18, Dec 2025
Nagarro and Arriva Complete Digital Retail Transformation for CrossCountry Trains
Dec 18:- Nagarro, a global leader in digital engineering, has partnered with Arriva to successfully deliver a major digital retail transformation for CrossCountry Trains, one of the UK’s leading long-distance train operators. Over an eight-month engagement, the teams implemented Arriva’s Customer Engine retail platform, introduced more than 30 new digital features, and launched a new marketing website to significantly enhance customer engagement and user experience.
ACE, Arriva’s digital retail platform, powers ticketing and customer services across multiple UK transport operators. Designed for flexibility, scalability, and continuous innovation, the platform enables operators such as CrossCountry to deliver seamless ticketing, real-time travel information, and personalised digital journeys across web and mobile channels.
The programme involved over 3,000 person-days of delivery, with a cross-functional team of 50+ experts collaborating to modernise CrossCountry’s digital ecosystem. The solution integrates SilverRail’s WebTIS, real-time information systems, smartcard management, and National Rail Enquiries hand-off, supported by a refreshed, inclusive design that ensures a consistent experience across all digital touchpoints.
In parallel, Nagarro designed and launched a new marketing website to strengthen CrossCountry’s digital presence and create a more seamless commerce and retail experience. Integrated with multiple third-party systems, the platform supports dynamic content management, campaign automation, and personalised customer engagement.
The transition to ACE was executed with minimal downtime through close collaboration between Nagarro, Arriva, and CrossCountry. The teams jointly managed comprehensive security checks, PCI audit compliance, Cloudflare integration, AWS capacity optimisation, and the secure migration of customer and historical data ahead of launch.
Commenting on the transformation, David Mullins, Head of Brand Communications and Digital Strategy at CrossCountry Trains, said;
“This strategic investment in our digital platforms is designed to deliver long-awaited enhancements and a significantly improved user experience for our customers.”
Rakhi Vaswani, Head of Product at Arriva, added;
“Delivering a new digital platform came with its challenges, but I am proud of the team’s dedication and passion in ensuring CrossCountry passengers now have a website and app that make booking and travelling easier than ever.”
Kapil Sharma, Client Partner Travel & Logistics, Nagarro, said;
“We are proud to partner with Arriva and CrossCountry on this digital transformation journey. Together, we have delivered a secure, scalable, and future-ready platform that strengthens CrossCountry’s digital ecosystem and elevates the overall passenger experience.”
The successful rollout marks a key milestone in CrossCountry’s digital evolution, providing a robust platform that enhances passenger experience, improves operational efficiency, and supports ongoing innovation across the UK rail sector.
Note to Editors;
Arriva’s Customer Engine was selected from 22 competitors through the UK Government’s Utilities Contract Regulation framework to deliver CrossCountry’s new website and mobile application.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
18, Dec 2025
Chirag Sogani on the Discipline That Modern Menswear Desperately Needs
Jaipur: Menswear today moves fast – too fast. Trends flare up, vanish, and return in louder shades. Somewhere in that frenzy, subtlety began losing its seat at the table. Pleyne steps in right there. Founder Chirag Sogani has a clear point of view: the future doesn’t belong to excess, but to clarity.
“We’re interested in the pause,” Sogani says. “A quiet detail will always outlast a loud one.”
In a moment where Indian menswear leans toward quiet luxury, Pleyne doesn’t follow the wave – it tightens it. Here, minimalism isn’t aesthetic; it’s discipline.
A New Language of Luxury
Pleyne treats restraint as a craft. Every shirt, tee, and layer is shaped with a kind of architectural calm – collars with posture, seams that fall without pulling, silhouettes that don’t fight for attention but refuse to disappear.
There are no logos, no flashy signifiers. Identity is cut into the pattern itself. It’s a deliberate step away from the maximalist mood sweeping through the market. Pleyne isn’t trying to dress the trend-chaser; it’s speaking to the man who sets his own rhythm.
Craft That Serves the Man, Not the Moment
A glance at Pleyne’s latest capsule says enough.
A sand-beige overshirt – sharp lines, long-staple cotton, a structure that holds its own from morning meetings to late flights. A navy structured tee – zero embellishment, engineered to keep its shape long after softer fabrics would give up.
These aren’t pieces designed for a single context. They’re built for the man whose life moves in straight lines, diagonals, and unexpected turns.
“Our clients don’t dress to perform,” Sogani says. “They dress to reflect who they already are.”
That clarity is why intentional dressing is gaining ground in India – and why Pleyne fits the moment perfectly.
Timelessness Over Trends
While the industry drops new collections every few weeks, Pleyne does the opposite. Their releases are limited, considered, and designed to grow into the wearer’s life rather than cycle out of it. With time, the fabric softens, the shape settles, and the piece becomes part of a man’s personal rhythm.
Clothing with memory – not expiry dates.
This is not fast fashion. This is continuity.
The Power of Stillness
Fashion often competes for attention. Pleyne doesn’t. It introduces a quieter idea – stillness. Authority, in Sogani’s eyes, isn’t loud. It’s measured. It’s selective. It’s the confidence of a man who doesn’t need his clothes to speak on his behalf.
“Menswear doesn’t need more noise,” he says. “It needs discipline. And discipline creates presence.” In India’s evolving menswear landscape, Pleyne isn’t just another brand. It’s a point of view. One that treats subtlety as strength, quality as character, and restraint as a kind of luxury far more enduring than trends.
18, Dec 2025
Career247 Partners with Kotak Mahindra to Launch SKY Banker Program for Bharat’s Youth
Career247 and Kotak Mahindra Bank partner to enable Bharat’s Youth with BFSI Careers: Brings Kotak’s SKY Banker Program to Emerging India
India, Gurugram,Dec 18: Career247, the skilling and higher education arm of Adda Education, has partnered with Kotak Mahindra Bank to bring the SKY Bankers Program to its platform. This partnership supports Adda Education’s vision of making India’s youth employable through practical, accessible, and industry-linked learning.
The SKY Bankers Program is designed to train aspiring professionals for the Virtual Relationship Manager (VRM) role, one of the fastest-growing positions in the banking sector. The role focuses on building and managing customer relationships virtually, enabling personalised banking experiences through digital channels.
The Kotak SKY Bankers Program offers specialised, job-linked training that combines practical learning with real-world banking exposure. Delivered through Career247’s platform, the program focuses on developing the right communication, sales, and relationship management skills needed to excel as a VRM, an evolving role central to digital-first banking.
Through Career247’s online learning platform and learner reach, the program will connect with aspiring candidates, particularly from emerging towns and cities. Learners will gain domain knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and the confidence to succeed in BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sectors.
The partnership benefits both learners and the industry. While learners receive structured, job-linked training and placement opportunities, Kotak Mahindra Bank gains access to a pool of job-ready professionals trained specifically for the VRM role. For Career247, this collaboration reinforces its positioning as a trusted bridge between leading organisations and skilled talent.
Commenting on the partnership, Bimaljeet Singh Bhasin, CEO – Skilling & Higher Education, Adda Education, said,
“The BFSI sector remains one of the largest employers in the country. The real challenge is not the availability of jobs but the readiness of candidates. Career247 bridges this gap by aligning training with real-world requirements. Our collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank is helping young professionals build sustainable careers and become industry-ready.”
With the BFSI sector rapidly evolving and digital banking becoming mainstream, initiatives like the SKY Bankers Program reflect the future of skilling, focused on real-world roles, practical training, and measurable employment outcomes.
Career247 remains committed to expanding such impactful partnerships, continuing its mission to prepare youth for meaningful careers and enable employers to access skilled, job-ready talent.
18, Dec 2025
Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue
Sofitel Mumbai BKC is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ayodhya Tiwari as the Director of Revenue, bringing with him over thirteen years of dedicated experience across some of India’s most respected luxury and upscale hospitality brands. Known for his strategic depth, analytical expertise and consistent revenue-driven achievements, he has built an impressive career in Revenue Management, Reservations and Distribution, with a strong foundation in commercial operations and market optimisation.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with brands such as Novotel, Hyatt Regency, Pride Plaza, and The Leela, contributing to multiple landmark properties and high-performing portfolios. In his recent role, he led revenue strategy for multi-property operations, achieving record occupancy levels and consistent RevPAR growth. Across his previous assignments, he has strengthened digital performance, enhanced market positioning, and successfully supported openings and transitions establishing a track record of sound commercial judgement and revenue-first thinking.
In his new role at Sofitel Mumbai BKC;
he will be responsible for leading the hotel’s revenue strategy with a forward-thinking approach that integrates data-driven insights, dynamic pricing, and a refined distribution outlook. He will play a pivotal role in strengthening market share, enhancing commercial performance across all business segments, and contributing to the hotel’s ambitious growth objectives. His ability to anticipate trends, optimise multi-segment demand and drive profitable business mix will be instrumental in further elevating Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s leadership in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape.
A collaborative leader known for his sharp business acumen, strong interpersonal skills and solutions-oriented mindset, he brings with him a commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence. His experience across diverse markets and his ability to adapt to rapidly shifting industry landscapes have shaped him into a results-oriented professional with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
Speaking about his appointment, Ayodhya Tiwari shared;
“I am honoured to join Sofitel Mumbai BKC and look forward to deepening my understanding of the hotel’s distinctive positioning and operational strengths. In my role as Director of Revenue, I am committed to advancing the property’s commercial performance by driving strategic revenue initiatives, strengthening promotional effectiveness, and optimising business mix across segments. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.”
18, Dec 2025
Tradelink International Strengthens India’s Fertilizer Supply Chain, Records 4.5M Tons Traded
Abhishek Wadekar, Founder Chairman Tradelink International Private Limited
“An India-based company growing in the global market. Tradelink International began trading in early 2019 and has become a significant fertilizer trading company, having sold over 4.5 million metric tons of fertilizer raw materials and finished products in the Indian marketplace in the last six years.
In 2025, we actively engaged with policymakers and industry leaders. We worked towards stabilising nutrient supply for India’s growing needs. And we remain focused on building a future-ready, reliable commodity ecosystem.”
18, Dec 2025
IIT Delhi Alumni Day 2025 – A Celebration of Legacy, Camaraderie & Excellence
New Delhi Dec 18:The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Alumni Association is set to host 12thAlumni Day on 21stDecember at the IIT Delhi campus. The annual flagship gathering will bring together alumni, leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and students to celebrate shared legacy, lifelong bonds, and future-forward ideas.
With a global alumni strength of nearly 65,000 graduates, the Annual Alumni Day has emerged as a powerful platform for networking, collaboration, mentorship, and nation-building through education and innovation.
Key highlights of ‘IITDAA Alumni Day 2025’ include;
- Inaugural Session &Discussions by with distinguished speakers
- Startup Club Showcase & Funding Pitch, connecting IIT Delhi Start-ups with leading investors and venture capital firms
- Cultural performances, comedy, poetry, and musical evenings
- Alumni networking sessions and campus nostalgia walks
- The 1st Diamond Jubilee of a Batch – 1966 & 1967 Batches
- Silver Jubilee celebrations of the 2000 Batch, marking 25 years of memories and milestones
The event reinforces IIT Delhi’s commitment to fostering alumni engagement, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression beyond academics. The Motto remains ENGAGE ENRICH EMPOWER
18, Dec 2025
Zaggle Allots Convertible Warrants to RAN Ventures (Promoter Group) and Bennett Coleman & Company Limited
Mumbai, Dec 18: Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (“Zaggle”), India’s leading spend management and SaaS-led FinTech company, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the allotment of 1,058,201 convertible warrants on a preferential basis, pursuant to shareholder approval obtained at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on October 31, 2025, and in-principle approvals received from the stock exchanges. The capital infusion by the Promoter Group and BCCL, which was announced in October 2025, has been undertaken in line with the company’s strategic growth plans.
The warrants have been issued at an issue price of INR 567 per warrant, in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018. Of the total warrants allotted:
- 3,52,734 warrants have been allotted to RAN Ventures Private Limited, part of the promoter group
- 7,05,467 warrants have been allotted to Bennett Coleman and Company Limited (BCCL), a non-promoter investor
This dual reinforcement of internal conviction and external validation firmly positions Zaggle for its next phase of growth. The Promoters’ infusion stands as a clear testament to their belief in the company’s intrinsic worth. They have reiterated their view that even at this valuation, Zaggle remains significantly undervalued and expressed intent to further increase their stake, a move that strengthens long-term shareholder alignment and underscores their confidence in Zaggle’s future trajectory.
BCCL has consistently partnered with some of India’s fastest-growing enterprises, accelerating brand equity through media-first investments that build trust, drive customer acquisition and establish category leadership.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the development, Dr. Raj P. Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle, said,
“The allotment of warrants reflects the continued confidence of our stakeholders in Zaggle’s long-term strategy, governance standards, and growth trajectory. The proceeds from the preferential issue will further strengthen our capital base and support our strategic growth initiatives, while remaining fully aligned with regulatory requirements and shareholder interests. Together, these investments provide a strong foundation of stability and credibility, while also accelerating our execution, positioning Zaggle for sustained long-term success.”
The Zaggle Advantage lies in the dual reinforcement of promoter-led conviction and brand-led validation. This dual milestone not only strengthens governance and alignment but also accelerates market reach, empowering Zaggle to continue its mission of delivering intelligent, AI-led spend management solutions to enterprises across India.
18, Dec 2025
Breaking E-Commerce Monopolies: Divya Devarajan Urges MSMEs to Join ONDC
Hyderabad, Dec 18: The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, organised an MSME Marketing Conclave at KLN Prasad Auditorium, FTCCI, Hyderabad, under the TEAM (Trade Enablement & Marketing) Initiative, a key component of the RAMP Programme on Wednesday.
The conclave was organised with the objective of onboarding 5 lakh Micro and Small MSMEs onto the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) platform, a Government of India–backed initiative aimed at creating an open, interoperable digital commerce ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Divya Devarajan, IAS, CEO, SERP, Hyderabad, Chief Gest, stated that “monopoly is not good for democracy” and appealed to micro and small MSMEs to onboard their businesses onto the ONDC platform. She emphasised that traditional e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart operate as closed systems where a single company controls buyers, sellers, data, algorithms, pricing visibility, and logistics. Sellers are forced to operate under high commissions, advertising pressure, and restrictive platform policies, creating strong gatekeeping power.
She explained that ONDC changes this model by moving from a platform-centric approach to an open network, where no single entity owns or controls the market. Buyers and sellers can transact seamlessly using different applications, thereby breaking dependency on dominant platforms. “ONDC helps micro and small MSMEs by making digital commerce open, affordable, and inclusive. For women MSMEs, it offers freedom, flexibility, visibility, and economic empowerment without traditional barriers,” she added.
The conclave aimed to onboard 5 lakh MSMEs from across India, of which 50 percent will be women-led enterprises. Speaking on the occasion, Sri V. Suresh Babu, Zonal General Manager (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh), NSIC, said that similar conclaves are being organised simultaneously across the country to accelerate MSME participation in the ONDC ecosystem.
Over 200 MSME entrepreneurs participated in the conclave. Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, urged entrepreneurs to embrace digital platforms, stating, “Go digital or you will miss the bus. If you don’t go online, you are dead offline.”
Mr. Srinivas Nayak, Ms. Swaroopa Rani, Vice President, ALEAP, and other dignitaries also addressed the gathering. Mr. Pradeep of Local Cart gave a presentation on the technical aspects of onboarding to ONDC.
The conclave reinforced the Government of India’s commitment to building a competitive, inclusive, and monopoly-free digital commerce environment for MSMEs, with special focus on women-led enterprises.
18, Dec 2025
The Galleria Mall Lights Up Bengaluru with a Magical Christmas Celebration
Bengaluru, Dec 18: Brookfield Properties, a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets, kicked off the holiday season with a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 9 at the Galleria Mall, its premium lifestyle retail destination located at Yelahanka. The community members and a few special invitees gathered for an evening full of festive cheering, live music, and engaging activities where they enjoyed a curated high-tea experience by Nasi & Mee, followed by the eagerly awaited countdown to the Christmas Tree lighting.
The stunning illumination turned the mall atrium into a glowing festive scene, accompanied by cheerful Christmas carols. The festivities continued with an interactive Christmas Cookie Decoration workshop with Vea by Leo’s Gold & Diamonds. Participants decorated Christmas themed cookies at individual stations and took home their creations along with festive goodie bags filled with holiday keepsakes and exclusive mall vouchers. A post-event gathering for the special invitees was held at Jollygunj. The celebration reflects Brookfield Properties’ placemaking philosophy, which focuses on creating vibrant, community-centric spaces where people can connect and engage.
This event marks the start of ‘A Very London Christmas’ at The Galleria Mall. A series of festive performances, workshops, parades, and holiday attractions are planned throughout December.
18, Dec 2025
MAHE Inaugurates HBSF Clinical Block to Strengthen Palliative Care at Manipal Hospice
Alumnus Philanthropy Drives Palliative Care MAHE Inaugurates Harish & Bina Shah (HBSF) Clinical Block at Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre, MAHE
Manipal, Dec 18: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today inaugurated the ‘Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF) Clinical Block’ at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), Manipal. This initiative is very significant, where an alumnus of MAHE has collaborated with his alma mater in its continued commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure and compassionate patient care.
The ceremony was graced by Mr. Harish Shah, Chairperson of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation as the Chief Guest. Mr. Harish Shah, an esteemed alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT Manipal, Batch 1975-80), has been an active supporter of MAHE’s initiatives in healthcare and education. Mrs. Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, was also present during the event.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Harish Shah said,
“I am indebted to MAHE for providing a values-based education journey, one which has shaped my life in significant ways. This new clinical block for palliative care amplifies our shared belief that every individual deserves dignity, comfort and respect, at all stages of life. It is an honour to support a cause which adds “life to days”. Additionally, under the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation-MAHE Edu Empower Scholarship, in the current year, 19 students have been awarded a full scholarship for pursuing their engineering program at MIT, Manipal, and Bengaluru. The foundation is also an active supporter of the Access Life Assistance Foundation, an initiative which provides accommodation and allied services for children undergoing bone marrow transplantation and ensures that their families are also well supported. HBSF supports multiple centres, including one in Manipal.
Delivering Presidential address Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, highlighted,
“The naming of this Clinical Block represents far more than the creation of a physical infrastructure. The involvement of our alumni in this Endeavor reinforces the core value of our Founder, Dr TMA PAI, that the purpose of education is to empower and equip students to do good for society. We are deeply grateful to the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation for their vision and generosity in supporting this vital facility that will serve countless patients and families.
In his special address Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, ,
“This day marks a major milestone in the history of any university when its Alumni come forward to support a societal cause, an amazing way to express gratitude. The facility inauguration today underscores MAHE’s dedication to advancing healthcare that truly transforms lives. MHRC will serve as a ray of hope and healing, combining clinical excellence with the warmth of human compassion that defines quality palliative care”.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences, stated,
“The integration of state-of-the-art facilities with our research initiatives at MHRC demonstrates the holistic approach to the healthcare ecosystem. This Clinical Block will provide our students and faculty with an exceptional environment to learn, practice, and innovate in the field of palliative and supportive care.” The event was followed by a special video presentation on MHRC.
This ceremony comes at a pivotal time as MHRC continues to expand its role in palliative care research and education. In October 2025, MAHE established the ICMR-MAHE Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) at MHRC, supported by a ₹12.84 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Dr. Seema Rajesh Rao, Director and Consultant, MHRC, provided an overview of the facilities at MHRC and delivered the Vote of Thanks.
Dr. Anand Venugopal Chief Operating Officer, MAHE, Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation, Bengaluru and Dr. Naveen Salins, Professor & Head, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, KMC Manipal, were also present on the occasion.
