Paytm Foundation, UNEP Launch Phase 2 of Air Quality Action Forum

Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced starting of the second phase of Air Quality Action Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supported by Paytm Foundation. The initiative aims to support India’s clean air mission by fostering collaboration, driving awareness, and enabling scalable, technology-led solutions.

The Second Phase of the Air Quality Action Forum will serve as a centralized platform to share knowledge, best practices, and practical solutions for air quality management. It is designed to empower policymakers, civic agencies, researchers, and communities with access to data-driven tools and public education resources. The initiative also emphasizes citizen engagement and behavioural change as key pillars for long-term impact.

This Phase leverages technology, real-time data, and multi-sector partnerships to enable the implementation of innovative and scalable interventions for improving air quality. It aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the execution of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), supporting both policy-level planning and on-ground execution.

Announced at the event, Aironomics 2025: Unlocking India’s Blue Skies Economy is a flagship summit anchored by the Bharat Climate Forum and inspired by the vision of the Swadeshi Principles of CIEU with Dalberg and the Council of International Economic Understanding. The summit convenes national and state leaders, experts, and industry stakeholders to promote unified airshed strategies, align cross-agency policies, and scale innovation across sectors such as clean energy, mobility, and waste management, all contributing to a healthier and more resilient economy.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, Air pollution affects every one of us — in our homes, on our streets, and in the lives of our children. This initiative is a step towards enabling informed action, where science, technology, and awareness come together to make clean air a shared priority. We value the ongoing efforts by government bodies working to improve air quality and hope this platform can strengthen and support those efforts by encouraging active collaboration and citizen engagement.”

Dr. Balakrishna, Head of UNEP India said, “Tackling air pollution requires united, science-backed action across all levels of society. This collaboration with the Paytm Foundation brings together policy, technology, and grassroots engagement, a combination that is critical to building sustainable air quality solutions. The Second Phase of AQAF will serve as a key driver in India’s efforts to meet its clean air targets and protect the health of its people and environment.”

Paytm Founder & CEO has been named as UN’s environment patron for clean air. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support the UN Environment’s global BreatheLife campaign, which aims to raise awareness about urgent social and environmental challenges and address them through collaborative action.

Prosus Empowers Women Entrepreneurs with Tech FoundHER Challenge 2025 Awards

Ritu Srivastava, Co-Founder of TheLightbulb.AI named winner of Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge 2025

New Delhi, India – 02 June 2025 – Ritu Srivastava, Co-Founder of TheLightbulb has been named the winner of the Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge 2025 at an awards ceremony held at Bangalore’s Oberoi Hotel, attended by former Minister of Education of India, Smriti Irani. The national competition celebrated India’s most promising women-led tech startups and offered equity-free grants from Prosus, a leading global investor in technology. As the winning female founder, Ritu was awarded an equity-free grant of US$50k.

TheLightbulb, a full-stack emotion AI platform that uses visual AI and conversational AI to generate real-time emotion and engagement analytics for digital user interactions, earned the first prize from over 120 applicants and seven finalists. The second-place award went to Shailja Mittal, Founder of RxMen, a men’s health platform using AI for root-cause-based treatment, and the third-place award was shared by Mansi Jain, CEO of Digital Paani, an IoT platform for wastewater treatment, and Ankita Garg, Co-Founder and COO or Varaha ClimateAg, a carbon removal startup.

The other top finalists included: Annu Talreja, Founder of AccaciaHanit Awal, Co-Founder of Darwix AI; Mansi Jain, CEO of Digital Paani; and Akanksha Hazari, Founder and CEO of LoveLocal.

The Tech FoundHER Challenge, launched earlier this year on International Women’s Day, is a new program from Prosus addressing the global disparity in venture capital funding, where less than 5% goes to female-founded startups. Research from Springboard Enterprises shows women-led companies deliver 35% higher ROI—making it both an equity and business imperative.

Prajna Khanna, Global Head of Sustainability at Prosus Group, said: “We launched this challenge to spotlight and support women building game-changing solutions in tech. The quality of innovation we’ve seen is inspiring—and this is just the beginning.”

Winners were selected by an esteemed judging panel, including: Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner of Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund; Apurva Dixit, Investor at Blume Ventures; Ronak Sandil, Director of Investments and Corporate Development at Amazon; Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital; Martin Tshopp, CEO, Prosus Ventures; and Priyanka Chopra, CFO, Prosus Ventures.

To apply, companies were required to have at least one female founder in a leadership role, be at the pre-Series A to Series B growth stage and be revenue-generating while showing show market validation. Applications were assessed based on criteria related to innovation, market potential, scalability, and impact.

Prosus was proud to partner with women founded companies, Encubay and Vaia Climate, on this important initiative.

Via Bianca Opens in Delhi: A Regional Italian Culinary Journey Curated with CYK Hospitalities

New Delhi, 2nd June, 2025 – CYK Hospitalities, the premier F&B consultancy in India, announces the launch of Via Biancaa niche, regional Italian restaurant situated in the iconic N Block Market, GK I, New Delhi. With this endeavor, CYK continues to raise the bar for exquisitely crafted F&B concepts focused on a blend of authenticity, operational finesse and visionary collaborations.

Via Bianca is the dream project of Chef Kamalika Anand, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, London, and ALMA, Italy. After years of international experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and European culinary landscapes, Kamalika wished to create a place that would truly represent Italy’s regional cuisine and culinary culture. Via Bianca is rooted in tradition, simply presented, and served with soul. The ambiance of the restaurant is understated elegance, presenting an ambience that emulates the rustic charm of Italian homes with sleek modernity—open kitchen, pasta shaping station and wood-fired oven are some of its highlights.

The menu ventures into the realm of delicacies consisting of Strata Bianca di Zucchini, Spaghetti all’ Assassina and Tigelle ‘Nduja, among others, bringing forth an array of ingredients and techniques that honour Italy’s myriad regions. The idea goes from striving to appeal to the varied tastes of the seasoned diner and the curious one for whom the Italian food serenade should be kept a bit warmer and more familiar.

Chef Kamalika Anand shares the sentiment: “Via Bianca has lived in my head and heart for a long time. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a tribute to the Italy I studied, lived, and loved. CYK Hospitalities didn’t just consult; they helped me channel a dream into something real. Every inch of Via Bianca carries a piece of my journey and hard work, backed by their strategic brilliance.

CYK Hospitality worked alongside the brand team to ensure the narrative was passed on to an ergonomic operational structure. Whether it was designing a back kitchen workflow or maturing the guest journey, on every touchpoint was supposed to exist the spirit of Via Bianca.

Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities, stated, “Via Bianca is a reflection of meaningful collaboration. We saw Kamalika’s passion and aligned it with a solid framework, from planning to execution. This project shows how soulful cuisine can meet market-smart strategy without compromise.

 

Via Bianca is not just another restaurant; in a silent revolution, it is changing the dining world in Delhi. With heartfelt precision and determination, it has shown that a regional cuisine-led format can become a landmark of its own. With CYK Hospitalities in charge of conceptual and operational domains, Via Bianca is going to turn into the new hallmark of experiential dining in the capital.

India’s heart once again beats to the iconic ‘Namak ho Tata Ka…Tata Namak’ jingle

National, 2nd June 2025- Inspired by the overwhelming consumer love for its ‘Namak ho Tata ka… Tata Namak’ campaign last year, India’s No.1 iodized salt brand, Tata Salt, returns with a fresh new edition of Namak Ho Tata Ka… Tata Namak’. This 2.0 version builds on the deep emotional connect forged with households across the country, reimagining the iconic jingle to spark renewed love, connection, and purpose.

The new campaign features eight heartwarming and playful brand films, that elevate the nostalgic melody while delivering a powerful message: Tata Salt, with the right amount of iodine, supports children’s mental development, building a sharper generation for future. Reinforcing its position as Desh Ka Namak, the campaign celebrates Tata Salt’s unmatched product trust and functionality in an entertaining, engaging, and musical format.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the multi-asset campaign captures slice-of-life moments, from lullabies and classrooms to kitty parties, weddings, and everyday family scenes, portraying Tata Salt as an inseparable part of Indian homes.

The films reflect everyday life across Hindi heartland families, expressive Bengali homes, and emotionally rich Marathi households. The storytelling also resonates across generations, celebrating real, authentic moments.

In one film, a teacher uses a nostalgic jingle to teach the importance of iodine in a familiar school setting, blending education with emotion. Another showcases a lively Hindi-speaking household, where Tata Salt quietly supports every culinary tradition and loving exchange. With its nostalgic yet catchy tune, the campaign proudly reaffirms Tata Salt as Desh Ka Namak, reaching millions with its rhythm and timeless message with the initial release of four films during IPL.

Commenting on the campaign, Ms. Deepika Bhan, President – Packaged Foods, Tata Consumer Products Ltd., said,  This is a beautiful, natural follow-up to our last year’s campaign, presenting the iconic jingle again in a refreshing way. ‘Desh ka Namak’ is more than just an emotion, it’s a promise built on quality, integrity, and generations of trust built over four decades. This campaign will deepen our bond with consumers and reaffirm our commitment to happiness, and trust in every home.

Anurag Agnihotri, Chief Creative Officer – Mumbai & Kolkata, Ogilvy, added, Tata Salt wanted to tell people about building sharper minds through iodine addition. But how do you make something as vital as child’s mental development impossible to ignore? So, we turned to the 80’s, an era that made everything unforgettable through a jingle. We took our iodine story, dressed it in 80s flair, and sent it through every corner of Indian life, from vidaais, to classrooms to kitty parties. This is our love letter to a golden era of advertising, reimagined for today’s India.”

Shankar Fenestrations & Glasses Redesign Aluminum Sliding Door with Smart Modifications

GhaziabadShankar Fenestrations & Glasses redesign  innovative aluminum sliding folding doors with a modern approach to architectural glass and door solutions. These doors are developed to gratify the contemporary, fundamental architectural needs of large apertures in both residential and commercial environments.

It has a sliding folding system that represents a great fusion of innovation, aesthetics, and performance. It is for large openings that fold completely to the wall to offer 100% clear openings, thus converting spaces for unobstructed views and a smooth connection between indoors and outdoors. Under artistry and precision, the door system is elegant yet easy to use and maintain. That is why it is considered an elegant and practical solution for homeowners and architects. The door comes in different sizes, allowing customization for diverse project requirements.

Mr. Dinesh Chandra Pandey, Founder of Shankar Fenestrations & Glasses, said:

“We are excited to reveal an enhanced version of our aluminum sliding folding door. It is not a new product but a genuine evolution of our existing system, equipped with new features and the latest technology. Given lifestyles are now rapidly changing, its needs and architectural demands are ever-evolving, we continuously strive to make our products more relevant, and this latest enhancement is one step in that direction. It is performance, look, or functionality for our customers.”

With top-notch sealing capabilities, the created aluminum folding sliding door therefore takes the waterproofing property to the next level. A multi-point locking system is provided to the door to augment security and sealing; double sealing with EPDM gaskets strengthens thermal and acoustic insulation, having a great effect on silence, dust, and pollution barriers. This system was made for balconies, verandas, and a well-working beauty on French windows in any space.

ATM – All Things Mango Takes Over Reach 3Roads: A Fruity Fiesta in Association with Sodhi’s Super Market Delights Visitors

Gurugram, May 30th 2025Reach 3Roads in Sector 70, Gurugram, came alive with the vibrant hues and irresistible flavours of summer during ATM – All Things Mango, a delightful tribute to the king of fruits held in association with Sodhi’s Super Market. The event offered a unique blend of taste, entertainment, and community fun.

The destination buzzed with enthusiastic families, curious kids, and mango lovers of all ages. Visitors enjoyed mango-themed workshops and painting activities, keeping the little ones creatively engaged. Meanwhile, attendees explored an exotic collection of over 50 varieties of mangoes, specially curated and showcased by Sodhi’s Super Market.

A major highlight was the mango mocktail counter, where guests sipped on refreshing blends crafted from the freshest seasonal picks. The excitement continued with lively competitions like the mango-eating contest and the “Guess the Mango Variety” quiz, which saw cheerful participation from all age groups.

Adding rhythm to the flavourful affair was a live band performance that kept the atmosphere buzzing with energy and festivity. With the scent of mangoes in the air, laughter echoing around, and music lifting spirits, the event offered a truly memorable summer experience.

ATM – All Things Mango was more than just an event — it was a celebration of flavour, togetherness, and the vibrant community spirit that makes Reach 3Roads a destination of choice.

Stylework’s Master Service Agreement Proves Transformational for Enterprise Workspace Management

Delhi, India – 30, May 2025: Stylework, a leading flexible workspace aggregator, announced the continued success of its revolutionary Master Service Agreement (MSA), a pioneering solution that has been simplifying workspace operations for enterprises and vendors across locations.

Introduced as part of Stylework’s long-term vision to enable smarter, scalable workspace management, the MSA has consistently delivered operational efficiency, administrative ease, and strategic flexibility to its growing base of enterprise clients. By centralizing workspace agreements and integrating them into a seamless digital interface, the MSA has emerged as an indispensable tool in the era of hybrid work.

Stylework’s Master Service Agreement (MSA) is helping 50+ enterprises and vendors to enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative overhead, and scale workspace strategies providing transformative solutions, enabling businesses to streamline workspace management across locations.

Integrated into Stylework’s proprietary enterprise dashboard, FlexBoard and MSA through the “Import Membership” feature allows companies to list, track, and optimize existing workspace memberships in one place. This streamlined approach removes the logistical friction of managing 20+ contracts and vendor relationships, replacing it with a unified, intuitive system.

Sparsh Khandelwal, Founder & CEO of Stylework said, ““As our enterprise footprint expanded, we recognized the need for a scalable and unified approach to managing multiple workspaces. The MSA was our answer and today, it has become a cornerstone of our enterprise offering, enabling clients to manage their workspace strategies with greater clarity, speed, and control.”

Key Benefits Experienced by Enterprises Using Stylework’s MSA:

  • Consolidates multiple operator contracts into a single, organization-wide MSA. 
  • Track workspace usage, billing, and renewal cycles from a single dashboard. 
  • One-click options to update, scale, or pause workspace memberships. 
  • Streamlines financial and legal workflows by unifying vendor relationships under one contract. 

MSA has not only streamlined operations but has also positioned Stylework as a trusted partner for enterprises looking to drive efficiency in their workspace strategy. By bridging operational gaps and offering a scalable model, Stylework continues to redefine how companies approach flexible work environments.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Launches 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour

Mumbai, 30 May 2025: Celebrating half a century of iconic touring excellence, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today announced the launch of 2025 Gold Wing Tour – the 50th Anniversary Edition. As this legendary nameplate turns fifty, the Gold Wing Tour continues to set the benchmark in luxury touring. Bookings for the same are now open and it will be exclusively sold via the company’s premium BigWing Topline dealerships. The 50th Anniversary Honda Gold Wing Tour has been priced at Rs. 39.90 lakh, ex-showroom Gurugram (Haryana).

Announcing the launch, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are ecstatic to introduce the 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour in India. The launch of the 2025 Gold Wing Tour commemorates an iconic journey that began in 1975. Over the past five decades, the Gold Wing platform has evolved into a symbol of class, comfort, and endurance. The 50th Anniversary Edition is a tribute to this unmatched legacy and a celebration of our commitment to engineering excellence for long-distance touring connoisseurs.”

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to launch the 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour for our Indian customers. With this special 50th Anniversary Edition, we aim to offer a riding experience that perfectly blends innovation, luxury, and power. This is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a tribute to a generation of motorcyclists who believe in the art of luxury touring. We are glad to announce that the bookings for the new Gold Wing Tour are now open and customer deliveries of this flagship luxury tourer will begin in India from June 2025 onwards.”

50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour: The Art of Luxury Touring

The 2025 Gold Wing Tour boasts a cutting-edge style with a distinctive silhouette that balances aerodynamic efficiency and majestic road presence. Moreover, it gets a special Gold Wing emblem with 50th Anniversary and ‘since 1975’ detailing, commemorating the motorcycle’s important milestone. Enhancing its modern design is a full-LED lighting system and airflow-optimized air vents which helps the bike slip through the air efficiently while still offering the great ergonomics that are a staple to long days on the open road.

In terms of equipment, the new Gold Wing Tour gets a feature-rich cockpit with a 7.0-inch full-colour TFT display that provides riding, navigation & audio information. Moreover, it now features first-in-class wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for connectivity and gets a new welcome screen saying “Since 1975” when the motorcycle is turned on. Touring comfort is further elevated with an extended electric screen for excellent wind protection, improved audio system speakers to deliver rich sound at all speeds, Bluetooth connectivity with two USB type-C socketsTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a host of other features.

At the heart of the new Honda Gold Wing Tour is a massive 1833cc, liquid-cooled, 4 stroke, 24 valve, flat six-cylinder engine that churns out 93 kW power and 170 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Engineered for long hauls and responsive acceleration, this engine offers seamless performance even under demanding touring conditions.

Coupled with advanced safety aids and innovative electronics for seamless performance, including a Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) system, dual-channel ABS, traction control and Airbag, it guarantees a ride that’s both thrilling and safe. The Gold Wing Tour comes with four riding modes – Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain, each with distinct settings that help tailor the riding character of the motorcycle.

The 50th Anniversary Honda Gold Wing Tour will be available in a single DCT variant with Bordeaux Red Metallic colour and has been priced at Rs. 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). Customers can book this flagship luxury touring machine exclusively at Honda’s premium BigWing Topline dealerships with deliveries commencing from June 2025 onwards.

FSS Aligns with RBI Vision, Powers Scalable Digital Finance with AI-Driven Platforms

By – Vishal MaruGlobal Processing HeadFinancial Software and Systems (FSS) 

“The RBI’s May 2025 Bulletin reinforces the critical need for intelligent, scalable, and secure digital financial infrastructure. With UPI now handling over 18 billion transactions monthly and the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) set to redefine credit access, India is building the digital rails that will support its next phase of financial inclusion and innovation. As a leading bank-tech company, FSS is proud to be aligned with this national vision. Our cloud-native BLAZE platform and next-gen Card Management System are engineered to help banks and fintechs launch products faster, manage risk smarter, and scale confidently. Importantly, we are embedding Artificial Intelligence across our technology stack from dynamic fraud detection and smart transaction routing to AI-powered credit scoring modules enabling financial institutions to deliver more personalized, secure, and efficient services at scale.

The RBI’s focus on digital public infrastructure, formalization of financial systems, and data-driven policy outcomes validates the role of intelligent technology in reshaping banking. At FSS, we see ourselves not just as solution providers, but as co-architects of a future-ready ecosystem. By combining deep domain knowledge with AI-driven innovation, we’re equipping banks to meet evolving customer expectations and regulatory standards all while ensuring speed, security, and scalability.”

Lava Expands Budget Lineup with Bold N1 Pro and N1 Launch

New Delhi, May 29, 2025Lava International Limited, the leading homegrown smartphone manufacturer, expanded its sub-₹10K online portfolio with yet another series designed to deliver best-in-segment 4G experience with Bold Series, debuting with two  models, Bold N1 Pro, priced at ₹6,699* (inclusive of offer) and Bold N1. With this launch, Lava reinforces its commitment to introducing thoughtful innovations across its portfolio, offering every user greater choice and convenience.

NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED. BUILT FOR THE FEARLESS.

The Bold Series stands as a declaration, not just a product line. In a world where conformity reigns, this series is a tribute to those who thrive on standing apart. It’s built for the fearless, for the ones who disrupt norms and demand more from technology, not just in performance, but in purpose. Backed by four core pillars: Audacious Design, Unimaginable Pricing, Meaningful Innovation, and Relatable Features, the Bold Series isn’t just about specs. It’s about making a statement.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sumit Singh, Head – Product, Lava International Limited, said, “The Bold Series reflects our deep belief that technology should be empowering, inclusive, and accessible to all. With both Bold N1 and N1 Pro, we’ve created smartphones that bring premium 4G features to the under-₹8K Segment. It’s a bold step toward redefining entry-level smartphones by delivering style, performance, and user-first innovation. This series enables an enhanced experience for every user, tapping into an underserved market and building deeper connections through a better product.”

BOLD N1 PRO

The Bold N1 Pro brings a premium experience to the entry-level category with its expansive 6.67-inch HD+ punch-hole display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a sleek design available in Titanium Gold and Stealth Black. Powered by the UNISOC T606 octa-core processor, it offers 4GB + 4GB# RAM and 128GB internal storage, expandable up to 256GB — ideal for users who multitask and store heavy media files. The smartphone is equipped with a 50MP AI triple rear camera and 8MP front camera with screen flash, making it a capable companion for photography enthusiasts.

Running on Android 14, it is backed by a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support (10W charger in the box). The phone also includes features like side fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock, IP54 dust and water resistance, and Free Service@Home for complete peace of mind.

BOLD N1

The Bold N1, on the other hand, is tailored for users seeking clean and intuitive performance. It features a 6.75-inch HD+ display, 13MP AI dual rear camera, and a 5MP front camera, offering just the right balance of features for daily use. The phone runs on Android 14 Go edition, offering a bloatware-free interface, and is powered by an UNISOC Octa-Core processor. It comes with 4GB+ 4GB# RAM, 64GB storage, and is supported by a 5000mAh battery with Type-C 10W charging.

The device features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock, and Anonymous Call Recording. With an IP54 rating, it offers protection against dust and water splashes. All of this comes in a premium glossy back design, available in stylish colour variants -Radiant Black and Sparkling Ivory.