Shrutika Puri Joins as HR Director at Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre

Shrutika Puri

Gurugram, 13 February 2024: Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre is excited to announce the appointment of Shrutika Puri as the Director of Human Resources. With over 14+ years of experience in the hospitality industry and a long-standing tenure at Hilton since 2011, Shrutika brings deep expertise in talent management, employee relations, and HR strategy. In her new role, she will lead all HR initiatives at the property, focusing on improving team member satisfaction, minimising turnover, and aligning HR strategies with business objectives to ensure the continued delivery of exceptional service by a motivated and engaged team.

Throughout her career, Shrutika has held key positions within the Hilton portfolio, most recently serving as Human Resources Manager at Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi, Saket. Before this, she served as Human Resources and Training Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Agra for over six years, where she specialised in fostering positive work environments, leading HR transformations, and implementing innovative practices. She has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management, all of which align with Hilton’s commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences for both guests and team members alike.

“We are excited to welcome Shrutika Puri to her role as Director of Human Resources,” said Harkaran Singh, General Manager, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre. “Having demonstrated exceptional leadership during her long tenure with the brand, her vast experience in the hospitality sector, coupled with her expertise in strategic HR initiatives, makes her the ideal candidate to lead our HR team. We are confident that her focus on engagement, development, diversity & inclusion initiatives, communities and talent management will further strengthen Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre as an employer of choice.”

Located in the heart of Gurugram’s bustling business district, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre stands as a symbol of modern luxury and world-class hospitality, offering sophisticated accommodations and exceptional service to both business and leisure travellers.

“After over 14 years with Hilton properties, I am truly honoured to step into this role at Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre,” said Shrutika Puri. “I am excited to build on Hilton’s legacy of fostering exceptional team member engagement, driving learning and development, and cultivating an inclusive, positive work environment where every individual has the opportunity to grow and succeed.”

With Shrutika’s leadership, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre is poised to continue its growth trajectory, further enhancing its reputation for excellence, operational success, and exceptional employee satisfaction in the competitive Delhi NCR hospitality market.

ProWatch X Achieves Segment-Leading Accuracy in TechArc Benchmarking

New Delhi, India, February 13th, 2025: Prowatch X, the latest entrant in the smartwatch series, undergoes an accuracy benchmarking to iterate product standards on quality and reliability. To validate the performance standards, Prowatch partnered with Techarc, a leading technology analytics firm, to conduct an independent benchmarking study measuring the accuracy level of three parameters – Fitness, Activity, and Sleep. The results confirm that Prowatch X delivers near-identical accuracy to premium smartwatches, redefining value and experience in the smartwatch segment.

Commenting on the benchmark results, Mr. Rajat Bhakri, Category Head – Accessories and Smart Devices, Lava International Limited, said, “As smartwatches evolve from style accessories to essential health and lifestyle companions, accuracy has become a critical factor influencing purchase decisions. As a consumer-first brand, we recognize that quality, accuracy, and reliability have been major concerns in the budget smartwatch category. Prowatch X is designed to bridge this gap, offering premium features, precision-driven results, and affordability. We have particularly focused on refining the software algorithms to ensure the best possible performance for tech and fitness enthusiasts.”

Key Takeaways:

Techarc’s benchmarking study, powered by InfiSights, analyzed 5000+ consumer reviews in the ₹3,000-10,000 segment.
It identified three key smartwatch adoption drivers for 2025: Fitness, Activity, and Sleep.
Prowatch X was benchmarked against Apple Watch Ultra 2 (industry benchmark) and CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2 (segment benchmark).
The results showcased that Prowatch X closely matches the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in health tracking and navigation accuracy while outperforming CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2 in key fitness metrics.

Techarc’s benchmarking also found that Prowatch X’s health-tracking capabilities are among the best in its category. It achieved 97% SpO₂ accuracy, closely matching the industry benchmark, while also offering VO₂ Max and Body Energy metrics, which the segment benchmark lacks. Its heart rate monitoring delivered very accurate static and dynamic heart rate measurements, aligning with industry-leading benchmarks. The smartwatch’s GPS accuracy was also found to be greater than 98%, demonstrating robust performance across fitness and activity monitoring. The sleep tracking capabilities also demonstrated near-identical accuracy to the industry benchmark, monitoring sleep stages, deep sleep, and REM cycles with precision.

Tata Elxsi & Garuda Aerospace Partner for UAV Excellence at Aero India 2025

Tata Elxsi and Garuda

Bangalore, 13th Feb 2025– Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Garuda Aerospace, a pioneering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025, Asia’s biggest Airshow, being held from February 10th –14th. This partnership establishes a dedicated UAV design, engineering, and certification center to develop indigenous drone technologies specifically for Indian defence applications, along with agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025. In addition, a demonstration of indigenized UAV components highlights India’s advancements in autonomous UAV technologies.

Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturization, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimization. Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure regulatory adherence and safety. By integrating its proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi will enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months.

Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defense and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery. The drones developed under this initiative will cater to multiple applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries.

The Indian defense forces and Border Security Force are expected to be key beneficiaries of this collaboration, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities. Additionally, this initiative will create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector.

Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway, Tata Elxsi, stated: “Our partnership with Garuda Aerospace marks a major milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. By driving AI-powered UAV advancements, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.”

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “This strategic collaboration with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous innovation. Over the next three to five years, we will focus on fully indigenised production and supply of airborne and ground systems, strengthening India’s leadership in UAV technology.”

upGrad Enterprise Expands Leadership to Scale India & North America Growth

Neeraj Gera,

Mumbai/Delhi, [13 Feb]: upGrad Enterprise, the corporate skilling division of one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and forever learning majors has announced an expansion of its leadership team with key appointments of Neeraj Gera in India and Neha Prasad Mullick in North America.

The strategic move comes at a time when the continues to pursue a stronger market penetration across India, Eastern Europe, and North America.

Neeraj brings over 25 years of global experience in business and operational leadership across IT services, GCCs, and tech platform companies. With a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving transformation, he joins upGrad to lead Capability and Delivery for upGrad Enterprise. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer for Genpact’s BFS vertical and as President at TBO.com, where he played a key role in driving international growth and contributing to its unicorn IPO.

Neha has spent over 20 years driving transformation across various industries. She will lead customer success and go-to-market efforts in North America driving product market fit and the evolution of region and industry-specific offerings to enable workforce development for upGrad Enterprise’s customers. In her previous roles, she has spearheaded large-scale transformation programs across the Energy & Utilities, Pharmaceutical, Publishing, and Technology sectors.

  • Commenting on the growing market size and opportunity to scale, Srikanth Iyengar, CEO of Upgrade Enterprise, said “Enterprise revenue from international markets has been steadily growing, driven by organic market expansion and increasing global demand. We are looking to further deepen our presence in the Indian market, and at the same time, double down on our global aspirations. We have identified key industry segments to focus on and we expect to build a meaningful presence in these chosen areas within the next 3 to 4 quarters. It’s exciting to see the world’s enthusiasm for GenAI’s potential, and its impact on efficiency, revenue growth, and customer engagement. As the AI landscape evolves, India HQ organizations and GCCs have to keep ensuring that their talent is cutting edge and gets more hands-on with its real-world capabilities. Neha and Neeraj each bring extensive global experience in scaling businesses and their expertise will be pivotal as we scale upGrad Enterprise to a new level.”

upGrad Enterprise has focussed on both the non-tech and technology-dependent segments to enable organizations with a skilled talent pool. “We have been working very closely with our clients to curate bespoke training and skilling mandates to help address their main talent issues. This has strengthened our positioning as a valued partner to them, and helped increase our wallet share within their spend,” added Iyengar.

Interestingly, in Q3 of the current fiscal, the brand recorded over 80% repeat revenue, reflecting upGrad Enterprise’s high quality of delivery and focus on delivering outcomes successfully. upGrad Enterprise continues to see strong demand from BFSI and other GCCs followed by IT / ITES and Manufacturing. As it progresses into 2025, the brand aims to double its growth across India, North America, and Eastern Europe.

  • Neeraj Gera, President – Enterprise Delivery: “Education no longer ends with a college degree before landing your first job. In today’s dynamic landscape, professionals will experience multiple career pivots and must continuously upskill. I’m thrilled to join upGrad as we strive to make a meaningful impact in upskilling, with a strong focus on pedagogy and learning outcomes.”
  • Neha Prasad Mullick, Vice President – Enterprise Sales: “AI has the potential to power sustained differentiation for our customers, however, this requires an empowered and enabled workforce that can capitalize on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. With our strong industry partnerships and our experience in driving AI enablement for our customers, upgrade Enterprise is very well placed to be a critical partner in enabling enterprise-wide AI adoption for our customers.”

Celebrate Love This Valentine’s with Platinum

Bengaluru 13th February 2025: The month of love is here, inviting us to celebrate connections that are deep, real, and enduring. It’s a time to honor love that transcends doubt, shifting from the uncertainty of ‘Could this be?’ to the excitement of ‘This is it.’ It’s found in the laughter that lingers, the comfortable silences, and the certainty of knowing you’ve found the one. When moments spent together evolve into plans for a lifetime, you know you’ve discovered a love that is eternal, precious, and rare.

This month, as you celebrate love in its truest and rarest form, make it memorable, and #SealItWithPlatinum – the only metal worthy of capturing its essence. Crafted from 95% pure and exceptionally rare platinum, which is found in only a select few locations worldwide, and 30 times rarer than gold – Platinum Love Bands are not just jewelry; they are the ultimate symbol of love. A love that’s one of a kind!

With their contemporary designs Platinum Love Bands celebrate modern relationship values—cherishing each other’s individuality, celebrating mutual successes, and equally sharing life’s responsibilities. Platinum’s unparalleled strength ensures it doesn’t change form or lose its natural white, mirroring the resilience and constancy of a love that is truly one of a kind. Just as platinum endures without fading, so does the love it symbolizes—unwavering and eternal.

Through distinctive textures, fluid lines, and elegant motifs – Platinum Love Bands are designed to capture stories of love beautifully. Whether you prefer a minimalist and chic style or timeless elegance, the diverse collection of Platinum Love Bands offers something that deeply resonates with all couples committed to the journey of love. Opting for Platinum Love Bands is embracing an enduring symbol of love – one that you can wear every day and cherish, and is crafted to remain beautiful throughout your shared future.

This Valentine’s Day, when love speaks, #SealItWithPlatinum, and choose from an array of Platinum Love Bands to celebrate this special occasion:

LASTING PROMISES

The moment you realize that your love is a steady rock on which you can rely on in the face of uncertainty, you know you’ve found a love that’s truly rare. These love bands, designed with repeating forms, serve as a reminder of your unshakable trust in each other. No matter how many times life alters its course, your love remains steadfast. Cast in platinum, a metal with unmatched strength that makes it so rare, these Platinum Love Bands perfectly match the strength of your love. A love so rare. A love so platinum.

HEARTS IN HARMONY

The moment you realize that you mirror each other’s dreams and beliefs, you know you’ve found a love that’s truly rare. These love bands are mirror images of each other, reflecting how you grow together, backing each other all the way. Cast in 95% pure platinum, one of the highest standards of purity in precious jewelry, platinum is truly one of a kind. Let these Platinum Love Bands be enduring symbols of your unbreakable bond. A love so rare. A love so platinum.

BLISSFUL BALANCE

The moment you realize that your unique journeys have seamlessly united to forge a harmonious haven, you know you’ve found a love that’s truly rare. These love bands embody the essence of duality. They combine brushed and glossy textures on his ring, and plain studded finishes on hers, merging into beautiful central motifs that symbolize your love. They perfectly represent your two paths that merge into one cherished space. Cast in a celestial metal that arrived on Earth through a meteorite crash billions of years ago, platinum is truly rare. Let these Platinum Love Bands serve as a testament to your unique journey together. A love so rare. A love so platinum

Tata Power Renewables and ONGC Collaborate to Lead the Way in Battery Energy Storage System

Tata Power

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leading player in India’s renewable energy sector, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), India’s premier energy company, to explore joint opportunities in the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and its value chain. The MoU was signed at India Energy Week 2025 in the presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Mr. Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO of ONGC, Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director of TPREL, and other dignitaries.

The collaboration aims to jointly explore and identify commercial opportunities across various segments of the BESS value chain, including utility-scale systems, grid stabilization services, renewable energy integration, microgrids, hybrid energy solutions, industrial and commercial storage solutions, backup power, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and energy trading through ancillary services.

Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL, said, “This partnership with ONGC marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive India’s energy transition. Battery Energy Storage Systems will play a crucial role in strengthening grid reliability, enabling greater renewable energy integration, and supporting India’s ambitious clean energy goals. Together, we aim to develop innovative storage solutions that will pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future”.

Mr. Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO, of ONGC, said, “As India transitions towards a sustainable energy future, ONGC remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives. This collaboration with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited represents a strategic step towards strengthening energy storage capabilities, which are vital for grid stability and renewable energy adoption. By leveraging our collective expertise, we aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s energy transition and long-term energy security.”

This collaboration between Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited and ONGC underscores their shared commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions and driving India’s energy transition. By exploring joint opportunities in the battery energy storage sector, both companies aim to contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy targets and build a robust, future-ready energy ecosystem. TPREL’s recent success in commissioning India’s largest Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project—a 100 MW Solar PV plant with a 120 MWh Utility Scale BESS at Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh—demonstrates its technical expertise and leadership in pioneering large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems. This milestone not only strengthens India’s green energy infrastructure but also sets a benchmark for future BESS projects in the country.

Valentine’s Day at Grand Mercure Mysore

Make your Valentine’s Day an unforgettable occasion along with your cherished one at By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore this 14th of February. Toast to love over a Valentine’s dinner expertly prepared by Chef Pradip and his culinary team.

Dine with your date and savor dishes from a menu crafted with love. Featuring dishes crafted with care and passion, the menu includes tantalizing appetizers like Sweet Potato and Beetroot Hearts and flavorful entrees such as Chettinad Chicken Tikka and Murgh Sahjani. Conclude your romantic meal with a decadent Red Velvet Rasmalai. Each course is exclusively curated to enchant your Valentine’s Day experience.

Revel in a romantic atmosphere along with your sweetheart and spend an evening enjoying a gourmet meal and making memorable moments.

What: Valentine’s Day Dinner at Grand Mercure Mysore
Where: By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore
When:14th February 2025 (7 pm-11 pm Dinner)

Two Halves of One Soul, bound by Destiny and Divinity

Harish C. Rijhwani

Unveiling ‘9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: Twin Flames’ by author Harish C. Rijhwani: The third installment in the 9 to 5 Cubicle Tales series. A fast-paced corporate journey with a heartfelt love story woven in.

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2025: Seasoned Author Harish C. Rijhwani returns with the third part of his Novel titled “9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: Twin Flames”. The book is an engaging blend of corporate drama, witty storytelling, emotional depth, and soft romance.

Harish C. Rijhwani crafts an intricate narrative that resonates with young professionals navigating the highs and lows of corporate life. Initial reviews describe Twin Flames as a book that seamlessly blends corporate life, personal growth, and a serendipitous love story. The narrative is a compelling exploration of twin flames – two souls destined to meet, characterized by remarkable coincidences and a deep, almost predestined connection.

The author’s lucid writing style brings scenes to life with vivid descriptions, humor, and authentic emotional depth, making the story engaging and relatable. It also reflects the author’s dedication to creating a memorable experience, making the readers feel as though they are watching the plot unfold through the author’s eyes.

The book stands out for its balanced portrayal of the protagonist’s multifaceted life, showcasing his ability to navigate professional challenges, personal learning, family dynamics, and a budding romantic relationship.

Harish Rijhwani’s storytelling is crisp, engaging, and filled with moments that make you laugh, reflect, and sometimes even reminisce about your journey. A remarkable aspect of this part is the use of poetry and poetical phrases in specific chapters, which is both amusing and delightful & highlights the author’s poetic skills.

The Cubicle Tales series weaves simple experiences into entertaining and thought-provoking narratives. Whether it’s navigating office politics, celebrating small wins, or the unforgettable bonds formed during corporate and college days, these tales strike a chord. This series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys relatable life experiences with a touch of fiction and a lot of heart.

LG Electronics Urges Youth to Make a Life-Saving Impact

LG Electronics India Ltd

New Delhi, 12 February 2025 – LG Electronics India today released a captivating video for its campaign ‘Life’s Good When Life’s Shared,’ calling on the youth to embrace the power of blood donation. The video captures the spirit of giving and highlights how a simple act can create a profound impact on countless lives.

This campaign video resonates well with socially conscious young individuals who are eager to make a difference. It portrays the joy and camaraderie that come with donating blood, reinforcing the belief that life is truly good when shared with others.

The video, featuring the young generation of today, opens with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the vital role of blood donation in saving lives and fostering community spirit. Through engaging visuals and an uplifting narrative, it showcases the transformative impact of small acts of kindness. The campaign jingle, infused with vibrant beats and an infectious hook, further amplifies the message, making it both memorable and emotionally compelling.

The campaign will have a robust digital presence, leveraging influencers, user-generated content, and social media activations to encourage participation. It invites individuals to take a pledge to donate blood, fostering a sense of purpose and collective action.

This video is released in the backdrop of LG’s Mega Blood Donation Drive across 69 cities. Over two months, 400 blood donation camps will be set up in collaboration with credible NGOs and blood banks to ensure safety and efficiency. Over the years, LG has successfully mobilized thousands of donors, reinforcing its commitment to making a tangible difference in public health and well-being.

With ‘Life’s Good When Life’s Shared,’ LG continues to reinforce its commitment to social responsibility, using the power of storytelling to drive real-world impact.

Global Innovation Leaders Converge at ET GCC Growth Summit 2025

Hyderabad, February 12, 2025 – The Economic Times announces a landmark gathering of Global Capability Center (GCC) leaders and innovators at the ET GCC Growth Summit 2025. The summit will take place on February 13, 2025, at Trident Hyderabad, bringing together industry pioneers who are shaping India’s future as a global innovation hub.

Telangana’s IT Minister, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, will inaugurate the event, joined by Special Chief Secretary Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s GCC ecosystem.

The summit has drawn remarkable interest, with over 500 delegates and 45 speakers from leading global organizations confirmed to participate. Half of the attendees represent senior and top management positions, creating an environment for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Key Focus Areas:

  •  Innovation strategies driving next-generation GCC operations
  •  Emerging opportunities in agri-tech, education, and aerospace
  •  Implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives
  •  Practical applications of generative AI under the DPDP Act
  •  Talent development for global operations

Distinguished speakers include Goldman Sachs India Co-Chairman Gunjan Samtani, JPMorgan Chase Managing Director Genevieve D’Souza, and Lloyds Technology Centre India CEO Sirisha Voruganti. They will share insights on critical topics, such as inter-GCC collaboration and technology-driven business transformation.

The Knowledge Arena, a dedicated networking space, will facilitate discussions between industry leaders and professionals at all levels. This platform creates opportunities for meaningful connections and knowledge exchange among the GCC community.

India’s GCC landscape, currently home to over 1,500 centers across various sectors, continues to expand into new territories including hospitality, media, and quick-service restaurants. The summit will explore these growth opportunities while addressing practical challenges facing the industry.

“GCCs are instrumental in driving both business transformation and India’s economic growth,” notes Shri D. Sridhar Babu. “This summit provides a platform to strengthen collaboration and innovation within the ecosystem.”