23, Sep 2025
Excelerate and Pepagora Form Strategic Alliance to Boost Global Talent Development and SME Upskilling

India, September 23, 2025: Excelerate, a global experiential learning platform, and Pepagora, the AI-powered B2B growth engine, have announced a strategic alliance to build a future-ready talent and SME growth ecosystem. This partnership combines Excelerate’s expertise in experiential learning with Pepagora’s strong SME network to empower students and strengthen global business opportunities.

Excelerate bridges students, institutions, and employers via immersive virtual internships, courses, competitions, and micro-scholarships. Through this strategic collaboration, Excelerate and Pepagora will jointly create a robust learning and talent ecosystem. 

It will recognize and nurture global-ready talent by offering students curated experiential pathways from the very beginning of their career journey.

In addition, it will deliver tailored upskilling opportunities to SMEs, equipping them with essential skills and talent to drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness. The alliance will also build seamless talent pipelines, where learners become “future-ready” hires for employers, supported by hands-on experience and verified credentials.

‘’This collaboration allows us to extend our mission by connecting students with contemporary business challenges and opportunities. With 360-degree skill development support, we are not just preparing students for employment but also driving positive societal transformation,’’ said Mr. Sundar Kumarasamy, CEO Excelerate.

“Pepagora is equally excited to co-create this future-ready ecosystem. By combining our strong SME network with Excelerate’s experiential learning, we are enabling businesses to grow while also giving students unparalleled access to real-world challenges and career pathways,” said Mr. Murugesan Dhanapal, CEO Pepagora.

The key features of the program include:

Early-stage talent preparation

Students, referred to as “Excellers” will embark on virtual internships, power-skills modules, and competitions tailored to real-world business challenges sourced from SMEs on Pepagora’s platform. This early exposure primes them for global career paths and accelerates meaningful learning outcomes.

 SME upskilling & capacity building

 SMEs participating through Pepagora can engage in curated learning opportunities, from micro-credentials to project-based internships, to upskill their teams affordably and flexibly.

 Employer-integrated hiring pipeline

SMEs will garner access to a pool of talent validated by Excelerate credentials, with the ability to convert high-performing Excellers into hires, creating a train-and-hire model that enhances retention and fit.

Students will benefit significantly by gaining real-world experience, developing professional skills early, earning credentials, and understanding global business dynamics through SME-led projects.

23, Sep 2025
Acerpure India Launches Nitro Series Starting at 18,999, Exclusive on Flipkart

Bangalore, India – 23rd September 2025 – Acerpure India, a division of the global Acer Group, today announced the launch of the Nitro Series Gaming TVs, its latest range of high-performance Smart TVs designed specifically for gamers and entertainment lovers. Available exclusively on Flipkart, the new series starts at an affordable INR 18,999, making cutting-edge technology accessible to every household.

Acerpure Nitro Gaming TV

The Nitro Series – available in 43″, 55″, 65″, and 75″ screen sizes – is packed with features built to deliver smooth, immersive, and cinema-grade entertainment experiences:

  • Google TV 5.0 powered by Android 14 with a personalized interface, thousands of apps, and seamless voice control using Google Assistant.
  • Experience up to 50W sound output (varies by model), enhanced with Dolby Atmos and an integrated subwoofer, delivering deep, immersive, room-filling sound.
  • In-built Karaoke mode, whether it’s a family gathering, a game night with friends, or a solo performance, users can unleash their inner star, creating larger-than-life entertainment experiences right at home.
  • 120 Hz (HSR) refresh rate, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and MEMC (Motion Estimation Motion Compensation) for lag-free gaming and smooth action-packed visuals.
  • AIPQ (AI Picture Quality) for brightness, sharpness, and contrast optimization, along with support for 1.07 billion colors for life-like visuals.
  • 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM, providing multitasking efficiency and faster performance.

Nitro TVs are built for entertainment without limits – Game Pad support enables effortless plug – and – play gaming, while Dolby Vision and Filmmaker Mode deliver movies just as the director intended, with authentic colors and no motion smoothing.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vasudeva G, Director of Acerpure India, said: “We are excited to introduce the Nitro Series to India, a product line that brings together the trusted innovation of Acer’s Nitro brand with advanced entertainment technologies. Whether you’re a gamer or a film lover, these TVs are built to elevate every viewing experience. With premium features like Dolby Atmos, VRR, ALLM, and Google TV 5.0, we are making next-level entertainment accessible and affordable. This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering technology solutions that resonate with modern lifestyles while staying true to the quality and trust that Acer is known for globally.”

The Nitro Series is now available exclusively on Flipkart, with festive launch offers aligned with the upcoming Big Billion Days, offering customers premium entertainment without waiting for additional discounts.

23, Sep 2025
Motorola Launches moto pad 60 NEO: Best 5G Pad Under 15K with 11” 2.5K Display and Moto Pen, Now Available for 12,999

Mumbai, 23rd September 2025: Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and India’s leading AI smartphone brand, recently launched its all-new moto pad 60 NEO, further expanding its ecosystem portfolio in India. The moto pad 60 NEO went on sale during the Flipkart Big Billion Days 2025 and is now available on Flipkart, Motorola.in, and leading retail stores at an effective starting price of just ₹12,999*. The moto pad 60 NEO redefines its segment with the only 11” 2.5K 90Hz display, bundled moto pen, and premium Pantone-curated design. Just 490g light and 6.9mm thin, it’s the slimmest 5G-ready tablet in its class. Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6300 and Smart Connect for seamless file transfer, screen sharing, and cross-device control, it ensures smooth performance for work, play, and creativity on the go.

The moto pad 60 NEO raises the bar with the segment’s only 11” 2.5K 90Hz display for smoother study, streaming, and gaming. Bundled with the moto pen, it boosts creativity and productivity with effortless writing, sketching, and instant search. Weighing just 490g and 6.9mm thin, it’s the slimmest, lightest 5G-ready tablet in its class perfect for on-the-go use. With Dolby Atmos®-tuned quad speakers, it delivers immersive, cinematic sound for every lecture, movie, or playlist.

The moto pad 60 NEO takes productivity further with Motorola’s Smart Connect, unifying tablet, smartphone, and PC for seamless cross-device workflows. Cross Control lets you operate all devices with one keyboard and mouse, while App Continuity, Smart Clipboard, File Transfer, and Swipe to Stream make multitasking smooth and intuitive. For added versatility, Pro Webcam Mode turns your tablet or phone into a high-quality webcam.

Bundled with the moto pen, users get precision writing and sketching with 4096 pressure levels, tilt support, and palm rejection. With Circle to Search powered by Google, simply circle text, images, or objects to search or translate instantly. Powered by a long-lasting AAAA battery, the moto pen ensures creativity and productivity never stop.

The moto pad 60 NEO packs power and style with its octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor, delivering smooth gaming, responsive multitasking, and sharp visuals backed by reliable 5G connectivity. A robust 7040mAh battery ensures up to 12 hours of YouTube streaming, with a fast charger included for quick refuels. Designed for productivity, its TurboSystem multitasking supports two split screens and five floating windows with seamless window management. Running on Android 15, it comes future-ready with two OS upgrades and four years of security updates. Crafted in a premium all-metal body with rounded edges, the tablet exudes durability and sophistication in the elegant Pantone Bronze Green finish.

23, Sep 2025
3AI announces the GCC XL Summit: A bespoke & exclusive GCC Leaders only Summit

India ,23rd september, 2025: 3AI is hosting GCC XL Summit one of the most anticipated GCC Leaders focused events of the year. The GCC XL Summit will be invite-only congregation of 125+ marquee & distinguished GCC Country Heads, MDs & Site Leaders. It will be held on Wednesday 24th, 2025 at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru.

sameer high resolution

3AI, India’s largest platform & marketplace for GCCs & AI Leaders & Professionals in association with ANSR will bring together top & eclectic GCCs leaders & decision makers to dwell & deliberate upon the Now, New & Next in GCCs in a bespoke & experiential business mixer format curated exclusively to to mark a significant turning point in the ongoing acceleration and transformation of the GCCs in India. 

GCC XL Summit will serve as a unified platform of GCCs leaders engaging on strategic dialogues & deep conversations coupled with powerful exchange of insights on GCCs around novel target operating models & future-state architecture, AI-Native GCCs construct, innovation & transformation roadmaps and strategic partnership, ecosystem development. The Summit will also include announcement of prestigious GCC APEX Awards- A tribute to visionary & impactful GCCs Leaders that are shaping the GCCs with significant contribution. The awards will be felicitated by Javagal Srinath – former Indian cricket player. 

“ As we gather the finest GCCs leaders across industry segments; GCC XL Summit promises to deliver impactful exchange of perspectives, strategic collaborations that will chart the course for what’s new & next in GCCs. The Summit aims to elevate the GCCs leadership landscape with premier thought leadership demonstration accentuated with differentiated sessional formats and unparalleled experience for participants”. Said Sameer Dhanrajani, CEO, 3AI.’’

23, Sep 2025
Allcargo Gati gears up for festive season surge with expanded capacity and workforce

Mumbai, September 23, 2025: Allcargo Gati Limited, one of India’s premier Express Distribution and Supply Chain Management company, have strengthened its operational and technological backbone to meet the potential festive season surge in shipments. The company projects a 20–40% rise in demand, driven by the boom in e-commerce, quick-commerce, and overall consumption during the festive period.

To manage sharp rise in volumes, Allcargo Gati has expanded warehousing capacity with an additional 40,000 sq. ft. in Bengaluru, 17,000 sq. ft. in Kolkata, and 70,000–1,00,000 sq. ft. in Chennai with further plans to add 1,20,000 sq. ft. in Kolkata. These strategically located facilities are designed to support the festive demand and ensure faster order processing and dispatches.

On the manpower front, Allcargo Gati is expanding its workforce by 30%, deploying over 9,000 employees across operations, including 4,500 dedicated to the e-commerce sector. Seasonal hires undergo intensive 7-day training programs in simulated environments, covering systems, processes, and advanced material-handling equipment, to achieve peak efficiency swiftly. Allcargo Gati has also introduced attendance and performance-linked incentives, recognition schemes, and well-being measures to build motivation and ensure retention during the festive rush.

Commenting on the festive preparedness, Mr. Ketan Kulkarni, MD and CEO, Allcargo Gati Limited and GESCPL said: “We are fully geared up to meet the festive season demand with reinforced capacity, expanded workforce, strategic technology deployment, and comprehensive training modules. By combining our new-age technology-driven operations with proven expertise, we have created the required bandwidth to cater to the festive demand spike. The recent GST revision is proving to be beneficial for express logistics players by bringing greater cost efficiency and smoother operations, which in turn translates into more competitive pricing and faster deliveries for customers. On the back of this announcement, consumption is set to get a further boost. With efficient resource deployment, capacity utilization, and process optimisation, we will continue to deliver seamless logistics solutions across metro as well as tier 2, 3, and 4 markets during this crucial period with speed, precision, and agility. With our rigorous preparedness and past experience in managing festive peaks, we will ensure timely, reliable, and efficient deliveries across our extensive nationwide network.”

To strengthen the digital backbone, Allcargo Gati has invested in additional handheld scanners, IT systems, and dedicated technology specialists across sites to facilitate uninterrupted operations. The centralized monitoring systems and agile resource deployment mechanisms enable quick response to sudden demand spikes across geographies.

Further strengthening its digital edge, Allcargo Gati has recently joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a Government of India-backed initiative to democratize and expand digital commerce. By leveraging its vast logistics infrastructure, advanced warehousing solutions, and AI-driven route optimization, the company delivers end-to-end logistics solutions covering 100% of India’s GDP in 735 districts, ensuring faster and more efficient deliveries nationwide.

23, Sep 2025
Dr Santosh G. Honavar Tops the Stanford List of Researchers in Ophthalmology for Career-long Impact

The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide

Dr Santosh G Honavar

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Sept 23, 2025:.Dr. Santosh G. Honavar, Honorary Secretary of the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology at Centre for Sight Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, former Associate Director of LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and the past Editor of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, has yet again emerged as the top-ranked Ophthalmology researcher from India.

For the fifth consecutive year, Dr Honavar has secured the number one position in the annual impact ranking and, for the first time, has also topped the career-long impact ranking in Ophthalmology from India. A panel of experts from Stanford University and Elsevier announced the prestigious lifetime and annual global rankings for 2025. The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide, based on the influence and impact of their work, both career-long and during the year 2024.

Dr Santosh G. Honavar is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist with expertise in eye cancers, and his illustrious career has earned him accolades such as the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award from the Government of India and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is the sole ophthalmologist from the Indian subcontinent to receive the Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the UK. Dr Santosh G. Honavar also holds the second position in the Stanford List based on his lifelong contributions to the field. He has over 17000 citations and a high H-index of 69.

Dr. Partha Biswas, the President of AIOS, extended his congratulations to the Indian researchers featured in the Stanford list. He highlighted AIOS’s commitment to promoting Indian research through its Journals (Indian Journal of Ophthalmology and IJO Case Reports), scientific activities, and research as part of the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to support and nurture the research potential of Indian ophthalmologists. He expressed optimism about witnessing more young Indian ophthalmologists making their mark on the Stanford list soon. The consistent rise in representation of Indian Ophthalmology in such prestigious global lists reflects the growing trajectory of high-quality research across the country and it underlines the strength of our institutions, the dedication of our researchers, and India’s emergence as a global leader in ophthalmology and vision sciences, Dr Biswas emphasised.

There are 27 Indian Ophthalmologists who are part of the list of the top 2% of researchers in the world in terms of career-long impact. Sixty-one Indian Ophthalmologists figure in the list of the top 2% of world researchers, considering the impact of their work in 2024. This year’s list includes eminent Ophthalmology researchers from across India, representing leading institutions such as LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad (17 researchers); Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi (12); Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai (5); Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai (4); Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru (4); Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai (3); Centre for Sight, Hyderabad (2); and PGIMER, Chandigarh (2), among others.

The Top 10 in the Stanford 2025 list for career-long impact are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Gullapalli N. Rao, 3. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 4. Virender S. Sangwan, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Muthiah K. Srinivasan, 7. D. Balasubramanian, 8. Amod Gupta, 9. GVS Murthy, and 10. Mohd Javed Ali

The top 10 Indian researchers in ophthalmology included in the 2025 Stanford list are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Mohammad Javed Ali, 3. Swathi Kaliki, 4. GVS Murthy, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Namrata Sharma, 7. Vinod Kumar, 8. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 9. Virender S. Sangwan, and 10. Dr. Prashant Garg

All India Ophthalmological Society is the world’s second-largest professional organisation of Ophthalmologists, with over 26000 members.

23, Sep 2025
Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Appoints Reshma Godbole as Director of Sales & Marketing

India ,23rd september 2025: Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Reshma Godbole as the Director of Sales & Marketing. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Reshma brings a strong track record of driving sales strategies, building market presence, and delivering business growth for leading luxury hotel brands.

Reshma Godbole, Director of Sales and Marketing, Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa

In her new role, Reshma will spearhead the resort’s sales and marketing initiatives, overseeing strategic partnerships, market expansion, and revenue growth, while further enhancing the property’s positioning as a premier leisure and MICE & wedding destination in Mahabaleshwar.

Reshma joins Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar from The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, where she served as Sr. Director of Sales – Domestic Leisure, managing pan-India operations for the segment. Prior to this, she held leadership roles with The St. Regis Mumbai, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, and other renowned hospitality brands, specializing in travel trade, corporate, MICE, guest relations, and event sales.

An alumna of S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Mumbai, Reshma holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Administration with majors in Front Office Management, Guest Relations, and Sales & Marketing. She also completed her graduation in Home Science with Hotel Hospitality Management as a major.

Speaking on her appointment, Anand Choubey, General Manager of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Reshma to the Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar family. Her rich experience, dynamic leadership, and strong industry relationships will be invaluable in elevating our sales and marketing efforts as we continue to strengthen our brand presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.”

Outside of work, Reshma enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with family, and playing the sitar, reflecting her passion for creativity and balance in life.

23, Sep 2025
OnMobile Powers Master Aggregator Platform for Dialog Sri Lanka’s Value-Added Services Portfolio

Bangalore, 23 September 2025 :OnMobile, a global leader in mobile gaming and entertainment, has entered into a strategic partnership with Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, as the Master Aggregator for its Value-Added Services (VAS) portfolio. The agreement marks a significant expansion of the long-standing relationship between the two companies.

The Master Aggregator platform plays a critical role in bridging Dialog with a broad range of third-party content providers. By consolidating services across entertainment, mobile gaming, infotainment and education into a unified ecosystem, the platform breaks down operational silos within the VAS delivery chain, streamlines processes, ensures regulatory compliance, and simplifies payouts to the content providers, allowing Dialog to focus on expanding its VAS offerings and business growth in Sri Lanka.   

OnMobile’s mandate covers the full spectrum of the VAS ecosystem, from customer lifecycle management to technical integration, billing, support and analytics. This end-to-end solution enables Dialog to scale its offerings efficiently, deliver more personalized content to prepaid and postpaid customers and focus on driving customer engagement, ensuring consistency and speed across services. 

Mr. Bikram Sherawat, President & COO, OnMobile Global Ltd., said, “Our partnership with Dialog reflects a broader industry shift toward platforms that reduce friction and deliver measurable business impact. With our Master Aggregator model, we’re providing a one-stop solution for managing value-added services, so Dialog can enhance its VAS portfolio, act on real-time insights and build sustainable digital growth, paving the way for future scalability across both consumer and enterprise use cases.”

Mr. Viranga Seneviratne, Head of ICT and Platforms Business, Dialog Axiata PLC, added, “The shift to a Master Aggregator model is not just an operational decision; it’s a strategic one. With a unified approach to managing our content partnerships and services, we gain sharper control over execution, visibility into performance and the agility to respond faster to evolving customer needs. OnMobile’s platform and expertise are helping us turn VAS into a more intelligent and future-ready line of business.”

23, Sep 2025
A Symphony in Pastels: Discover Kalyan Jewellers’ Huescape

The world of fine jewellery is witnessing a refreshing shift from traditional all-gold pieces to vibrant designs adorned with coloured gemstones. More and more people, including today’s modern-day brides, are embracing coloured jewellery as a way to express individuality and add personality to their look. With their soft yet striking appeal, coloured gemstones are redefining what heirloom-worthy jewellery can look like. Kalyan Jewellers’ Huescape collection captures this very essence, where handcrafted gold meets a delicate palette of pastel-hued stones, creating pieces that are timeless yet contemporary.

Product Description

Pastel Heritage Set

This gold choker and earring duo reimagines heritage craft with a playful pastel twist. Rounded gemstones in ametrine, aquamarine, morganite, prehnite, chrysoprase, and sunstone, sit like soft drops of colour against intricate gold. The design balances ornate detailing with a light, whimsical mood, while echoing the growing trend of coloured gemstone jewellery that even today’s modern brides are embracing. The earrings mirror the necklace with gentle movement and pastel charm. A statement of tradition made refreshingly modern, perfect for adding a pop of colour to everyday elegance.

Pastel Mosaic Necklace Set

A tapestry of design, this long necklace pairs intricate gold craft with pastel stones in aqua, blush, and amber tones featuring aquamarine, morganite, sunstone, and prehnite. The centrepiece glows with a mosaic of gemstones, framed by layered golden detailing. Delicate pearl strands soften the look, adding fluidity to the structured pendant. Matching earrings echo the pastel play, balancing tradition with a modern touch. An artistic statement that turns jewellery into a wearable design, reflecting the growing allure of coloured gemstones among contemporary connoisseurs and brides alike.

Pastel Harmony Necklace Set

Gold meets colour in perfect balance, with gemstones like morganite in blush pink, aquamarine in soft blue, and tiger’s eye in earthy browns set against intricate detailing. The necklace flows with ornate motifs and dangling elements that add lightness and rhythm. A central green chrysoprase stone anchors the design, lending depth to the pastel palette. The matching earrings highlight soft pink morganite drops with a playful finish. A piece that blends tradition with a softer, more modern mood.

Pastel Radiance Necklace Set

A golden canvas lit up with gemstones in lilac ametrine, aqua aquamarine, blush morganite, and deep berry hessonite garnet. The necklace’s centrepiece features a striking green chrysoprase framed by pastel accents and intricate gold danglers.

Each gem along the neckline tells its own story, creating a spectrum of soft yet vivid hues. The earrings echo the bold palette with stacked colour and ornate goldwork.
A radiant expression of how tradition can shine in softer shades.

Pastel Blossom Necklace Set

Teardrop green chrysoprase gemstones framed in delicate pearls form the heart of this gold necklace. Blush pink rhodochrosite stones add a soft contrast, creating a fresh pastel harmony. The ornate gold detailing flows around each gem, giving depth and texture to the design. Matching earrings mirror the teardrop motif, balancing boldness with grace. A piece that feels rooted in tradition yet painted in lighter, modern hues.

Pastel Prism Necklace Set

A radiant line-up of gemstones in lilac amethyst, rich emerald, deep ruby, and soft rose quartz, each framed in gold.

The necklace forms a rhythmic pattern, where every pastel gem feels like a brushstroke of colour. Dangling gold motifs add light movement, enhancing the playful charm. Matching earrings pick up the same vibrant palette in a compact form.

A piece that transforms gold into a kaleidoscope of soft, modern hues.

23, Sep 2025
DPDP Act Marks a Permanent Shift: Urgent Call for Businesses to Embed Data Protection at Their Core
By:Vikas Bansal, Partner, IT Risk Advisory and Assurance, BDO India
The DPDP Act, with its forthcoming rules, represents a fundamental and permanent shift in the business landscape. It requires a completely new approach to data, one where “Data Principals”  are empowered with unprecedented rights, and “Data Fiduciaries”  are subject to new responsibilities. The financial penalties for non-compliance are severe, with fines of up to INR250 crore. In a move that links data protection with the future of technology, the Minister also announced that a national AI governance framework will be released by the same date.
This is a real and present concern. With these rules expected shortly, organisations must adopt a structured compliance framework. Data mapping and creating ROPA style inventories become critical to track all the data processing activities. Drafting and updating privacy policies, retention schedules, data principal rights, and breach notifications is now mandatory. 
It is no longer a matter of if you will be compliant, but when. The businesses that will not only survive but thrive are those that take this news seriously, act with urgency, and embed data protection as a core principle of their operations.