Category Archives: Business

Amrita Hospital Kochi Inaugurates Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit

Kochi, Apr 02: The Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, inaugurated its Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit (NDCCU), marking a significant step toward addressing the long-term developmental needs of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). The inauguration was followed by a national seminar titled “Enabling Optimal Brain Development and Cognition after Childhood Heart Surgery,” which brought together leading child development experts and healthcare professionals from across the country.

The initiative aims to bring greater attention to the long-term developmental needs of children with CHD and promote an interdisciplinary approach to care that integrates brain, behaviour and heart health. Experts at the seminar emphasised that while advances in pediatric cardiac care have significantly improved survival rates, it is equally important to focus on how children grow, learn and function in their daily lives following heart surgery.

Speakers highlighted that children with congenital heart disease often demonstrate a distinct neurodevelopmental profile. While many successfully undergo life-saving cardiac procedures, they may later experience challenges in areas such as attention, executive functioning, learning and adaptive skills—difficulties that may become more apparent as the child grows.

Distinguished speakers including Dr. Kirsten Verity (NHS, Edinburgh), Dr. Deepa Bhaskaran (Director, CDC, Trivandrum) and Dr. Arun Singh, National Advisor to RBSK (Government of India), emphasised the importance of focusing on key developmental areas such as learning, executive skills and adaptive behaviour. They also stressed the need for early neurodevelopmental assessments and regular follow-ups to ensure timely support and intervention.

The seminar was conducted as part of Project Medha, a CSR-supported initiative by Premji Invest aimed at strengthening neurodevelopmental care and improving long-term outcomes for children with CHD. Discussions highlighted the importance of making neurodevelopmental assessment a standard practice embedded within the continuum of cardiac care.

The initiative was led by Dr. R. Krishna Kumar, Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, and Dr. Manu Raj, Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatrics, with conceptualisation support from Ms. Sonam Manoj, National Coordinator – Project Medha, through the Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit.

The seminar and the inauguration of the NDCCU are among the first initiatives of their kind in India, aiming to transform the way long-term care is delivered to children with congenital heart disease—ensuring that they not only survive complex cardiac procedures but also thrive in their cognitive, behavioural and everyday development.

Servotech’s Raman Bhatia Named Head of SCO Energy & Green Economy Working Group

New Delhi,  April 2 : Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. a leading player in India’s renewable energy and EV  charging ecosystem, announces that its Managing Director, Raman Bhatia,  has been appointed as the Head of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  (SCO) Working Group on ‘Energy & Green Economy’ under the SCO  Business Council Secretariat . 

This appointment represents leadership across a consortium of 28  countries within the SCO framework, one of the world’s most influential  intergovernmental organizations driving collaboration across energy transition, sustainability, and green economic development. 

In this role, Raman Bhatia will work closely with international stakeholders  to strengthen cross-border partnerships, enable knowledge exchange, and  support the development of scalable and sustainable clean energy solutions  across member nations. This recognition reinforces Servotech’s growing  global relevance and its active role in advancing EV infrastructure, renewable  energy solutions, and power electronics innovation. 

Commenting on the appointment, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director,  Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., said,

“I am honoured to take on  this responsibility at a time when global collaboration is critical to  accelerating the energy transition. The SCO platform provides a unique  opportunity to work alongside policymakers and industry leaders across 28  countries to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and contribute  meaningfully to the development of sustainable energy ecosystems. I look  forward to advancing initiatives that support a cleaner, more connected  global future.”

MG MAJESTOR Demonstrates Unmatched Capability in Sub-Zero Spiti Valley

Gurgaon, Apr 02: India’s First D+ SUV, the MG MAJESTOR, has once again demonstrated its unmatched capability by navigating the unforgiving winter landscape of Spiti Valley with remarkable composure. Seen driving smoothly over a formidable 2-foot snow bed, the MG MAJESTOR operated seamlessly in extreme weather conditions, braving temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius without missing a beat.

Set against treacherous terrain defined by icy stretches, steep gradients and unpredictable surfaces, the MG MAJESTOR showcased its advanced engineering and intelligent drivetrain. Supported by Crawl Control Mode and dedicated Snow Mode, along with a robust 219 mm ground clearance, the SUV maneuvered efficiently across deep snow, delivering a confident and controlled driving experience. Every movement reflected seamless traction management and precise control, reinforcing the MAJESTOR credentials as a true all-terrain performer.

The expedition further underlined the SUV’s endurance as the MG MAJESTOR successfully reached Key Gompa – one of the region’s highest and oldest monasteries, perched at an altitude of 13,668 feet above sea level. Navigating narrow mountain roads and snow-laden passes, the MAJESTOR maintained stability and comfort, even in the most challenging conditions.

Adding another milestone to this high-altitude journey, the MG MAJESTOR also crossed the iconic Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest suspension bridge. The crossing stood as a testament to the SUV’s structural integrity, advanced suspension setup and overall capability in extreme environments. Engineered to perform where the road ends, the MG MAJESTOR blends power, technology and resilience, making every drive efficient and reassuring, no matter how extreme. 

MG MAJESTOR is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine delivering best-in-segment 215.5 PS and 478.5 Nm of torque, mated to a best-in-class 8-speed automatic transmission in both 2WD and advanced 4WD configurations, the MG MAJESTOR is engineered for serious capability. It comes with First-in-segment Triple Differential Locks (front, rear and centre), an Advanced 4WD system with 10 off-road modes, and Crawl Control Mode for extreme terrain mastery, along with 219 mm ground clearance and an 810 mm water wading capability. As India’s First D+ SUV with Level 2 ADAS, the MAJESTOR also combines rugged performance with advanced safety and intelligent technology. The 5-5-5 Complete Peace of Mind programme complements this engineering strength, ensuring that customers can confidently experience the vehicle’s full capability with long-term ownership assurance built in.

UPI Hits INR 29.53 Lakh Crore in March, Cementing India’s Digital Payments Leadership

 By:- Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“The continued surge in UPI transactions to a record ₹29.53 lakh crore in March underscores how deeply digital payments are now embedded in India’s economic fabric. Fuelled by festive demand and year-end financial activity, this growth is not just a seasonal spike but a reflection of sustained behavioural change across both urban and rural India. A 19% rise in value and 24% growth in volume year-on-year signal increasing trust, frequency, and diversity of use cases on the platform.

 What is particularly noteworthy is UPI’s dominance, now accounting for 85% of all digital transactions in the country and nearly half of global real-time payments. This positions India as a global benchmark for scalable, inclusive fintech innovation.

 At Spice Money, we see this momentum strongly mirrored in Bharat, where assisted digital models continue to bridge access and awareness gaps. UPI has evolved beyond peer-to-peer payments to become a foundational layer enabling micro-transactions, merchant payments, assisted payments, and UPI cash withdrawals, strengthening trust and driving deeper financial inclusion across underserved regions.

 As we move ahead, the focus must shift from access to meaningful usage, leveraging AI and data to create more contextual, secure, and inclusive financial experiences for the next wave of users.“

Fintech Leads India’s $16B VC Boom with 18% Increase in Investments

India’s venture capital (VC) ecosystem demonstrated strong growth in 2025, with total investments reaching an estimated $16 billion—up nearly 20% compared to 2024, according to the India Venture Capital Report 2026 by Bain & Company in collaboration with the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA).

Deal activity also witnessed a significant boost, rising approximately 18% year-on-year, with over 1,300 transactions completed across different stages of funding. This reflects sustained investor confidence in India’s startup ecosystem and its diverse sectors.

The fintech sector emerged as a major driver of growth, with investment value rebounding more than 2.2 times compared to the previous year. While payments continued to attract the largest share of VC funding, investors increasingly diversified into other fintech sub-sectors offering predictable monetization models, signaling a shift toward sustainable and scalable business opportunities.

Experts believe this surge in venture capital funding highlights India’s growing prominence as a global startup hub, supported by a robust ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, and government initiatives. As more sectors mature and investor strategies evolve, India’s VC landscape is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.

India’s Auto Industry Accelerates: SUVs and Export Demand Fuel Record Growth

New Delhi, Apr 2: India’s automobile industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, with strong sales momentum driven by booming SUV demand and rising exports. The combination of domestic enthusiasm for larger, versatile vehicles and growing global orders is propelling the sector to new heights.

Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting toward SUVs, which offer comfort, performance, and practicality for modern lifestyles. This trend has led automakers to prioritize production in the SUV segment, resulting in consistent month-on-month sales growth. At the same time, Indian vehicles are gaining recognition in international markets, with exports contributing significantly to the industry’s expansion.

Industry experts note that favorable government policies, increased consumer confidence, and strategic investment in production facilities have amplified this growth. Manufacturers are scaling up capacities, innovating with new models, and meeting the dual demand of domestic buyers and global clients.

The growth in exports not only strengthens India’s position as a global automotive hub but also creates opportunities for job creation, skill development, and technological innovation. Analysts predict that the continued rise in SUV popularity and international demand will sustain momentum throughout 2026, making it a landmark year for the Indian auto sector.

As the industry adapts to evolving consumer trends and explores new markets, it stands poised for long-term growth, signaling a bright road ahead for manufacturers, buyers, and the economy alike.

IMS Noida Signs MoU with Indo Icelandic Business Association to Expand Global Learning Opportunities

Airtel Reaches 650 Million Customers, Solidifying Global Telco Standing

New Delhi, April 2: Bharti Airtel, the world’s second largest telecom operator by customer base and one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, has achieved another milestone – crossing 650 million customers.

According to GSMA Intelligence, Bharti Airtel is ranked second globally by mobile customer base, with operations spread across India and Africa.

Commenting on this milestone, Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel, said: “Achieving the milestone of 650 million customers to be the second largest operator globally is a great responsibility for us to serve our customers better every day.

This is why we invest in state-of-the-art technologies to not only provide connectivity but to also deliver a safe network.

Our purpose is clear: as we deepen and expand our presence, we will strive to raise the bar on innovation, reliability, and experience so that every customer interaction is an opportunity to earn trust and deliver value connection.”

Airtel’s rank as the second-largest telecom operator by mobile customer base underscores a sustained improvement in its global standing.

The company’s operations span India and Africa, supported by a growing portfolio of digital services and infrastructure capabilities across its markets of operation:

• India

• Serving over 368 million mobile customers, Airtel was the first to launch 5G Plus services, which now anchor a converged ecosystem including Xstream AirFiber (FWA) and an integrated IPTV service. Airtel now serves over 13 million homes with high-speed internet services and over 15 million through our Digital TV offering. This “customer-obsessed” innovation is supported by the world’s first network-based AI spam protection solution.
• Airtel Business offers mission-critical solutions to enterprise customers. These span across Airtel IQ, cybersecurity, SD-WAN, cloud, managed services, and IoT in addition to secure connectivity. These offerings are powered by an expansive network of over 400,000 route kms of subsea fiber and Nxtra’s green data centers, which sustainably support the nation’s rising AI and digital workloads.
• Furthering its digital services, Airtel has recently announced its foray into the NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) space, leveraging its data insights to offer personalized credit and financial products through the Airtel app.
• Airtel Africa
• With a base of over 179 million customers across 14 countries, Airtel Africa provides a vital digital lifeline through integrated mobile voice, high-speed data, and international roaming services. The core of its regional strategy is Airtel Money, a transformative mobile financial platform with over 52 million customers, which drives financial inclusion by providing banking and instant payments to millions of previously unbanked users across the continent.
• Global Space & Connectivity
• Beyond its regional hubs, Airtel is bridging the digital divide through strategic partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb and SpaceX, utilizing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband to the most remote maritime, aviation, and rural areas.

Duolingo English Test shows Gen Z how to turn passion into profession at Red Bull Moto Jam

New Delhi, Apr 02:  The Duolingo English Test (DET) partnered with Red Bull India’s Moto Jam, one of the country’s largest motorsport festivals, for a youth-first integrated campaign designed to engage Gen Z audiences, particularly STEM and engineering students aspiring to study abroad. Held in Greater Noida, Red Bull Moto Jam 2026 brought together around 10,000 fans and featured global motorsport talent, including F1’s only rookie for the 2026 season, Arvid Lindblad. For India’s rapidly growing Formula 1 fanbase, the event represented more than just motorsport, it was a cultural moment and DET positioned itself at the centre of it.

Tara Kapur, Marketing Head, Duolingo English Test said “Red Bull Moto Jam was a defining cultural moment for young India and we wanted DET to play a meaningful role in it. Young people today do not view career paths the way earlier generations did. They are increasingly looking to bring their passions and professions closer together. With India seeing one of the fastest-growing motorsports fandoms in the world, especially among Gen Z, we saw an opportunity to use this campaign to expand how they think about their future within the sport they love. Every element of the campaign was designed to connect with ambitious young Indians, particularly STEM aspirants towards a future abroad. The energy and enthusiasm we saw from students were incredible, and it reaffirmed that this is exactly the space DET should be in.”

The campaign was built on a simple cultural insight: whether it’s a racer pushing limits on the track or a student preparing to move countries, both journeys require determination, preparation and self-belief. This became the foundation of the campaign, positioning DET not just as a test provider but as a brand embedded in ambition and global aspirations. It also introduced students to career pathways in motorsport, highlighting relevant international courses and colleges for those looking to turn their passion into a profession.

From campus classrooms to pit lanes and creator collaborations

Conceptualised by Kulfi Collective, the campaign connected India’s massive base of engineering and STEM students with the world of global motorsport, showing how passion can translate into international careers and positioning the Duolingo English Test as the first step in that journey.

At the heart of the campaign was the nationwide ‘DETermined to Drive’ contest, which invited engineering students to submit their car modification idea in 100 words or less. Amplified through creator collaborations, the contest generated around 1000 entries from students across India, with winners being flown to New Delhi for an all-expenses-paid Red Bull Moto Jam experience, where they not only  an up-close look at the engineering and precision behind a racing car but got a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Arvid in person.

DET’s iconic mascot Duo also became a central content engine for the campaign, attending Moto Jam as a creator, gaining garage access and interacting with Arvid Lindblad. One of the most talked-about moments included the Thiccshaw, a custom F1-inspired hybrid rickshaw, developed by the Wrap2Earn team, that blended motorsport culture with a local twist, generating significant social buzz and shareable content. Influencer collaborations with Mahir Malhotra and The Sidepod also amplified the campaign’s reach with niche, but highly targeted audiences. The campaign also extended to campuses through the “Pen to Pitlane” activation at IIT Delhi, where DET set up interactive booths connecting education, global opportunities and motorsport engineering. The campus activation included engagement zones, study abroad information and a Moto Jam ticket giveaway, helping bridge the gap between aspiration and access. 

Pourush Turel, Senior Account Director, Kulfi Collective said “Motorsports is fast becoming a strong cultural space for young India, especially among engineering and STEM students. Our focus was to translate that energy into something participative and tangible, while connecting students with real engineering and career pathways. We moved beyond a traditional campaign to create an experience that students could actively engage with from ideation through the contest to experiencing Moto Jam up close. Bringing that journey to life across creators, campus and on-ground at the event helped make the idea both immersive, relevant and positioned DET as a very natural first step in the journey from Indian campus to global education.”

Edmond Wong takes helm as the President of Orange Business Asia-Pacific from retiring predecessor Nick Lambert

“I wish to sincerely thank Nick for his guidance, support, and valuable advice to me from his time as the President of APAC until this transition period before his retirement. We share a special bond, and I hope to continue his work legacy and build on from his outstanding achievements,” said Edmond.