growth, and driving impactful sales and marketing initiatives across its portfolio of 18 luxury resorts in 8 states.

 His career in hospitality began with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognized luxury brand, and he has since contributed to shaping sales and marketing strategies for some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including The Leela, Zuri Hotels & Resorts Ltd, Ista Hotels, Accor Group Fairmont Jaipur & Khyathi Solutions. His expertise in analyzing market trends, optimizing revenue streams, and strategically positioning brands has consistently resulted in sustained business growth and a competitive edge.

 In his new role at MAYFAIR, Varun will lead the development and execution of a performance-driven sales and marketing strategy, focusing on expanding market reach, optimizing sales channels, and leveraging data-driven insights for performance marketing. He will play a key role in strengthening high-revenue segments such as MICE and destination weddings, fostering strategic alliances, and enhancing brand positioning. Additionally, he will drive digital transformation and innovative marketing campaigns to accelerate long-term profitability.

 Recognized for his strategic thinking and results-driven approach, Varun’s leadership will be instrumental in scaling MAYFAIR’s commercial success and reinforcing its position as a premier luxury hospitality brand. His appointment marks an exciting new phase of growth, agility, and competitive excellence as MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts continues to expand and solidify its market leadership.

MUMBAI, India, 28 March 2025—Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, released the 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, which found that threat actors are now evolving their tactics, moving beyond traditional ransomware and data theft to focus on business disruption, AI-assisted attacks, and insider threats. According to the report, almost half of the security incidents (44%) involved a web browser.

 The Indian government recently revealed that cyber fraud cases jumped over four-fold in FY2024, causing US$ 20 million (177 crores) in losses. These cases have varied from deepfake scams, and voice cloning scams, to phishing scams and more, causing loss of important data along with fiscal troubles.

 Recognising the dire need for stronger cybersecurity defence, the Indian government allocated over 1,900 crores for cybersecurity initiatives and projects in the Union Budget 2025, a whopping increase of 18% as compared to 1,600 crores allocated in the last budget.

 As financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies across the globe face an unprecedented and ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, regional regulators are strengthening Zero Trust frameworks, adopting AI-powered security solutions, and enforcing stricter compliance measures.

 The shift from financial extortion to full-scale business disruption means enterprises must rethink their cyber defences before an attack happens, particularly in sectors that rely on cloud and third-party vendors.

 The 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, which analysed hundreds of major cyber incidents, aims to highlight how the increased sophistication of malicious actors is amplifying the challenges faced by businesses worldwide.

 Key findings of the 2025 Unit 42 Incident Response Report include:

•  Operational Disruption as a Primary Goal: Attackers are prioritising sabotage over data theft, aiming to cripple businesses and maximize extortion. In 2024, 86% of incidents led to operational downtime or reputational damage.
• Surge in Insider Threats Linked to North Korea: Cases tripled in 2024, with operatives targeting contract-based technical roles at major tech firms, financial services, media, and government defense contractors. Advanced techniques, including hardware-based KVM-over-IP devices and Visual Studio Code tunneling, make detection more challenging.
• Accelerated Data Exfiltration: Attackers are exfiltrating data three times faster than in 2021, with 25% of cases seeing data stolen within five hours, and nearly 20% occurring in under an hour.
• Expanded Attack Surfaces: 70% of incidents involved three or more attack vectors, underscoring the need for comprehensive security across endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and human vulnerabilities. Web browsers remain a weak link, facilitating 44% of attacks via phishing, malicious redirects, and malware downloads.
• Phishing Resurges as Top Entry Point: 23% of attacks began with phishing, overtaking vulnerabilities as the leading attack vector. GenAI has made phishing campaigns more scalable, sophisticated, and difficult to detect.

 “Cyber criminals targeting organisations in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region are no longer just stealing data, they are actively taking down entire operations,” said Philippa Cogswell, Vice President and Managing Partner, Unit 42, Asia-Pacific & Japan, Palo Alto Networks. “Traditional approaches to cybersecurity are no longer sufficient in addressing the visibility gaps and complexity challenges that organisations face today. To stay ahead of evolving threats, businesses must adopt AI-driven, automated security solutions that can outpace adversaries and provide comprehensive real-time protection.”

 “We have observed a notable rise in cyberattacks as threat actors increasingly adopt automation, RaaS models, and GenAI to streamline their campaigns. These tools allow attackers to rapidly identify vulnerabilities, create realistic phishing tricks and launch large-scale attacks faster, that aren’t just causing data theft but making business disruption their primary goal,” said Huzefa Motiwala, Senior Director, Technical Solutions, India and SAARC, Palo Alto Networks. “Organisations must adopt AI-powered security solutions to keep up with modern threats, recognising the urgent need to fight AI with AI.”

Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix brings together the best of high-end eyewear craftsmanship with advanced optical technology. Discerning customers can now access an unparalleled range of luxury brands.

When it comes to luxury eyewear, few destinations in India match the exclusivity and craftsmanship offered by Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix. Known for its premium curation of global designer labels and cutting-edge vision technology, Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix has redefined luxury eyewear shopping, making it the ultimate one-stop destination for connoisseurs of style and innovation.

With a discerning eye for timeless craftsmanship and avant-garde designs, the boutique brings some of the most coveted international eyewear brands exclusively to India, offering a seamless blend of fashion and functionality.

Here’s a curated list of five luxury eyewear brands available only at Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix:

1. Linda Farrow

A pioneer in luxury eyewear since the 1970s, Linda Farrow is synonymous with bold, timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship. The brand’s statement sunglasses and optical frames exude glamour, making them a favourite among fashion icons.

2. T Henri

Handcrafted in Japan with meticulous attention to detail, T Henri represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury eyewear. The brand’s limited-edition frames combine architectural design with the finest materials, offering exclusivity like no other.

3. Maybach Eyewear

Inspired by the world of luxury automobiles, Maybach Eyewear blends opulence and precision. Crafted from rare materials like 18-carat gold, buffalo horn, and titanium, each pair is a testament to timeless elegance.

4. Jacquemus

Known for its playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, Jacquemus eyewear brings a modern, fashion-forward edge to luxury sunglasses. The brand’s unconventional shapes and vibrant colours make it a must-have for trendsetters.

5. Miu Miu

A perfect balance of femininity and boldness, Miu Miu eyewear blends vintage glamour with contemporary style. With oversized frames and distinctive embellishments, the brand is a favourite among the fashion elite.

From timeless classics to avant-garde creations, Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix is where luxury meets innovation, offering an unparalleled eyewear experience that caters to both vision and style.

New Delhi, 28 March 2025: inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has rolled out the ‘Driver of the Month’ initiative in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. The initiative, which is being rolled out from March 1 to March 31, encourages driver partners to take more rides with inDrive and get rewards. The month-long initiative will reward three winners in each category- Cab, Moto and Autorickshaw in every city- Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi in addition to 15 consolation prizes in each category per city.

“We owe to the contribution of our driver partners for excellent service. The initiative aligns with our commitment to celebrating the achievements of our valued driver partners. It will motivate them to take more rides with inDrive and augment their earnings as well, said Pratip Mazumder, Country Manager-India, inDrive.

“As a people-centric company, fair pricing and low service fees are our salient features. Mumbai is a key market for us due to its strategic location, commercial and business importance, robust infrastructure coupled with good passenger love we are seeing in the city. Our lean business structure aids us in having a ‘low fee’ model in place, which fosters transparency and reduces the need for high commissions and excessive surge pricing,” he added.

“Over the past few years, we’ve worked closely with our drivers to identify opportunities to make the platform more favorable for them through continuous feedback. This initiative adds to our continued commitment to supporting our driver community and helping them achieve both their professional and personal goals. We believe in offering a platform where drivers can earn based on their choices and be rewarded for their efforts,” said Saurabh Jain, Country Driver Operations Lead, India.

inDrive has pioneered the ‘Set your Fare and Choose your Driver’ in India. This model allows passengers to decide the price, driver, and type of vehicle, irrespective of the smartphone model, battery time, and other parameters. This is unlike other ride-hailing services, where AI models and algorithms determine pricing.

India, 28 March 2025: Sprite, the iconic lemon and lime-flavored beverage, is back with ‘Joke in a Bottle’ (JIAB) and this time, it’s bringing the sound of comedy with it! This season, the campaign takes a leap by blending playful melodies, quirky beats, and surprise twists to create an all-new, laugh-out-loud experience.

Comedy has emerged as a major passion point for young adults, with social media and meme culture leading the way in shaping the next generation of humor in India. Sprite’s teen forward and meme-centric comedy campaign is now entering its third season, equipped with a comprehensive strategy to deliver localized, pincode-specific humor to consumers across the country.

The season is expanding horizons from just jokes to multiple formats of comedy sprawling across memes, sketches, reels and clips. Sprite has partnered with social media’s favourite viral and acclaimed creator Yashraj Mukhate to craft his signature comedic soundscape that adds an unexpected rhythm to humor. From laugh tracks to catchy punchlines, this unique audio element promises to set a new standard for how brands use music to enhance storytelling.

Bringing fresh, exclusive content directly to Sprite consumers, Joke in a Bottle will feature 120 of India’s top content creators. Consumers can simply scan a QR code to unlock comedic skits that turn everyday stressors into entertainment, all infused with this refreshing new sound of comedy.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Senior Category Director, Sparkling Flavors, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Sprite’s ‘Joke in a Bottle’ is a seamless fusion of Gen Z subcultures, offering a witty and fun perspective on the daily routines of youth. Through Yashraj’s creative brilliance, we have transformed content into a sensory experience—one that transcends traditional viewing, allowing consumers to feel and share it through a unique audible. This bold, playful reimagining of refreshment in a sonic avatar ensures Sprite remains at the forefront of trends, perfectly aligned with the passions of our consumers.”

Expressing his excitement, Yashraj Mukhate said, “Sprite has always been effortlessly cool, and this season of Joke in a Bottle brings that vibe to life in a whole new way. We’ve mixed playful beats with comedy to create something fresh and fun. It’s the kind of twist that makes you smile before you even hear the punchline.”

With its signature crisp taste and refreshing perspective, Sprite has always been a brand that adds a spark to everyday moments. JIAB Season 3 takes this forward, proving that humor—like refreshment—is best enjoyed with an unexpected twist. The campaign will roll out across TV, digital, and outdoor platforms, bringing Sprite’s playful vibe to audiences across the country. So, grab a Sprite, scan the bottle, and get ready for a season filled with ultimate ‘Thand Rakh’ moments!

[National, March 27th, 2025]: 90+ My Tuition App, a leader in school-aligned online tuition for CBSE students, has announced the expansion of its innovative Personalised Chapter Model (PCM) across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to address growing educational needs in the region’s CBSE tuition sector. With an increasing number of Indian students in the GCC, the initiative seeks to enhance structured academic support, providing tailored learning experiences that align with school curricula.

The GCC tuition industry, valued at over $100 million, continues to expand as demand for structured and personalized learning solutions grows among the region’s over 3.5 million Indian residents. Parents and students often face challenges such as mismatched chapter sequences between school and tuition centers, lack of individualized attention in classrooms, and conceptual gaps in fast-paced learning environments. The PCM model has been designed to bridge these gaps, offering a structured, chapter-wise approach to learning that adapts to students’ academic requirements.

As of now, the company has established its presence in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah, Dubai, Qatar, KSA, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. “As education evolves, students require tuition solutions that go beyond traditional methods,” said Mr. Smijay Gokuldaas, CEO of 90+ My Tuition App. “The PCM model leverages personalized, chapter-based learning to help students master concepts at their own pace while staying aligned with their school curriculum.”

With a projected revenue target of $5 million in the CBSE tuition segment, 90+ Tuition aims to play a pivotal role in transforming the way students across the GCC engage with their studies. This initiative follows the company’s recent expansion efforts, including the launch of a physical office in Doha to provide localized support for CBSE students. The expansion underscores the company’s commitment to making high-quality, accessible, and curriculum-aligned tuition a standard for CBSE students in the region.

Tembo Global Industries Limited, a prominent player in the industrial sector with expertise in engineering mechanics, design, and project execution, is pleased to announce that the Company has been declared the L1 bidder for subcontracting work at one of the largest water treatment plant projects in North India.

This prestigious project, funded by the World Bank, is estimated to be worth ₹1500 crores, will see Tembo Global Industries receiving a substantial portion of the overall project expenditure. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was successfully held on 6th December 2024, marking the beginning of this ambitious initiative. Tembo Global Industries’ selection as the L1 bidder is a testament to its technical expertise, capabilities, and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

Commenting on this significant development, Managing Director of Tembo Global Industries, Mr. Sanjay J. Patel said: “We are honoured to have been selected for this prestigious project. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results and contributing to the success of this critical infrastructure project. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our team for their relentless pursuit of excellence and to our partners for their trust and collaboration. Together, we embark on this journey to innovate and execute solutions that will significantly contribute to the advancement of water treatment infrastructure in the region.”

Incorporated in 2010, Tembo Global Industries stands as a prominent entity in the industrial sector, specializing in the production and assembly of metal components for Pipe Support Systems, Fasteners, Anchors, HVAC, Anti-Vibration Systems, and Equipment for a range of installations including industrial, commercial, utility, and OEM. The company also engages in the trade of metal products that complement its manufacturing operations. The Company is a fabrication and installation specialist in ductile pipes, HDB pipes and fittings, and MS plate. Its products are certified and approved by Underwriter’s Laboratory Inc. (USA) and FM Approval (USA) for Fire Sprinkler System Installations. As an export-driven enterprise, Tembo has earned the distinction of a 2 Star Export House. In 2023, Tembo ventured into the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracting arena, securing orders from prestigious infrastructure clients. Additionally, the Company has interests in the textile trading market. In 2024, the Company further diversified into manufacturing of defence products and entered into solar power.

Hyderabad 28th March 2025 : Blaupunkt, a global pioneer in audio technology, proudly announces the launch of the Atomik Trek, the world’s first truly compact party speaker. This revolutionary product challenges the conventional notion that party speakers must be bulky, stationary devices by delivering exceptional sound quality and features in a portable, go-anywhere design.

Party speakers have always been big and bulky, confined to a single location and limiting the spontaneity that makes gatherings memorable, but the Atomik Trek changes all that by combining powerful performance with true portability.

The Atomik Trek’s thoughtfully designed cylindrical form includes an integrated grab handle, making it easy to transport to any location. Despite its compact size, this powerhouse delivers an impressive 25 True Watts– not an inflated specification, but genuine audio power available whenever needed. The dual Hyper Drive speakers with metal cores work in harmony with full-sized radiators to produce crystal-clear audio with substantial bass response, ensuring every note is reproduced with exceptional clarity and accuracy.

Blaupunkt has engineered the Atomik Trek with an IPX5 rating to withstand splashes and dust. Its durable construction can handle the inevitable bumps and knocks that come with outdoor use, making it the perfect companion for beach parties, camping trips, and backyard gatherings. Its 2400mAh battery exemplifies Blaupunkt’s commitment to practical innovation. This efficient power source charges quickly and discharges slowly, operating at optimal temperatures to maximize playtime and eliminate “battery anxiety” during extended use.

The speaker features dynamic neon light rings on both sides. These programmable lights offer various effects in mood-enhancing colors that complement any atmosphere. Connectivity options abound with the latest Bluetooth technology, TWS capability, FM radio, USB, TF card slot, and auxiliary input. The built-in microphone enhances the speaker’s versatility, transforming group video calls and chats into immersive experiences where distant participants feel present in the room.

This latest addition to the company’s prestigious lineup maintains the signature sound quality and reliability that consumers worldwide have come to expect from the Blaupunkt name. The Atomik Trek is available immediately through Blaupunkt’s authorized retailers and online channels.

India | 28th March 2025: Neon Cloud, a next-generation cloud computing platform, today announced its official launch in India, redefining the way businesses access and leverage cloud infrastructure. Designed to simplify, scale, and accelerate innovation, Neon Cloud will deliver high-performance, low-cost, and enterprise-grade solutions for startups, SMBs, and enterprises. Backed by over 30 years of IT expertise through its parent company, Progression, Neon Cloud is a seamless blend of enterprise-grade robustness and startup-driven agility. With a state-of-the-art data centre in Gurgaon and a proven history of hosting multiple SAP customers, the brand brings unmatched reliability and performance to the Indian cloud ecosystem.

Aiming to make technology simpler, more powerful, and truly independent, Neon Cloud is designed as an intuitive, all-in-one cloud platform. This will eliminate the complexities of managing multiple providers, giving businesses complete control over their cloud infrastructure. With a strong focus on flexibility and freedom, the platform will ensure businesses are not locked into restrictive ecosystems, allowing seamless scalability, enhanced security, and optimized performance. Furthermore, the brand also plans to expand to the APAC region this year, marking a significant milestone in its global growth strategy.

Speaking on the India launch, Mr Sarthak Hooda, Founder & CEO at Neon Cloud, said: “We are thrilled to bring Neon Cloud to the Indian market. With the accelerating digital transformation in the country, businesses need powerful, high-value cloud solutions to scale without limitations. Neon Cloud is designed to eliminate complexity, reduce costs, and provide cutting-edge enterprise technology—without vendor lock-ins or hidden pricing. Our mission is to empower businesses with the tools they need to innovate and grow effortlessly. The launch in India marks a significant step towards making world-class cloud infrastructure more accessible and efficient.”

Neon Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of scalable cloud services, including high-performance virtual machines, Kubernetes for seamless container orchestration, and Cloud GPU services set to be launched soon. With additional offerings like block storage, object storage, secure backups, virtual private cloud, cloud firewall, and load balancing, the platform ensures businesses have access to robust cloud solutions tailored to their evolving needs.

A key differentiator for Neon Cloud is its commitment towards cloud independence, eliminating vendor lock-ins that often restrict businesses. Mr. Arun Sharma, CBO Neon Cloud further leads the brand, assures that unlike traditional cloud providers, the brand empowers businesses with complete control over their infrastructure, allowing them to scale seamlessly without being locked into proprietary ecosystems or hidden costs. The platform is also built for efficiency, enabling businesses to save significantly compared to other cloud providers or hyperscalers while still receiving premium features with unmatched flexibility.

The brand will also offer highly secure cloud infrastructure, supported by a 27/4 Network Operations Center (NOC) and a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), ensuring robust monitoring and security. With a team that has over 13 years of experience managing critical applications on the cloud, businesses can rely on brand’s expertise for seamless cloud operations.

India – March 28, 2025– Bounteous, a leading global digital transformation consultancy, announced the appointment of Sudarshan Mandayam as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025, following the successful completion of its merger with Accolite Digital. This leadership transition signals a new chapter in Bounteous’ journey – focused on delivering lasting client impact through Co-Innovation, deeper client partnerships, and execution at scale.

Mandayam has extensive global leadership experience across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions, having held senior roles at industry leaders such as Cognizant, Infosys, L&T Infotech, JPMorgan, and Citi. He brings a proven track record of driving growth, scaling businesses, leading digital transformation initiatives, and delivering measurable client outcomes through high-performing teams. Most recently serving as President, Americas at Bounteous, Mandayam played a pivotal role in integrating the merged company, sharpening the company’s strategic focus, aligning teams, and advancing its ability to deliver differentiated digital solutions.

“I am honored to lead Bounteous into its next phase of growth,” said Sudarshan Mandayam. “As AI and digital technologies rapidly reshape every industry, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients transform with speed and purpose – combining strategy, experience innovation, and AI-driven execution to deliver measurable, lasting impact.”

Mandayam succeeds Keith Schwartz, Co-Founder and former CEO of Bounteous and Leela Kaza, Founder and former CEO of Accolite Digital. Schwartz and Kaza jointly led the merged company for the past fourteen months as Co-CEOs and will assume new roles as Vice Chairmen of the Board, where they will continue to support the company’s strategic direction and vision.

“Sudarshan deeply understands the value of Co-Innovation and has already demonstrated an exceptional ability to deliver impact at scale,” said Keith Schwartz. “He leads with clarity and purpose, and his ability to bring together diverse capabilities – across strategy, design, and technology – will ensure Bounteous continues to be the digital transformation partner of choice for leading enterprises.”

“Bounteous stands apart through its ability to create exceptional digital experiences and deliver enterprise-wide technology transformation,” said Leela Kaza. “Sudarshan’s strategic vision and commitment to customer success, blended with sharp operational focus and execution, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the business into the next phase of growth and advance our mission to deliver high-impact solutions to our customers worldwide.”

“Bounteous has redefined how companies Co-Innovate with their partners to stay ahead of disruption,” said Prasad Chintamaneni, Managing Director at New Mountain Capital and Executive Chairman of the Board at Bounteous. “With Sudarshan’s leadership, we’re doubling down on AI-led transformation – bringing together digital strategy, world-class execution, and deep industry expertise, to help our clients compete smarter and lead in an AI-driven world.”