Category Archives: Business

Akasa Air appoints Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer

National, 7 January 2025: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Belson will lead Akasa Air’s crucial operational functions as the airline continues its path to becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade.

In his new role, Belson will be responsible for Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, IOCC, Operational Excellence while also spearheading Akasa Air Learning Academy. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Belson has delivered multiple industry-first initiatives in Indian aviation, underpinned by his strong operational, strategic and leadership skills.

Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of Akasa Air’s Chief Operating Officer. Belson’s multifaceted role over the years had him successfully collaborate with cross-functional teams across airline operations, developing a good understanding of the functioning of operational departments. His passion for brand building, service excellence, training, technology, processes, employee centricity and sharp focus on cost leadership equips him to bring tremendous value to his new role as our COO. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to enhance our operational efficiency, deliver on our values of service excellence, and make significant strides toward achieving our vision of becoming a world-class airline.”

Belson has been a part of Akasa Air’s executive committee since the airline’s inception in 2022. Prior to assuming the role of Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Belson held the position of Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at Akasa Air where he was instrumental in shaping the brand’s vision, driving category-redefining customer-centric initiatives, and creating a strong foundation for the airline’s unprecedented growth.

Akasa Air’s operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 14 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 22 domestic and five international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Kuwait City (Kuwait).

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu Officially Debuts in Nepal

BENGALURU (January 07, 2025) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation and City Hotel Limited announced today the transformation of Hyatt Place Kathmandu to Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, which marks the opening of the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, blending modern comfort with Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage.

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu is a destination that invites modern travelers to discover the essence of Nepal’s capital city, promising a vibrant blend of contemporary design, vibrant art, culinary excellence and innovative experiences that inspire exploration. It embodies the local culture through dynamic social spaces, local collaborations, and shareworthy experiences that are light hearted, adventurous, and in-the-know.

Refreshed Spaces, Tailored Experiences

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu introduces guests to a dynamic property where every corner tells a story of the city.

“After an extensive renovation, we are excited to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to Nepal, offering our guests a gateway to Kathmandu’s cultural and contemporary pulse,” said Akshay Golyan, Executive Director, City Hotel Limited. “Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu is designed to inspire exploration while providing a modern local home base for savvy travelers, so they never miss a moment of adventure.”

The property introduces modern upgrades and features designed to enrich every aspect of the guest journey:

Vibrant Lobby: A welcoming, open-concept social space reimagined as a hub for exploration. The porte cocheÌre has been designed with eclectic elements and sculptures inspired by local architecture. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are also ready to share their local insights and go-to spots to help guests explore the city.

 Revitalized Event Spaces: The property boasts more than 8,600 square feet of flexible meeting and event spaces with catering services available which makes it ideal for any occasion including meetings, weddings, and creative gatherings of 10 to 600 people – all customizable to guest needs.

 The Centric Lounge: The Centric Lounge serves as a lively community bar, inviting locals and guests to mingle over expertly artisanal coffees, signature cocktails, and locally inspired bites.

 Drinking & Dining Experiences:
NOON: An all-day dining restaurant celebrating simplicity and authenticity through globally inspired dishes infused with local flavors.

 ZING Sky Pool Bar & Deck: A chic poolside retreat with stunning views of Kathmandu and a menu inspired by local and international influences.

Where Comfort Meets Adventure: Overdeliver on What Matters

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu’s 153 guestrooms are designed for functionality and flair. The hotel is built to offer everything guests need within easy reach including free Wi-fi.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome guests and World of Hyatt members to the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences by weaving the essence of Kathmandu into every facet of the property,” said Varun Talwar, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu. “From meticulous design to innovative culinary offerings, we aim to become the starting point for every traveler’s adventure.”

A Journey Beyond the Hotel

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu stays true to the brand’s adventurous spirit by curating experiences that inspire exploration. Whether through collaborations with local artists, recommendations from the passionately engaged team, or uniquely crafted itineraries with off-the-beaten path experiences, guests are guided to the heart of Kathmandu’s culture and community.

SUD Life Debuts MidCap Momentum Index Fund, Expanding Unit Linked Fund Offerings

7th January 2025, Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (SUD Life) proudly announces the launch of the SUD Life MidCap Momentum Index Fund this new year, presenting policyholders with an exciting opportunity to harness the growth potential of India’s vibrant mid-cap market.

For those unfamiliar, midcap companies are those that have a proven business model, are primed for high growth, and which are under-owned by equity markets. While mid- cap indices may exhibit higher volatility, they often deliver superior returns over the long term compared to large-cap indices, making them a compelling choice for growth- oriented investors. Momentum investing, on the other hand, carries less risk. SUD Life Midcap Momentum Index Fund, with its 6-monthly rebalancing, highlights the best- performing stocks while systematically removing weaker ones. This rebalancing methodology not only focuses on strong returns but also rewards stocks exhibiting lower volatility.

This fund tracks the Nifty MidCap 150 Momentum 50 Index, which combines two powerful investment strategies: mid-cap growth potential and momentum, identifying the top- performing mid-cap stocks based on their price momentum over a defined period, ensuring a focused portfolio of companies demonstrating consistent performance and growth trends. The fund curates a low-cost, diversified portfolio of midcap stocks, helping investors capture the growth cycle across various stocks in the midcap universe.

“The fund is well suited for investors with a moderate to high-risk appetite, aiming for long term capital appreciation and exposure to India’s thriving mid-cap market. It suits those looking to enhance their portfolio with a smart, momentum-driven strategy”, said Prashant Sharma, Chief Investment Officer of SUD Life.

With SUD Life’s Midcap Momentum Index Fund, investors can stay ahead of market trends and position their portfolios to reap the benefits of India’s growth story while maintaining their life insurance cover. Invest today and take a confident step toward achieving your financial goals.

This fund will be available under SUD Life Star Tulip, SUD Life Wealth Creator, SUD Life Wealth Builder, and SUD Life e-Wealth Royale at present.

DefSat 2025 Accelerating Defence Modernization and Space Ambitions

New Delhi, 6th Jan 2025 : SIA-India is set to host the 3rd DefSat Conference and Expo, scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. With the theme “Integrated Space Capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations,” the event will delve into the nexus of accelerating defence modernization and India’s expanding space ambitions. Gathering over 500 distinguished visionaries, thought leaders, and stakeholders from government, defence, space, technology, international embassies, and homeland security, the conference will highlight the strategic role of disruptive space technologies in modern warfare across land, maritime, aerospace, cyberspace, and homeland security domains. The event is supported by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation, NewSpace India Ltd, Astronautical Society of India, and Aeronautical Society of India and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) as a knowledge partner.

“The conference comes at a crucial time as India’s space growth trajectory accelerates its defence modernization and space ambitions, with both sectors projected to grow at a robust 14-16% CAGR. The integration of space technology into defence strategies has become indispensable in today’s geopolitical landscape. The government’s commitment to national security is evident in the allocation of Rs 23,855 crore for DRDO in FY 2024-25 and Rs 25,000 crore for Defence Space Investments, emphasizing the need for advanced space capabilities.” Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India and CMD, Ananth Technologies.

India’s defence forces are significantly enhancing their space capabilities, with plans to launch 52 new satellites for advanced surveillance and secure communication. These satellites will provide strategic support for monitoring activities along the country’s critical borders. The Defence Space Agency (DSA), tasked with managing these critical assets, is also expanding its workforce to address the increasing demands of space operations. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to preparing for the growing complexities of space-centric warfare and ensuring national security in an evolving geopolitical landscape

In Addition, DefSat 2025 will feature a dedicated session on Harnessing Space Technologies for Comprehensive Homeland Security with senior officers from Central Armed Police Forces, State Police Forces, and Para-Military Forces as panellists. This session will explore how space technologies can enhance border management, disaster response, counter-insurgency operations, and law enforcement, especially in India’s diverse and challenging environments.

“DefSat 2025 will spotlight next-gen military technologies, from quantum key distribution and non-kinetic space warfare to AI/ML-powered solutions, all designed to keep us at the forefront of future-ready defence operations. The event leverages India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge defence and space technologies to address modern security challenges. With highlights like IndSpace Wargame 3.0, the conference will unite defence practitioners, industry leaders, and international experts to simulate real-world space security challenges, showcasing the complexities of space operations and underscoring India’s readiness to navigate the evolving space domain.” – Lt. Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), PhD, Senior Advisor, SIA-India

DefSat 2025 will feature dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Vinod G Khandare, Principal Advisor to MOD, Lt. Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), PhD, Senior Advisor, SIA-India, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, CMD Ananth Technologies and President, SIA-India, Dr. AK Anil Kumar, Director, ISTRAC – ISRO, Lt. Gen. Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, Air Vice Marshal Rahul Bhasin, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Space), Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (TM), DRDO, AVM Pawan Kumar, DG DSA, Maj Gen Manjeet Singh, Jt Secy (Cyber), NSCS, Mr. Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, Wg Cdr PRL Prakash, Vice President, Avantel Limited and others.

These leaders bring unparalleled expertise in governance, national security, defence operations, space technology, cybersecurity, and defence policy, strengthening India’s strategic capabilities across defence and space sectors. Their contributions ensure that India’s defence modernization and space ambitions are both innovative and resilient, setting the stage for global leadership in these critical domains.

In addition to these esteemed figures, the conference will feature high-level industry partners, including Ananth Technologies, Planet Labs, Safran, Galaxeye, Dhruva Space, XDLINX, Saptang Labs, Logic Fruit Technologies, ReOrbit, OrbitAID Aerospace, Qbit Labs, Raamtel Solutions, Pvt. Ltd. showcasing their latest advancements in satellite technology, defence systems, and space capabilities. DefSat 2025 is not only a critical gathering for defence professionals but a testament to India’s proactive approach in bolstering its space capabilities to secure its interests on the global stage.

itel launches A80 – An Awesome All in One Smartphone with 120 Hz Refresh Rate and IP 54 Dust & Splash Proof Rating

Mumbai, 6th Jan 2025: itel, one of the leading technology brands of India, is poised to lead India’s budget smartphone segment, making a bold leap in 2025. The A80 smartphone stands out in the sub 7K segment, offering a 120 Hz refresh rate and IP 54 water resistant rating, ensuring smooth visuals, clear display quality and unmatched durability. This move signifies a strategic enhancement to its Awesome Series lineup. The itel A80 comes equipped with a big 6.67- inch Punch Hole Display featuring a Dynamic bar offering a simplified and seamless user interface. With an advanced processor, 8 GB RAM (4GB + 4GB*), and 128 GB ROM, the device supports multitasking and ample storage while maintaining a lag-free Fluency experience for up to three years.

With a strikingly appealing design, the itel A80 smartphone is built to impress. The A80’s 50 MP Super HDR camera is going to turn heads with its awe-inspiring photography – capturing vivid details even in low light. It also features a ring light notification that acts as the icing on the cake. The 6.67-inch punch-hole display enhances entertainment and visual storytelling and the device’s dynamic bar adds a stylish, modern touch – all tremendously enhancing the user experience making the A80 smartphone a delight to use.

The A80 is built for durability, with an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. This smartphone comes with Android 14 Go OS and a Unisoc T603 Octa-core processor, delivering a smooth and efficient performance for all your daily tasks. To further ensure reliability, itel offers a free screen replacement within 100 days of purchase. It is available in attractive colours of Sandstone Black, Glacier White, and Wave Blue, combining elegance with practicality. The itel A80 smartphone is now available at retail stores across India, offering consumers a powerful and stylish device designed to enhance their everyday digital experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India stated, “As we enter 2025, we renew our steadfast commitment to our consumers by delivering innovations that blend cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and exceptional features—all at unbeatable prices. The launch of the A80 smartphone is step in that direction and reaffirms our commitment to bridging the technology gap for today’s young India. With its stunning 120 Hz Refresh rate and exceptional durability, the A80 smartphone is perfectly placed to cater to the growing demand for durability and user experience without compromising on style.”

VST Tillers Tractors Showcases its range of innovative Farm Machines at the Krushi Odisha 2025

Bhubaneshwar, 06 January 2025: In line with its commitment to revolutionizing farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, one of India’s leading farm equipment manufacturers, showcased its range of innovative products at Krushi Odisha 2025. One of the key attractions at the mela is the VST 165 DI Electric Start Power Tiller.

The penetration of farm machinery to small and marginal farmers is comparatively low in India because mechanization depends a lot on the land size, topography, and crop requirements. With the size of farms shrinking, and landholdings getting divided, small and marginal farmers are looking for mechanization in their farms, that are less than 1 hectare in size. VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, over the years, has introduced a range of products for the small and marginal farming community and Power Tiller is the best solution, enabling such farmers to get maximum productivity from the field by its versatile operation and lowest cost of ownership.

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. which has over 60% market share in the power tiller industry, is committed to providing world-class products at an affordable price to Indian farmers. The goal is to enable farmers to mechanize at an affordable cost, at a time when farming costs are increasing, and labour is scarce. VST 165DI ES offers effortless electric start, adjustable tilling depth, compact design, low maintenance, and environment-friendly operation, making it an ideal companion for Indian farmers.

VST 165DI ES comes with exciting features including Electric Start for effortless starting, Digital Hour Meter to help the working hours and timely service and maintenance, Sit & Ride Comfort for the farmers to work uninterruptedly on the field for longer periods, Wider Rotary for better productivity in less time, Aerodynamic Design that gives an aesthetic look and helps in improving overall performance, Powerful High-performance 857cc engine that delivers exceptional power and efficiency and LED Head Lamp that saves energy and give better lighting while working on the field in late hours.

VST 165 DI ES 16 HP Electric Start Power Tiller is good for professional landscaping and passionate farming, this Tiller is the ultimate tool to achieve outstanding results with ease.

VST displayed all its products underthe  SFM category ranging from 2 HP to 16 HP while a wide range of tractors is also available from 17 HP to 50 HP. The products were appreciated by the farming community and willing to explore profitable ventures in this Farm implements segment. VST’s range of products is widely used for both dry & wet land operations, Inter-cultivation, Earthing-up, Land preparation, etc. Although smaller in size, these products are available with multiple attachments to handle the growing demands of mechanization in Sugarcane, Turmeric, Vegetable Crops, Horticulture Crops, and Floriculture & Plantation Crops at very affordable costs.

Krushi Odisha is a three-day event being held at the Biju Patnaik Playground in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar from 3rd January to 5th January 2025. The theme of Krushi Odisha 2025 is, “A Step Towards Sustainable Food System” with a focus on Climate Smart Agriculture, Organic Farming, and Water Governance. This three-day program, organized by the Government of Odisha, will showcase and leverage the great potential of the State and enormous investment opportunities in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry Sectors. This year’s exhibition is expecting a footfall of > 30,000 farmers & farm women, SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, Pani Panchayat members, Agri-entrepreneurs, Exporters, students, research scholars, and manufacturers from different corners of the State.

Vietjet Offers Free Hot Air Balloon Rides at Tamil Nadu Festival

New Delhi, January 6, 2025 – In celebration of the New Year, Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, presents an exciting opportunity for flyers to enjoy free hot air balloon rides during the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, India’s largest event of its kind. Passengers who book Vietjet flights by January 19, 2025, for travel between India and Vietnam (including connecting flights) will have a chance to experience this thrilling adventure.

Passengers who book flights on Vietjet’s official website or mobile app by January 19, 2025, can enjoy a free ride on the Vietjet balloon at the festival. Simply present your Vietjet flight ticket or boarding pass at the Vietjet booth to claim this exclusive offer, available on a first-come, first-served basis .

Additionally, Indian flyers can avail Vietjet’s special Friday promotion every week, which offers tickets starting at INR 11 + taxes and fees . This deal is available on all Vietjet international routes with flexible travel dates.

The 10th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, where the sky meets artistry, will take place across three cities and towns in the state of Tamil Nadu: Chennai (Jan 10-12), Pollachi (Jan 14-16), and Madurai (Jan 18-19). During the event, hot air balloons from more than eight countries will be flown in various shapes and colours.

Vietjet has pioneered air travel between Vietnam and India, now operating flights connecting New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Vietnam’s largest cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In 2024, the airline continued to expand its global reach by launching new routes and adding new aircraft to meet the growing demand, including the increasing number of travellers from India.

Vietjet offers affordable airfares with a modern fleet, well-trained crews, and attentive services. Passengers can also enjoy a diverse range of in-flight services, including nutritious vegetarian meals, while immersing themselves in unique cultural and artistic shows during their journey at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

Honasa Consumer Limited Appoints Lokesh Chhaparwal To Lead Technology and Engineering

Gurugram, 6th January 2025: Honasa Consumer Limited, home to renowned brands like Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, Bblunt, Dr. Sheth’s, and Staze Beauty, today announced the appointment of Lokesh Chhaparwal as Senior Vice President- Technology & Engineering. This appointment underscores Honasa’s commitment to revolutionizing the beauty and personal care space through technology, data intelligence, and product innovation.

In this role, Lokesh Chhaparwal will be responsible for the company’s technological strategy, with a sharp focus on integrating advanced tech solutions to support Honasa’s growing consumer base. He will oversee all aspects of technology across the company, including developing and enhancing digital platforms like websites and apps, optimizing supply chain processes through SAP systems, and advancing marketing technologies for personalized consumer experiences. Lokesh will also be responsible for overseeing internal security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Varun Alagh, Co-founder and CEO of Honasa Consumer Limited, shared, “As we continue to innovate and evolve, technology will play a critical role in how we shape the future of the BPC industry. Lokesh brings a wealth of experience in leveraging data to enhance customer experiences and streamline business operations. His track record of driving technology adoption and his vision for leveraging data to create meaningful, personalized connections with our consumers makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”

On his appointment, Lokesh Chhaparwal, Senior Vice President – Technology & Engineering, added, “I’m honored and excited to be joining Honasa Consumer Limited, a trailblazer in the beauty and personal care industry. The company’s unwavering commitment to creating consumer-first products resonates deeply with my passion for leveraging technology to address complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions. Honasa’s vision of innovation and sustainability inspires me, and I look forward to collaborating with a highly skilled and passionate team. Together, we aim to elevate consumer experiences, push the boundaries of creativity, and set new standards that shape the future of this dynamic industry.”

Lokesh Chhaparwal joins Honasa with over 13 years of expertise in product engineering, data strategy, and innovation. Prior to this role, Lokesh served as AVP, Head of Engineering at Snapdeal, where he led teams in building scalable, data-driven solutions.

He will be based out of Honasa’s Gurgaon office and will play a key role in furthering the company’s mission to integrate cutting-edge technologies into every aspect of product development. His deep expertise in product engineering and data-driven strategies will support Honasa’s mission of delivering more personalized beauty solutions that are in tune with consumer expectations.

Honasa recently announced the elevation of Vipul Maheshwari to head the Product and Data Analytics and Meetu Mulchandani was elevated to head the Brand factory.

Polymatech Electronics New Chhattisgarh Facility to Drive India’s 5G and 6G Tech Revolution

Hyderabad,06th January 2025: Polymatech Electronics, a global pioneer in semiconductor chips headquartered in Chennai, India, has announced it has received an invitation from the Government of Chhattisgarh to set up its second Indian manufacturing facility in Nava-Raipur. This announcement was made on 23rd December 2024 by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai during the Chhattisgarh Investor Connect 2024 event at Hotel Taj Mahal, New Delhi.

Polymatech, in collaboration with Simply RF from Cardiff, Wales, UK, is set to produce advanced semiconductor chips with cutting-edge technology for frequencies ranging between 5.925 GHz and 13.75 GHz Nodes N102-104. The advanced packaging of these chips will be done at the new Raipur facility, which will be a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. These chip fabrications will be initially outsourced until Polymatech’s foundry is set up in Grenoble, France, and until its production starts. The project showcases India’s capabilities in the global semiconductor space. This project will involve a massive investment of ₹1,143 crore by Polymatech.

The Government of Chhattisgarh has extended robust support to this ambitious project, offering a 40% capital subsidy under its visionary industrial policy. This subsidy is independent of the Government of India’s incentives, which Polymatech plans to avail itself of.

Speaking about this development, Eswara Rao Nandam, CEO and Managing Director of Polymatech Electronics, said, “We are delighted to expand our footprint in India with the establishment of our second Indian manufacturing plant in Chhattisgarh. This facility represents a significant step toward realizing our vision of advancing India’s technological prowess in semiconductor manufacturing and telecommunications. With the strong support of the Chhattisgarh government and our expertise in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, we are confident of delivering innovative solutions that will empower the 5G and 6G ecosystem globally.”

The upcoming facility will focus on manufacturing 5G and 6G base stations, leveraging Polymatech’s expertise in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, an advanced material crucial for next-generation telecommunications. The 6G base station architecture will feature Doherty Architecture, ensuring superior performance and efficiency.

Speaking at the event, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement. He said, “It is a pleasure for the State of Chhattisgarh to have Polymatech establish India’s second semiconductor industry within our borders. As a resilient, cutting-edge, and futuristic company, Polymatech will propel our state’s capabilities, widening and deepening our diverse and complex manufacturing ecosystem. We welcome them with hope, humility, and happiness, anticipating a bright future for Chhattisgarh’s manufacturing sector.”

Smt Ritu Sain – IAS – Investment Commissioner, Sri Rajat Kumar IAS – Secretary – Commerce and Industries and Industries, Sri Prabhat Malik IAS Director – Industries – Government of Chhattisgarh, welcomed and congratulated Polymatech Electronics, India’s first semiconductor chip manufacturer, on their second plant, saying, “We warmly welcome Polymatech Electronics to Chhattisgarh and congratulate them on setting up their second Indian facility. This partnership marks a significant leap forward in bolstering India’s semiconductor ecosystem and advancing next- generation technologies. We are excited about the opportunities this facility will bring to Chhattisgarh and the nation.”

Chhattisgarh government’s proactive Industrial policy marks an indelible milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced communication technologies.

Well-known Hyderabad entrepreneur Murali Bukkapatnam is elected as the Chair of the TiE Global Board of Trustees for 2025

Hyderabad, January 6, 2025: TiE Global, the world’s largest network of entrepreneurs, today announced the election of Murali Bukkapatnam as the Chair of its Global Board of Trustees for the year 2025.

The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) is a non-profit organization with a mission to foster entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation. With a focus of giving back to the community, TiE’s focus is on generating and nurturing the next generation of Entrepreneurs. TiE Global has 10,000 members across 65 cities in 15 countries.

A seasoned entrepreneur, innovator, mentor, and investor, Murali actively mentors entrepreneurs, teaches business plan development at IIT Hyderabad and various business schools and continues to invest in startups with high growth potential.

The Founder and Chairman of Volksy Technologies, a venture development firm, Murali leads with a focus on growth strategy, finances, risk management, and compliance. Under his stewardship, Volksy has successfully launched and nurtured startups, including EHAM, an initiative with a strong emphasis on empowering women in technology. His instrumental role in establishing the Hyderabad Angel Network further reflects his dedication to building robust entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Murali brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to fostering entrepreneurship worldwide.

Murali has been an integral part of the TiE ecosystem for many years, having served as Vice-Chair of the TiE Global Board of Trustees in 2024 and as a member in earlier terms.

His association with TiE Hyderabad is notable, where he served as President from 2009 to 2012, contributing significantly to the chapter’s growth and initiatives.

An MS graduate in Computer Science with honors from Southeastern University, USA, Murali has also made notable contributions to the Indian-American community in Greater Washington before moving to India in 2008.