31st January 2025: – Genius Consultants, a leading Workforce Staffing and HR Solutions provider, has released its December 2024 Survey Report, offering a comprehensive analysis of workplace trends by evaluating the labour welfare and productivity of daily workplaces. The latest survey focuses on productivity, work-life balance, and the integration of employee-centric and employer-driven policies. The findings, based on responses from 1,132 employees and 1,011 employers, shed light on the evolving dynamics in workplaces across industries.

The survey reveals that organizations are making notable efforts to address employee needs, but there remain critical areas for improvement. 23% of employees report that their organizations frequently provide opportunities for skill development or upskilling, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of professional growth as a priority. However, 28% of employees feel these opportunities are provided only occasionally, while 27% state they are rare, suggesting a gap in consistent engagement. This highlights how upskilling and regular training is still not being emphasized by many organizations and the same is yet to be focused on.

Work-life balance have emerged as another focal point, with 31% of respondents indicating satisfaction with their organization’s efforts in this area. However, 23% feel that these efforts are inadequate, and 16% are unsure, highlighting the need for better communication and implementation of policies supporting balance. This sheds a light on the current scenario of the need for work-life balance that employees are demanding against the expectations of few organizations from their employees to put in higher work hours.

Regarding workplace safety, 40% of employees believe that their organizations are effectively addressing safety concerns, but 33% express dissatisfaction, citing insufficient measures. This emphasizes the critical need for robust safety protocols to foster a secure work environment.

When asked about productivity support measures such as tools and training, 30% of respondents report satisfaction, while 15% feel the support was insufficient, underscoring the importance of comprehensive and accessible resources.

Employers however, have expressed a commitment to productivity and welfare, though challenges persist in aligning policies with employee needs. Monitoring productivity have emerged as a key focus, with 35% of employers reporting effective systems to track and support employee output. However, 30% have admitted to gaps in these systems, while 16% are uncertain about their effectiveness, indicating room for optimization.

Labour welfare policies remain a priority, with 60% of employers emphasizing mental health initiatives, workplace inclusivity, and employee benefits. Nonetheless, 20% of employers have noted barriers in implementing these policies, including budgetary constraints and lack of organizational support.

The survey also reveals challenges in executing welfare initiatives, with 23% of employers stating implementation is moderately challenging, while 49% find it highly challenging due to resource limitations. Only 13% of employers consider implementation easy, pointing to systemic hurdles in workforce welfare.

Policy updates for improving productivity and welfare are reported by 50% of employers as occurring annually and 16% of employers have reported bi-annual implementation, demonstrating proactive efforts to adapt to changing workforce needs. However, 22% admit to infrequent updates, reflecting the need for more agile policy frameworks.

When enquired about the support provided by the local and state policies for labour & welfare and productivity, 33% of employers have confirmed being highly satisfied with the support followed by 15% who have expressed satisfactory feedback towards the local & state policies. However, while 37% remained neutral in expressing their views, 15% of the employers have voiced dissatisfaction towards the local & state labour welfare and productivity policies, highlighting the need to focus on the same.

Commenting on the findings, Mr. R P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director of Genius Consultants, said, “These survey results serve as a wake-up call for organizations to intensify their focus on employee satisfaction and welfare. While there are commendable efforts in skill development and policy updates, there is much work to be done to ensure workplaces are inclusive, supportive, and aligned with evolving employee expectations. At Genius Consultants, we are committed to empowering organizations to achieve these goals and create thriving workplaces.”

The Digipoll Survey Report highlights the strides organizations are making to improve workforce engagement and productivity, while also uncovering critical gaps in implementation. It underscores the need for consistent upskilling, better work-life balance, and enhanced welfare policies to build resilient, future-ready workplaces.

Verna January, 2025: Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Verna, organized the IDEAS 3.0 – 2025 Intra College Project Competition on 24th and 25th January. This two-day event celebrated creativity and innovation with a showcase of projects blending science, innovative and cutting edge technology.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, along with other dignitaries including Mr. D.S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell; Mr. Neville Noronha, OSD to the Minister; Dr. Mahesh B. Parappagoudar, Principal of PCCE; and Fr. Agnelo Gomes, Director of Agnel Technical Education Complex.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, Government of Goa Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “It is truly inspiring to witness the creativity and innovation showcased at IDEAS 2025, organized by Padre Conceicao College of Engineering. Technology is evolving and the forward-thinking approach displayed here highlights the potential of Goa’s youth to reach new levels of achievement with fresh ideas. Through our Startup and IT Policies, we are supporting students by providing financial assistance to promote their ideas. Special schemes have been introduced for girls, ensuring they have access to platforms that enable them to excel in innovation. As we work towards Viksit Bharat 2047, we are also focusing on building Digital India and Digital Goa. With strong connectivity and robust infrastructure, we are creating an environment where young minds like yours can build successful ventures right here in Goa. Our goal is to transform youth from job seekers into job givers, leveraging the opportunities in the field of technology. This can only be achieved by working together.”

Initially, 100 innovative ideas were pitched, and after several stages of shortlisting, PCCE selected 30 projects to be showcased at the event. Approximately 60 higher secondary and secondary schools have been invited, with around 48 projects being exhibited by school children from across Goa. Over the course of 30 days, students transformed their concepts into solutions, demonstrating the immense potential of Goa’s young minds. Some of the projects included Aero-Swift, GLS King, Hovercraft, and various other innovative applications of technology, reflecting the diverse creativity of these students.

In addition to the project exhibition, the event included four engaging competitions for school and higher secondary students: Science Expo, BGIM, AR/VR Cricket, and Brainiac Battle. Workshops on Design Thinking, Idea Generation, and Business Model Canvas were also held, offering participants valuable insights into entrepreneurship and business development. The two-day event served as a unique platform for students, faculty, and alumni to connect with mentors, investors, and industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience and insights into industry standards. Students were encouraged to incorporate sustainable goals into their projects, aligning their ideas with environmental issues and practical applications in daily life.

Haryana, 31 January 2025: ZELIO E Mobility, a leading player in India’s electric two-wheeler market, has announced a strategic partnership with Ecofy, India’s first green-focused Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). This tie-up aims to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible and affordable for customers across the country, enabling them to purchase ZELIO’s popular models, including the X-Men, Gracy, Eeva, and Mystery. The partnership comes shortly after ZELIO’s association with LoanTap, a leading online personal loan platform, further enhancing their financing options for customers.

The Ecofy financing scheme offers a host of benefits for ZELIO E Mobility’s dealers, providing them with tools to boost sales and engage with customers effectively. Customers can enjoy low-interest rates, a quick approval process, and customizable EMI options, making EV purchases more accessible. The entirely digital and paperless financing process allows for a smooth, hassle-free loan application, setting it apart from traditional methods. Additionally, the accessibility of the Loan & EMI Monitoring App ensures customers stay informed and in control of their repayment schedules.

Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., stated, “As the demand for electric two-wheelers rises, many customers are seeking affordable financing options to manage the upfront cost of these vehicles. Our partnership with Ecofy directly addresses this need by offering flexible and competitive financing plans, making electric two-wheelers more accessible. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to promoting sustainable mobility and providing customers with a seamless path to adopting eco-friendly transportation solutions.”

ZELIO E Mobility is committed to ensuring that its dealers have the resources they need to successfully promote and explain ECOFY’s financing options. Dealers will undergo specialized training programs to fully understand the financing products and assist customers in navigating the application process. Digital tools such as QR codes will simplify loan access, and dedicated field support will be available to address any questions. Marketing materials, including brochures and posters, will help dealers communicate the financial and environmental benefits of eco-friendly purchases effectively.

To further incentivize customers, special promotions and limited-time offers will be available under the ECOFY financing scheme. These promotions include lower interest rates, extended loan tenures, and waived processing fees, all designed to encourage more people to make the shift to electric two-wheelers. ZELIO E Mobility also plans to monitor the success of its partnership with Ecofy through several key performance indicators, including sales metrics, customer satisfaction, and dealership performance.

Since its inception, ZELIO E Mobility has established itself as a frontrunner in the electric two-wheeler market. With a customer base of over 200,000 riders and more than 273 dealerships, ZELIO is rapidly growing its presence across India. The EV two-wheeler brand is focused on expanding its market share and reaching more customers, with plans to increase its dealership network to 400 locations by March 2025.

Mumbai, India – January 31, 2025 – IceWarp has been recognized with the CIO CHOICE 2025 Honor and Recognition as the most Trusted ICT Brand by CIOs and Digital Leaders in the Enterprise Email category.

Now in its 13th year, CIO CHOICE continues to be the most prestigious and only discovery recognition platform, honoring ICT brands for their excellence in product and service innovation, customer-centric approaches, and efficient delivery, selected based on the stated preferences of CIOs and ICT Decision Makers.

This distinguished recognition was bestowed at the exclusive CIO CHOICE 2025 Red Carpet Night, produced by CORE Media, with KPMG as the Knowledge Partner.

This year’s event brought together over 400 CIOs and Digital Leaders from across the country, making it a truly remarkable gathering of industry influencers.

CIO CHOICE is known as the ‘Seal of Trust,’ given to ICT brands by the very CIOs and Digital Leaders who rely on them.

The winning brands are selected through a unique pan-India voting platform, where CIOs and Digital Leaders nominate and vote for their most trusted and preferred brands, based on their firsthand experiences and top-of-mind recall. A distinguished Advisory Panel of seasoned CIOs from various industry sectors oversees and guides the entire process, ensuring its integrity and credibility.

This year’s advisory panel consisted of 10 distinguished CIOs and Digital Technology leaders:

• Aasish Kshetry, CIO & VP – IT, Asian Paints
• Dheeraj Sinha, EVP and Global CIO, Sun Pharma
• Jyothirlatha B, CTO, Godrej Capital
• Narendra Sonawane, SVP, Global Head, IS, Infosys
• Ramesh Narayanaswamy, CTO, Aditya Birla Capital
• Rohit Kilam, CTO, HDFC Life
• Rucha Nanavati, CIO, Mahindra Group
• Subhash Kelkar, CIO, BSE
• Vinod Sivrama Krishnan, CDIO, Essar Capital
• Vishal Bhatia, CDO, Canara Bank

Anoop Mathur, Founder of CORE Media said “Congratulations to IceWarp for earning the prestigious CIO CHOICE 2025 Trust Seal. This recognition is a true reflection of the brand‘s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to enterprise customers. The trust bestowed upon IceWarp by India’s CIOs and Digital Leaders, amidst shifting consumer trends in a dynamic economy, is truly commendable. In a time where technology propels business advancement, the CIO Choice accolade solidifies IceWarp‘s position as an industry pioneer.”

The pharmaceutical (Pharma) and medical technology (MedTech) industries are evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations, shifting regulatory landscapes, and changing patient needs. Here are some of the top trends to watch in 2025:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Integration

Drug Discovery & Development: AI and ML are accelerating drug discovery, identifying promising drug candidates faster and at lower costs by analyzing vast amounts of data to predict molecular behavior.

Personalized Medicine: AI tools help tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles, improving efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Diagnostic Tools: AI-powered imaging and diagnostic systems are enhancing the accuracy and speed of disease detection, especially in fields like oncology and cardiology.

2. Sustainability and Green Practices

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Both Pharma and MedTech companies are focusing on reducing their environmental impact by transitioning to biodegradable, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging for drugs and medical devices.

Sustainable Manufacturing: With growing attention on reducing carbon footprints, the focus is shifting toward green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing processes in drug and device production.

3. Regenerative Medicine & Cell Therapies

Stem Cell Research: Advances in stem cell therapies are opening new possibilities in the treatment of chronic diseases, injuries, and age-related conditions.

Gene Editing: Technologies like CRISPR are becoming more refined, offering potential for curing genetic disorders and personalizing treatments.

Tissue Engineering: The development of bioprinted tissues and organs, along with other regenerative techniques, may reduce organ shortages and provide alternatives to traditional organ transplants.

4. AI-Driven Healthcare Robotics

Surgical Robots: Robots are becoming more precise and minimally invasive in surgeries, leading to faster recovery times and fewer complications. Robotic surgeries and automated assistance tools are expected to see widespread adoption.

Robotic Caregiving: Robots designed to assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks are gaining traction, improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burden.

5. Telemedicine & Remote Patient Monitoring

Post-Pandemic Growth: Telehealth remains a key trend, with many healthcare systems adopting it as a permanent feature. Remote consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care are streamlining healthcare delivery.

Wearables & IoT Devices: Wearables that track vital signs, glucose levels, heart rate, and other metrics will continue to grow, offering real-time data that can be used for early intervention.

Virtual Clinical Trials: The use of telemedicine and remote monitoring in clinical trials enables a wider pool of participants, reduces costs, and allows for quicker recruitment and data collection.

6. Advanced Diagnostics & Point-of-Care Testing

Non-Invasive Tests: Advancements in diagnostic tools, including liquid biopsies and home diagnostic kits, allow for non-invasive testing to detect diseases earlier, such as cancers, heart conditions, and infections.

Point-of-Care (POC) Devices: Devices that provide real-time diagnostic results at the point of care, such as in clinics, pharmacies, or even at home, are expected to become more advanced and accessible.

7. Digitization and Data Analytics in Pharma

Big Data in Pharma: Data analytics is becoming essential in understanding patient outcomes, streamlining drug development, optimizing manufacturing processes, and enhancing supply chain management.

Real-World Evidence: Real-world data is being used to better understand drug efficacy and patient outcomes beyond controlled clinical trials, leading to more informed regulatory decisions and treatment plans.

8. Mental Health and Digital Therapeutics

Mental Health Focus: There is growing recognition of mental health conditions, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic world. Digital therapeutic solutions, such as apps and online platforms for managing conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, are gaining prominence.

Psychiatric Digital Health: Digital tools for therapy and medication management, along with advancements in neurostimulation devices and wearables, will shape mental health care in 2025 and beyond.