10, Feb 2025
Ascendion Powers AI-Driven Software Engineering Growth in the Philippines
Mumbai, 10th Feb, 2025 – Ascendion, a global leader in AI-driven software engineering, is expanding its presence in the Philippines with the continued integration of Collabera Digital under the Ascendion brand. This move strengthens the company’s position as a leader in AI-driven software engineering and talent growth.
Ascendion aims to create at least 6,000 new jobs in the Philippines, leading to an estimated economic impact of at least $500 million over the next three years. The Philippines will play a larger role in the company’s global delivery operations, with AI-driven software engineering as a key focus. Every Ascendion software engineer in the Philippines will receive AI deployment certification, ensuring that the workforce is equipped for the next generation of software development.
“Our commitment to the Philippines has never been stronger. We are redefining how we serve clients and empower local talent with global capabilities,” said Karthik Krishnamurthy, CEO of Ascendion. “We are creating a stronger, more agile organization that will deliver transformative growth for the Philippines. Our focus is clear: bring cutting-edge AI-powered platforms, leverage the Philippines to serve global clients, and create global opportunities for engineers in the Philippines.”
AI-Powered Software Engineering in the Philippines
Ascendion is making the Philippines a major delivery hub for AI-enhanced software development, combining human expertise with AI to improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Key initiatives include:
· AI-Enabled Engineering Teams – Hundreds of AI agents will assist engineers in code generation, software testing, and risk mitigation.
· 100% AI Certification for Software Engineers – Ascendion’s Philippines-based engineers will receive specialized AI training to stay ahead in an evolving tech landscape.
· AI Studio Manila – A new facility dedicated to collaborative AI development, innovation, and software engineering research.
“By integrating our capabilities, we are creating a future where the Philippines is a global leader in AI innovation,” said Manan Mehta, Senior Vice President, Global Growth Markets at Ascendion. “With one of the most tech-savvy populations in the world, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead in AI-powered digital transformation. Ascendion is committed to creating transformative digital solutions at a global scale and positioning the Philippines as a trailblazer in the next wave of digital innovation.”
Delivering AI-Driven Results for Global Clients
Ascendion engineers in the Philippines are already working with Fortune 500 companies to apply AI in software development, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Recent success stories include:
· A logistics leader transforms a $33 billion unit by eliminating manual tasks, boosting data-driven decisions by 70%, and halving operational costs and time through advanced ML forecasting.
· A leading payment solutions provider boosts productivity by 50% with intelligent automation tools, experiencing expanded service reach
· A healthcare innovator achieved a 90% reduction in data migration costs and 75% faster deployment, saving over 5,000 hours annually.
New Platforms to Support AI-Powered Talent Growth
As part of its expansion, Ascendion is bringing two AI-driven platforms to the Philippines:
· Ascendion AVA+ – An AI-first software engineering accelerator that improves productivity, risk management, and time-to-market.
· MeTAL – A talent orchestration platform connecting Filipino professionals to high-impact projects across global enterprises.
These platforms are designed to enhance career opportunities for Filipino engineers while improving how businesses adopt AI for software engineering.
Building a Stronger AI Ecosystem in the Philippines
By integrating Collabera Digital with the Ascendion brand, the company is creating a stronger, more agile organization that is well-positioned for growth in AI-powered software engineering. The expanded footprint in the Philippines will:
· Hire 6,000+ skilled AI-enabled Ascenders over three years
· Provide AI-first software solutions to global enterprises
· Strengthen Manila’s role as a key center for AI-powered software engineering
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- By Team
10, Feb 2025
Happy Birthday to Jaideep Ahlawat: Celebrating the Actor’s Landmark Hits Across Screen and Sound
Kolkata, 10th February 2025: Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management (GNIHM), an educational initiative of JIS Group, in association with The Yuva Tourism Club and The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, hosted “AMALGAM 2025 – Flavours & Folk Dances of India,” a dynamic celebration of India’s rich culinary legacy and vibrant traditional dance forms. The event highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to excellence in Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Catering Technology, offering an inspiring platform for students and professionals to demonstrate their creativity and expertise. The occasion was made even more special by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur, Renowned Actor Parambrata Chatterjee, and Renowned Actress Mimi Chakraborty, whose star power and charm added a touch of glamour to the festivities.
“AMALGAM 2025 – Flavours & Folk Dances of India” showcased a wide range of food stalls, offering a variety of delicious dishes, desserts, and refreshing drinks, all infused with the diverse and rich flavours of India. Guests set off on a culinary exploration, enjoying the authentic tastes of regional Indian delicacies. The event also featured spellbinding performances of traditional folk dances, which brought the country’s cultural heritage to life with the vibrant energy of India’s artistic traditions.
This lively celebration was not just about food and entertainment—it was a tribute to India’s vast cultural diversity. It served as a platform to honour the creativity and talent within the fields of hospitality and culinary arts, bringing together students, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts to unite in the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.
On the occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “AMALGAM 2025 is an opportunity to continue our commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow in hospitality and tourism. This event excels beyond simply showcasing culinary artistry and folk traditions – it serves as a catalyst for students to unlock their creative potential and connect with the diverse cultures that shape our world. Our vision is to build a platform where individuals could be empowered to challenge norms and emerge as innovators in the hospitality industry.”
Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “AMALGAM 2025 is more than just a celebration; it is an embodiment of India’s rich and varied cultural tapestry. The event celebrates the passion and skill in fields like Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Catering Technology, creating a space where people from all walks of life could come together to embrace unity, cultural diversity, and collective creativity.”
10, Feb 2025
In a Touching Moment at His Son’s Wedding, Gautam Adani Pledges Ongoing Service to Society
Hyderabad: 10th February, 2025: On his visit last month to the Maha Kumbh Mela, Gautam Adani had said that his son’s wedding would be conducted in a “simple and traditional way.” Staying true to his word, and also ending all rumours and speculation that his son Jeet Adani’s wedding would be a lavish and spectacular affair, the billionaire industrialist not only kept the wedding simple but also donated INR 10,000 crore. This distinctive wedding gift from one of the richest men in the world will be channelled into various social causes.
Sources close to him said that Gautam Adani’s cause list for his sizeable donation has been shaped by his social philosophy of Service is devotion, service is prayer, and service is God itself.| The larger part of his donation is expected to go into funding massive infrastructure initiatives in healthcare, education and skill development. These initiatives will focus on giving all sections of society access to a network of affordable world-class hospitals and medical colleges, affordable top-tier K-12 schools and advanced global skill academies with assured employability.
On the occasion of the wedding of his younger son, Gautam Adani posted on X (formerly Twitter):
With the blessings of the Supreme Father and Lord, Jeet and Diva have today entered the sacred bond of marriage.
This marriage took place today in Ahmedabad, surrounded by loved ones, following traditional customs and with a spirit of good fortune.
It was a small and extremely private ceremony, and due to this, we were unable to invite all our well-wishers, for which I sincerely apologize.
I humbly ask for your love and blessings for Diva and Jeet from the bottom of my heart.
Interestingly, in the tweet, he addressed his daughter-in-law as “daughter Diva”. At the Belvedere Club in Ahmedabad’s Adani Shantigram township this afternoon, Jeet Adani married Diva, daughter of diamond trader Jaimin Shah. According to family insiders, the wedding was a simple affair, with the usual religious rituals followed by a traditional Gujarati ceremony attended only by close relatives and friends. Conspicuous by their absence were politicians, business leaders, diplomats, bureaucrats, film stars, entertainers and other celebrities.
Jeet Adani currently serves as Director at Adani Airports, managing six international airports and overseeing the building of a seventh in Navi Mumbai. Jeet is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Just two days before the wedding, Gautam Adani announced ‘Mangal Seva’, a program to support newly married women with disabilities. To begin with, every year, 500 such women will be provided financial assistance of INR 10 lakh each. Jeet Adani met 21 newly married divyang women and their husbands to launch this initiative.
At Prayagraj on 21 January, when asked by reporters at the Maha Kumbh if his son’s wedding would be a “Maha Kumbh of celebrities” as was being widely speculated, Gautam Adani had said, “Definitely not. We are like common people. Jeet came here to take Ma Ganga’s blessings. His marriage will happen in a simple and traditional way.”
Gautam Adani’s exemplary gesture of “Seva Over Self” on his son’s wedding day has set an example. By choosing to support social causes, he has redefined the essence of celebrating personal milestones by introducing a thoughtful, community-focused approach that creates an impact transcending the public display of wealth
10, Feb 2025
Bakingo’s “Layers of Love” Campaign Adds a Sweet Touch to Your Valentine’s Day Celebrations
New Delhi, 10 February 2025 – This Valentine’s Day, Bakingo, a leading online bakery, is spreading love in its most delicious form by launching its “Layers of Love” campaign. Bakingo’s desserts are crafted with layers of flavours, emotions, and memories, honoring the beauty of relationships. From classic favourites to unique fusion creations, each dessert reflects the intricacy behind crafting it.
To bring this vision to life, Bakingo’s Valentine’s collection features an exquisite range of desserts, each reflecting the essence of love in its many forms. From rich, multi-layered cakes symbolizing deep connections to delicate pastries representing tender moments, every creation is designed to make celebrations more meaningful. Just as love is built over time with shared laughter and memories, Bakingo’s desserts focus on precision and the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a celebration.
Commenting on the campaign, Mr Himanshu Chawla, Co-founder, Bakingo, said, “At Bakingo, we believe that love isn’t just about the grand gestures, it’s about the little moments that create lasting bonds. With ‘Layers of Love,’ we wanted to translate those emotions into delightful desserts that tell a story in every layer. Whether it’s our top-selling heart cakes or a personalized desserts, we want to be a part of every celebration and make Valentine’s Day extra special for our customers,”.
With “Layers of Love” Bakingo continues its tradition of making every celebration sweeter and special, ensuring that love is cherished in its most flavourful form.
7, Feb 2025
A47.in Launches Official ‘Chhaava’ Merchandise in Collaboration with Maddock Films, Honoring the Warrior King
National, 7th February 2025: A47.in, the destination for Indian pop culture & heritage-inspired merch, is thrilled to announce its latest collaboration with Maddock Films for the much-anticipated film Chhaava. This exclusive merchandise collection brings the grandeur and historical legacy of the film to life, offering fans a unique way to celebrate the epic story. The collection will go live exclusively on A47.in on 7th February 2025, giving fans the perfect opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history ahead of the film’s release.
Designed with A47’s signature attention to detail, the Chhaava merch range includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hoodies, featuring the films’ designs that consumers will love to own. The collection captures the essence of the film’s powerful narrative, blending history and heroism into wearable fashion. With prices starting at INR 699, the range is accessible to all fans who want to carry a piece of cinematic legacy with them.
Echoing this sentiment, Bhavik Vora, Founder & CEO of A47, said: “At A47, we are committed to celebrating India’s iconic stories through high-quality, thoughtfully designed merchandise. Collaborating with Maddock Films for Chhaava is an incredible opportunity to bring history and heroism into everyday fashion. We’ve ensured that every fan can find something they love, making Chhaava’s spirit a part of their wardrobe.”
7, Feb 2025
Cafe Amudham Makes Its Debut in Delhi, Offering a Fresh and Unique Culinary Experience
Delhi, 7th February, 2025 – Cafè Amudham, the celebrated South Indian Cafè that has been delighting food enthusiasts in Bangalore since 2022, is thrilled to announce the opening of its first outlet in Delhi. Known for its perfect blend of tradition and modernity, the Cafè brings an authentic culinary experience that captures the essence of South India, promising to become a favorite among the city’s food lovers.
Since its inception, Cafè Amudham has won the hearts of patrons with its dedication to delivering the rich, vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine. The name “Amudham”, which means “nectar” or “divine sustenance,” reflects the brand’s mission to offer nourishing, flavorful food in a chic and lively setting. With its tagline, Good Food, Happiness, Cafè Amudham celebrates the joy of sharing great meals while paying homage to South Indian culinary traditions.
From its live dosa counter to the aromatic allure of freshly brewed filter coffee, Cafè Amudham immerses guests in a sensory journey. The menu, thoughtfully crafted to include both cherished classics and rediscovered recipes from across South India, offers something for everyone. The ambiance enhances the experience, featuring an open kitchen where guests can watch their meals being prepared and instrumental music by South Indian legends that sets the perfect tone.
The Cafe’s expansion to Delhi reflects its growing popularity and the overwhelming love received from patrons in Bangalore. “We’re excited to bring the rich culinary traditions of South India to Delhi in a way that resonates with today’s generation. With a vibrant atmosphere, innovative menu, and a focus on authenticity, we’re here to create memorable dining experiences for our guests,” says Priyanka Rudrappa, co-founder and CEO of Cafè Amudham.
7, Feb 2025
Thales Alenia Space and NIBE Collaborate on Satellite Supply for NIBE’s Earth Observation Constellation
New Delhi/Pune, February 7th, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with NIBE Space (a subsidiary of NIBE Limited) concerning the supply of a high-resolution optical satellite, marking the first step in NIBE’s Earth Observation constellation project. This initial contract aims to establish the first operational Earth observation’s capabilities for NIBE in India by 2025.
This achievement reinforces the partnership initiated in 2024 between Thales Alenia Space and NIBE, for the deployment of India’s first private Earth Observation constellation.
The contract was signed in Pune during a ceremony graced by the presence of Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis. BlackSky also signed a service agreement for subscription- based imagery and analytics to deliver space-based monitoring services supporting NIBE’s various Indian customers.
“I am extremely pleased that Thales Alenia Space will contribute to developing sovereign Earth Observation capabilities in India,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Supporting the deployment of India’s first private Earth observation constellation means a lot to our company as this is Thales Alenia Space’s first cooperation on an Indian space program. I would like to thank NIBE for putting its trust in our company. We look forward to making available our long-standing expertise and industrial capabilities in optical and radar sensors and start a promising Space cooperation with India.”
“We are proud to see our partnership with Thales Alenia Space take another concrete step forward with the signing of the contract for a high-resolution optical satellite. This is part of our larger national endeavor, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, to bolster India’s position as a leader in space technology and applications,” said Ganesh Nibe, Chairman & Managing Director of NIBE Limited. “With Thales Alenia Space’s vast global expertise and experience, we look forward to taking India’s space capabilities to newer heights.”
7, Feb 2025
INOX Debuts Innovative Indoor Facade Range, Redefining Durability and Sustainability
INOX, A pioneer in premium kitchen and bathroom storage solutions, is thrilled to unveil its latest indoor marvels – Honeycomb Panels, Ceiling Panels, and Mesh Ceilings! Designed to seamlessly blend sophistication with functionality, these cutting-edge solutions elevate both residential and commercial spaces, offering a perfect mix of style, durability, and innovation. Upgrade your interiors, the INOX way.
INOX’s latest collection sets a new standard in indoor design, offering solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and with perfect functionality.
Honeycomb Panels: Strength Meets Versatility
Engineered for lightweight durability and elegant insulation, the Honeycomb Panel is an ideal choice for cladding, partitions, and furniture applications. Featuring an innovative core structure, it offers:
- Built for longevity without compromising on design.
- A modern aesthetic that enhances any modern space.
- Suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
- Ensuring easy installation with outstanding performance.
Ceiling Panels: A story of Elegance
INOX Ceiling Panels redefine ceilings with a sophisticated and seamless approach. They are available in a range of textures, colors, and finishes and are perfect for residential and commercial spaces. these panels provide:
- Advanced acoustic properties for a quieter environment.
- Fire-Resistant capability added safety without compromising style.
- Designed for quick and seamless integration & Installation.
Mesh Ceilings: Innovation at Its best
A revolution in modern ceiling design, the Mesh Ceiling transforms spaces with its open-weave pattern, offering:
- Optimized Air Circulation for a comfortable indoor environment.
- Maximizing natural and artificial light diffusion.
- A Bold Aesthetic Statement for elevating commercial spaces, lobbies, and retail environments.
“We are constantly working to provide our clients with innovative solutions that not only meet the evolving design trends but also enhance the efficiency of their spaces. Our new range of Honeycomb Panels, Ceiling Panels, and Mesh Ceilings reflects our commitment to quality and creativity, offering various options that help architects and designers transform any space.” said Naveen Chowdhry, Director, INOX Décor Pvt. Ltd
7, Feb 2025
Danish Footwear Brand ECCO Partners with Jaipuria Brandz to Open Signature Store in Mumbai
Mumbai, 7th February: ECCO, a renowned premium Danish Footwear brand, is excited to announce the opening of its first signature store at Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai in partnership with Jaipuria. This marks a significant step in ECCO’s retail expansion in India.
The new store, which spans 1200 square feet of carpet area, showcases ECCO’s complete collection, including ECCO Biom, ECCO Cozmo, ECCO Metropole, ECCO Street, S-Three, ECCO Sculpted, and the Shoe Care Kit. Thus, it is a one-stop destination for shoe enthusiasts of all types.
Located in one of Mumbai’s premier shopping destinations, the ECCO store offers customers an elevated retail experience. It offers a full range of ECCO products for both men and women, presenting the finest expression of the brand and catering to all occasions and styles.
Sumeet Lohia, Country Manager of ECCO, shared, “The launch of our store at Phoenix Palladium marks an important milestone for ECCO in India. This prime location gives us the opportunity to engage with Mumbai’s premium customers, introducing them to our signature craftsmanship, innovative designs, and high-quality materials. We are excited to showcase our finest collections and provide an exceptional shopping experience that reflects ECCO’s commitment to comfort, style, and innovation.”
Anurag Sharma, CEO of Jaipuria Brandz also added, “We are thrilled to bring ECCO’s renowned craftsmanship and comfort to the Indian audience, and we look forward to introducing more customers to the brand’s signature style and quality. Through strategic partnerships and upcoming store launches, we are focused on expanding our presence and making ECCO more accessible to consumers across key markets in India.”
The Phoenix Palladium store sets the tone for ECCO’s presence in India, focusing on its core values of comfort, technology, and premium craftsmanship. As ECCO continues to expand across India, customers can expect to experience the brand’s high-quality footwear and innovative designs.
7, Feb 2025
Lower Repo Rates Expected to Fuel Continued Growth in Residential Market
By-Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group
In terms of the impact on the housing sector of the RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rates by 25 bps, this piggybacks on the recent taxation benefits announced in the Union Budget. As such, it is undeniably a major boost to the homebuyers, particularly for affordable housing buyers. Many first-time homebuyers who had been hesitating to take the plunge are likely to make their move now as home loan rates will reduce – as long as banks pass on the key benefits to buyers.
This dovetails well with recent trends in the housing market, which continues to see strong momentum. Reduced home loan rates can help the overall positive consumer sentiment. Given that housing prices have risen across the top 7 cities in the last one year, this breather is welcome and timely. As per ANAROCK Research, 2024 saw average housing prices rise by anywhere between 13-30% in the top 7 cities, with NCR recording the highest 30% jump. The average prices in top 7 cities collectively stood at approx. INR 7,080 per sq. ft. in 2023-end, while in 2024-end it increased to approx. INR 8,590 per sq. ft. – a collective increase of 21% annually.
Commercial real estate, especially office spaces, can also benefit from lower borrowing costs for businesses, and lower rates also make REITs more appealing since investors look for stable returns in a falling interest rate environment.
That said, the rate cut may be less effective by rising property prices if inflation remains as high as it is now. Also, it remains to be seen if banks pass on the full benefit to borrowers in a timely and seamless manner.
