1, Jul 2025
Paramjit Chadha is the new Managing Director of ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Ltd
Chennai, India , July 01, 2025 : ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited announced the joining of Paramjit Singh Chadha as its new Managing Director.
Paramjit brings nearly 40 years of extensive experience in the automotive industry, having worked with various leading companies. As a seasoned automobile engineer with a lifelong passion for cars, he started his career with Maruti Suzuki, a leading OEM. His career spans across significant roles in the auto component sector, including positions at Kalyani Brakes, Bosch Chassis Systems, Continental Brakes, and Knorr-Bremse. Additionally, Paramjit has led projects focused on ESG, manufacturing excellence, and digitalization within the ADM Group. His expertise is particularly strong in safety-critical components, such as brake systems for various vehicle segments.
Paramjit has held several leadership roles including being a Regional Head, SBU Head, Plant Head and ultimately the role of a Managing Director and President(O).
Paramjit’s impressive track record includes successfully leading three greenfield projects and achieving exponential growth objectives. He has also contributed to industry development through his involvement with ACMA Centre for Excellence and the Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST).
Paramjit is known for his unique blend of patience and a results-driven approach, inspiring his teams to take ownership and strive for success.
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board, Board of Management ZF Group commented “P Kaniappan’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment have been instrumental in establishing ZF’s strong foundation and continued success in the Indian market. I am delighted to now welcome Paramjit to the ZF Group and I am confident that his rich experience, knowledge and proficiency will prove to be an invaluable asset to the company”.
Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, noted “We are very happy to welcome Paramjit Chadha as the Managing Director of ZF CVCS India Ltd. His experience and expertise in the regional automotive ecosystem will lend positively to the growth of the CV business in the region and will bring in an exciting new chapter for the ZF Group. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to P Kaniappan, whose remarkable legacy and unwavering dedication have laid a strong foundation for our presence in India. Thank you for your outstanding service.”
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- By Neel Achary
1, Jul 2025
Practus Recognized Among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Professional Services 2025
“At Practus, we believe excellence thrives where trust, ownership, and purpose intersect,” said Deepak Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Practus. “This recognition is a reflection of the culture we’ve nurtured — one where our people feel empowered to grow, contribute, and drive real outcomes for clients. I’m incredibly proud of our team and what we’ve built together.”Aditi Nair, Chief People Officer of Practus, added, “Being recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Professional Services once again is an honour – and a responsibility. It reaffirms our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and inspired to grow. Our focus on continuous learning and aligned vision keeps us moving forward.”
1, Jul 2025
LAPP India Strengthens Cable Gland Product Offering with SKINTOP® Range for Varied Industrial Applications
India, 1 July, 2025: LAPP India, a leading provider of cable and connectivity solutions, is advancing industrial cable management with SKINTOP®, a range of cable glands designed to meet diverse application needs across both critical and general industrial environments. Polyamide Glands are available in two complementary product lines: SKINTOP® ST /STR and SKINTOP® SMART, engineered to meet evolving market demands for safety, reliability, and ease of installation. Whether for heavy-duty or general-purpose use, SKINTOP® delivers high-performance and reliability.
LAPP ensures that through the SKINTOP® range their customers receive the right-fit solution, customised to specific application demands, environmental factors, and certification needs.
Tailored for High-Performance Applications and Compliance
The SKINTOP® portfolio is designed to support a wide spectrum of use cases with unique distinctive features that cater to different industrial requirements. Customers may select the most appropriate solution based on usage intensity, environment, and technical compliance.
- SKINTOP® ST and STR: Designed for performance-intensive and critical industrial settings, this globally certified cable gland is suited for cleanrooms, energy networks, automation systems, Food & Beverage, Pharma, Oil & Gas, Cleaning systems and data centres. These are high-quality, metric-threaded & PG threaded glands made from durable polyamide. They support a wide clamping range from M12–M63 and PG 7–48, accommodating a broad variety of cable diameters used in industrial installations. With ingress protection ratings of IP68 (up to 5 bar/30 minutes) and IP69 (withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets), flame resistance up to 650°C, and certifications including CE, UL, DNV, VDE, and UKCA, it is ideal for installations where operational continuity and international compliance are indispensable, thus making the equipment suitable for exports. Its dual sealing system and UV, ozone, and chemical resistance make it ideal for hygienic and outdoor settings.
- SKINTOP® SMART: Manufactured in India at LAPP’s state-of-the-art facility in Dharuhera, the polyamide cable gland variant supports general-purpose industrial applications such as control panels, junction & array boxes, limit switches, parking systems, and surveillance setups. It supports clamping sizes from M12–M32 and PG 7–29, making it ideal for standard and compact installations. It offers robust ingress protection up to IP68 and carries UR (UL Recognized) certification, aligning with the needs of standard installations to cater local demands. The SMART series is being offered with the smart compact design, making them quick and easy to assemble. Each gland features a precision-engineered construction comprising sealing rings, gaskets, and locking components that ensure robust cable fixation and environmental sealing. The SMART Series enables faster availability without compromising on essential functionality.
“Every industrial application has a unique requirement especially when it comes to cables and connections. At LAPP, we believe that every cable requires the right gland, they are mutually reinforcing for effective industrial solutions,” said Sumit Mitra, Managing Director, LAPP India. “With decades of expertise in industrial connectivity, LAPP offers a comprehensive range of cable glands designed to meet diverse application needs across sectors. The SKINTOP® ST /STR variants are engineered for demanding environments that require global-standard certifications and long-term performance, while the SMART series is crafted for reliable, high-quality installation in mainstream applications. Backed by proven durability and precision design, our gland portfolio is a strong reflection of LAPP’s commitment to delivering complete, dependable solutions for every industrial requirement.”
SKINTOP® cable glands are engineered to address key industrial challenges, offering:
- Hermetic Sealing for Maximum Protection: SKINTOP® ensures ingress protection (IP68 and IP69), preventing dust, water, and contaminants from compromising electrical connections. This makes it ideal for harsh environments, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and outdoor applications
- Optimized Strain Relief: Provides vibration resistance and secures cables in place to extend lifespan and prevent mechanical failures
- Effortless Installation: The intuitive design enables quick and secure installation with a simple turn of the nut, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing installation time across industries
- Superior Material Options: Available in plastic, brass, and stainless steel, catering to diverse industrial requirements automation, manufacturing, and chemical processing
- Temperature & Chemical Resistance: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, ozone, hot water and aggressive chemicals, SKINTOP® is well-suited for industries such as oil & gas, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and marine applications
From machine tools and robotics to transportation and renewable energy, SKINTOP® continues to support industries in achieving safer and more efficient operations through simplified cable entry solutions.
1, Jul 2025
ISA to host the second edition of the International Solar Festival in Osaka, Japan
Bengaluru 30 June 2024 : The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will host the next editions of its flagship initiatives—the CEO Caucus and the International Solar Festival (ISF)—at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from 3–4 July 2025. These platforms will bring together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community champions to advance the global solar transition and foster collaboration across regions.
Launched in 2024, the CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival (ISF) have emerged as key platforms shaping the future of solar energy deployment and innovation.
“The CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival are not just flagship initiatives of ISA—they are dynamic, global convenings for public-private collaboration, youth-led innovation, and transformative solar action. By hosting them at World Expo 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), ISA is deepening its commitment to transforming solar movement from Ambition to Action. While India’s progress offers a powerful role model for Global South — reaching 224 GW of renewable capacity as of April 2025, including 108 GW from solar— these platforms are about global momentum bringing together India, Japan and ISA’s 124 member countries by sharing stories, building partnerships, and enabling jobs led solar growth,” said Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance.
The 2025 CEO Caucus, themed “Forging the Future of Solar: India-Japan Innovations for a Sustainable Asia’ will focus on unlocking new opportunities for cross-border investment, resilient supply chains, and clean energy innovation. A key highlight will be the India–Japan Solar Industry Roundtable, which will explore collaboration in battery storage, green hydrogen, and solar manufacturing—supporting India’s ambition of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The Osaka edition builds on the first 2025 CEO Caucus roundtable held in Brussels in June, which explored Europe’s role in diversifying and strengthening global solar value chains.
International Solar Festival: Stories of Impact and Innovation
The second International Solar Festival will spotlight transformative solar stories from youth, entrepreneurs, and communities through:
- Young G Limitless: Leading the Solar Takeover – a spotlight session where young changemakers and technology influencers reimagine the solar future.
- Dastan-e-Aftaab (Story of the Sun) – a mesmerising cultural performance celebrating our shared solar heritage and the universal significance of the sun.
The Festival’s first edition in New Delhi (September 2024) attracted thousands and celebrated solar energy’s power to transform lives, fuel dreams, and empower communities. The Festival focused on four key themes: Youth Engagement, Gender Inclusion, Entrepreneurship G Private Sector Engagement, and Community Empowerment—amplifying underrepresented voices and harnessing the energy of youth and innovators to make solar both aspirational and accessible.
Scaling Up Global Solar Collaboration
Both platforms are now being positioned as annual global convenings for solar advocacy, policy dialogue, and investment mobilisation. CEO Caucus roundtables are also planned across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America C the Caribbean in 2025. Reflecting on these global platforms, Mr Khanna added: “The CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival are not just milestones—they are movements. They embody our belief that solar energy can unite nations, transform lives, and accelerate the sustainable future we all aspire to. Through leadership, innovation, and youth-led action, we are building the solar-powered tomorrow the world urgently needs. We invite stakeholders from across the ecosystem to join us in Osaka and be part of this shared journey.”
Event Details:
- CEO Caucus: Forging the Future of Solar: India-Japan Innovations for a Sustainable Asia:
- 3 July 2025 | Bharat Pavilion, World Expo 2025
- International Solar Festival: 4 July 2025 | Bharat Pavilion, World Expo 2025
ISA welcomes participation from government representatives, industry leaders, innovators, financiers, youth organisations, and civil society.
The World Expo 2025, organised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), is currently underway in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo focuses on three sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. It serves as a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shape a better future. With 28 million visitors expected, the Expo is a landmark event driving conversations and action for tomorrow’s societies.
1, Jul 2025
The Hidden Costs of Unsafe Water During the Monsoons and How to Avoid It
By – Dr. Dr Anil Kumar, Water Scientist at Eureka Forbes Ltd.
The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, but it also brings a less visible threat: water contamination. Every year, the onset of rains leads to an alarming spike in waterborne diseases across India – typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A. What often goes unnoticed is the hidden health-related costs associated with consuming unsafe water during this season.
Contaminated drinking water is one of the primary causes of gastrointestinal infections during the monsoons. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity are especially vulnerable. These infections not only cause discomfort and sick days, but often lead to prolonged medical treatments. Investing in safe drinking water and sanitation can significantly reduce healthcare expenses and improve quality of life. Frequent illnesses from unsafe water can burden families with rising medical costs and disrupted routines, especially when minor infections in children or the elderly escalate into serious health issues.
How to Avoid These-
• Invest in a Quality Water Purifier: During the monsoons, municipal water quality can deteriorate. A certified water purifier with RO, UV, or advanced filtration systems acts as the first line of defence.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your purifier is serviced regularly, especially before and during monsoon season, to ensure it functions at optimal efficiency.
• Awareness and Action: Encourage your community or housing society to test their water supply and install purification systems if necessary.
“We often talk about the visible dangers during the monsoons like flooding and infrastructure damage but the contamination of drinking water is a silent crisis. At Eureka Forbes, our mission is to ensure that every household has access to safe and pure drinking water, especially during vulnerable periods like the monsoon. Our water purifiers are equipped with multi-stage filtration to tackle microbial and chemical contaminants that spike during this season.”– Dr. Anil Kumar, Water Scientist, Eureka Forbes
Monsoon showers nourishe the earth, but they can also carry unseen health risks into our homes. By taking timely precautions and choosing the right water purification solutions, we can protect our families from the hidden costs of unsafe water and enjoy a healthier, worry-free season.
1, Jul 2025
D. Y. Patil Medical College Performs India’s First Bilateral Lung Transplant on Serving Army Soldier
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre Makes History with India’s First Bilateral Lung Transplant on a Serving Army Soldier
Pune, July 1, 2025: A 30-year-old serving Indian Army officer from Jammu & Kashmir, suffering from a rare and life-threatening lung condition, has been given a new lease on life after a successful bilateral lung transplant at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. This landmark surgery marks the first successful bilateral lung transplant in India performed on a serving Army soldier, reinforcing DPU’s reputation as a centre for critical care excellence and advanced transplant science.
The officer was diagnosed with Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), a rare interstitial lung disease that led to progressive respiratory failure. As his condition worsened, he became completely oxygen-dependent and bed-bound. Following his referral from the Cardiothoracic Centre of Command Hospital, Pune, he was evaluated and registered for a transplant at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune on 20th March 2025.
On 14th April 2025, a complex 12-hour surgery was performed. The patient’s recovery was remarkable – off oxygen within a week and discharged in just over two weeks, walking unaided and breathing freely.
Hon’ble Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “This transplant reflects the strength of our healthcare ecosystem where advanced infrastructure, experienced clinicians and a deeply committed support team come together to make the extraordinary possible. We are proud that Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, could support a serving soldier’s journey to recovery with the highest standards of care. My heartfelt gratitude to every individual who played a role – from the transplant and rehabilitation teams to the coordinators, nursing staff and the authorities who made the green corridor possible.”
Hon’ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, added, “Every life we touch through our hospital is a reflection of our commitment to healing with purpose. Supporting a soldier’s recovery through such a complex procedure speaks to the values we hold close – compassion, excellence and service to the nation. To care for someone who has served the country is a privilege we hold with deep respect. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre stands as a centre of advanced care, where clinical excellence is matched by empathy and national responsibility.”
Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Lead Transplant Surgeon, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, said, “PLCH is a rare and complex disease. This transplant required clinical precision, coordination and above all, trust. Seeing the patient recover so rapidly is a result of every unit working in perfect sync.”
Dr. Rahul Kendre, Transplant Pulmonologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, added, “It was an honour to care for someone who has served the country. His determination, supported by strong teamwork and timely care, made this outcome possible.”
Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, said, “This life-saving lung transplant on a brave, serving officer of the Indian Army is more than just a medical milestone for us—it is a tribute to the spirit of service and sacrifice. We are deeply honoured to have played a role in giving a soldier a second chance at life. Our team’s dedication is driven by a profound respect for those who serve our nation, and this successful transplant is a moment of pride, gratitude and hope for us all.”
The Intensive Care Unit team, led by Dr. Prashant Sakhwalkar (Intensivist), ensured clinical stability and recovery, with support from Dr. Asir Tamboli, Dr. Swapnil, Dr. Sagar, Dr. Viren and Dr. Amey Sable. Physician Assistants Dr. Sangapriya, Dr. Pratiksha and Dr. Shifa provided daily clinical coordination between departments. Dr. Ranjith Joel and Dr. Ashok managed the patient’s rehabilitation and physiotherapy, ensuring full functional recovery.
The transplant was equally supported by an expert operations team. In the Operating Theatres, Sijo Rajan, Rijo Kuriakose, Rohini and Wamik facilitated organ retrieval and implantation across dual OT setups. Halimath, Vishal and Suneel managed organ perfusion and ECMO support, while Mr. Bagwat Patil, Bronchoscopic Technician, ensured smooth pre-operative diagnostics.
The ICU nursing team – Ganesh Munde, Pooja, Preeti, Nayna, Vaishali, Sonali and Kavita played a central role from pre-operative care to discharge, providing vigilant, compassionate support.
Transplant coordination including documentation, ZTCC compliance and clinical matching was expertly managed by Mr. Arun Ashokan and Ms. Vasanthi, who ensured timely execution of every step.
Overseeing the full institutional framework and ensuring operational readiness was Dr. H. H. Chavan, Medical Superintendent, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune. His guidance and oversight helped align medical, surgical and administrative teams with precision and purpose.
The final and most time-sensitive part of this transplant – the transfer of donor lungs was executed with military precision. With approvals from the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), facilitated by Ms. Aarti, a green corridor was established for the organ to travel from Dombivli to Pune in under two hours. This mission was led by Mr. Pramod Patil, Administrative Head of DPU Super Specialty Hospital along with Mr. Parthasarathy Shanmugam, Administrative Head, Organ Transplantation and executed with the support of the Traffic Commissioners and the city traffic authorities across districts who ensured swift passage of the organ transport.
Thanks to the exceptional teamwork, clinical expertise and visionary leadership at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, a serving soldier of the Indian Army now breathes freely and looks ahead to life with renewed strength and dignity. The hospital remains steadfast in its mission to advance transplant science and raise nationwide awareness about the life-saving impact of organ donation.
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune has successfully performed over 460 transplants including 32 bilateral lung transplants, 4 combined heart and lung transplants, 4 standalone heart transplants, and 1 combined heart and kidney transplant – reaffirming its position as a leader in the field of organ transplantation
1, Jul 2025
Nikhil Kamath Hosts Nikesh Arora on People by WTF to Explore the Future of AI, Cybersecurity, and Leadership
National, India, 1 July , 2025 – In the latest episode of People by WTF, investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath sits down with Nikesh Arora, CEO and Chairman of Palo Alto Networks, for an unfiltered conversation on the future of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, lessons learned under Larry Page and Masayoshi Son, quantum computing, and what it takes to lead in a world moving 10X faster.
Spanning personal stories, bold predictions, and strategic insight, the episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, tech leaders, policymakers, and investors alike. Highlights include:
- Growing up, rejection letters and boardrooms: Nikhil Kamath opens the conversation by asking Nikesh Arora to start “where it matters most,” sparking a candid look at childhood, rejection, and resilience. Arora credits a “blessed” upbringing to his father’s unwavering integrity, his mother’s academic focus, and constant Air Force relocations that taught him to adapt quickly and says, “When you’ve packed up and moved all your life, change feels natural.” Nikesh shares his academic and early career journey, one shaped as much by detours as by degrees. With a resume spanning IIT-BHU, Boston College, and Northeastern, he jokes, “I wasn’t smart enough,” recalling how he left the CAT exam midway to catch a movie. The real turning point came during the 1992 recession: “I wrote 400 plus letters to people applying for a job… sometimes a printer ran out of ink, but I knew it was a rejection letter.” He still keeps every one of those 400 rejections. Despite being voted “most likely to end up on Wall Street,” banks passed him over, until Fidelity gave him a shot. “I had seven rejection letters from Fidelity before I got a job for the eighth person. So thank God they weren’t comparing notes.”
- Hacktivists to Heists: The Cyber Shift: Nikesh Arora traces the evolution of cyber threats, highlighting how hacktivism has morphed into a global criminal economy driven by prestige and profit. “There is a general belief that most security companies and now infrastructure software companies are constantly attacked,” he notes. With attacks often paid in untraceable cryptocurrency, “hacking has become the Wild West.” As over $10 billion is extorted annually, cybercrime now rivals global conflict. Citing the Russia-Ukraine war, Arora warns: “We think most future wars are part cyber wars and part technology wars.” Cybersecurity, he emphasizes, is no longer just about protecting IT, it’s a frontline of national and global defense.
- Agentic AI and the New Cyber Frontiers: Nikhil explores how investors and entrepreneurs can spot the next big cybersecurity bets, asking, “How does one evaluate exposure to cybersecurity, what should we be looking for?” Nikesh points to emerging “attack vectors” as high-opportunity zones and shares, “The most likely categories which will see outsized returns are categories where a new attack vector is being born.” One such vector is agentic AI, autonomous systems acting on our behalf, which Nikesh says introduces massive risk. “If you trust AI to do all of that for you and show up blindly, that would be called giving agency to that agent. I don’t think we’re ready as human beings to let even that basic agency.” He warns, “Those agents will allow you to act on behalf of whoever’s agent you’ve taken over,” creating a new class of threats.
- Zerodha and the Agentic AI Shift: Nikhil Kamath questions whether platforms like Zerodha, built on trust, regulation, and user interface, can remain dominant as agentic AI begins to reshape software interaction. “Can systems of record persist only because they’re regulated, or will decentralised models driven by trust take over?”. Nikesh Arora agrees that such platforms function as foundational infrastructure. “A system of record is almost like something that is built over time. Either it’s mandated by regulation, mandated by enterprises. If a payroll system goes away tomorrow, you wouldn’t know how much you paid someone and how much you have to pay them.” He adds, “It’s too painful for you to replace that system of record.” But he cautions that survival will depend on evolution, mentioning, “There is a prevailing theory that the big will become bigger. If they are smart enough and fast enough and agile enough to be able to change the mode of interaction with the system of record.”
- Democratized AI vs. Decades of Brand Trust: Nikhil Kamath poses a question: If AI democratizes intelligence, will brand loyalty still matter? “So if AI becomes democratic, how big does the role of a brand play in something like this? Is it just utilitarian or is there a brand play involved?” Nikesh Arora affirms the enduring power of brand, arguing it’s built on more than data. “Brands are correlated experiences and trust and perception… the brand encompasses a lot more than the raw material from that person. I don’t know how democratization of AI changes that.” While AI may erode information asymmetry, “Historically, a lot of power has been because of an information disadvantage or asymmetry”, he believes the future advantage lies in proprietary data and solving unknown problems. “The domain-specific, capital-intensive AI is going to be the future… and it’s going to evolve 1,000x faster than anything we’ve seen before.”
- AI Isn’t the End, It’s the Beginning of What’s Next: Nikhil invites Nikesh to imagine what the world might look like a decade from now, probing for a vision shaped by AI and technological shifts. Nikesh resists crystal-ball predictions, instead offering a grounded perspective on uncertainty and adaptability. He reflects on how past crises, like the pandemic, brought fears of collapse, yet humanity adapted and moved on. “I don’t see anybody digging up the ground to plant wheat. Things have happened and we all found something else to do.” Rather than fearing what lies ahead, Nikesh believes in embracing progress. He emphasizes that as old problems are solved, new avenues of innovation and opportunity will emerge. “I’m sure we’ll find ways to propel society further and I’m sure things that get solved easily will create new opportunities.” His message is clear: stay optimistic, stay agile.
- Nikesh’s Playbook for Future Founders: Nikhil asks Nikesh what advice he would offer to young founders starting out today, whether or not they’re in cybersecurity. Nikesh responds candidly, acknowledging a role reversal: he now finds himself learning from the younger generation. He highlights that startups today are moving faster than ever, building AI-powered products in record time and reaching massive scale with lean teams. “The wave of technology that is coming is going to allow people to build businesses faster, more agility, a lower number of people and fundamentally rethink them.” He stresses the importance of ambition and bold thinking. In an era of exponential change, incremental improvements won’t cut it. “If your rethink is marginal, if you’re looking for a 10, 20% improvement, don’t bother because things are about to move 10X… If your idea is not 10X worthy, you’re solving the wrong problem.”
- Should India Build Its Own AI Model?: Nikhil poses a critical question: should India build its own foundational AI model, especially in a world where geopolitics increasingly shape access to technology? Nikesh agrees in principle but outlines major hurdles. “We should. The question then becomes, is a CapEx question?” He highlights that India has historically avoided large, high-risk capital projects, building a frontier AI model could cost tens of billions, and there’s limited appetite for that scale of investment. “You can’t walk around and raise $50 billion and build two nuclear plants to fund AGI today, irrespective of who you are and irrespective of who your investors are from the Indian subcontinent.” While open-source models are an option, Nikhil adds a geopolitical lens: “In a world which is getting increasingly fragmented… if somebody turns off a tap that we have built so much upon, what happens then?” To this, Nikesh offers cautious optimism. India’s large, tech-savvy population makes it a crucial market for global AI players. “There will always be the possibility of collaborating with a model somewhere in the world, with 1.8 billion people, that it’d be silly to ignore that market.” While building a sovereign model may not be immediately feasible, Nikesh affirms its strategic importance: “The unequivocal answer is, yes, we should in India.” The real challenge lies in aligning capital, talent, and infrastructure to make it happen.
- AI Gold Rush or Bubble?: Nikhil asks, “If you invested a dollar in every AI company today, would it pay off in a decade, or is it all overhyped?” Nikesh breaks it down. In the short term, success depends on execution, and many AI startups are burning cash and banking on sky-high valuations. “Clearly there is a gold rush,” he notes. But long term, he’s bullish: AI can drive massive efficiency, reduce costs, and democratize intelligence. Still, he cautions, it’s uncertain which companies will last. The opportunity is real—but so is the noise.
- India, Failure, and Culture: What We Can Learn from Israel: Nikhil asks what holds back India’s innovation potential despite its talent. He reflects on how, despite the talent, India still struggles to scale breakthrough ideas, especially compared to startup ecosystems like the U.S. or Israel. Nikesh shares, “I think it boils down to a combination of things. It’s part talent and resources. It’s part infrastructure, it’s part availability, all of that is part ease of doing business.” He emphasizes one key missing ingredient: cultural acceptance of failure. “I think it’s also partly the acceptance of failure. Failure is not as easily accepted anywhere in the world, but in Silicon Valley, the market gives them the benefit of doubt and funds them again and again.” He contrasts this with Israel and shares, “Israel, they feel very lucky if they build a billion dollar company… So there’s a lot of cultural stuff in there. There’s a lot of cultural acceptance of failure, cultural sort of role modeling.” He notes that over half the 20+ startups he acquired in the last seven years came from Israel. *DISCLAIMER: This conversation was recorded prior to the current conflict involving Israel and Iran.
- Founders vs. Builders: What Personality Wins in Tech? Nikhil explores the difference between founders and non-founder tech leaders, asking what personality fits each path. He asks, “How do you think those journeys are different and what kind of personality type is suited for which?” Nikesh reflects on his own journey, straddling tech and business from IIT to Putnam and says founders often have a “moral right” to build long-term visions. He further adds, vision alone isn’t enough, “A product-only company is not a company, it needs a business around it.” He stresses that leadership is less about individual brilliance and more about assembling the right team. “Part of winning means surrounding yourself with the right intermix of people.” Nikesh credits his success to pairing with strong technical partners and bringing in risk appetite. When asked if hiring defines a leader, he agrees, but adds, “Hiring is just the beginning. You have to keep your eye on the North Star, it tends to move sometimes.”
- Lessons from Larry Page and Masayoshi Son: Nikhil asks Nikesh to share what he learned from working closely with Larry Page and Masayoshi Son. Nikesh begins by challenging the idea of idolizing role models entirely. “I believe in the concept of admiring people for something that they’re really good at. I look for traits in different people and try to learn from them.”, he shares. Nikesh shares that from Larry Page, he learned the power of product obsession. In their first one-on-one, Larry said, “I’m sure if I had a few hours, I could help you do your job 20% better. Let me know when you have two hours.” The point stuck, and Nikesh highlights that “Companies that lose sight of product eventually fail.” From Masa Son, it was about unlearning fear. While Indian culture teaches risk aversion, Masa was the opposite – relentlessly bold, endlessly curious, and all-in every day. “Every entrepreneur was trying to take risks to build a stable business. Masa kept taking bigger risks even after getting rich. He was the richest man in the world for a few days, and then he was almost bankrupt. So you learn that risk appetite is actually something we govern, but it is significantly influenced culturally.”
1, Jul 2025
AIFI Launches ‘GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum’ to Forge the Future of Indian Forging Industry
Mumbai, 1 July: In a landmark initiative set to redefine the future of India’s forging sector, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) has announced the launch of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a first-of-its-kind platform in India aimed at nurturing emerging leaders in the forging industry. The Forum is a visionary step to empower the new generation of business leaders as they step into a globalised industrial landscape marked by innovation, rapid product evolution, and sustainability imperatives.
With India’s economy accelerating at an average growth rate of 7.2% over the past three fiscal years, and industries swiftly embracing disruptive technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and fintech, the forging sector stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is AIFI’s proactive response to this new industrial paradigm, recognising the enthusiasm, adaptability, and global outlook of the next generation in family-owned forging businesses.
Speaking on this transformative initiative, Mr. Yash Munot, President, Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said, “The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is not just a platform, it’s a movement to shape the future of the Indian forging industry. Our vision is to position Indian forging as a global benchmark for innovation, quality, and sustainability. Through this forum, we aim to harness the creativity, energy, and ambition of the next generation of entrepreneurs. We are committed to offering them strategic insights, access to industry’s best practices, leadership training through academia-industry partnerships, and global exposure. This initiative will play a critical role in addressing succession challenges, updating traditional business models and building a collaborative ecosystem that ensures the industry’s sustained growth and global competitiveness. Our mission remains focused on promoting excellence in technology, operations and leadership anchored firmly in sustainable and inclusive development.”
The Forum seeks to provide a dedicated platform for young forging entrepreneurs to engage in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, participate in leadership development programmes and stay aligned with emerging global trends and technologies. Its activities include strategic sessions, academic collaborations, policy discussions, and exposure visits to innovation hubs. The initiative marked its first milestone with a launch event in Hyderabad, which included a visit to the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, India’s first LEED Platinum-certified green building and an engaging leadership workshop titled “Re-inventing Family-Owned Businesses and Shifting Orbits of Growth”, conducted by renowned innovation strategist Dr. Rahul More.
Mr. Ankit Mehta, Director, KLM Forge Pvt. Ltd., Pune, said, “In an evolving industrial landscape, collaboration and innovation are more critical than ever. AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum invites young forgers like me to actively engage with peers, exchange ideas on modern forging practices and explore the latest technologies shaping our industry”
Future activities under the Forum will include interactions with young leaders from across industries, leadership programmes in collaboration with top academic institutions, overseas study missions, and capacity-building initiatives on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, cybersecurity and ESG frameworks. By creating a culture of continuous learning and forward-thinking, the AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is set to become a defining platform for shaping the future of the forging industry in India.
Mr. Sivarjun Rachamallu, GM, Rachamallu Forgings Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, said, “I am honoured to be part of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a visionary initiative by the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI). GenNext serves as a platform for the next generation of forging professionals, where fresh perspectives meet seasoned expertise. The forum aims to drive positive transformation in the forging sector by advancing technology, promoting sustainability, and contributing to the development of progressive industry policies at the governmental level.”
This initiative aligns seamlessly with AIFI’s broader vision to position the Indian forging industry as a global leader in manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Through strategic advocacy, skill development, and a strong focus on collaborative growth, AIFI remains committed to empowering the sector and driving its transformation on the world stage.
30, Jun 2025
Reliance Defence Partners with US Firm for INR 20,000 Cr Defence MRO Opportunity
Mumbai, 30 June 2025: Reliance Infrastructure Limited promoted, Reliance Defence Limited (Reliance Defence), today announced strategic agreement with Coastal Mechanics Inc. (CMI), a leading U.S. Department of Defense authorised contractor to jointly address India’s INR 20,000 crore defence maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and upgrade market opportunity.
Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics will focus on providing end-to-end Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO), upgrade, and lifecycle support solutions for the Indian Armed Forces, targeting a wide range of critical platforms such as 100+ Jaguar fighter aircrafts, 100+ MiG-29 fighter aircrafts, the fleet of Apache attack helicopters, L-70 air defence guns, and other legacy systems that require long-term sustainment and modernisation. The segment represents a high-value, long-duration opportunity driven by the Indian military’s strategic shift from asset replacement to lifecycle extension and performance-based logistics.
Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics will also set up Joint Venture (JV) at MIHAN in Maharashtra, to serve both the Indian market and export markets. This JV will provide complete Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and upgrade services for various air and land defence platforms used by the armed forces.
Coastal Mechanics supplies critical components to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. Its partnership with Reliance Defence brings world-class manufacturing capabilities and global certifications into India’s aerospace ecosystem.
Reliance Defence aims to become one of India’s top three defence exporters. The partnership represents a significant step in advancing the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, aimed at indigenising defence production and reducing reliance on imports.
30, Jun 2025
BonV Aero Scales Workforce by 45% to Accelerate India’s Aerospace Breakthroughs
BonV Aero, a leading indigenous OEM in India’s aerospace sector, has expanded its full-time workforce by 45% in the first half of 2025, reflecting the company’s steady growth and mission to advance electric aviation and high-payload aerial mobility solutions.
This expansion encompasses critical departments, including software development, flight testing, regulatory compliance, business development, manufacturing, and quality control. In parallel, BonV Aero has also scaled its early talent development pipeline, with its internship cohort growing by 316% by engaging interns across various functions. This aligns with its broader strategy to nurture future-ready talent for India’s aerospace innovation ecosystem.
“Our in-house learning ecosystem, built entirely without external trainers, has helped us significantly optimise costs while deepening technical capability across teams,” said Rahul Kumar, Co-founder & Head of Design, BonV Aero. This includes internal workshops in collaboration with defence institutions and industry experts, covering mission planning, autonomous systems, and logistics drone operations.
“Our HR strategy goes beyond hiring. We’re building capacity for long-term sovereign innovation,” added Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-founder & CEO, BonV Aero. “Whether it’s disaster response, defence logistics, or new-age transport, our focus remains on building a talent engine that serves India’s national goals.”
Looking ahead, BonV Aero aims to double its full-time workforce by 2026. Recruitment will focus on avionics, quality assurance, inventory, compliance, and embedded systems. To support this growth, the company is planning infrastructure upgrades, including new R&D labs and expanded flight-testing facilities.
