Author: Team

Primebook Secures Two Million Dollars in Pre-Series A Funding to Boost Affordable Tech Access in India

New Delhi, India – April 29, 2025 – Primebook- a first-of-its-kind Android laptop brand, today announced a successful Pre-Series A fundraise of USD 2 million in a mix of equity and debt. The round saw participation from Inflection Point Ventures, Auxano Capital, and NexG Devices, along with high-net-worth individual investors such as Rikant Pittie,  CEO and Co-founder, EaseMyTrip and Bhavesh Gupta, Ex COO, Paytm.

Built in India, for Young India, Primebook is on a mission to democratize computing for students and digital-first learners. Founded by Chitranshu Mahant and Aman Verma, the brand combines hardware innovation with software intelligence to deliver smart, affordable, and student-centric laptops powered by its proprietary Android-based operating system, PrimeOS.

In just two years, Primebook has carved out a 5% market share in the under ₹20,000 laptop segment, showing a YoY growth of 2x. The capital raised in this funding round will be strategically deployed across multiple verticals:

R&D and Product innovation:

• Strengthening Primebook’s proprietary Android-based OS (PrimeOS) with enhanced multitasking capabilities, robust features like AI and Cloud PC, and cross-platform integrations.
• Improving device efficiency, speed, and battery performance while maintaining affordability.

Brand Development & Awareness:

• Revamping Primebook’s visual identity and messaging to align with Gen Z sensibilities — bold, minimal, and rooted in purpose.
• Launching a full-funnel digital campaign combining brand storytelling with performance marketing to drive both awareness and conversions.
• Platform-specific creative strategy across Instagram, YouTube, Google, Flipkart, and Amazon to cater to different audience mindsets and behaviours.
• Always-on performance marketing engine with data-backed experimentation on creatives, keywords, audiences, and formats to optimize CAC and ROAS.
• Build a creator-led content ecosystem by collaborating with tech influencers, student vloggers, and edu-creators to generate authentic product stories.
• PR & influencer strategy focused on showcasing the impact of Primebook in real student lives, blending credibility with relatability.
• Establishing Kiosks across various locations in PAN India and hosting various Tech events.

Business Growth:

• Expanding institutional sales channels and enhancing after-sales service infrastructure.
• New product launches.

Speaking about the investment, Mr. Chitranshu Mahant, CEO of Primebook, said, ”We’re excited about the new chapter in our journey, and we are extremely thankful to our investors for their faith and backing. Furthermore, this investment enables us to put more resources toward product development, scale our operations, and reach millions more households in India. Thanks to our proprietary blend of affordable innovation and advanced technology, Primebook is on its way to becoming the preferred brand for students, professionals, and families.’’

Being one of the investors, Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder, IPV, says, “As of 2025, India still faces challenges like limited access to affordable laptops, poor connectivity in remote areas, and the need for localised, student-friendly tech. Primebook addresses these issues with low-cost devices offering 4G connectivity, an Android-based user-friendly desktop interface, and features like parental controls. The devices are assembled in India by PLI-approved manufacturers. Primebook is focused on empowering the next generation of students, especially those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating a huge market for itself.”

Harmeet Bindra, CEO & Founder, Leixer Resources, adds up, “To me, the success of the venture lies in the enormity of the problem we are trying to solve and the capability of the founders to address it. In Chitranshu & Aman, I found the clarity to make a true difference in the experience for the customers of Primebook and founders who knew that if they came up with a stumbling block that was hard to cross, they would find a way around it. I am confident that the Primebook team will be a winner.”

“Investing in a founder is all about what value adds & difference one is making in the ecosystem. The Primebook team has been at the forefront of making a difference over the past years. The resilience, never-say-die attitude, hustle, and more importantly, the ability & willingness to hear have been consistent. The business & team is poised to go to the next level of growth.” – Auxano Capital.

The presence of prominent investors such as Rikant Pittie and Bhavesh Gupta further supports the increasing faith in Primebook’s capacity to change the dynamic of affordable technology in the country. To this, Bhavesh Gupta,  Ex-COO, Paytm, states – “Investing in Primebook meant investing in the ever-expanding personal computing industry that’s certain to turn hybrid over the next ten years, where consumers would use advanced applications and software on cost-effective hardware via the cloud. Primebook’s continuous innovation in this regard and the founders’ resilience are what drove the funding decision. I am confident that the Primebook India team would reach its heights.”

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Unveils “The Royal Indian Cuisine” Feast

Indore, April 29, 2025 – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore proudly announces The Royal Indian Cuisine, an exclusive food festival that revives the grandeur and sophistication of India’s royal dining heritage. Scheduled from 25th April to 4th May 2025, this regal celebration will be hosted every evening at Araana, the hotel’s signature dining restaurant, from 7:00 PM onwards.

The festival brings together an opulent selection of dishes inspired by royal courts across India—from the kitchens of the Nawabi to the palaces of Rajasthan, Awadh and beyond. Each dish is an ode to timeless traditions, reimagined with authenticity and artistry. Dishes like Mahekti Rajmahal Shami, Darbaar –e- Kathal Kebab, Paneer Kundan Kaliyan, Makhmali Dal Tadka will be served in the food festival.

The highlight of this year’s festival is the presence of Chef Pranav, who has travelled all the way from Rajasthan to curate this experience. Renowned for his mastery in Indian Royal Cuisine, Chef Pranav brings with him generations-old recipes and culinary techniques passed down through royal households. His dishes, crafted with handpicked spices and traditional slow-cooking methods, promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of India’s regal past.

Executive Chef Karam Dogra added, “Our culinary team has passionately recreated dishes using traditional methods like dum cooking, clay pot roasting, and hand-ground masalas. Each bite at Araana during this festival is crafted to take you back to the royal courts of India.”

Chef Pranav shared his thoughts: “It is an honour to bring the legacy of Rajasthani royal kitchens to Indore. The menu is a tribute to the slow, soulful cooking traditions I grew up learning from palace chefs in my region. This festival is my way of sharing their stories—through taste.”

“The Royal Indian Cuisine is more than just a festival—it is a sensory voyage into history, heritage and hospitality,” says Neil James, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. “We are delighted to announce that going forward, Araana will feature a dedicated Royal Indian Cuisine segment on its menu, making these timeless flavours a permanent part of our culinary identity.”

Gurpreet Singh Sodhi, Director of Food & Beverage, stated, “This festival is a proud showcase of our commitment to celebrating India’s diverse culinary roots. At Araana, we invite our guests to dine like royalty — where every detail, from plate to palate, echoes tradition, passion, and indulgence.”

Set against the majestic backdrop of Sheraton’s palace-inspired architecture, the festival offers:

• A specially curated royal buffet each evening
• Live cooking stations recreating palace-style preparations
• An immersive dining ambiance with regal décor and classical melodies

Open to hotel guests, corporate diners and the Indore community, the festival also welcomes group bookings and private celebrations.

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore invites patrons to indulge in this rare opportunity to taste dishes once served in royal banquets—where every flavour tells a story, and every detail reflects perfection.

Fashion Landmark: ICONIC Debuts Its Biggest Central India Store in Raipur

Raipur, it’s your time to shine—because Iconic has officially arrived! Iconic, one of India’s most loved lifestyle and fashion destinations, has just unveiled its grandest store yet in Central India. Nestled in the heart of the city at Zora The Mall, this sprawling 27,000 sq. ft. flagship is more than just a store—it’s a bold statement, a style revolution, and a celebration of global fashion, all rolled into one. The new store was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Minister Arun Sao, turning this launch into a landmark moment for Raipur! This prestigious event marks the arrival of Iconic as the city’s leading fashion destination, setting a new standard for style, luxury, and global fashion in Central India.

Designed as a complete fashion ecosystem, the new Iconic store offers dedicated sections for Men, Women, and Kids, bringing together an extraordinary selection that caters to every age, style, and mood. But what truly makes this destination a game-changer is its carefully curated portfolio of world-class brands that are loved across continents.

Step inside, and you’ll be instantly transported into the refined world of international fashion. From the polished elegance of GANT, the American brand known for its preppy classics, to the effortless edge of DKNY, born from the energy and spirit of New York City, every label tells a story. For the free spirited, denim lovers, True Religion offers new styles with its iconic styles & bold stitch detailing. Fashion-forward men will find their match in Antony Morato, the Italian powerhouse delivering contemporary silhouettes with a bold, confident flair, while Shantanu & Nikhil bring a touch of modern Indian couture that fuses tradition with high fashion.

For women, the collection is a dreamscape of global styles—Elle delivers Parisian poise with a modern edge, while DKNY channels the bold, urban spirit of New York. For those who appreciate timeless sophistication, GANT offers classic elegance with a contemporary twist. And of course, Iconic’s very own curated line stands out with trend-forward pieces designed to elevate every wardrobe. Whether it’s refined elegance or confident street style, there’s something here for every woman with an eye for international fashion.

According to Apoorv Sen, COO of Iconic, “Raipur represents more than just a new location; it symbolizes the next chapter in our expansion journey. As we grow across India, we are intentionally stepping into dynamic, fast-growing cities full of potential. Our entry into Chhattisgarh is a strategic move, and we’re confident this vibrant city will embrace the Iconic experience.”

More than just shopping, Iconic Raipur offers a fashion-forward experience that’s immersive, exciting, and elevated. With the largest lifestyle variety the city has ever seen—ranging from occasion wear and premium formals to trendy everyday essentials—this is where global style finally meets local vibes.

Vijay Jhanwar, owner of Zora The Mall stated, “The arrival of ‘Iconic’ at ZORA The Mall, Raipur, is a milestone for Chhattisgarh. With its standout brand mix and premium offerings, it’s set to raise the fashion bar in the region. Wishing the team great success on this exciting launch.”

Iconic Raipur is here to redefine the way the city shops. So come for the brands, stay for the experience, and leave with a wardrobe that turns heads.

Keysight Partners with NATO FORACS to Strengthen Global Naval Readiness

April 29, 2025

Amsterdam, Netherlands. – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has been awarded a contract with NATO’s Naval Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Sites (FORACS) to modernize its testing capabilities for critical radar and electronic support measures (ESM) systems. Under this agreement, Keysight will deliver Radar Target Generator and Electronic Warfare testing (EW) solutions to be deployed at NATO Navy bases, enabling the calibration and maintenance of NATO radar systems and the assessment of ESM effectiveness.

Modern military and naval forces depend heavily on the accuracy and reliability of their radar and ESM systems for maintaining situational awareness, effective targeting, and timely threat detection. In an era of increasingly complex and rapidly evolving electronic warfare threats, defense organizations require sophisticated, high-fidelity test environments. These environments must be capable of replicating real-world scenarios with dynamic multi-emitter signals, advanced threat modeling, and closed loop testing methodologies.

Keysight’s Radar Target Generator and EW solutions are designed to meet these demanding requirements, empowering NATO FORACS to rigorously assess and optimize the operational readiness of radar and ESM systems across all member nations. The contract encompasses the integration and delivery of next-generation Radar Target Generators and EW threat simulators. This will ensure enhanced accuracy verification and thorough system performance testing within complex electromagnetic environments. Notably, the Radar Target Generator leverages commercial-off-the-shelf Keysight components, featuring customized firmware and a graphical user interface developed entirely in Europe and tailored to meet NATO’s specific requirements.

The systems that Keysight will deliver to NATO is defined by several key factors, including:

• High-fidelity Radar Target Generation: Simulates precise radar returns, including Doppler shift, range, and cross-section variability, enabling accurate testing of radar tracking.
• Sophisticated EW threat simulation: Creates complex electromagnetic threat environments with multi-emitter interference, jamming, and deceptive techniques to evaluate ESM system effectiveness.
• Customizable, open-architecture design: The modular hardware and software framework allows for incremental system upgrades, ensuring adaptability to future mission requirements.
• Deployable and modular configuration: Designed for field and lab deployment, providing flexible testing capability across multiple NATO sites.

 The NATO FORACS Office in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, reported: “The NATO FORACS Office is pleased to note the placement of this contract which will supply important equipment to restore NATO FORACS’ core radar and ESM testing capabilities in order to meet its users’ evolving demands.”

Thierry Locquette, EMEA VP and GM at Keysight, said: “NATO’s ability to verify and enhance the accuracy of its radar and ESM systems is critical to mission success in today’s contested electromagnetic spectrum environment. Keysight is proud to provide the cutting-edge solutions necessary to enable NATO FORACS to maintain the highest levels of sensor performance, ensuring operational superiority across allied forces. Our Radar Target Generator solution was developed in Europe, working closely with our local R&D and solution centers as well as with European technology partners to provide a highly realistic, flexible, and future-ready test capability for NATO’s evolving defense needs.”

5 Budget ACs Offering Premium Cooling Comfort

Summer is here, and so is the hunt for an air conditioner that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. The good news? You don’t need to compromise on performance to stay within budget. Here are 5 top-rated ACs that are big on cooling, easy on the wallet, and available at Lotus Electronics.

1. Lloyd Wall Mounted Split AC 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter 
The Lloyd GLS18I5KWCGR offers exceptional energy savings with its 5-star BEE rating and variable speed inverter compressor that adjusts power based on heat load. This AC provides rapid cooling, anti-viral filters, and stabilizer-free operation, making it ideal for Indian summers. Its sleek and stylish design blends into any modern home, while the copper condenser ensures durability and efficient performance. If you want superior cooling and long-term savings, this Lloyd AC is an excellent investment.

2. LG Wall Mounted Split AC 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter 
The LG US-Q19HNXE is built for intelligent cooling with its AI Dual Inverter technology that automatically adjusts cooling based on user habits and ambient conditions. With a 3-star rating and energy-efficient operation, this AC ensures low power consumption without compromising performance. It also features LG’s Ocean Black Protection for durability in humid or coastal regions, along with low-noise operation for undisturbed comfort. Perfect for tech-savvy homes, this AC promises both convenience and consistent performance.

3. Hitachi Wall Mounted Split AC 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter
Designed for premium cooling and sleek aesthetics, the Hitachi IZEN 3400SXL delivers uniform airflow with advanced inverter technology. Its 3-star rating ensures optimal energy use, while the expandable inverter adjusts performance during peak heat. The AC also boasts an eco-friendly refrigerant and filter-clean indicator, enhancing longevity and maintenance ease. With silent operation and a high ambient cooling feature, this AC ensures comfort even at 52°C. It’s ideal for users who want powerful cooling with elegant Japanese engineering.

4. Voltas Wall Mounted Split AC 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter 
Voltas’ 183V Vertis Zephyr Gold AC brings reliable cooling and affordability together in a stylish gold-accented unit. It features a high-efficiency inverter compressor that saves energy while providing consistent performance. With a 3-star BEE rating, anti-dust filters, and low-noise operation, it’s a great choice for households seeking dependable cooling without a heavy electricity bill. Its turbo mode and multi-stage filtration also ensure a healthier indoor environment. A solid pick from one of India’s most trusted AC brands.

5. Blue Star Wall Mounted Split AC 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Wifi
This Blue Star IC318VNUS AC blends smart features with efficient cooling. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to control your AC through voice assistants or a mobile app—making it perfect for modern, connected homes. The inverter compressor ensures lower energy bills, while precision cooling keeps room temperature consistent. It also includes self-cleaning technology, anti-corrosive blue fins, and a hidden digital display. With elegant design and smart connectivity, it’s a premium solution for today’s smart households.

Stay cool and comfortable this summer without breaking the bank. These budget-friendly ACs from top brands ensure premium cooling performance. Explore more options and exclusive deals at Lotus Electronics.

Godrej Expands Cooling Range with Compact and Portable ‘Edge Minicool’

Chandigarh, 29 April 2025: Considering the harsh summer temperatures and prioritising the consumer’s urgent need for multiple cooling solutions at home, the Appliances Business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group has introduced its latest offering in the air cooler segment – Edge Minicool, a compact personal cooler. The product is designed to meet the growing demand for portable, elegant-looking and effective cooling solutions.

Godrej’s Edge Minicool is a slim, compact and convenient personal air-cooler that can be moved anywhere in your home for enhanced cooling. It has a 37-litre water tank with water level indicator, and a built-in ice chamber to provide an extra cooling boost on particularly hot days. Its 5-bladed aerodynamic 12” fan ensures powerful air throw and is supported by 3-side air suction for superior cooling. For added convenience and hygiene, it features fully collapsible louvres and anti-bacterial odourless honeycomb cooling pads that helps deliver cleaner, healthier and fresher air. Also designed for durability, it has protection from overheating (pump and fan motor), and it comes with sturdy castor wheels with brakes for easy mobility.

Speaking on the new launch, Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head & EVP at Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “Worsening summer temperatures is leading to an urgent need for multiple, efficient and affordable cooling solutions at consumer homes. With the launch of Edge Minicool, we are expanding our cooling portfolio to offer compact portable and versatile cooling solutions for today’s space-conscious consumers. With a strong air cooler product portfolio spanning up to 100 L, we have already registered 2X growth in FY 24-25, and are targeting 50% growth in the Air Cooler category in the next year.”