Category Archives: News

Alumil India Secures Top Spot in Aluminium Windows and Doors at Nation Builders Excellence Awards 2025

Navi Mumbai, March: Alumil India, the fully-owned Indian subsidiary of Alumil Group has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Most Preferred Aluminium Windows & Doors Brand of the Year’ at the Outlook Business Spotlight Nation Builders Excellence Awards 2025. The accolade was received by Mr Theodoros Axouristos, Managing Director of Alumil India, in recognition of the company’s transformative contributions to sustainable infrastructure, cutting-edge innovation and nation-building through advanced architectural solutions. Alumil India’s win underscores its role as a catalyst for climate-resilient urban development. The company’s high-performance aluminium systems, including energy-efficient windows, doors and façade solutions, have become synonymous with durability, aesthetics and sustainability.

The Nation Builders Excellence Awards, celebrates visionaries and enterprises shaping India’s socio-economic growth across critical sectors like manufacturing, sustainable energy and urban development. This year’s awards spotlighted leaders driving job creation, eco-conscious practices and inclusive progress, aligning with India’s ambition to emerge as a global developed nation.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition. At Alumil India, we are dedicated to offering world-class aluminium systems that combine sustainability, innovation and design excellence. The award is a testament to our relentless pursuit of quality and our commitment to shaping the future of India’s architectural landscape,” says Mr Theodoros Axouristos, Managing Director, Alumil India.

As a pioneer in aluminium windows and doors, Alumil India has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions tailored to India’s diverse climatic conditions. The company’s flagship products, including the Loop 80 series, emphasize sustainability by incorporating 80 per cent recycled aluminium, aligning with global green building standards such as LEED and BREEAM. By prioritizing energy efficiency, durability and design flexibility, Alumil India continues to lead the industry in providing architectural solutions that meet both functional and environmental demands.

“Alumil’s solutions are designed not just to meet today’s needs but to future-proof urban spaces against climate challenges. From our recycled-content aluminium systems to collaborations with architects and developers, we are proud to contribute to a greener, smarter nation,” concludes Mr Axouristos.

Yamaha Launches Music Square

To be exclusively managed by Musee Musical

Adyar Chennai, 28th March 2025: Yamaha, The Automobile and Music/Audio giant, one of the world’s leading brands has opened its 2^nd premium exclusive showroom in Chennai Tamil Nadu. This step brings Yamaha closer to its aim of making the studio facilities and equipment available to all upcoming musicians in the state. This initiative also underscores the shared commitment to empowering the nation’s youth to the best quality of music training under the guidance of some of the most renowned music trainers in the region. 

The Yamaha Music Square has already expanded to a total of 26 stores across India; this will be its 2^nd in the state of Chennai taking the total to 27, contributing to this initiative with an extensive reach.  Yamaha also plans to expand Music Square in the near future to vacant and potential regions.  A unique feature that will set the studio apart from every other place will be the option of live demos of each music instrument for every music enthusiast.

Yamaha has entered into an exclusive tie-up with the renowned Musee Musical, a historic music store in Chennai that is in its 183^rd year. The tie-up includes Musee Musical managing the Music Store and extending all their services to customers in the area. Musee Musical brings its expertise in understanding the needs of customers with regard to musical instruments and training. This is a new business model that is being undertaken and promises the best of the expertise of both companies to discerning customers in Chennai.

In India, there is a boundary to the extent of talent we possess and to promote and identify such talent, Yamaha has pledged to expand this initiative. The Company aims to strategically focus and build more infrastructural facilities and projects to efficiently cater the public and develop the segment in the region.

REHAN SIDDIQUI SAN (Deputy General Manager) Yamaha said, “This development is aimed at upgrading the talent pool of the youth in India and also to provide the best quality instruments in the region. We at Yamaha are committed towards excellence in technology and quality, this initiative will provide a platform to music students to enhance their skills and gets access to world class training in the world of Audio.

Training and product workshop will also be conducted by Musee Musical in the first 30 days.

The ROTTO PGI Transplant Games 2025 Highlight the Strength and Spirit Beyond Transplantation

Delhi | March 28th, 2025: The 5th edition of ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games 2025 concluded on an inspiring note, bringing together over 300 transplant recipients and organ donors in a spectacular celebration of resilience and determination at Sector 7 Sports Complex, Chandigarh. Organized by PGIMER Chandigarh in collaboration with Organ Transplant Trust, ORGAN India, ROTTO North, and Indian Society of Transplant Surgeons, this two-day sporting extravaganza not only championed the cause of life after transplantation but showcased the extraordinary skills of transplant athletes.

 Many participants, who once battled life-threatening organ failure, exhibited extraordinary grit and passion.
From high-energy sprints and badminton duels to precision javelin throws, endurance-testing race-walks, the Games witnessed awe-inspiring performances across two age categories—under 40 and over 40 years. The Games, an annual fixture at PGI, went a step further this year and partnered with ORGAN India to introduced competitive events for elite athletes, many of whom have participated in the World Transplant Games for the past few years. The Games served as a stepping stone for transplant recipients aiming to compete in the World Transplant Games, offering them a platform to gain experience and build motivation. Badminton, athletics and Petanque were introduced in the competitive sports matches to prepare athletes for the next World Transplant Games to be held in Germany in August 2025. In fact, this is the first time that there is a national level Petanque competition in North India.

 “We were delighted when ROTTO and PGI suggested that we hold competitive games in partnership with them. It will give athletes going to Germany a chance to hone their skills, build confidence, and prep for the stiff competition they will face in Dresden in August.” Says Sunayana Singh, CEO ORGAN India and Country Representative at the World Transplant Games Federation.

 It was an electric atmosphere as the police band played and athletes from different states marched past the dignitaries.
“We are so excited that there was so much participation from across the country.” says Anika Parashar, Chairperson, Parashar Foundation. There was representation by athletes across India. Participants came from nearly 15 states, including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Goa, UP, Uttarakhand, J&K, Jharkhand, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Bihar, Manipur, Delhi and Odisha.

 “We thought we knew most of the good transplant athletes in India. But we found several players whom we never knew about, who are fantastic at their sport. These Games give all transplant athletes a chance to shine and be noticed” says Shankar Arora, ORGAN India Team Manager for the Indian team going to Germany in August 2025.

The highlight of the event was the felicitation of donor families, whose magnanimous gesture amid their grim tragedy gave a second chance at life to those counting their days through transplant.

 Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Mr. Rajpal, Former Captain, Indian National Hockey Team, drew a powerful parallel between relay races and organ donation, stating: “Just as a relay race thrives on the seamless passing of the baton, organ donation embodies the profound exchange of life. When our time comes to step back, we should pass on a precious gift, ensuring that our legacy continues, and others can race forward with newfound hope.”

 Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO, lauded PGIMER’s unwavering commitment to organ donation, stating: “The ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games are not just a competition; they are a movement—one that instils hope, encourages organ donation, and proves that life after transplantation is not only possible but full of potential.”

 The event also saw the presence of eminent dignitaries, including: Dr. Harsha Jauhari, President, Indian Association of Transplant Surgeons, Prof. Mukt Minz, Ex-Head, Dept. of Renal Transplant Surgery , Mr. Vivek Atray, Ex-IAS & motivational speaker, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent cum Head, Dept. of Hospital Administration cum Nodal Officer, ROTTO , Prof. Ajay Duseja, Head, Dept. of Hepatology , Prof. Ranjana Minz, Former Head, Dept. of Immunopathology, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Dept. of Hospital Administration, PGIMER.

 Many participants have proudly represented India internationally and have won medals at World Transplant Games, reinforcing the message that organ transplantation is not a limitation but an opportunity for a renewed life.

 Among the many inspiring stories was that of kidney recipient Digvijay Singh from Jabalpur, now a professional bodybuilder and silver and bronze medallist at previous World Transplant Games. Digvijay shared his remarkable journey from a terminal kidney patient to a champion, stating: “Never give up. Trust in your instincts—that’s the mantra to overcome any hurdle in life.”

 Another inspiring story was of Preeti who had a heart transplant at Delhi 25 years ago and won a bronze medal in badminton. And of Swati Kapre 60 yrs who has had a liver transplant 22 years ago and won silver in badminton.

 Ankit, a student from Rajasthan who has had a kidney transplant, stunned everyone with incredible talent in all sports, and Ramdev and Satbir, two farmers from Haryana and Rajasthan floored all with their speed and skill. And the largest contingent, which was from Rajasthan had Harsha Sharma, Amit Sharma, Hitesh Sharma, Bhawani Singh, all medalists from the World Transplant Games 2023, who are incredibly talented at Petanque and are responsible for this French game to be introduced in North India.

Reach 3Roads Hosts Inspiring Two-Day Celebration Focused on Women’s Empowerment

28th March 2025-Reach 3Roads organized a two-day event in Gurugram to celebrate and empower women through impactful activities. The event featured a powerful Nukkad Natak highlighting gender equality, a live performance by an all-women band, and a thrilling bike rally in collaboration with Iron Horses Academy. Engaging activities and inspiring stories further amplified the spirit of the celebration, making it a memorable tribute to women’s achievements.

The celebration commenced with an engaging Nukkad Natak that delivered a powerful message on women’s rights and empowerment. The thought-provoking street play captivated the audience, reinforcing the significance of gender equality and sparking meaningful conversations. The energy continued to build with a dynamic live performance by an all-women band, creating an uplifting atmosphere and setting the tone for an empowering experience.

A major highlight of the event was the Women Biker’s Event, organized in association with Iron Horses Academy. Women riders embarked on an exhilarating journey from Pratap Dwar to Reach 3Roads, symbolizing freedom, strength, and resilience. The grand flag-off was led by distinguished women leaders, including Prachi Chopra from Insia, Shreyansi Gupta from Fat Tiger, and Neetu Sodhi from Sodhi’s, who cheered on the bikers and shared words of encouragement. Women riders took center stage to share their inspiring journeys, highlighting their passion for biking and breaking societal stereotypes. Throughout the event, the anchor engaged the audience with fun-filled activities, ensuring enthusiastic participation. The celebration concluded with a delightful dinner at Bon Mama and indulgent desserts from Dolche, our esteemed event partners, bringing the festivities to a perfect close.

Ms Nandini Taneja, Regional Director – Leasing, Reach Group said “This celebration was a testament to the strength, resilience, and spirit of women who continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities. At Reach 3Roads, we are proud to create a platform that not only honors their achievements but also inspires many more to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Through engaging performances and empowering activities, we aimed to foster a sense of unity and encouragement, reinforcing the message that every woman has the power to shape her own destiny,”

IIT Mandi, NCU Gurugram, and NSDC Team Up to Shape the Future of Semiconductor Technology with New B.Tech Program

Chandigarh 28th March 2025: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IIT Mandi and the NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a B.Tech. ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology programme. The agreement was formally signed today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

This partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in semiconductor industry in India and across the globe by equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training.

This four-year programme comprises eight semesters designed to provide specialised training in various subjects of semiconductor engineering, including Nanotechnology and Semiconductor Materials Engineering, Semiconductor Physics, Introduction to Microfabrication, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductor Equipment Design & Technology and Advanced Topics in Manufacturing. The programme will integrate 25 credits in application-oriented learning, developed jointly by NCU, NSDC and IIT Mandi. The degree will be awarded by NCU.

This will help India’s youth enhance their semiconductor skills and drive innovation.

As a key partner, the NSDC will be playing a crucial role in smooth implementation of the programme while ensuring robust quality training. It will drive enrolment for the programme through its digital platform and support eligible candidates in availing loans. It will also provide one-stop learning source, where all the lectures, assignments, AI-enabled videos, and additional learning resources will be available. Most importantly, it will assist candidates in internships and placements.

The program will focus on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, providing students with a comprehensive academic and practical learning experience.

Talking about the collaboration and the programme, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, said, “At NSDC, we are committed to transforming education and skilling in alignment with NEP 2020, ensuring that students, especially from small towns and cities, have access to world-class learning opportunities. Our collaboration with IIT Mandi and NorthCap University is a step towards democratizing quality education and integrating industry-relevant skills into higher education. By embedding globally recognized skill courses within degree programs through the National Credit Framework, we are bridging the gap between academia and industry, making our youth future-ready. This initiative not only enhances employability but also empowers students to lead, innovate, and excel in the semiconductor industry, a critical sector for India’s technological growth.’’

Faculties from IIT Mandi will deliver specialised courses. The institute will also allow students participate in six hands-on immersion programmes at its advanced laboratories over four years. The institute will also assess students based on coursework, exams, assignments and projects and provide credit certifications to candidates. These credits will be used by NCU for awarding the degree .

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tushar Jain, Head, CCE, IIT Mandi, said, “This collaboration is a step towards creating a future-ready workforce in the semiconductor domain. By combining IIT Mandi’s research expertise, NCU’s academic infrastructure, and NSDC’s skill development initiatives, we are ensuring a transformative learning experience for students.”

The NCU will manage candidate enrolments and scheduling, and will provide necessary infrastructure, including classrooms, labs, and online learning platforms, for the smooth delivery of IIT Mandi courses. It will provide final degree while incorporating credits and certificates earned from IIT Mandi courses.

Prof. Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor at NCU, expressed her thoughts on the occasion and said, “This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in India’s semiconductor industry by equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience. The pioneering B.Tech ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology programme, offered by The NorthCap University, Gurugram, in collaboration with IIT Mandi and NSDC, will provide a unique blend of academic excellence and practical exposure. Students will gain hands-on experience in clean rooms and advanced labs at IIT Mandi, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the country’s rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem.”

Quote on L2: Empuraan from Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO-Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd

By- Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO- Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd

“The excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan is truly extraordinary. With 1.23 lakh tickets sold for opening day and 2.35 lakh for the weekend, the film is well on its way to setting a new record, likely surpassing the ₹8.5 crore opening-day benchmark for a Malayalam film. The franchise holds a special place in the hearts of audiences, and the response to this sequel reflects not just anticipation, but an emotional investment built over time.

The scale of Empuraan’s release across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi speaks to its wider appeal. Fans have been counting down to this moment, engaging deeply with every update, making this more than just a film release—it’s a cinematic event. Theatres across key markets are witnessing tremendous enthusiasm, and the energy surrounding the film is only growing as we approach its debut.

The numbers tell a compelling story, but what stands out even more is the passion of moviegoers who are eager to experience Empuraan on the big screen. The theatrical fervor we are witnessing underscores the power of storytelling and the deep-rooted connection audiences share with this franchise.”

CK Birla Hospital Gurugram Honors Women with a Unique Bikathon and Wellness Celebration

Commemorating International Women’s month, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, successfully hosted a grand Bike Rally and Wellness Event, celebrating the spirit and strength of women while promoting health and wellness in the society. The event, saw enthusiastic participation from Harley-Davidson riders, fitness enthusiasts, and the common public, making it a remarkable success.

The bikathon commenced with a vibrant flag-off ceremony at the Harley-Davidson Showroom, Hero Honda Chowk. Riders gathered for a brief introduction before embarking on a rally towards CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. The roaring engines of Harley-Davidson motorcycles signified a powerful message of empowerment and unity, as the bikers rode in solidarity to honor women.

Upon arrival at CK Birla Hospital, the bikers were greeted with cheers and applause from the gathered attendees. The morning wellness activities had already set an energetic tone, with a Zumba and Yoga session engaging all the participants, as all the bikers also joined hands for an electrifying fitness experience.

Speaking about the event, Mr Vipul Jain, CEO Hospitals CK Birla Group, said “This bikathon and wellness event was a tribute to the unwavering spirit of women and a reminder of the importance of health, fitness, and social involvement. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and participation, which made this celebration truly special.”

These invigorating sessions promoted health and well-being, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to holistic wellness. All the Harley-Davidson riders were honored for their contributions to women’s empowerment and service.

This Bike Rally and Wellness Event highlighted CK Birla Hospital’s dedication to nurturing overall well-being and promoting an active lifestyle. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, the event successfully championed the values of empowerment, unity, and wellness, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

PingCAP Focuses on Driving Database Innovation in India at TiDB User Day 2025

Bengaluru, India – March 27, 2025 – PingCAP, powering open-source distributed SQL database TiDB, reaffirmed its commitment to driving database innovation in India by hosting the inaugural TiDB User Day India 2025 in Bengaluru on 26th March 2025. As India becomes one of the fastest-growing markets for TiDB, the event served as a forum to honour the contribution of TiDB in India. The event brought together technology leaders, database professionals, and industry innovators to explore real-world use cases, best practices, and the future of distributed databases in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. By recognizing the role of its users and partners, TiDB aims to further empower Indian enterprises with scalable and innovative solutions to accelerate digital transformation in the country.

The event highlighted TiDB’s growing adoption in India and its impact on powering next-generation applications. The summit featured insightful keynotes and panel discussions led by experts from Flipkart, Databricks, ElasticRun, Mydbops, and other leading organizations, covering topics such as scaling databases, performance optimization, and AI-driven innovations. Attendees engaged in deep-dive technical sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on the evolving role of TiDB in modern data infrastructure. Demonstrations included a live TiDB Performance Tuning session for high concurrency workloads, coupled with special recognition of the open-source community members who actively contribute to TiDB’s development and innovation. Awards were presented to community members for their significant contributions, exceptional knowledge, and passion. Over 200 attendees participated in person, reflecting the event’s broad reach and the growing interest among TiDB customers and community members.

Commenting on the event, Bhanu Jamwal, Head of India Business at TiDB, stated, “India’s rapid digital transformation is driving an unprecedented surge in data. Businesses need future-proof database solutions that can scale effortlessly while supporting real-time decision-making. TiDB’s distributed architecture and HTAP capabilities position it as a game-changer for companies looking to modernize their data infrastructure. As part of our long-term vision for India, we are targeting a 5x revenue increase over the next three years, driven by expanding our local team, deepening partnerships with cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud, and strengthening community engagement through workshops, training sessions, and hackathons.”

Adding to this, Sunny Bains, Chief Architect at TiDB, said, “With the growing integration of RAG in AI applications to enhance accuracy, vector search has become a critical component. Traditional databases often fall short in supporting RAG-based applications. TiDB offers a unified system that seamlessly combines vector search capabilities with relational database features, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple databases. At TiDB User Day, we demonstrated how enterprises can leverage TiDB’s vector search capabilities to optimize AI performance.“

“TiDB has proven to be the missing piece in the scaling puzzle. This event provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the product while allowing us to connect with other TiDB users to exchange insights on how distributed SQL can address the evolving data needs,” added Ajit Pendse, Director, Technology, ElasticRun.

“TiDB User Day was a great experience—getting to hear from experts and fellow users about real-world challenges and solutions was really insightful. The hands-on sessions gave me a lot of ideas to take back to my team. It’s always great to connect with the community and learn from each other,” said Raj Suvariya, Software Engineer, Stripe

As India accelerates towards a $1 trillion digital economy, TiDB remains committed to empowering businesses with cutting-edge distributed SQL technology. Through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and continuous innovation, TiDB is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s data infrastructure, enabling enterprises to build for scale, optimize performance, and drive digital transformation.

Legrand India Earns Renewed European and International Gender Equality Certification

Mumbai, March 27, 2025: Group Legrand India, has been awarded the renewed Gender Equality and Diversity European and International Standard (GEEIS) Certification in recognition of the Organization’s policies and initiatives promoting diversity, equity and workplace inclusion. The certification was granted by Bureau Veritas, a recognized certifying body for GEEIS-DIVERSITY. Group Legrand India received its first certification in 2023 and has renewed it once again, meeting the parameters defined by the certification body.

The GEEIS-DIVERSITY certification is based on a rigorous assessment of a company’s policies, practices and culture in promoting equality and diversity and recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive work environment. For Group Legrand, inclusion is built around five focal areas: gender diversity, inclusivity towards people with disabilities, intergenerational collaboration, inclusion of LGBTQ+ people origin or background, whether social, cultural or ethno-racial diversity of background.

“We are delighted to receive the renewed GEEIS-DIVERSITY certification for India, which reaffirms our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in our workplace,” said Tony Berland, CEO and Managing Director of Group Legrand India. “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of our People philosophy and a significant pillar in our CSR Roadmap. We believe that this is critical for business success and social progress, and we are committed to creating a work environment where everyone can reach their full potential.”

Commenting on the certification, Nisha Samuel, VP-HR, Group Legrand India said “We have taken conscious and targeted actions like addressing gender imbalances, promoting intergenerational mentorship, enhancing accessibility for employees with disabilities, celebrating cultural diversity, and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through inclusive policies.”

Group Legrand India has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity at the workplace, including a diversity and inclusion policy that promotes equal opportunities for all employees, a flexible work arrangement policy that allows employees to balance their personal and professional commitments, a gender-neutral parental leave policy, insurance policy for live-in partners, and various people development initiatives to help build a stronger diverse leadership and talent pipeline. We have two active ERGs dedicated for Diversity i.e. Ellegrand and Legrand Rainbow network.

Fate and Destiny Collide in the New Season of Idhayam

Chennai, 27th March 2025: ZEE Tamil, one of the leading Tamil television channels in Tamil Nadu, is all set to captivate audiences with the second season of its popular show, Idhayam. Known for its unique storyline and compelling characters, Idhayam has won the hearts of viewers across Tamil Nadu. The new season will telecast from Monday, 24th March at 2 PM, On Zee Tamil.

 Idhayam saw Richard and Janani Ashok Kumar playing the lead roles. The story ended with Aadhi leaving for America, determined to erase all memories of Bharathi. With the new season premiering today, the drama takes a fresh turn with exciting new developments.

 Pallavi Gowda will now play the role of Bharathi, replacing Janani. Pallavi has previously worked alongside Richard in a Telugu serial, making her a familiar face to the audience. Additionally, actress Pareena will be joining the cast as Aadhi’s close friend.

 The new season follows Aadhi’s life in America, where he meets his friend and eventually falls in love. The couple gets engaged and returns to India for their wedding after 5 years. Meanwhile, Bharathi continues to live in Chennai with her two children.

 As Aadhi reaches Chennai for his wedding, will he come face-to-face with Bharathi? Will old memories resurface? Can separated hearts reunite? The upcoming season promises unexpected twists and emotional moments, keeping the audience engaged.