Mysuru, India, Feb 05, 2025: illuminate, the public science and technology forum celebrating engineering excellence and innovation, is back in its third year. The event, revitalized with the momentum of Purposeful Agile Innovation, promises dynamic discussions and groundbreaking ideas focusing on technology, sustainability, and citizen empowerment.

Co-presented by L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), and The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), illuminate seeks to democratize knowledge and bring to light the latest engineering marvels in contemporary India. The third edition of the marquee event, scheduled for the 8th of February in Mysuru’s Karnataka State Open University, ensures that the most complex engineering and technology feats are made accessible to all. Unveiling the stories behind landmark breakthroughs, it is a testament to the ingenuity, perseverance, and expertise of our national talent base.

This year’s speakers feature Srikanth Nadhamuni, Founder CTO, Aadhaar, a technologist and philanthropist whose illustrious career spans Silicon Valley advancements in AI and Digital Public Infrastructure, and Gayatri Chauhan, Founder and CEO of BuzzOnEarth, a champion of environmental action, sustainability and leadership. The speakers bring together a rich bouquet of diverse perspectives – from cutting-edge sustainability practices to transformative digital initiatives that are helping redefine lives and livelihoods. Their expertise mirrors our aspirations to lead the world – both as an innovation powerhouse and a catalyst – with practical solutions to global challenges

“illuminate has evolved to become a vital platform for sparking collaboration and fostering groundbreaking innovation in science and technology. We are proud to continue empowering changemakers with a forum that tackles a diverse range of topics including artificial intelligence, sustainability, and community-led initiatives. LTTS will continue inspiring progress, innovation, and engineering excellence, while creating a lasting impact through meaningful dialogue and cutting-edge initiatives leveraging Purposeful Agile Innovation”, said Abhishek Sinha, Executive Director & President – Medical, Smart World & Functions, at L&T Technology Services.

“The National Institute of Engineering is delighted with our long-standing association with L&T Technology Services to co-host illuminate, currently in its third edition. Designed to cater to technology enthusiasts, innovators, and engineering students, the forum is an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from thought leaders and visionaries toward empowering young minds and experienced professionals alike,” said Dr. Rohini Nagapadma, Principal, NIE – Mysore.

Over the years illuminate has featured eclectic minds from the field science and technology. The speakers include Padma Shri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, the renowned former ISRO scientist affectionately known as the ‘Moon Man of India’, and Sudhanshu Mani, the genius behind the conceptualization of the revolutionary ‘Vande Bharat’ express trains.

Illuminate 3.0 is not just an event, but a celebration of human ingenuity and collective progress – a testament to the idea that engineering feat is achieved by a combination of persistence, excellence, and resilience. With each edition, the initiative grows stronger, cementing itself as a definitive forum for celebrating India’s engineering achievements while propelling the future of innovation.

Ahmedabad, 05th February 2025:Anant School for Climate Action, India’s first Climate School at Anant National University, announces the opening of admissions for BTech in Climate Change, India’s first and only 4-year undergraduate engineering degree programme, for the batch of 2025-29. Designed to address the urgent challenges of climate change, the BTech in Climate Change prepares students for the rapidly expanding global climate industry, valued at $23 trillion.

The programme offers students a unique opportunity to develop and apply technology solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Students learn to use engineering tools and design thinking principles with practical application-oriented learning at Anant’s Climate Lab, within industry, government and research laboratories for creating technology solutions for climate change.

The curriculum is strategically designed to provide incremental advancement across eight climate technology streams – Climate Simulation, Engineering Mathematics, Environmental Engineering, Climate Chemistry, Energy and Technology, Climate Finance, Design Thinking and Behavioural Science and Technology and Society – and applied research throughout the first six semesters. The final two semesters are dedicated to specialisation, allowing students to take specialised courses that lead to complete industry immersion.

As estimated by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), India is likely to create 3 million renewable energy-related jobs by 2030. Yet only 1,20,000 globally and 5,000 in India are qualified or formally and adequately trained to cater to the burgeoning climate industry, offering immense opportunities for trained climate warriors. To ensure that the BTech students get the proper industry exposure, Anant provides internship opportunities to all its students. Some have interned at companies like Tech Mahindra, Johnson Controls Hitachi, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Sustain Labs Paris.

Dr Miniya Chatterji, Founding Director, Anant School for Climate Action, Anant National University and CEO, Sustain Labs Paris, says, “The BTech in Climate Change programme at Anant National University is a pioneering step toward equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge to solve the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. As climate change reshapes economies and industries, this engineering degree empowers students to create transformative solutions and lead the rapidly growing global climate industry. We are proud to nurture future climate leaders who will drive sustainable innovation and systemic change and encourage aspiring changemakers to join us and be part of this impactful journey.”

Anant National University has also established global partnerships with leading academic and industry institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania (USA), Sciences Po (France), The Villars Institute (Switzerland), the Commonwealth Secretariat (UK), Sustain Lab Paris (UAE), Initiatives of Change, UNICEF and Earthday.org.

As India’s first climate-focused education institution, Anant School for Climate Action at Anant National University is committed to nurturing future climate leaders through its diverse programmes, from undergraduate to PhD levels.

India, 5 February 2025 – École Ducasse is preparing to celebrate Easter with a one-of-a-kind collection. Highlighting the olive tree—an emblem of peace, hope, and resilience—this initiative is both a gourmet delight and a bearer of profound symbolism. This sensory and cultural journey invites chocolate lovers and connoisseurs of exceptional craftsmanship to discover creations that transcend borders.

A Collection that Travels the World
For Easter 2025, École Ducasse pays tribute to the olive tree, a universal symbol carrying a positive message across the globe. This year, its Easter creations invite people of all ages on an extraordinary journey where local traditions and universal symbols converge. From Paris to Bangkok, Abu Dhabi to Yssingeaux, each school within the group embraces this powerful theme, delivering a message of unity across continents—through chocolate recipes, artistic creations, and both sweet and savory delicacies.

To mark this occasion, the experts at École Ducasse have designed a collection that blends exceptional craftsmanship with timeless values. The olive tree serves as the central theme of these creations—a powerful and inspiring symbol that bridges cultures in celebration of life and renewal.

A Unique Artistic Piece and Gourmet Creations Inspired by the Olive Tree
At the heart of this exclusive collection is a singular artistic masterpiece, which will be unveiled at the ENSP campus in Yssingeaux. This exceptional chocolate egg, a true work of art, poetically represents the olive tree. The experts at École Ducasse have meticulously sculpted a majestic olive tree sheltering a refined egg, adorned with delicate leaves from the same tree. Crafted with precision by the institution’s chefs, this creation combines elegance, technical mastery, and a tribute to the virtues of this iconic tree.

Chennai, February 2025: GRT Hotels & Resorts is delighted to unveil its exclusive summer meeting offers across four of its distinguished Radisson properties—Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay, and Radisson Bengaluru City Centre. These offers are designed to provide meeting planners with seamless event experiences at some of the most sought-after destinations in South India.

With a mix of urban city-center hotels and scenic beach resorts, these properties offer versatile meeting spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and curated dining experiences that cater to corporate events, conferences, and incentive groups. Each venue provides a unique blend of business-friendly amenities and leisure opportunities, ensuring an inspiring environment for productive gatherings.

Exciting Benefits for Meeting Planners:

• All-inclusive meeting packagestailored for corporate gatherings
• World-class cuisinewith customizable menus and themed dining options
• Unique venues, from boardrooms and banquet halls to beachfront lawns and poolside settings
• Radisson Rewards benefitsfor meeting planners and corporate bookers
• Seamless planning supportfrom our dedicated events team

Jit Bose, Vice President – Commercial, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the significance of these offers: “We are thrilled to launch these exclusive meeting offers, strategically designed to provide corporate planners with diverse venue options, outstanding hospitality, and exceptional value. By introducing these packages well in advance, we aim to give businesses and event organizers ample time to plan and customize their events with us.”

With its signature blend of luxury, hospitality, and world-class service, GRT Hotels continues to be a trusted choice for corporate events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) in South India.

Ahmedabad, February 04, 2025: The SensATe Digital Lab, a collaborative initiative by Tech Mahindra Foundation, in partnership with AssisTech Foundation (ATF) and the Deaf Enabled Foundation, officially opened its doors to the public. This innovative experience zone is dedicated to providing Assistive Technology (AT) solutions for individuals with speech and hearing impairments. This experience centre is designed to be a dynamic hub for exploration, learning, and training in AT.

The digital lab is open to anyone who wishes to understand, explore, and adopt AT solutions – be it individuals, caregivers, educators, employers, or organisations working towards inclusion. Some of the showcased products were BleeTech Innovations’ flagship project, Akshar Setu, which provides deaf learners with accessible learning content in Indian Sign Language at their schools. By integrating technology with on-ground interventions, Akshar Setu combats the lack of early language acquisition in deaf children.

WeHear presented an array of hearing aids and devices tailored for varying levels of hearing loss, focused on delivering optimal sound quality, comfort, and user-friendly features to enhance auditory experiences. Another highlight was Avaz AAC, a transformative communication therapy app designed to support children and adults with autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, and other communication disorders. Avaz enables users to express their needs, thoughts and ideas by utilising both picture and text-based modes, facilitating access to education and fostering social inclusion.

SIGNey by Sonant Technologies also made waves as an innovative assistive communication device designed to bridge the communication gap for individuals with speech and learning impairments. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), SIGNey converts text, voice and visual content into Indian Sign Language in real time, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for the speech and hearing-impaired community.

The event held at the SensATe Digital Lab, Ahmedabad welcomed visitors setting the stage for a new chapter in the realm of Assistive Technology (AT).

Mumbai & Gurgaon, India, February 5th, 2025: boAt, India’s leading audio and wearable tech brand, is proud to announce its partnership with Antara Senior Care, a holistic senior care eco-system and part of the $5Bn Max Group, to redefine senior care through innovative, customized technology solutions.

The partnership aims to leverage boAt’s cutting-edge wearable and audio technology expertise along with Antara’s deep understanding of senior care needs. Together, the two brands are set to transform senior care by co-creating innovative, customized devices designed to enhance the health, safety, and overall quality of life for senior citizens.

The partnership was formally signed off by Sameer Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of boAt, and Ishaan Khanna, CEO of Antara Assisted Care Services.

Transforming Senior Care with Customized Solutions

Antara’s AGEasy platform is committed to enriching the quality of life for seniors by addressing common health challenges such as joint pain, respiratory rehabilitation, and fall-risk management. The platform combines product innovation, expert assistance, and easy-to-use technology to help seniors manage chronic conditions effectively.

As part of this collaboration, boAt will design and manufacture a series of advanced tech solutions specifically tailored for seniors. The devices will address key challenges faced by the elderly, incorporating cutting-edge technology to improve their well-being. These include built-in fall detection and alerts, emergency response, SOS alerts, location tracking thus enabling quick assistance during emergencies. There will also be real-time health tracking for vital signs such as heart rate, SpO2, and sleep patterns, alongside remote monitoring capabilities that allow family members and caretakers to stay connected and informed. Additionally, the devices will feature advanced solutions that cater to seniors with hearing challenges, offering superior comfort and accessibility.

Driving Innovation in Senior Care

This partnership marks a groundbreaking collaboration between two leading Indian brands, combining Antara’s extensive expertise in senior care with boAt’s technological innovation. Together, they will deliver smart solutions that empower seniors to lead safer, healthier, and more active lives, contributing to a new era of senior care in India.

On the partnership, Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of boAt, said, “This collaboration highlights our commitment to using technology to create meaningful impact. We’re thrilled to develop products that not only enhance the health and safety of seniors but also provide their families with peace of mind.”

Ishaan Khanna, CEO of Antara Assisted Care Services shared, “Our mission has always been to empower seniors with solutions that ensure safety, security, and well-being. By collaborating with boAt, we are taking a crucial step forward in integrating advanced technology with senior care. Our goal is to create smart solutions that are intuitive, reliable, and tailored to the unique needs of older adults. We believe that technology should not be a barrier but a bridge to a more secure and independent lifestyle for seniors. Through this partnership, we aim to provide tools that not only offer health monitoring and emergency support but also encourage connectivity, engagement, and an improved quality of life.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

As India’s aging population continues to grow, the demand for senior-centric technology is at an all-time high. With this strategic alliance, boAt and Antara are set to redefine how technology supports and enriches the lives of seniors, ensuring they stay connected, independent, and well-cared for.

Both boAt and Antara Senior Care share a common mission: to promote a fitter, safer, and more active lifestyle for senior citizens. By leveraging their respective strengths, the partnership aims to deliver impactful solutions that address the unique needs of India’s aging population.

4th February 2025: Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), is elated to announce its win of the Best Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, at the world-renowned Association of MBA’s (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA) Excellence Awards 2025 for Women in Leadership – Balancingforbetter. The ceremony was attended by more than 200 business school leaders, as well as category finalists, judges and members of the media.

The AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2025 were held on January 24, 2025 at the exceptional Royal Garden Hotel. The Best Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative was introduced to recognise business schools and their work to create, incorporate and promote culture, diversity and inclusion practices. The Awards brought together leading professionals from the global business education community to celebrate excellence and commend achievements among business schools, MBA students and graduates, suppliers, and employers.

At FIIB, the school champions female leadership and empowerment by fostering an inclusive environment. Women make up 40% of their board, 62% of their faculty, and 50% of their senior staff, reflecting their commitment to gender equality. Creating role models, providing ample opportunities for development, and maintaining full pay and flexi-time parity for all staff, are some ways in which FIIB is Balancing For Better at their workplace. The school has realised that creating SOPs solely for female staff can create imbalance. To address this, they ensure that both male and female employees can utilise work-from-home and flexi-time options, promoting mutual appreciation of every employee.

Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director, FIIB expressed her gratitude stating, “Thank you to AMBA and BGA for creating a platform that inspires and empowers more women to step forward. At FIIB, we are proudly women-led. This award is the collective effort of many, and we are grateful to be part of a community that values progress and impact. Standing alongside the remarkable nominees makes this recognition even more meaningful. With this encouragement today, we reaffirm our motivation to be a catalyst in continuing to shape the future of leadership and emerge as a model for our peer institutions.”

Fortune Institute of International Business has been a pioneer in providing quality business education and overall sustainable development of its students for more than two and a half decades. The institution aims to provide holistic education bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experiences. FIIB has introduced groundbreaking programs that help students in their comprehensive development. One of the core visions of FIIB is providing an inclusive and diverse environment for the overall development of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Experience the essence of Turkey at JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, as we bring the flavours of the Turkish pop-up from 19th to 23rd February 2025. Curated by the acclaimed Chef Eyüp Kemal Sevinç, a master of both traditional and contemporary Turkish gastronomy, this exclusive culinary journey offers an authentic taste of Turkey like never before.

Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach, Chef Kemal is set to transform your dining experience with every bite, blending the rich flavours of Turkey with world-class finesse.

This culinary journey features an exquisite array of Turkish delicacies, beginning with an assortment of traditional mezzes such as creamy Hummus, smoky Baba Ganoush, and flavourful Dolmas, each crafted to perfection. The live grill stations will captivate your senses with succulent kebabs, tender lamb chops, and juicy chicken skewers, all marinated with authentic Turkish spices and grilled to perfection.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in a variety of classic Turkish desserts, including the flaky and rich Baklava and the delightful Turkish Delight. Adding to the experience, specialty live stations will showcase the artistry of preparing Kunafe, a beloved dessert made with crispy shredded pastry and melted cheese, served with sweet syrup, alongside the aromatic and robust flavours of traditional Turkish coffee brewed fresh on-site.

Whether it’s the intimate dinner or the vibrant brunch, this event is set to be a standout experience for food lovers seeking something extraordinary in Bengaluru.

Where: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
When: 19th to 23rd February 2025
Dinner: Date: 19th to 22nd February 2025
Time: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM

04 February, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced that it has secured the No. 1 global ranking in Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Rating for the Heavy Machinery and Trucks sector in Q3 FY25. This prestigious recognition reaffirms the company’s firm commitment to sustainability, which is deeply embedded in its corporate philosophy.

Sustainalytics, a globally recognized provider of ESG research and ratings, assessed Ashok Leyland’s performance across multiple ESG parameters, including environmental management, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The company’s outstanding performance underscores its position as an industry benchmark in sustainable excellence.

This milestone highlights Ashok Leyland’s leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, with a strong focus on integrating sustainability across Business Operations, Product Stewardship, Corporate Social Responsibility, and the broader ecosystem. The company’s commitment to transparency and enhanced disclosures further cements its reputation as a global leader in sustainable business practices.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “We are honored to be ranked No. 1 globally in Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Rating for Heavy Machinery & Trucks. This prestigious recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to ESG excellence. Being acknowledged by a globally renowned platform is a testament to Ashok Leyland’s dedication as we accelerate toward our vision of being amongst the Top 10 global commercial vehicle player.”

Mr. Alok Verma, Head – Corporate Strategy & ESG, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are thrilled to secure the top global ranking in Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Rating. It is a testament to our relentless commitment to embedding sustainability into our core business strategy. At Ashok Leyland, we believe that integrating ESG into our core strategy not only strengthens our business but also ensures that we create long-term value for all our stakeholders. This recognition further motivates us to accelerate our journey towards a greener, more responsible future.”

Over the years, Ashok Leyland has transitioned from a compliance-based sustainability approach to a comprehensive strategy that embraces competitive sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals, including achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030, committing to RE100 by 2030, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2048. These bold targets reflect its dedication to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.

As Ashok Leyland continues its sustainability journey, the company remains committed to driving impactful change, setting new benchmarks in corporate responsibility, and pioneering sustainable mobility solutions that will shape the future of the industry.

Pune, 4th Feb: Easebuzz, one of India’s leading Payment Aggregators, has announced its support for third party router integrations in payment orchestration. The platform advocated a merchant-first, stacked solutioning approach that aims to benefit Indian businesses as it gives them the flexibility to select Technology Service Provider (TSP) of their choice. The approach allows merchants to fully leverage the payment orchestration benefits like dynamic routing, enhanced transaction success rates, tokenization etc.

India’s digital payments industry is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by a surge in transaction volumes, with 42% year-on-year (YoY) growth in FY 2023-24. While many Indian businesses are incrementally adopting digital mode of operations, they are also dealing with challenges like fragmented payment systems leading to increased transaction failures.

A right set of stacked solutioning i.e., payment gateways coupled with an efficient payment orchestrator helps merchants efficiently deal with the challenges in managing complex payment flows. In this merchant-first model, payment orchestration streamlines even the most complex transactions, such as UPI plug-in, which is further enhanced by Easebuzz’s CVV-less checkouts, discount engine etc. that bring numerous benefits to merchants like higher cart conversion rates and increased Average Order Value (AOV).

Rohit Prasad, MD & CEO, Easebuzz in a statement said “Our mission has always been to simplify payments for our merchants as well as for the end consumers. By supporting stacked expert solutioning approach through integrations with leading TSPs and payment orchestrators like Juspay, Nimbbl, Paytring etc, Easebuzz ensures that merchants have access to best of the technology platforms for managing their payments and optimising their financial operations. We are committed to a transparent and healthy payment ecosystem that supports India’s dynamic and growing digital economy.”

Easebuzz is also extending sector specific software solutions with embedded payment infrastructure to help businesses manage end-to-end payments and associated financial operations like automated reconciliation, invoice management & accounting, comprehensive dispute resolution system etc. These solutions ensure seamless financial management and improved collection efficiency, particularly benefiting small and mid-sized merchants .