4, Nov 2025
Vanguard launches Hyderabad Technology Center to drive global digital transformation and talent development
November 04, 2025: Vanguard celebrated the official launch of its Global Technology Center in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s technology transformation. The new office reflects Vanguard’s recognition of India as a strategic center for innovation, talent development, and digital transformation. The Hyderabad office will serve as a hub for engineering excellence, cloud modernization, data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity. It will also feature collaborative labs designed to accelerate innovation across Vanguard’s digital platforms and enterprise solutions.
“Hyderabad represents a thriving technology ecosystem with talent and ambition that underpins Vanguard’s commitment to provide our investors a world-class digital experience. We’re excited to open our new technology center in Hyderabad and to welcome our new Vanguard India crew members. This technology hub builds on our decade-long collaboration in the region and will play a vital role in advancing innovation in support of our mission,” said Nitin Tandon, Global Chief Information Officer at Vanguard.
The Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Govt. of Telangana, Minister of Finance & Planning, Energy, Sri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka Garu, attended the inauguration and ribbon-cutting as Vanguard’s Chief Guest. Sri Duddilla Sridhar Babu Garu, Honourable Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, attended as Guest of Honor. He said: “Hyderabad has emerged as one of the top choices for BFSI product engineering and digital innovation, offering the right mix of talent and infrastructure. With Vanguard joining this growing ecosystem, Telangana further strengthens its position as a global hub for financial technology and innovation.”
Vanguard’s Hyderabad technology center is central to global and local AI advancements, supporting the company’s broader digital transformation mission. With AI rapidly evolving, Vanguard aims to foster collaboration on innovative use cases in Financial Services and Information Technology that harness India’s rapidly growing digital economy.
Venkatesh Natarajan, Head of Vanguard India, said, “Our crew members are at the heart of everything we do. This office will combine Vanguard’s mission-driven culture – centered on fairness and unwavering integrity – with India’s world-class technology talent. Together, we will create technology capabilities that are innovative, scalable, and meaningful for investors everywhere.”
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- By Neel Achary
3, Nov 2025
Hyderabad Comic Con X Dreamhack India concludes with celebration of pop-culture fandom and gaming
Hyderabad, 3rd November, 2025: The Maruti Suzuki Arena Hyderabad Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll, along with Dreamhack India concluded its three-day run from October 31st to November 2nd at Hitex exhibition Centre, bringing together fans of comics, anime, gaming, cosplay, and everything in between to the pop culture universe.
The convention saw a turnout of more than 40,000 including over 400 cosplayers. Organized by Comic Con India under the aegis of NODWIN Gaming, the event featured international guests, writer and executive producer Mike Costa, who is best known for shaping Netflix’s Lucifer and artist J. Gonzo, renowned for his captivating covers on classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghost Rider, and Alien. Along with 17 comic artists and creators, 9 performers, and over 80 exhibitors from across India, offering interactive experiences.
Maruti Suzuki engaged visitors with a fun reflex game and their impressive Maruti Suzuki Arena display. The Crunchyroll booth was a hit, lighting up the space with an Anime playlist that had fans vibing all day. Over at Android Land, PANFEST was hosted where BGMI fans dropped into open lobbies where they battled out with their close opponents.
Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle offered a special VR experience, letting fans immerse themselves in their vibrant story worlds. The Running Man Rage Room gave participants a chance to let loose, exactly as its name suggests. Adding to the fun were the Predator Badlands Zone and the Zootopia 2 Zone, each offering their own unique sides.
The convention also hosted the Hyderabad Qualifiers of the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026. Pracheta Banerjee won the city Qualifier with a cash prize of INR 50,000 and will represent Hyderabad at the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026 finals.
DreamHack India celebrated its sixth anniversary. India’s largest digital festival featured retro gaming zones, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) areas, KO Fight Night and chess tournaments in Rapid and Blitz formats. In KO Fight Night, KMR YoshiKiller claimed victory in Tekken 8, taking home INR 1,00,000 while JLQ Hallmark emerged victorious in Super Smash Bros and won INR 40,000.
The Meet & Greet Zones powered by official talent partners RNT (Revenant Esports) were packed with fans eager to meet their favorite gaming personalities, including Scout, Kaashvi, Sensei IGL, Ghatak Trace GOD, along with many others.
Red Bull athletes and GodLike creators such as, Jonathan, V3nom, Zgod, Sharkshe, Bachu, Dobby Mizo along with popular gaming creator Payal added to the excitement at the Red Bull Tetris National finals which was hosted at Dreamhack India 2025. Rob, aka Harun Robert, famously known for his show M.A.D., also had a meet and greet session with his fans at the Red Bull Tetris National finals.
Three days also featured an incredible lineup of performers like Syed Bashaar, Vivek Muralidharan, Karan Singh,Celinedee Matahari, Kayden Sharma, MC Maahaa, Black Diamond, Geek Fruit, and Team Artista making it a truly unforgettable experience for fans.
Following the success of the Hyderabad edition, Comic Con India is set to debut its first-ever Guwahati edition on November 22nd – 23rd, 2025, marking an exciting expansion into India’s Northeast region.
Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India said, “Hyderabad is the first stop of this season of Comic Con India, and the response here, as always, has been absolutely phenomenal. The energy and enthusiasm that fans brought to the event is something we always hoped for. People of all ages were celebrating their love for pop culture. There were kids who dressed as characters like Shinchan, Ironman, Zoro and more. Whether it was meeting their favorite artists, striking poses with beloved cosplay characters, or diving into the many immersive experience zones, the city truly came alive with excitement, further highlighting the cultural phenomenon that Comic Con India is.”
3, Nov 2025
Salman Khan Hails I-POPSTAR Maan Panu’s Track ‘I’m Done’ as a Winner
Salman Khan Gives a Shoutout to I-POPSTAR’s Maan Panu, Calls His Track ‘I’m Done’ a Winner
Mumbai, India, 3rd November, 2025: Amazon MX Player’s I-POPSTAR continues to make waves across the country with its fresh, original music and rising independent voices. The show, which brings together some of India’s most promising musicians competing to become the nation’s first I-POPSTAR, has already become a hub for discovering breakthrough talent and the latest proof of that is Maan Panu’s viral single, “I’m Done.”
Released on September 17, 2025, under Warner Music India as part of I-POPSTAR: Vol. 1 (Episodes 1–3), the track has officially taken over social media. Written and composed by Maan himself, the 2-minute-39-second song captures the emotions of closure, growth, and self-discovery with a catchy 146 BPM beat. Its relatable lyrics “I don’t have any regret that you left” and easy replay value have made it a favorite for reels and short-form videos, with fans using the hook as a self-liberation anthem.
Adding a massive boost to the song’s momentum, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan took to Instagram to share his love for the track. Posting a photo of himself in rugged cowboy attire beside a horse, he wrote: “An amazing track after a very long time… Congratulations! Wish this was one of my songs.”
Salman’s endorsement has supercharged the song’s popularity, sending fans streaming and sharing it in huge numbers. Within hours, “I’m Done” became a trending sound across platforms, reflecting how I-POPSTAR is successfully turning emerging musicians into national sensations through their original compositions.
With every episode, I-POPSTAR continues to prove that India’s next big pop movement is homegrown powered by authenticity, creativity, and the voices of its contestants. Catch the next episodes only on Amazon MX Player, streaming free across mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.
3, Nov 2025
Sundaram Finance logs highest-ever disbursements of Rs. 15,423 crores; Q2 disbursement growth of 18% to Rs. 8,113 crores
November 3, 2025: The Board of Directors of Sundaram Finance Ltd. (SFL) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the half year ended September 30, 2025, at its meeting held on November 3, 2025, in Chennai.
“Q2FY26 started with continuing macroeconomic sluggishness witnessed over the past few quarters. The introduction of GST 2.0 reforms and the country’s rating upgrade by global rating agencies have boosted overall sentiments over the past 4-6 weeks. Under these circumstances, Team Sundaram has delivered 15.3% growth in AUM to Rs. 55,419 crores, asset quality with net stage 3 assets at 1.13% vs 0.89% last year and profits after tax growth of 27% year-on-year. Our Group companies in asset management, general insurance and home finance have continued to record strong results. We continue to rely on our time-tested approach of steady and sustainable growth with best-in-class asset quality and consistent profitability,” said Harsha Viji, Executive Vice Chairman.
Disbursements for H1FY26 recorded a growth of 12% over H1FY25 and for Q2FY26, disbursements have grown 18% Y-o-Y. Gross stage 3 assets as on September 30, 2025, stood at 2.03% with provision cover of 45% as against 1.62% as on September 30, 2024, with provision cover of 45%. Profits from operations performed strongly, growing by 16% in H1FY26 and 17% in Q2FY26. Profit after tax registered a 27% rise in H1FY26, with net profit at Rs. 823 crores and for Q2, PAT grew 16% to Rs. 394 crores. Return on assets closed at 2.72% in H1FY26 as against 2.50% for H1FY25 and capital adequacy at 19.3% remained quite comfortable.
Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director, stated, “The festival period has been strong, and the morale of team Sundaram is on a high following a well-executed festival plan. We anticipate the impact of GST 2.0 on consumption to be buoyant, rural demand to improve after a healthy monsoon period and private sector capex to pick up in the coming quarters. Consequently, our post-festival outlook for Q3 and H2 is optimistic. We are well-positioned to drive our time-tested mantra of balancing growth with quality and profitability and taking a long-term, through-cycle view to our customers, employees and other partners.”
STANDALONE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR H1FY26
· Disbursements for H1FY26 grew by 12% to Rs. 15,423 crores as compared to Rs. 13,768 crores registered in H1FY25. Disbursements for Q2FY26 grew by 18% to Rs. 8,113 crores as compared to Rs. 6,860 crores registered in Q2FY25.
· The assets under management grew by 15% to Rs. 55,419 crores as on 30th September 2025 as against Rs. 48,058 crores as on 30th September 2024.
· Net interest income (NII) grew by 23% to Rs. 1,603 crores in H1FY26 from Rs. 1,304 crores in H1FY25. Q2FY26 growth in NII was 21% to Rs. 822 crores.
· Gross stage 3 assets as on 30th September 2025 stood at 2.03% with 45% provision cover as against 1.62% with provision cover of 45% as on 30th September 2024. Net stage 3 assets as on 30thSeptember 2025 closed at 1.13% as against 0.89% as on 30th September 2024.
· The Gross and Net NPA, as per RBI’s asset classification norms for NBFCs, are 2.80% and 1.79% respectively as against 2.39% and 1.55% as of 30th September 2024.
· Cost to income ratio improved to 29.60% in H1FY26 as against 31.91% in H1FY25.
· Profits from operations grew 16% to Rs. 937 crores in H1FY26 as against Rs. 812 crores in H1FY25. For the quarter, profits from operations grew 17% to Rs. 501 crores.
· Higher dividend income resulted in profit after tax registering 27% rise in H1FY26, with net profit at Rs. 823 crores as against Rs. 648 crores in H1FY25. For Q2FY26, PAT grew 16% Y-o-Y to Rs. 394 crores.
· Return on assets (ROA) for H1FY26 closed at 2.72% as against 2.50% for H1FY25. Return on equity (ROE) was at 15.91% for H1FY26 as against 14.24% for H1FY25.
· Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 19.3% (Tier I –16.9%) as of 30th September 2025 compared to 20.0% (Tier I – 16.4%) as of 30th September 2024.
CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR H1FY26
The consolidated results of SFL include the results of its standalone subsidiaries Sundaram Home Finance, Sundaram Asset Management and joint venture company Royal Sundaram General Insurance.
· The assets under management (AUM) in our lending and general insurance businesses stood at Rs. 83,586 crores as on 30th September 2025 as against Rs. 72,541 crores as on 30th September 2024, a growth of 15%. The assets under management of our asset management business stood at Rs. 82,608 crores as on 30th September 2025 as against Rs. 76,845 crores as on 30th September 2024.
· Profit after tax for H1FY26 grew by 11% to Rs. 963 crores as compared to Rs. 871 crores in H1FY25.
GROUP COMPANY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Our group companies continued to perform well.
· The asset management business closed the half year ended 30th September 2025 with assets under management of Rs. 82,608 crores (around 80% in equity) and consolidated profits from the asset management businesses were at Rs. 91 crores as against Rs. 68 crores in H1FY25.
· Royal Sundaram reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 2,352 crores as compared to Rs. 2,053 crores in the previous year, representing a growth of 15%. The company reported a profit after tax of Rs. 121 crores for H1FY26 as against a profit of Rs. 126 crores in H1FY25.
· Sundaram Home Finance continued to grow strongly with disbursements up by 9% to Rs. 3,169 crores in H1FY26. The profit for H1FY26 was Rs. 137 crores, as against Rs. 111 crores in H1FY25.
3, Nov 2025
Tata AutoComp Showcases Cutting-Edge Rail Solutions at IREE 2025
Pune, India – 03rd November 2025: Tata AutoComp Systems Limited, a leading provider of automotive and mobility component solutions, concluded a highly successful participation at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The auto component conglomerate’s participation marked a significant milestone in its journey of diversification into the railway mobility sector.
The Tata AutoComp booth was inaugurated by the Honourable State Minister of Railway, Mr. Ravneet Singh, alongside BEML Chairman & MD, Shri Shantanu Roy. The booth received an exceptional response from visitors, including distinguished dignitaries from the Railway Ministry, Metro and Urban Transport (MoUD), and prominent industry leaders.
The Tata AutoComp booth attracted significant attention from a broad spectrum of the railway industry for the company’s innovative propulsion systems, lightweight composite components, seating solutions, and HVAC technologies—all engineered to enhance performance, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Key visitors included high-ranking officials from across the entire railway ecosystem, such as leadership from the Ministry of Railways and various Central and Zonal Railway authorities. Further engagement came from critical Production Units like MCF, ICF, and RCF, along with representatives from major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) including BEML, BHEL, and RITES. The booth also hosted experts from crucial Technical and Regulatory bodies such as RDSO and IRSME. Strong interest was shown by leading Private Sector OEMs and suppliers in the mobility space, including Alstom, Hitachi, Titagarh, and Texmaco.
The company has formed strategic partnerships with leading international players such as Škoda, Compin Fainsa, and Air International Thermal Systems to bring advanced global technologies to India. With a strong focus on localization, Tata AutoComp is adapting these technologies to meet Indian requirements—making them cost-competitive, efficient, and aligned with the nation’s mobility vision.
Speaking on the success of the event, Mr. Arvind Goel, Vice Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said,
“India’s railways are on the cusp of a major technological transformation, with trains like Vande Bharat and other new-generation models leading the way. For Tata AutoComp, with our deep expertise in auto components, the railway sector is a natural extension of our capabilities—enabling us to meet the evolving requirements of India’s modern rail ecosystem.”
Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar, Managing Director & CEO, Tata AutoComp Systems, added,
“Tata AutoComp’s participation at IREE 2025 further strengthens the company’s position as a trusted partner in India’s railway modernization journey—leveraging decades of automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise to deliver reliable, localized, and future-ready solutions for the country’s rapidly evolving rail ecosystem.”
Mr. Radek Svoboda, MD & CEO, Škoda Electric, said:
“India’s railway industry is evolving at an extraordinary pace, demanding the latest technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort. Our focus is on bringing advanced, energy-efficient propulsion solutions for intercity and metro applications—supporting India’s vision to localize, modernize, and build world-class, future-ready rail mobility aligned with global standards.”
Marc Jammot, President, Compin Fainsa, said:
“In today’s fast-evolving rail industry, innovation is key to balancing energy efficiency with passenger comfort. We’re developing lighter, ergonomically advanced seating solutions that reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort. By integrating new materials and design technologies, we aim to redefine passenger experience and contribute to sustainable, future-ready rail travel in India.”
3, Nov 2025
Great Place To Work India Study Reveals 54 percent Workforce Uses AI; 49 percent Millennials Fear Job Loss
54 percent of India’s Workforce Now Using AI, Yet 49 percent of Millennials Fear Job Replacement: Great Place To Work® India Study
Mumbai, 3rd November, 2025: Great Place To Work® India, the global authority on workplace culture, has unveiled its latest ‘Voice of India’ study, revealing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the country’s workforce. The findings highlight both growing confidence and lingering concerns as India embraces an AI-driven future.
According to the study, 54% of employees say their organizations are currently at a pilot or intermediate stage of AI implementation signaling steady progress toward a tech-enabled and efficient work environment. The IT sector leads in adoption, followed closely by Financial Services and Insurance, with organizations increasingly focusing on educating employees about responsible and productive AI use.
However, the report also sheds light on workforce anxiety. Four in ten employees fear AI could replace their roles within the next three to five years, with 49% of Millennials expressing this concern most strongly. Among those worried about AI’s impact, 40% are considering leaving their current jobs a challenge that HR and leadership teams must urgently address.
The study notes that AI-related insecurity is highest in organizations at early adoption stages (57%) and lowest in advanced adopters (8%), emphasizing that structured implementation, transparent communication, and leadership support can transform fear into optimism.
Encouragingly, half of the respondents report that their companies are actively helping them learn AI tools through training, experimentation, and responsible-use guidelines. Moreover, 61% of employees in advanced AI organizations feel supported by their leaders in using AI effectively — reinforcing the role of leadership in shaping employee confidence.
“As organizations advance in AI implementation, leaders are designing high impact strategies that enhance human capabilities,” said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work® India. “Our ‘Voice of India’ study shows that Certified™ workplaces report 27% stronger leadership support and readiness for AI adoption. To stay ahead, leaders must identify real AI use cases, involve employees, and invest in reskilling programs.”
The report concludes that Certified™ workplaces stand out for their inclusive and responsible approach to AI, ensuring that technology benefits all employees, regardless of role or seniority.
Ultimately, the study underscores that technology’s success depends on workplace culture — trust, empathy, and transparency are key to ensuring AI empowers, rather than replaces, the human workforce as India moves toward an AI-driven economy.
3, Nov 2025
Saudi Arabia Launches Second Edition of ‘Global Harmony’ with Spotlight on India Week
New Delhi, 3rd November, 2025: The Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, launched the second edition of the ‘Global Harmony’ initiative on November 2, with ‘India Week’ as its inaugural celebration under the Riyadh Season.
Part of the Quality-of-Life Program supporting Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative seeks to celebrate the diversity of residents living in the Kingdom spotlighting their contributions, cultural heritage, and successful integration into Saudi society.
The Global Harmony initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, coexistence, and cross-cultural understanding. It highlights the lives of residents in Saudi Arabia across all aspects professional, social, and recreational and celebrates their role in enriching the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.
As part of this year’s edition, the Ministry of Media, in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), will host a series of cultural and entertainment events within the Riyadh Season. The festivities will begin with ‘India Week’, honoring the Indian community’s longstanding contribution to the Kingdom and showcasing India’s vibrant cultural identity through music, dance, cuisine, art, and traditional crafts. Prominent Indian media representatives, artists, and cultural personalities will participate, highlighting the shared cultural bridge between the two nations.
Appreciating the efforts by the Ministry of Media and the General Entertainment Authority for organizing the Indian cultural festival at the Suwaidi Park in Riyadh under the Global Harmony Initiative, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said “Building on the success of the last edition in 2024, this year’s preparations promise to be an even bigger celebration of Indian music, dance, cuisines and handicraft, with the participation of well-known Indian artists and performers. I once again complement the Ministry of Media and the General Entertainment Authority for their significant contribution in promoting cross-cultural understanding under the Global Harmony Initiative. It’s an excellent effort to build cultural bridges, promote stronger people-to-people ties and reaffirm the close historical bonds between India and Saudi Arabia.”
The wider Global Harmony Initiative will celebrate 14 diverse cultures represented by residents in the Kingdom, including those from India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Uganda, and Ethiopia among others. The events will feature concerts, traveling performances, family-friendly cultural activities, traditional foods, and handicraft showcases, welcoming citizens and residents of all nationalities.
3, Nov 2025
Dr. Bhupesh Bagga Elected OMIG President at LVPEI’s Bug Busters 5 and AMR Awareness Run
Leadership and learning at LVPEI: Dr Bhupesh Bagga elected OMIG President amid Bug Busters 5 and AMR Awareness Run
Hyderabad, 3rd November, 2025: Dr Bhupesh Bagga, Consultant Ophthalmologist – Cornea & Anterior Segment at L V Prasad Eye Institute was elected as president of the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group, (eyeomig.org/Facebook) an international non-profit organization of physicians and scientists who focus on the study of “bugs and drugs” in the eye.
The group was established in 1990 and is based in Pittsburgh, USA. The group’s core mission is to present new information on ocular infections, the immune system’s response to them, and related treatments. Participation in their annual meeting where they discuss topics like infectious agents, immunity, inflammation, and new data and statistical analysis is much sought after by scientists and clinicians worldwide.
Dr Bhupesh spearheaded the Bug Busters 5 Conference organized by LVPEI between Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025. The conference saw in-person and virtual participation of both national and international speakers. Around 120 delegates from across India participated in the three-day conference. Papers and sessions were presented on various aspects of ocular immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Corneal infections pose significant challenges to eye health, and finding effective solutions requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bug Busters was conceived by LVPEI to explore the latest advancements in corneal infection research and enable multidisciplinary collaboration among ophthalmologists, microbiologists, immunologists, and other professionals working in the domain. It brings together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians from around the world to exchange knowledge, present groundbreaking findings, and discuss cutting-edge strategies in the field of corneal infections.
Bug Busters 5 enabled engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and thought-provoking presentations that delved into the complex nature of corneal infections and explored innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
As part of Bug Busters 5, a ‘Race Against Resistance AMR Awareness 4K Challenge’ was organized today, starting at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Banjara Hills. The run was organized as a precursor to the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), a global campaign held annually from November 18–24 to raise awareness about Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and promote best practices to combat it.
On this occasion Dr Shivaranjani Santosh, Paediatrician, Magna Centres for Obesity, Diabetes, and Endocrinology, Hyderabad; said, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) arises from the excessive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are misused, they lose their effectiveness, failing to work when they are truly needed to fight bacterial infections. Tragically, many lives are being lost because medicines that once saved lives no longer work. We must act responsibly. Avoid buying antibiotics over the counter or using them for every minor illness, many ailments are caused by viruses or other non-bacterial factors where antibiotics offer no benefit. Antibiotics should be used only when bacterial infection is confirmed, strongly suspected, or in high-risk cases where timely intervention is critical. The government must strictly regulate over-the-counter antibiotic sales. Patients should stop self-medicating. Doctors must prescribe antibiotics judiciously, and RMPs should refrain from administering high-dose antibiotics or steroids unnecessarily, such practices can endanger lives.
Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI); said, Indiscriminate use of antibiotics poses a serious threat to our community. I urge everyone not to buy medicines over the counter, and never to use antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. Always ensure that you complete the full course prescribed, stopping midway only fuels resistance. When we use antibiotics responsibly, not just for humans, but also in poultry and animal husbandry, we can collectively overcome this growing menace and safeguard health for generations to come.
Dr Ponnari Gottipati, Associate Director Research, LVPEI & Co-Founder, Super Heroes against Superbugs; said, Antimicrobial resistance is fast emerging as a grave concern for humanity. The very antibiotics that empower us to treat critical ailments, from cancer therapies and organ transplants to cesarean deliveries, are losing their power. These wonder drugs help us fight infections that arise during such treatments, but their overuse and misuse are rendering them ineffective. Today, antibiotics are being consumed excessively, often without need or proper guidance. This alarming trend means that even minor infections, which were once easily curable, could soon become life-threatening. The lack of awareness around this issue is a serious challenge. This run is our collective step towards creating awareness. We aim to educate everyone on the responsible use of antibiotics, understanding when they are necessary, when they are not, and why they should never be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Buying antibiotics over the counter, sharing them between patients, or stopping the course midway, all these practices fuel resistance. Completing the full course as prescribed by a medical professional is vital to ensure antibiotics remain effective for everyone. Together, we can fight this invisible enemy. Through this awareness run, let’s pledge to use antibiotics wisely and safeguard their power for future generations.
Organized in collaboration with Superheroes Against Superbugs initiative, the run included a fun element where runners solved puzzles related to antimicrobial resistance. About 200 enthusiastic clinicians, scientists and the public participated in the run to create awareness on the harmful effects of the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) is one of the fastest-growing health threats of our time and most people don’t even know they could be contributing to it! Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
The latest AMR report by the World Health Organization (WHO) quotes experts describe findings, “as deeply concerning and predict 70% increase in related deaths by 2050.” It also states, “more than 40% of antibiotics losing potency against common blood, gut, urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections between 2018 and 2023.”
India ranks among the top countries globally for age-standardized mortality due to AMR. In 2019, India had approximately 297,000 deaths directly attributable to AMR and over 1,042,500 deaths associated with AMR as a contributing factor. About 66-67% of reported AMR cases were from the productive age group of 15 to 64 years. The high rates of infectious diseases make antibiotic use—and misuse especially important to create awareness about.
3, Nov 2025
RayEthnic: India’s Ethnic Wear Expands to 15 Stores by Unveiling Its New Experience Store
Mumbai, India | Nov 3, 2025: RayEthnic, the purpose-driven ethnic wear label known for blending India’s rich textile heritage with contemporary design, has expanded its footprint to 15 stores nationwide with the launch of its new experience store on Sindhu Bhavan Road, Ahmedabad. The milestone marks a significant chapter in the brand’s journey of empowering artisans, reviving traditional crafts, and redefining modern ethnic fashion.
Founded in the early 2000s by Mrs. Patel, a former pharmaceutical professional turned fashion entrepreneur, RayEthnic started as an initiative to provide meaningful employment to women displaced by economic downturns in Gujarat’s diamond industry. What began as a mission to support skilled women artisans has evolved into a national movement in handcrafted ethnic wear, combining tradition, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics.
“Fashion for me was never about trends,” says Mrs. Patel. “It was about creating dignified work, preserving craft, and telling stories of resilience through every thread. Today, seeing our artisans thrive and our stores reach across India is deeply rewarding.”
A Hub for Heritage and Modern Design
The new experience store is designed to immerse visitors in the story of India’s handloom traditions, offering a curated collection of ethnic wear that celebrates craft, culture, and conscious design. Visitors can explore exclusive handcrafted pieces created in collaboration with master artisans such as:
Mohammad Ismail Khatri – Bagh printing
Mukkanteswarudu (Eswarudu) – Kalamkari
Subrata Das – Jamdani weaving
These collaborations are long-term partnerships, not vendor relationships, ensuring the preservation of heritage crafts while reimagining them for contemporary wardrobes.
Empowering Women, Sustaining Craft
Today, RayEthnic directly supports over 1,000 women artisans,providing sustainable livelihoods and championing slow fashion practices. With minimal, meaningful, and deeply Indian designs, the brand is redefining luxury as authenticity, craftsmanship, and conscious consumption.
“Every piece we create is more than clothing- it’s a narrative of heritage, identity, and hope,” adds Mrs. Patel.
1, Nov 2025
BUSINESSNEXT recognized among top global firms in Customer Service Solutions Landscape report
New Delhi, India, 1st November, 2025: Indian deep tech firm, BUSINESSNEXT, has been recognized among top global platforms in “The Customer Service Solutions Landscape, Q3 2025” report by Forrester.
The report provides an overview of 34 global vendors to give customer service business and IT leaders insights into the value they can expect from customer service solution vendors, learn how vendors differ, and investigate options based on size and market focus.
The report highlights a rapid shift in banking and insurance towards AI-first operations. According to Forrester’s survey, 71% of customer service leaders in the private sector cite customer experience improvement as their top business priority over the next 12 months, with nearly 73% planning to adopt AI-powered customer service solutions within the year. As the report details, agentic and generative AI are now moving from experimental pilots to large-scale, cost-optimizing platforms, reshaping how BFSI leaders meet fast-changing expectations and regulatory requirements.
In the report, BUSINESSNEXT self-reported the extended use cases of Agent performance management, AI- agent assist, customer self-service as the top three use cases for which clients select them. Its offerings deliver seamless voice and digital support, automate ticketing and workflows, and empower agents with actionable insights and recommended actions.
“AI is enabling Indian banks and insurers to scale up customer experience while reducing complexity and cost,” said Rahul Sheth, Head of Marketing at BUSINESSNEXT.
The report explains how customer service solutions are helping organizations move toward autonomous operations. They automate routine requests, improve self-service, and use AI to analyze data, personalize support, and reduce costs. These solutions also provide useful dashboards for better agent performance and use flexible system designs that are ready for future AI advancements.
“We believe our inclusion in Forrester’s industry landscape as a customer service solutions provider notes our commitment to building autonomous, resilient, and highly personalized digital journeys. BUSINESSNEXT leverages advanced AI, cloud-native deployments, and domain expertise to help our clients realize true autonomous banking—where self-driving processes, integrated AI agents, and predictive analytics are the norm”, added, Sheth.
