Category Archives: Business

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.

Bombay Shaving Company and Mokobara Revolutionize Grooming with ‘Anywhere’ Kit

National, March 27, 2025 – Bombay Shaving Company and Mokobara, two of India’s most disruptive brands, have teamed up to launch the Anywhere Grooming Kit—a first-of-its-kind collaboration that redefines on-the-go grooming. This curated kit combines Mokobara’s sleek, travel-friendly design with Bombay Shaving Company’s premium grooming essentials, offering a seamless fusion of style, convenience, and self-care. Unveiled on the latest episode of The BarberShop podcast hosted by Shantanu Deshpande, the launch received a positive response, with Shantanu’s LinkedIn post about the collaboration receiving strong engagement from fans and industry peers alike.

This partnership is a celebration of innovation, bringing together two brands that are redefining their categories to create excitement and added value for consumers. Designed for modern travellers who want to stay sharp and stylish on the go, the limited-edition Anywhere Grooming Kit is integrating Mokobara’s design philosophy with Bombay Shaving Company’s deep expertise in personal care. By cross-leveraging their USP’s, both brands have crafted an elevated, high-utility travel grooming solution that delivers convenience, style, and premium self-care in one thoughtfully curated kit.

Speaking about the collaboration, Shantanu Deshpande said “The most exciting outcome of our latest podcast episode with the brilliant Mokobara founders was the creation of something truly special. Mokobara, known for its exceptional travel design, crafted a sleek and functional kit, while Bombay Shaving Company curated high-performance grooming essentials to complement it. This led to the launch of the Moko X BSC Anywhere Grooming Kit, a first-of-its-kind collaboration that seamlessly blends style, convenience, and premium self-care. At Bombay Shaving Company, we are committed to pushing boundaries and crafting innovations that truly enhance our consumers’ lives because their needs will always be at the heart of everything we do.

Sangeet Agrawal, Founder and Navin Parwal, Cofounder & CMO said: “At Mokobara, we’re obsessed with designing travel essentials that make every journey better. Partnering with Bombay Shaving Company felt like a natural fit since we both care deeply about craftsmanship, quality, and making life simpler for our customers. The Anywhere Grooming Kit is a testament to this shared passion, and we’re thrilled to bring this to our community.”

This launch comes at the perfect time, just ahead of the summer travel season, offering customers an essential, all-in-one grooming companion for their travel plans. The kit features Bombay Shaving Company’s best-in-class grooming essentials, including the Power Groomer trimmer, Sensi Smart 3 razor, Charcoal Shower Gel, Coffee Face Wash, and a 10ml bottle of Mexico perfume all curated to deliver an effortless self-care experience. These essentials are packed inside a Mokobara-designed Hanging Toiletry Bag, crafted for both style and functionality, ensuring easy access and convenience for grooming on the go.

Airtel Launches Next-Gen IPTV Services in Karnataka for Seamless Entertainment

Bengaluru, March 27, 2025: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, launched its IPTV services across Karnataka offering customers the best large screen viewing experience. Customers will get access to an extensive library of on-demand content from 29 prominent Streaming Apps including AHA, Nammaflix, Sony Liv, Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Zee5, 600 popular television channels, and Wi-Fi service at plans starting Rs. 699. As an introductory offer, all Airtel customers will get upto 30 days of free service on the purchase of IPTV plans which can be availed through the Airtel Thanks App.

Commenting on the launch, Rajnish Verma, CEO – Bharti Airtel, Karnataka, said, “Entertainment has long been a cherished and integral part of the vibrant culture of Karnataka. Today, we are delighted to announce the launch of our cutting-edge IPTV service in Karnataka. This service will usher in a new era of immersive experiences for our customers. With this launch, we are confident of setting a new standard for entertainment solutions that will resonate with the aspirations and desires of the people of Karnataka.”

IIM Bodh Gaya and TeamLease EdTech Launch Online Executive MBA for Working Professionals

27th March 2025 Bodh Gaya, India – The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya (IIM Bodh Gaya), in collaboration with TeamLease EdTech, launched its Online Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. This two-year online program provides mid-to-senior-level professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to accelerate their careers while continuing in their current roles.

 The EMBA program offers a flexible and comprehensive learning experience, featuring a curriculum that spans core management disciplines, including Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Strategy. A key highlight of the program is its wide selection of elective courses, allowing learners to build competency in their chosen fields from a diverse set of options across multiple disciplines of management. This empowers students to build expertise in areas most relevant to their career aspirations, enhancing their job readiness and positioning them for growth in their respective industries. The program is taught by IIM Bodh Gaya’s distinguished faculty, known for their academic excellence and industry experience. Sessions by industry experts who will share deep contemporary domain knowledge are another highlight of the program. The program also enables participants to engage with peers and an elite alumni network.

 Pursuing an MBA in India significantly enhances professionals’ career trajectories. According to the Financial Times MBA Ranking 2025, alumni from Indian business schools have experienced notable salary increases post-MBA, reflecting the degree’s impact on earning potential and career advancement. Additionally, a Pearson Skills Outlook report indicates that 88% of Indian workers recognize the necessity of continuous learning and upskilling to remain relevant in the job market. This underscores the value of advanced degrees like an MBA in facilitating career growth and adaptability.

 Prof. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted the institute’s commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-relevant management education: “At IIM Bodh Gaya, we firmly believe that education should evolve to meet the needs of modern professionals. This Online Executive MBA program is a significant step in that direction. It combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, ensuring that working professionals can gain top-tier management education without disrupting their careers. The program’s unique structure, which allows learners to specialize in their areas of interest, ensures that they are industry-ready and equipped with the skills to take on leadership roles in their respective fields.”

  Mr. Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration: “At a time when industries are rapidly evolving, professionals must continuously upskill to stay ahead. Our partnership with IIM Bodh Gaya aims to bridge the skill gap by offering a dynamic and flexible learning environment that empowers professionals to acquire high-impact management knowledge while continuing their careers. The extensive elective options in the program make it uniquely suited for learners looking to carve a niche for themselves in their industries. We are excited to bring this opportunity to ambitious professionals who seek to advance their careers through high-quality education.”