Mercedes-Benz India Accomplishes the 200,000th Car
Chandigarh, April 16, 2025: India’s largest luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz today achieved a historic milestone with the roll-out of its 200,000th locally produced car, from its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. Dr. Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management, rolled out the 200,000th Mercedes-Benz in India, an EQS SUV, in the presence of Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director & Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India.
Growing momentum of Local Production:
Mercedes-Benz India’ accelerated production figures underline a compelling growth story: from 50,000 cars in the first 19 years (1995-2014) to 150,000 units in just a decade’s time (2015-2025). Most remarkably, the company produced a record 50,000 cars in just over last two years. These milestones demonstrate the rapid evolution of India’s luxury car market and the increasing aspiration for a Mercedes-Benz among Indian customers.
Mercedes-Benz India’s manufacturing facility has achieved several notable distinctions, including the first market to produce a Mercedes-Maybach (S500) outside Germany in 2015. The plant has also been at the forefront of the luxury electric mobility transition, commencing local production of the EQS 580 Sedan in 2022. Mercedes-Benz also become the first manufacturer to start the localization of a second BEV in India, with the local production of the EQS 580 SUV. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz India production facility has been 100% powered by green energy since 2022.
With a comprehensive portfolio of 11 locally produced luxury models, Mercedes-Benz offers Indian customers the widest range of ‘Made in India’ luxury vehicles. The company has demonstrated its long-term commitment to the market with the highest investment by any luxury automotive manufacturer in India, totalling INR 3,000 crores, including a fresh investment of INR 200 crores in 2024.
The manufacturing milestone is complemented by Mercedes-Benz’s extensive retail presence—the largest amongst luxury carmakers in India—with over 100 luxury touchpoints spanning more than 50 cities. This unparalleled network ensures that the craftsmanship and technology of these locally produced vehicles are accessible to customers across the country, with standardized luxury experiences and service excellence regardless of location. The combination of local production capabilities and an extensive retail network allows Mercedes-Benz to deliver personalized luxury experiences while addressing unique market requirements with greater agility.
The production milestone reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Made in India, for India’ strategy, combining global quality standards with products tailored to the preferences of Indian luxury customers. As Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in India, this achievement marks a significant chapter in the company’s journey of shaping luxury mobility in the country.
Acharya Prashant Live in Bhopal: A Unique Experience
National, April 16, 2025: PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, in collaboration with PrashantAdvait Foundation, is set to host a live and interactive session with Acharya Prashant, the most widely followed spiritual teacher of our time, at PVR Aura Mall, Bhopal on April 20, 2025.
Curated under the brand’s Alternate Content in Cinemas initiative, the live session offers audiences an extraordinary opportunity to experience an unfiltered, intellectually stimulating, and spiritually charged interaction in the immersive environment of the big screen.
An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, Acharya Prashant has emerged as a fearless voice of clarity in today’s noisy world. With a growing digital following that includes 55 million+ YouTube subscribers, over 3.5 billion cumulative views, and 160+ published books, he is widely regarded as the most impactful spiritual teacher of the digital age. His teachings, rooted in Advait Vedanta, cut through confusion and offer direct, profound insight into the nature of the self, life, and consciousness.
Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Limited said “With Acharya Prashant, we’re not just hosting a session—we’re creating a space for stillness, insight, and inner transformation. Our cinemas have always been places where stories come alive, and with Alternate Content, we’re now bringing voices that awaken something deeper within. This is cinema reimagined as a catalyst for reflection.”
This one-of-a-kind event is expected to draw curious minds, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves amidst the noise of everyday life.
Event Details:
- Venue: PVR Aura Mall, Bhopal
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Time: Evening session (exact timings available on the booking portal)
- Audi: Number 2
- Format: Live and Interactive Spiritual Dialogue
TAS Unveils New Logo: A Shift Towards Sustainability
The Academy School (TAS), Pune, announced its transition from deep blue to earthy green in its brand logo. The school renewed its commitment to the environment and its logo symbolises growth, responsibility, sustainability, and holistic education. The change in identity is not just about aesthetics but also reflects the institution’s dedication to fostering an eco-conscious mindset among students while promoting a balanced and nurturing learning environment.
The logo signifies many things, but the question might arise, ‘Why Green?’.
Why Green?
- Sustainability & Responsibility: The transition represents TAS’s pledge to instill environmental consciousness in its students, preparing them for a future where sustainability is paramount.
- Symbol of Growth & Renewal: Just as nature thrives and evolves, so do TAS students. Green embodies continuous learning, renewal, and personal development.
- Harmony & Well-being: A serene, green environment fosters positivity, emotional well-being, and motivation, ensuring students thrive academically and personally.
- A Future Rooted in Purpose: The new color aligns with TAS’s vision of integrating education with nature, cultivating a generation that values both intellectual and environmental responsibility.
TAS students, parents, and educators embraced the transformation as a step toward a brighter and greener future. “At TAS, we believe that education goes beyond textbooks. It is about being responsible and shaping mindful individuals who will lead with purpose,” said Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO at TAS. “Our new green identity is a testament to our mission of fostering an environment that prioritizes sustainability, growth, and holistic development. The new logo signifies a commitment to innovation, progress, and an education system rooted in purpose,” she added
JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) Backs Nautical Wings
National, April 16, 2025 ; JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) has announced its strategic investment in two promising startups, RawRX (Blueday Living Private Limited) and Nautical Wings Aerospace, as part of its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence.
RawRX, founded by Rahul Parakh, former Director at TATA 1mg, is a natural self-care brand delivering vegan supplements and topical wellness products. Born out of a personal need for clean and science-backed healthcare solutions, the company is redefining how chronic ailments are managed through food-based, high-absorption formulations like algae-based Omega-3 supplements and magnesium lotions for sleep and muscle recovery.
RawRX has successfully raised funding in its Angel Round, attracting notable investors such as the Baidyanath family, JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF), Amit Mehta, Dr. Varun Gupta, Mohita Mascarenhas, and Jermina Menon. The funds will be utilized to expand RawRX’s product line and team, ensuring greater access to clean and effective wellness solutions.
Nautical Wings Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based startup pioneering electric propulsion technology for the aviation industry, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-Series A funding round from JIIF. Founded in 2020 by Shiv Varun Singh Rajput, Praveen T, and Vikas Kamath, the company specializes in delivering state-of-the-art, tailored propulsion solutions to OEMs on a global scale.
Its upcoming flagship product, the Integrated Electric Propulsion Unit (iEPU), is a cutting-edge turnkey solution designed to simplify adoption for drone manufacturers and air mobility companies. The iEPU features a plug-and-play design for seamless integration across various aircraft, catering to the specific needs of each client.
With JIIF’s backing, Nautical Wings aims to accelerate the development of its iEPU technology, enhance its R&D capabilities, and scale its reach in the global electric aviation market.
JIIF’s continued support for groundbreaking startups underscores its vision of empowering innovative businesses and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Indira IVF Hospital Limited Opens Gachibowli Centre
Hyderabad, 16 April 2025: Indira IVF Hospital Limited (“ Indira IVF ”) today inaugurates a new fertility center in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, enhancing access to advanced reproductive care in the region. Located at 2nd Floor, Fortune Cyber, Gachibowli Village, Gacchibowli–Miyapur Road, Serilingampally Mandal, Gachibowli, Telangana. The center aims to provide specialized fertility treatments to individuals and couples seeking support on their journey to parenthood. With this expansion, Indira IVF continues its mission of making fertility care more accessible and inclusive by combining technology-driven services with compassionate medical guidance.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Tariq Ansari, Chairman of Telangana State Minority Commission, and Dr. Shanta Kumari, President of FOGSI Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Also present were, Dr. Trupthi Ganapathi, Gynecologist, IVF Specialist & Indira IVF’s Center Head, Hyderabad, and South Zonal Business Director, as Guests of Honour, and Dr. Udaya Kiran Bandaru, Gynecologist and IVF specialist, Indira IVF’s Center head, Gachibowli.
Speaking on the inauguration, Mr. Tariq Ansari, Chairman of Telangana State Minority Commission , stated, “While medical advancements have made infertility treatable, social stigma and lack of awareness continue to prevent timely intervention. It is vital that we work towards normalizing conversations around reproductive health, and this center can play an instrumental role in that effort.”
Dr. Shanta Kumari, President, FOGSI Telangana , added, “Affordability remains one of the key concerns in fertility treatment. It is encouraging to see organizations like Indira IVF expanding into areas where they can offer both expertise and cost-effective solutions, helping many couples achieve their dreams of parenthood.”
Mr. Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director, Indira IVF, said, “As India’s healthcare landscape evolves, the demand for patient-centric fertility care is growing rapidly. At Indira IVF, we are focused on creating environments where clinical excellence is matched by transparency, empathy and trust. The center in Gachibowli is a reflection of this approach, tailored to meet the unique needs of the community it serves.”
Dr. Trupthi Ganapathi, Gynecologist, IVF Specialist and Indira IVF’s Center Head, Hyderabad , stated, “It is imperative to address the gap in fertility care access, as many still struggle to reach the right specialists in time. With our new center in Gacchibowli, we aim to bridge this segment and bring advanced reproductive care directly into the heart of the city’s growing medical ecosystem.”
Dr. Udaya Kiran Bandaru, Gynaecologist, IVF specialist and Indira IVF’s Center head, Gacchibowli , stated, “Educating individuals about fertility, from the impact of age and lifestyle to available treatment options, is just as important as the treatment itself. At our Gachibowli center, we’re dedicated to giving patients clear, science-based information so they can make informed choices about their fertility care.”
Indira IVF has facilitated over 160,000 successful IVF pregnancies since its incorporation. The new center in Gachibowli is part of its ongoing efforts to make fertility care more accessible, offering comprehensive and evidence-based solutions to individuals navigating infertility.
Meghalaya Receives Two Prestigious Awards from UIDAI Event
Mumbai / National, 16th April 2025: The Government of Meghalaya has been honored with two prestigious awards by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) at the Aadhaar Samvaad event held on 8 April 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New Delhi.
Meghalaya was recognized in the following two categories:
1. Award for Best Performing State in Carrying Out Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs) of Children, and
2. Award for Best Performing State in Verification of Adult Aadhaar Enrolment.
These awards are a testament to the State’s exemplary performance in strengthening Aadhaar-related services and ensuring comprehensive and accurate enrolment for both children and adults across Meghalaya.
The awards were received on behalf of the State by Shri Shai Kupar War, Nodal Officer (Aadhaar), General Administration Department (GAD), Government of Meghalaya.
Dr Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer for Aadhaar, expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for the achievement. He remarked, “This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment and dedication of our Aadhaar team from field-level staff to district officials and technical staff. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this outstanding performance.”
The General Administration Department remains committed to working in close coordination with UIDAI and various departments to further improve the delivery and outreach of Aadhaar services in Meghalaya, ensuring that every resident has access to their unique identity and to essential government schemes.
SingleInterface Brings AI to Storefronts in Retail
New Delhi, April 16, 2025: SingleInterface, Asia’s largest retail tech platform for multi-location brands, today unveiled its integrated AI platform – SingleInterface AI – marking its transformation into the first full-stack AI software suite built exclusively for storefronts.
From digital-first to AI-first, SingleInterface AI redefines how multi-location brands get discovered by their customers and engage with hyperlocal audiences—at every store, every pin on the map, and every customer touchpoint.
“We believe the future of hyperlocal marketing and commerce is AI-native. It’s transforming how every storefront shows up in “near me” searches, responds, and grows. With SingleInterface AI, we’re embedding enterprise-grade intelligence into every hyperlocal brand interaction,” said Tarun Sobhani, Co-Founder and CEO, SingleInterface.
AI That Impacts Every Location
This launch unifies and elevates SingleInterface’s core offerings—from business listings to engagement—into one smart, self-learning platform. With advanced interaction analytics and real-time sentiment decoding, SingleInterface AI turns every storefront into a performance engine. Brands gain sharper visibility into local trends, intent signals, and campaign impact—driving measurable growth and actionable insights at every touchpoint.
What’s Inside SingleInterface AI
SingleInterface AI offers a modular yet deeply integrated suite of AI engines, each solving a distinct challenge faced by multi-location enterprises.
- Presence AI: Ensures every location (branch, outlet, or store) is easily searchable with up-to-date information, enabled by automated listings across Google, Apple Maps, car navigation systems and AI voice assistants.
- Pages AI: Automatically generates high-performing, search-optimized microsites for each individual location complete with real-time content, embedded chat, and actionable CTAs.
- Reviews AI: Understands location-level customer reviews with AI-powered emotional intelligence, allowing marketers to respond with empathy.
- Engagement AI: Connects the dots between CRM data and real-time conversations, enabling hyper-contextual WhatsApp, email, and web chat outreach.
- Campaigns AI: Localizes brand campaigns with geo-fenced insights, content fatigue detection, and audience behaviour tracking across every city or Pin/Zip code.
- Interactions AI: Transcribes and analyzes every customer interaction made with the brand or the nearest location to reveal sentiment, missed opportunities, and conversion blockers.
- Audience AI uses real-world behavior signals—like location patterns, visit frequency, and category interest—to identify high-intent buyers before they enter your funnel, powering more precise campaigns and stronger ROI.
- Competition AI: Maps search performance block-by-block, benchmarking each outlet and highlighting areas to win more “near me” searches.
- Insights AI: Unifies data across modules to deliver a 360° view of brand performance—highlighting trends, and surfacing actionable intelligence at every location.
With over 400 multi-location brands across industries such as F&B, automotive, telecom, retail, banking, financial services, real estate, education, travel, and healthcare, SingleInterface is setting a new benchmark for AI-driven location-based marketing.
100 Years of Caterpillar: Sustainability Through Teamwork
National, 16 April 2025 – As Caterpillar Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives, celebrates its monumental 100th anniversary, Caterpillar team in India takes immense pride in its role in this legacy. With over 50 years of operations in India, Caterpillar has contributed significantly in building infrastructure and driving industrial progress in the country.
For a century, Caterpillar’s customer-centric innovation and industry-leading transformation have helped shape the modern world—including India. From the Bhakra Nangal Dam to the Atal Tunnel and the Purvanchal Expressway, Caterpillar’s equipment has been instrumental in building the country’s infrastructure since 1930s.
“At Caterpillar, innovation and customer-centricity have always been the cornerstones of our success. As we celebrate 100 years globally and over 50 years in India, we recognize that our people are the driving force behind our achievements,” said Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, India Country Manager and Vice President, Integrated Component Solutions Engineering Division, Caterpillar. “Their dedication has not only met India’s evolving needs but has also set new benchmarks on a global scale. We remain committed to building a more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced future—together, we are shaping the next century of progress.”
As India strengthens its position as a key global manufacturer, Caterpillar remains deeply committed to supporting the nation’s industrial and infrastructure ambitions. With cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled talent, Caterpillar continues to be an integral part of India’s growth story.
As part of the celebration, Caterpillar Inc. pledged $100 million over the next five years globally to help equip the workforce of the future with the skills needed, leveraging technology to meet global market demands as the world undergoes a rapid digital transformation.
With Connections 2025, Trend Micro Leads Cybersecurity
Mumbai, 16 April 2025 – Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, successfully concluded Connections 2025, its annual national partner summit, held from March 6th to 8th in Rishikesh. The three-day event brought together CXOs and senior leaders from key partner organizations, fostering strategic dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning in the serene setting of Rishikesh.
Centered on the theme “Accelerate into the Future with Proactive Security,” the summit spotlighted the pivotal role of channel partners in Trend Micro’s continued success. The event served as a platform to reflect on strong 2024 performance, discuss evolving market opportunities, and chart a forward-looking roadmap for 2025 and beyond.
In her keynote address, Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India & SAARC, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to the Indian market and the unmatched value of its partner ecosystem: “In an era increasingly defined by AI, adaptability is essential in today’s cybersecurity landscape. At Trend Micro, we remain committed to proactive security, customer-first innovation while leveraging security for AI and AI for security. With over two decades of leadership in India and a strong enterprise presence powered by Trend Vision One – our unified cybersecurity platform, we’re proud to be ranked the #1 Channel Security Vendor by Canalys for four consecutive years. Our revamped partner program and new go-to-market initiatives further strengthen our shared growth journey aligning seamlessly with our vision for the future of cybersecurity.”
A notable highlight was a fireside discussion with the customer CISO, providing valuable insights on the theme “Evolving Digital Banking Security and the Strategic Role of Partners.” Complementing this, a focused roundtable session enabled in-depth discussions with partners on enhancing revenue and profitability, optimizing go-to-market strategies, expanding market reach, and accelerating innovation to address future needs.
As part of its commitment to acknowledging exceptional contributions, Connections 2025 celebrated top-performing partners across multiple categories:
- Top Performer of the Year 2024 – Wysetek Systems Technologists Pvt. Ltd.
- Strategic Partner of the Year 2024 – Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
- Customer Excellence Award 2024 – Eventus Security Pvt. Ltd.
- Commercial Partner of the Year 2024 – Gigabit Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
- Accelerated Growth Partner 2024 – Intime Solutions
- Breakout Partner of the Year 2024 – Niveshan Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
Talking about Trend Micro’s vision for 2025, Himanshu Gupta, Sr Director – Government Business & Channels, India & SAARC stated, “Our vision for this year is clear; to drive greater customer satisfaction, accelerate platform adoption, and strengthen our channel ecosystem. By enhancing our partner experience and doubling competencies through the Ninja Program under Trend Campus, we’re committed to building a more proactive and resilient cybersecurity landscape together.”
Canalys Global Cybersecurity Leadership Matrix ranked Trend Micro as #1 among the 32 cybersecurity vendors for its commitment to channel partners, overall ease of doing business, quality of account management provided and the value of portals and tools. This recognition marks Trend Micro’s fourth consecutive first place for continued excellence and leadership in the channel. Together with its partners, Trend Micro protects one of the most geographically diverse customer bases in the industry, securing hundreds of thousands of enterprise customers across 69 countries.
MS Dhoni Backed Drone Startup Garuda Aerospace Secures Funding
16th April 2025, Chennai, India: Garuda Aerospace, India’s most valuable drone startup, has successfully raised ₹100 crores in its Series B funding round from Venture Catalysts (Vcats++), at a valuation of $250 million. This strategic infusion of capital marks a major milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s mission to bolster indigenous drone manufacturing and innovation. The fresh funds will significantly enhance the company’s capabilities in producing drone systems. The funds will also be allocated in scaling up its current production facility and fast-tracking the completion of a cutting-edge R&D and testing center dedicated to advanced defense drone design. This development not only strengthens Garuda Aerospace’s position in the Indian aerospace ecosystem but also aligns with the nation’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in high-tech defense manufacturing.
Currently holding a robust portfolio of over 20+ patents, Garuda Aerospace has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and technological excellence in the fast-evolving drone sector. A dedicated portion of the newly secured funds will support the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in drone innovation and utilizing the funds towards producing a new design facility as well. This initiative underscores Garuda Aerospace’s strategic role in enhancing India’s defense and security capabilities through the development of cutting-edge, domestically engineered drone systems. Garuda Aerospace will continue to contribute meaningfully to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “This Series B funding is a defining milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s growth journey. It not only strengthens our capacity to scale manufacturing and innovation but also positions us to accelerate the development of next-generation drones technology. As we prepare for global growth expansion journey, this investment reinforces our commitment to building world-class, indigenous drone technologies that contribute to India’s economic progress, self-reliance in defense, and technological leadership on the global stage.”
Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder and Managing Director of Venture Catalysts, said, “We are immensely proud to lead this landmark Series B funding for Garuda Aerospace. This investment is closely aligned with our strategy of supporting homegrown champions that have the potential to transform India’s technological landscape and create significant socio-economic impact. The role Garuda is playing in strengthening India’s indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem, while also creating a global footprint, is something that truly excites us. We firmly believe that in the years to come, Garuda Aerospace will emerge as a global leader in drone technology, making India the drone hub of the world by 2030.”
Garuda Aerospace’s successful Series B funding of ₹100 crores signifies strong investor confidence in the company’s vision, technological prowess, and growth potential within the burgeoning Indian drone market. The Indian drone market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by increasing applications across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, surveillance, and defense. With the government’s strong emphasis on promoting drone adoption and indigenous manufacturing through initiatives like the Drone Rules 2021 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the market presents a substantial opportunity. Garuda Aerospace has established a robust business model encompassing drone manufacturing, drone-as-a-service (DaaS) offerings, and pilot training. The company caters to a wide array of clients, including government agencies, agricultural enterprises, infrastructure companies, and defense establishments, providing tailored drone solutions for diverse needs. Garuda Aerospace continues working with local partners like Tata, HUL, Reliance etc for indigenization of drones.