Make your Valentine’s Day an unforgettable occasion along with your cherished one at By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore this 14th of February. Toast to love over a Valentine’s dinner expertly prepared by Chef Pradip and his culinary team.

Dine with your date and savor dishes from a menu crafted with love. Featuring dishes crafted with care and passion, the menu includes tantalizing appetizers like Sweet Potato and Beetroot Hearts and flavorful entrees such as Chettinad Chicken Tikka and Murgh Sahjani. Conclude your romantic meal with a decadent Red Velvet Rasmalai. Each course is exclusively curated to enchant your Valentine’s Day experience.

Revel in a romantic atmosphere along with your sweetheart and spend an evening enjoying a gourmet meal and making memorable moments.

What: Valentine’s Day Dinner at Grand Mercure Mysore
Where: By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore
When:14th February 2025 (7 pm-11 pm Dinner)

Unveiling ‘9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: Twin Flames’ by author Harish C. Rijhwani: The third installment in the 9 to 5 Cubicle Tales series. A fast-paced corporate journey with a heartfelt love story woven in.

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2025: Seasoned Author Harish C. Rijhwani returns with the third part of his Novel titled “9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: Twin Flames”. The book is an engaging blend of corporate drama, witty storytelling, emotional depth, and soft romance.

Harish C. Rijhwani crafts an intricate narrative that resonates with young professionals navigating the highs and lows of corporate life. Initial reviews describe Twin Flames as a book that seamlessly blends corporate life, personal growth, and a serendipitous love story. The narrative is a compelling exploration of twin flames – two souls destined to meet, characterized by remarkable coincidences and a deep, almost predestined connection.

The author’s lucid writing style brings scenes to life with vivid descriptions, humor, and authentic emotional depth, making the story engaging and relatable. It also reflects the author’s dedication to creating a memorable experience, making the readers feel as though they are watching the plot unfold through the author’s eyes.

The book stands out for its balanced portrayal of the protagonist’s multifaceted life, showcasing his ability to navigate professional challenges, personal learning, family dynamics, and a budding romantic relationship.

Harish Rijhwani’s storytelling is crisp, engaging, and filled with moments that make you laugh, reflect, and sometimes even reminisce about your journey. A remarkable aspect of this part is the use of poetry and poetical phrases in specific chapters, which is both amusing and delightful & highlights the author’s poetic skills.

The Cubicle Tales series weaves simple experiences into entertaining and thought-provoking narratives. Whether it’s navigating office politics, celebrating small wins, or the unforgettable bonds formed during corporate and college days, these tales strike a chord. This series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys relatable life experiences with a touch of fiction and a lot of heart.

New Delhi, 12 February 2025 – LG Electronics India today released a captivating video for its campaign ‘Life’s Good When Life’s Shared,’ calling on the youth to embrace the power of blood donation. The video captures the spirit of giving and highlights how a simple act can create a profound impact on countless lives.

This campaign video resonates well with socially conscious young individuals who are eager to make a difference. It portrays the joy and camaraderie that come with donating blood, reinforcing the belief that life is truly good when shared with others.

The video, featuring the young generation of today, opens with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the vital role of blood donation in saving lives and fostering community spirit. Through engaging visuals and an uplifting narrative, it showcases the transformative impact of small acts of kindness. The campaign jingle, infused with vibrant beats and an infectious hook, further amplifies the message, making it both memorable and emotionally compelling.

The campaign will have a robust digital presence, leveraging influencers, user-generated content, and social media activations to encourage participation. It invites individuals to take a pledge to donate blood, fostering a sense of purpose and collective action.

This video is released in the backdrop of LG’s Mega Blood Donation Drive across 69 cities. Over two months, 400 blood donation camps will be set up in collaboration with credible NGOs and blood banks to ensure safety and efficiency. Over the years, LG has successfully mobilized thousands of donors, reinforcing its commitment to making a tangible difference in public health and well-being.

With ‘Life’s Good When Life’s Shared,’ LG continues to reinforce its commitment to social responsibility, using the power of storytelling to drive real-world impact.

Hyderabad, February 12, 2025 – The Economic Times announces a landmark gathering of Global Capability Center (GCC) leaders and innovators at the ET GCC Growth Summit 2025. The summit will take place on February 13, 2025, at Trident Hyderabad, bringing together industry pioneers who are shaping India’s future as a global innovation hub.

Telangana’s IT Minister, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, will inaugurate the event, joined by Special Chief Secretary Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s GCC ecosystem.

The summit has drawn remarkable interest, with over 500 delegates and 45 speakers from leading global organizations confirmed to participate. Half of the attendees represent senior and top management positions, creating an environment for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Key Focus Areas:

•  Innovation strategies driving next-generation GCC operations
•  Emerging opportunities in agri-tech, education, and aerospace
•  Implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives
•  Practical applications of generative AI under the DPDP Act
•  Talent development for global operations

Distinguished speakers include Goldman Sachs India Co-Chairman Gunjan Samtani, JPMorgan Chase Managing Director Genevieve D’Souza, and Lloyds Technology Centre India CEO Sirisha Voruganti. They will share insights on critical topics, such as inter-GCC collaboration and technology-driven business transformation.

The Knowledge Arena, a dedicated networking space, will facilitate discussions between industry leaders and professionals at all levels. This platform creates opportunities for meaningful connections and knowledge exchange among the GCC community.

India’s GCC landscape, currently home to over 1,500 centers across various sectors, continues to expand into new territories including hospitality, media, and quick-service restaurants. The summit will explore these growth opportunities while addressing practical challenges facing the industry.

“GCCs are instrumental in driving both business transformation and India’s economic growth,” notes Shri D. Sridhar Babu. “This summit provides a platform to strengthen collaboration and innovation within the ecosystem.”

Mumbai, 12th February 2025: Unix, a leading consumer electronics and mobile accessories brand, recently hosted its Channel Partner Connect 2025 in Thailand, bringing together over 325 channel partners from across India. The event served as a platform to reflect on key milestones achieved in 2024, discuss industry trends, strengthen partnerships, and outline future business strategies

The gathering featured insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, offering channel partners key updates on market dynamics, product innovations, and business expansion plans. The event also recognized the contributions of partners and reinforced Unix’s commitment to fostering long-term collaborations. As part of the experience, attendees explored Thailand’s renowned attractions, including Coral Island, Gems Gallery, the Golden and Marble Buddha temples, and Safari World.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Imran Kagalwala, Co-founder of Unix, said, “Our channel partners are integral to making Unix products accessible to consumers across India. This event provided an opportunity to connect with them directly, exchange insights, and strengthen our collaboration in navigating the evolving market landscape. It is also our way of expressing gratitude for their continued support and trust in Unix.”

Unix has built a robust offline distribution network, comprising over 70 super stockists, 4,000 distributors, and a retail presence in 500 cities. With a significant share of its business coming from Tier II and Tier III cities, the company continues to expand its reach while introducing new initiatives to empower and support its partners.

BANGALORE, India, February 12, 2025 – Verint (NASDAQ: VRNT), The CX Automation Company™, announced today that its Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Bangalore, India, is expanding, marking a significant milestone in Verint’s commitment to innovation and growth.

The decision to establish the Bangalore location as a GIC and invest in expansion is a direct result of the significant momentum Verint has attained in CX Automation and its unique ability to deliver tangible AI Business Outcomes, NowTM. Verint serves some of the world’s most iconic brands, including approximately more than 80 of the Fortune 100. The new GIC model will further equip Verint to meet the evolving needs of customers with the most current AI-powered solutions.

Workforce Expansion in India

Verint’s presence in India – a renowned global technology talent hub – spans more than 20 years. With a workforce that has grown significantly year over year at the Bangalore location, Verint plans to continue to expand the GIC to approximately 1,000 employees by the end of 2026. This recruitment drive will focus on attracting top-tier talent in AI, data science, research and more, contributing to local employment and economic development.

“As the CX Automation space continues to evolve, Verint is well positioned to accelerate development of best-in-class solutions that deliver stronger, faster AI business outcomes at scale,” says Verint’s Rob Scudiere, chief technology officer. “Our goal with Verint’s Bangalore GIC is to attract top-tier talent, fostering a diverse team of innovators who will continue to shape the future of customer engagement.”

12th February 2025 India: Berger Paints India Ltd, India’s 2nd largest paint and coatings company, celebrates a century of operations in India and strategically relocates its headquarters to New Town, Kolkata’s burgeoning business hub. Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Industries, Commerce & Enterprises and Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare of the Government of West Bengal, Dr. Shashi Panja along with the senior management of Berger Paints officially inaugurated the new headquarters in New Town. The eight-storeyed office building spans approximately 190,000 square feet, resembling the shape of a paint can.

Mr. Abhijit Roy, MD & CEO, of Berger Paints India Limited commented, “From our inception in Bengal to celebrating a centenary in India, we’ve consistently reinforced our commitment to the state’s socio-economic growth. Our new headquarters in New Town, Kolkata, epitomizes our focus on creating an agile, future-ready workspace. Starting with a modest facility in Howrah in 1923, we have evolved into the second-largest player in Bengal by market capitalization. While many companies relocated, we’ve firmly embedded ourselves in Bengal’s socio-economic fabric. Of our three operational units, two—ICI India’s Rishra unit and STP’s Singur unit—were strategically acquired, and upgraded to state-of-the-art manufacturing hubs with advanced technologies and expanded capacities. Our acquisitions focus on responsible talent retention, ensuring seamless integration and continuity of the workforce.

Operating from Bengal, we have successfully penetrated global markets, establishing ourselves as the 7th largest architectural coatings company worldwide. Over the past 100 years, we have been able to secure the grounds by the dint of which we have been able to be part of some of the most prestigious projects of the country. From painting the walls of the Indian Parliament House to the Vande Bharat train, Kolkata Metro, the iconic Wankhede Stadium, and many other prestigious landmarks, we have left our mark on some of India’s most iconic infrastructure projects. As the 2nd largest decorative paints company in India, we are scaling our retail presence with a targeted focus on the high-potential Southern and Western India.”

Berger Paints’ new headquarters is a vibrant reflection of the brand’s core values, with a rainbow-inspired color scheme that showcases innovation and creativity. Each floor of the building represents a band of VIBGYOR. As a leader in the paints and coatings industry, the office’s dynamic aesthetic highlights its commitment to color, branding, and forward-thinking excellence. The office has an integrated museum that exhibits a curated collection of exceptional art pieces. The visionary workspace has been meticulously designed to cultivate an environment that stimulates creativity and empowers to envision limitless possibilities. The in-built art gallery also showcases Berger Paints’ exclusive My Color App, offering visitors an interactive, seamless experience to effortlessly explore and select shades with precision and ease. Largely powered by solar energy, Berger Paints’ new headquarters is a LEED-certified Platinum green building. Berger Paints organized a nationwide competition for Fine Arts students whose creative artwork adorns the interiors of the building.

Berger Paints has evolved from an INR 100-crore organization to a robust INR 12,000-crore multinational enterprise, achieving remarkable growth while retaining its headquarters in Bengal. The Company currently holds a market share of 22%. Berger Paints’ steadfast growth is demonstrated by a remarkable surge in its revenue from operations, from INR 6366 crores in FY2019-20 to INR 11,199 crores in FY2023-24. Ranked as the 7th largest architectural coatings company worldwide, Berger Paints operates 29 manufacturing facilities across India, Nepal, Poland, and Russia. Having achieved ₹10,000 crore revenue in its centenary year, Berger Paints aims to reach ₹20,000 crore by 2030.

With three operational manufacturing facilities in Bengal, Berger Paints plays a key role in driving employment opportunities across the state. The Kolkata-based multi-national Company employs a talent pool of 4,000+ professionals and has established a strategic association with over 5 lakh painters. The Company is poised to inaugurate a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Panagarh, West Bengal, following which it will repurpose its heritage Howrah plant—the longest-running operational paint facility—into a world-class innovation and R&D center. With its promoters based in Delhi, it is a unique organization as its professionally managed and run from its headquarters in Kolkata since its inception.

Berger Paints’ stellar trajectory is driven by its consistent efforts to deliver innovative solutions to its customers, over non-contextual product launches. The Company has been at the forefront of industry innovation, launching trailblazing solutions such as India’s inaugural tinting system, Colour Bank, the revolutionary Weathercoat Anti Dust with dust-repellent technology, and India’s first end-to-end painting service – Express Painting, Berger Paints Easy Clean, one of the most effective washable paints. The company offers a comprehensive selection of waterproofing solutions, including products like Home Shield and Dampstop, among others. Some of these products and services were introduced at a time when the sector’s adoption of such advanced technologies was minimal.

New Delhi, 12th February 2025: Thums Up, Coca-Cola India’s iconic billion-dollar homegrown brand, has launched its latest campaign, “Dum Hai Toh Dikha”, a bold call to the youth who strive for greatness and thrive in the face of challenges. The brand brings in two cinematic legends—Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun— for a power-packed campaign. Both icons epitomize the essence of “Dum Hai Toh Dikha,” embodying a relentless drive that mirrors Thums Up’s signature intensity.

For decades, Thums Up has stood as a symbol of unwavering strength and resilience, with its bold taste and unmistakable thunder making it the preferred choice of those who go all in. More than just a beverage, Thums Up has been a companion for those who never back down. With “Dum Hai Toh Dikha,” the brand amplifies this legacy, encouraging today’s generation to step up with determination and own their moment.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head – Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Thums Up has consistently championed those who rise to challenges, demonstrating their resolve through action. The new campaign ‘Dum Hai Toh Dikha’ reinforces this ethos, urging the youth to step forward and show the world what they’re made of. The unprecedented collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun makes this campaign extremely special for us. The two cinematic legends epitomize the perseverance and strength that Thums Up embodies, making this collaboration a perfect match.”

Allu Arjun said, “Collaborating with Thums Up has been an incredible experience. The campaign resonates deeply with my belief in forging your path and proving your worth. I’m excited to be part of a campaign that inspires this generation to take on challenges fearlessly.”

Shah Rukh Khan said, “I’ve always believed that real strength is about standing tall in the face of adversity. That’s what Thums Up has symbolized for years, and ‘Dum Hai Toh Dikha’ brings this belief to life in the most powerful way.”

Commenting on the creative insight behind the campaign, Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India says “Dum Hai Toh Dikha is a power-packed challenge to India’s youth. In a world that tells them to wait, Thums Up tells them to go for it. Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun unleash high-octane action, leading the charge as mentors who challenge the youth to take on the odds and prove their mettle. This a new era for Thums Up, the ultimate energizer for the youth.”

The campaign’s momentum continues to build, with 360° integrated experiences paving the way for more action—connected packs and an engaging digital platform set to roll out soon. With a legacy of bold campaigns, Thums Up continues to redefine storytelling, making the brand a cultural phenomenon that promises to captivate and inspire.

New Delhi, February 12, 2025 — Furthering the impact of its SkillUp India 4.0, launched in partnership with NSDC, NxtWave, a pioneer in upskilling India’s youth in emerging technologies, has partnered with TIER IV, the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving headquartered in Japan, and the Autoware Foundation, world’s leading open-source software project for autonomous driving, to officially build World’s Largest Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Developer Community.

This groundbreaking partnership aims to position India at the forefront of the global Physical AI revolution. Under this partnership, Indian youth will be equipped with future-ready skills in the rapidly advancing autonomous vehicle sector, bridging the gap between academic curricula and industry requirements.

By integrating artificial intelligence with real-world physical systems, Physical AI is set to transform industries such as transportation, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. This initiative not only addresses the growing demand for AI-driven mobility solutions but also empowers young innovators with hands-on experience and globally relevant expertise to build intelligent autonomous systems that enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation.

Launched in the esteemed presence of Shri Ved Mani Tiwari (NSDC), Mr. Shinpei Kato (TIER IV,) and Mr. Christian John (the Autoware Foundation), this initiative marks a significant step toward bridging skill gaps and catalyzing innovation in AV technology. The AV Developer Community aims to tackle key challenges in India’s talent pipeline, including a lack of awareness about AV technology, an industry-academia disconnect, and the need for a globally competitive workforce in AI-driven mobility. Through this partnership, India is poised to lead the Physical AI revolution, attracting global investments, fostering research, and driving technological breakthroughs across multiple sectors.

Talking about the partnership at the event, Mr Rahul Attuluri, Founder and CEO of NxtWave said, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership, which aligns perfectly with our mission to create a future-ready workforce. By merging NxtWave’s extensive upskilling framework with TIER IV and Autoware’s cutting-edge open-source technology, we are confident in our ability to transform India’s position in AV and Physical AI innovation.”

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC & MD, NSDC International, spoke at the event about the unique opportunity this partnership provides, stating, “This strategic partnership represents a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards technological leadership. By equipping our youth with cutting-edge autonomous vehicle skills, we are not just filling a talent gap – we are positioning India as a global hub for Physical AI innovation. This aligns perfectly with NSDC’s vision of creating a future-ready workforce that can drive our nation’s growth in emerging technologies.”

Sharing insights about the partnership, Mr Shinpei Kato, Founder and CEO of TIER IV, and Chairman of the Autoware Foundation, said “Our mission has always been to advance the deployment of autonomous driving technology. Through this partnership with NxtWave, we aim to channel our expertise into structured courses that provide both conceptual knowledge and practical application, fostering a new generation of innovators.”

Mr Christian John, President of TIER IV North America and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee at the Autoware Foundation highlighted the importance of this collaboration, adding, “At the Autoware Foundation, we aim to advance open-source autonomous driving more through global collaboration. This partnership with NxtWave and NSDC creates a platform for Indian students to gain hands-on experience, contribute to cutting-edge research, and join a global AV developer community, accelerating innovation in autonomous mobility.”

To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, the program will adopt both offline and online learning models and provide localized content in regional languages empowering students across India. NxtWave is further committed to integrating insights from the collaboration to refine its AV curriculum and introduce new specialized tracks.

The immediate outcomes of the launch are expected to include increased awareness of AV career prospects, core AV skills among youth and strengthened collaboration between industry and academia. In the long term, the initiative aims to create a robust talent pipeline, drive the emergence of new startups and research initiatives, and enhance India’s reputation as a hub for advanced autonomous systems development.

Beyond the AV sector, the initiative is expected to have ripple effects on adjacent industries such as logistics, healthcare, and agriculture. Potential applications include driverless trucks, autonomous medical drones, and autonomous tractors.

The initiative also aligns with the Indian government’s vision for emerging technologies, with the potential for regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships to scale pilot projects into national initiatives.

Bangalore 12 Feb 2024: Propelld today unveiled its comprehensive report “Karnataka’s Education Loan Story – Trends, Insights and Impact”, spotlighting transformative trends in the state’s education financing landscape over the past five years. The report delves into significant growth areas, including a surge in women education loan applicants, the increasing demand for tech-driven upskilling to meet evolving job market needs, early-career professionals prioritizing short-term certifications, and the rapid rise of Tier 2 cities like Mysore, Belgaum, and Dharwad as emerging education hubs.

It further elaborates on the micro-trends driven by demography, gender, and course preferences across different cities in Karnataka from 2019-2024.

Brijesh Samantaray, co-founder, of Propelld, said, “Karnataka is witnessing a transformative shift in education financing, driven by a tech-first approach that replaces traditional brick-and-mortar models. We have disbursed 319.94 Cr of funds over the past 5 years in Karnataka. Only 6% percent of Propelld’s Non-Performing Assets comes from Karnataka, which speaks highly about the awareness among residents about the importance of higher education. The state is the second highest loan amount contributor among all Indian states. This has been made possible by government initiatives that have spurred significant progress in Gross Enrolment Ratio for higher education, even among tribal students and a thriving ecosystem of job opportunities and partnerships.”

Top 5 Cities with Most Loan Takers:

Bangalore

Mysore

Belgaum

Dharwad

Kolar

Speaking about the findings, Propelld co-founder Victor Senapaty said: “Digital lending innovations are bridging gaps, democratizing access to education financing, and driving inclusivity across socio-economic strata. Tier 2 cities such as Mysore, Belgaum, Dharwad, and Kolar are becoming strongholds for educational investments driven by improving access to quality education.

“The growing share of education loans for self-employed individuals marks a significant shift in lending. Traditionally excluded by conventional lenders due to income instability, these borrowers now benefit from digital lending and alternative credit assessments. Post-COVID, self-employed families increasingly recognize the value of higher education, leading to greater investments in their children’s futures. This trend highlights how digital transformation is making education loans more inclusive and expanding access for underserved groups.”

Tech-driven job market dominates course preference: The report provides insights into several upskilling trends including the demand for Data Science among mid-career learners although the number of general applicants for Data Science courses has dropped significantly.

Women in STEM and leadership

Speaking about the need to incorporate gender diversity in corporates, Bibhu Prasad Das, Co-founder, of Propelld, said: “Although the number of women education loan takers has witnessed a 30% growth in 5 years, there is a need to encourage women in their early career stage to grow and learn in their careers. Policy level changes, both at government and at corporate level, will be crucial to enable gender balance in the workspace over the next decade.”

According to the report, 18.6% of women in the 25–30 age group take a loan for upskilling, compared to 21% of men.

“The steady rise in female education loan borrowers, increasing from 26.32% in 2019 to 34.11% in 2024, signals a pivotal societal shift. This change likely stems from greater emphasis on women’s empowerment, increasing career aspirations, and growing acceptance of higher education for women, especially in the past five years. Targeted policies, awareness campaigns, and financial inclusivity efforts have brought about these numbers. As women’s participation continues to grow, the education financing market is evolving to meet their needs, indicating a broader cultural transformation where equal access to education is becoming a norm, fostering long-term social and economic progress,” said Bibhu.