All posts by Neel Achary

India | May 21, 2025: Today WhatsApp is launching ‘Not Even WhatsApp’, a global campaign to remind over 3 billion monthly users around the world how no one, not even WhatsApp, can see or hear your personal messages. “Not Even WhatsApp” is WhatsApp’s biggest marketing campaign to date and is a bold statement on privacy at a truly global scale.

The campaign kicks off today with a brand manifesto TV spot directed by Achowe, from Chalk and Cheese Films and was shot across locations in Delhi including around the banks of the Yamuna river, and Chandni Chowk. Viewers are taken inside WhatsApp’s point-of-view – on the other side of your phone screen – where no one, not even WhatsApp, can see your messages.

The TV spot brings the WhatsApp privacy promise to life by centering on the idea that even the most ordinary messages – voice notes to your mom, new looks in your selfies, long gossip sessions with friends, or late-night confessions – are deeply personal. Thanks to end-to-end encryption, they’re completely private too.

End-to-end encryption keeps your personal messages and calls between you and the person you’re communicating with. No one outside of the chat, not even WhatsApp, can read, listen to, or share them.

Vivian Odior, Head of WhatsApp Marketing, comments: “WhatsApp is the next best thing to an in-person conversation. This campaign brings to life our privacy promise that no one, not even WhatsApp can see or hear your personal messages in the most emotional and relatable way – all centered in the everyday moments we are all so familiar with.” 

“Not Even WhatsApp” global privacy campaign will include a series of activations over the coming months in India, US, UK, Brazil and Mexico. It will run across TV, online video, digital, (D)OOH, audio and WhatsApp. In India the campaign will go live across 16 Indian states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, among others.

The campaign is hot on the heels of the latest addition to WhatsApp’s multiple layers of privacy, “Advanced Chat Privacy.” This new setting, available in both chats and groups, helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy.

Advanced Chat Privacy builds on other useful tools that WhatsApp provides including Privacy Checkup that allows you to access step-by-step guidance to help strengthen the security of your account and customize your privacy settings all in one place.

Mumbai, 21 May 2025 : The much-anticipated SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 commenced today in Mumbai with a powerful opening that brought together some of the most influential voices in business, HR, and technology. Hosted by the SHRM India (Society for Human Resource Management), the event is set to shape the future of the workplace through high-impact discussions, innovation showcases, and leadership insights.

A powerful opening segment set the tone for the transformative event. In her welcome address, Achal Khanna, CEO – SHRM India, MENA & APAC, emphasized the need for a human-centred approach to digital transformation, and said, “SHRM Tech is not just a platform for conversations – it’s a launchpad for action. As we step into a future powered by AI and human ingenuity, we must focus on trust, purpose, and adaptability. Limitless possibilities unfold when people and technology come together to lead change. People influence the global growth, we influence the people”.  

Some of the keynote speakers like Zarin Daruwala, Former Cluster CEO – India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, Richard Rekhy, Vice Chair, Grant Thornton Bharat & Former CEO, KPMG India, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, The Tata Power Company delivered thought-provoking perspectives.

Day 1 at SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 featured a series of dynamic panel discussions that tackled some of the most pressing themes in the world of work. Experts delved into topics exploring AI’s impact on talent acquisition, from building high-intent pipelines with employer branding to enhancing hiring decisions through smart assessments. With agentic AI, culture personalization, and inclusive leadership beyond performative I&D, the focus remains human-centric. Ultimately, it’s about blending speed, ethics, and trust to empower delegates with actionable insights and tools to drive change in their organizations.

The vibrant Tech Expo and Start-Up Zone saw 90+ solution providers showcase next-gen HR technologies—ranging from AI-powered recruitment bots to immersive L&D platforms—drawing attention from CHROs, talent leaders, and investors.

Building on the momentum of an inspiring first day, Day 2 of SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 promises to deliver deeper insights and future-forward thinking. The day will feature a high-impact sessions by Andy Biladeau, Chief Transformation Officer, SHRM; Pranjal Sharma, Economic Analyst, Advisor & Author, The Next New; A. Balasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC; Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India & South Asia & several other illustrious names from industry. These experts will dive into pressing themes including data ethics, redefined leadership, and building adaptive, digitally resilient organizations. The thought-provoking sessions will herald a vibrant Workplace 2.0—where recognition, roles, and resilience evolve through AI, leadership, and culture in concert, not conflict.

With over 2,000+ delegates, 150+ speakers, and 100+ partners, SHRM Tech 2025 has set the stage for workplace transformation at scale.

New Delhi, May 21 (PTI): Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram has witnessed a five-fold jump in average housing prices in the past 14 years with rates soaring over Rs 18,000 per square feet on rising land cost and strong demand, according to PropEquity.

In a statement on May 20th, real estate data analytic firm PropEquity said, “The weighted average price of new launches rose from Rs 3,753 per sq ft in 2010 to Rs 6,238 per sq ft in 2015 to Rs 9,434 per sq ft in 2020 to Rs 18,668 per sq ft in 2024.”

The data showed that 42,816 units have been launched in Dwarka Expressway between 2010-2024. The number of units sold during this period stood at 41,899 units.

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity, said, “Between 2025 and 2030, over 18,000 units are expected to be launched and over 15,500 units are expected to be absorbed in Dwarka expressway, reinforcing sustained future demand.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year inaugurated the 19-km of Gurugram stretch on Dwarka Expressway.

“Infrastructure developments like Yashobhoomi Covention Centre and upcoming Dwarka Golf Course in Sector 24 have boosted real estate. The redevelopment of Bijwasan railway station, located at the intersection of Dwarka Expressway and UER II, is likely to improve regional connectivity,” PropEquity said.

Commenting on the data, Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global, said, “Dwarka Expressway has emerged as a key growth artery in the National Capital Region, catalyzing large-scale urban development and unlocking immense value across both residential and commercial real estate.”

Over the next five years, he expects a 40–60 per cent appreciation in property values, supported by sustained infrastructure push and a maturing ecosystem of retail, education, healthcare, and business hubs.

Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “The jump in property prices is a reflection of the development that has taken shape over the years in and around Dwarka Expressway.”

Harinder Dhillon, National Sales Head of realty firm BPTP, said, “In the NCR region, the Dwarka Expressway continues to emerge as a bright spot, driven by sustained infrastructure development and growing end-user demand.”

Sunil Sisodiya, Founder & Chairman of Neworld Developers, said the Dwarka Expressway stands as a compelling example of how infrastructure, even when long delayed, can catalyse real estate transformation once operational.

“What began as a speculative corridor has evolved into a high-demand residential destination, driven by a blend of improved connectivity, growing social infrastructure, and maturing buyer expectations,” he said.

Gurugram-based property consulting firm InfraMantra Director & Co-Founder Garvit Tiwari said the Dwarka Expressway has emerged as the most sought-after micro-market in NCR with price growth nearly doubling in last five years.

Vijay Harsh Jha, founder and CEO of brokerage firm VS Realtors, said this micro-market has an appetite for more supply and the coming years could witness increased real estate activity.

By-Venkataraman D Vice President – Sales & Strategy Crayon Software Experts India

The rules of engagement in the business world are being rewritten. We are witnessing a profound shift from the age-old mantra of “one-time sale and done” to an era where continuous value delivery defines success. Customers no longer seek products; they seek experiences, solutions, and outcomes. They want flexibility, scalability, and above all, relationships with brands that grow with them.

Crayon Software Experts India

This is where subscription-based and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models come in – not merely as new pricing strategies, but as revolutionary frameworks that fundamentally transform how organizations sell, serve, and scale. Adopting these new models is not just about staying competitive, it’s about staying relevant in a future where loyalty is earned month by month, experience by experience.

From Ownership to Access: A New Customer Mindset

One of the most profound changes is the evolving customer mindset. In the past, owning a product or solution was equated with value. Today, customers prioritize access, flexibility, and outcomes over ownership. Subscription and SaaS models tap directly into this new philosophy – offering lower upfront costs, the ability to scale up or down based on need, and ongoing innovation without the burden of large capital investments.

Organizations that align their offerings to this shift are finding deeper customer engagement, higher retention rates, and, critically, more predictable revenue streams.

The Rise of Outcome-Based Selling

The subscription economy demands a reorientation of the sales approach from transactional selling to outcome-based selling. It’s no longer sufficient to highlight product features; sales teams must articulate the ongoing value and measurable outcomes their solutions will deliver.

This evolution pushes us to think beyond the initial sale. Renewals, expansions, and upselling are not afterthoughts, they are integral to the customer journey from day one. It means investing heavily in customer success initiatives and recalibrating incentive models to reward long-term customer satisfaction rather than short-term deal closures.

Data as the New Sales Compass

Another game-changer in subscription and SaaS models is the access to rich, real-time customer usage data. Armed with insights into how customers are interacting with a product, sales and success teams can proactively identify opportunities, pre-empt churn risks, and personalize the customer experience in ways that were previously unimaginable.

For sales leaders, this means adopting a more data-driven mindset where every conversation, offering, and strategy is backed by empirical insights rather than gut instinct alone.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the opportunities are immense, transitioning to subscription and SaaS models comes with its challenges. Businesses must rethink everything from product development to pricing strategies to billing infrastructure. Cash flow management during the transition phase from large upfront payments to smaller recurring revenues requires careful financial planning.

Equally important is cultural change. Sales teams accustomed to a “sell and move on” mindset must be retrained to think about lifetime value, customer advocacy, and continuous relationship building.

However, organizations that successfully navigate this transition stand to gain a competitive edge that is difficult to replicate. They build stronger relationships with customers, create more resilient revenue streams, and position themselves as trusted advisors rather than mere vendors.

A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

Looking ahead, the adoption of subscription-based and SaaS models is not just an evolution – it is a revolution. These models compel organizations to put customers at the center of their universe and build business systems that prioritize long-term value over short-term wins. In doing so, they unlock compounding advantages: richer data, deeper loyalty, and greater resilience in uncertain markets. It is critical to view this shift not merely as a response to market trends, but as a strategic blueprint for sustainable growth. By championing a culture that celebrates continuous value creation, outcome-driven partnerships, and relentless innovation, organizations can not only future-proof their business, but also define the future of the industry itself. The winners in this new era will not be those who sell the most, but those who serve the best, sustain the longest, and scale the smartest.

Mumbai : In a heartfelt tribute to its Founder and Permanent Trustee, Late Shri Kishor Mehta, on his 1st death anniversary, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, through its SEWA department, demonstrated its unwavering commitment to compassionate healthcare and social responsibility. The hospital successfully conducted a Free Artificial Limb Camp, offering renewed hope and mobility to 54 underprivileged individuals. Following a comprehensive screening on April 22, 2025, customized prosthetic aids — including Jaipur Foot, calipers, and other mobility devices were distributed on May 20, 2025. Further honoring Shri Mehta’s enduring vision and dedication to spirituality and community well-being, the hospital has also partnered with the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) under the Shraman Arogyam initiative to provide respectful and quality medical care to Jain monks

Shri Kishor Mehta conceptualized the hospital project and was instrumental in designing and implementing of the Lilavati Hospital under the guidance of his late father. Shri Kirtilal Mehta. Shri Kishor Mehta realizes his father’s dream, constructing Lilavati Hospital as a beacon of resilience and determination. Under his visionary leadership, Lilavati Hospital has soared to new heights, establishing itself as one of the premier healthcare institutions in India and across the globe. He had laid out further plans for expanding Lilavati Hospital, which are being implemented currently.

The camp was a life-changing initiative for amputees and polio-affected individuals from marginalized backgrounds who have long struggled with mobility challenges. The prosthetic devices were tailored to meet the unique needs of each beneficiary, helping them reclaim independence, dignity, and an improved quality of life.

Rajesh Mehta, Permanent Trustee, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre Said, “Restoring someone’s ability to walk means far more than just physical recovery—it revitalizes their confidence, purpose, and sense of belonging in society. This camp is a reflection of our broader mission: to heal, uplift, and ensure that no one is ever forgotten. In honor of the late Shri Kishor Mehta, on the occasion of his first death anniversary, and in alignment with Smt. Charuben Mehta’s unwavering SEWA ethos—rooted in a deep commitment to both spiritual and community healthcare—we are proud to announce our partnership with the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). This collaboration is dedicated to providing Jain Monks with compassionate, respectful, and expert medical care, ensuring they receive the highest standard of treatment.”

Rajiv Mehta, Permanent Trustee, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre added, “Mobility is more than movement; it’s the foundation of freedom and opportunity. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to making healthcare a fundamental right, empowering lives that have long been left in the margins.”

Prashant Mehta, Permanent Trustee, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre Said “At Lilavati Hospital, we believe healthcare should be a catalyst for dignity and self-reliance. Watching individuals take their first independent steps is not just a medical success; it’s a profound human moment. That’s the true reward.”

The beneficiaries, many of whom were previously reliant on others for basic movement, expressed heartfelt gratitude. For them, this camp marked not just the return of physical mobility but also a renewed sense of confidence and independence. Through this initiative, Lilavati Hospital has reaffirmed its role as a leader in community health outreach, offering not just medical care but also humanity, hope, and healing.

Language Shoes, known for its commitment to craftsmanship, design excellence, and premium materials, proudly introduces the Kent Loafer—a bold and refined addition to its luxury footwear collection. The Kent Loafer seamlessly blends modern polish with traditional charm, making it the ideal statement piece for festive occasions and formal affairs.

The Kent Loafer features a sleek patent leather upper and a smooth leather lining that ensures both durability and a luxe feel. Designed to deliver comfort from day to night, it includes a cushioned, non-removable leather footbed that supports your every step. The sturdy leather sole adds classic structure while maintaining flexibility, making it ideal for everything from formal celebrations to festive evenings. 

The Kent Loafer is available at LANGUAGE® exclusive outlets across major cities, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Indore, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, and Chandigarh, as well as at over 250 leading multi-brand retail destinations nationwide.

Mumbai, 20^th May 2025: In a landmark move toward inclusive and sustainable mobility, the Traffic and Road Safety Wing of Punjab Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hartek Foundation today, establishing a collaborative framework aimed at advancing road safety through a gender-responsive and data-driven approach. Additionally, this partnership shall support R&D on enhancing the visibility and safety of the traffic officials on the road through solar powered infrastructure like traffic aid posts, halting stations, solar helmets etc.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening road safety systems by collecting and utilizing sex- and age-disaggregated data, addressing gender disparities in transport infrastructure, and creating safer, more accessible public spaces. It also envisions increasing the participation of women in both decision-making and operational roles in the transport and public safety sectors.

The first initiative under this MoU is the launch of the Punjab Police–Hartek Foundation Fellowship “SAAHAS” (Safe Access and Advancement for Her through Awareness and Sustainability). This pioneering fellowship—India’s first of its kind initiated by a Police Department—will be implemented through the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre. It aims to support research, innovation, and on-ground interventions that promote gender-equitable mobility solutions in alignment with SDG 3, 9, and 11.

Shri A.S. Rai, IPS, ADGP (Traffic and Road Safety), Punjab, stated, “The SAAHAS Fellowship is a bold step toward building inclusive and sustainable road safety systems. This is just the beginning—many more initiatives will emerge under this partnership to reshape the future of mobility in Punjab.”

Ms. Harkirat Kaur, CEO, Hartek Foundation, added, “This fellowship reflects our deep alignment with Punjab Police in promoting equity, safety, and sustainability for all.”

Dr. Navdeep Asija, Director, Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, and Mr. Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director & CEO, Hartek Group, called the initiative a trailblazer—bringing together public institutions and industry to address evolving safety and transport challenges.

Shri Gaurav Yadav, IPS, Director General of Police, Punjab, emphasized, “Bringing gender inclusiveness into policing, particularly traffic and road safety is a core priority. The launch of the Sadak Surakhiya Force with 33% women personnel was a foundational step. With the SAAHAS Fellowship, we are moving forward to institutionalize gender equity in road safety systems and beyond.”

GANGTOK | May 20, 2025 – Medhavi Skills University (MSU), a leading institution in industry-aligned education, has officially opened admissions for the 2025–26 academic year. With a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs, the institution invites aspiring students to join its skill-focused learning environment, designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s job market. 

Medhavi Skills University (MSU) offers 20 UGC-recognized programs across a diverse range of disciplines, including Law, Nursing and Patient Care, Pharmacy, Biosciences, Design and Media, Management and Commerce, Computer Science and Engineering, Health Sciences and Technology, and Hospitality and Tourism. Admissions are based on the results of the online Medhavi Scholarship & Aptitude Test (MSAT) or national entrance exams. Exceptional performers in these qualifying tests are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Additionally, scholarships up to 100% are offered to top performing students, wards of war-widows/ war-disabled. 

The University follows an industry-integrated approach that emphasizes practical learning, with 70% of its curriculum dedicated to hands-on training, real-world internships, and job-embedded experiences. This innovative model equips students with both academic expertise and practical job experience, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon graduation. Through collaborations with nearly 300 industry partners, the University co-develops curricula, conducts joint programs, and offers industry-recognized certifications along with diverse career opportunities.

Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University and Advisor to NSDC, said, “Medhavi Skills University is redefining higher education by integrating industry-driven learning with academic excellence. Our mission is to equip students with the skills and practical knowledge required to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. Through strong industry partnerships and hands-on training, we are shaping future-ready professionals in alignment with NEP 2020’s transformative vision”. 

The University also ensures affordability through financial support options, including education loans and flexible EMI plans, made possible through partnerships with leading financial institutions. These initiatives enable deserving students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education without financial barriers.

WALTHAM, Mass., — May 20, 2025 — Dynatrace®, the leading AI-powered observability platform, today announced that it is integrating its full-stack, AI and LLM Observability solution into the newly unveiled NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design. This enables enterprises using NVIDIA’s validated design for NVIDIA RTX PRO servers and other NVIDIA Blackwell infrastructure to deploy their own on-premises AI factory with real-time observability and AI-driven insights delivered by the Dynatrace platform. 

Uniquely equipped with a powerful AI engine, Davis® AI — which delivers real-time automated anomaly detection and root cause analysis alongside recommended remediation actions powered by Davis CoPilot® — the Dynatrace platform is an ideal solution for monitoring and managing AI and agentic AI deployments. Enterprises deploying the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design will be able to leverage Dynatrace’s AI-powered observability platform to automatically detect customer-facing issues using topology, transaction, and code-level information to precisely pinpoint the root cause of problems at speed, helping IT teams maintain performance, reliability and security across AI workflows.  

The NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory full-stack validated design offers guidance for enterprises to build and deploy their own on-premises AI factory. It’s designed to support a wide range of AI-enabled enterprise applications, agentic and physical AI workflows, autonomous decision-making, and real-time data analysis. It features expertly designed NVIDIA Blackwell accelerated infrastructure tailored to enterprise needs, integrating specialized AI software to ensure seamless operation and robust performance. And it’s validated by NVIDIA IT, tapping into their engineering know-how and partner ecosystem to help enterprises achieve time-to-value and mitigate the risks of AI deployment. 

This integration addresses increasing demand for on-premises AI infrastructure in regulated sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government and where system reliability and compliance are paramount. By incorporating Dynatrace into NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, customers using NVIDIA Blackwell systems can benefit from real-time, AI-powered data insights for the seamless operationalization of AI workflows. 

“Full-stack AI and LLM Observability is fundamental to running mission-critical infrastructure at scale,” said Alois Reitbauer, Chief Technology Strategist at Dynatrace. “Our collaboration with NVIDIA enables us to bring advanced observability to the heart of enterprise agentic AI deployments so they’re implemented optimally and securely, add business value and lend themselves to higher degrees of automation. Whether organizations are training cutting-edge models, orchestrating physical AI systems, developing agentic AI capabilities or analyzing real-time data streams, Dynatrace allows them to respond faster, operate with confidence, and effectively understand and optimize their AI deployments.”  

 “As AI adoption accelerates, enterprises need to monitor a growing ecosystem of applications and deployments across their infrastructure,” said John Fanelli, vice president, Enterprise Software at NVIDIA. “Dynatrace’s integration with the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory reference design offers advanced observability that lets businesses operate NVIDIA Blackwell-based AI systems with performance transparency and operational intelligence from day one.” 

Chennai, May 20, 2025: Apollo Hospitals today announced the launch of the Apollo Joint Preservation Program in Chennai, a comprehensive, innovation-led initiative that marks a significant shift in orthopaedic care. Focused on early intervention and personalized therapy, the program aims to help patients maintain joint function, avoid unnecessary surgeries, and continue leading active lives.

The event was launched by Mr. M. Senthilnathan, Head Coach – Tamil Nadu Men’s Cricket Team and Head Coach – MRF Pace Foundation, in the presence of senior consultants from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai: Dr. N. Chidambaranathan, Senior Consultant Radiologist; Dr. Navaladi Shankar, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Dr. K.P. Kosygan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy, Senior Consultant Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgeon; and Dr. Arun Kannan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Dr. Arun Kannan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said, “The Apollo Joint Preservation Program is a breakthrough in how we approach joint care. It gives patients access to advance non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments that help them maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall joint function. Our goal is not just to delay surgery but to empower individuals to live actively and independently for as long as possible.”

Mr. M.M. Senthil Nathan, Head Coach, Tamil Nadu Men’s Cricket Team & Head Coach, MRF Pace Foundation, said, “Healthy joints are essential for everyone, from cricket players to regular people going about their daily lives. Programs that is curated for early intervention and structured complete care can really help people stay mobile and healthy as they age. It’s encouraging to see Apollo Hospitals taking this smart approach to joint care.”

The Apollo Joint Preservation Program is tailored for individuals suffering from joint pain, arthritis, inflammation, or sports-related injuries. With access to cutting-edge therapies, expert guidance, and holistic support under one roof, patients can now explore a new standard of care focused on preserving their joints, right here in Chennai.

With a spectrum of treatment options and support services now available through this Joint Preservation Program, Apollo Hospitals is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all while promoting a more active lifestyle.