25 March 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has announced the inauguration of its newly created Air India Centre of Digital Innovation (CODi) in Kochi. The centre will focus on developing customer-facing digital touchpoint technologies and cutting-edge data and Artificial Intelligence capabilities, which are playing a key role in shaping Air India as a modern, world-class airline.

Air India CODi was inaugurated by the Chairman of Tata Group, N Chandrasekaran, who is also the Chairman of Air India. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, and P. Balaji, Group Head, Governance, Regulatory & Compliance and Corporate Affairs, Air India, were also present on the occasion.

The new office building exclusively housing Air India CODi is located in the Caspian Techparks facility in Infopark Phase II of Kochi. It features nine floors of office space with an innovative mix of workstations, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and discussion cabins. The facility also has a one-of-a-kind design collaboration space named ‘Bodhi Tree’ and the various floors of the building are named after erstwhile historic kingdoms from Kerala, such as Travancore, Venad, Kochi, Valluvanad, Eranad, Kozhikode, Arakkal, Kottayam and Chirakkal.

The team housed at Air India CODi has contributed to developing several digital technologies to ensure a smooth experience for Air India’s guests. These include:

• Air India’s award-winning mobile app that is rated an exceptionally high 4.8 stars by its users on both the Apple and Android app stores, making it one of a handful of the top-rated airline mobile apps in the world.
• Air India’s award-winning website www.airindia.com that is consistently ranked among the top airline websites of the world by leading website evaluation organisations such as Google Lighthouse.
• Air India’s award winning generative AI chatbot AI.g, which is the global airline industry’s very first Gen AI chatbot. AI.g has answered more than 8 million customer queries so far and delivers impressive customer service performance, answering 97% of the queries autonomously without any human assistance.
• Air India’s notification system that delivers more than 2 crore notifications per month, providing timely information and guidance to Air India’s guests.
• Air India’s award winning new inflight entertainment system.
• Air India’s extensive data analytics and AI systems driving an AI-infused data-driven culture in its key departments.

Addressing the teams at Air India CODi, Mr. Chandrasekaran shared his vision of a data-driven, AI-infused future for Air India and the larger Tata Group. Noting the AI-driven advancements in today’s scenario, he urged the teams to develop digital interfaces and experiences that will enhance intelligence and empathy at Air India’s customer-facing digital touchpoints.

Mr. Chandrasekaran also called for digital tools that empower frontline Air Indians to excel in delighting guests. He exhorted the Air India CODi team to develop fully autonomous digital assistants that can proactively anticipate and fulfil every need of Air India’s guests.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said, “We are very excited to announce Air India CODi that will help further strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem. At Air India, we believe equipping our frontline employees with tech-enabled systems will help us provide greater level of customer service to our guests. To this end, the team at Air India CODi will continue to develop cutting-edge AI solutions that will delight our guests.”

“The Air India Centre of Digital Innovation will be a space for collaboration and innovation for our talented workforce that will focus on developing customer-facing digital touchpoint technologies and cutting-edge data and AI capabilities. In the last two years, the team has made significant contributions to elevate customer delight through digital touchpoints as well as AI and data-driven decision-making capabilities across all our internal departments, as part of Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation program. I am confident that Air India CODi will help further enhance the experience of our guests,” said Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Air India.

March 25, 2025: Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), a diversified R&D-focused food and agri-business conglomerate, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and Godrej DEI Lab, launched the report “Women in Agribusiness – Opportunities and Challenges” at its second Women in Agriculture Summit.

The report reveals that women constitute 64.4 percent of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent are employed in top agri and agri-related companies. It outlines actionable measures to foster inclusion, innovation, and equitable growth in agribusiness.

Commenting on the report, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet, said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we believe the future of agribusiness lies in empowering women through education, workplace inclusivity, and leadership development. By championing mentorship, aligning skills with industry needs, and fostering inclusive ecosystems, we aim to drive meaningful change and build a resilient, equitable sector.”

He further added, “Last year, we pledged to support 100,000 women across the agri value chain, and I’m proud to share that we’ve positively impacted 20,000 women in just one year. Through training, creating safe spaces and enabling leadership, we are building an empowered agribusiness community.”

Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, IIMA, noted, “The agricultural landscape in India presents us with a striking paradox: women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and educational cohorts, yet a major proportion of the graduates do not enter the formal employment structures and leadership positions. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding women’s participation in formal employment relationships within agribusiness enterprises.”

The report provides a roadmap to bridge gender disparities in agriculture. It calls for equitable access to resources, gender-responsive training, and inclusive workplace reforms. Prioritizing education-to-employment transitions, enhancing leadership representation, and leveraging financial and technological tools are highlighted as transformative strategies. Together, these actions aim to empower women and foster equitable growth across the agricultural value chain.

At the summit, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, and Balram Singh Yadav announced the launch of the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship, empowering five students pursuing agricultural studies and fostering the next generation of women leaders.

Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, added, “Females account for 30 percent to 40 percent of total enrollment in agricultural studies, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent work in top agri and agri-related companies. This stark gap highlights the need for the industry to take proactive steps to bridge these disparities. By fostering inclusive policies and creating opportunities, it is possible to address this imbalance and also unlock the innovation and resilience that women bring to the sector, driving its sustainable growth.”

“At Godrej Agrovet, we have increased women’s representation from 8 percent to 12 percent in FY25 and are committed to reaching 32 percent by FY28. Through initiatives like creche and care policies, alongside ensuring a safe and secure environment for women in frontline roles, we are fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace that empowers women to thrive,” she further added.

To showcase its commitment to empowering women across the food value chain—from farm to fork—Godrej Agrovet highlighted the impactful initiatives of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Godrej Foods Limited (GFL). By supporting farmers like Bhagyamma in Karnataka and Jayshri in Nashik, and enabling distribution leaders like Rozaline in Manipur, GFL is fostering inclusivity and resilience. Through programs like WINGS, GFL is bringing more women into sales, marketing, and leadership roles, driving innovation and shaping an equitable and sustainable food supply chain led by women.

The summit also featured two panel discussions. “Breaking Barriers for Women in Agriculture”, moderated by Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, included panelists Kirti Jangra, Co-Founder, Animall; Asha Kharga, Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Mahindra Group; Anitha Polimetla, Head of HR APAC & Global HRBP, BASF and Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

“Boardroom to Breakthroughs: Women in Leadership”, moderated by Parmesh Shahani, Head – Godrej DEI Lab, featured Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries; Ritu Verma, Founder and Managing Partner, Ankur Capital; and Soumya Rajan, Managing Director, Waterfield Advisors.

The Women in Agriculture Summit has become a catalyst for systemic change. Through its initiatives and insights, Godrej Agrovet is leading efforts to recognize, celebrate, and amplify women’s contributions, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable agricultural future.

March 25, 2025: As temperatures rise, there’s no better way to stay cool and treat yourself than with a scoop (or more) of Baskin Robbins’ delicious ice cream. This month, in honor of International Waffle Day, Baskin Robbins is serving up a tempting mix of flavors and beloved classics, perfect for every ice cream lover!

Classic Waffle

 Nothing quite matches the timeless charm of classic flavors! A scoop of velvety vanilla on a warm, toasty waffle, drizzled with rich, indulgent chocolate sauce, pure bliss in every bite. A go-to treat that never disappoints!

Merry Berry Strawberry Signature Waffle

Imagine a warm, crispy waffle paired with a generous scoop of Baskin Robbins’ Very Berry Strawberry ice cream packed with the luscious, tangy sweetness of real berries. This delightful creation is then layered with a rich strawberry topping, drizzled with velvety fudge sauce, and sprinkled with crunchy wheat crispies for the perfect texture. Finished with a cloud of fluffy whipped cream and a classic cherry on top, this treat is a berry-filled indulgence that takes your taste buds on a delicious adventure. A must-try for anyone who loves a fruity, flavorful twist on dessert!

Chocolate Lovers Waffle Sundae

Baskin Robbins’ Chocolate Lovers Waffle Sundae is a classic love affair of gooey Dutch chocolate ice cream, warm waffles, decadent brownie chunks, and a luscious drizzle of butterscotch and chocolate sauce. It’s the dessert equivalent of a cozy hug! Celebrate Waffle Day with a scoop of pure happiness.

March 25, 2025: This World Water Day, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s leading hospitality company, reinforces its commitment to sustainable water management with a focus on conservation, reuse, and recycling. Acknowledging the essential role of freshwater in guest services, culinary operations, and hotel maintenance, IHCL has implemented a comprehensive strategy to responsibly optimize water usage across its portfolio.

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL said, “The future of hospitality hinges on our ability to balance growth with sustainability. At IHCL, through our ESG+ framework, Paathya, we are reimagining water stewardship, moving beyond conservation to creating circular ecosystems that drive long-term resilience. By investing in advanced water management technologies, we are minimizing our impact while setting new standards for sustainable hospitality.”

In FY 2024-25, IHCL reduced its water intensity by over 20% in compared to the previous year. Reflecting its commitment to sustainability, 48% of the total wastewater generated across IHCL hotels is being recycled. This success is driven by key initiatives and tailored water management plans introduced especially in high water-stress locations, ensuring conservation efforts align with regional needs. At Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, a historic rainwater harvesting system has been restored, collecting an average of 1,05,000 KL of rainwater annually in a manmade lake. Taj Resort & Convention Centre, Goa, and Cidade de Goa – IHCL SeleQtions have reduced their reliance on external sources by restoring on-site ponds and recycling approximately 8540 KL of water every month for irrigation and cooling. Taj Lands End, Mumbai, has introduced a rainwater catchment system, while Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, recycles 2,700 KL of water annually, incorporating the iconic Lily Pond as a key component of its water conservation strategy.

IHCL remains at the forefront of responsible water management, aligning with Paathya’s 2030 goals.

 25 March 2025 – Glance, the world’s leading smart lock screen platform, has partnered with LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, to revolutionize learning and career growth. As part of this, LinkedIn will offer free and curated access to select courses, reports and video content around off-beat careers, upskilling and soft skills directly on Glance Smart Lock Screens, reaching over 235 million Indians. This initiative, under the “Glance for Good” program, aims to empower over one million users in India by democratizing access to upskilling and career resources, enhancing employment opportunities, and driving meaningful impact.

Through this partnership, Glance users will gain seamless access to select curated LinkedIn Learning course library and editorial content, categorized into three key areas: offbeat careers, which introduce lesser-known paths like showbiz, drone piloting, and influencer marketing; upskilling, offering strategies to enhance job searches and career advancement; and soft skills, focusing on essential workplace abilities such as building confidence, mastering negotiations, and navigating power dynamics. Further, through personalized course recommendations and intuitive access via Glance Smart Lock Screen, this partnership aims to empower users with practical knowledge required to thrive in their career journeys today.

Within 45 days of its launch, LinkedIn’s content has garnered over 170 million glances on the lock screen.

Bikash Chowdhury, Chief Marketing Officer at Glance said, “At Glance, we are committed to bridging technology and opportunity to empower users to reach their full potential. Our partnership with LinkedIn enables us to deliver workforce-ready content directly to over 235 million users through Glance Smart Lock Screens, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market. By bridging the skills gap and making professional development more accessible, we aim to redefine career growth and contribute to shaping a generation that drives India’s economic progress.”

 Nirajita Banerjee, Sr. Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News said, “At LinkedIn, we’re committed to making learning more accessible, engaging, and relevant for professionals at every stage of their careers. Our partnership with Glance Smart Lock Screen is unlocking new ways for users to seamlessly discover LinkedIn Learning courses and relevant editorial content. With over 170 million glances in just 45 days, it’s clear that the demand for upskilling—whether in soft skills, unconventional career paths, or emerging industries—is stronger than ever. This partnership brings us one step closer to democratising access to learning, ensuring every professional has the right knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world of work.”

To achieve its $5 trillion economic ambition, India must prioritize building a skilled and adaptable workforce to drive sustainable growth and reinforce its position as a global talent hub. Investing in upskilling is critical to enhancing labor market resilience, preparing youth for employment, and meeting the demands of an ever-evolving, technology-driven economy. The “Glance for Good” initiative serves as a transformative force, empowering individuals to seize these opportunities and thrive in the future workforce.

Glance is an AI-powered platform that transforms Android lock screens into a hub of engaging experiences, offering updates, sports, games, and shopping in seven Indian languages. Through partnerships with leading publishers and developers, Glance’s AI curates personalized, high quality content based on user preferences. This innovative approach enables users to access relevant and captivating information effortlessly, eliminating the need to unlock their phones or switch between apps.

 25 March 2025 – With an aim to foster a culture of innovation, incubation, and invention among students, MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) is organizing a three-day competition titled ‘HackMIT-WPU 2025’ – Le Chalang (The Leap of Faith) , to be held from March 26 to March 28 , 2025. This announcement was made during a press conference by Prof. Prakash B. Joshi, Founder Trustee of MIT and Director of MIT-TBI; Dr. R.M. Chitnis, Vice-Chancellor, MIT-WPU; and Dr. Milind Pande, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MIT-WPU and Chief Convener Hack MIT-WPU.

The competition is open to third-year, final-year, undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students. It will be held across various categories including Ideathon, Workathon, Formathon, Bio-thon, Designathon, Hack-AI-thon, and Octathon.

One of the highlights of the event is the emphasis on women empowerment, offering them a strong platform to showcase their business potential. Students will be encouraged to conceptualize, develop, and implement their ideas – especially in the Octathon, where participants will be required to present a prototype-based solution to a problem within 8 hours.

A total of 854 problem statements have been received by the university, and 468 mentors have been appointed to guide the participants. The event will be judged by renowned professionals from the corporate world, successful startup founders, and MIT-WPU alumni. Both scientific and non-scientific problem statements have been submitted by various companies.

Over 7,000 students from disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, Science, Health, Business & Leadership, Arts, Humanities, Professional Studies, and Public Health will participate in the competition. The top two winners from each category will receive cash prizes and medals, and there is also a provision for startup funding for promising ideas.

In addition, MIT-WPU students will host an exhibition of over 100 startups as part of the event, which will be open and free to the public.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. P.B. Joshi stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as Startup Day, and MIT-WPU is taking this vision forward with this event. Under the National Education Policy, it is time to nourish entrepreneurship and innovation. We are confident that this competition will give birth to new entrepreneurs and drive the nation toward progress.”

Dr. Milind Pande added, “This event aims to instill the philosophy of ‘Mind to Market’ and ‘Paper to Product’ in students. By encouraging their ideas and enhancing their intellectual abilities, we hope to create not job seekers but job creators. This initiative directly supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Startup India missions.”

The competition has received an overwhelming response from companies, many of whom have promised active mentoring and support for student projects.

As part of MIT-WPU’s Co-Creation initiative, 500 first-year students have registered for Le Chalang. This vision is led by Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU.

The inauguration of HackMIT-WPU 2025 will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 10:00 AM . Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad, Executive President MIT-WPU will preside over the event. Distinguished guests will include Dr. Pankaj Jain, CEO of Blue Ocean Steels; Rajesh Korde, Senior Vice President of Northern Trust Corporation Technology Infrastructure; and Satish Sharma, CEO and Senior Vice President of Reliance Jio.

The closing and prize distribution ceremony is scheduled for March 28 at 5:00 PM and will be presided over by Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President of MIT World Peace University.