Ola Electric Welcomes a Strong Future with Rupees 90 Crore Monthly Savings

Bengaluru, March 12, 2025: Ola Electric, India’s largest pure-play EV company, today announced that it has successfully finished implementation of its Network Transformation and Opex Reduction Program, a company-wide initiative launched in November 2024 with an aim to reduce cost and improve customer experience. This initiative has delivered a sustainable cost reduction of ₹90 crores per month. As a result, Ola Electric expects to achieve Automotive segment EBITDA breakeven for the next quarter (Q1 FY 26), with the financial impact of these initiatives beginning to fully reflect from April 2025 (Refer to Annexure 1 for details).

                                 Improvement in Auto Segment Operating Expenses

This program has encompassed distribution network transformation projects like shutting all regional warehouses and shipping vehicles, spare parts, and accessories from the factory directly to stores, automating registration and other processes, and productivity improvements in the sales and service network. In addition to cost savings, these changes have resulted in reducing average vehicle inventory from approximately 35 to 20 days and reducing delivery time for customers from 12 days to 3-4 days.

                                                                 Daily vehicle registrations

The vehicle registration process transformation is in its final stages. The company’s daily registrations have improved significantly, increasing to over 800 per day and crossing the average daily sales for Jan’25 – Feb’25 (Refer to Annexure 2 for details).

With all elements of the Network Transformation and Opex Reduction Program implemented, Ola Electric has delivered on its commitment to operational excellence, and enhanced financial discipline and customer experience. These structural improvements position the company for strong long-term profitable growth and the company expects to achieve Automotive segment EBITDA breakeven in Q1 FY26.

TEC Plans INR 180 Crore Investment for Nationwide Expansion

India, 12th March 2025: TEC (The Executive Centre), Asia’s largest premium flexible workspace provider with presence in 16 markets across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, plans to expand its footprint further in India. As part of their strategic expansion plan, TEC will invest over INR 180 crore in the first quarter of 2025 to establish new centres in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. This investment will expand TEC India’s portfolio by over 2.38 lakh square feet of office space.

In Mumbai, the company is investing over INR 124 crore to establish a new centre spanning 1.3 lakh square feet within the esteemed Prestige 101 complex in BKC. Concurrently, TEC is demonstrating its commitment to growth in Pune with an investment exceeding INR 26 crore to establish a new centre occupying 51,975 square feet at Mapletree in Kharadi. Furthermore, in Bengaluru, TEC is investing over INR 30 crore to secure 55,844 square feet of space at Helios Business Park on Outer Ring Road.

Speaking about the expansion, Manish Khedia, Managing Director, West India, South India & Sri Lanka, The Executive Centre said, “India remains one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for TEC. Our substantial investment in new centres across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune reflects our strong confidence in the Indian market and our commitment to offering flexible, premium workspace solutions. With an investment of over INR 180 crore, we will be adding close to a quarter million square feet of space across these three cities. This expansion is driven by robust office leasing growth, fueled by both domestic and international demand. According to a Knight Frank report, office space leasing in 2024 has seen a 21% year-on-year increase, reaching a total absorption of over 70 million square feet. The rising demand for flexible and agile workspaces, particularly in the IT and ITES sectors, continues to shape this trend. With 30 years of global expertise, TEC is well-positioned to provide modern, high-quality workspaces that enable businesses to scale and adapt efficiently, shaping the future of work in India.”

Built to global standards, the centres provide a diverse array of facilities promoting both productivity and work-life balance. These include private fitness centres, wellness rooms, nursing rooms, business lounges, barista bars, a library, private phone booths, video gaming zones, and collaborative areas.

Over the past three decades, TEC has firmly established itself as a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, delivering world-class facilities, unparalleled service, innovation, and quality. TEC has seen 30 years of sustainable expansion, consecutive profitability, and excellence.

TEC currently operates in 16 markets and 36 cities, serving a global community of over 51,000 members. In October 2024, TEC announced an investment of INR 125 crore to establish eight additional centres across Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, and New Delhi. The additional INR 180 crore investment underscores the company’s confidence in the Indian market.

Udaan Youth Club Hosts Glacier Preservation Quiz for World Water Day

Glaciers are melting, water resources are depleting, and climate change is accelerating. To mark World Water Day 2025, Udaan Youth Club is organizing an Online Awareness Quiz on Glacier Preservation. This initiative aims to inspire action, ignite awareness, and empower individuals—especially the youth—to take responsibility for preserving glaciers and conserving water. This is not just a quiz; it is a movement to create a generation of informed and responsible citizens who will contribute to safeguarding the planet’s water resources.

SolarWinds Welcomes Top Performers in 2025 APJ Partner Awards Celebration

New Delhi, India – March 12, 2025 – SolarWinds, a leading provider of simple, powerful, secure observability and IT management software, recently announced the winners of its 2025 APJ Partner Awards. The awards recognize the impressive growth and dedication within the distribution and reseller partner community over the past year.

“I am beyond grateful to all our partners for their dedication over this past year,” said Bharat Bedi, Vice President of Sales, APJ, SolarWinds. “We’re pleased to honor their engagement and outstanding achievements in delivering technical expertise and consultancy on the unified SolarWinds Platform. This year, our partners will embark on a journey towards excellent customer experience, allowing customers to effectively use SolarWinds Observability (Self-Hosted and SaaS), Database, and IT Service Management (ITSM) solutions as they manage increasingly complex digital landscapes.”

The complete list of India winners is as follows:

  • APJ Observability Partner of the Year: Techsa Services Private Limited (India)
  • APJ Personal Achievement: Ravi Khanchandani, Techsa Services Private Limited (India)
  • APJ Excellence in Marketing: Anunta Technology Management Service Limited (India)
  • APJ Excellence in New Business Development: Magnamious System Pvt Ltd (India)

The winners were determined based on revenue and year-over-year growth trajectory, investment in SolarWinds, development commitment and technology alignment, effectiveness in collaboration with SolarWinds field organizations regionally, effectiveness of marketing campaigns and go-to-market strategies, and SolarWinds Certified Professional® and SolarWinds Sales Expert (SSE) accreditations over the past year.

Ageas Federal Life Partners with Raj Kumari Foundation for Girls’ Health in Delhi

Delhi, March 12th, 2025: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading player in the Indian life insurance industry partnered with the Raj Kumari Foundation to host a one-day workshop focused on cleanliness, nutrition, health, and empowerment. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about health and hygiene amongst adolescent girls in underserved and rural communities in Bhati Mines, Delhi.

The interactive workshops equipped young girls with invaluable knowledge on health, hygiene, education, and well-being. Additionally, carefully curated nutritional kits containing essential food items and comprehensive sanitation kits, including sanitary napkins and soaps, were distributed to support menstrual hygiene and overall wellness.

The event saw active participation from 100 girls from MSME families in the local community and was graced by Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, alongside representatives from Raj Kumari Foundation and other dignitaries reaffirming their collective commitment to social welfare.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO at Ageas Federal Life Insurance, emphasized, “At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, sustainability is at the heart of our business and enables us to drive growth and stimulate the transition to a more inclusive and sustainable world. Through this program, we aim to empower the girl child in our nation with essential knowledge on nutrition, hygiene, and menstrual health, critical factors for their overall development. By providing them with the necessary resources and awareness, we hope to foster a generation that is healthier, more confident, and self-reliant. Investing in their well-being today will have a far-reaching impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this initiative, focusing on improving the health, nutrition, and empowerment of young girls

Divya Dutta Welcomes Bold Roles, Talks About Bandish Bandits Comeback

Divya-Dutta
                         Divya-Dutta

March 12,2025:rom her early days in the industry to become one of the most versatile and celebrated actors in Indian cinema, Divya Dutta has built a career of breaking stereotypes. Known for delivering nuanced performances across films and series, she was recently nominated at the Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Bandish Bandits S2. With the rise of streaming platforms, Dutta has embraced complex characters that go beyond traditional molds, a shift she considers transformative for actors, especially women. In a recent conversation, she reflected on her journey, the changing landscape of storytelling, and an unexpected opportunity that brought her back to Bandish Bandits for its much, anticipated second season.

She revealed, “When I entered the industry, there were set boxes, and for me, the interesting part was breaking those boxes. It was never about just getting work, it was about doing the kind of work I wanted to. You have to say no to certain things to get to those final yeses that truly matter. With OTT, roles became so much more diverse, especially for heroines, moving beyond just the typical boxes. Bandish Bandits has been a very exciting journey for me because a casual call with Anant led to him asking, “Do you want to do Season 2? There’s a male part we’re considering making female, would you be interested?” He trusted me with it, so I said yes. I was very nervous, I felt like a newcomer because the show already had such a massive fan base.”

STARS THAT MATTER India’s Restaurant Ratings Returns in 2025

India’s most credible and influential restaurant rating platform, Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, is back—bigger, bolder, and more expansive than ever. After a game-changing inaugural edition in 2024 that set new industry benchmarks, the 2025 edition pushes the boundaries further, recognising excellence across an even broader culinary landscape.

This year, the Ultimate Star Revelation will take place in Bengaluru on 15 March 2025. Rankings now extend to four additional cities, ensuring a truly pan-India evaluation of the nation’s finest dining destinations.

The Ultimate Recognition: Unbiased, Unmatched, and Uncompromising

Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings stand apart as India’s only restaurant evaluation based purely on merit, free from external influence or sponsorships. The ratings remain confidential until officially announced at the revelation ceremony, ensuring absolute integrity and fairness.

In 2024, only three restaurants received the highest distinction of 5 Ultimate Stars:

  •  Farmlore, Bengaluru
  •  Avartana, Chennai
  •  Indian Accent, New Delhi

This elite recognition places them at the pinnacle of India’s dining scene, setting a benchmark for culinary excellence.

Vir Sanghvi, Chairman of Culinary Culture, underscores the significance of this initiative:
“At Culinary Culture, we have always pioneered initiatives that shape India’s F&B industry. From the first-ever awards for street food to India’s first chef ranking platform, our mission has remained the same—to celebrate excellence in a way that is honest, transparent, and free from bias. The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is another game-changing first for India, and we are thrilled to see its growing influence.”

Since its inception, Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, supported by Lavazza, have set an unmatched benchmark in dining evaluation. The meticulously designed rating system ensures rigorous, anonymous inspections, offering a fresh, unbiased perspective on India’s top restaurants.

How the Ratings Work

The Culinary Culture Ultimate Restaurant Ratings follow a three-tier ranking system, awarding Ultimate Stars based on overall excellence:

 3 Stars – Very Good
 4 Stars – Excellent
5 Stars – The Ultimate

Unlike traditional restaurant awards—often influenced by sponsorships or advertising pressures—Culinary Culture’s rating system is built on integrity, evaluating restaurants anonymously through full-time referees. The stars are awarded based on a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, which includes nominations by Culinary Culture Academy members, anonymous screenings by Food Referees, in-depth debates, and a final distillation process to ensure only the most deserving restaurants receive recognition. The platform remains entirely independent and does not accept any fees from restaurants for nominations or inclusion.

What’s New in 2025?

  •  More cities, more diversity: The platform expands to four new cities—Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kochi, and Amritsar—capturing the rich depth and diversity of India’s evolving food landscape.
  •  Special awards honoring industry icons: This year, the ceremony will feature exclusive individual awards recognizing outstanding contributions in the industry. Categories include Iconic Restaurant, Restaurant Manager, Sustainability, Opening of the Year, and Mixologist of the Year.
  •  A grand celebration in Bengaluru: The highly anticipated Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony will bring together India’s top restaurateurs, chefs, and hospitality leaders, all flying in from across the country for this prestigious event.
  •  A greater impact on India’s dining scene: From 54 restaurants awarded stars last year, the 2025 edition will nearly double its coverage, recognizing almost 100 top restaurants, solidifying India’s position on the global gastronomic map.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from both the industry and consumers to last year’s ratings. Diners now recognize our plaques as a mark of excellence, reinforcing trust while also benefiting restaurants. Our ratings are dynamic—restaurants are re-evaluated anonymously and regularly, allowing them to gain or lose stars based on consistency and performance. We are grateful to our longstanding partners, Lavazza and Diageo, for making this platform possible,” says Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture.

The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is proudly supported by Lavazza, Johnnie Walker, Veeba, Bisleri Vedica, and Newby Tea—brands that share its vision of uplifting and advancing India’s dynamic F&B industry.

ESCI Commends Innovation with Diverse Training Programmes for 2025-26

Hyderabad, 12 March 2025Dr. G. Rameshwar Rao, Director of the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), unveiled the Schedule of Annual Training Programmes for 2025-26 in the presence of senior officials. The Director instructed the officials to strictly implement the scheduled training programs including the Center for Climate Change, Civil and Transportation, Design Prototype, Environmental Management, Faculty Development, Information Technology, Management Technology, Mining Division, Power and Energy Division, Quality Production, Water Resources Management, Project Consultancy, and the School of Postgraduate Studies. These training programs will be conducted from April 2025 to March 2026.

Dr. Rameshwar Rao emphasized that the training programs have been designed to align with evolving global technologies. He urged officials to ensure that faculty members, irrespective of their location in the country, provide the training. He highlighted the importance of continuous skill development for engineering professionals and stressed the necessity of seminars, workshops, educational tours, conferences, and e-learning methodologies to keep them motivated and updated.

Dr.Rameshwara Rao also noted that ESCI is the only institution in Asia providing specialized training for engineers. The upcoming training programs will cover nearly 400 topics, including Geo-Spatial Solutions, Smart Cities and Green Buildings, Challenges in Hill Structure Constructions, the Importance of 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Conflict Management, Energy and Safety Audits, Mining Geology, IT Solutions in DISCOM, Six Sigma Green Belt, Automation in Micro Irrigation, 5G Technology, Green Hydrogen, and Drone Technology. These training sessions will be conducted at the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI) from April 2025 to March 2026.

Additionally, through its Project Consultancy Division, ESCI will provide Third-Party Quality Control Services for government buildings constructed across various regions of the country. The School of Postgraduate Studies will conduct AICTE-recognized management courses for students, along with placement assistance.

Since the ESCI’s inception in 1981, for the past four and a half decades, ESCI has been conducting around 300 to 400 training programs annually, benefiting approximately 6,000 to 7,000 employees working in different government offices across India, along with hostel facilities. The institution serves as a key resource center for program design for organizations such as the Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Road Transport, Ministry of Rural Water Supply, Department of Science and Technology, and the Central Jal Jeevan Mission.

Dr. Rameshwar Rao also highlighted that various divisions of ESCI have received ISO certifications and have won the Golden Peacock Awards nine times. He affirmed that the institution would continue to develop more programs in the future to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The event was attended by Heads of Departments, including Dr. Krishna Prasad Rao, Dr. Venkat Reddy, Dr. Chandrakala, Dr. P. Sridhar, Dr. Sagar, Dr. P. Rajarao, Syed Angar, Dr. Bharat, Sridhar Babu, S. Lakshmi Kantha Rao, K.J. Amarnath, Anita Agarwal, Sai Kishore, Dr. Naresh, and C.H. Tilak.

Ministry of Naan Commends Mumbai’s Love for Retro Dining with ‘90s Drive-In Revival

Mumbai, 12th March 2025: The vibrant neighborhood of Chembur welcomes a nostalgic yet modern dining experience with the launch of the Ministry of Naan (M.O.N.), reviving the iconic ‘90s drive-in dining culture in Mumbai. Bringing back an era when dining meant savoring delicious meals from the comfort of your car, the Ministry of Naan blends tradition and innovation, creating a space where convenience meets culinary excellence.

Located in a prime spot with serene views of the Chembur Golf Club, the Ministry of Naan introduces a drive-in dining model that allows customers to enjoy freshly prepared meals while indulging in the sights and sounds of Chembur. The experience is enhanced with in-car ordering convenience, curated music playlists to set the mood, and car-friendly packaging for a seamless, mess-free meal. Whether opting for a laid-back meal in the car or a quick pickup, the Ministry of Naan is redefining how Mumbai enjoys its favorite comfort foods.

The carefully curated menu showcases signature dishes such as Naan Turnover Butter ChickenAromatic Chicken Biryani, Kairi Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Sarso Ki Broccoli, Adana Kebabs with Naans, and Mutton Galauti on Bread. Every dish is crafted with freshly ground in-house masalas and premium ingredients, ensuring an unmatched depth of flavor and authenticity.

With a state-of-the-art live kitchen featuring a glass-fronted design, the Ministry of Naan offers complete transparency, allowing customers to witness the meticulous preparation of their meals. From the chefs’ crisp white uniforms to the branded aprons, every detail reflects a commitment to quality, hygiene, and culinary craftsmanship.

Commenting on the launch, Ayush Sahani, Owner of Ministry of Naan, said,
“Ministry of Naan is redefining Mumbai’s dining culture by bringing back the nostalgia of the classic drive-in experience, reimagined with bold North Indian flavors, modern culinary innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality. Every dish is crafted using the finest ingredients with no shortcuts on freshness or authenticity. Whether dining from the comfort of your car or enjoying a meal at home, our chefs trained in five-star kitchens ensure an elevated experience every time. Backed by a team with deep expertise in fine dining and luxury hospitality, we’re setting a new benchmark for Indian cuisine where taste, trust and tradition come together effortlessly.”

With a vision to expand, Ministry of Naan plans to open new locations across Mumbai by the end of 2025. The brand ensures easy accessibility for delivery customers across Chembur and neighboring areas through its partnership with Zomato and Swiggy, while offering a unique drive-in and dine-in experience at its flagship location.

More than just a restaurant, Ministry of Naan curates an experience—a fusion of heritage, community, and innovation that resonates with the vibrant culture of Chembur and beyond.

TTK Prestige Revolutionizes Cooking with AirFlip Air Fryer & Grill

Hyderabad, 12th March 2025: TTK Prestige, India’s leading kitchen appliances brand, launches the AirFlip Two-in-One Air Fryer and Grill, a breakthrough appliance designed for modern kitchens. The AirFlip represents a significant advancement in kitchen technology, offering home cooks unprecedented versatility in a single device.

The AirFlip showcases several advanced features designed for modern cooking needs. The appliance comes with a high capacity 4.5L Glass air frying basket, offering a 360-degree view of the cooking process. The premium grill pan with glass lid for perfect grilling results, while the digital control panel provides 5 pre-set cooking modes for convenience. The device incorporates smoke-free heating technology for cleaner cooking and operates with a powerful 1500W heating element for quick and efficient results. Its innovative design features a rotating control interface that seamlessly switches between air frying and grilling modes, with the control panel automatically reorienting itself for intuitive operation.

The AirFlip’s dual functionality addresses the growing consumer demand for space-saving kitchen appliances that don’t compromise on performance. In air fryer mode, the 4.5L capacity allows families to prepare generous portions of healthy, oil-free dishes ranging from crispy snacks to complete meals. When switched to grill mode, the grill pan with its transparent lid enables perfect results for everything from vegetables to proteins, allowing home cooks to monitor their food without interrupting the cooking process.

TTK Prestige has positioned the AirFlip at an attractive price, making premium cooking technology accessible to more Indian households. The product comes with a comprehensive one-year warranty, reinforcing TTK Prestige’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The AirFlip is available at all leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms, bringing the future of versatile cooking to Indian kitchens.

This latest innovation from TTK Prestige reflects the company’s deep understanding of Indian cooking needs and changing lifestyle preferences. Its versatile functionality, combined with the trusted TTK Prestige brand name, positions the AirFlip as a must-have appliance for modern Indian kitchens, offering the perfect balance of innovation, convenience, and value.