All posts by Neel Achary

Chandigarh, May 11: TVS Orbiter, the newest electric scooter from TVS Motor, has unveiled its new campaign, capturing the spirit of India’s new–age urban generation that is always moving, always hustling, and always finding ways to do more.

Built around the brand thought “Always On The Move With You,”, the campaign introduces TVS Orbiter as a smart, stylish, and practical electric scooter designed for individuals who live life on the move. Whether it’s early morning workouts, college runs, office commutes, side hustles, or late-night catch-ups, TVS Orbiter seamlessly becomes a part of their everyday journey.

Adding to the film’s youthful energy is the playful integration of the iconic Bollywood track ‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’, bringing alive the spontaneity, movement, and free-spirited rhythm that defines today’s urban lifestyles.

Speaking about the campaign, Saurabh Kapoor, VP – Marketing, EV Business, TVS Motor Company said: “Today’s urban youth are constantly balancing work, passion, fitness, friendships, and personal aspirations. They seek mobility solutions that not only keep pace with their lifestyle but also reflect their progressive mindset. TVS Orbiter has been designed keeping these consumers at the centre, offering practicality, comfort, design, and smart technology in one compelling package. Through this campaign, we wanted to create a relatable and emotionally engaging story that reflects the everyday hustle of India’s new generation.”

A Story Rooted in Urban India’s Everyday Hustle

Set against the energy of India’s bustling cities, the campaign film follows the life of young urban riders as they move through packed schedules, personal ambitions, and spontaneous plans. Through these relatable moments, TVS Orbiter emerges as a dependable partner that keeps pace with their lifestyle.

Conceptualised by Kinnect, the film reinforces TVS Orbiter’s thoughtful features including its large front alloy wheels, spacious 34L twin-helmet boot space, IDC range of 158 km, long flatform seat, straight-line footboard, and intelligent assist features like Cruise Control, Hill Hold, and Reverse Parking Assist. Connected safety features such as Crash Alerts, Fall Alerts, Anti-Theft, Geo-Fencing, and Time-Fencing further enhance peace of mind for everyday riders.

Chennai, May 11 (BNP): A day after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay met former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin at Stalin’s residence in Chennai on Monday.

The meeting, described as a courtesy call, marked the first interaction between the leaders after the recently concluded Assembly elections and Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony. Visuals from the meeting showed the leaders exchanging warm greetings and holding discussions on the state’s political developments.

According to reports, Stalin congratulated Vijay on assuming office and extended his best wishes for the new government. The meeting is being seen as a significant political gesture amid the changing political landscape in Tamil Nadu.

Hyderabad, May 11: Art of Time announces the inauguration of its fourth TimeVallée boutique in India, marking its entry into Hyderabad, one of the country’s fastest growing luxury markets and a key contributor to national GDP. This new destination is brought to life by Art of Time, TimeVallée’s trusted retail partner in India, building on the existing network of three boutiques across key cities.

Located in the Jubilee Hills of Hyderabad, the street-facing boutique occupies a 237 sqm area and provides a differentiating and immersive experience. The clientele is welcomed by a striking entrance that blends authentic stone veneer with TimeVallée’s distinctive design DNA. Inside, TimeVallée’s refined aesthetic shines through the iconic watchband‐inspired marquee and golden tubes set against warm champagne tones, merging heritage details with contemporary lines.

An elevated setting hosts eight prestigious Maisons: Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Grand Seiko, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Tag Heuer.

Each Maison is presented in an individually branded space that enhances its uniqueness, with boutique advisors on hand to offer visitors expert advice on the craftsmanship, history and distinctive features of each timepiece.

A VIP salon has also been designed to provide a private setting dedicated to personalised presentations for clients eager to enquire deeper into product details. In a novel development at TimeVallée, clients will now also be able to enjoy an outdoor Time Café nestled within a charming garden, a welcoming and elegant area where conversations can continue.

“Following the inaugurations of Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the establishment of a presence in Hyderabad is of particular significance. It highlights our strong partnership with Art of Time and the pride we take in the success of our multi-brand retail concept in the highly demanding and advanced market of Hyderabad, a city renowned for its innovation and sophistication,” said Hélène Maslin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at TimeVallée.

“Hyderabad has been on our radar for some time now. We’re seeing a clear shift in the market here with more informed clients, a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, and a growing appetite for meaningful luxury. With this boutique, our focus has been to create an environment that feels personal and engaging, where clients can explore watchmaking in a way that goes beyond just retail.” said Gaurav Bhatia, Co-founder & Director at Art of Time.

“At Art of Time, our approach has always been rooted in thoughtful curation and long-term relationships, both with our clients and our brand partners. This boutique reflects that philosophy, bringing together some of the finest Maisons in a setting that encourages discovery, conversation, and a deeper connection with watchmaking.” said Bharat Kapoor, Co-founder & Director, Art of Time.

With this new opening, TimeVallée and Art Of Time are responding to India’s growing appetite for fine watchmaking. Bringing together exceptional Maisons and passionate experts in a unique environment, the boutique invites both seasoned collectors and newcomers to experience the art of horology in a distinctly personal and inspiring way.

Bunia, May 11 (BNP): At least 69 people were killed in a fresh wave of militia violence in the conflict-hit Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to local authorities and security sources.

The deadly attacks were reportedly carried out by armed fighters linked to the Codeco militia, which claims to represent the Lendu community, in several villages in late April. The violence comes amid escalating tensions between the Hema and Lendu ethnic groups, who have been engaged in a long-running conflict in the gold-rich province bordering Uganda and South Sudan.

Officials said the attacks followed earlier clashes involving the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP), an armed group associated with the Hema community, and the Congolese Army near the locality of Pimbo. Security sources stated that the violence claimed the lives of civilians, militia members, and soldiers.

Local civil society leaders described the killings as a “massacre,” with reports of bodies lying unattended for days due to continued militia presence in the affected areas. Humanitarian agencies also reported widespread panic, displacement of civilians, and destruction of property across several villages.

The United Nations mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) strongly condemned the attacks and reiterated its concern over the deteriorating security situation in eastern Congo. Earlier, the UN mission had rescued nearly 200 civilians caught in crossfire during clashes between armed groups and government forces.

Eastern DRC has remained unstable for decades due to the activities of multiple armed groups competing for control over the region’s vast mineral resources, including gold, cobalt, copper, and diamonds. The violence has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in Ituri province, where nearly one million people are currently displaced, according to UN agencies.

Authorities and humanitarian organisations have appealed for restraint and urged communities to avoid retaliatory violence as efforts continue to restore peace and stability in the region.

Bengaluru, India May 11: Building on the success of its much-loved Amalfi collection launched in 2019, SKINN Fine Fragrances from the House of Titan introduces Amalfi Riviera, a new unisex Eau de Parfum, designed to capture the essence of sun-soaked coastal escapes.

Marking the brand’s foray into unisex, gender-neutral fragrances, Amalfi Riviera captures the feeling of summer that stays with you. Inspired by the Sunlit coastlines, citrus and sea salt breeze, and the quiet rhythm of ocean waves, Amalfi Riviera brings to life the feeling of a perfect summer holiday. The launch taps into a growing consumer preference for versatile fragrances suited for warm climates and modern lifestyles.

Part of the campaign, Abhay Deol features in a film set against a coastal backdrop, capturing summer scenes. Known for his effortless charm, Abhay embodies the spirit of Amalfi Riviera – free-spirited, modern, and understated confidence. 

The campaign film reflects this mood through unhurried, intimate storytelling, with the idea of “those long summer days on the Amalfi coast” becoming a subtle invitation to escape and slow down.

The fragrance has been crafted by perfumer Santosh Shinde, known for his nuanced and evocative creations. With Amalfi Riviera, he brings together vibrant, refreshing notes that mirror the invigorating spirit of coastal summers, while maintaining the sophistication that SKINN fragrances are known for.

Speaking about the launch, Manish Gupta, CEO – Fragrance & Accessories Division, Titan Company Limited, said: “Amalfi Riviera is a natural evolution of our Amalfi line. With this launch, we are not only extending a successful franchise but also responding to a clear shift in consumer preference towards fresher, more expressive, and unisex fragrances. The fragrance introduces a more contemporary citrus–marine olfactive. Amalfi Riviera is our interpretation of a modern summer, fresh, inclusive, and full of possibilities.”

New Delhi, May 11 (BNP): Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to prepare a comprehensive and time-bound roadmap for transforming Dwarka, Rohini, and Narela into major investment and decentralised economic hubs of the national capital.

According to officials, Dwarka sub-city is being planned as a major destination for domestic and international investments in Information Technology (IT), IT-enabled Services (ITeS), digital infrastructure, and other non-polluting industries. Similar development initiatives are also being proposed for Rohini and Narela under the broader vision of balanced and sustainable urban growth.

During a recent high-level meeting with senior DDA officials, the Lieutenant Governor discussed various developmental initiatives aimed at bringing transformative changes to these sub-cities. He instructed officials to consult all stakeholders and submit a concrete action plan at the earliest.

Sandhu emphasised the need to explore opportunities for attracting IT companies, global capability centres, healthcare institutions, digital infrastructure industries, data centres, semiconductor plants, and warehousing facilities in these areas, in line with the provisions of the Delhi Master Plan.

Officials stated that the improved connectivity through the Urban Extension Road, expanding Metro network, transit-oriented development policy, upcoming educational hubs, and rapid residential growth have made Dwarka, Rohini, and Narela ideal locations for decentralised business and commercial development.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that the proposed transformation would not only attract large-scale investments but also create employment opportunities, boost revenue generation, reduce pressure on central Delhi, and promote sustainable urban development across the capital.

 Cairo, Egypt, May 11: As the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, AGON by AOC has been ranked as the No. 1 gaming monitor brand for seven consecutive years according to the 2025 IDC report. This milestone marks a decade of innovation and market dominance.

“Ten years ago, our mission was to equip every AGON by AOC user with a true competitive advantage—delivering monitors built for speed, precision, and visual clarity. Today, we’ve not only fulfilled it but also helped define new industry benchmarks,” said Carol Anne Dias, Sales Director, AOC and Philips Monitors (Middle East, Africa & India). “Securing the position as the global display leader for seven consecutive years reflects our ‘Ten Years, One Sword’ philosophy—an unwavering commitment to refining our craft and striving for excellence at every step.”

Seven Years of Global Dominance: The Power of Consistency in Excellence

In a category defined by technological breakthroughs across the industry, AGON by AOC has leveraged decades of display expertise to win the global market through brand consistency in:

• Performance: Pioneering ultra-high refresh rates, industry-leading low latency, and rapid response times.
• Market Leadership: Maintaining a dominant No. 1 position in the competitive Chinamarket while quickly expanding across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
• Covering Gamer’s Needs: Providing a product portfolio that serves everyone. from professional esports athletes, to hardcore and casual gamers.

Professional Partnerships Forged in the Arena:

AGON by AOC has built its reputation through long-term partnerships with major titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike, as well as collaborations with elite teams such as G2 Esports. The brand has built its edge through these partnerships, where real-world gaming scenarios have informed the R&D process, along with a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Iconic co-branded models like the AG275QXL and the CS24A series are the results of this feedback loop, monitors built for pros, by the pros, ensuring durability and reliability. In parallel, AGON by AOC’s collaboration with Porsche Design has produced premium co-branded displays including PD49, PD34, PD32M, and PD27S.

The Next Wave: AI and 1000Hz Innovation

As it enters its second decade, AGON by AOC continues to break barriers by integrating AI and extreme hardware:

• AI Integration: The AG277UX features a customized AI processing chip designed to assist in game combat and provide a more intelligent, responsive visual experience.
• Breaking Speed Limits: The brand recently unveiled the AGP277QK, its first 1000Hz high-refresh-rate monitor, alongside the AG276QSG2 featuring NVIDIA G-SYNC PULSAR technology.
• Award-Winning Design: The collaboration with Porsche Design (PD49, PD32M, and others.) has won international accolades, including the iF Design and Red Dot Awards—proving that world-class performance and luxury aesthetics are a winning combination.

Looking Forward: Shaping the Future

Building on seven years of market dominance, AGON by AOC is now focused on next-generation display technologies, immersive visual performance, and sustainable design. The brand remains committed to 10 more years of growth through the same passion for brand excellence that brought it to No. 1 seven years in a row.

Carol Anne Dias, Sales Director, AOC and Philips Monitors (Middle East, Africa & India) concluded “A decade on, our mission remains unchanged: to create monitors that give esports players a true competitive edge through speed, clarity, and design. While this anniversary marks an important milestone, it also signals what lies ahead as we continue to push the boundaries of display performance and innovation for esports enthusiasts worldwide.”

New Delhi, May 11 (BNP): The Central Government has officially notified the Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods by guaranteeing 125 days of employment annually to rural households across the country.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made the announcement on Sunday, stating that the new Act will come into effect from July 1, 2026. The initiative is expected to provide enhanced employment opportunities, economic stability, and social security to millions of rural families.

Addressing the media, Chouhan said the Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act has been introduced as part of the government’s broader vision for inclusive rural development and empowerment. He stated that the scheme would help improve income generation, reduce migration from villages, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

The Minister further emphasised that the Act reflects the government’s commitment towards strengthening village economies, improving living standards, and ensuring greater participation of rural communities in the country’s development journey.

Officials said detailed implementation guidelines and operational mechanisms for the scheme will be rolled out ahead of its launch on July 1.

By Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services

“India’s rise as a global technology and innovation hub is being driven by the rapid convergence of AI, cloud, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and digital public infrastructure. As industries accelerate digital adoption, technology is increasingly shaping enterprise growth, workforce transformation, and national competitiveness. In this evolving landscape, the ability to build future-ready digital capabilities will define long-term global leadership.

Amid this accelerating wave of digital innovation, technology adoption has evolved significantly over the last decade, from enabling digital transformation to becoming central to how enterprises operate, innovate, and scale. With AI and Generative AI now entering the mainstream, organisations across industries are fundamentally rethinking business models, workflows, and talent strategies. AI familiarity is increasingly becoming a baseline expectation across technology functions, with nearly 40% of tech roles now requiring AI or GenAI exposure in some capacity. This reflects a broader shift towards capability-led workforce development, where adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-functional expertise are becoming as important as technical proficiency.

At the same time, the definition of a ‘tech role’ is rapidly expanding. Beyond traditional software development, sectors such as BFSI, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, SaaS, and GCCs are investing heavily in data engineering, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, platform engineering, and MLOps capabilities to support AI-led ecosystems. Demand for data engineering roles has grown by nearly 47% YoY, while infrastructure-led functions such as DevOps, SRE, and platform engineering are witnessing almost 35-40% growth, outpacing several conventional application development roles. Simultaneously, the rise of AI-driven applications is accelerating demand for real-time data processing, scalable backend systems, and privacy-first engineering frameworks. Nearly 30-35% of job descriptions now require multi-domain expertise across cloud, data, backend systems, security, and architecture, reflecting the growing need for agile, production-ready talent capable of operating in increasingly complex digital environments.

We are also seeing enterprises move away from traditional volume-led hiring toward leaner, high-impact engineering models powered by automation and AI. For every AI or Machine Learning role being created, demand is also rising for adjacent capabilities such as platform operations, model deployment, cloud optimisation, and data governance. This is particularly visible across India’s GCC ecosystem, where organisations are building global capability centers focused on product ownership, engineering innovation, and enterprise-scale digital transformation. The convergence of AI adoption, evolving regulatory frameworks, and growing emphasis on digital resilience is expected to significantly reshape workforce priorities in the years ahead.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of work will be shaped not just by coding expertise, but by the ability to collaborate across functions, work alongside AI systems, and continuously adapt to changing business needs. Technology is no longer just transforming industries but is fundamentally redefining how organisations build teams, drive innovation, and prepare for the next era of global growth.”