8, Oct 2025
Visa to Showcase the Future of Commerce at Global Fintech Fest 2025
Bengaluru, October 8th, 2025: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, will be a key participant at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, demonstrating how it is leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in payments to build a smarter and more inclusive financial ecosystem. The event is scheduled from October 7–9 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Visitors can engage with Visa at booths L2 and M2 to experience the next generation of payment innovations.
At the GFF, Visa will demonstrate how it is shaping the future of commerce by uniting its global expertise with local partnerships, announcing a series of new products and solutions with leading banks and fintechs. The focus will be on tangible innovations in intelligent commerce through Agentic AI, technologies enabling frictionless transactions and advanced AI for payment security. Attendees can experience this directly via live demonstrations of seamless transit solutions and the launch of a new white paper, “Automation to Autonomy: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Payments,” which explores the future of personalized, secure retail.
As India’s digital economy continues its rapid expansion, with digital transactions surging by 42% in the last fiscal year alone, the need for trusted and intelligent payment solutions has never been more critical. Visa is at the forefront of this transformation, developing innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers and businesses.
“India is a global leader in fintech innovation, and agentic AI is the key to unlocking the next phase of growth in digital payments,” said Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head of Products, Visa India and South Asia. “At Global Fintech Fest 2025, we are excited to showcase how Visa is harnessing the power of Agentic AI to create more personalized, intuitive, and secure payment experiences. Our focus is on building a digital ecosystem that empowers consumers and businesses, fostering a more inclusive and intelligent financial future for all.”
Join Visa at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 to witness firsthand how the company is shaping the future of payments and contributing to a smarter, more inclusive digital India.
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- By Neel Achary
8, Oct 2025
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel Drive Corporate Networking through Golf
Mumbai, October 8th, 2025: India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for business travel spending, ranked fourth globally and projected to reach USD 1.57 trillion by end-2025, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Parallelly, golf is gaining prominence as a strategic pillar within the global tourism agenda, with destinations like Japan, South Korea, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam leveraging the sport to enhance destination appeal, attract premium travellers and drive high-value tourism growth.
Tapping into this powerful convergence of business travel and golf, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, proudly participated as team owners at the 3rd edition of the prestigious DLF Corporate Golf League 2025 at the DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram. As an extension of this ownership, the companies hosted an exclusive evening An Evening Under the Stars bringing together senior corporate leaders and marquee clients across industries, creating a powerful platform for networking, insight-sharing and future-focused collaboration that extend beyond boardrooms.
Guests were treated to curated experiences featuring gourmet cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and engaging dialogue – all set against the timeless backdrop of the iconic DLF Golf & Country Club fairway, blending sport and strategic conversations in a truly memorable evening.
Mr. Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head – Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC Travel, said: “India’s corporate travel sector is growing at an exceptional pace, driven by the increasing globalization of Indian enterprises and the rising demand for meaningful engagement platforms. We are proud to be industry leaders in this dynamic space, consistently delivering innovative, future-ready solutions for our clients. Our participation as team owners in the DLF Corporate Golf League reflects our vision to move beyond traditional business interactions and create experiences that foster strategic dialogue, strengthen relationships, and inspire collaboration in unique and impactful ways. With this, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of corporate travel in India by bringing together leaders in settings that spark ideas, partnerships and long-term growth.”
Mr. Pawan Agarwal – CFO, Swatch Group India, said “Thank you to the Thomas Cook Group for hosting An Evening Under the Stars. It was a wonderful evening marked by warm hospitality, meaningful networking, and seamless organization. We were truly delighted to be part of such a thoughtfully curated event.”
Mr. Rajesh Mendiratta – ZS Associates said, “It was a privilege to be part of An Evening Under the Stars. The evening brought together inspiring conversations, valuable learnings, and wonderful connections.
My heartfelt thanks to the team for their gracious invitation and for hosting such a memorable gathering. Congratulations to the team on becoming the proud sponsor of the Golf Team—wishing you continued success and many more milestones ahead.”
8, Oct 2025
Viva Lobby Lounge Launches In-House Bakery and Revamped Food & Beverage Menu
Gurugram, October 8, 2025: Viva Lobby Lounge at Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 proudly unveils its all-new food and beverage menu, marking an exciting new chapter with the launch of its in-house bakery. Guests can now indulge in a curated selection of artisanal bakes, handcrafted pastries, and refreshing beverages, redefining the lounge’s culinary experience.
The refreshed menu seamlessly blends classic comfort with modern flair, featuring signature delights such as Genoise Chocolate Cake, Philadelphia Cheesecake, Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Viva Special Cake, Mississippi Mud Pie, and the ever-popular Opera Pastry.
Freshly baked favorites like Apple Strudel, Butter Croissant, Fresh Fruit Danish, Multigrain Loaf, and French Baguette pair perfectly with the lounge’s enhanced beverage offerings, including specialty teas, freshly brewed coffees, and seasonal juices.
For health-conscious patrons, the bakery also introduces a range of wholesome cookies Millet Cookies, Almond Cookies, Sugar-Free Oats Cookies, and Honey & Fig Cookies each baked in-house with natural ingredients.
“With the launch of our in-house bakery, we are elevating the guest experience through handcrafted creations made from the finest ingredients. Every item on the new menu embodies our commitment to freshness, quality, and creativity,” said Executive Chef Prakash Yadav, Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90.
“Viva Lobby Lounge has always been a place to relax and connect. With this new menu and bakery, we’re not just serving food — we’re creating memorable moments,” added Nitinn Sharma, General Manager, Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90.
Nestled in the heart of New Gurugram, Viva Lobby Lounge offers a welcoming ambience for casual meetings, friendly catch-ups, or a quiet coffee break. With its innovative new menu and bakery concept, it’s set to become a must-visit culinary destination for both hotel guests and city residents alike.
8, Oct 2025
IIT Roorkee and Maithri Aquatech Join Hands to Pioneer Sustainable Water Solutions in India
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, October 8, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), one of India’s premier institutions for higher learning and research, and Maithri Aquatech Pvt. Ltd., a leading innovator in Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing sustainable water solutions. The agreement was signed in the presence of Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, underscoring the institute’s commitment to research with societal and national relevance.
The partnership will focus on joint research, technology development, and pilot demonstrations, aiming to provide safe and reliable drinking water. Maithri Aquatech will also explore CSR and donor-supported initiatives for IIT Roorkee to expand the social impact of AWG deployment, particularly in water-stressed regions of India.
The collaboration plans to encompass research and innovation, including optimization of AWG systems for varied climatic conditions, integration of AI/ML and predictive modeling for operational efficiency, and advanced water quality analytics. It also emphasizes the possibility of knowledge transfer through internships, workshops, joint publications, and co-supervision. Pilot projects and demonstrations leveraging live installations, hybrid solutions combining AWG with nature-based approaches, and development of scalable, replicable models are planned. In addition, capacity building through technical training, seminars, and sustainability-focused modules will equip students and researchers with future-ready skills, while social and policy impact initiatives will ensure alignment with national water resilience strategies and evidence-based policy frameworks.
This collaboration not only advances research and technology in sustainable water solutions but also aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance principles, ensuring responsible and impact-driven deployment of AWG systems in communities across India.
Prof. M.L. Kansal (WRDM Faculty, IIT Roorkee) – coordinator of this collaboration, providing technical guidance, and academic oversight in research, and field deployment. The partnership brings together a distinguished team of leaders and experts, including Prof. K.K. Pant (Director, IIT Roorkee), Prof. Thanga Raj Chelliah (HoD, WRDM, IIT Roorkee), Prof. M L Kansal, Professor, WRD&M, Prof. K S Kasiviswanathan, WRD&M from IIT Roorkee, alongside industry leaders from Maithri Aquatech, including Capt. K.K. Sharma (EVP), Sh. Pawan Borle (Co-founder). Together, they merge academic excellence, domain expertise, and proven technological innovation to drive scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful water solutions.
Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “This collaboration exemplifies IIT Roorkee’s commitment to transforming cutting-edge research into practical solutions for society. By combining our academic expertise with Maithri Aquatech’s technology, we aim to enhance water resilience and create scalable models that can benefit communities across India.”
Capt. K.K. Sharma, EVP, Maithri Aquatech, added, “Partnering with IIT Roorkee allows us to integrate our AWG technology with research-led insights, ensuring more efficient, sustainable, and socially impactful water solutions. Together, we can address the urgent water challenges facing India today and contribute to global sustainability goals.”
This initiative supports India’s National Water Mission, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and other government programs promoting sustainable water management and climate resilience. It also contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 13: Climate Action). By integrating cutting-edge technology, academic research, and social deployment, IIT Roorkee and Maithri Aquatech aim to enhance water access in underserved communities, develop replicable models for policy adoption, and strengthen India’s climate adaptation and technology-led sustainability agenda.
“I am pleased to support this partnership between IIT Roorkee and Maithri Aquatech, which bridges cutting-edge technology with academic research to provide sustainable water solutions for communities across India,” said Prof. M.L. Kansal, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts in advancing drinking water and sanitation initiatives.
This MoU positions IIT Roorkee and Maithri Aquatech at the forefront of research-led, impact-driven water innovation, bridging science, technology, and social responsibility. It demonstrates how academic institutions and industry partners can jointly address national priorities and global sustainability challenges, providing scalable solutions for current and future water needs in India and beyond.
7, Oct 2025
Battle for Glory Begins! Final Four Set for Cue Sports Premier League 2.0
Grand Finale on October 8 at Bowring Institute
Bengaluru, 7th October 2025: The Cue Sports Premier League (CSPL) 2.0 has delivered another thrilling season of high-octane snooker action, bringing together an exceptional mix of International, National, State, and Club players in a unique competitive format.
The league, which commenced on October 2, featured eight dynamic teams vying for the coveted title. After an intense league stage filled with nail-biting finishes and remarkable performances, Hurricane Hawks, Bazooka Blizzards, Summer Tuskers, and Thunderstorm Titans have stormed into the knockout stage.
The Qualifier 1 match will see Hurricane Hawks face Bazooka Blizzards, while Summer Tuskers take on Thunderstorm Titans in the Eliminator – both scheduled for October 7.
While Lightning Legion, Cyclone Crusaders, Tornado Tigers, and Whirlwind Warriors missed out on qualification, they showcased tremendous grit and sportsmanship, contributing to a highly competitive and entertaining league stage.
Powering the passion behind the green baize, the Embassy Group once again leads as Title Sponsor, with Snooker Alley joining the fray as Co-Sponsor. Together, they fuel the growth of Cue Sports Premier League. Fans can catch every thrilling frame live on ClubLiv app, the Official Streaming Partner of CSPL 2.0.
CSPL 2.0 has witnessed some spectacular snooker from world-class players such as Stephen Lee, Harvey Chandler, Kritsanut, Habib Sabah, Aditya Mehta, Paras Gupta, Kamal Chawla, Pankaj Advani, Hussain Khan, and Pushpinder Singh, among many others. Their performances have raised the standard of the tournament and provided fans with an unforgettable experience.
The excitement now builds toward the Grand Finale on October 8, to be held at the state-of-the-art Snooker Arena in the South Pavilion at Bowring Institute, followed by the Awards Ceremony at the Lotus Lawn.
CSPL continues to set new benchmarks in the cue sports landscape by providing a platform where talent meets opportunity — uniting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to learn, compete, and inspire one another.
7, Oct 2025
Western Digital to showcase its storage solutions at the India Mobile Congress this October
India, 7th october 2025:Western Digital is showcasing its products to address the evolving storage needs across different sectors at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, scheduled to take place from 8th to 11th October 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
At booth D23, Western Digital is presenting a comprehensive product portfolio that empowers businesses and consumers to capture, preserve, access, and transform data efficiently. Alongside its Ultrastar® DC HC590 26TB HDD and Ultrastar DC HC580 24TB HDD for hyperscale cloud and data center environments, the company will be showcasing its WD Purple and WD Purple Pro HDD portfolio as well as its WD Red Plus and WD Red Pro drives, optimized for NAS.
Western Digital is looking forward to insightful conversations with partners, customers, young talents, and more attending this year’s India Mobile Congress 2025. Furthermore, visitors will be able to experience firsthand howW estern Digital’s innovations are shaping the future of data storage as the brand continues to meet the evolving demands of a data-driven world.
7, Oct 2025
Sundaa Ravaan: Aparshakti Khurana & Barkha Singh Star in Tips Music’s New Romance Track
Mumbai, 7th October 2025: Tips Music Ltd. is thrilled to announce the release of “Sundaa Ravaan,” a vibrant romantic track that brings together the charming Aparshakti Khurana and the vivacious Barkha Singh for the first time on screen. This feel-good anthem of young love drops today across all major platforms, just in time to add some extra sparkle to your festive celebrations.
Pairing Aparshakti and Barkha together for the first time, “Sundaa Ravaan” captures the playful, carefree spirit of modern romance. Their fresh on-screen chemistry brings an infectious energy that today’s youth will instantly connect with – making this the perfect soundtrack for every budding love story.
The song features an engaging music video directed by Nirali Naik. The track comes alive with catchy lyrics by Karan Malhotra and Amar Jalal, and foot-tapping music composed by Karan Malhotra a perfect blend that’ll have you hitting replay.
Mr. Kumar Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Music Ltd, shared, ” Tips has always believed in creating music that connects people. ‘Sundaa Ravaan’ is a feel-good song that captures the energy and playfulness of romance. Aparshakti has surprised us all with his singing talent, and this track is the perfect showcase for it. The song has a refreshing vibe that will appeal to everyone who enjoys music that makes you want to move and celebrate.”
Aparshakti Khurana expressed, “Music has been an integral part of my life ever since I can remember, and getting to bring a beautiful romantic track like ‘Sundaa Ravaan’ to life feels incredible. Karan Malhotra created this song, and Kumar ji instantly appreciated it; I am thankful that I could be a part of it. The entire process was simply exhilarating! Working with Karan on the song was a truly wonderful collaboration. I hope listeners enjoy this song as much as we loved creating it!”
Barkha Singh, sharing her thoughts on the project, “This was my first time venturing into music videos & shooting Sundaa Ravaan was a lot of fun. Apar and I had a blast while shooting & I think that comes through in the video as well. This is the kinda song that makes you smile, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Karan Malhotra, Music Composer and Lyricist, added, “Creating ‘Sundaa Ravaan’ was all about capturing that carefree feeling of being in love. We wanted a sound that feels fresh yet familiar, something that celebrates romance in a lighthearted way. Working with Aparshakti as a singer brought a unique charm to the track, and I’m really proud of how it’s turned out.”
Tune in to “Sundaa Ravaan” today, October 6, 2025, and let this charming track brighten your day!
7, Oct 2025
Simplismart and Yotta Partner to Deliver the Next Generation of AI Infrastructure for Indian Enterprises with Shakti Studio
Bengaluru, October 7, 2025 — Simplismart, an Accel-backed company building the fastest MLOps platform for AI workloads, has announced a strategic partnership with Yotta, India’s leading data services provider and NVIDIA Cloud Partner. The collaboration combines Simplismart’s industry-leading inference technology with Yotta’s sovereign GPU cloud infrastructure to power the serverless inference engine behind Yotta’s Shakti Studio, India’s homegrown inference platform for enterprise-scale generative AI.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s AI infrastructure landscape. Simplismart’s ultra-fast, inference-first platform forms the foundation of Shakti Studio’s serverless inference layer, delivering real-time performance, record pod spin-up times, and ultra-low latency even for the largest large language models (LLMs). Yotta, through its Shakti Cloud AI platform, contributes high-performance GPU infrastructure, reliability, and enterprise-grade security, enabling organisations to deploy and scale open-source models within India’s sovereign cloud environment.
“At Simplismart, we’ve always believed that the future of AI depends not just on how powerful models become, but on how easily and responsibly they can be deployed in the real world,” said Amritanshu Jain, CEO and Co-founder, Simplismart. “Enterprises shouldn’t have to choose between performance, security, or sovereignty — they deserve all three. Our partnership with Yotta bridges that gap by pairing India’s most advanced inference platform with sovereign GPU infrastructure. Together, we’re building the foundation for a future where AI is faster, more efficient, and truly made for India enabling every organisation to turn powerful models into practical, real-time impact.”
“With Shakti Studio, we’re bringing the full power of India’s sovereign AI infrastructure to life,” said Sunil Gupta, Co-Founder, MD, & CEO, Yotta Data Service. “By combining Yotta’s Shakti Cloud with Simplismart’s inference technology, we’re enabling enterprises to deploy generative AI at unprecedented speed and scale — securely, locally, and responsibly. This is India’s AI future, built in India, for the world.”
This collaboration is designed to empower Indian enterprises and government organisations with access to locally hosted, production-grade generative AI solutions. By combining Simplismart’s proprietary inference IP and orchestration platform with Yotta’s GPU-backed Shakti Studio & Shakti Cloud, the two companies are setting new benchmarks in scalability, sovereignty, and performance for AI infrastructure in India.
7, Oct 2025
Galgotias Students Secure INR 22 LPA Dream Package at Cisco
Greater Noida, 07 October 2025: For Jai Sindhu and Anushka Raj, final-year B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering students (Batch 2021–2025) at Galgotias University, landing a prestigious role at Cisco with an impressive ₹22 LPA package demonstrates the culmination of passion, preparation, and perseverance. Their journey showcases how an ecosystem built on innovation and experiential learning can empower students to achieve extraordinary results.
Turning Curiosity into Career Success
From their first semester, both Jai and Anushka were fascinated by how networks and systems keep the world connected. Choosing Computer Science at Galgotias was not just about earning a degree, it was about turning their curiosity into opportunity. Through projects, teamwork, and practical learning, they gained the skills and confidence to think beyond books and solve real-world problems like true engineers.
Cisco Centre of Excellence: Bridging Academia and Industry
A key catalyst in their journey was the Cisco Centre of Excellence (COE) at Galgotias University, a collaborative initiative with Cisco Systems that provides students access to advanced training in networking and digital technologies.
This centre helps students gain hands-on exposure to Cisco-certified tools and programs, participate in innovation-driven projects, and earn globally recognized certifications. The COE serves as a bridge between classroom concepts and industry practices, enabling students like Jai and Anushka to align their skills with real-world demands and stand out in competitive placement drives.
Where Learning Meets Application
Galgotias University’s strong focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), hands-on coding labs, and industry-aligned hackathons played a defining role in shaping their technical edge. Regular coding bootcamps and mock technical interviews helped them hone not only their programming proficiency but also their strategic approach to problem-solving.
“The university’s emphasis on practical learning and mentorship gave us the right foundation to tackle real-world challenges,” shares Anushka. “Every project pushed us to go a step further to think deeper, and build smarter.”
Mentorship, Preparation, and Momentum
From early placement guidance to rigorous mock sessions, Galgotias ensured that students were not just job-ready but industry-ready. Faculty mentors offered individualized feedback, ensuring that both technical and communication skills grew in tandem.
For Jai, these structured touchpoints made all the difference. “Continuous mentorship and exposure to competitive coding culture gave me the clarity and confidence to perform under pressure,” he says.
Shaping Future Innovators
Their success at Cisco reflects more than just personal achievement, it’s a testament to Galgotias University’s mission of nurturing global tech talent ready to lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“At Galgotias University, we are committed to transforming potential into performance through world-class academic excellence and industry collaboration,” said Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University.
By blending strong academic foundations with real-world exposure and sustained institutional support, Galgotias continues to be a launchpad for future innovators, students who don’t just adapt to technology, but shape it.
7, Oct 2025
Wacoal India Reaffirms Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness with CPAA in 4th Edition of #WacoalKnowsBreast
Wacoal India Reaffirms its commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness with CPAA in the 4th Edition of #WacoalKnowsBreast Initiative
India, 7th October 2025: Wacoal, the premium lingerie brand from Japan, continues its enduring commitment to breast cancer awareness through the 4th edition of its flagship initiative, #WacoalKnowsBreast, in partnership with the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA). CPAA is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to ‘Total Management of Cancer’, which encompasses Awareness, Early Detection, Support for treatment, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, Research Studies and Advocacy.
This year, the initiative is amplified through the #WacoalKnowsBreast social media campaign designed to encourage regular self-checks, debunk myths, and make conversations around breast health more accessible for women across India.
As part of the initiative, a portion of proceeds from every bra purchased in October will go towards supporting CPAA’s breast cancer programs. To further symbolize their commitment, Wacoal India will once again spotlight the 3-finger salute, a symbolic gesture where one places their right hand on their left chest and forms the number 3 with their fingers. This represents a self-check test that individuals can perform to check their breasts for lumps while also embodying the alphabet ‘W’ for Wacoal.
Ms. Pooja Merani, COO-Wacoal India, expressed her thoughts on the initiative, stating, “Breast cancer is one of the most pressing health concerns for women today, but the power of early detection cannot be overstated. At Wacoal, we are committed to going beyond being a lingerie brand, we want to be a partner in women’s well-being. Through this partnership with CPAA and the #WacoalKnowsBreast campaign, we aim to not only spread awareness but also ensure that women feel supported in their journey towards health and confidence. We hope to make a considerable impact in this area and make it accessible to all women in need.”
Ms. Alka Bisen, CEO of the Cancer Patients Aid Association shared her perspective on the collaboration with Wacoal: “Breast cancer continues to be one of the most significant health challenges for women, and the key to overcoming it lies in awareness and early detection. Through our partnership with Wacoal, we are able to amplify this message, encourage regular self-checks, and provide timely support to those affected. Together, we want to create an environment where women feel informed, empowered, and unafraid to prioritize their health.”
The social media campaign also addresses a common misconception: that eating healthy and staying active alone can safeguard women from breast cancer. By reinforcing that anyone can be at risk, Wacoal positions the simple 3-finger test as a routine practice that every woman can easily incorporate into her daily life. Through these conversations, Wacoal seeks to break taboos, promote early detection, and inspire women across India to take proactive steps toward health, ultimately leading to healthier futures for women across India.
