Category Archives: Business

Pack the Fun: 5 Toys That Make Picnics a Blast for your little ones

Sun’s out, snacks are packed, and the kiddos are ready to run wild — it’s picnic time! And no picnic is complete without a dash of fun and games to keep the laughter rolling. We’ve rounded up five timeless toys that never go out of style — guaranteed to spark joy, fuel imaginations, and keep the little ones happily buzzing. These playful picks are perfect for turning your picnic blanket into the happiest hangout spot around. Let’s dive in!

1. Skoodle Stackrr Tube Stacking Tumbling Tower Game
The Skoodle Stackrr Tube Tumbling Tower is more than just a game , it’s a full-on laugh-out-loud, hold-your-breath, don’t-let-it-fall experience. As kids take turns removing blocks with one hand, they’re not just having fun , they’re also building hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and even a bit of self-control (because not toppling the tower takes serious patience!)
Easy to carry, quick to set up, and endlessly replayable , it’s a classic with a fun twist that never gets old.

2.Hasbro Gaming Connect 4 Grab & Go Game
Connect 4 Grab and Go is the perfect picnic game for kids and families! Each player gets 21 counters and battles to get 4 in a row—while blocking their opponent’s moves. It’s a fun game of strategy that keeps everyone thinking and laughing. Compact and easy to pack, it folds up neatly for outdoor play and travel. Bring it along to your next picnic for quick, competitive fun in the sun!

3. Funskool Travel Snakes and Ladders

Portable Snakes and Ladders is a classic game that’s perfect for picnics and family outings! Just roll the dice and race to the top, climbing ladders and dodging sneaky snakes along the way. It’s simple, fun, and great for all ages.

4. Mattel Pictionary Card Game

Pictionary Card Game is a fast-paced and hilarious game that’s perfect for family picnics! It combines the fun of Pictionary with charades, no drawing needed! Just use picture cards to act out clues while your team tries to guess. Easy to learn and super portable, it’s great for outdoor play, game nights, or taking fun on the go!

5. Skoodle Quest Marbellious
The kind of game that fits right into those slow, laid-back afternoons with family and friends. This 2-in-1 set keeps things fun and relaxed while quietly boosting creativity, focus, and problem-solving, perfect for when you’re just hanging out and want something to bring everyone together.

Birlasoft Reports Resilient FY25 Performance with Steady Growth, Strong Deal Wins, and Strategic AI Investments Amid Macro Headwinds

New Delhi (India), May 28, 2025: Birlasoft, a leading IT services and solutions provider, today reported its audited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2025. Birlasoft is part of the multibillion-dollar CKA Birla Group.

Mr. Angan Guha, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Birlasoft, said, “We are pleased to report a steady year in the face of a soft demand environment owing to sustained macro-economic challenges, with revenue during FY2025 growing 1.8% over the preceding year. We continue to generate consistently strong cashflows. We also saw a noticeable uptick in our deal wins during the second-half of the year under review, with a sequential increase in TCV of deals won during the quarter under review to $236 million led by higher new deals, demonstrating the strength of our pipeline and our ability to pursue deal closures. While our near-term outlook is likely to reflect the impact of shifts in customer priorities, we continue to invest in our capabilities such as Generative AI where we have been early adopters.”

“Our consolidated revenue during FY’25 have grown 1.8% over the preceding year to Rs 53,752 million. Our EBITDA margin performance for the year reflects the investments we have been making in our business as well as higher furloughs, consolidation deals, and growth in the Infra business. For the quarter under review, revenue stood at $152.2 million and EBITDA margin expanded 119 basis points sequentially to 13.2%. Cash flow from operations during the year and the quarter were 88.3% and 88.1%, respectively, of EBITDA led by sustained focus on collections. We have ended the year with a robust balance sheet and believe that we are well-positioned to successfully navigate through the prevalent macroeconomic environment,” said Ms. Kamini Shah, Chief Financial Officer, Birlasoft.

Key Financial highlights for Q4 & FY25

Q4 FY25

• Revenue:

o  ₹ 13,169 M, down 3.4% QoQ and YoY respectively

o  $152.2 M, down 5.4% QoQ and down 7.2% YoY

o  In constant currency terms, revenue down 5.3% QoQ

• EBITDA margin at 13.2%, PAT up 4.4% QoQ at ₹ 1,221 M
• Cash and cash equivalents increase 27.1% YoY to ₹22,177 M

Full year FY25

• Revenue:

o ₹ 53,752 M, up 1.8% YoY

o $635.4 M, down 0.3% YoY

o   In constant currency terms, revenue down 0.1% YoY

• EBITDA margin at 13.0%, PAT at ₹ 5,168 M translating to basic EPS of ₹18.64

Other operating highlights

• Revenue performance during Q4FY25 was led by E&U among verticals and by Infrastructure among service lines.
  • E&U up 1.8% QoQ while the others registered a sequential decline among verticals.
  • Infrastructure up 4.1% QoQ.
  • Revenue contribution from Top 5 and Top 20 customers remained stable QoQ.
• Signed deals of TCV $ 236 M during the quarter, up 4% QoQ, with new deal wins TCV of $ 112 M and renewals of $ 124 M.
• Active Client Count at 254 in Q4FY25 (compared to 265 in Q3FY25 and 259 in Q4FY24), reflecting some rationalisation of the ‘tail’.
• Cash & Cash equivalents rise to $259.5 M by end of Q4FY25 versus $240.1 M at end of Q3FY25. In rupee terms, cash and cash equivalents increased to ₹22,177 M at the end of Q4FY25 from ₹20,552 M at the end of the preceding quarter.
• Q4FY25 DSO at 54 days versus 53 days in Q3FY25.
• Workforce strength stood at 11,930 as on 31^st March 2025 and attrition was 12.8% during Q4FY25.

Key deal wins for the quarter…

• Secured a large multi-year deal in Europe with a new customer, a global communications major, where Birlasoft will deploy advanced AI-powered capabilities, including Agentic AI and Intelligent Diagnostics AI, to deliver a next-gen IT service model designed to transform the customer’s global technology operations through the integration of AI-driven innovation across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions.
• Partnered with a large global agricultural machinery company to support their North America operations SAP environment over a multi-year contract.
• Engaged with a new leading upstream services company in the E&U vertical to perform end to end IT Infrastructure and Systems separation and enable IT operations.

…Key deal wins for the quarter

• Strengthening our wealth management portfolio within the BFSI vertical, became an exclusive vendor partner for a leading asset management group to provide services across Application, Infrastructure, and Data.
• Partnered with a US based industrial services company that provides a wide range of services to industries like chemical, refining, power generation, and agriculture for their green field Oracle Cloud ERP implementation.
• Won a multi-year ERP and Cloud Infrastructure maintenance and support contract for a global petrochemical trading company.

Awards & Recognitions

• Birlasoft recognized as ‘Star Performer’ and a ‘Major Contender’ in the Everest Group Capital Markets IT Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment
• Birlasoft recognized as ‘Leader’ in the ‘SAP Ecosystem Partners 2025 ISG Provider Lens™ Study’ – APAC, Germany, U.S.
• Birlasoft identified as ‘Innovator’ in the Avasant High-Tech Industry Digital Services 2024-2025 RadarView™
• Birlasoft identified as ‘Disruptor’ in the Avasant Life Sciences Digital Services 2025 RadarView™
• Birlasoft recognized as ‘Market Challenger’ and ‘Product Challenger’ in the ‘Digital Engineering Services 2025 ISG Provider Lens™ Study’ – Europe, U.S.
• Birlasoft identified as ‘Challenger’ in the Avasant’s Oracle Cloud ERP Services 2024-2025 RadarView™
• Birlasoft identified as ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Major Contender’ in the Everest group’s SAP Business Application Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025
• Birlasoft positioned in ‘Horizon 2’ as an ‘Enterprise Innovator’ in the HFS Generative Enterprise Services 2025 Horizons Report
• Birlasoft achieved the Advanced Specialization in Microsoft Low Code Application Development
• Birlasoft has achieved Oracle Cloud Solutions Provider Expertise
• Birlasoft recognized as one of India’s Top 50 Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM 2024 by Great Place to Work®
• Birlasoft recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fourth consecutive year

Astro Motors unveils flagship EV products in the L5 cargo and passenger segment called Navya and Nova

Pune, May 29, 2025: Astro Motors, a manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, has launched two of its flagship products in the L5 cargo and passenger segment called Navya and Nova respectively, underscoring its focus on user-centric game changing innovations which create operational and experiential value delivering delight. The latest advancements were presented at the EV Expo in Pune.

Astro Navya is India’s first geared electric commercial three-wheeler designed keeping in mind challenges that drivers and fleet owners face in running their vehicles and businesses efficiently and smoothly. A unique combination of a high-performance motor, battery and a gearbox has helped it unlock performance in all key impact areas like payload, battery usage and life, vehicle performance on bad roads, stop-go traffic and mountainous terrain. Their launch campaign “Gear hai to sahi hai” captures the benefits of a geared electric cargo vehicle in an evocative and simple manner. Tailored to capture the minds and hearts of its intended audiences, this campaign has gone live on the brands social handles.

The brand’s other popular launch, the Astro Nova is a passenger auto rickshaw designed to deliver unmatched comfort and space for the driver and the passengers. In a world of share-an-auto and premium Uber auto experiences, this is an opportunity to elevate the overall experience of an auto which has largely remained unchanged for decades. “Duniya badal gayi lekin Auto Rickshaw nahin badli”. The Astro Nova is a large-hearted way of looking at the category in a world where space and comfort is premium. The launch campaign for the Nova “Auto ka SUV” is designed to evoke the product’s unique benefits in a memorable manner.

Vitan Jagada, Founder & CEO, Astro Motors said, “Astro’s first commercial product, a geared electric L5 cargo vehicle, is ready for rollout, with deliveries set to begin soon. Our L5 passenger variant is undergoing homologation for a July 2025 launch, followed by L3 cargo and passenger vehicles in October 2025.

By early FY 2026, we plan to unveil a four-wheeler modular skateboard chassis, capable of supporting diverse vehicle types. The IP is fully owned by Astro, offering opportunities to license the platform and powertrain tech to other OEMs, extending its influence across the EV ecosystem.

Targeting both B2B and B2C markets, we envisage rapid domestic scaling via fleet partnerships and a wide distribution network. We are also looking at expansion into emerging global markets like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, before entering mature economies.

Guided by Industry 4.0 principle, we aim to build a global EV brand anchored in innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainable, lean operations.”

In a launch ceremony attended by special invitees and partners, Astro Motors officially launched the Navya and Nova amidst high interest and expectations. The company has already laid the foundation for the business with strategic dealer sign-ups, financial partnerships and an after-sales service ecosystem to facilitate a hassle-free and fulfilling user experience. In the coming months, the company plans to aggressively scale its reach and operations.

Key Partnerships: The company is already making headway in its market-readiness with key dealer sign-ups and financial partnerships in key markets. The company has already signed up 3 dealers in Pune, Bhavnagar and Jammu with 5 more being signed on across key centres in UP, Delhi NCR and Maharashtra. Astro Motors commercial vehicles are currently available in the following 3 dealerships:

1. Ampere EV, Jammu (J&K)

2. Hunddekkari Motors, Pune (MH)

3. JJ Patel, Bhavnagar (GUJ)

Its strategic financial partnerships include MUFIN Greenfinance, RiseWise Capital and Perpetuity Capital which have its operations across the country.

Currently, Astro Motors is looking to further extend its footprint across the country with more strategic dealer and financial partnerships.

PUMA India’s ‘RCB Shotline’ Is the Ultimate Crossover Campaign — Featuring Virat Kohli, Usain Bolt, PV Sindhu, Jack Grealish & More

May 2025: What do you get when global sporting icons and cricket royalty share the same hotline? Pure entertainment. PUMA India’s latest campaign, RCB Shotline, brings together a power-packed lineup including Virat Kohli, Usain Bolt, PV Sindhu, Jack Grealish, Rajat Patidar, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Krunal Pandya — all in one high-energy Instagram campaign that’s already taken the internet by storm.

In the campaign, RCB stars Virat, Rajat, and Krunal man the PUMA “Shotline,” fielding calls from excited fans — and some rather legendary ones. The fun begins with Virat picking up a call from none other than Usain Bolt. “How can I help the fastest man in the world?” he asks, only for Bolt to hang up in record time. “Typical! I guess he does everything in record time,” Virat quips.

From there, the campaign is packed with playful banter: Jack Grealish calling in and mistaking Virat for Ben Stokes; PV Sindhu cheekily asking whether her smash is tougher than a fast bowler — to which Virat replies, “Definitely your smash. As you know, we do have helmets in cricket”; and Rajat and Krunal fielding fan calls about VIP match passes and more.

Set in a fictional, fun-filled PUMA-verse, RCB Shotline is a light-hearted peek into what happens when the worlds of cricket, football, track, and badminton collide. With swagger, humor, and unmistakable star power, the campaign showcases the effortless blend of sport and street that PUMA India is known for.

The high-energy campaign shows Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stars like never before — off the pitch, on a hotline, answering wildly entertaining calls. From fans begging for VIP tickets, to excuses for skipping work to attend a match, and even surprise questions from Bolt and Sindhu themselves — the video is a laugh-out-loud glimpse into a fictional PUMA-verse where top athletes share one hotline, one vibe, and one massive fanbase.

With a mix of swagger, banter, and squad chemistry, the RCB Shotline campaign captures what makes PUMA India stand apart — a bold blend of performance and play, of sport and street. It’s not just a video; it’s a celebration of iconic personalities, shared love for the game, and the spirit of entertainment that fans crave.

Malabar Group Allocates INR 150 crore to scale up its CSR Initiatives in 2025-26

Delhi, May 28th, 2025: Malabar Group, India’s leading business conglomerate and the parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, has allocated INR 150 crore in 2025-26 for scaling up its CSR initiatives focused on healthcare, education, hunger & poverty alleviation, women empowerment, environment protection and housing for less privileged.

Under its flagship CSR initiative ‘The Hunger Free World’, the Group has committed to distribute 70,000 meals daily in India and Zambia to the under-privileged, totalling 2.50 crore meals in 2025-26. This represents a significant leap from its cumulative achievement of 2.5 crore meals served over the past 3 years and signals a deepened commitment to the cause of food security for underserved communities. The initiative is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger.

At an event held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi on May 28, 2025 which also marks the World Hunger Day, Dr. Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog & G-20 Sherpa launched the next phase of the Group’s CSR programmes. Other dignitaries included M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group; KP Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman; O Asher, Managing Director of India Operations; Group Executive Directors Nishad A K and K P Veerankutty, Group Director PA Abdulla Ibrahim, Dr. Idrees V, Chairman, THANAL Daya Rehabilitation Trust, Jishad N K, Zonal Head – North and other management officiates.

 Commenting on the initiative, MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group said, “At Malabar Group, CSR is an integral part of our culture and we believe in giving back to society. We dedicate May 28 as our annual CSR day; we reaffirm our pledge to stand with the underserved through sustained and impactful action. Our CSR initiatives are a reflection of that enduring commitment. While we are doing our utmost, a greater impact can be achieved if more organisations join this mission. With 295 million people globally facing acute hunger (as per UN data), immediate action is non-negotiable. This urgency drives our meal distribution efforts under the Hunger Free World initiative. Having said that, along with food distribution, the need of the hour is concerted efforts to boost production, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth to bring in sustainable change.”

 The Hunger Free World project currently distributes 70,000 meal packets daily across India and Zambia. In India, over 60,000 nutrient-rich meals are provided daily through 167 centres spanning 20 states. In Zambia, the group collaborates with the Zambian government to serve daily meals to 10,000 students across three schools. The Hunger Free World project operates state-of-the-art kitchens equipped with modern facilities and staffed by trained culinary experts and hygiene-conscious personnel.

 Under its educational and social welfare initiative, Malabar Group has established 716 micro-learning centres across India, providing primary education and nutrition to street children. Over 32,000 children have enrolled, with 9,000 already integrated into formal schools. This project is being run in collaboration with Thanal. In addition, scholarships have been awarded to 1,14,000 girls to support their education.

 The Group has also launched an initiative called Grandma Homes under which shelters have been built to offer free accommodation and care for destitute women. Currently operational in Bengaluru, Kerala and Hyderabad. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.

 On the healthcare and disaster relief front, the Group has plans to set up non-profit medical stores in all 140 locations in Kerala, offering medicines at subsidised rates. Such stores are already operational in 27 locations in the state.

 Malabar Group has also launched the Uyirppu Project which supports higher education for children affected by last year’s landslide in Wayanad, providing financial aid to 134 students. Since its inception, Malabar Gold and Diamonds has been allocating 5% of its profits to social welfare.

Hero Realty Unveils ‘The Palatial’ – A Landmark Residential Project by Hero Homes on Dwarka Expressway

Gurugram, 28th May 2025: Hero Realty, the real estate arm of Hero Enterprise, today announced the launch of its marquee luxury development, The Palatial by Hero Homes, an ultra-premium residential project located in Sector 104, Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram. Spanning approximately 11 acres, this high-rise enclave sets a new benchmark for upscale living by blending sophisticated design, modern technology, and sustainable sensibilities.

The Palatial comprises architecturally striking towers housing more than 680 luxury residences, offered in expansive 3.5 and 4.5 BHK formats with prices starting from ₹4.68 crore and going up to ₹6.15 crore. Each home is designed for elevated living, with access to digital automation, smart security, and personalized design options across 13 curated interior palettes. Additionally, The Palatial includes over 3 lakh sq. ft. of integrated high-street retail, fashion, and entertainment, creating a vibrant lifestyle ecosystem steps away from each home. Committed to responsible development, The Palatial integrates EV charging stations, Wi-Fi-enabled common zones, and optimized spatial design to support an eco-conscious and tech-forward lifestyle.

Rohit Kishore, CEO, Hero Realty, said: “The Palatial is envisioned as a landmark destination, a community where refined architecture, smart systems, and open, green spaces come together to offer aspirational urban living. It is not just a residence, but a sanctuary built for comfort, connection, and convenience.”

At the heart of the development is a 57,000 sq. ft. grand clubhouse featuring a dramatic double-height entrance and amenities that include a banquet hall and fine-dining restaurant, a Temperature-controlled swimming pool, a Fitness center, wellness zones, a spa, and a salon, Badminton and squash courts, Dedicated spaces for music, dance, and aerobics, and a Business center with flexible work-from-home zones Positioned along the rapidly evolving Dwarka Expressway, The Palatial offers swift access to IGI Airport, Aerocity, Cyber Hub, and Future Smart City. Major infrastructure upgrades such as multi-level interchanges, underpasses, and elevated corridors ensure enhanced connectivity to key business districts, healthcare institutions, and lifestyle hubs across Delhi NCR.

Scaler School of Technology Reports 96.3% Internship Placement for First Batch, Backed by Strong Industry and Global Participation

Bangalore, 28th May 2025 – Scaler School of Technology (SST), India’s premier destination for computer science education has reported a 96.3% internship placement rate for its first batch (2023-27), according to its first Internship Placement Report, audited by B2K Analytics – the same firm that audits the placement report of prestigious institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, XLRI, MDI Gurgaon, and other premier management institutes. With the process still underway, students have already secured roles across 96 organisations, ranging from high-growth startups to global technology firms, with a few more offers in the pipeline.

 Companies offering internships include Zomato, Swiggy, 1MG, and international names such as Stash Away and Neurowyzer (Singapore), Apple Developer Academy (Indonesia), and Digital Product School (Germany). A total of 232 internship offers have been extended so far, with 36% of students even receiving multiple offers, signalling strong employer interest across in SST’s 2nd year students. The highest monthly stipend offered was INR 2,00,070 (converted to INR from SGD), while the average stipend stood at INR 31,264. Moreover, students in the top 10% secured an average monthly stipend of INR 92,000, reflecting robust demand for high-performing, job-ready talent.

A distinctive outcome of this placement cycle is that nearly 50% of students came in without a prior computer science background. These results are particularly noteworthy as they represent second-year students in a 4-year program – a rarity in Indian undergraduate education where most placements typically occur in the final year. Their successful internship conversions across diverse industries and geographies reflect the effectiveness of Scaler School of Technology’s applied learning approach and deep alignment with current industry requirements.

Anshuman Singh, Co-founder and Dean at Scaler School of Technology said, “Internships or industry exposure are no longer an optional good-to-have. They are a necessity to bridge the gap between education and employment. This year’s results reflect a growing industry need for talent that’s not just academically trained but truly execution-ready. The strong industry response, including participation from global companies, reinforces our belief that when education is closely aligned with real-world expectations, it opens meaningful opportunities early in a student’s journey.

 Our goal: in the next five years, we intend to establish SST among the world’s top undergraduate institutions for career outcomes – be it placements, entrepreneurship, or global postgraduate admits. We’re deeply grateful to our ecosystem of mentors, recruiters, parents, and above all, our pioneering students for making this possible.”

The internship program is a key feature of SST’s 4-year undergraduate programme in Computer Science and AI, which includes a one-year industry immersion. This extended structure is designed to provide students with hands-on experience well before they graduate, aiming to make them workforce-ready from day one.

As industry exposure or internships become a critical barometer of future employability in the tech sector, the report offers a snapshot of how new-age institutions are closing long-standing skill gaps through redesigned models of education and mentorship with first principles and razor-sharp execution .

Tata Elxsi Presents Battery Aadhaar Powered by MOBIUS+ at Battery Summit 2025

Mumbai, India, May 28, 2025: Tata Elxsi, a global leader in product engineering and innovation, showcased the technology demonstrator of Battery Aadhaar at the Battery Summit 2025, organised by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India. This demonstration formed part of a consortium-led initiative aligned with India’s ambitions for sustainable mobility and circular energy systems. The initiative was supported under the UNEP-led programme ‘Electrifying Mobility in Cities’, coordinated by NITI Aayog and the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.

 Tata Elxsi, along with leading consortium partners—including Tata Motors, Tata AutoComp Systems (TACO), IIT Kharagpur, WRI, LOHUM Cleantech, NUNAM Technologies, and Oorja Energy—presented the Battery Aadhaar concept to Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology and key government stakeholders as an end-to-end Indian battery ecosystem enabler.

 Battery Aadhaar represents a national effort to provide batteries with secure, digital identities, enabling traceability, regulatory alignment, and lifecycle transparency—from raw material sourcing to second-life usage and recycling. By capturing key lifecycle data such as manufacturer identity, usage history, and material composition, Battery Aadhaar helps prevent unsafe reuse, non-compliance, and environmental risk.

 Built on Tata Elxsi’s MOBIUS+ platform, the solution integrates blockchain-backed traceability, dynamic data flows, and automated compliance reporting. Through MOBIUS+, Tata Elxsi is enabling the foundation for a trusted, digital, and transparent battery ecosystem in India.

 The demonstration included:
• Creation of Battery Aadhaar and Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• Chain of custody and lifecycle mapping
• Public and private data access views
• Role-based dashboards for OEMs, battery manufacturers, recyclers, and regulators
• Real-time analytics including battery health prediction and residual useful life estimation

 The platform has been designed to align with evolving Indian regulatory initiatives and is architected to adapt to international frameworks including the EU Battery Regulation, emerging Japanese and North American standards, and future global battery passport specifications.

 Anil Radhakrishnan, Chief Product Officer, Tata Elxsi, said: “MOBIUS+ is designed to accelerate the transition to a cleaner mobility future by enabling digital transparency, traceability, and compliance through initiatives like Battery Aadhaar. Our goal is to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with scalable, future-ready solutions that support India’s green growth ambitions.”

 The MOBIUS+ platform offers an AI Copilot layer for assisted interpretation of regulations, data quality checks, and automated reporting. Its modularity enables seamless onboarding of ecosystem participants, while blockchain capabilities ensure verifiable, tamper-proof audit trails.

 Delegates at the Battery Summit, experienced a live demonstration, including QR-code based access to real-time battery data views—offering a tangible glimpse into the future of policy-aligned digital battery infrastructure and innovation.

CaratLane launches ‘Runway’: a first-ever fine jewellery tribute to women in aviation

28th May 2025, Mumbai: CaratLane – A TATA Product, has recently unveiled a ground-breaking new jewellery collection — Runway, celebrating the spirit, ambition, and elegance of women in aviation. With this launch, CaratLane becomes the first Indian jewellery brand to ever pay tribute to the trailblazing women of the skies.

The campaign film brings to life the stories of a commercial pilot, a cabin crew professional, and a fighter pilot, all of whom found their unique ways to express their love for flying through this exquisite collection. In a world-first moment for the category, the Runway collection soars above convention, featuring a stunning line-up of 20+ designs crafted in 9KT & 14KT gold and diamonds. Some of the designs have mobile aircraft motifs that move with grace. Each design narrates a story of flight, courage, and sky-high dreams, through fine jewellery.

CaratLane hosted an exclusive collection preview event with full grandeur at the signature store in Bandra, Mumbai, where real-life cabin crew were invited for a first look. The event was graced by the presence of Gul Panag—actress, politician, and adventure enthusiast—who is also a licensed private pilot.

Saumen Bhoumik, MD – CaratLane, said, “Aviation in India is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, and we proudly have the highest share of lady pilots. Right from the days of a single national carrier, Air India, aircrew members have been icons of style and symbols of a rising, modern India. This thoughtfully designed collection is our tribute to the brave women who make our skies safer, better, and smarter every single day.”

Gul Panag remarked, “This collection speaks straight to my heart. Aviation gave me wings, and now there’s jewellery that celebrates that feeling in such a stylish and everlasting way. It is definitely a must-have for aviation enthusiasts. There’s only one thing better than flying, and it’s flying in style!”

Pioneer Expands R&D in Bengaluru, Inaugurated Center for Advanced Automotive and Mobility Technology Development

Bengaluru, India, 28th May, 2025 — Pioneer India, a subsidiary of Pioneer Corporation, a global leader in automotive electronics and mobility solutions, inaugurated its new Research & Development (R&D) Center in Bengaluru, India.

This milestone follows the company’s 2023 announcement to establish an R&D presence in Bengaluru . The new facility reinforces Pioneer’s strategic vision to expand its innovation capabilities and strengthen its global product development footprint.

The Bengaluru R&D center is designed to drive innovation across a comprehensive range of automotive and mobility technologies addressing the growing demand for smart, safe, and affordable mobility across developing and urban markets. The center will work closely with Pioneer’s global network of R&D and engineering centers, focusing on the following areas:
• Automotive Vision & Sensing Technologies (dash cams, digital mirrors, 360° vision amongst other camera systems)
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Digital Cockpit & Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)
• Cloud-Connected Infotainment & Telematics
• AI & Mobility Data Platforms
• Connected Solutions for Two-Wheelers (navigation displays, safety alerts, mobile integration, SOS features)

The center will serve OEM, aftermarket, and B2B segments—including fleet operators and insurance providers—while also addressing the specific needs of Indian automotive manufacturers through faster development cycles and region-specific solutions.

“The launch of our Bengaluru R&D center represents a critical step in our global growth strategy,” said Shiro Yahara, President and CEO, Pioneer Corporation. “India’s deep talent pool and dynamic mobility ecosystem make it an ideal base to drive innovation across vision, connectivity, and intelligent systems for vehicles of all kinds.”

“We are building a world-class R&D team in India to lead the development of future mobility solutions,” said Siva Subramanian, PhD, CEO, Pioneer Mobility AI & Connectivity Company (MAC). “From next-gen camera systems and digital cockpits to two-wheeler connectivity and cloud-based platforms, this center will help shape products for both local and global markets.”

Joining the overseas executive members on the occasion, Aniket Kulkarni, Managing Director – Pioneer India, and Manish Bhasin, Vice President – R&D, Pioneer India, expressed their strong commitment to supporting Indian automotive manufacturers with integrated hardware and software solutions, aligned with the organization’s mission of advancing mobility experiences.

The state-of-the-art facility houses specialized labs for camera testing, embedded systems, electronics, and software validation. It also features collaborative spaces to foster agile and cross-functional product development.

 As part of its expansion strategy, Pioneer is actively hiring across a wide range of engineering disciplines in India, including talent in embedded software, computer vision, cloud connectivity, mobile integration, and AI. The company plans to significantly scale its R&D workforce in India in the coming months.

This expansion reflects Pioneer’s group vision, “Creating the Future of Mobility Experiences” while focusing on Sound, Safety, Security, Comfort, and Convenience.

Pioneer India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan’s Pioneer Corporation, is a leading brand in car entertainment and mobility solutions. Since inception in 2008, it has offered a wide range of in-car products including stereos, speakers, subwoofers, dash cameras, and accessories tailored for Indian consumers.

With Pioneer’s Group vision, ” Creating the Future of Mobility Experiences” Pioneer India is strengthening its local footprint through R&D centers in Gurugram and Bengaluru and plans to begin in-car product manufacturing in India in 2026. This strategic move will establish a full value chain—R&D, manufacturing, and support—within the country, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.