Panasonic Launches 2nd ‘Kid Witness News’ Edition in India to Promote UN SDGs
New Delhi, April 30th, 2025, Panasonic Life Solutions India PLSIND, a leading diversified technology company, has launched the second edition of the global initiative – Kid Witness News in India. After running a successful first edition in the country, the programme is deeply committed to raising awareness around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among school students by upskilling youth with digital storytelling skills and creating advocates of change.
As part of the Kid Witness News (KWN) program, Panasonic Life Solutions India has so far partnered with five leading schools, including Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Shalom Hills International School, Suncity School, Lotus Valley International School, and Scottish High International School in Delhi NCR region and is still open for collaborations with more schools. Beginning May 2025, Panasonic will conduct KWN workshops, providing state-of-the-art Panasonic Lumix cameras and other equipment to participating students from partner schools. These tools will serve as a medium for students to direct their thoughts on SDGs to life, deepen their understanding of the world, and positively impact society. One video will be selected after assessment of all entries from India to be showcased at Panasonic’s Kid Witness News Global Summit as part of a global contest scheduled later in the year.
Speaking on the launch of the KWN program, Ms. Pooja Garg Khan, Head of CSR & Corporate Communications, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) said, “Panasonic is delighted to launch the second edition of Kid Witness News in India, fostering the next generation of storytellers and community leaders. Last year, we had a number of schools from Gurgaon who participated. Through this initiative, we are providing students with the necessary technology and immersive workshops covering camera techniques, video editing, and digital storytelling. By guiding them to transform their ideas around the UN Sustainable Development Goals into compelling narratives, this program ignites creativity, hones critical thinking, and empowers young minds to champion positive change. It equips them with the necessary skills and confidence to envision and build a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
The Kid Witness News (KWN) is a global program that was launched by Panasonic in 1989 to provide students with opportunities to explore the world of digital storytelling and media production. The initiative is aimed at empowering young people by giving them access to technology and training in the fields of video production and digital media. The KWN has been successful in fostering creativity and media literacy among young people, providing them with valuable skills that can be useful in their future careers. The program has been implemented in various countries around the world and continues to be a part of Panasonic’s efforts to support education and community development.
Mr. K R Naik Honored with BICSI India Chairman’s Golden Eagle Award
Mumbai, April 21, 2025 — In a momentous recognition of decades-long contribution to the Indian ICT and structured cabling industry, Mr. K R Naik, Founder and Chairman of Digisol Systems Ltd, has been conferred with the prestigious BICSI India Chairman’s Golden Eagle Award on April 11, 2025, at the BICSI India Annual Conference held at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Mumbai.
The Golden Eagle Award, one of the highest honors presented by BICSI India, celebrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the ICT community. Mr. Naik, a pioneer in the networking and IT infrastructure sector in India, was recognized for his visionary leadership, his relentless pursuit of indigenous technology development, and his invaluable contributions to the growth of Make in India initiatives in the ICT domain.
With a career spanning over four decades, Mr. Naik has played an instrumental role in shaping India’s digital infrastructure landscape. He laid the foundation for IT Networking products manufacturing in India and has consistently championed R&D and technological self-reliance.
Accepting the award, Mr. Naik said, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the Golden Eagle Award. This recognition reflects not just my journey, but the collective effort of many talented individuals and teams I’ve had the privilege to work with. Together, we’ve strived to build an ecosystem that puts India at the forefront of ICT innovation.”
The award ceremony was attended by industry leaders, professionals, and BICSI members from across the country. The event served as a celebration of excellence, knowledge sharing, and the continued growth of India’s structured cabling and ICT sectors.
Mr. Naik’s recognition with the Golden Eagle Award marks yet another milestone in a remarkable journey dedicated to empowering India through technology, innovation, and indigenous growth.
Dentalkart launches ‘Buying Guide’ to enhance product discovery and customer experience
April 2025: To meet its commitment for customer centricity, Dentalkart has recently launched a ‘Buying Guide’ feature which is a curated step-wise shopping assistant to help dental professionals make an informed purchase decision to tackle complex product needs.
Many dental professionals struggle with identifying the right combination of products for a specific procedure. With the newly launched Buying Guide which features step-wise, expert-backed recommendations on several key procedures in dentistry, there is a reduction in research fatigue and enhanced product discovery by dentists across all specialities.
Delighted with the launch, Dr. Vikas Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Dentalkart said, “At Dentalkart, we constantly engage in ways to enhance the customer shopping experience using strategic technology integration. With the launch of Buying Guide, we’re making it easier for dental professionals to discover the right products at the right time with expert guidance at every stage of the purchase journey.”
Dentalkart rolled out the development and testing of internal admin tools and configuration dashboards in phases to ensure smooth deployment and scalability. It has designed each guide in a structured manner with specific treatment steps, recommended products, expert inputs and optional educational resources. Further with dynamic product mapping, the real-time association of products is enhanced and the user journey is made more seamless and personalized.
Additionally, the new feature integrates demo booking to help customers easily opt-in for updates or schedule product demos directly within the guide. Furthermore, it has strategically integrated smart options like “Select All” and “Buy All” buttons to simplify and speed up bulk purchases.
Subsequently, it enables customers to explore, understand and purchase products aligned with their clinical, research or operational goals, thereby improving conversion, knowledge and confidence. It instrumentally boosts customer confidence by offering guided journeys, bundled purchasing and cross-sell suggestions, which ultimately improves conversion rates and overall satisfaction. With an option for subscription, customers can directly receive real-time updates via email about further newly added buying guides.
With the launch of Buying Guide, Dentalkart continues to be a forerunner in enabling technology-driven transformation of the dental industry. Being recognised as India’s leading and most trusted marketplace, it is committed to deliver customer-centric solutions that empower dental professionals to navigate their purchase journey with ease.
Elista Expands Residential AC Portfolio with 6 New High-Performance Models Ahead of Summer 2025
New Delhi, 21st April 2025: Elista, India’s leading electronics, home appliances, IT, and mobile accessories brand, has expanded its residential air conditioner portfolio with six new models designed to meet the rising demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions. The new Elista EL-SAC air conditioner range is proudly Made in India and equipped with features tailored specifically for Indian households and extreme summer conditions.
The range includes- EL-SAC24-3INVBP, EL-SAC18-5INVBP5, EL-SAC18-3INBNC, EL-SAC18-3INVBP48, EL-SAC12-3INVBPN, and EL-SAC18-3FSBNC, catering to varying tonnage needs and offering both inverter and fixed-speed options. Each of these models is equipped with 100% copper condensers, offering superior heat transfer, enhanced corrosion resistance, and improved cooling performance over an extended lifespan.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Pawan Kumar, CEO of Elista, said,
“With the Indian summer becoming increasingly harsh each year, the need for efficient and reliable air conditioning is more important than ever. Our new AC range is designed to meet these needs while also supporting sustainability through energy-efficient technology. By offering a 5-star rated model and a host of smart, comfort-oriented features, we’re reaffirming our commitment to delivering India-centric innovation at competitive prices. All our ACs are designed and manufactured in India, and we believe this new lineup will further strengthen our presence in the home appliances market.”
Smart Cooling with Maximum Energy Savings
The EL-SAC18-5INVBP5 model with 1.5 Ton capacity comes with a 5-star energy rating, making it an excellent choice for households looking to reduce power consumption without compromising on cooling efficiency. In a country where summer temperatures can soar past 45 degrees Celsius, energy-efficient air conditioners are not only an environmental necessity but also a cost-effective solution for long-term savings on electricity bills.
The new EL-SAC range combines powerful cooling with energy efficiency. With just 0.5W consumption in standby mode and R-32 refrigerant for eco-friendly performance, these ACs ensure lower energy bills without compromising on comfort. The C-shaped evaporator with a three-vent design delivers faster and more uniform cooling across the room.
Designed for Well-being and Uninterrupted Comfort
Elista’s latest range of air conditioners is carefully designed to bring health and comfort to the fore. With HealthMAX Technology, the ACs boast a 3-in-1 Anti-Virus HD Filter that cleans indoor air by neutralizing toxic particles, making them ideal for modern Indian homes that value clean, fresh air. To complement this is the Quiet Operation system, which includes Sleep Mode and a Hidden LED Display. By slowing wind speed and suppressing display lights and operational sounds in the evening hours, the ACs provide an environment conducive to restful undisturbed sleep.
Durability remains a core focus in Elista’s new AC range. The models feature an anti-rust design, dew prevention, a fireproof electrical box, self-diagnosis, and error alarms to enhance safety and ensure long-lasting performance. All inverter AC models are backed by a 10-year warranty on the compressor, while the fixed-speed variant comes with a 5-year compressor warranty.
Disney and Fossil Mickey Golf Collection
This Special Edition timepiece is a must-have for Disney collectors and golf enthusiasts alike, featuring Mickey Mouse in Fossil’s sleek Heritage design. The skeletonized white dial showcases a dimpled golf ball texture, while a graphic applique of Mickey mid-swing serves as the minute hand, with a flying golf ball marking each hour. Powered by the natural motion of your wrist, the intricate mechanics are visible through the open dial— a true conversation starter on the green.
this watch seamlessly blends sport, style, and nostalgia. Do let us know if you would be interested in carrying the same.
Motion Education Outshines National Average with 65.8 Percentage Students Qualifying for JEE Advanced 2025
Kota/National/Mumbai, April 21, 2025 – In a remarkable display of academic excellence, Motion Education, led by the real Jeetu Bhaiya of Kota – NV Sir (Mr. Nitin Vijay) – has once again raised the bar in competitive exam preparation. Based on results compiled so far from JEE Main 2025, a staggering 65.8% of Motion Education students have qualified for JEE Advanced, far surpassing the national qualification average of 16.25%. Motion proves that even an average student can dream big and crack India’s toughest exams like IIT-JEE or NEET with focused guidance and the right tools.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nitin Vijay, Founder & CEO of Motion Education, said: “It is rightly said that you don’t need to be a topper to succeed, just teachable, consistent, and courageous. We believe every student has the potential to shine. We are incredibly proud of our students and faculty for this outstanding result. The dedication, discipline, and consistent effort shown by everyone involved is truly commendable. This success not only reflects our academic rigor but also our commitment to nurturing future leaders in science and technology.”
Beyond academic rigor, Motion Education strongly believes in the philosophy of “Students first, results next.” The institute prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of its students through regular motivational sessions by NV Sir, access to in-house counselors, stress management workshops, and peer mentorship initiatives. These efforts foster a nurturing and balanced learning environment, empowering students to stay resilient, focused, and confident throughout their preparation journey.
Adding to this stellar performance, 4 students have secured ranks in the Top 100, with 17 in the Top 500, 39 in the Top 1000, and 453 students within AIR 10,000, showcasing the institute’s commitment to academic rigor and personalized learning.
What truly distinguishes this year’s performance is the extraordinary 100% selection rate from Motion Education’s premium programs such as Eklavya, IMMP, A (30), and V (110) Batches. Notably, the Special ‘A’ Batch mentored by NV Sir saw all 30 handpicked students qualify for JEE Advanced 2025, affirming the institute’s ability to identify and elevate high-potential students.
Inclusivity and excellence have gone hand in hand, with 7 students from SC, ST, and PwD categories ranking within the Top 500 – a strong indicator of Motion’s commitment to nurturing diverse academic talent. Furthermore, 76.3% of dropper students from the Kota Classroom batch have qualified, validating the institute’s focused and student-friendly learning ecosystem.
The JEE Main Session 2 (B.E./B.Tech.) examination was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) from April 2 to April 9, 2025, across two shifts daily. Over 10.5 lakh students had registered for the examination, appearing from test centers across India and abroad.
This year, Motion’s AI-powered learning ecosystem played a key role in democratizing success. Tools like the CPS Machine (Concept-Progression-System), AI based DPP machine, Motion Learning App, AI-generated study material, customized test analysis, and smart books tailored to student learning levels have empowered even average students to bridge learning gaps and stay ahead.
Bry-Air offers free eye checkups to 635 people during the 15th Biannual Eye Camp at Moga
New Delhi, 21st April, 2024: Staying true to its commitment to improving the lives of people, Bry-Air, the flagship company of the Pahwa Group, organized the 15th Biannual Eye Camp. The camp was conducted on 20th April, 2025, at Mathra Das Civil Eye Hospital at Moga, Punjab, as part of the company’s CSR activity.
The event was jointly inaugurated by Mrs. Anandita Pahwa, Head CSR, Pahwa Group and Mr. Sanjeev Saini, Chief Patron, Bhartiya Jagriti Munch, Moga. The event was also attended by prominent personalities such as Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, MLA, Moga; Mrs. Indu Puri, eminent social worker, Moga, Dr. Deepek Kochhar, Chief Founder, Bhartiya Jagriti Manch, Moga.
Considering that people of the village have limited access to eye checkups, the company conducted the camp to provide free checkups, medicines, spectacles, and surgeries to the locals. Overall, the event registered a total of 635 attendance, visited by locals of Dhalleke, Talwandi, Landheke, Jalalabad, Dosanjh, Lohara, Bughipura, Dala, Dhurkot, Naharwala, Mehna, Chugawan, Kapure, Rauli, Singhawala, Mothanwala, Bukanwala, Ghall Kalan, Rattian and Dunnek villages. As part of the initiative, 78 attendants were diagnosed with cataract surgeries. In addition to this, 841 medicines and around 300 spectacles were also distributed to support the cause.
Bry-Air conducts the eye camp biannually to continue the philanthropic work of Rai Bahadur Dr. Mathra Das Pahwa aimed at helping people gain their eyesight. Paying tribute to him, till date the company has organized 14 Eye Camps at Moga, facilitating OPD for 10092 visitors over the years. During the period, cataract surgeries were successfully performed on 1245 people identified with the disease. Along with this, 4096 free spectacles and 14853 free medicines have also been distributed throughout the 14 eye camps.
Carrying forward the legacy of Rai Bahadur Dr. Mathra Das Pahwa, over the years, the company has conducted over 126 camps, where it has given treatment to 44242 people along with performing free cataract surgeries on 3844 patients. Distributing free spectacles to approximately 27337 and free medicines to 35559, Bry-Air stays true to its commitment to alleviating issues related to eye in the villages.
In the course of time, the company has successfully impacted the lives of more than 94,000 beneficiaries with the help of robust CSR activities initiated in the year 2011. By conducting CSR activities, Bry-Air is determined to create a positive impact on society by focusing on three key pillars, which are Vision, Education, and Environment. They aim at holistic development of the society by enabling sustainable livelihoods for underprivileged, specially-abled individuals, women and farmers in the community. At the same time, by reinforcing education, the company continuously strives to foster skill development, inculcate good health and hygiene and create job opportunities for the people.
Speaking on the occasion, Anandita Pahwa, Head CSR-Pahwa Group said, “The commencement of the 15th Biannual Eye Camp is a testament to our commitment to elevating the lives of the people. Working relentlessly towards the goal of restoring vision for the villagers, we are determined to drive the well-being of the community. By regularly organizing the eye camps, we are continuously inching towards our goal of improving eye care accessibility for the locals of the region.”
Hon’ble Minister Piyush Goyal Launches The Bharat Project to Create 1 Million Entrepreneurs Across India
Mumbai, April 21, 2025: In a landmark step towards building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal today launched The Bharat Project, a bold national initiative by YourStory, aimed at empowering 1 million entrepreneurs from Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India. The Bharat Project brings together the government, ecosystem enablers, creators, and communities to unlock grassroots potential and make access to entrepreneurial tools, education, and funding easier for everyone.
Built on five key pillars, the Bharat Project will aid entrepreneurs through – Co-Pilot for Entrepreneurs—an AI-powered mobile-first platform that offers startup guidance, learning resources, mentorship access, and success stories in both Hindi and English, Education & Upskilling, which will drive state-level and district-level activations and WhatsApp-based learning to help young people learn how to start and grow their businesses, Bharat Ideathon, – a nationwide challenge that will find great business ideas from over 1,000 districts and help top founders with mentorship and visibility, BharatSparks – a launchpad where selected entrepreneurs from smaller towns will get a chance to pitch to investors, win grants, and build long-term support and Shuru-kar – a 7-part web documentary series that will showcase real startup stories from across regions, featuring innovators, investors, and policymakers.
Speaking at the launch, Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal said, “India is on an irreversible path to becoming an economic powerhouse. From a $4 trillion economy today, we are poised to grow 8x to $30–35 trillion by 2047. It’s a strategic roadmap built to support startups across sectors, empowering first-generation entrepreneurs, and a government-backed seed fund of ₹10,000 crore to democratize innovation.
He further added, the launch of The Bharat Project is a bold step forward that brings together technology, mentorship, and funding to help entrepreneurs from every corner of the country rise. India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is not just evolving, it is becoming the engine of inclusive and sustained national growth. The goal is clear: empower youth, support startups, and make sure every aspiring entrepreneur has the ecosystem they need to start, scale, and succeed.
The initiative comes at a time when 65% of India’s population lives in Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural areas. There are over 370 million youth between the ages of 15 and 30, and 30% of them are NEET—meaning they’re not in education, employment, or training. Even though there is so much potential, many of them still don’t have access to capital, mentors, or the right exposure. The Bharat Project is here to change that—by turning isolated talent into a strong, national movement.
“India’s future is not limited to metros. It’s brewing in the kitchens, backyards, and streets of Bharat. The Bharat Project is a step towards ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur has access to resources, stories, and support to turn their idea into impact.”, said Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO, YourStory.
The launch event took place at Radisson Goregaon, Mumbai, and was attended by a packed audience of founders, students, creators, and ecosystem leaders. The event also featured startup showcases, inspiring youth stories from across Bharat, and the official unveiling of The Bharat Project platform.
Sanjib Sahoo Named “Global Business Icon” for Platform Innovation
New Delhi, Aprils 2025: Sanjib Sahoo, President of the Global Platform Group at Ingram Micro, has been recognized as a “Global Business Icon” for Platform Innovation at the Times Business Leaders 2025 Awards.
The honor highlights Sahoo’s visionary leadership in driving large-scale digital transformation across the global technology distribution ecosystem. Central to this achievement is the creation and growing adoption of Ingram Micro Xvantage—a disruptive, AI-driven digital experience platform that combines AI, automation, and data-driven insights to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and speed up the go-to-market process.
With a growth mindset and distinguished mantra of being “aggressively digital, amazingly human,” Ingram Micro is celebrated for disrupting the global B2B industry at its core. Through its digital twin Xvantage Ingram Micro is ushering in a new era of intuitive, intelligent, and immersive engagement for its teams, customers, and vendor partners across the globe.
The 2025 Times India award celebrates Sahoo’s transformative business leadership and Ingram Micro’s commitment to innovation and becoming a leading B2B platform company. With an amazing team powered by an award-winning digital platform, Ingram Micro is driving new global standards of business excellence and technology innovation, and changing the experience for everyone.
“This honor is a testament to the collective passion and purpose we bring to everything we do at Ingram Micro,” said Sahoo. “Embracing transformation is no longer an option—it is essential. Within two years, our team at Ingram Micro turned a bold vision into reality and changed our organizational DNA. I am humbled and honored to receive this award, which will further fuel our resolve to keep pushing boundaries and serve as the industry’s B2B platform leader.”
OMODA and JAECOO Unveil Futuristic Drive at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show
Dubai, UAE, 21 April 2025: OMODA & JAECOO, the global innovation-driven automotive duo, is set to redefine the future of mobility at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show, unveiling a bold new chapter under the campaign theme “2 Years 2gather: From Seed to Speed”.
Marking the brand’s second anniversary since its world premiere at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, OMODA & JAECOO will debut its full next-generation New Energy Vehicle (NEV) lineup— J7 SHS, C7 SHS, C5 SHS, and J5 BEV—alongside a visionary, immersive brand experience that blends futuristic innovation with refined off-road lifestyle.
Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International, commented on the brand’s strategic expansion: “Shanghai is where it all began, and today, we return stronger, bolder, and more connected to the world than ever before. From just an idea to a global movement in two years—this is what we mean by ‘from seed to speed.’ But this show is not just about vehicles. It is about how we move, how we connect, and how we live. With our full NEV lineup and the launch of immersive brand ecosystems, we are introducing a new lifestyle paradigm built around innovation, experience, and global collaboration.”
A Journey Accelerated: NEV Lineup Debut at the Origin of Innovation
The brand’s NEV family makes its full debut with the OMODA C7 SHS, featuring the advanced Super Hybrid System (SHS) and targeting a driving range of up to 1,250 km; the OMODA C5 SHS, a sleek, intelligent crossover tailored for urban mobility; and the JAECOO J5 BEV, a fully electric outdoor SUV designed for refined off-road experiences.
At the core of these innovations is the proprietary SHS architecture, which integrates a fifth-generation 1.5TGDI Dedicated Hybrid Engine with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The system delivers 340 horsepower, 44.5% thermal efficiency, and up to 1,200 km of comprehensive range—establishing a new benchmark in global hybrid mobility. Proven in real-world conditions through the “Super Hybrid Marathon” series, the technology has achieved endurance records of up to 1,613.1 km in high-altitude and multi-terrain environments including Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Mexico.
Immersive Brand Ecosystems: O-LAB and J-LAND
Debuting on April 25 during the Global Dealer Conference, the brand will introduce O-LAB × J-LAND, an immersive dual-brand experience that represents two distinct lifestyle universes—one rooted in intelligent technology and the other in outdoor exploration.
O-LAB transports visitors to a futuristic digital metropolis. Robots, robotic dogs, drones, and interactive LED installations create a multi-sensory environment inspired by galactic architecture. The experience features the global debut of the OMODA E5—the brand’s first all-electric model—and the C7 SHS. In parallel, the C3 Cyber Mecha Art Gallery offers a next-generation digital installation designed to captivate Gen Z audiences with dynamic light-based storytelling.
J-LAND, in contrast, recreates a refined outdoor world, with sculpted terrain and natural landscapes that spotlight the brand’s off-road capabilities. The exhibit features the J5 BEV, J7 SHS, and J8 SHS positioned in dynamic terrain-inspired displays. A curated “light camping” test drive will offer international media a hands-on journey from simulated urban settings to rugged wilderness, highlighting the performance and versatility of JAECOO’s electrified outdoor lineup.
Strategic Momentum Anchored in Global Expansion
Since its launch in 2023, OMODA & JAECOO has expanded into 42 countries and regions, established over 1,300 global showrooms, and delivered more than 500,000 vehicles worldwide. Backed by Chery Group, the brand has built a robust foundation through its dual-product strategy—merging design-led crossover appeal with refined off-road performance—positioning itself as a leader in intelligent, efficient, and customer-centric mobility.
This year’s return to Shanghai signals not just a celebration, but the next acceleration point in OMODA & JAECOO’s “Born Global, Born NEV” strategy—anchoring the future in a blend of electrification, lifestyle, and technology.