The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)’s Conference on Advances in Packaging brought together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the packaging sector, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions.

Industry Leaders Emphasize Innovation & Sustainability

Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Ajit Gupta, Chair, PHDCCI Packaging Committee and Managing Director, Ajit Industries Ltd., highlighted the transformative potential of the packaging industry. He stressed that collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators is crucial to driving innovation and sustainability.

“Let’s continue to engage, exchange ideas, and work towards a packaging ecosystem that is both forward-thinking and environmentally responsible,” said Mr. Gupta. He extended his gratitude to the conference partners Uflex Ltd., Siegwerk, AIPL, and the supporters Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), ASPA, and LMAI for their contributions.

Prof. (Dr.) Tanweer Alam, Additional Director & RO, IIP, Delhi, emphasized the importance of packaging in government initiatives such as food parks. He called for stronger policy support to ensure packaging plays a critical role in food safety and sustainability.

Mr. Amit Shah, Joint President, UFlex Ltd., discussed key policies promoting the packaging industry, highlighting its dynamic nature and the importance of sustainability. He stressed that India has the potential to become a global leader in packaging solutions with the right policy support, investments in recycling infrastructure, and the extension of PLI (Production Linked Incentive) benefits.

Several distinguished speakers shared their insights on the evolving packaging landscape during the Panel Discussions on Future of Packaging.

Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Sr. VP (Corporate Packaging Procurement & Development), DS Group, spoke about the lack of awareness and incentives for packaging professionals, urging the industry to recognize packaging as a lucrative career.

Mr. Sagar Singh, Joint Director, BIS, provided insights into the regulatory framework for packaging and printing in India.

Mr. Tamal Ghosh, Head – New Product & Packaging Development, JK Organisation, discussed the challenges and opportunities in sustainable functional paper packaging, emphasizing technological advancements and regulatory support.

Dr. Dipshikha Banerjee, Head of Technology – Flexible Packaging (India Region), Siegwerk India Pvt Ltd., highlighted ink and coating solutions for a circular future, addressing sustainable packaging solutions like PVC-free inks and deinking techniques for recyclability.

Mr. Jatin Takkar, Head – Brand Owner Collaboration (India Region), Siegwerk India Pvt Ltd., explained legal obligations for packaging ink safety, focusing on food-grade inks and environmental sustainability.

Mr. Inderjit Singh, Business Unit Head – Offset Inks, Toyo Ink India, stressed the importance of low-toxicity, recycled inks and energy-efficient printing methods to promote sustainability in packaging.

Mr. Ankit Gupta, Joint Managing Director, Holostik Group, discussed counterfeiting challenges and product security, highlighting IT-enabled solutions for brand protection and supply chain management.

Other Notable Sessions Included were Sustainable Packaging by Mr. Subhra Sankha Nandi, VP – Packaging & Operations, PACKult Studio Pvt Ltd.

Flexible Packaging and Transformation by Mr. Anuj Sahni, Sales & Marketing Director, Windmoeller & Hoelscher India

Packaging of Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Waste Management – Industry experts shared best practices and sustainability strategies.

Role of Packaging in FMCG Sector by Mr. Faizur Rahman, AGM Packaging & Purchasing, Colorbar Cosmetics Pvt Ltd.

Plastic Waste Management & Recycling by Mr. Pavee Raheja, CEO & Founder, Rappr Innovations Pvt Ltd.

A Conference discussed the Roadmap for a Sustainable Future. The conference concluded with a collective vision for the future of the packaging industry, with a consensus on the need for greater collaboration, policy reforms, and technological advancements to drive sustainable growth.

PHDCCI remains committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in the packaging sector, ensuring that India emerges as a leader in global packaging solutions.

Diversity and inclusion are no longer just catchphrases in today’s changing workplace; they are now crucial tenets of successful organizations. Neurodiversity is one of the aspects of diversity that is frequently disregarded. Nonetheless, recognizing and valuing neurodiversity can open up a world of possibilities and encourage creativity in groups. In order to ensure that neurodivergent people flourish and make significant contributions to the workplace, this guide is intended to assist HR professionals in developing inclusive hiring processes that support them. The term “neurodiversity” describes the inherent differences in human brains and cognitive abilities. It includes disorders including dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD, and other neurological variations. Neurodiversity promotes these conditions as distinct ways of thinking and processing information, rather than seeing them as deficiencies. Organizations may create more innovative and dynamic teams by embracing the strengths of neurodivergence.

“People who are neurodivergent frequently contribute special viewpoints and abilities, like the ability to recognize patterns, pay close attention to details, and solve problems creatively. Following the implementation of neurodiverse hiring strategies, companies such as Microsoft, SAP, and EY have claimed improved innovation. Employee engagement and loyalty are frequently better in inclusive organizations that accommodate neurodivergent workers. People are more likely to be driven and effective when they feel appreciated for their uniqueness. Diverse groups are more capable of handling difficult problems. Organizations can maintain an advantage in a market that is becoming more dynamic and competitive by embracing neurodiversity.” says Dr. Karanvir Singh, Clinical Counsellor

Hiring Neurodivergent Talent Creates Challenges

Employing neurodivergent people has drawbacks despite the advantages, such as unconscious bias. Conventional recruiting procedures frequently exclude neurodivergent applicants by favoring neurotypical communication styles and behaviors. Strict job descriptions that include things like “excellent verbal communication skills” might not be necessary for every position and may turn off applicants who are neurodivergent. A neurodivergent candidate’s abilities might not be fully represented by conventional interview methods.

Techniques for Including All Candidates in Hiring

HR specialists can address these issues by rewriting job descriptions to emphasize critical abilities and results rather than nebulous characteristics like “team player.” It is crucial to emphasize that the company encourages neurodivergent applicants and cherishes varied perspectives. The application process can be made more accessible by streamlining online applications and making sure they work with assistive technology. It can also be beneficial to offer other application types, including portfolios or video submissions.

Another important step is to reconsider interviews. Giving interview questions ahead of time can help people feel less anxious. A fair procedure can be ensured by more efficiently evaluating candidates through the use of skills-based tests or job trials. It can have a big impact if interviewers are trained to recognize and adapt to neurodivergent communication styles. Candidates can be further supported by being receptive to accommodations like quiet offices, noise-canceling headphones, or flexible work schedules. It is crucial to support candidates in talking about their requirements without worrying about criticism.

Teaching teams and recruiting managers about neurodiversity can promote understanding and lessen stigma. Sharing the achievements of neurodiverse workers can encourage an inclusive workplace culture and highlight the real advantages of using neurodiverse recruiting procedures.

Assisting Neurodivergent Workers After Hiring

Establishing an inclusive hiring procedure is just the beginning. Organizations must support neurodivergent employees with customized onboarding programs that offer resources and clear instructions in order to ensure long-term success. Neurodivergent workers can adjust more successfully if they are paired with mentors who can help them navigate the complexities of the workplace. Giving employees regular, constructive criticism is essential to their success. Creating neurodiversity-focused employee resource groups helps foster a feeling of belonging and support.

Recognizing and valuing neurodiversity is not only morally required, but also advantageous from a strategic one. HR professionals can unleash the potential of neurodivergent talent, promoting innovation and a sense of belonging, by implementing inclusive recruiting strategies. As the workplace continues to evolve, let us celebrate the diverse ways people think, learn, and contribute, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to shine.

Mumbai, 5th February 2025 – Rubix Data Sciences, a leader in risk management and monitoring services, has released its latest industry report, offering a comprehensive analysis of India’s technical textiles sector. At a time when Budget 2025 has introduced key policy changes to strengthen domestic manufacturing, this report provides critical insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and emerging innovations shaping the future of technical textiles.

The technical textiles market in India, worth USD 29 billion in FY2024, is set for significant expansion, fueled by Budget 2025’s increase in Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on knitted fabrics and tax breaks for textile machinery. The report highlights key segments like packtech (44% market share), mobiltech, meditech, and agrotech which are expected to see growth due to rising investments and demand for high-performance fabrics. Cutting-edge advancements, including energy-harvesting fabrics, PCM-based adaptive clothing, and smart e-textiles for sports and fitness, are shaping the future of this industry. Government initiatives such as the PLI scheme, PM MITRA parks, and quality control mandates are also playing a crucial role in positioning India as a global leader in advanced textiles.

“Technical textiles are no longer just about durability – they’re about intelligence, adaptability, and sustainability,” said Mohan Ramaswamy, Co-founder and CEO at Rubix Data Sciences “Budget 2025 has given the sector an added push, and we’re seeing an exciting shift towards sustainable innovation, automation, and smart materials. Whether it’s self-cleaning fabrics, military-grade protective gear, or biodegradable packaging, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Businesses that tap into these advancements now will be ahead of the curve.”

As India strengthens its manufacturing base and expands its footprint in global trade, Rubix Data Sciences continues to provide data-driven intelligence that helps businesses navigate the industry shift. With global demand for high-performance fabrics rising, the Indian market presents significant opportunities for investment, exports, and innovation. The full report is available here

Bengaluru, February 5, 2025: Ola Electric, India’s largest pure-play EV company, today announced its entry into the EV motorcycle segment with the launch of its Roadster X series to redefine motorcycling with impressive performance and a thrilling riding experience. Built on the company’s scalable motorcycle platform, the all-new Roadster X series is being introduced starting at ₹74,999 for the Roadster X, ₹1,04,999 for the Roadster X+ 4.5kWh, and ₹1,54,999 for the Roadster X+ 9.1kWh (with 4680 Bharat Cell) that offers an unrivalled range of 501 km/charge.

The all-new Roadster X comes in 2.5kWh, 3.5kWh and 4.5kWh variants and are priced at ₹74,999, ₹84,999 and ₹94,999, respectively. The Roadster series comes with a standard warranty of 3 years/50,000 km. The deliveries for the Roadster series to commence from mid March onwards

Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Managing Director of Ola Electric, said, “Motorcycles are at the heart of India’s mobility landscape. With our electric motorcycles, we’re driving the EV revolution deeper into the core of Indian mobility. After transforming the scooter market and making EVs mainstream, our futuristic Roadster series of motorcycles is here to accelerate the EV adoption further and make electric the first choice for every rider in India. The Roadster series will transform urban and rural mobility alike and take us closer to #EndICEAge, bringing in unmatched range, performance, reliability, efficiency, and technology. There can’t be a better time to join the revolution.”

At the forefront of innovation and engineering, the Roadster series offers a compact design and a modular platform that delivers improved performance, efficiency and reliability in all riding conditions. The entire portfolio comes with a mid-drive motor that boosts performance and safety. The powertrain of the Roadster series also features a chain drive and an integrated MCU for efficient torque transfer, providing superior acceleration, and improved range while lowering costs. With the Roadster series the company is also introducing flat cables in the motorcycles—an industry-first innovation. These cables improve packaging efficiency, reduce weight, and enhance thermal performance, improving overall durability and reliability.

The Roadster series offers a breakthrough in motorcycle technology and comes with first-in-segment patented brake-by-wire technology with single ABS, and smart MoveOS 5 features such as advanced regeneration, cruise control, and reverse mode. The battery system of the Roadster series represents a breakthrough in modular design with a single design concept adaptable across different capacities, delivering safer and more energy-efficient performance. It gets a IP67 waterproof and dust-proof certification, advanced wire bonding technology, and a serviceable Battery Management System (BMS) enabling easy maintenance. The user-friendly double cradle frame architecture is strong, lightweight and agile with optimised weight distribution, providing a lower centre of gravity, increasing stability, manoeuvrability and rider safety.

Roadster X

Powered by a 7kW mid-drive motor, the Roadster X offers a perfect combination of performance and affordability without compromising on quality and technology. The Roadster X has a top speed of 105 km/h (for 2.5kWh), and 118 km/h (for 3.5kWh and 4.5kWh). The motorcycles (2.5kWh, 3.5kWh and 4.5kWh) boast a range of 140 km, 196 km and 252 km (IDC) respectively. While the 2.5kWh variant accelerates from 0 – 40 km/h in just 3.4 sec, the 3.5kWh and 4.5kWh variants do it in just 3.1 seconds. The Roadster X features Sports, Normal and Eco riding modes, a 4.3” LCD colour segmented display with smart connectivity and USB, powered by MoveOS 5 and is available in Industrial Siver, Anthracite, Stellar blue, Pine green and Ceramic white colour options.

Roadster X+

The Roadster X+ (4.5kWh and 9.1kWh) is powered by an 11kW motor offering an unmatched performance with a top speed of 125km/h and a brisk acceleration of 0 – 40kmph in just 2.7 seconds. The Roadster X+ (4.5kWh and 9.1kWh) comes with an impressive range of 252 km (IDC) and 501 km (IDC) respectively and features Sports, Normal, and Eco riding modes. With a 4.3″ segmented LCD screen with USB, powered by MoveOS 5, the Roadster X+ offers a wide range of digital tech features such as energy insights, advanced regen, cruise control and reverse mode. Roadster X+ is available in Industrial Silver, Anthracite, Stellar blue, Pine green, and Ceramic white.

The company recently introduced its Gen 3 portfolio, launched the flagship S1 Pro+ 5.3kWh and 4kWh priced at ₹1,69,999, and ₹1,54,999, respectively. The S1 Pro, available in 4kWh and 3kWh battery options, is priced at ₹1,34,999 and ₹1,14,999, respectively. The S1 X range is priced at ₹79,999 for 2kWh, ₹89,999 for 3kWh, and ₹99,999 for 4kWh, with S1 X+ available with the 4kWh battery and priced at ₹1,07,999. Along with the latest Gen 3 S1 scooters, the company announced to continue to retail its Gen 2 scooters at discounts of up to ₹35,000, with S1 Pro, S1 X (2kWh, 3kWh, and 4kWh) now starting at ₹1,14,999, ₹69,999, ₹79,999, and ₹89,999, respectively.

The company recently announced the launch of its Gig and S1 Z scooter range, comprising Ola Gig, Ola Gig+, Ola S1 Z, and Ola S1 Z+, available at an introductory price of ₹39,999 (ex-showroom), ₹49,999 (ex-showroom), ₹59,999 (ex-showroom), and ₹64,999 (ex-showroom), respectively. The new range of scooters offers durable, reliable, affordable, and flexible solutions, including removable batteries, fulfilling personal and commercial use cases of rural, semi-urban, and urban customers. Reservations for the Gig and S1 Z series are open at just ₹499, and deliveries will begin in April 2025 and May 2025, respectively.

Mumbai, February 05, 2025: NLB Services, a leading global technology and digital talent solutions provider, has launched its annual flagship report, ‘India’s Talent Takeoff-The GCC 4.0 story’. The report is an in-depth analysis of hiring trends in the GCC segment for CY2025 and the outlook till CY2030. According to the report findings, GCC 4.0 is expected to create 4.25–4.5 lakh new jobs this year, with 35% of GCCs eyeing 50-100% workforce expansion. Fueled by its vast skilled workforce and supportive policies, India has emerged as the top GCC destination, and GCCs are expected to generate 1 million jobs in the next six years. Overall the sector is expected to employ 3.3 million professionals by CY2030.

Diving further into the GCC paradigm, the report spotlights the rising demand for entry level talent across GCCs, especially across skills like Customer Experience and Support Services (17%), Cybersecurity and Data Protection (17%), Digital Transformation and Automation (14%). GCCs across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai are poised to drive the demand for freshers in the sector. Signaling commitment to future-ready workforces and equipping youth for next-gen innovation, 42% of GCCs are likely to bolster their workforce with a significant 50% surge by CY2030.

Moreover, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity, 61% of India Inc. GCCs anticipate over 50% increase in women hires by CY2030; highlighting a sharp rise from the 7% expecting similar women workforce expansion this year. In this year, Bengaluru is expected to lead (17% of GCCs – over 50% increase), while Hyderabad will remain modest (69% of GCCs – up to 20% increase), and Delhi will likely witness hiring freeze (28% of GCCs – indicating no change/decrease). However, by CY2030, the report estimates Delhi to transition into the front runner (77% of GCCs – over 50% increase), followed by Pune (42% of GCCs – over 50% increase); as Bengaluru (65%) and Chennai (72%) show steady momentum reflecting robust long-term diversity strategies.

Sharing his views, Mr. Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services said, “India’s position as a global GCC hub continues to strengthen, with the number of centers expected to grow to 2,100+ by 2030, driving a market size nearing $100 billion. As we are gearing up for GCC 4.0, workforce synergies will be of utmost priority. The ‘India’s Talent Take off-The GCC 4.0 story’ report offers a comprehensive outlook on the Indian GCC hiring ecosystem and it is interesting to note the evolution of GCCs beyond core tech. However, as hiring in India’s GCCs increases across functions like tech, finance, manufacturing, and sustainability, the need for critical high-demand skills like Financial Services (79%) will lead the way. Marketing & Digital advertising (73%) will also be a priority as businesses adopt a digital-first approach. Additionally, Industry 4.0 transformation will continue to bolster the demand for Engineering & Manufacturing (69%), while Human Resource & Talent Management (68%) will remain essential as companies look to scale operations, attract niche talent, and build strategic leadership pipelines.”

“Over the last three years, India has also witnessed the emergence of new GCC hubs, and GCCs are fast outpacing IT Services in job creation. The recent introduction of the national framework in FY26 budget will further propel GCC growth across Tier II and Tier III locations, and the demand for niche skills will continue to rise”, added Mr. Alug.

Deep diving into geographies and skills, NLB’s report findings indicate that Bengaluru is likely to lead India’s GCC hubs with 27% hiring growth, significantly impacting the IT and R&D ecosystem due to rising demand for AI, Data Science, and Cloud Computing professionals. Following closely, Mumbai is set for 23% growth, driven by financial services and consulting sectors. Chennai ranks third at 19% forecast, supported by its strengths in engineering and manufacturing. Meanwhile, Hyderabad is eyeing an 11% increase in hiring within technology and life sciences. Delhi and Pune both eye 10% growth, with Delhi thriving in professional services and Pune excelling in automotive and digital transformation sectors.

“The battle for top talent is no longer a level playing field, GCCs are taking the lead. With 72% of leaders acknowledging their advantage over IT services, it’s clear that these organizations are reshaping the career landscape. Offering competitive salaries, global opportunities, and a focus on AI, automation, and digital transformation, GCCs are setting new standards for skilled professionals.” added Varun Sachdeva, SVP & APAC Head at NLB Services.

The report further indicates GCCs are not only offering higher salaries but also investing in specialized talent to drive global innovation. As GCCs compete for top talent, their premium compensation strategy is distinguishing them from traditional IT sectors. The primary driver of this premium is the demand for niche skills (39%) such as AI, cloud computing, and advanced analytics. A majority (66%) believe GCCs offer higher salaries due to the need for data science, AI, and automation expertise, along with global exposure and faster career advancement. While 18% favor IT Services and 16% eye both sectors as equally competitive, GCCs are expected to be top payers in Hyderabad (19%) and Mumbai (19%), particularly in IT Software & Consulting and Banking/Financial Services. Delhi/NCR (21%) and Bengaluru (24%) will also remain competitive, especially in Telecom & Internet Services.

India has solidified its status as a leading GCC hub. As anticipation builds, the number of GCCs is projected to reach 2,100 by 2030, with a market size approaching USD 100 billion. This growth reflects India’s evolving landscape, driven by demand for innovation and skilled talent. In fact, 56% of GCC leaders feel that the segment is going to elevate itself as innovation hubs, thus setting the stage for unprecedented opportunities in the next 6 years.

The Maharashtra government has proposed raising the height limit for high-rise buildings from 120 to 180 metres, a move that would require approval from the BMC’s Technical Committee. Currently, a 120-metre structure accommodates approximately 40 floors, but with the proposed increase, high-rise buildings could go up between 50 to 60 floors. This initiative has been warmly welcomed by the real estate industry, with several housing experts offering their insights on the potential impact of the change.

Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra

“This proposal to redefine high-rises from 120m to 180m is a welcome move that will significantly streamline the approval process for tall buildings in Mumbai. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, this change will accelerate project timelines, enhance ease of doing business, and contribute to the city’s vertical growth in a more efficient manner. Given Mumbai’s space constraints, vertical development is the key to meeting rising housing demand, and this step aligns with the broader vision of urban expansion. However, it is essential that robust structural safety norms and regulatory oversight remain in place to ensure sustainable and resilient urban development.”

Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers

“Allowing taller buildings presents a tremendous opportunity to make smarter, more efficient use of space, which is essential for sustainable development. By optimizing available space, we can guide the city’s growth in a way that is both effective and environmentally responsible. This approach is critical for creating a vibrant, sustainable city that meets the needs of a growing population without expanding its footprint. Taller buildings enable us to maximize space, making the city more dynamic and adaptable to future demands. Ultimately, it’s about fostering a city that not only thrives today but remains strong and resilient for generations to come.”

Mr. Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group

“Raising the building height limit from 120m to 180m is a significant step forward in driving the city’s growth and shaping a brighter, more progressive urban landscape. This move aligns perfectly with our vision of developing modern, innovative spaces that address the evolving needs of a growing population. As cities expand, it’s crucial to adapt by providing more housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure, all while preserving a high quality of life for future generations. Taller buildings contribute to sustainability by optimizing land use, reducing urban sprawl, and enhancing energy efficiency. Studies show that high-rise apartments consume less energy per capita than detached houses due to shared walls and centralized systems. By incorporating sustainable design choices such as energy-efficient materials, green roofs, and renewable energy integration, we can ensure that vertical growth becomes a catalyst for a more efficient, livable, and environmentally responsible urban future.”

Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee Group

In a city like Mumbai, where real estate is limited and the demand for high-quality living spaces is ever-growing, this presents a remarkable opportunity to optimize the use of available resources. It opens the door to creating more premium residential developments that align with our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and delivering projects on time. This is a significant step towards shaping a more spacious, sustainable, and modern Mumbai.”

Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director, CCI Projects

“The proposal to raise Mumbai’s high-rise height limit to 180 meters presents an exciting opportunity for urban growth. However, this must be accompanied by robust infrastructure upgrades—spanning transportation, water supply, and waste management—to effectively support higher density. Equally crucial is a strong focus on sustainability in both design and construction to minimize environmental impact. Safety regulations must also evolve to address the complexities of taller structures, while ensuring that affordable housing remains a key priority. If implemented with a holistic approach, this policy could help shape a more modern, resilient, and inclusive Mumbai.”

Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Managing Director & Co-founder, Tridhaatu Realty

“We are dedicated to creating aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully designed spaces. The news of increasing the building height limit is a positive and exciting step forward in that direction. It opens up new opportunities to craft innovative, spacious, and sustainable developments that enhance the living experience while contributing to the city’s growth and skyline.”

Mr. Abhishek Jain, COO, Satellite Developers Private Limited (SDPL)

“The proposal to raise the building height limit from 120m to 180m is a promising development for Mumbai, particularly in addressing the city’s space constraints. This presents a unique opportunity to create enhanced living and working spaces that are thoughtfully designed to elevate the lifestyles of our customers, while also meeting their demand for modern, spacious, and sustainable buildings.”

• Rolls–Royce unveils The Ghost Series II in India: the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls–Royce yet. Ghost Series II is now available to orderar Rolls Royce’s Chennai and New Delhi Showrooms.
• New exterior styling is an impactful evolution of Ghost’s foundational design
• Built with driving at its heart, including an uncompromising twin-turbocharged engine
• Incorporates Planar Suspension system, Flagbearer, and Satellite Aided Transmission systems that underpin the driver-oriented chassis
• Integrates new SPIRIT digital interface and Whispers private members app
• Enhanced audio system, internet connectivity, and video streaming functions
• Ghost Extended Series II represents an even greater canvas for creativity
• Black Badge Ghost Series II and Ghost Series II Extended are available to commission from launch

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ latest evolution of its most popular nameplate in history, Ghost Series II, is now available in India. A powerful, driver-oriented and elegant rendition, the subtle evolution of Ghost’s monolithic and self-assured external appearance serves as a potent stage for Bespoke commissions. To extend their choices, clients now have access to interior finishes and features never previously available on Ghost, as well as advanced software technologies that see Bespoke enter the digital world.

“Our clients truly appreciate Ghost’s handling capabilities and its potential for Bespoke. Ghost Series II remains faithful to its principles, yet it elevates every aspect of its presence. It is the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever created and its self-assured appearance serves as a potent stage for creatively daring commissions – making it the perfect driver-focused touring machine. The marque reaffirmed its position as a highly desirable luxury brand in India, with the market expanding by almost a-third in 2024. With Ghost Series II now available in India, I believe clients will be excited to create ever more ambitious and valuable motor cars .” Irene Nikkein, Regional Director Asia-Pacific, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Background
Ghost is one of the most important Rolls-Royce motor cars of the Goodwood era. The first generation was introduced in 2009 to meet the needs of what was then a completely new category of luxury consumer. These clients, who were predominantly younger than those the marque had spoken to with its initial motor car, Phantom, requested a more approachable and versatile model. They also sought a more distilled expression of the Rolls-Royce brand — and crucially, one that would allow them to make their own statements through Bespoke that they would relish driving themselves.

The second-generation Ghost, launched in 2020, advanced these principles significantly. An object lesson in design purity, its surface simplicity hid underlying design, engineering, and craftsmanship of extraordinary complexity — and power. Indeed, it was the most technologically advanced V12 Rolls-Royce ever created when it was introduced. This was based on several impulses: to give clients a pure, yet self-assured canvas for Bespoke commissions, underpinned by a uniquely agile, driver-oriented chassis.

Ghost clients immediately recognized the impact that they could make with Bespoke. This heralded an era of experimentation and expression — from the ‘quiet luxury’ codes later popularized by the fashion industry, to fearless and bright celebrations of color. Consequently, Ghost clients invest, on average, 10% of the purchase price of their motor car in Bespoke.

Alongside its aesthetic treatment, the 2020 Ghost also took the crown as the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created. Its Planar Suspension System, which took engineers 10 collective years to perfect, produced a sensation of ‘flight on land’ never previously achieved in a motor car. With a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, plus all-wheel steering and four-wheel drive, Ghost quickly became recognized as the most dynamic, driver-focused model in the Rolls-Royce family and the perfect touring machine. Indeed, clients frequently describe Ghost not as a sedan, but a superlative four-door grand tourer.

When the time came to update Ghost, Rolls-Royce spoke to its clients about their requirements. For them, Ghost’s potential as a platform for personal, as well as engineering dynamism, was central to its appeal. Respecting their wishes, Rolls-Royce made subtle but meaningful design enhancements when forming Ghost Series II, and incorporated the remarkable, uncompromising powertrain that wrote this motor car into Rolls-Royce legend.

Gurugram, 05 February 2025: Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (Formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited), today announced its Q3FY25 financial results. The company delivered 25.3% growth in gross written premium (GWP) in Q3 over last year on a like-to-like basis. For the first 9 months of the current financial year, Niva Bupa reported a GWP of ₹5011cr, delivering 30.2% Y-O-Y growth. In line with its objective of balancing growth with profitability, the company reported a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹13.2 crore with an impressive 189% Y-o-Y growth in Q3FY25.

These are the company’s first reported financials after the new framework of premium recognition prescribed by IRDAI which took effect from 01 October 2024. As per this new framework, premium collected for a long-term policy shall be recognized on a yearly basis; i.e. for long-term policy, the GWP recognized for any financial year shall be the total GWP due for that policy multiplied by ‘1/N’ where ‘N’ is the duration of policy in years. Since ‘1/N’ was not applicable last year while reporting the Q3FY24 results, the reported GWP for Q3FY25 factoring in the impact of ‘1/N’ will not be a like-to-like comparison with Q3FY24 numbers. With ‘1/N’, Niva Bupa’s Gross Written Premium (GWP) for Q3FY25 is ₹1442Cr with 2.1% Y-o-Y growth. Likewise, with ‘1/N’ the GWP for 9M FY25 is 4684cr, demonstrating 21.7% Y-o-Y growth.

Commenting on the results Krishnan Ramachandran, MD and CEO, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, said, “Niva Bupa remains focused on building a solid foundation for future growth. Our strong solvency, robust profitability, and improving retail market share has positioned us strongly to cater to the significant opportunity in the health insurance segment. We shall continue to invest in technology, distribution, and customer-first solutions to redefine healthcare access. Our commitment to empowering every Indian with the financial confidence to access the best healthcare remains unwavering.”

On the back of higher than category growth rate, Niva Bupa’s retail health market share has increased from 9.0% in 9MFY24 to 9.6% in 9MFY25. The growth is basis contribution of many factors including company’s retail digital business (including partners) which has grown by approx. 32% on like-to-like basis in Q3’FY25. Niva Bupa also reported strengthening of its net promoter score (NPS), an industry wide metric to gauge consumer sentiment across varied touchpoints. The company’s NPS score has witnesses a Y-o-Y growth of 6 points to reach 56 in Q3 FY’25.

Hyderabad, February 5, 2025: Cyient, a global Intelligent Engineering services company, announced that it entered into a memorandum of understanding with Micware Navigations, a leader in navigation and mobility services. As per the MoU, both companies have agreed to work in partnership across mutual engineering services support, customer introduction, and marketing strategy.

This strategic partnership between Cyient and Micware Navigations aims to deliver transformative solutions for intelligent mobility, focusing on safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems. By leveraging Cyient’s engineering excellence and Micware Navigations’ expertise in mobility software, the collaboration will develop integrated solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern transportation ecosystems.

“Our partnership with Micware Navigations reinforces our commitment to engineering a better future through innovation and collaboration. By combining Cyient’s deep expertise in engineering and digital transformation with Micware Navigations’ pioneering advancements in navigation and mobility solutions, we aim to redefine the landscape of intelligent transportation. This partnership will enable us to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions that address the critical needs of an evolving Automotive & Mobility landscape, paving the way for next-generation ecosystems,” said, Joby Joseph, Vice President & Country Manager (Japan), Cyient.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Cyient and bring together our shared vision for advancing intelligent mobility. Our expertise in developing cutting-edge navigation and mobility solutions, combined with Cyient’s engineering capabilities. This partnership represents a step forward in addressing the challenges of modern transportation by leveraging technology and innovation to deliver impactful, scalable solutions that benefit industries and communities worldwide,” said, Kenta Imaida, President, Micware Navigations.

After 30 electrifying matches filled with jaw-dropping drama, edge-of-the-seat thrillers, and unforgettable moments, we’ve arrived at the most crucial stage of the season. The stakes have never been higher, the competition fiercer—it’s time for the ultimate showdown.

From February 5th, the race to the finals begins. Four powerhouses will leave it all on the field, fighting for the two coveted spots in the grand finale.

Qualifier 1: The unstoppable Desert Vipers lock horns with the formidable Dubai Capitals in a high-voltage clash for a direct ticket to the finals.

Eliminator: The relentless MI Emirates go head-to-head with the resilient Sharjah Warriorz, battling for survival in a do-or-die encounter.

The pressure is immense, the stakes are sky-high, and the road to glory is paved with fire. Who will rise? Who will fall? The battle lines are drawn—let the war begin.

Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on ZEE’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD.

The third season of the DP World ILT20 will run from 11 January to 9 February 2025. All 34 matches will be played across three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The truly international league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz.