All posts by Neel Achary

Pune, 9th October 2025: Shoppers Stop, India’s premium fashion, beauty, and gifting destination, elevated the festive spirit with the grand unveiling of its Diwali Collection at its Phoenix Mall of Millennium, Store in Wakad, Pune. The launch turned into a celebration of style and togetherness with Tejasswi Prakash, one of television’s most loved actress, joining customers for an exclusive meet & greet.

The festive store was transformed into a hub of colour, lights, and excitement, perfectly capturing the joy of Diwali. From stunning festive wear to statement accessories, dazzling jewellery, and beauty essentials, the new Diwali Collection is designed to make every celebration shine.

Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director & CEO at Shoppers Stop, said, Shoppers Stop has always been the ultimate shopping and gifting destination for our customers. This year’s Diwali Collection has been curated with care to bring together premium brands, festive fashion, and thoughtful gifting options for the entire family. We are delighted that actor Tejasswi Prakash unveiled the collection at our Wakad store, adding sparkle to the festive celebrations and making the launch even more special for our customers in Pune and across India.”

Speaking about the launch, Tejasswi Prakash said: “Diwali is my favourite festival because it’s all about lights, laughter, and love. The Shoppers Stop Diwali Collection is exactly what you need to celebrate in style, and their ‘Gifts of Love’ collection makes finding the perfect gift for your loved ones effortless. It’s elegant, trendy, and has something for every occasion. I loved meeting fans and sharing this festive moment with them. It truly felt like a Diwali celebration inside the store!”

The event was full of festive cheer, fans had the chance to interact with Tejasswi. She explored the new collection, shared her favourite picks, and encouraged everyone to embrace their festive style. With over 500+ premium brands and 120,000+ styles, Shoppers Stop ensures that customers can find everything they need under one roof  from ethnic wear and accessories to home décor and fragrances — making it the ultimate destination for festive shopping.

Journalist-Turned-Poet Garima Mishra’s KavitaKAFE Turns Pune into a Hub of Hindi Poetry and Community Healing

Pune, India, 9 October 2025: Celebrated journalist-turned-poet Garima Mishra is transforming Pune’s cultural landscape with KavitaKAFE, an initiative dedicated to bringing Hindi poetry back into everyday life as a medium of expression, connection, and healing.

Garima’s bond with Hindi began in her childhood, growing up in a North Indian household immersed in the language’s rhythm and soul. Her journalistic career spanning nearly two decades with The Indian Express earned her recognition for empathetic storytelling, including the Express Excellence Award in 2015. Yet her first love—poetry in Hindi—remained a constant inspiration.

In October 2024, Garima founded KavitaKAFE, envisioning a space where poetry could thrive beyond classrooms and anthologies. Partnering with Monalisa Kalagram, a vibrant community arts hub in Pune, KavitaKAFE has grown into a cultural movement, engaging audiences through sessions like Aarambh, Baatcheet, Kavya-Katha, and Suno-Sunao, which bring together participants from diverse professions and generations.

“KavitaKAFE isn’t just about poetry; it’s about fostering empathy, community, and shared experience,” said Garima Mishra. “Through words, music, and performance, we are connecting people and creating spaces where emotions can be expressed freely.”

Expanding its impact, KavitaKAFE launched Healing Verses in March 2025, an outreach program using poetry and music as therapy. The initiative reaches elderly residents at Vrindavan Old-Age Home, cancer patients at Cipla Palliative Care, visually impaired students at Poona Blind School, geriatric patients at Aaji Care, and disabled soldiers at QMTI, providing emotional support and a sense of connection through artistic expression.

Garima’s poetry has garnered international recognition, featuring on Canadian radio CIUT.FM and in Norway-based bilingual magazine Ghudsavar. She has also judged competitions for All India Radio’s Akashvani, performed at open mics, devotional events, and cultural programs across Pune, and is currently working on her debut Hindi poetry book.

In March 2025, Garima was awarded the Pride of Maharashtra Award for her contributions to arts and society, highlighting her role as a cultural leader committed to Hindi language revival and community engagement.

Looking ahead, KavitaKAFE plans to merge poetry with dance, music, books, and visual arts to create immersive experiences for Pune’s literary and artistic community. The next session, Udaan (उड़ान), is scheduled for 2 November 2025 at Monalisa Kalagram, continuing the mission of keeping Hindi poetry expressive and alive.

Hyderabad, 9th October 2025: Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, one of India’s leading edible oil brands, has signed the legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. Rahul Dravid, popularly known as ‘Mr. Dependable’ for his disciplined lifestyle, a reputation of reliability, and consistency which resonates perfectly with Freedom Oils core values of consistent quality, trust, and dependability.

Through this association, Rahul Dravid will feature in innovative campaigns across television, digital, and social media, inspiring families to embrace healthier cooking practices using ‘dependable’ Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil. The brand’s philosophy of ‘Eat Healthy and Live Healthy’ aligns seamlessly with Dravid’s belief in diligence, poise, conscious choices, and balance—values that not only shaped his cricketing career but also guide his personal way of life.

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oil and Rahul Dravid both embody what it means to be truly unique and trustworthy—each inspiring millions in their own right. Just as Dravid’s dedication and quiet resolve earned him the nation’s heart, Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil brings that same spirit into every home, promising purity and nourishment with every drop encouraging people to eat healthy and live an active life.

“I have always believed that discipline and mindful habits are the cornerstones of a fulfilling life. Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil brings those values into the kitchen—inspiring people to lead an active and healthy life, without losing out on taste or nourishment. In my own home, ‘Freedom’ has become a trusted part of our meals, encouraging healthier and happier living. What we eat directly shapes how we feel, and I’m proud to partner with a brand that motivates families to eat consciously and enjoy every bite together,” said Rahul Dravid.

Mr. P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd, added: “We are honoured to welcome Rahul Dravid to the Freedom family. His diligence, balance, and consistency mirror the values we uphold as a brand. We provide oils that are nutritious, light, and flavourful — helping families adopt healthier habits. Rahul’s presence will inspire households across the country to embrace mindful cooking, ensuring that everyday meals become a source of joy, balance, and well-being.”

According to Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, Head Marketing, Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd. “Having Rahul Dravid as the face of Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil is truly special. His dedication, balance, and mindful approach to life perfectly reflect our brand’s philosophy of ‘Eat Healthy and Live Healthy.’ Through this association, we hope to inspire families across India to adopt healthier cooking habits, make conscious choices in the kitchen, and enjoy meals that nourish both body and mind.”

New Delhi, October 09, 2025 – FUJIFILM Corporation today announced the launch of the “FUJIFILM X-E5” (X-E5) in India. Priced at MRP INR 159,999 (Body only), the X-E5 becomes the latest addition to the X Series, combining outstanding image quality with a compact, and lightweight design.

The X-E5 is a lightweight and compact mirrorless digital camera, weighing approximately 445g*1, equipped with the back-illuminated 40.2 megapixel “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR”*2 sensor and the “X-Processor 5” high-speed image processing engine. X-E5 is the first in the camera series that features a powerful five-axis IBIS mechanism offering up to 7.0 stops in the center and 6.0 stops at the periphery*3. This makes it an effortless,” daily carry” that remains adaptable to the most challenging scenarios. For the first time in the X series, the camera features a top-plate crafted solely from machined aluminum. By combining sharp, flat edges with carefully curved surfaces, the top-plate delivers a smooth metallic texture and a high sense of rigidity, offering a premium feel when holding the camera. The new “Classic Display” mode*4 provides a clean viewfinder image with key information at the bottom of the frame. Combined with a body style that allows you to operate the dials and the lever with one hand, you can immerse yourself in image making with the camera to your eye.

Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world.’ With the launch of the FUJIFILM X-E5, we are bringing the perfect balance of classic design, modern innovation, and accessible performance ensuring that both enthusiasts and professionals can immerse themselves in the joy of photography.”

Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director and Head of Digital Camera, instax™ and Optical Devices Division, FUJIFILM India, further added, “The FUJIFILM X-E5 is designed to resonate with the evolving needs of Indian photographers who value style, convenience, and uncompromised image quality. Its intuitive operation, elegant design, and immersive features such as the Classic Display mode and customizable film simulations make it a companion that elevates the creative journey. With this launch, we aim to inspire a new wave of creators across India to rediscover the essence of photography.”

The X-E5 retains the classic style of the X series while embodying an innovative design that pursues elegance. It is equipped with features and operability that inspire the joy of photography. Catering to a wide range of users, from photography enthusiasts to those using a digital camera for the first time, this camera offers the delight of owning a sophisticated tool and the excitement of immersing oneself in the world of photography. 

*1 Including battery and memory card

*2 X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.

*3 Based on CIPA 2024 standards. Yaw/pitch/roll correction performance when equipped with FUJINON XF35mmF1.4 R lens (sold separately) 

*4 Only available on the EVF

Product Features

(1) A product design that embodies a classic yet highly sophisticated presence.For the first time in the X series, the top-plate is carved from a single piece of metal. The distinct tapered design on the rear of the top plate enhances the metallic texture while improving the operability of the dials, ensuring a seamless and comfortable shooting experience.

The newly designed Film Simulation dial features a precision-cut indicator window that minimizes the gap between dial and body for an exact finish. Additionally, you can individually set Film Simulation and image quality settings to the FS1-FS3 positions, allowing you to save your own FS recipes. 

• Refinement is central to every aspect of X-E5’s design. For example, the viewfinder and diopter adjustment control fit flush with the body. By refining vertical and horizontal elements, the design preserves the essence of a traditional camera while exuding a sophisticated presence. 
• A stylish rope-type shoulder strap is included. It complements the sophisticated camera design. 

(2) Features and operability that immerse you in the world through the viewfinder

• Equipped with a retro and minimalist “Classic Display” mode for the EVF, inspired by the old film cameras. The information on the EVF has been simplified as much as possible. Combined with a body style that allows you to operate the dials and the lever with one hand, you can immerse yourself in image making with the camera to your eye. 
• The X-E5 has a new Surround View function that displays the area outside the shooting range as a semi-transparent or line pattern according to the aspect ratio. While looking through the viewfinder, users can easily switch between these two modes using a lever, providing a shooting experience that is similar to an OVF, even though it is an EVF.
• A control lever is mounted on the front of the camera, offering customizable functionality such as switching VIEW MODE, changing aspect ratios, and adjusting the digital teleconverter magnification. This ensures exceptional operability and versatility.

(3) Powerful in-body image stabilization and advanced features for expanded creative possibilities

The detection accuracy of the gyro sensor has been improved, and we also adopted a new algorithm that enhances responsiveness to camera shake. Thanks to the latest technologies, the camera realizes 5-axis compensation performance of up to 7.0 stops at the center and 6.0 stops at the periphery. The compact body is equipped with powerful image stabilization, allowing for comfortable shooting across a wide range of scenarios.

• The camera features a digital teleconverter function that allows 1.4x and 2.0x zoom levels. Equipped with the high-resolution “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor, it enables zooming with minimal loss of image quality, making it versatile for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
• The rear tilting monitor can be flipped upward and forward facing up to 180 degrees, which can accommodate a wide variety of compositions, from high to low angle, as well as selfies.
• The X-E5 is capable of shooting in 6.2K/30P resolution. It features a tracking AF function during video recording, ensuring high-quality and smooth footage.

(4) Equipped with a high-performance sensor and high-speed image processing engine to achieve high image quality and high-performance AF

• The fifth generation of the X series is equipped with the back-illuminated 40.2 megapixel “X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR” sensor. The latest image processing algorithms deliver high resolution while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. 
• Because the improved pixel structure allows more light to be captured efficiently, ISO 125, which was the extended sensitivity in the previous model*5 can be used as the normal sensitivity. In addition, the electronic shutter can be set to a shutter speed of 1/180000 sec. at the fastest, achieving highly precise control of exposure time.
• The X-E5 features an AI-based subject detection AF, developed using deep learning technology to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones*6. 
• The latest AF predictive algorithm provides high tracking performance for moving subjects and high precision AF in low-contrast environments.

New Delhi, October 09, 2025: Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of the 2025 Fall/Winter UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON collection beginning on Friday, October 17th, 2025. This latest collection, inspired by traditional fieldwear, combines design and practicality with classic British style, reimagining winter outfits from a new perspective.

Commenting on the collection, designer Jonathan Anderson said, “This season’s collection updates the British winter wardrobe with ease of styling and universal playfulness. Along with unique items that are distinctively JW ANDERSON, such as utility jackets and ponchos, new warm colors have been added for our signature jeans and oxford shirts.”

Lineup incorporating British outdoor style

The men’s PUFFTECH Utility Jacket features a design inspired by hunting jackets. Men’s corduroy pants with a wide tapered silhouette are accented by a workwear-style front pocket. The women’s poncho has a pleasant feel, and can be used as a blanket, or buttoned to wear as outerwear.

Harmony of functionality and design

The women’s short jacket, made with light, warm, and high-performance PUFFTECH fill, has a cropped length for an on-trend seasonal look. The bicolor herringbone pattern Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater is a genderless item that anyone can enjoy. HEATTECH Socks, a perennial favorite for their coloring and playful designs, are available in a total of five styles and 10 colors.

AFTER A TREMENDOUS RESPONSE TO THE GODFATHER, PVR INOX BRINGS THE ICONIC SEQUEL GODFATHER PART II ON THE BIG SCREEN

India, 9 October 2025:  After the overwhelming audience response to The Godfather’s re-release, PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, is all set to continue the legendary saga with The Godfather Part II, returning to the big screen in a breathtaking 4K restoration in cinemas on Oct 17, 2025 giving movie lovers another chance to relive one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time in theatres. This is a rare opportunity for movie lovers to relive one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time, the way it was meant to be seen in theatres.

The re-release of The Godfather (1972) in September saw an exceptional turnout across metros and key cities, with audiences, both loyal fans and first-time viewers celebrating its return to cinemas. Building on this enthusiasm, PVR INOX now brings the next chapter of Francis Ford Coppola’s magnum opus, The Godfather Part II (1974), which further deepens the saga of the Corleone family with a dual narrative spanning generation. 

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo’s celebrated novel, The Godfather Part II stars Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall, and is widely hailed as one of the few sequels that surpass the brilliance of the original. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film is revered for its sweeping storytelling, powerful performances, and thematic complexity.

Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Ltd, said, “At PVR INOX, we strive to curate meaningful cinematic experiences. The love audiences showed for The Godfather reaffirms our belief that great cinema will always find its audience. We are thrilled about bringing The Godfather Part II back to cinemas in a stunning 4K print. Through such curated showcases, we aim to bridge nostalgia with discovery  giving every generation the chance to experience cinema at its finest.”

Following The Godfather Part II, PVR INOX will complete the trilogy with the re-release of The Godfather Part III on November 14, 2025, giving audiences a rare chance to witness the complete saga unfold on the big screen in close succession.

Screenings will take place at select premium theatres across India. Booking details and theatre listings will be available soon on the official PVR INOX app and website.

Chennai, October 9, 2025: A new report released by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai “Building Entrepreneurial Legacies: Understanding the Role of Family Offices”, reveals that family-owned businesses contribute to nearly 70% of India’s GDP and over 60% of national employment, underscoring their indispensable role in India’s economic growth story.

The report was unveiled at the Family Business Conclave 2025, jointly hosted by Great Lakes Institute of Management and the Madras Management Association (MMA), on the theme “Creating Entrepreneurial Families – The Role of Family Offices.”

The study, authored by Dr Raj Krishnan Shankar, Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Great Lakes, highlights how family offices are emerging as critical enablers for governance, legacy planning, and intergenerational entrepreneurship. With India witnessing a rapid rise in private wealth and generational transitions, family offices are increasingly becoming the nerve centres that balance tradition with transformation.

Key findings from the report include:

• Family-owned businesses contribute 70% of India’s GDP, with projections suggesting this could rise to 80–85% by 2047.
• Family enterprises account for over 60% of national employment, particularly within MSMEs.
• India’s top 300 business families hold a combined net worth of ₹134 lakh crore (US$1.6 trillion), employing over two million people.
• The number of organised family offices in India could cross 1,000 by the next decade, reflecting the increasing need for structured wealth and succession management.

Said Dr Raj Krishnan Shankar, Lead Author of the report and Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Great Lakes Institute of Management: “Family businesses are the invisible backbone of India’s economy. They don’t just create wealth, they create continuity. As India’s business families collectively manage over a trillion dollars in private wealth, the real challenge is no longer growth, but governance. That’s where family offices come in, as strategic engines that preserve values, professionalise decision-making, and ensure that entrepreneurship doesn’t fade with succession but strengthens through it.”

The conclave featured Mr C.K. Ranganathan, Chairman & Managing Director, CavinKare, who delivered a powerful keynote address on creating entrepreneurial legacies. Drawing from his own experience, he emphasised that meritocracy must triumph over hierarchy in family-run businesses and that the value of money must be deeply understood, not merely enjoyed.

Said Mr C.K Ranganathan: “Money is a responsibility, not just a privilege.” He added: “Business acumen is about common sense, emotional intelligence, and sound math. Success matters, but learning matters more, because when families handhold too much, they take away the opportunity to learn. The real mantra is simple: fail fast, fail cheap, and keep learning.”

The conclave also hosted dynamic discussions with leaders from Mehta Hospitals, TSM Group, Sargam Metals, and Maya Appliances, among others, who shared their perspectives on succession planning, governance frameworks, and preparing the next generation to lead with purpose and accountability.

Said Sam Mehta, Director of Mehta Hospitals, sharing his perspective on evolving family business structures: “A family business is about stewardship, not just ownership. A family office isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for structure and longevity. You must prove yourself outside the family name, bring that experience back, and earn credibility as both an entrepreneur and an investor.”

Said Yash Merchant, Director – Brand Marketing & Alumni Relations, Great Lakes Institute of Management, in closing remarks: “At Great Lakes, we are building a community of family business owners and next-gen leaders through research, dialogue, and education. The goal is to help families professionalise, innovate, and stay entrepreneurial across generations.”

The event featured the launch of the Great Lakes Insight Dossier and engaging discussions on succession planning, family constitutions, and the evolving role of the next generation in business leadership.

New Delhi, October 9, 2025: Women in Aviation India, a dynamic movement for the women, by the women, driven by a shared passion to share their valuable insights & experiences and break gender barriers, continue their efforts to create a more inclusive aviation world by empowering the next generation.

Women in Aviation India (WAI) celebrated the 10th edition of its flagship initiative Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) with an inspiring event in Gurugram. The landmark occasion marks a decade of empowering young girls to explore careers in aviation and aligns with the  Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, and his powerful belief that “When women prosper, the world prospers.”

Since its inception in 2016, GIAD has grown into a transformative movement, reaching over 50,000 girls across 30+ cities, from metros to remote towns, with the invaluable support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The initiative continues to bridge the gender gap in a sector long dominated by men by fostering awareness, education, and mentorship.

The Gurgaon program featured motivational sessions by women leaders including Capt. Anushree Varma, Chief Advisor, Top Crew Aviation and Capt. Poonam Gaur, Co-founder & Director, Air Taxi, and Ms. Sonia Kapila, Senior Soft Skill & Aviation Instructor, Bird Academy who inspired students from Diksha School with enriching stories of determination and success, and shared interesting insights about the opportunities in the industry. The interactive program introduced participants to aviation’s diverse career paths, highlighting the importance of STEM education, skill development, and mentorship. Watching the young students aglow with enthusiasm and curiosity was a heartwarming moment indeed as they penned their thoughts and dreams into essays.

Similar successful outreach programs were also recently in Noida and Hyderabad, and the GIAD 2025 series will continue to spread its wings across the length and breadth of the country in the coming weeks. The 10th anniversary celebrations of GIAD will culminate in December 2025 with the iconic ‘Giving Wings to Dreams Awards’, a national platform to recognize women who have made significant contributions in the field of aviation and have also helped empower other women.

Speaking on the milestone, Mrs. Radha Bhatia, President, Women in Aviation India said, “In the last decade, we have moved ahead, one determined step at a time and have grown from strength to strength every year. Our work is a testimony of great teamwork by our invaluable members, their unwavering passion and commitment to see women flying high and achieving milestones that once seemed impossible! I am eternally grateful for the constant support of Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu (Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India), the Secretary, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI and all its affiliated stakeholders. I am also grateful to the schools and colleges who welcomed us warmly to inspire and engage with their students. I am also very grateful to each and every member of Women in Aviation India, who stood by us and worked shoulder to shoulder. Today GIAD celebrations are not just events, they are a movement. We are proud that thousands of young girls across India have now met role models, flown drones, experienced an airport ecosystem and most importantly discovered that aviation is not a distant dream, it is a career within easy reach. Let’s together work towards breaking the barriers and advancing gender parity within the aviation industry. Tomorrow looks bright and promising for our young girls who will be a part of India’s epic growth story!”

With the invaluable support of likeminded partners like Millenium Aero Dynamics, Make My Trip, Bangalore International Airport, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, Blue Dart Aviation, Top Crew Aviation and TravTalk and the constant support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the banner of Girls in Aviation Day will fly across more than 15 cities this year! We wholeheartedly invite aviation experts, institutions, corporate entities, students, teachers and academic institutions to come together to be a part of this mission.

Amit Badlani, Managing Director of Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd., Honoured for his contribution towards sustainability by  Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel

Ahmedabad, 9th October 2025: Amit Badlani, Managing Director of Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd., has been felicitated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, for his outstanding contribution to environmental protection and sustainable industrial growth.

This honour acknowledges Mr. Badlani’s 17-year legacy of advancing cleaner, greener industrial ecosystems through innovative wastewater management and pollution control technologies. Under his leadership, Vihaan Clean & Green Tech, a subsidiary company of HyFun Foods, has developed world-class Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems that have set new benchmarks in environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

The recognition also comes on the back of Vihaan’s consistent community-driven initiatives  including afforestation programs, sustainable infrastructure projects, and clean technology integration  all aimed at fostering environmental balance alongside industrial progress. Earlier this year, the company’s World Environment Day initiative, which saw the plantation of 400 trees in collaboration with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), was lauded by GPCB officials for its tangible environmental impact and long-term commitment to green development.

Speaking on the recognition, Amit Badlani, Managing Director of Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd said, “This honour is a collective achievement  it belongs to every engineer, operator, and visionary who believes in building industries that coexist responsibly with nature. At Vihaan, we see sustainability not as a goal, but as a practice. Every project we execute is a step toward a cleaner tomorrow, where progress and preservation move together in harmony.”

The award ceremony, attended by senior government officials including Hon’ble Minister of State for Home, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Shri Harsh Sanghvi, along with policy-makers and industry leaders, underscored Amit Badlani’s leadership in championing sustainable industrialization, aligning closely with India’s Vision 2070 for Net-Zero Emissions.

Through his ventures, Amit Badlani continues to redefine how industries approach environmental management — turning sustainability from a compliance mandate into a strategic growth driver for the future.

NEW DELHI, India, October 9, 2025: SolarWinds, a leading provider of simple, powerful, secure observability and IT management software, today unveiled the SolarWinds® AI Agent along with a range of expanded AI features aimed at speeding up the transition to autonomous operational resilience.

Modern IT environments are increasingly distributed and fragile, with nearly half of IT leaders reporting unexpected outages despite rating their resilience highly in this year’s SolarWinds IT Trends Report. SolarWinds AI Agent is built to bridge this “resilience gap” by giving IT teams an intelligent, context-aware system that predicts issues, automates responses, and reduces the cognitive burden on practitioners.

Built on AI by Design principles and expanding the company’s well-known Secure by Design framework into the AI era, the new offerings deliver conversational, agentic AI to daily operations enhancing detection, diagnostics, and remediation.

The SolarWinds AI Agent: A Digital Team Member for IT Ops

The AI Agent will function as a reliable teammate in observability, incident response, and service management, enabling IT professionals to:

• Resolve incidents faster. Automatically summarize outages, gather diagnostics, identify probable root causes, and suggest remediation steps.
• Use natural language. Ask questions about system health, compare metrics, get recommendations, and launch multi-step workflows—all with plain-language commands.
• Simplify observability management. Configure and manage SolarWinds Observability directly through the agentic interface.

“The SolarWinds AI Agent is more than a feature—it’s a foundation for a new way of working,” said Krishna Sai, Chief Technology Officer, SolarWinds. “By embedding intelligent, context-aware AI into IT workflows, we’re helping teams move beyond reactive firefighting to proactive innovation.”

Expanded AI Capabilities Available Now

Alongside the AI Agent, SolarWinds introduced new AI-powered features that deliver immediate impact:

• Root Cause Assist (Generally Available): Cuts troubleshooting time by generating clear root-cause analyses based on alerts and anomalies.
• Dynamic Threshold Enhancements (Available Now): Extends automated thresholding to additional metrics, decreasing noise and false positives.
• AI Query Assist (Tech Preview): Enhances database performance by analyzing query patterns and proposing faster, more efficient rewrites.

Coming in 2026

Looking ahead, more features are scheduled for 2026, such as incident correlation, automated runbook execution, and knowledge base creation to further improve autonomous resilience.

• SolarWinds AI Incident Correlation for Service Desk will automatically identify groups of related incidents and recommend opening a problem management workflow to address the root cause. 
• SolarWinds AI Knowledge Base Generation for Service Desk will utilize GenAI to produce new knowledge base articles based on the most common solved incidents, expanding the customer’s centralized knowledge repository and offering more self-service options for employees.
• Automated Runbook Execution will allow teams to automatically execute predefined standard operating procedure steps as part of first-touch response, diagnostics gathering, or suggested fixes before a human intervenes. 

“For the past year, we’ve focused on operational resilience—the ability to protect, maintain, and quickly recover systems even during disruptions,” said Sudhakar Ramakrishna, President and CEO, SolarWinds. “With the AI Agent and expanded capabilities, we’re taking the next step: helping customers achieve autonomous operational resilience, where IT runs smarter, faster, and more securely with minimal manual intervention.”

“Every IT leader is under pressure to do more with less, but outages and complexity continue to slow teams down,” Ramakrishna continued. “With the SolarWinds AI Agent, we are reducing the mean time to detect and resolve issues by putting automation, observability, visualization, and remediation into a single, intelligent cycle.  The result is stronger resilience, greater productivity, and more time for teams to focus on innovation.”

Availability

The SolarWinds AI Agent enters Tech Preview today in SolarWinds Observability SaaS, and broader availability across the SolarWinds portfolio is planned for 2026.

For more information, visit www.solarwinds.com

SolarWinds Day

SolarWinds Day provides a front-row seat to the future of IT operations, powered by AI, automation, and full-stack observability. Join SolarWinds for the keynote announcements of these latest innovations, and stay for the THWACKcamp sessions, where customers and experts get technical about optimizing systems, resolving tickets, managing databases, and responding to critical issues in your hybrid environments. Learn more and register at events.solarwinds.com/the-future-of-it-arrives..

• Americas: Wednesday, October 8 – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
• EMEA: Thursday, October 9 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. GMT

APJ: Thursday, October 9 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. SGT