Category Archives: Business

BUSINESSNEXT Shines at 1 in 2025 Forrester Wave for Financial Services CRM, Outpacing International Giants

March 28, 2025; New Delhi: India-based deep IP platform BUSINESSNEXT has been named a Leader in the latest Forrester Wave™: Customer Relationship Management Software for Financial Services, Q1 2025. Outperforming global tech giants such as Microsoft and Salesforce, BUSINESSNEXT secured the highest score for its offerings among all evaluated CRM providers in financial services, underlining its industry expertise and AI-driven innovations.

The Forrester Wave™ is one of the most trusted and widely referenced industry reports, providing financial institutions with in-depth insights to guide technology investment decisions. BUSINESSNEXT’s position as a ‘Leader’ in the report is based on several key factors, including:

• AI-Powered Autonomous Financial Journeys: A market-leading vision that seamlessly integrates AI-driven customization with human intervention, prioritizing AI-powered analytics, financial services AI agents, and a custom AI-enabled app builder.
• Received highest rating for AI capabilities AI Capabilities: A blend of predictive, generative, and agentic AI tailored to enhance contextualized customer engagement and automation in financial services.
• Exceptional Customer Feedback: BUSINESSNEXT received the highest user adoption rating among all vendors, praised for its out-of-the-box financial services workflows, ease of customization, and responsive account management.

 Commenting on this achievement, Nishant Singh, Founder and CEO, BUSINESSNEXT, said, “The global CRM landscape is evolving rapidly, with AI and automation reshaping the financial services industry. The Forrester Wave™ for Financial Services CRM is the most competitive benchmark in this space, and it is remarkable to see an Indian company securing the top position. This recognition is not just a win for BUSINESSNEXT but a testament to India’s deep-tech capabilities, proving that we are ready to develop world-class products that outperform global players.”

Rahul Sheth, Head of Marketing at, BUSINESSNEXT, added, “The feedback highlighted in the report indicates that customers today expect more than just digital banking—they demand hyper-personalized, and seamless experiences across all channels. The BFSI sector is at a pivotal moment where AI, automation, and data-driven insights are no longer optional but essential to delivering real-time, contextual engagement. Therefore, financial institutions must go beyond traditional CRMs to anticipate needs, enable faster decisions, and support autonomous journeys. This recognition reinforces our commitment to empower financial services with technology that meets these evolving expectations”.

NIESBUD Leads the Way with 2nd Capacity Building Workshop on Entrepreneurial Development and Digital Market Strategies

Mumbai, March 28 – The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) inaugurated a comprehensive two-day event aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening the business ecosystem, and enabling digital market integration for small businesses and startups. The event, held at NIESBUD, brought together key dignitaries, policy leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of entrepreneurship in India.

NIESBUD recently held a two-day workshop titled “Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Growth: Enhancing Financial Inclusion, Market Access, and Digital Competence.” The event attracted over 100 entrepreneurs from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, primarily those trained under the SANKALP program.

Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) during her address mentioned, “The workshop serves as a valuable platform for participants to engage with entrepreneurs within the ecosystem, providing budding business owners with essential insights into the skilling landscape. The government has launched numerous initiatives designed to maximize benefits for those starting new ventures or scaling up existing businesses. As our Hon’ble Prime Minister highlights, entrepreneurship is more than a mere trend—it’s a key driver of our economy.

Two critical components of entrepreneurship are digital linkages and marketing connections, both of which are necessary to gain comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The event hosted various panel discussions which provided insightful information, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The first panel discussion of the day, “Building a Strong Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Challenges & Opportunities,” delved into the key barriers faced by entrepreneurs and explored policy interventions and collaborative efforts necessary for success. Panellists, including Shri Yamini Bhushan Pandey, MD and CEO of IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre; Shri Naveen Gaur, COO of Indian Institute of Information Technology, Delhi; and Shri Rakesh Kumar from SIDBI, engaged in a thought-provoking discourse on creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth in India.

In a session dedicated to sharing best practices, entrepreneurs from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh presented their journeys, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the strategies they employed to establish successful ventures. This was complemented by startup founders, including Shri Arvind Kumar of Xmonies and Shri Gaurav Gupta of Bill Clap, who offered insights into their innovative business models and digital-first approaches to scaling enterprises.

The afternoon session transitioned into a critical discussion on “Overview of Digital Growth Strategies: Leveraging GeM, ONDC, and Meta for Market Expansion.” This segment explored how entrepreneurs can optimize digital platforms for business growth, branding, and social commerce. Industry leaders, including Shri Anuj Kumar and Shri Tushar Agarwal from GeM, Ms. Rachita Gupta from ONDC, and Shri Shahnawaz Khan from Meta, shared their expertise on integrating small businesses into large-scale digital marketplaces.

Practical demonstrations followed, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in on boarding and selling through key digital platforms. Experts from GeM facilitated an interactive session on marketplace integration, followed by ONDC’s insights on expanding market reach, and Meta’s deep dive into leveraging social media for business growth and digital marketing strategies.

What is Natural Star Nani Up To? The Mystery Behind ‘Dammu Coming Soon’

Hyderabad, March 28th, 2025: Tollywood’s beloved star, Natural Star Nani, has left fans buzzing with curiosity! In his latest action-packed video, he’s seen taking down goons, fiercely protecting his family like a true hero. But just as the action reaches its peak, something totally unexpected happens.

A heavenly aroma fills the air. Nani freezes. His expression changes. And in a blink, he disappears!

Wait, what?! An intense fight scene interrupted by aroma? What is it that was so tempting it made even Nani lose focus?

The video ends with the cryptic tagline – “Dammu Coming Soon”, leaving fans buzzing with curiosity. With no clear hints, speculation is running wild about what Nani has in store. One thing for sure – something exciting is on the way, and we can’t wait to find out!

Leo Brunnick Joins Cloudera as Chief Product Officer to Drive Strategic Product Development

India, Bangalore– March 28, 2025 – Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, today announced the appointment of Leo Brunnick as Chief Product Officer. With more than 30 years of experience leading technology teams, Brunnick will work closely with CEO Charles Sansbury and the entire Cloudera leadership team to oversee the company’s product and technology direction.

“Not many companies today understand that enterprises require flexibility to successfully deploy new solutions, but Cloudera clearly has that down,” said Brunnick. “Cloudera is the only data platform provider that offers both robust on-premises and cloud-native data and AI services to enable a truly hybrid experience behind customer firewalls. These capabilities, combined with the incredible AI talent and growing ecosystem of partners, are what drew me to the company.”

Brunnick recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Naviga, a software provider for content development in media. During his six years there, Brunnick led a team of more than 600 product, marketing, engineering, and customer support professionals. Prior to his time at Naviga, he held several leadership roles at Vignette, including EVP of Engineering, Chief Product Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer, until the company’s sale to OpenText in 2008. Brunnick also served as an officer in the Marine Corps and earned his MBA from Georgia State University after graduating from Harvard University with his bachelor’s degree in general engineering.

“Leo’s experience guiding high-performing teams and translating customer needs into platform excellence will be invaluable to Cloudera as we continue to lead the data, analytics, and AI markets,” said Sansbury. “With Leo officially onboard, Cloudera is set to continue accelerating product innovation to provide our customers with the most robust hybrid solution on the market.”

CleanCrunch: Where Clean Ingredients Meet Bold, Delicious Flavor

In a world of artificial flavours and guilty pleasures, CleanCrunch is here to shake things up, delivering snacks that are 100% clean, outrageously delicious, and packed with real ingredients. Born in Odisha and now powering snackers across India, CleanCrunch is the next-gen snacking experience for those who refuse to compromise. Founded by Ragini Dhawan on July 7, 2023, this homegrown brand is making clean eating the new cool – one crunch at a time.

But making clean snacking cool wasn’t easy. After two years of obsessive research and countless taste tests, CleanCrunch launched with a clear mission to bridge the gap between health-conscious choices and great taste. No more bland ‘healthy’ snacks, no more guilty pleasures – just pure, punchy flavours crafted with nutrient-dense ingredients.

And the result is snacks that are as good for you as they are addictive. The OG super-snack, Makhanas, now come in bold, mouthwatering flavours like Truffle, Wasabi, Honey Cinnamon, Ghee Pepper, and French Onion. Millet Magic upgrades your pantry with high-protein, fiber-rich pastas, noodles, poha, idli, dosa, and pancake mixes, fueling you without the junk. Trail Mixes deliver an instant energy boost with a powerhouse blend of nuts, seeds, and superfoods for non-stop vitality. Superfood Powders cut the prep – no peeling, no chopping – just straight-up nutrition from Moringa, Beetroot, Ashwagandha, and Pumpkin.

At CleanCrunch, a clean label isn’t just a shiny word – it’s a promise. No preservatives. It has no refined sugar or artificial junk, just pure, powerful nutrition that fuels you the right way.

The finest part is that CleanCrunch isn’t just for hardcore health freaks. Whether you’re a health enthusiast who checks every label, an aspirational healthian trying to eat better without giving up flavour, a doctor-scolding survivor looking for a guilt-free fix, or a city hustler who needs something fast, tasty, and actually good for you, CleanCrunch has something for everyone.

Finding CleanCrunch is as easy as loving it, whether you’re browsing gourmet aisles, unwinding at a luxury hotel, or ordering in seconds on BlinkIt. From premium supermarkets and 5-star hotels to quick-commerce platforms like Amazon and BlinkIt, CleanCrunch makes clean eating effortless. And because great taste deserves excellent execution, they’ve teamed up with top chefs like Anahita Dhondy to bring their nutritious offerings to cafés and wellness spaces.

CleanCrunch is also on a mission to own the future of snacking with high-protein munchies, functional meal replacements, and superfood-infused staples. As they expand into more premium supermarkets and quick-commerce platforms, getting a CleanCrunch fix will be easier than ever. Beyond great taste, they are committed to tackling malnutrition with nutrient-rich innovations while ensuring sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, making every bite count.

Q1 2025 Sees Housing Sales Dip 28percentage Y-o-Y in 7 Cities, Launches Decline 10percentage

Mumbai, 27 March 2025: Skyrocketing residential prices coupled with geopolitical headwinds have slowed the Indian housing market’s bull-run in Q1 2025. Latest ANAROCK data finds that the year’s first quarter saw sales drop 28% across the top 7 cities against the same period in 2024. Approx. 93,280 units were sold in Q1 2025 in the top 7 cities, in sharp contrast to all-time high sales of over 1.30 lakh units in Q1 2024.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “MMR and Pune accounted for 51% of the total sales, with MMR seeing a 26% yearly drop and Pune a decline of over 30%. At 49%, Hyderabad saw the highest annual drop in sales, while Bengaluru had the lowest decline at 16%.”

New launches across the top 7 cities remained above the one lakh mark but saw a 10% yearly decline – from approx. 1,10,865 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 1,00,020 units in Q1 2025.

“Notably, MMR and Bengaluru saw the maximum new supply in Q1 2025, accounting for 52% of the total new launches across the top 7 cities,” adds Puri. “While MMR saw new supply drop by 9% annually, Bengaluru saw new supply increase by 27% in this period. NCR, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw supply rise by 53%, 27% and 26%, respectively, while the other cities recorded supply declines – with Hyderabad recording the highest 55% yearly decrease.”

Though new launches stayed above the 1 lakh mark in Q1 2024, unsold inventory dropped by 4% annually – from approx. 5,80,890 units by Q1 2024-end to approx. 5,59,810 units by Q1 2025-end. Among the top cities, Pune saw the highest decline of 16% in its available stock in Q1 2025. In contrast, Bengaluru saw its unsold stock rise by a significant 28% – to approx. 58,660 units – by Q1 2025-end.

“India’s overall economic scenario remains positive, with GDP growth rate pegged to be the highest globally and inflation also under control,” says Puri. “However, rising housing prices and global headwinds like ongoing geopolitical tensions and a weak global economy, has taken their toll on India’s residential market activity. These factors cascaded down into the housing market in Q1 2025.”

New Launch Overview

The top 7 cities saw approx. 1,00,020 units launched in Q1 2025, against approx. 1,10,865 units in Q1 2024 – a 10% decline. The key cities contributing to new launches in Q1 2025 were the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Bengaluru, Pune, and the National Capital Region, which together accounted for 80% of the quarter’s supply addition.

• MMR saw approx. 30,755 units launched in Q1 2025 – a decline of approx. 9% over Q1 2024. Over 56% of the new supply was in the sub-INR 80 lakh budget segment.
• Bengaluru added approx. 20,855 units in Q1 2025 – a yearly rise of 27%. Approx. 53% of the new supply was in the luxury segment priced > INR 1.5 Cr.
• Pune added approx. 16,860 new units in Q1 2025 compared to approx. 18,770 units in Q1 2024, marking a 10% drop. Approx. 79% of the new supply was in the mid and premium segments (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr.)
• NCR saw new supply increase by a massive 53% over Q1 2024, with approx. 11,120 units launched in Q1 2025 against approx. 7,270 units in Q1 2024. Notably, 70% of the new supply was in the ultra-luxury segment (priced >INR 2.5 Cr.).
• Hyderabad added approx. 10,275 units in Q1 2025 – a yearly decline of 55% over the same period in 2024 when approx. 22,960 units were launched. Over 70% of the new supply was in the luxury & ultra-luxury segments (priced >INR 1.5 Cr).
• Chennai added approx. 4,755 units in Q1 2025, marking a 35% decline. At least 81% of the new supply was in the mid and premium segments (priced within INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr)
• Kolkata added approx. 5,400 units in Q1 2025, a 26% rise over Q1 2024. Approx. 59% of the new supply was in the affordable and the mid segments (priced up to INR 80 lakh.)

Approx. 93,280 units were sold in Q1 2025 – a 26% decrease over Q1 2024. NCR, MMR, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad together accounted for 91% of sales in the quarter.

• MMR saw the highest housing sales with approx. 31,610 units in Q1 2025, decreasing by 26% over Q1 2024 when approx. 42,920 units were sold
• Pune saw approx. 16,100 units sold in Q1 2025, decreasing by 30% over Q1 2024 when approx. 22,990 units were sold
• Bengaluru saw approx. 15,000 units sold in Q1 2025 – a 16% decline of against Q1 2024 when approx. 17,790 units were sold
• NCR saw a 20% decline in sales – from approx. 15,650 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 12,520 units in Q1 2025
• Hyderabad saw approx. 10,100 units sold in Q1 2025, a 49% decline over Q1 2024 when approx. 19,660 units were sold
• Chennai saw approx. 4,050 units sold in Q1 2025 – a 26% decline over Q1 2024 when approx. 5,510 units were sold
• Kolkata also saw sales decline by 31% – from approx. 5,650 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 3,900 units in Q1 2025.

Price Movement

Average residential property prices across the top 7 cities saw a significant jump in the last one year – ranging between 10-34% in Q1 2025 – when compared to Q1 2024. This was primarily due to steep new supply additions in the luxury and ultra-luxury segment, and overall strong demand. NCR and Bengaluru recorded the highest annual price jump of over 34% and 20%, respectively.

Unsold Inventory

Despite a supply of over one lakh new units in the top 7 cities in Q1 2025, overall available inventory dropped by 4% in Q1 2025 when compared to Q1 2024. The total available inventory in the top 7 cities as of Q1 2025-end stands at approx. 5.60 lakh units. At 16%, Pune saw the highest reduction in unsold inventory in Q1 2025 when compared to Q1 2024.

TTK Prestige Redefines Kettles with the New Digi Kettle Collection

Hyderabad, 27th March 2025 – TTK Prestige, a household name in innovative kitchen appliances, proudly introduces its latest Digi Kettle Range, designed to redefine the way you brew tea, coffee, and instant meals. Packed with smart technology, modern aesthetics, and advanced safety features, this new collection ensures precision heating, effortless usability, and maximum convenience.

The Prestige Digi Kettle 2.0L stands out with its Live Temperature Display, which allows users to monitor heating in real time. Equipped with four preset temperature modes and a Keep Warm function, it guarantees the perfect brew every time. The 360° Swivel Base ensures easy, cordless pouring from any angle, enhancing ease of use. Designed with safety in mind, it features Automatic Power Cut-Off to prevent overheating and Dry Heat Protection to avoid operation without water. The stainless steel inner body ensures durability and purity, while the single-touch lid locking system adds an extra layer of convenience.

Expanding its range, TTK Prestige also introduces the Prestige Glass Kettle 1.8L and the Prestige Cool Touch Kettle 1.5L, catering to diverse consumer needs. The Prestige Glass Kettle 1.8L seamlessly blends style and functionality with its sleek glass body, blue LED indicator, and metallic rose gold finish. Designed for enhanced safety and efficiency, it features Auto Cut-Off, Dry Heat Protection, and a Concealed Heating Element. The Prestige Cool Touch Kettle 1.5L, available in black and white, is a stylish and secure choice with a cool-touch exterior that makes it safe to handle even while boiling. It is equipped with Auto Cut-Off, Dry Heat Protection, and a concealed heating element, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.

PRONGO by PLUSS Advanced Technologies Sets New Standard for Temperature-Controlled Packaging

India, March 27, 2025 – PLUSS Advanced Technologies Ltd. has introduced PRONGO®, a new line of temperature-controlled packaging and boxes designed to maintain a stable temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius for frozen and temperature-sensitive food products. This innovation aims to address challenges in the transportation of chocolates, ice creams, dairy products, and other frozen goods like fish, particularly in high-temperature conditions exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

PRONGO® utilizes Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to regulate temperature without relying on dry ice or other conventional cooling methods. This approach helps preserve the taste, texture, and quality of products while eliminating potential safety risks associated with dry ice.

Samit Jain, Managing Director of PLUSS Advanced Technologies, stated, “Our focus at PLUSS is to develop solutions that address everyday challenges. Among the various products we have developed, PRONGO® is specifically designed to preserve the quality and freshness of temperature-sensitive items during transport, minimising the risk of melting, freezer burn, and temperature fluctuations that could impact the consumer experience.”

PRONGO® functions as a thermal battery, regulating heat absorption to stabilize temperatures during transit. This helps ensure that frozen and temperature-sensitive products stay in optimal condition without exposure to extreme temperature variations, preserving their quality until they reach consumers.

Blockchain Education Gets a Boost with Binance Academy and University of Oulu Partnership

March 27, 2025: Binance Academy, the education platform of Binance, has joined forces with Finland’s University of Oulu to launch a course on “Blockchain for Business Sustainability.” This collaboration brings together Binance Academy’s expertise in crypto and blockchain education with the University of Oulu’s strong academic foundation in business and technology.

Revolutionizing Sustainability Through Blockchain

Developed in partnership with Dr. Teck Ming (Terence) Tan, Associate Professor of Marketing at Oulu Business School and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, this free, self-paced course addresses the rising demand for sustainability-focused blockchain education. It consists of 12 modules covering key topics such as supply chain transparency, renewable energy adoption, and eco-friendly business strategies. Quizzes at the end of each week help reinforce learning, and participants who complete the course will receive a co-branded certificate from Binance Academy and the University of Oulu.

“We designed this course to clarify what blockchain can truly achieve in sustainability,” said Professor Tan. “By focusing on five key areas – supply chain management, circular economy, renewable energy, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting, and incentivization – we hope to showcase how blockchain technology can drive real impact.”

He emphasized that blockchain’s decentralized nature opens new possibilities for sustainable business practices. “It has been an inspiring journey to partner with Binance Academy and share insights on blockchain’s role in shaping a greener future,” he added.

Bringing Transformative Ideas to Life

Bringing this vision to life, Binance Academy worked closely with Professor Tan to develop the course, offering its expertise in educational design and blockchain resources. Through this collaboration, the course integrates academic research with real-world applications, making complex blockchain concepts accessible to learners of all backgrounds.

Stephen McAllister, Binance Academy Team Lead, highlighted the significance of education in driving blockchain adoption. “Education is key to helping individuals navigate the evolving digital economy,” he said.

McAllister emphasized that the partnership with the University of Oulu makes blockchain education more accessible and applicable to real-world challenges. “This free course will give learners the knowledge to see how blockchain can drive sustainability, helping industries become more transparent, efficient, and environmentally responsible,” he noted.

A Vision in Motion

This partnership aligns with Binance Academy’s vision of making blockchain education accessible, practical, and impactful for learners worldwide. It builds on past collaborations with leading European universities, such as the Prague University of Economics and Business, the European Business University of Luxembourg, and the European School of Management (ESCP), to offer accredited Web3 courses.

Additionally, Binance Academy’s Learn and Earn and Student Ambassador Program further enhance the learning experience, offering lifelong learners hands-on opportunities to learn and actively engage with the blockchain community. By expanding educational initiatives like these, Binance Academy bridges the gap between blockchain technology and real-world applications, empowering the next generation to drive innovation in a more transparent and sustainable digital economy.

Honeywell and Verizon Drive Energy Grid Innovation with Cutting-Edge 5G Connectivity

INDIA, March 27, 2025 – Honeywell and Verizon Business today announced that Honeywell smart meters will now include Verizon 5G connectivity to allow both utilities and end users to remotely access essential data, better manage energy usage and resources, and streamline operations to help alleviate strain on the grid.

The Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters provide utility companies with a highly reliable and secure cellular network capable of sending information about energy usage, grid conditions and equipment performance. This information can be fed into utility management platforms such as Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities to deliver heightened operational visibility that will support energy insights, provide near real-time “bottoms up” forecast of energy demand, and help improve grid reliability and resiliency.

“Put simply: secure, reliable connectivity in smart meters makes it easier to monitor the usage of resources and the performance of utility equipment. That means we can reduce waste, unburden our grids, and generally take time and cost out of the utility management process,” said TJ Fox, Senior Vice President of Industrial IoT and Automotive at Verizon Business. “With massive changes on the horizon for utilities, connected capabilities are going to be critical for managing evolving demands for energy and minimizing outages or unforeseen maintenance events.”

“By leveraging the power of AI, Cloud and 5G, we are driving the shift to autonomy for utilities and fundamentally changing the way energy distribution is managed by offering real time connectivity,” said Amol Motivala, President of Honeywell Smart Energy. “Through Verizon 5G connectivity, we are reimagining the utility ecosystem with cellular connected smart meters that provide the needed insights to help improve grid performance and customer satisfaction.”

“With the growth of IoT solutions for utilities, there’s a clear trend toward using cellular-connected intelligence to monitor the grid for operational efficiency, health, resiliency, energy usage and overall performance,” said John Marcus, Senior Principal Analyst, GlobalData. “This is especially important as charging infrastructure and energy-management innovations continue to proliferate and are poised for rapid growth. Cellular connectivity, with its inherent security and reliability, is one of the most effective ways to enable the intelligence that can help unburden the grid and more efficiently, intelligently manage energy resources.”

The Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters also support remote upgradability of new functionality and applications, extending the useful life of the investment and reducing the need for a technician to visit in person. With remote connectivity, customers can also anticipate fewer service interruptions and more reliable utilities.