11^th April 2025, New Delhi:Recently US President Trump announced imposing 125% tariff on China, and paused tariff increase for other nations for 90 days. India is also among those nations for which tariff enhancement got suspended by president Trump for 90 days.

As per Tech industry analyst Mr Sumant Parimal of 5 Jewels Research at Innogress, this substantial increase of tariff by US on Chinese goods is going to create a bright spot for Indian Tech. industry particularly in Semiconductor, Electronics and Hardware areas.

While speaking in ‘Semiconductor and Beyond’ conclave at JSS University, Noida recently Mr Sumant Parimal said “As China is a key exporter of Semiconductor, Electronics, Hardware components and its raw materials to US, recent stiff tariff increase by US on Chinees goods, including semiconductor, electronics and hardware items, to the tune of 125% shall be creating a bright spot for Indian Semiconductor, Electronics and Hardware industry. This is second opportunity for India in recent time to emerge as semiconductor, electronics and hardware manufacturer and exporter, post Covid triggered supply chain disruptions happened few years back”.

“While Govt. of India Semiconductor Mission and PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes are already operationalized in India, leading to several recent capacity addition projects rollout in private sector including a semiconductor fab at Gujarat by Tata Electronics, however Global geo political and trade scenarios are fast changing particularly after recent tariff differential between India and China, which may act as catalyst for growth of Semiconductor and Electronics industry in India” said Mr Sumant Parimal. 

 He has also highlighted importance of India leading in Quantum Computing and Quantum Tech. race for achieving a developed nation status by 2047.

“For growth of Quantum Computing and other Quantum Technologies like Quantum Sensing, Quantum Communication, we also need to create various industry related use cases such that industry finds quantum technology relevant for adoption. Since Quantum Computing is far superior in many aspects from the classical computing technology, hence in addition to developing new superior technologies like Quantum Tech., it is equally important to evolve businesses such that it requires faster and superior technologies like Quantum” Mr Sumant Parimal added further.

 He also mentioned need of innovation for giving alternative of classical computing technology beyond semiconductor.

This conclave was presided over by Shri H R Mahadevaswamy, VC JSS University, Noida and hosted by Electronics & Communication department of JSS University Noida”.

National, April 11^th, 2025: Starbucks, a global coffeehouse, recently celebrated the launch of Starbucks 50th outlet in Bengaluru. The launch event of Starbucks first drive-thru store in the city was attended by the CEO of Starbucks, Sushant Dash and Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy Food Marketplace. The event celebrated the craftsmanship and commitment of the partnership to deliver top quality food and beverages to consumers across the country. Swiggy delivery partners were also present at the launch event.

Swiggy and Starbucks joined hands 8 years ago with only 6 outlets in Mumbai. The partnership has grown stronger over the years. The duo has collaborated and launched numerous customer-centric campaigns based on in-depth understanding of customer behavior, with the objective of enhancing consumer experience. Some of the marquee campaigns include ‘Double the Love,’ ‘Friday Frappuccino,’ and ‘Items at 199.’ Starbucks and Swiggy had also partnered to roll out the ‘Classics’ menu to roll out high-value meal items and combos tailored specifically for the Indian market.

Starbucks is proud to partner with Swiggy across 70 cities and 350+ outlets in India. To mark the milestone moment of the launch of the 50th Starbucks store in Bangalore Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Food Marketplace, Swiggy, joined 50 Swiggy delivery partners on a celebratory ride to the new store for a cup of Starbucks coffee. To make the occasion even more special, Sushant Dash, ceo, TATA Starbucks, personally brewed a signature Americano for Rohit, commemorating this remarkable journey and shared commitment to delivering great coffee experiences to customers across the country.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sushant Dash, CEO, Tata Starbucks, said, “Our 50th store in Bengaluru and first Drive-Thru in South India marks an exciting new chapter in our growth journey- one rooted in accessibility, innovation, and deep local relevance. At Starbucks, we use the specialty grade Arabica for every cup of coffee, serving the finest quality to every consumer. Swiggy has been a trusted partner in this journey, helping us deliver the Starbucks experience to customers wherever they are. As we expand across India, we remain committed to crafting new moments of connection, whether in-store or delivered to your doorstep.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Mr. Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace, said, “Starbucks’ 50th store in Bengaluru is not just a milestone for their retail footprint, but also a marker of how far this partnership has come. From just a handful of stores in one city to now serving customers in 70 cities, Swiggy has been proud to partner with Starbucks every step of the way. Together, we’ve worked to make high-quality coffee and food experiences more accessible to millions of consumers across the country. As we scale further, we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and delivering memorable experiences, one order at a time.”

Hyderabad, April 11^th, 2025: The Telangana Punjabi Sabha – committed to Punjabi community welfare, is hosting its flagship annual celebration, Baisakhi Mela 2025, in association with the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.; as the official Hospitality Partner, on Sunday, 13^th April 2025 at HICC Novotel, Hyderabad; from 6:30 PM onwards. As part of the celebrations, the event will feature, a soul-stirring live performance by Legendary Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan; a high octane Bhangra & Gidda performance by a renowned dance troupe from Patiala and a laughter-filled comedy act by Ms. Shashi Dhiman from Chandigarh. Over 3,000 to 4,000 audience is expected to attend the event, which promises to be a memorable evening of music, dance, and cultural vibrancy.

Mr. Ravinder Singh Sarna, President, Telangana Punjabi Sabha; said, Baisakhi Mela marks the vibrant New Year festivities of the Punjabi community. This year, we’re taking the celebrations to an all-new high, with an unforgettable evening filled with music, laughter, and cultural pride as the legendary Gurdas Maan takes the stage to mesmerize the audience with his soulful performances. Adding to the excitement, the hilarious Shashi Dhiman will have everyone in splits with her rib-tickling stand-up act. The entire Punjabi community of Hyderabad and Telangana will come together for the joyous celebrations.

Mr. Surender Pal Singh Saluja, Advisor, Telangana Punjabi Sabha; said, Telangana Punjabi Sabha organises numerous programs and celebrations including Baisakhi, Lohri, Diwali milan. The Sabha’s women’s wing, Phulkari, the women undertake several social and cultural initiatives. 

Beyond festivities, the Telangana Punjabi Sabha has remained committed to community welfare, contributing to disaster relief, organizing health camps, and promoting social causes. Its women’s wing, Phulkari, continues to champion women’s empowerment through events, discussions, and outreach activities. In the past the Sabha hosted some of the biggest names in Punjabi entertainment, including Daler Mehndi, Jasbir Jassi, Hard Kaur, Hans Raj Hans, Sugandha Mishra, Meet Brothers, and Ms. Satinder Sartaj, reinforcing its reputation as a premier cultural platform in South India.

Mumbai, April 11, 2025: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced a transformative leap in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, crossing 6,500+ charging points across the country as part of Phase II of its segment-first ‘Charge My Audi’ initiative. The brand has added 16 new partners to accelerate luxury EV adoption in the country. With 75+% of these locations equipped with DC fast-charging technology, the network is designed to enhance convenience, reduce charging times, and support the growing demand for electric vehicles in India.

 The Phase-II expansion added 5,500+ new charging points in strategic locations, including highways, urban hubs, and commercial destinations, ensuring Audi e-tron owners enjoy seamless long-distance travel and daily commutes. Audi India has partnered with 16 new EV infrastructure providers to bolster this network, integrating advanced features such as real-time charger availability, route planning, easy start/stop via the ‘myAudi Connect’ app. With the additional network, ‘Charge My Audi’ now ensures coverage across 28 states and union territories, 850+ cities and 4,700+ locations.

In addition to the Phase-II expansion, Audi has extended complimentary charging for all e-tron customers until December 31, 2025. This allows e-tron owners to continue enjoying free charging across Audi’s extensive network of chargers, accessible through our CPO partners via the ‘myAudi Connect’ application.

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “As electric vehicle adoption accelerates in India, establishing a robust charging network is crucial, and with over 6,500 charging points and a focus on DC fast chargers, we are enhancing convenience, reducing charging times, and expanding accessibility for our customers. The second phase of our ‘Charge My Audi’ initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the EV ownership experience. Our partners remain integral to this journey, and we look forward to driving the shift toward electric mobility together.”

Audi’s Charge My Audi initiative is supported by a network of ChargePoint Operators, including: Shell India, Adani Total Energies E-Mobility Ltd. (ATEL), Charge Zone, Statiq, Gentari India, Relux Electric, Lion Charge, chargeMOD, Xobolt, Earthtron, Aargo EV Smart, Eco Plug Energy, GreenShift, Kurrent Charge, E-Fill, Electric Fuel, iONCHARGE, SR Charging, Tecell, Yo Charge.

The initiative builds on the success of Phase-I, which introduced route-mapping tools and destination charging hubs. This feature has enabled many hassle-free journeys for Audi customers by allowing pre-journey planning with chargers along the route and providing real-time charger availability status. The ‘Charge My Audi’ platform, powered by Numocity Technology’s eMSP platform, offers live updates and integration with public charging stations for a holistic charging experience.

With the total charging network with ‘Charge My Audi’ standing at over 6,500 charging points across the country, Audi India remains committed to providing an accessible, reliable, and convenient charging infrastructure. Audi’s e-tron range in India remains central to the brand’s vision for sustainable mobility. This charging infrastructure push aligns with Audi India’s broader goals, following a strong 2024 marked by the 100,000-car milestone on Indian roads and the success of its ‘100 Days of Celebration’ campaign.

Hyderabad,11th April 2025: Newton School of Technology has announced India’s first UG entrance exam centred on coding and fundamental programming skills – the Coding Newton Scholastic Aptitude Test (Coding NSAT). Unlike traditional exams that require deep knowledge in Physics, Chemistry and Math, the Coding NSAT evaluates practical coding abilities, offering a unique alternative pathway to admission at the Newton School of Technology. Focusing on solving real-world problems and programming proficiency, the coding entrance ensures assessment based on skills and potential rather than conventional academic scores, offering students an opportunity to further enhance their skills.

Aspiring technologists and students can apply for admissions at Newton School of Technology across campuses in Sonipat, Pune and Bangalore. The first-of-its-kind entrance exam for UG admission offers an innovative pathway for students passionate about hands-on programming, emphasising practical skills over rote memorisation of concepts. Designed for those who have dedicated more time to coding than traditional subjects, it offers an alternative to the conventional JEE pathway, empowering students to showcase their talent and pursue their aspirations in a more inclusive and skill-oriented manner.

The exam syllabus will include topics like Arithmetics, Input & Output, Language Basics, Coding Syntax, Basic Functions, If-Else Statements, Loops, Arrays and Strings. With a total of 26 questions divided into 2 sections, i.e. coding and MCQ, the total weightage of questions is 150 marks, which includes learnability, pseudocoding and a coding section. The MCQ questions total 80 marks, inclusive of negative marking, and the coding format carries a total of 70 marks. Structured to offer an equal opportunity for all career paths in technology and related fields, the coding NSAT aligns with Newton’s larger mission of fostering tech talent.

Speaking on the announcement, Siddharth Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Newton School of Technology, said, “At NST, we recognise coding enthusiasts, offering them a structured path to professional education and careers with industry-relevant coding curriculum that aligns with real-world applications. The Coding NSAT is a reflection of our commitment towards an outcome-driven education. By testing skills that matter in the tech industry like building algorithms and debugging code. The Coding NSAT serves as a proof of concept for Newton School’s long-standing belief- education should mirror the challenges of the real world, not outdated academic formulas.”

Coding NSAT is a bold step in Newton School of Technology’s mission to redefine tech education through real-world relevance. Emphasising and rewarding self-taught programmers with opportunities, they have remained at the forefront of a strong coding and technology-focused environment for building the next generation of tech leaders.

At a time when conventional tests still prioritise rote-based math, Coding NSAT opens up a future-ready, inclusive pathway for those who think in code, not equations. Revolutionising higher education in tech, Coding NSAT signals a paradigm shift in the Indian education system around how tech talent is being discovered and nurtured. Interested students can register at Newton School of Technology starting on the 10^th of April, 2024.

Chandigarh, April 11^th 2025: Weddings mark the beginning of a new chapter, where connections, values and aspirations seamlessly intertwine to create a shared future. Today weddings are evolving to embrace each other’s personal identity while building a relationship that fosters support and mutual growth. Embracing this evolving narrative, Sonata, India’s largest-selling watch brand from Titan, unveils its latest wedding collection centered around the ‘Dream, Together’ theme, reinforcing its position as the ultimate destination for wedding watches.

Marriage is more than just a union of two individuals; it is a start of a new chapter, a fresh journey into shared dreams, aspirations and a lifetime of experiences. Dream, Together captures the essence of what this milestone means to a modern couple: a blend of tradition and modernity, commitment and conviction. The narrative positions Sonata as an ideal companion for those who carve out their identity in relationships and build a shared future, with thoughtfulness and confidence.

The wedding collection reflects this very sentiment, making it perfect for young couples who wish to leave a lasting impression on their special day. Blending traditions with new-age design, the collection features sleek, well-defined silhouettes and an artful medley of detailing and bold accents. Featuring designs that combine contemporary sophistication, a hint of sparkle and a whole lot of glamour, Sonata’s wedding range is more than a statement piece or a thoughtful gift; it is a reflection of the wearer’s personality and aspirations, as they prepare to walk the aisle. Whether paired with a traditional ensemble or a contemporary look, these timepieces elevate every wedding celebration with effortless style and refined confidence.

With this, the brand reflects the spirit of the upstart generation who embrace new beginnings with passion, enthusiasm and ambition. As a gift or symbol of self-love, these timepieces become the perfect choice for brides, grooms, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and loved ones who wish to mark the occasion with something truly meaningful.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prateek Gupta, Marketing Head, Sonata said, “Today’s ambitious upstarts are apprehensive when it comes to commitment because they think it may hinder their personal growth. However, partnerships are pathways to broaden dreams, not limit them. At Sonata, we recognize that weddings symbolize the union of two futures. Through our ‘Dream, Together’ narrative, we highlight the transformative power of shared time over individual time, celebrating the synergy of two individuals who, when together elevate each other’s goals.”

Debut in key emerging markets planned, with state-of-the-art sales and service facilities in Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi and Jammu in Q2 2025 | New state-of-art luxury 3S facility in Bengaluru and a world-class Service Centre in Hyderabad inaugurated | Rs. 450 crores investment from Franchise Partners in next 3 years

“Mercedes-Benz continues to be the most desirable luxury car brand in India, with nearly one in two German luxury cars sold in India, being a Mercedes-Benz. The desirability is driven by the unwavering commitment of our Franchise Partners in offering customers luxury of choice with new desirable products, differentiating service and a delightful retail experience. Our focus on strengthening the Top-End Luxury segment is highly successful, buoyed by the overwhelming response to the S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach Night Series, the G 580 with EQ Technology and the EQS SUV. Our BEV growth has been accelerating fast, with high sales penetration.” “Mercedes-Benz will continue its major network upgradation and expansion with an investment of Rs. 450 crores from Franchise Partners, aimed at enhancing the brand’s footprint in emerging and in existing metropolis, offering latest global luxury standards in retail. As a fundamentally strong brand, we are confident of the mid to long term prospect of the Indian market, pursuing a value-oriented sales approach, aimed at customer delight and business sustainability.” Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

• Mercedes-Benz India grew by 4% in FY 24-25 its best-ever fiscal, despite decline in Entry Luxury Segment: Overall growth was driven by 34% increase in Top-End and 51% increase in BEV sales, in FY 24-25
• Q1 25 sales at 4775 units, declined by 11.8% mainly driven by the decline of Entry Luxury segment by 28%. Top-End Luxury segment however grew by 6% in Q1 25, underlining a clear customer preference for Top-End Luxury products
• More than 1 out of 4 cars sold by Mercedes-Benz India in FY 24-25 and Q1 25, was a ‘Top-End Luxury’ vehicle like the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, AMG G 63
• BEV growth at 51% led to a penetration of 7% of total sales in FY 24-25, and 8% penetration in Q1 25, underlines the increasing trend of BEV acceptance 2
• Strong response to the EQS SUV, making it the highest selling BEV for Mercedes-Benz
• LWB E-Class is the highest selling model driven by the dynamic E 450 variant
• Waiting period for select ‘Top-End’ luxury vehicles like G63 AMG and Mercedes- Maybach S[1]Class have gone up to 12 months
• Mercedes-Benz to inaugurate world-class luxury MAR 20X outlets in key emerging markets like Kanpur, Varanasi and Jammu in Q2 2025. Mercedes-Benz debuted in Agra, last week
• 21 New MAR 20X outlets planned in 2025, with investment of Rs. 450+ cr from Franchise Partners in next three years
• Strong demand for SUV portfolio comprising GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class | SUV penetration at 60% of total sales volume in FY 24-25

India’s most desirable luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz today announced its best-ever fiscal sales with 18,928 new Mercedes-Benz retailed. The company also retailed 4,775 new Mercedes-Benz in the January to March 2025 period. Mercedes-Benz sales was primarily driven by new product launches, qualitative network upgradation and elevating customer experiences. Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘Desire to Exceed’ market strategy reflected in growing customer loyalty and increasing desirability of the brand in the Indian market. Strong performance of the Core and Top-End Luxury segment remained the highlight of last fiscal and Q1 2025 sales, and was complemented by a strong acceleration in the BEV growth and its increased penetration.

Robust demand for the Top-End Luxury segment: The key highlight for Mercedes-Benz India’s fiscal 24-25 and Q1 25 sales had been the strong and consistent demand for its Top-End Luxury segment comprising the likes of S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, EQS SUV and the AMG range. Top-End Luxury segment sales grew by 34% in FY 24-25 with robust demand for S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach Night Series, G 580 with EQ Technology, EQS SUV and the iconic AMG G 63.

In Q1 2025 more than 1 out of 4 cars sold in India by Mercedes-Benz remained a ‘Top-End Luxury’ vehicle. Waiting period for the Top-End Luxury segment ranges from 4 months, and up to a year for the iconic AMG G 63.

Consistent traction driving the ‘Core’ segment:

Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Core’ segment remained the highest contributor to its sales in FY 24-25 and in Q1 2025. The Core segment comprising C-Class, E-Class LWB sedans, the GLC and GLE SUVs continued to drive customer desire and loyalty, contributing a significant share in the overall sales volumes of Mercedes-Benz.

In Q1 2025, the success of the E-Class LWB (now available with a dynamic E 450 variant) continued, with very high customer traction across all markets. The Long Wheelbase E-Class remains the highest selling luxury car in India.

Entry Luxury Segment: Mercedes-Benz ‘Entry Luxury’ offers product substance, having higher value for luxury customers. In Q1 2025, Mercedes-Benz ‘Entry Luxury Segment’ declined by 28%, in a segment primarily dominated by products at a lower price point with high market offering. Mercedes-Benz products are feature rich and fully loaded, underlining a value-oriented sales approach, that caters to growing customer aspirations.

3 Strong demand for BEV:

Mercedes-Benz BEV portfolio grew by a robust 51% in FY 24-25 fiscal, with a penetration of 7% of total sales. BEV sales growth underlined the continued strong response to the entire portfolio, highlighted with the highest ever customer deliveries for the EQS SUV.

Q1 25 sales also witnessed a similar strong demand for the BEV portfolio with very positive response to the ‘Made in India’ EQS SUV 580 and EQS SUV 450, pushing the BEV penetration to 8% in Q1 25.

The BEVs particularly witnessed significant growth at the ‘Top-End Luxury’ spectrum, with high demand for the EQS Maybach Night Series and the stunning G 580 SUV with EQ Technology. The waiting period for both these vehicles extend up to 12 months.

Major Retail Network expansion planned in Q2 2025:

Mercedes-Benz India, as part of its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy, has major Retail Network expansion planned in Q2 2025. As part of market expansion, Mercedes-Benz will expand its retail network to 21 world-class MAR20X outlets in new emerging markets, as well in existing metropolis of New Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, with an investment of Rs. 450 crores from Franchise Partners in next three years. Mercedes-Benz will also debut in key emerging markets of Kanpur, Jammu, Varanasi, Udaipur and Patna among other markets. A state-of-art modern luxury facility was inaugurated in Agra last week.

National, April 10, 2025 – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is delighted to welcome Neil James as its General Manager. With 18 years of hospitality experience, marked by robust leadership, operational expertise, and a keen focus on guest satisfaction, Neil is set to drive significant value for the hotel.

As the General Manager of Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Neil will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, driving strategic growth, and strengthening the property’s positioning in the market. His extensive knowledge in hospitality management, coupled with a passion for innovation and service excellence, will further enhance the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury stays, dining, and events.

Neil-James

Neil’s notable 18-year career showcases a remarkable trajectory, beginning as a Front Office Associate and culminating in roles like Director of Rooms. His extensive experience spans renowned brands such as Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, and Courtyard by Marriott, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Vadodara, he significantly elevated the hotel’s market standing and service quality. His contributions to the hospitality industry have garnered him significant recognition. He received the Hotel Bloggers Association’s 2024 ‘Best General Manager, Gujarat’ award, the prestigious Stephen G. Marriott Culture Award in 2018 for his positive workplace cultivation, and led his previous hotel to achieve the Platinum & Golden Circle Award for two consecutive years, showcasing his dedication to exceptional service.

On his appointment, Neil said, “Stepping into this role at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is an honor. I’m excited to join this exceptional team and contribute to the hotel’s continued success. My vision centers on elevating guest experiences through innovative approaches, ensuring seamless operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence. I believe in empowering our team to deliver unparalleled service, creating truly memorable stays for every guest. Together, we will build upon the hotel’s strong foundation, embracing new opportunities and solidifying its position as a leading destination in the region.”

Beyond the world of hospitality, Neil finds balance and rejuvenation through his passions for reading and maintaining an active fitness regime.

Shivani Shared, “If I wasn’t an actor, I would definitely be in the police probably an IPS officer. I’m from Delhi and since childhood, I’ve admired Kiran Bedi a lot. I was a total tomboy. I’ve literally beaten up boys who misbehaved or tried to tease someone. I learned judo, karate, and other forms of self-defense. I even used to ride bullets and all kinds of bikes before a family accident made me stop.”

The Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri Actress further added, “I always wanted to be someone like Kiran Bedi. I wasn’t into bullying, but I wanted to be that strong, fearless woman who stands up for what’s right. I couldn’t tolerate anyone doing wrong, especially teasing girls—I would seriously take action against them. So yes, if I wasn’t in acting, I would’ve surely been in the police force, as a bold and brave officer fighting for justice.”

“Is your home a true reflection of you?” asks Mr. Amit Gujral, Founder & Managing Partner at Alumvista. “Alumvista is not just about aluminium profiles; it is about creating a lifestyle. Our goal is to introduce home and office owners to a world where minimalism meets functionality—offering them slim, sleek, durable, and aesthetically superior solutions. With this launch, we aim to set a new standard in Indian interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to modern living and working spaces.”