Archives December 2025

New Delhi, Dec 5: The plan encompasses becoming a fully operational bank, transferring educational and healthcare models, launching investment vehicles, and making significant investments in technology and infrastructure.

Sber, having already increased its transaction volume in India by more than 14 times last year, now aims to triple its operations over the next three years. This will be supported by an estimated investment of $100 million in technology, team expansion, and new offices.

Building a Full-Stack Bank in India

Herman Gref detailed a phased approach to establishing Sber as a universal bank in India, serving both B2B and B2C clients. The bank has already applied to the Central Bank of India to open branches in ten cities within three years. The core IT platform, brought from Russia and redesigned in-house by a team of several hundred professionals in Bangalore, is being tailored to meet local regulatory requirements.

Exporting Successful Models: Education and High-Tech

A key pillar of the strategy involves partnering to bring Sber’s successful non-financial models to India. Discussions are advanced with a major Indian partner to introduce Sber’s practical, peer-to-peer engineering school model, aimed at making quality education accessible outside of classical universities. Initial modest proposals have been met with strong partner interest, suggesting a potential launch across 20 cities.

Furthermore, Sber is actively seeking partners to introduce its high-tech solutions, including its generative AI capabilities. With a dedicated team of 3,000 AI engineers and a world-class model, Sber is prepared to share this expertise, supporting India’s ambition for sovereign AI development.

Facilitating Trade and Investment

Sber has become a critical bridge in Russia-India trade, currently facilitating 65-70% of Indian exports to Russia and 10-15% of Russian exports to India. Transactions that once took weeks now complete in under ten minutes for 80% of cases, without the need for a third-party currency.

To further catalyze investment flow, Sber has launched “First-India,” a closed-end mutual fund tied to the Nifty 50 Index for Russian accredited investors.

Major Investment in Indian Operations and Talent

The expansion will be backed by substantial physical and human resource investments. Plans include doubling the IT team in Bangalore, opening a new IT office in Hyderabad, and establishing an R&D center in India. A second development team from Moscow will also be relocated to support projects in robotics and chipset architecture.

Herman Gref, CEO and chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank:

In the age of AI disruption, sovereign AI capability is a strategic imperative for a nation like India. We have built one of the world’s leading models and are fully open to partnering with India on our strategic journey.

Chandigarh, Dec 05th: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the launch of its latest advertising campaign featuring its global brand ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar. Building on the success of last year’s ‘Play The Masterstroke’ platform, the new campaign highlights the importance of making the right choices when pursuing life’s major goals – from buying a dream home or car to investing in one’s business. The campaign underscores that choosing the right financial partner is the true Masterstroke that helps turn aspirations into reality. 

Aligned with the Bank’s retailisation strategy, the campaign focuses on four key products – Home Loans, Car Loans, MSME Loans through bob Digi Udyam and the bob Masterstroke Lite Savings Account – to drive customer acquisition and deepen market penetration. Through four warm, relatable and light-hearted films, the narratives draw from everyday experiences to showcase Bank of Baroda’s customer-centric offerings, seamless digital access and trusted services. Sachin Tendulkar, with his signature presence and authenticity, reinforces the message that the right financial partner can make all the difference. 

Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager – HRM & Marketing, Bank of Baroda said, “Through Bank of Baroda’s new Masterstroke campaign, our aim is to empower every individual and support every dream, with the promise that choosing Bank of Baroda as their trusted financial partner can truly be a masterstroke. Sachin Tendulkar, our global brand ambassador, embodies the values of excellence & trust, making him the ideal choice to deliver the campaign’s core message.” 

The campaign kicked off with a #WhatIsYourMasterstroke teaser which generated strong pre-launch buzz, and featured well-known influencers Jatin Sapru, cricket commentator and host, and Kamiya Jani, Founder & Editor-In-Chief at Curly Tales. 

As part of a comprehensive 360° media strategy to ensure strong pan-India reach, the campaign spans television, print, social media, radio, outdoor, and cinema, and is being executed across multiple languages.

Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has launched its premium product, Bangur Marble Cement, under its master brand, Bangur Cement in Odisha region. This PSC cement offers best-in-segment brightness, superior strength and crack resistance, making it ideal for exposed concrete structures and ensuring grand, imposing designs. It is also well suited for the weather conditions of coastal Odisha, making it one of the most suitable cement options for the region’s construction needs.

Over 1000 retailers across Odisha will have access to the product, along with live in-store demonstrations designed to highlight its strength, finish, and premium performance. The product has already made a strong mark in the premium cement category across the eastern region, through 2,000+ retailers across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Speaking on the launch, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., said, “With Bangur Marble Cement, we’re redefining what premium construction material should deliver. This product brings unmatched brightness, strength, and performance, meeting the expectations of today’s builders and homeowners who demand both beauty and durability. Odisha, a key focus market, will further accelerate Shree Cement’s growth momentum in the east.”

Bangur Marble’s unique formulation uses GGBS, a steel industry by-product, reducing environmental impact without compromising performance. The result is a high-strength, high quality, and long-lasting cement solution that supports greener building practices and more resilient structures. This product will be offered alongside Bangur Cement’s premium lineup, including Jungrodhak, Rockstrong, Powermax, Magna, and Roofon.

This launch underscores Shree Cement’s mission to champion sustainability and lead the shift toward responsible, high-performance construction in India.

Chandigarh, Dec 05: Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of French automaker Renault Group, today announced the nationwide rollout of its flagship customer campaign – ‘Discovery Days’.

Scheduled from December 10 to December 22, 2025, the initiative invites customers to discover Renault’s new lineup, including the new Triber and new Kiger, through a series of engaging experiences at dealerships across the country.

Discovery Days has been designed as an opportunity for customers to interact with Renault’s cars in a festive, carnival‑like setting. Over two consecutive weekends, dealerships will host themed activities, immersive brand experiences, and personalized interactions, creating a welcoming environment for exploration and engagement.

To make the campaign lucrative car buyers can also get the following benefits:

• 0% Rate of Interest / Interest free financing on all models
• 50% waiver on processing fees
• Exchange benefits of up to INR 35,000 over and above the old car value
• Cash Benefits of up to INR 25,000 on new cars

 Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director of Renault India, said:

“At Renault, our priority is to create meaningful experiences for our customers. ‘Discovery Days’ is not just about offers but about giving people the chance to explore the new Kiger and new Triber in a celebratory atmosphere. By combining engaging showroom activities with exclusive advantages, we aim to make every visit memorable and enjoyable.”

With the introduction of the new Kiger and new Triber, supported by GST benefits, Renault India has seen strong growth, with sales rising by 21% in October and 30% in November 2025 year on year.

India, Dec 05th: In today’s data-saturated world, it’s no longer enough for data scientists to build models. They’re now expected to drive strategy, guide business decisions, and lead transformation.

With AI adoption becoming mainstream across industries, organisations are increasingly seeking AI-fluent, business-savvy data professionals who can do more than code. They need data scientists who can communicate value, align with business goals, and scale insights across the enterprise.

That’s exactly where the Data Science and AI for Managers programme from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) steps in. A cutting-edge online programme designed to help data scientists, analysts, and technical professionals become high-impact business leaders.

The Rise of the Strategic Data Scientist

AI has moved out of R&D and into the boardroom. From finance and supply chain to retail and healthcare, data scientists are increasingly being tasked with answering big-picture questions:

• Where is the next growth opportunity?
• How do we personalise at scale?
• What can we automate and how do we do it responsibly?

While the technical skills remain essential, the new expectation is cross-functional fluency. The ability to translate models into action and insights into impact.

That’s where IIM Lucknow’s Data Science and AI for Managers programme excels. 

What Participants Will Gain:

Advanced Data Science & AI Capabilities
Go beyond the tools. Learn to identify and act on strategic growth opportunities using AI-powered insights.

Skills in Cognitive & Big Data Analytics
Develop a structured managerial understanding of Big Data, Cognitive Analytics, and cloud-based deployment strategies, so your models scale with your business.

Understanding AI Algorithms in a Business Context
Gain the knowledge to evaluate, apply, and align AI algorithms with core business needs: From forecasting to process automation.

Leadership Acumen in High-Impact AI Projects
Learn how to lead and execute successful AI initiatives using a systematic, data-driven approach that delivers ROI.

What the learning journey will look like:

Deepened intellectual capital

Access a world-class curriculum that’s enriched by leading B-school faculty and peer-to-peer learning

Enhanced career outcomes

Learn while you earn and accelerate your leadership career with cutting-edge insights

Dedicated support and advanced skill retention

Benefit from a blended design that integrates live learning, real-world case studies and assignments

Top-industry credentials

Build in-demand, cross-functional skills that employers are looking for with an industry-recognised, B-school Certification. 

Programme Details:

• Duration: 9 Months
• Mode: Online + On-campus immersion
• Starts on: December 30^th, 2025 

AI Is the Tool. But Strategy Is the Differentiator

As organisations double down on AI and analytics, the professionals who can combine data fluency with strategic thinking will shape the next generation of business innovation.

IIM Lucknow’s Data Science and AI for Managers programme offers the insight, structure, and leadership toolkit to do exactly that.

Mumbai, Dec 05th: Vietjet, Vietnam’s new age carrier, has welcomed a new A321neo ACF, registered VN-A580, bringing the airline closer to its milestone of adding 22 aircraft within a single month by year-end. With these additional aircarft, travelers from India can look forward to greater flight availability, improved connectivity, and more seamless travel options as Vietjet strengthens its capacity ahead of the upcoming peak seasons.

This unprecedented fleet expansion, equivalent to the full fleet size of a standalone airline, marks the largest single-month aircraft build-up in Vietjet’s history. The achievement highlights Vietjet’s rapid growth, strong long-term strategy, and global aspirations as the airline gears up for the high demand New Year and Lunar New Year travel periods and accelerates the expansion of its international network.

The newly delivered and upcoming aircraft include 9 Boeing 737 aircraft for Vietjet Thailand, 7 new-generation Airbus aircraft and 6 other aircraft for Vietjet Group in Vietnam.

At a time when airlines worldwide face aircraft shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and extended delivery timelines, Vietjet is charting a different course. The addition of 22 new, modern aircraft in a month is a testament to Vietjet’s strong credibility, financial standing, and its rising reputation as a trusted partner across the global aviation industry.

As India and Vietnam continue to strengthen their ties, Vietjet has expanded its network between the two countries to offer greater convenience for Indian travelers. The airline currently operates direct flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, opening new avenues for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Mumbai, Dec 05th: Luxury in India has entered a new phase. One led by intelligence over excess, by engineering over embellishment, and by intention over imitation. Marking this shift, Liebherr Appliances India, in partnership with Network18, unveiled its exclusive showcase, Liebherr Privé,  an invite-only convergence of global leadership, design visionaries, architects, innovators, and cultural tastemakers shaping the future of modern living.

The evening unfolded with guest arrivals and registration, flowing into a soulful sitar performance by virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee and his ensemble, setting a contemplative yet powerful tone for a night defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and forward-looking dialogue.

Welcoming the audience, the Network18 anchor introduced the vision of the evening, followed by the official welcome address by Kapil Agarwal, MD Sales Liebherr Appliances India, who highlighted the brand’s commitment to precision engineering, sustainability-led design, and elevating India’s lifestyle landscape with global innovation. Kapil shared, “India is evolving at a pace the world can no longer ignore. As consumers embrace global innovation with local insight, our mission is  to create technology that understands India, adapts to India, and ultimately elevates everyday living. Innovation is not about complexity; it’s about purpose. When design, engineering, and real human needs align, products don’t just function better — they enrich lives. That is the philosophy we bring to every category we build.”

At the centre of the evening sat the Liebherr Foundational Fireside, a powerful exchange between Steffen Nagel, Roman Schäfer, and CNBC-TV18’s Manisha Gupta. The session explored Liebherr’s legacy of uncompromising engineering, the expanding role of intelligent technology in everyday living, and the brand’s long-term commitment to India’s rapidly evolving aspirations.

Sharing his opinion, Steffen shared, “Innovation for us is not an isolated function, it is embedded in our DNA. From the very beginning, we have believed that with strong desire and a genuine intent to make customers happy, great things can be achieved. That pioneering spirit continues today, supported by our shareholders and our family. Whether it is quality, functionality or sustainability, we see it as our responsibility to create products that add value while ensuring the next generation inherits a better world. India is one of the fastest-growing markets, and while we are a global brand, we strongly believe in thinking globally and acting locally. Our product range for India is intentionally distinct, because expectations, pace, and customer needs here are unique.”

Adding to that, Roman said, “India is growing at a speed no other market can match and that is exactly why we chose to be here When German engineering meets Indian insight, innovation moves beyond an idea and becomes an everyday impact. We don’t copy-paste Europe for India; with India, for India, and now from India to the world.The future of luxury is not loud, it is seamless. Homes today demand appliances that disappear into design yet elevate daily living  in meaningful ways. When timeless engineering, climate-control expertise, and intelligent design blend effortlessly into living spaces,  innovation becomes truly relevant.”

The momentum continued with a fireside chat featuring Abhinandan Lodha, Chairman, House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoAL), who unpacked the theme “From Square Feet to Smart Living,  Why tomorrow’s luxury is engineered, not embellished.” Moderated by Sonal Bhutra, CNBC-TV18, the conversation examined how technology, sustainability, and thoughtful engineering are reshaping the definition of luxury in India’s real estate and lifestyle ecosystems. Abhinandan said, “Innovation for us begins with listening. India is growing fast, and our commitment is simply to deliver high-quality, sustainable products that truly add value. Sustainability costs more, but it’s our duty to the next generation, and customers recognise that. India’s luxury consumer is younger, sharper and demanding real quality. With 1,45,000 verified insights, we can predict buying behaviour with precision. Luxury is rising far beyond metros, and the next decade will redefine how India buys and aspires.”

A high-impact panel discussion on “The Future of Evolving Homes & Innovative Living” brought together leading voices from architecture, design, arts, and interiors: Rajiv Mishra, Principal, Sir J.J. College of Architecture; Sumisha Gilotra, Editor, Architect & Interiors India, Brinda Miller, Chairperson, Kala Ghoda Festival, Nisha JamVwal, Celebrity Columnist, Activist & Luxury Brand Consultant; Neelam Sonavane, Chief Design Officer, Bonito Design. The panel explored the intersection of culture, spaces, user-centric design, and the new mindset shaping future homes.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was a special conversation with Sussanne Khan and Farah Khan Ali, titled “Designing Modern Luxury Where innovation meets personal expression.” Sussanne shared, “Design has been a part of my life from childhood, my parents taught us that luxury isn’t about money, it’s about creating warmth, beauty and intention in the spaces we live in. With the Charcoal Project, my vision was to go beyond furniture and create stories blending something old, something new, something soulful and something bold. Today, modern luxury is a marriage of technology and emotion: a home with a heart and a brain. Our clients want smart automation, but they also crave nature, rare materials, artisanal craft and that indescribable soulfulness. For me, sustainability is non-negotiable  from recycling metal waste into new products to supporting local artisans and experimenting with new eco-materials. As designers, we must stay curious, stay childlike and keep innovating. The moment we think we know everything, we stop creating.

As India steps into a more intelligent, future-ready way of living, Liebherr Privé stands as a powerful expression of how precision engineering, refined design, and human-centred innovation can come together to define the next chapter of luxury.

Mumbai, Dec 5: Bank of Baroda (Bank), announced the launch of its latest advertising campaign featuring its global brand ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar. Building on the success of last year’s ‘Play The Masterstroke’ platform, the new campaign highlights the importance of making the right choices when pursuing life’s major goals – from buying a dream home or car to investing in one’s business. The campaign underscores that choosing the right financial partner is the true Masterstroke that helps turn aspirations into reality.

Aligned with the Bank’s retailisation strategy, the campaign focuses on four key products – Home Loans, Car Loans, MSME Loans through bob Digi Udyam and the bob Masterstroke Lite Savings Account – to drive customer acquisition and deepen market penetration. Through four warm, relatable and light-hearted films, the narratives draw from everyday experiences to showcase Bank of Baroda’s customer-centric offerings, seamless digital access and trusted services. Sachin Tendulkar, with his signature presence and authenticity, reinforces the message that the right financial partner can make all the difference.

Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager – HRM & Marketing, Bank of Baroda said, “Through Bank of Baroda’s new Masterstroke campaign, our aim is to empower every individual and support every dream, with the promise that choosing Bank of Baroda as their trusted financial partner can truly be a masterstroke. Sachin Tendulkar, our global brand ambassador, embodies the values of excellence & trust, making him the ideal choice to deliver the campaign’s core message.”

The campaign kicked off with a #WhatIsYourMasterstroke teaser which generated strong pre-launch buzz, and featured well-known influencers Jatin Sapru, cricket commentator and host, and Kamiya Jani, Founder & Editor-In-Chief at Curly Tales.

As part of a comprehensive 360° media strategy to ensure strong pan-India reach, the campaign spans television, print, social media, radio, outdoor, and cinema, and is being executed across multiple languages.

Wonderland is redefining the landscape of public and recreational spaces through the innovative use of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP), a durable, sustainable, and highly versatile material. increasingly chosen over traditional wood and metal, FRP structures are becoming a preferred solution for parks, resorts, schools, and residential complexes. The material’s long lifespan, weather resistance, and low maintenance make it ideal for modern infrastructure needs. Its smooth, child-friendly surfaces enhance safety, while its recyclable composition supports eco-conscious development and aligns with India’s Smart City and sustainability goals.

Beyond strength and sustainability, FRP stands out for its unmatched creative freedom. Designers can mold FRP into virtually any form, allowing imagination to take physical shape. From thematic playgrounds and educational installations to iconic replicas of the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, or Howrah Bridge, FRP enables artistic concepts that were once difficult or expensive to construct. Starting from a mold and crafted with precision, each structure blends functionality with visual storytelling, turning public spaces into immersive, engaging environments that spark curiosity and interaction.

With a mission to highlight Bengal’s craftsmanship globally, Wonderland combines artistic skill, technological innovation, and sustainable design. Their FRP installations not only beautify public spaces but also drive tourism, enhance community engagement, and demonstrate how creative infrastructure can redefine a city’s identity, proving that thoughtful design can transform everyday spaces into impactful cultural landmarks.

India, Dec 05th: Artificial Intelligence is now at the heart of India’s digital transformation—driving safety, accessibility and everyday empowerment. Reflecting this shift, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2025, in collaboration with IIT Delhi, brought together thousands of students from across the country to design real-world AI solutions under the theme “AI for a Safer, Smarter and Inclusive Bharat.”

Here are the key highlights from this year’s theme, “AI for Safer, Smarter and Inclusive Bharat.”

1. A Theme Focused on Social Impact

The AI theme encouraged students to design technology that enhances safety in public spaces, improves accessibility for the visually impaired, and supports real-time emergency response.

2. The Innovators & Their Breakthroughs

• Teams like Chakravyuh, Error 404, Passionate Problem Solver, Percevia, and Sicario brought forward solutions ranging from AI-enabled surveillance networks and women’s safety apps to smart energy meters and wearable navigation devices for the visually impaired.

   Chakravyuh (Uttar Pradesh): Drone-enabled AI monitoring system to send alerts on infiltration activities on borders

• Error 404 (Uttar Pradesh): AI-powered safety app for women with real-time fall detection & ER
• Passionate Problem Solver (Delhi): Decentralized smart energy meter system with AI-based encryption and predictive alerts
• Sicario (Delhi): AI glasses providing real-time face recognition & offline navigation support for blind

  3. Theme Winner: Percevia

The top team under this theme—Percevia, led by Bengaluru student Tushar Shaw—created AI-powered glasses that provide object detection and location-based guidance, enabling safer and more independent mobility for visually impaired users.

4. National Winners Beyond AI

Other SFT 2025 national winners included:

*   NextPlay.AI – AI sports coaching platform
*   Paraspeak – Deep-learning speech-clarification device
  *   Prithvi Rakshak – Gamified sustainability app

5. The Support That Makes It Possible

Winners received up to ₹1 crore incubation support at IIT Delhi, with additional awards for top teams, including ₹1 lakh grants, Goodwill Awards, Young Innovator Awards, and Galaxy Z Flip smartphones.

6. A Platform Creating Future Changemakers

Participants gained access to FITT Labs, mentors from academia and industry, and design-thinking training focused on empathy-driven, responsible AI. With 2.9 million young innovators engaged across 68 countries since 2010, SFT continues to shape the next generation of problem solvers in India.