Mukul Phate Honored with National Literature Award 2024 by Indian Literature & Arts Society

Mukul Phate, a dynamic youth leader from Thane, Maharashtra, has recently garnered national acclaim by receiving the prestigious “National Literature Award 2024” from the Indian Literature & Arts Society. This recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to literature and the performing arts, particularly through his profound poetry and innovative educational manual for actors, titled “Leela.”
Phate‘s work in “Leela” stands out not only for its artistic merit but also for its practical impact. The manual has gained international traction, now available in over 151 countries, showcasing its universal appeal and relevance. This achievement has established Phate as a significant figure in both acting and literature, culminating in a world record that highlights his commitment to fostering creativity and education in the arts.
Through his poetry, Phate explores themes of identity, resilience, and social change, resonating deeply with diverse audiences. His ability to connect with young people and inspire them to express themselves creatively has solidified his role as a rising leader among his peers.
Phate’s recognition at a national level is a testament to his dedication and vision for the arts. As he continues to make waves on the global stage, Mukul Phate is not just a poet and educator; he is a catalyst for change, encouraging future generations to embrace their artistic potential and contribute to the cultural tapestry of our world.

Union Minister of Textiles Unveils ‘Sarees: Draping Emotions’ Book by Pearl Academy and FDCI

New Delhi, October 17, 2024: Sh. Giriraj Singh, Honourable Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India, unveiled ‘Sarees: Draping Emotions,’ a coffee-table book by Pearl Academy made in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) on October 13 at the Grand, New Delhi. The unveiling ceremony took place in the presence of Chairman Pearl Academy Dr Sharad Mehra, FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi, President Pearl Academy Aditi Srivastava, and industry stalwarts including Anju Modi, Tarina Sethi, Nitin Bal Chauhan, Shruti Sancheti, Ragini Ahuja, Mani Shankar, Sushant Abrol, Swati Kapoor, Akshat Bansal, Pratima Pandey, Aseem Kapoor and more. With a legacy of 31 years, Pearl Academy is India’s leading creative education institution.

“The saree is not just a piece of clothing; it embodies our cultural ethos and the spirit of our artisans,” said Honourable Sh. Giriraj Singh. “This book celebrates the stories that the saree tells, showcasing its role in empowering women and preserving our rich heritage. Initiatives like these are vital for fostering a deeper appreciation of our traditions among the younger generation.”

The coffee table book is a tribute to the saree — a timeless garment intricately woven into the fabric of Indian culture. It unravels the intricate stories behind sarees, tracing their journey from traditional attire to symbols of cultural amalgamation, empowerment, and individual expression. Inspired by the powerful narratives surrounding this iconic garment, the book highlights the artisans and designers who innovate, while preserving the saree’s rich heritage. ’Sarees: Draping Emotions’ explores the historical significance of sarees, including references in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, and showcases contemporary design trends. By integrating AI-generated imagery, the book reflects Pearl Academy’s commitment to the future, while honouring traditional craftsmanship.

“The saree, which has been worn by women in the Indian subcontinent for over 5000 years, has evolved from a simple attire to a symbol of fashion, identity, and cultural pride. Its beauty lies in its adaptability and rich heritage. This book is Pearl Academy’s tribute to the saree, a timeless symbol of identity, culture, and women’s strength. This book will take the readers on a journey that weaves together the stories, artistry, and emotions of a saree,” added Dr Sharad Mehra, Chairman, Pearl Academy.

As Pearl Academy continues to promote art and culture, it plays a vital role in celebrating India’s rich cultural tapestry. This initiative not only revitalises India’s artistic legacy, but also inspires a renewed appreciation for the saree as a cultural symbol.

“The saree is a timeless embodiment of India’s rich textile heritage, a garment that seamlessly weaves tradition with modernity. ‘Sarees: Draping Emotions’ is a celebration of this remarkable legacy, and it honours the artisans and designers whose craftsmanship breathes life into each weave. At FDCI, we are committed to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote the artistry inherent in our cultural fabrics.” Said Mr. Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India.

This book serves as a vital resource, inspiring new generations to appreciate the saree’s elegance while embracing it as a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and evolving identity in a contemporary world, shares Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI.

The launch of ‘Sarees: Draping Emotions’ heralds a new chapter in the appreciation of Indian textiles, poised to spark a cultural renaissance. This book serves as a vital resource, encouraging readers to explore the profound connections between identity and attire, and to recognise the saree as a canvas for storytelling. By elevating the voices of artisans and celebrating the artistry involved in every weave, Pearl Academy aims to inspire individuals to not only embrace this timeless garment, but also to champion the rich traditions that shape it. This initiative aspires to ignite conversations around empowerment and heritage, reinforcing the saree’s significance in contemporary society as a beacon of strength, resilience, and cultural pride.

Jupiter Electric Mobility Launches Pan-India Roadshow to Onboard Dealers for Electric Vehicles

17th October 2024, Chennai – Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM), the electric vehicle arm of Jupiter Wagons Limited, has embarked on a two-month nationwide roadshow aimed at expanding its dealer network. This ambitious initiative will target key Indian states, tapping into unique regional demands for commercial electric vehicles (EVs). The goal: to create a robust network of partners who will help drive JEM’s mission to revolutionize sustainable transportation across India.
As JEM gears up for the December 2024 full-scale launch of its flagship vehicle, the Tez, a compact commercial EV designed for last-mile deliveries, this roadshow is crucial for fostering relationships with dealers in markets where electric commercial vehicles are poised for high adoption. The Tez, equipped with a 30kWh battery that provides 25% more range than competitors, has already been piloted in several cities, receiving widespread acclaim for its superior performance.
Focusing on Local Needs: Why These States?
Each state in JEM’s roadshow has been chosen based on its potential to benefit from electric commercial vehicles, reflecting the company’s deep understanding of regional business ecosystems:
  • Bengaluru: Ideal for startups and tech-driven logistics, where fast, efficient, and eco-friendly last-mile delivery is critical.
  • Punjab & Haryana: Supports agricultural logistics with cost-effective and sustainable transport solutions for farmers.
  • Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur): Perfect for urban e-commerce and trade sectors needing reliable, long-range transport.
  • Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Surat): Benefits the state’s thriving SMEs by providing dependable, economical commercial vehicle solutions.
  • Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore): Aligns with the industrial and logistics needs of this growing electric mobility hub.
For dealers, this roadshow presents a unique opportunity to become key players in a growing market. Electric commercial vehicles are no longer the future—they are the present, driven by increasing government incentives and rising fuel costs, which make the switch to EVs not just viable, but essential. By partnering with JEM, dealers can be at the forefront of this shift, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable logistics.
  • Rising EV DemandDealers can capitalize on India’s growing EV market, fuelled by supportive policies and rising fuel costs.
  • Superior Product: JEM’s Tez offers market-leading battery technology with unmatched range and reliability, reducing operational downtime.
  • Comprehensive Ecosystem: JEM provides a complete ecosystem, including financing, charging infrastructure, and after-sales support.
  • Flexible Ownership Models: Accessible financing and leasing options empower fleet operators and Driver Cum Owners (DCOs) to adopt EVs.
  • Partnership-Driven Success: JEM’s strategic partnerships in charging, financing, and logistics ensure a smooth transition to electric mobility.
“At Jupiter Electric Mobility, we are driving innovation with a purpose—to empower our dealers and communities to be key contributors in reshaping India’s transportation ecosystem,” said Mr. Vivek Lohia, Managing Director of JEM. “Our approach is holistic, focusing not just on delivering electric vehicles but on fostering long-term partnerships that enable our dealers to offer tailored, sustainable solutions. Through this roadshow, we are building a network that transforms regional logistics, ensuring that the shift to green mobility benefits businesses and consumers alike.”
JEM is also expanding partnerships with key players in charging infrastructure, financing, and leasing sectors to ensure seamless EV adoption across diverse industries. With further strategic tie-ups in the pipeline, the company is setting the stage to lead the electric commercial vehicle category in India.

Transcon commences phased handover of 148 SRA units to residents in Santacruz

Mumbai, October 17, 2024: Transcon, a leading real estate developer, proudly commenced the phased handover of 148 SRA units to the residents of Sai Durga SRA Co-operative Housing Society, Santacruz (W), Mumbai. This momentous event was marked by a ceremonial handover attended by Shri Ashish Shelar, a prominent political leader and advocate for urban development, highlighting the company’s dedication to improving urban living standards.

The SRA component of Transcon’s commercial project, Ramdev Plaza, symbolizes the company’s ongoing commitment to providing quality housing solutions for the community. During the event, Shri Ashish Shelar expressed his admiration for Transcon’s efforts, stating, “This initiative marks a significant step toward transforming the lives of these residents. Access to safe and adequate housing is crucial for creating a better future, and I commend Transcon for their unwavering commitment to this important cause.”

Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director of Transcon Developers, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to deliver these SRA units to the residents of this community. Our goal has always been to provide quality housing solutions that not only meet the immediate needs of the community but also promote long-term sustainability. We believe that every individual deserves a safe and dignified place to call home, and this project exemplifies our commitment to making that a reality.”

The newly constructed homes in Santacruz are designed with a focus on functionality and comfort, providing residents with access to essential amenities and a secure living environment that enhances their overall quality of life. This milestone reinforces Transcon’s dedication to social responsibility and its efforts to positively shape the urban landscape of Mumbai.

Transcon’s commitment to social housing aligns with its broader mission to enhance urban living through innovative and sustainable development practices. The company remains committed to collaborating with government authorities and community stakeholders to deliver impactful projects that support the overall growth and development of Mumbai.

The successful completion of the SRA component of the Ramdev Plaza project stands as a testament to Transcon’s dedication to creating positive change in the communities it serves. As Transcon continues to expand its portfolio, it remains focused on delivering high-quality; affordable housing that empowers residents and enriches their lives.

Metro Line 3: A Game-Changer for Mumbai’s Real Estate Landscape

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a significant transformation with the launch of the first phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3. During a recent visit to the city, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated this crucial infrastructure project, marking a new era of connectivity for India’s financial capital. The first phase of the Metro Line-3 connects Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey, spanning the JVLR section. As Mumbai’s first underground metro, the Aqua Line will revolutionize travel in the city, featuring 10 new stations, including key transit hubs such as T2 and Santacruz, thereby easing congestion and reducing travel times.

The full 33.5 km route of the Aqua Line connects Aarey to Cuffe Parade, incorporating 27 stations along its path. The recently launched first phase spans 12.5 km between Aarey and BKC, offering an important boost to the city’s transport network. Moreover, this metro line will integrate with Mumbai Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka, offering improved connectivity across Mumbai’s key regions.

Mr. Anil Mutha, Chief Visionary & Co-Founder, Nandivardhan Group highlighted the transformative nature of these developments, stating, “The government’s commitment to improving Mumbai’s infrastructure is commendable. The launch of Mumbai Metro Line-3 is a transformative milestone for urban transportation. This will drastically improve connectivity and help ease congestion in vital corridors. Once the Metro 3 is fully operational, it will enhance accessibility for residents commuting between Dadar in south-central Mumbai and the northern suburbs, significantly benefiting daily commuters. Additionally, the operational metro corridor is expected to stimulate holistic development in the South Mumbai real estate market, particularly around Dadar, by improving connectivity to key areas like BKC, Worli, and Marine Lines.”

Elaborating on benefits to SoBo residents, Mr. Vedanshu Kedia, Director of Prescon Group stated, “South Mumbai is back on the real estate map with high-impact infrastructure projects that are announced and ongoing such as the Coastal Road, Bandra-Worli Sea Link Extension, Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor, as well as Metro Line 3. There will be significant advantages for residents of Mahim, Dadar, Matunga, Worli, who will benefit from enhanced connectivity to the rest of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. These micro markets have significant scope of redevelopment potential due to their large stock of ageing real estate. Once these initiatives are operational, property values and volumes are anticipated to increase significantly. We feel that the market share for these micro-markets will significantly improve in the residential and commercial property transaction pie of MMR Region.”

Commenting on the impact on the region, Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director, CCI Projects added, “The Metro 3 and Metro 7 along with the Western Express Highway will significantly ease connectivity in the Kandivali-Borivali belt. This will inevitably lead to a surge in housing demand, as the area becomes more accessible and attractive for potential homebuyers seeking well-connected residential options.”

Reflecting on the benefits for homebuyers, Mr. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer, Omkar Realtors & Developers shared, “There is already significant demand for housing in the western suburbs, especially in the Malad-Goregaon belt. The convergence of Metro Line 3 with existing Metro lines 1 & 7 will further fuel housing demand in this region. Improved connectivity, lifestyle amenities, and the convenience offered by projects in the western suburbs will greatly enhance the lifestyle for homebuyers along this metro corridor.”

Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers emphasized the strategic importance of these developments, stating, “These infrastructure initiatives are pivotal for Mumbai’s future. The focus on underground metro systems and freeway extensions represents a forward-thinking approach to urban planning. Areas like Santacruz, Andheri, and Malad along the western line will see heightened demand, with the improved mobility expected to stimulate both residential and commercial growth, making Mumbai a more competitive global city.”

Mr. Himanshu Jain, VP – Sales, Marketing & CRM, Satellite Developers Pvt. Ltd. highlighted the Malad-Goregaon region’s growth potential noting, “The combined impact of Metro 3 and Metro 7 will drive residential and commercial development in the Malad-Goregaon region. For millennial homebuyers, the proximity of their homes to workplaces is a crucial factor. Compact homes and studio apartments near their workspace allow them to maintain a balanced lifestyle, offering more quality time with their families.”

Looking ahead, additional infrastructure projects like the extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) and the forthcoming Phase II of Metro Line-3 are set to further enhance Mumbai’s transport network. These initiatives are critical for alleviating congestion and meeting the needs of the city’s growing population and economic aspirations.

As Mumbai embraces these transformative changes, the impact on daily commuting and the city’s global standing will be profound. By 2025, the seamless integration of air, road, and metro networks is expected to position Mumbai as a world-class urban center, prepared to tackle the challenges of its expanding population and dynamic economy.

Indeanta E-Mobility Partners with Cautio to Ensure Safe Mobility for Students Across Leading Campuses

Bengaluru, 17 October 2024: EMobility, a leading provider of eco-conscious and innovative transportation solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with a Bengaluru-based startup in the dashcam and video telematics space. This partnership is set to enhance the safety and reliability of student transportation across major campuses like Chandigarh University, Manipal University, and IIT, among others.

With this, Cautio’s AI-powered dash-cams and operating system will be integrated into Indeanta’s fleet of electric buggies, ensuring that students, faculty, and families benefit from a safer and more sustainable mobility solution. Currently, 100% of the vehicles across 4 campuses in India are equipped with this technology, and the partnership plans to double the number of campuses covered in the next three months. The technology offers real-time insights into driver behaviour and patterns, promoting safe driving, road safety and environmental sustainability.

The dash cams will monitor driver behaviour, vehicle surroundings, and road conditions, identifying potential risks real-time. With this integration, fleet operators can improve safety standards and operational efficiency through real-time data analytics. Cautio‘s technology offers real-time insights into driver behaviour and driving patterns, resulting in a significant reduction in phone usage among drivers while ferrying students, improvement in driving behaviour, and 100% utilisation of the fleet due to enhanced safety and optimisation.

“At Indeanta, we are driven by the mission to provide clean, efficient, and safe mobility solutions. Our partnership with Cautio strengthens this commitment by ensuring that our fleets not only reduce carbon emissions but also set new benchmarks for safety and reliability. By integrating Cautio, we are able to offer students, faculty, and families peace of mind, knowing that their trips are being protected by the best safety systems available today.” says Gaurav Chainani, Co-Founder of Indeanta.

Ankit Acharya, Co-Founder & CEO of Cautio, says: “This partnership with Indeanta marks a significant step towards transforming student transportation into a safer, smarter, and more sustainable experience. At Cautio, we are committed to leveraging the power of AI-driven video telematics to ensure that every journey is protected, every driver monitored, and every trip optimised for safety. Together with Indeanta, by enabling eco-friendly mobility we are setting a new standard for safety & trust in transportation.”

This initiative is not just limited to campus transportation. There is a larger vision to expand these advanced mobility solutions into high-traffic venues such as hotels, private properties, and residential complexes, enhancing safety for all users.

As cities like Chandigarh continue to develop as smart cities, leveraging advanced mobility solutions like Cautio can significantly enhance safety in mobility across various vehicle types. This partnership is also poised to bring these solutions to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that safe and sustainable transport is accessible to a broader audience.

This initiative has been warmly welcomed by students, faculty, and families, who have shown strong support for this step towards improving both safety and sustainability in campus transportation.

CCI Approves Central Bank of India’s Acquisition of Shares in Future Generali Insurance

The proposed combination envisages acquisition by Central Bank of India of 24.91% equity stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL) and 25.18% equity stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL) through bid/resolution plan submitted by Central bank of India under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016.

Central Bank of India is a scheduled commercial bank. FGIICL is a general insurance company. It provides personal insurance, commercial insurance, social & rural insurance etc. FGILICL is a life insurance company. It provides savings insurance, investment plans (ULIP), term insurance plans, health insurance plans, child plans, retirement plans, rural insurance plans and group insurance plans. Detailed order of the Commission will follow

Genesys Appoints Albert Nel as Senior Vice President and Regional Sales Leader for Asia Pacific

India, 17th October 2024 – Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, today announced the appointment of Albert Nel as Senior Vice President and Regional Sales Leader for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Nel is responsible for overseeing the company’s APAC business, including its go-to-market strategies, customer relationships and sales team.

With over 20 years of global technology experience in competitive and complex environments, Nel brings deep technology industry knowledge and a proven track record of driving growth through strategic leadership, sales execution, and team enablement with a customer-focused approach. His expertise in business-to-business sales for public and private sector enterprise organisations across Asia Pacific, Japan, United States and Africa, will help accelerate the continued expansion of Genesys in the region and globally.

Prior to joining Genesys, Nel served as senior vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific and Japan at Contentsquare, where he played a key role in scaling the business, expanding into new markets, and fostering growth in both the team size and revenue. Nel has also held senior sales leadership roles at global technology brands such as OpenText, Dell EMC, and Sybase.

Larry Shurtz, chief sales officer, Genesys said, “Organisations in the APAC region are increasingly adopting AI-powered, cloud-based solutions to elevate customer interactions and achieve sustainable business success. With a proven track record in the technology sector and extensive experience leading in high-growth environments, Albert’s deep understanding of the region will be instrumental in ensuring our customers remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Commenting on his new role, Nel said, “As businesses strive to optimise operations and enhance brand loyalty through personalised customer experiences using AI and automation, Genesys is uniquely positioned to power this transformation and provide a competitive advantage. With best-in-class customer and employee experience solutions, Genesys fuels engagement, efficiency, and long-term growth for businesses of all sizes, types, and geographies. This is an exceptional time to join Genesys as we collaborate with customers and partners to accelerate their journey in AI-powered experience orchestration and deliver empathetic customer engagements.”

Genesys continues to accelerate APAC business growth

This news comes at a pivotal period for Genesys as the APAC region surpassed 1,350 Genesys Cloud™ customers in the first half of its fiscal year 2025, showcasing strong industry growth across media and entertainment, government, and financial services industries. Notably, Genesys Cloud continued to see strong growth in the APAC region during the first half of its fiscal year 2025.

Genesys continues to deepen its investment in the APAC region. Earlier this month, the company announced it was the first global CCaaS provider to offer an Indian cloud node with a Unified License Virtual Network Operator (UL VNO) license. Today Genesys offers full-service cloud availability in five Amazon Web Services (AWS) Regions in APAC including AWS Asia Pacific (Mumbai), AWS Asia Pacific (Seoul), AWS Asia Pacific (Tokyo), AWS Asia Pacific (Osaka) and AWS Australia (Sydney) as well as satellite availability in AWS Asia Pacific (Singapore), AWS Asia Pacific (Hong Kong), and AWS Asia Pacific (Jakarta).

Furthermore, the company recently opened a new state-of-the-art office in the Philippines to support its expanding team and vibrant culture, with Genesys Philippines also earning six different Great Place to Work recognitions for four consecutive years. Additionally, Genesys India has been accredited as a Great Place to Work for eight consecutive years, including Best Place to Work for Women for the last four years in a row.

Lenzing, Kaihara Denim, and ROICA Launch SAISEI Collection of Premium Recycled Stretch Denim

Lenzing – The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei, a pioneer in premium stretch fiber, and Kaihara Denim, the world-renowned Japanese denim manufacturer, join forces for the first time to co-create a premium stretch denim collection, “SAISEI Collection.” The strategic partnership is well-placed to offer the international market a higher composition of recycled materials in denim. Blending LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers with REFIBRA™ technology1 with ROICA™ EF recycled stretch yarn and entrusting them with Kaihara Denim’s renowned denim craftsmanship, the high-quality denim collection is brought to light. It will make its first appearance at Kingpins Amsterdam, October 23–24, 2024.

“Through this partnership with Kaihara Denim and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei, we are taking bold steps to drive denim circularity empowered by joint expertise and devotion,” said Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim at Lenzing. “The synergy between ROICA™ EF yarn, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, and Kaihara Denim’s exceptional craftsmanship has given life to premium, resource-efficient denim fabrics that have sustainability, performance, and style at heart.1,4, This partnership not only underscores the shared commitment between Lenzing and our partners to create excellent products while doing better for the environment4, but also serves as a catalyst for driving the transformation towards low impact practices4 across the denim value chain and beyond.”

Weaving the future of denim with collective innovation

The new denim collection boasts a special fabric composition, making the most of ROICA™ EF yarn and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology thanks to their resource-efficient1,4,5 attributes. ROICA™ EF, made of pre-consumer recycled content as well as featuring excellent stretchability2, is integral to the flexibility, and comfort of the fabric. On the other hand, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, comprises up to 20% of post-consumer textile waste, which is sourced from cellulose-rich materials or polyester-cotton blends, supporting natural softness to the denim fabric.


“Our vision for sustainability at Asahi Kasei is to achieve zero emissions and seek to recycle all of our industrial waste,” said HiroakiShinohe, Chief Marketing Officer of ROICA Europe at Asahi Kasei. “Our innovative ROICA™ EF yarns, which is 30% lower in CO2 emissions compared to regular yarns5, exemplify this dedication. By partnering with Lenzing and Kaihara Denim on a recycling concept that gives new life to pre-used materials, we are able to leverage our collective expertise in sustainable stretch fabrics. We are thrilled that the incorporation of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and Kaihara Denim’s premium denim craftsmanship can provide an exceptional fabric that meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally consicous1,4,5, comfortable denimwear.”

Redefining denim applications for high-performing, eco-conscious1,4,5 fashion

“The collection offers three distinct denim fabrications” –

super stretch (Monster Stretch by Kaihara Denim), comfort stretch, and low stretch (selvedge denim) – each crafted with Kaihara Denim’s artisanal expertise using the meticulous blend of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and ROICA™ EF. This innovative denim fabric features a subtle bulkiness and reduced drape, delivering a unique hand feel. The versatility of the new denim fabric opens a world of possibilities for fashion designers and brands, empowering them to create stylish, resource-efficient1,4,5 garments that range from everyday chic, casual wear to workwear.

“As Lenzing’s long-standing partner, we are thrilled to be part of this transformative journey with ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei that embodies our concerted efforts towards driving positive change across the global denim landscape,” said Hirofumi Inagaki, Executive Officer, General Manager of Sales Department at Kaihara Denim. “Our long history and established expertise in premium denim manufacturing allow us to unlock the full potential of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and ROICA™ EF, resulting in this innovative, resource-efficient1,4,5denim collection. Together, we are reshaping the future of sustainable denim applications, both casual and formal, paving the way for a more circular fashion value chain.”

Airtel Business and Vonage partner to launch cutting-edge business communications application

Bangalore (India) October 17, 2024 – “Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel ̶ one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers” ̶ and Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications that helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation and a part of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), have partnered to launch Airtel IQ Business Connect ̶ a device-agnostic, unified business communications application that will help enterprises in India to simplify their customer engagement.

Airtel IQ Business Connect is a customised multi-channel unified communications application that will enable businesses to enrich their customer experiences by maintaining consistent, long-lasting customer engagement while also overcoming challenges of data loss that can arise during employee transitions or attrition. With the new application, new employees will be equipped to seamlessly maintain continuity in customer communications across a range of devices including mobile phones, tablets and laptops, through a single interface, ensuring strong customer loyalty and stickiness. Enterprises can effortlessly adopt the application without the need for any additional hardware investments.

Abhishek Biswal, Chief Business Officer – Digital Products & Services, Airtel Business, said, “We are delighted to partner with Vonage and launch ‘Airtel IQ Business Connect’ – a next-gen technology application. Businesses today are looking for a compliance-adhering, unified communications application to ensure smooth customer communications. Airtel IQ Business Connect will fill this gap by offering enterprises a device-agnostic, real-time monitoring application that can host multiple channels to drive improved business communication and productivity”.

Reggie Scales, Head of Applications at Vonage, commented, “We are excited to announce our strategic partnership with Airtel Business to power new unified communications capabilities for enterprises in India, a key strategic growth market for Vonage. In today’s dynamic business environment, effective communication and collaboration are essential. With the power of Vonage’s Unified Communications as a Service capabilities, coupled with Airtel’s secure and reliable network, businesses in India will be able to enjoy a multi-channel approach to communications that combines voice and messaging, enabling consumers to connect and collaborate with brands from anywhere and across any channel.”

Airtel IQ Business Connect, powered by Vonage, is a part of Airtel Business’s cloud communications offering – Airtel IQ. The application will enable enterprises in India to empower all their employees, including their hybrid workforce, as well as personnel such as relationship managers, field force and others, to seamlessly communicate with their stakeholders 24X7, thereby enabling enhanced customer engagement.

Airtel IQ is an omni-channel cloud communications platform that unifies cloud communications and customer experience management to enable brands to engage with their customers across voice and WhatsApp channels. Airtel is the first telecom company in the world that serves as a Business Service Provider (BSP) for WhatsApp.

Airtel Business is a leading provider of integrated communications solutions in India. With a wide gamut of end-to-end solutions spanning cellular IoT, connectivity, cloud, data centre, cyber security and cloud-based communications, the company’s offerings are engineered to deliver high-speed connectivity, unparalleled wide coverage and scalable bandwidth to customers across enterprises, governments, carriers and small and medium businesses (SMBs). For more details, visit

This collaboration strengthens Vonage’s presence and commitment to driving innovation in India. With a Research and Development (R&D) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the heart of India’s high-tech industry, Vonage has a large R&D team in the region focused on building new features across Vonage’s portfolio of business communications solutions.