18, Nov 2025
LAVA ROLLS OUT EXCLUSIVE AGNI 4 EARLY ACCESS UNDER THE DEMO@HOME CAMPAIGN
New Delhi, Nov,18: Lava International Limited, one of the fastest growing Indian smartphone brands, today announced an exclusive opportunity for consumers to get early access to experience the upcoming AGNI 4 through its Demo@Home campaign. This initiative allows selected users to witness the device ahead of its launch, with a Lava engineer visiting their homes to offer a complete hands-on walkthrough.
The campaign is live from 15th to 20th November 2025, and is currently running in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. AGNI fans in these cities can register to be a part of this one-of-a-kind experience by filling out the form on the link below. A limited number of participants will be shortlisted and contacted directly by the brand for the exclusive
Those selected will receive a personalised, no-obligation demo of AGNI 4 between 20th and 24th November 2025, offering an exclusive sneak peek at the device’s design and capabilities from the comfort of their homes.
This AGNI 4 Elite Pass experience is part of Lava’s broader Demo@Home programme, which is designed to make smartphone exploration more convenient and consumer-friendly by bringing product demonstrations directly to users.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
18, Nov 2025
Godrej unveils ‘Accidental Invitation’ initiative’ Under Har Ghar Surakshit 2025
Chandigarh, Nov 18th: Locks & Architectural Solutions (LAS), a key business of the Godrej Enterprises Group, today announced a strategic scale-up of its flagship initiative Har Ghar Surakshit as it enters its ninth year. The expansion reflects LAS’s aggressive push into the high-growth smart home segment, targeting double-digit growth through a robust portfolio of digital locks. With an aim to democratize smart security solutions for India’s mass-premium consumers, the brand continues to focus on design and price innovation across its range of made in India digital locks. Godrej has demonstrated remarkable growth in its digital locks category, with a 35% growth and a leading position in the market.
On the occasion of Har Ghar Surakshit, Godrej’s flagship home safety awareness program, the brand introduced the Accidental Invitation App—a first-of-its-kind digital platform aimed at educating citizens on how oversharing on social media can compromise home security. Supported by Meta, the campaign highlights the risks of online oversharing by providing individuals with a personalized ‘Accidental Invitation Score’ and tailored safety solutions. Completely created on AI, the campaign features films that depict real-life scenarios, reinforcing the message that in today’s connected world, true security begins with mindful behaviour- both online and offline.
Social media-related cybercrimes in India have nearly tripled in the last five years. With cybercrimes becoming an increasing threat, digital safety is gaining precedence not just for security but also convenience. In response, Godrej has introduced a slew of affordable digital locks. The all-new Neo Digital Locks Range represents the next evolution in intelligent security for modern Indian homes. Combining advanced technology, elegant design, and affordability, the range includes models equipped with features such as built-in video door phones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, multiple access modes, anti-theft alarms, and emergency power backup. With prices starting at INR8,999, the Neo range is positioned to meet the diverse needs of urban consumers seeking convenience, security, and style.
Speaking on the occasion, Shyam Motwani, Business Head, LAS, Godrej Enterprises Group, said,
“For eight years, Har Ghar Surakshit has championed home safety as a shared responsibility. With the Accidental Invitation App, we are extending this mission into the digital realm. The launch of the Neo Digital Locks Range marks a strategic step in redefining intelligent security for modern Indian homes and driving growth in the smart home category.”
With over 1.7 lakh home safety check-ups conducted to date and 21,000+ in FY26 alone, Har Ghar Surakshit continues to drive awareness and adoption of smart safety solutions. This effort has delivered double-digit year-on-year growth in the adoption of home safety solutions, as well as digital locks, last year, reinforcing Godrej’s leadership in the category. The initiative has not only strengthened consumer trust but also delivered strong business performance, with the digital locks category contributing an increasing share to overall revenue. The launch of the Neo Digital Locks Range is expected to further boost category growth and capture a larger share of India’s fast-growing smart home market.
18, Nov 2025
Ashoka University and Penn Deepen Decades-Long Partnership to Create Global Pathways in Science and Technology
New Delhi, India, Nov,18: Ashoka University, India’s preeminent private research university, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Engineering), U.S.A., to advance collaborative research and academic mobility for students and faculty in emerging fields of science, technology, and interdisciplinary education. This agreement marks another significant milestone in the partnership between the two institutions, deepening their longstanding relationship and expanding their collaboration into new areas of research, teaching, and innovation.
Under this agreement, the two universities will pursue multiple avenues of collaboration to strengthen academic and research engagement. These include the exchange of faculty, researchers, and students for joint academic and research initiatives; sharing of information, knowledge, and scholarly resources; and the development and implementation of collaborative research programmes in areas of mutual interest.
To achieve these goals, both institutions will promote academic and institutional mobility by inviting faculty and researchers to undertake collaborative projects at the partner university and by hosting graduate and undergraduate students for short-term study or research residencies. The partnership will also facilitate the organisation of joint symposia, conferences, and workshops on emerging research themes, as well as the execution of collaborative research projects and the exchange of academic resources and data within agreed domains. Together, these initiatives aim to establish a sustained and dynamic platform for global knowledge creation and innovation.
Professor Vijay Kumar, Nemirovsky Family Dean of Penn Engineering, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our engagement with Ashoka University, whose interdisciplinary approach aligns closely with Penn Engineering’s commitment to integrating knowledge across fields. This partnership opens new avenues for collaborative research and creates meaningful pathways for outstanding students to join Penn Engineering’s graduate programs.”
Building on this institutional collaboration, the universities have also introduced a ‘Four Plus One’ (4+1) academic pathway, enabling outstanding Ashoka University undergraduates to pursue accelerated master’s degrees at Penn Engineering if admitted. Under this arrangement, eligible Ashoka students can transfer up to three approved courses from their undergraduate studies toward the completion of a master’s program at Penn, allowing them to earn the degree within a shorter time frame.
Applications for the 4+1 program can be submitted by students after the sixth semester and no later than their final semester at Ashoka University. Applicants must be nominated internally by Ashoka University and must meet all academic and testing requirements outlined by Penn Engineering. Admission decisions will rest solely with Penn Engineering, and students accepted will complete the remainder of their degree as full-time residents at Penn, gaining access to world-class laboratories, research facilities, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Professor Boon Thau Loo, RCA Chair Professor in Computer and Information Science and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Global Initiatives at Penn Engineering, added, “The new 4+1 pathway and opportunities for joint research will bring Ashoka’s talented students and faculty into Penn Engineering’s vibrant research
ecosystem. We are excited to welcome Ashoka students to Penn, and to continue building partnerships that support global scientific discovery.”
“The collaboration presents exciting opportunities for both Ashoka University and the University of Pennsylvania. Through student exchanges, joint classrooms, and collaborative research, scholars will not only have access to advanced laboratories and global expertise but also learn to think across cultures and disciplines,” said Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University.
“We are certain our partnership will strengthen pedagogy in emerging fields such as AI and data science, while enabling our students and faculty to work in world-class research environments, collaborate with leading global academics, and collaboratively develop solutions to pressing issues of climate change, artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability, and more,” he added.
Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder & Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, and an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, said, “This partnership represents a significant milestone in Ashoka University’s journey of global engagement for our students. Penn and Penn Engineering have been founding partners for Ashoka since the launch of our flagship Young India Fellowship in 2011, with Penn faculty teaching at the YIF for the past 14 years. Now, this partnership enters a new phase – offering Ashoka students the best of both worlds: a world-class undergraduate degree in India and an Ivy League Master’s. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Beyond Ashoka, this collaboration will help stimulate excellence and innovation across India’s higher education landscape and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”
This partnership combines Ashoka’s strengths in interdisciplinary education with Penn Engineering’s global leadership in technology and applied research and seeks to create a vibrant ecosystem of learning and discovery. Ashoka students will gain access to Penn Engineering’s world-class research ecosystem, advanced laboratories, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and sustainability. In turn, Penn students and faculty will engage with Ashoka’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach, rooted in critical inquiry and social impact, offering a deeper understanding of India’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape.
Before this agreement, Ashoka University and Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences had already established a collaborative programme in 2017 — the Global Gateway Program— which enabled graduates of Ashoka’s Young India Fellowship to enrol in a one-year Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) at Penn. Omnia – an earlier partnership provided Ashoka students with immersive exposure to interdisciplinary liberal arts study in the U.S., while enriching Penn’s academic community with diverse global perspectives. In addition, numerous alumni of Penn serve on Ashoka’s faculty and dozens of Ashoka and Penn students and alumni have visited and studied on both campuses over the past decade. These peer connections have resulted in multiple joint research and scholarly activities between the faculty of Penn and Ashoka.
18, Nov 2025
Singapore-India Collaboration Strengthens Maternal and Child Health Services in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, India, Nov ,18– The Singapore International Foundation (SIF), SingHealth, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM), Government of Tamil Nadu today marked the conclusion of the second phase of the Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Services (EMCH) Project.
Launched in 2015, the EMCH Project aims to strengthen maternal and child healthcare across Tamil Nadu. Building on the success of the first phase, the current phase (2023–2025) extended its reach to Primary Health Centres, enhancing the management of high-risk pregnancies and neonatal emergencies, and improving outcomes across the state’s maternal and child health system.
18, Nov 2025
Shefali Varma Joins Kochi Biennale Foundation Advisory Council
Shefali Varma Joins the Advisory Council of the Kochi Biennale Foundation
Kochi, Nov 18: The Kochi Biennale Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Shefali Varma, Chairperson of The Ardee Group and The Ardee Schools, to its prestigious Advisory Council. A leading entrepreneur, philanthropist, and collector, Shefali Varma joins the Council as a Platinum Benefactor, marking a significant new chapter in the Foundation’s collaborative journey with one of India’s most respected patrons of art and education.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) prepares for its upcoming edition, titled “For the Time Being”, a powerful curatorial exploration anchored in embodied memory, ancestral knowledge, and the lyrical possibilities of stories and songs. This edition brings together 66 artists and collectives from over 20 countries, presenting work that reimagines how histories are told and how communities come together across borders, time, and lived experience.
“It is an honour to join the Advisory Council of the Kochi Biennale Foundation at a moment when the Biennale is opening new ways of thinking about art, memory, and community. At The Ardee Foundation, we believe deeply in nurturing creativity and fostering dialogue between generations. Our participation this year reflects our commitment to supporting artists whose work speaks to both philosophical reflection and contemporary relevance. I am humbled to contribute to this extraordinary cultural movement.” Shefali Varma, Chairperson, The Ardee Group & The Ardee Schools
Ardee Foundation at Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26
For this edition, The Ardee Foundation will present the works of celebrated artist Shobha Broota at the historic Mocha Art Café in Fort Kochi. Known for her meditative abstraction and spiritual minimalism, Broota’s practice aligns deeply with the Biennale’s contemplative framework. The Ardee Foundation’s participation is curated by noted cultural theorist and curator Ina Puri, who has long been associated with championing significant voices in Indian art.
This collaboration underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bridging art and education, supporting women artists, and creating platforms where both legacy and modern experimentation can flourish.
18, Nov 2025
South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, Coimbatore
18 November 2025, Coimbatore – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3-day South India Natural Farming Summit that begins tomorrow in Coimbatore. As part of its commitment to strengthening rural heritage rooted in natural farming, Ramraj Cotton will be participating in this summit hosted by Farmers’ Associations in Tamil Nadu.
By responsibly managing natural resources through pure cotton, bamboo fibres, and silkworm cultivation, Ramraj Cotton continues to preserve agricultural heritage and culture. Additionally, through the establishment of the World Coconut Farmers Producers Organisation, the company promotes the natural beverage Thenneera, ensuring the welfare and upliftment of coconut farmers. Another agriculture-focused community initiative supported by Ramraj Cotton, the Vanam India Foundation, will also take part in the summit.
Speaking about this, Ramraj Cotton Founder & Chairman Shri K. R. Nagarajan said: “What began as our humble journey in handloom weaving has today expanded to embrace our farmers and our soil, creating meaningful change for the future. Through garments made from pure cotton, towels crafted from bamboo fibre, and silk dhotis, Ramraj Cotton not only supports natural farming but has also grown into a truly Swadeshi movement.”
The South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 is poised to become an important platform bringing together leading experts, farmers, and organisations that champion chemical-free, heritage-based agriculture.
17, Nov 2025
Shri Kedarnath Mandir Trust, Delhi, Hosts Grand Kalash Yatra to Mark the Beginning of a Seven-Day Shiv Mahapuran Katha
Under the divine blessings of Param Pujya Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Shri Shri 1008 Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, the Shri Kedarnath Mandir Trust, Delhi, organised a grand Kalash Yatra at Sanatam Dharm Mandir, Paschim Vihar, to mark the auspicious beginning of the Seven-Day Shiv Mahapuran Katha in the capital.
The spiritually charged Yatra witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 800 devotees, each carrying a sacred Kalash, as they proceeded in a devotional procession from Sanatam Dharma Mandir to DD Ground, Paschim Vihar, where the elaborate arrangements for the week-long Katha have been made. The vibrant Yatra filled the streets with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and devotion, transforming the atmosphere into one of unity, peace, and divine energy.
Hosted by the Shri Kedarnath Mandir Trust, Delhi, under the leadership of Shri Surendra Rautela, National President of the Trust and Shri Naresh Kumar Airan, Chief Patron of the programme, this Yatra marked the ceremonial opening of one of Delhi’s most anticipated spiritual events, a seven-day Shiv Mahapuran Katha dedicated to Lord Shiva taking place from 17th November to 23rd November 2025.
Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, saint, yoga guru, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Niranjani Akhara, will preside over the Katha. Known for his illuminating discourses and profound knowledge of the Sanatan Dharma, Swami Ji will guide devotees through the divine teachings of Lord Shiva, including inspiring truth, devotion, and inner awakening.
The Shiv Mahapuran Katha, beginning today, will feature daily sessions filled with spiritual narrations, live devotional music, and cultural depictions such as Nataraja Nritya, Sati Katha, Ganga Avataran, Mridang Sadhana, and Shankhnad. Each day is expected to draw between 4,000–5,000 devotees, making it one of Delhi’s most significant spiritual congregations.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naresh Kumar Airan, Chief Patron of the programme, said, “This Yatra is a celebration of devotion and awakening. Through the Shiv Mahapuran Katha, we aim to reignite faith and peace in every heart.”
Adding to this, Shri Surendra Rautela shared, “We are humbled to host this divine event under Swami Ji’s guidance. Delhi will witness a confluence of spirituality and culture, an invitation for every soul to reconnect with the eternal power of Lord Shiva.”
The Seven-Day Shiv Mahapuran Katha at DD Ground, Paschim Vihar, is set to become a landmark event in Delhi’s spiritual calendar, blending devotion, tradition, and the timeless wisdom of Lord Shiva under the celestial leadership of Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj.
17, Nov 2025
Gartner Predicts AI Will Touch All IT Work by 2030, Urges Readiness
Gartner Survey Finds All IT Work Will Involve AI by 2030; Organizations Must Navigate AI Readiness and Human Readiness to Find, Capture and Sustain Value
Kochi, Nov 17th : By 2030, CIOs expect that 0% of IT work will be performed solely by humans, 75% will be done by humans augmented with AI, and 25% by AI alone, according to a July 2025 Gartner, Inc. survey of over 700 CIOs. This underscores the need for organizations to focus simultaneously on AI readiness and human readiness to achieve sustainable value from AI.
During the opening keynote of the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Kochi, attended by over 1,100 CIOs and IT executives, Gartner analysts highlighted that few organizations are effectively addressing both aspects.
“Gartner has guided CIOs on their AI journey for years — from shaping AI ambitions in 2023, to pacing AI outcomes in 2024. This year, we map the right path to go all-in on AI value,” said Arun Chandrasekaran, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner.
AI and Human Readiness: The Dual Imperative
“While AI is not yet fully capable of delivering value independently, humans are even less ready to capture it,” explained Galliopi Demetriou, VP Analyst at Gartner. AI readiness ensures that technology can deliver value for specific use cases, while human readiness ensures the workforce and organizational structures are equipped to capture and sustain that value.
Transforming the Workforce for AI
Gartner predicts AI’s impact on global jobs will be neutral through 2026 and that by 2027, AI will create more jobs than it displaces. “AI is about workforce transformation, not job loss. CIOs should restrain hiring for low-complexity roles while redeploying talent to revenue-generating areas,” Chandrasekaran noted.
AI will render some traditional skills such as summarization, information retrieval, and translation less critical, while generating demand for new AI-specific skills. “Unlike traditional skills that improve task efficiency, AI skills enhance human capabilities, making workers better thinkers, communicators, and motivators,” said Demetriou. Organizations are advised to continuously test employees to prevent skill atrophy.
Finding Value Through AI Readiness
Organizations must assess AI readiness across three dimensions:
- Costs: A May 2025 survey of 506 CIOs revealed that 74% were breaking even or losing money on AI investments. Each AI tool often carries multiple ancillary costs including training and change management.
- Technical Capabilities: Some AI functions, like content generation, search, and summarization, are mature, while others, such as AI accuracy and autonomous multi-agent systems, require piloting and process development to ensure value.
- Vendors: Choice depends on scale and use case. Hyperscalers support large-scale deployments, startups provide domain-specific AI solutions, and AI R&D companies offer innovation at the cutting edge but limited scale. Organizations must also consider AI sovereignty in vendor decisions.
Gartner has introduced the “You Are Here” Positioning System, a framework to assess organizational readiness and guide leaders in finding, capturing, and sustaining AI value.
“AI has the potential to redefine entire industries, from hospitals to manufacturing, but the true payoff comes when AI enhances core competencies and solves previously impossible problems,” said Chandrasekaran.
17, Nov 2025
Swiggy signs MoU with upGrad to enhance skill development for Delivery Partners
New Delhi,Nov,17 – Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with upGrad, one of Asia’s premier integrated skilling and lifelong learning platforms, to provide skill development and higher education opportunities for its delivery partners.
The initiative aims to offer Swiggy’s delivery partners access to university-certified higher education programs and professional development certifications, specifically tailored for India’s frontline workforce. Many delivery partners face financial or personal constraints that limit their ability to pursue higher education or professional learning. This collaboration addresses these challenges by providing affordable academic pathways, supported by need-based scholarships, along with a Career Udaan Pack—a curated soft skills module covering communication, digital fluency, workplace readiness, and confidence—designed by upGrad for last-mile delivery professionals.
Saurav Goyal, Senior Vice President – Driver and Delivery Org, Swiggy, said;
“Our delivery partners are a key pillar of Swiggy’s business, and we are committed to supporting their professional growth. Through this partnership with upGrad, we aim to provide quality learning opportunities, combining formal upskilling with emerging tech certifications and soft skills training. This initiative empowers our 6.9 lakh-strong frontline workforce with credible, sustainable career pathways, moving beyond convenience to create a ladder of opportunity that strengthens their careers and elevates India’s collective skilled advantage.”
Built on upGrad’s tech-led online learning ecosystem and robust LMS infrastructure, this initiative makes job-relevant upskilling accessible at scale, recognising last-mile delivery workers as a vital part of India’s formal skilling revolution.
Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO – Higher Education, upGrad, added;
“India’s demographic advantage can translate into true economic strength only if every section of the workforce—not just white-collar professionals—is equipped with quality education and job-relevant skills. Delivery executives, like millions of frontline workers across sectors, have long been excluded from formal upskilling pathways. This partnership with Swiggy recognizes their untapped potential. By equipping them with credible qualifications and essential workplace skills, we are enabling access to formal employment opportunities and contributing to a stronger, future-ready economy.”
17, Nov 2025
Škoda Auto India expands footprint in the Delhi-NCR region with a new Sales Showroom
New Delhi, Nov, 17: –
Škoda Auto India has inaugurated a new Sales Showroom in Majlis Park, New Delhi, further enhancing the brand’s network presence in the National Capital Region. Established in partnership with Malwa Motor Sales Pvt. Ltd., the new showroom increases Škoda Auto’s total Customer Touchpoints in Delhi-NCR to 21.
The 4,200 sq. ft. showroom features display space for four cars and embodies Škoda Auto’s Modern Solid global design philosophy, providing a welcoming environment and an exceptional sales experience for all customers. With this addition, Škoda Auto India now operates 15 sales showrooms and 11 service facilities across five regions in Delhi-NCR, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.
Commenting on the inauguration, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said;
“With the inauguration of our new sales showroom in Majlis Park, we continue to strengthen Škoda Auto India’s presence across Delhi-NCR. The capital city has always been a key market for us, and with 21 Customer Touchpoints now operational, we are bringing our complete product range closer to customers while ensuring they experience the highest standards of service and care. With models like the Kushaq, Kodiaq, Kylaq, and Slavia, we are confident of growing the Škoda brand in this vital market.”C. M. Sharma, Director, Malwa Motor Sales Pvt. Ltd; added:
“We are delighted to partner with Škoda Auto India to bring the brand’s premium experience closer to customers in Majlis Park. This showroom is designed to deliver a seamless premium experience, from display to delivery, providing customers with the very best of Škoda Auto’s product range and ownership journey.”
Over the past few years, Škoda Auto India has expanded its network from over 120 Touchpoints in 2021 to more than 320 Touchpoints across 180 cities. The company continues to focus on bringing its products closer to customers and reinforcing its commitment to delivering a seamless and premium ownership experience across India.
If you want, I can also create a shorter, media-ready version of this announcement suitable for a press release or news headline. Do you want me to do that?
