Chandigarh, 8^th April 2025: As the T20 cricket fever grips the nation, Vi has brought its 5G services to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh. Ensuring that cricket lovers in the Chandigarh can experience ultra-fast speeds while soaking in live cricket action, Vi has strengthened its network infrastructure to provide seamless 5G connectivity at the stadium.

 To ensure high-speed connectivity to the thousands of spectators gathering at Chandigarh Cricket Stadium for live action, Vi has deployed additional 5G network sites and strengthened its network with technologies like BTS and Massive MIMO.

 These network enhancements are designed to provide the best digital experience, ensuring fans can enjoy fast, reliable connectivity even in jam-packed stadiums. Whether it’s live-streaming moments, uploading reels, or staying connected with friends — Vi 5G is here to elevate the match-day experience.

 Who can access Vi 5G in the stadium?

Vi customers with 5G-enabled handsets can experience unlimited Vi 5G at these stadiums, free of cost, by simply switching on 5G usage in their mobile settings.

 Vi 5G is now available in 11 stadiums across India:

This 5G roll-out at Eden Gardens is part of Vi’s strategy to give cricket fans a preview of Vi 5G at 11 prominent stadiums across India, including- Eden Gardens (Kolkata), Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru), Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium (Chandigarh), M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi), Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (Hyderabad), Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur), Ekana Stadium (Lucknow), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), and Dr. Y.S.R ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam).

 Vi has successfully installed a total of 53 5G sites, enhanced capacity in 44 sites, and deployed 9 Cell On Wheels (CoW), in the vicinity of the stadiums ensuring that fans can stay connected like never before!

 Vi customers who are unable to watch the match live at the stadiums can experience it from the comfort of their home or on the go, with special Vi recharge packs that offer subscription to Jio Hotstar along with unlimited data, starting at just Rs 101. Customers can opt for these recharges via the Vi App or visit www.myVi.in

April 8, 2025: As temperatures rise, travel across India is picking up momentum, with people seeking cooler escapes, scenic beaches, and spiritual retreats. YoloBus, a premium intercity bus service, has witnessed a significant surge in demand across various routes and is expanding its network to meet traveler preferences.

Classic summer hotspots like Manali, Nainital, and Shimla remain top choices for those looking to beat the heat, while Goa, Gokarna, Cochin, and Puri are attracting beach lovers searching for a coastal retreat. Pilgrimage travel is also on the rise, with increased footfall in Tirupati, Katra, Shirdi, and Varanasi. Additionally, Amritsar, Tenkasi, and Cochin have emerged as high-demand routes, joining most popular circuits like Delhi-Manali, Dehradun, and Lucknow-Manali.

Among this summer’s must-visit destinations, Manali stands out for its adventure sports and cool weather, while Rishikesh attracts thrill-seekers with river rafting and spiritual retreats. The scenic beauty and pleasant climate of Nainital make it an ideal getaway, whereas Tenkasi’s waterfalls and temples offer a mix of nature and culture. Meanwhile, Tirupati remains a top pilgrimage site, and Cochin’s stunning beaches and tranquil backwaters provide the perfect coastal escape.

Sanjay Jadoun, CEO of YoloBus said, “Summer is one of the most exciting times for travel, as people look for adventure, relaxation, and meaningful experiences. We are committed to making their journeys more seamless with expanded routes, upgraded comfort, and exclusive offers. The rising demand for travel also highlights a shift in traveler preferences, with young solo and couple travelers exploring nature and adventure destinations, while families and senior citizens prioritize hassle-free spiritual and leisure getaways. Our focus remains on providing a reliable, safe, and enjoyable travel experience for all our passengers”.

With passenger safety and comfort being a top priority, YoloBus has introduced several initiatives to enhance the travel experience. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind with passenger insurance, while advanced safety IoT devices installed in buses ensure a secure journey. The addition of fully air-conditioned cabins, travel packages, onboard essentials, and premium sleeper buses for long-distance routes makes summer travel hassle-free and relaxing. Additionally, round-the-clock customer support is available to assist passengers, ensuring smooth and worry-free travel. YoloBus is also enhancing the in-transit experience by introducing onboard entertainment and refreshments, making every journey enjoyable.

To make summer travel more affordable, the brand is offering an exclusive discount of up to INR 200 with the coupon code SUMMER25. With peak bookings beginning in the second week of April, early travelers can take advantage of this special offer to secure their seats in advance.

Thales launches 360Stream, the industry’s first and only live, event-based programming solution for inflight entertainment (IFE). 360Stream delivers what the industry has craved for decades: live sports, news, and special events for passengers onboard, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. An ideal choice for airlines with diverse fleets, Thales’s Live TV is a true over-the-top service that works seamlessly with any IFE system, any connectivity provider, and personal electronic devices.

Never miss a moment with industry-first DVR functionality

With live content and event-based programming, 360Stream redefines TV at 40,000 feet with the industry’s first DVR capability. Airlines are able to record content as it is streamed live, giving passengers control to play, pause, rewind, or skip to live – just like they would at home.

Technical breakthrough for an exceptional experience on board

360Stream delivers the highest streaming quality in the industry, intelligently managing bandwidth that can be enhanced for major live events. It delivers a consistent TV experience across entire fleets, even with various IFE providers. Passengers can access content on their personal electronic devices without downloading an application. Launch content partners include BBC News, CNN, and EuroNews, with more being added by Thales. Airlines can include their own partners within three days.

Near-Live fresh & relevant content every hour

Thales’s near-live service, another industry first, delivers highlights of major events, like sports games and news, to the aircraft within an hour. The 100% automated Near-Live content workflow seamlessly connects Thales’s intelligent ground and aircraft systems, ensuring passengers stay informed with the latest news and game-changing sports moments. With this automated service, Thales is setting a new standard for speed, efficiency, and the future of inflight content delivery.

Available now: Live TV with 360Stream and Near-Live highlights

This technological leap in passenger experience is flying now. Passengers already enjoy multiple global news channels and sports from around the world. Keeping flyers connected, live onboard.

 “Thales has delivered an industry first with 360Stream, to connect passengers with the world’s ‘happening now’ content. The innovative service benefits passengers with relevant and timely content so they won’t miss out on news and events. “Working on any satellite network and with any inflight entertainment system provider, airlines are empowered to increase passenger engagement with flexibility for the future.” Niels Steenstrup, Chief Executive Officer, Thales InFlyt Experience.

New Delhi, April 08th, 2025: FORE School of Management (FSM), a premier B-school in Delhi NCR, is in the final phase of accepting applications for its Full-Time Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) and Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) for the academic year 2025–26. Interested candidates must apply by April 28, 2025.

Established in 1981, FSM is renowned for its industry-relevant curriculum, distinguished faculty, and strong focus on research and innovation in management education.

FORE School of Management accepts scores from CAT (conducted by IIMs), GATE, GRE, GMAT, UGC-NET or JRF, CSIR, or the FORE Entrance Test (FET) for full-time FPM applicants. For the Full-time FPM, applicants must hold a Master’s degree with First Class. Final-year postgraduate students can apply provisionally and must submit their final marksheets by December 31, 2025. For the EFPM, applicants must hold a Master’s degree with First Class, and a minimum of four years of managerial experience is required.

The FPM and EFPM programmes provide specializations in areas like Communication, Economics & Business Policy, Finance & Accounting, Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource, International Business, Information Systems, Marketing, Operations Management & Decision Sciences, Strategy, among others. Full-time research scholars admitted to the FPM are eligible for an institute fellowship, which includes a stipend of ₹ 56,550 per month for the first two years and ₹ 68,250 per month during the third and fourth years. A Contingency Grant of ₹ 30,000 is provided for the third and fourth year to support research activities, and Conference Support of ₹ 1.5 lakh is available for presenting research papers at conferences (National and International) during the programme.

FSM nurtures a strong research culture, and FPM scholars have attended and presented their research papers at more than 30 National and International Conferences. They have also published papers in reputed A Category journals. The school integrates contemporary learning methodologies and technological advancements such as Gen AI in teaching and research. The first batch of FPM Scholars have successfully graduated and have been placed.

The EFPM programme attracts senior management professionals, including Vice Presidents and CXOs, fostering a rich peer-learning environment. Designed for working executives, managers, faculty members, and researchers aiming to advance their careers in management consulting, research, development and teaching, the part-time structure allows participants to pursue their doctoral studies while maintaining professional commitments, with weekend classes for flexibility. The programme equips participants with research methodologies and analytical skills to conduct rigorous research and contribute meaningfully to the field of management. It blends business theory with practical applications, helping participants develop innovative solutions to complex management issues. It also offers networking opportunities with professionals, faculty members, and researchers to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Mumbai, 8th April, 2025: Outzidr, a GenZ focused women’s “going out wear” fashion brand, has raised INR 30 crores in a seed funding round led by Stellaris Venture Partners. The funds will be used to strengthen the Outzidr brand and enhance its capabilities to deliver the latest on-trend fashion products for young women across various “going-out” occasions.

India’s fashion industry is undergoing a significant shift, as younger consumers move toward trend-driven global styles over traditional Indian wear. Despite the market’s size, valued at around INR 30,000 Crore and growing at 30-40% annually, it remains underserved, with only a few brands addressing this demand.

Outzidr was co-founded in 2024 by fashion veterans Nirmal Jain, Mani Kant Mani, and Justin Mario. Nirmal was the founding CEO of Styli, a middle-east focused fashion brand, where he scaled the business to INR 800 Crores in less than 5 years. He also co-founded Peak XV-funded Increff and worked at Myntra and Mckinsey. Mani was the Senior Vice President for the Digital & Omni business at Max fashion, driving 10x growth in 6 years. Before that, he headed the merchandising solutions business at Increff, and worked at Myntra. Justin was the Chief Operating Officer leading Supply Chain & Strategy at Aymakan and Styli, building operations across China, India, KSA, and Dubai.

Outzidr brings global fashion trends to Gen Z women at affordable prices with a unique “test and quick react” approach. It tests trends with low MOQs across a wide variety of styles and rapidly scales up bestsellers through higher purchase quantities. For example, college tops start at INR 249.

The brand launched its direct-to-consumer platform earlier this year and quickly expanded to major e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, Nykaa Fashion, and Ajio. With over 3,000 styles live on its website and 2,000 new styles added every month, Outzidr is aiming to reach INR 100 crore of annualized run rate in the next 6-8 months.

Nirmal Jain, CEO and Co-founder, Outzidr, said, “Five years ago, fashion trend adoption in India lagged behind global markets. But in the past couple of years, we’ve seen a complete shift – young consumers demand the latest styles at affordable prices. However, very few brands in India have the capability to meet this growing demand at scale. Building this business requires a sharp demand-sensing engine and an agile product supply chain that integrates trends, design, product development, and manufacturing. At Outzidr, we’re combining technology, analytics, and a strong network of partners to build a scalable, quick-react fashion ecosystem. The capabilities we are building allows us to provide high width, low MOQ and low inventory – in a highly scalable way. Further, the nature of this category gives us an opportunity to become a brand with global relevance in times to come.”  

Mayank Jain, Principal, Stellaris Venture Partners, said, “An attractive market of affordable fashion for GenZ, along with the team’s unique and differentiated ‘test & quick react’ solution approach and a strong founder-market fit, form the three key pillars of our investment thesis. Nirmal, Mani and Justin, not only come from the domain but also bring a proven track record of achievement within it. The team’s ability to quickly launch and garner early traction is a testament to this. We could not be more excited to partner with the team on their journey to build India’s largest affordable fashion brand.”

Outzidr operates on a hybrid manufacturing model, sourcing from both Indian and international factories. In just three months, it has worked with close to 30 factories across India, spanning multiple product categories. With a Just-In-Time model, Outzidr sources in small MOQs based on the demand patterns, ensuring lean inventory and an agile supply chain.

Looking ahead, Outzidr aspires to be the most preferred brand for GenZ women for all their going- out needs – whether for travel, parties, college, or more.

By Mr. Saleem Ahmed, Officiating Head, ESSCI

India is undergoing a significant transformation in its transportation sector, with electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this revolution. The government’s proactive initiatives, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery manufacturing, underscore a strong commitment to sustainable mobility. These efforts aim to achieve a 30% EV market share by 2030, a goal that necessitates a highly skilled workforce proficient in battery technology and e-mobility systems.

ESSCI’s Targeted Training Programs for E-Mobility

To address the burgeoning demand for skilled professionals in the EV sector, the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) has developed specialized training programs. These programs are meticulously designed to equip learners with industry-relevant expertise, preparing them for roles in manufacturing, design, and maintenance within the e-mobility ecosystem.

One of ESSCI’s flagship qualifications is the Battery System Assembly Operator (ELE/Q6604) program. This course focuses on training individuals in the precise assembly of battery packs, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of battery construction, adherence to safety protocols, and stringent quality control measures. Given that battery packs constitute a significant portion of an EV’s total cost, their proper assembly is crucial for both performance and affordability.

For those inclined towards innovation and design, the Battery System Design Engineer (ELE/Q6701) qualification offers a robust foundation in battery architecture, chemistry, and optimization techniques. Participants are trained to develop high-performance energy storage systems that enhance efficiency, extend battery lifespan, and minimize environmental impact. As India progresses towards advanced battery technologies, expertise in battery design becomes indispensable for realizing the nation’s e-mobility objectives.

Equally vital to the EV ecosystem is the Battery System Repair Technician (ELE/Q7001) program. This course concentrates on diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing battery systems. As battery degradation over time can affect vehicle performance and range, skilled repair technicians are essential to sustaining India’s EV adoption. The program ensures that professionals are proficient in battery diagnostics, cell balancing, thermal management, and safety protocols—skills that are increasingly in demand as India’s EV repair and servicing sector expands.

Collaborations and Industry Integration

To enhance practical learning, ESSCI collaborates with industry leaders and academic institutions, ensuring that its training programs align with the latest technological advancements and market demands. A notable initiative is ESSCI’s partnership with ABB India, which led to the establishment of a Smart Electrician Training Centre in Faridabad, Haryana. This center provides hands-on training in modern electrical systems, smart grid technologies, and EV charging infrastructure, equipping technicians with real-world expertise.

Additionally, ESSCI actively engages with automotive manufacturers, battery producers, and energy storage companies to integrate their insights into curriculum development. Collaborations with companies involved in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, battery recycling, and charging infrastructure development ensure that the training programs remain pertinent to industry needs. These partnerships also facilitate job placements for trainees, bridging the gap between skill acquisition and employment.

Rising Demand for E-Mobility Professionals in India

The Indian EV market is experiencing exponential growth, with projections estimating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 49% from 2022 to 2030.

This surge is driven by supportive government policies, increasing environmental awareness, and technological advancements. The adoption of EVs is anticipated to generate approximately 5 million direct and indirect jobs in India by 2030, with a significant portion of these roles emerging in battery technology, EV servicing, and charging infrastructure.

Furthermore, the lithium-ion battery market in India is expected to reach substantial capacity by 2030, propelled by the escalating demand from the EV sector. This trend underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals capable of developing, maintaining, and optimizing battery systems for electric vehicles, energy storage solutions, and grid stabilization.

The Road Ahead: Preparing India’s Workforce for the E-Mobility Revolution

ESSCI’s emphasis on future-ready skill development is instrumental in India’s journey toward sustainable mobility. By aligning its training programs with evolving industry trends, ESSCI addresses the immediate demand for skilled professionals and prepares the next generation for long-term career opportunities in e-mobility and battery technology.

With continued government support, industry collaborations, and advancements in battery research, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in electric mobility. However, achieving this vision requires a robust skilling ecosystem that empowers individuals with the expertise needed to drive innovation and ensure the reliability of EV technology.

Through its specialized training initiatives, ESSCI is effectively bridging the skill gap, enhancing employability, and contributing to India’s clean energy goals. As the demand for battery engineers, EV service technicians, and energy storage specialists continues to rise, ESSCI’s programs will remain integral to shaping the future of e-mobility in India.

Mumbai, 8th April, 2025: InCred Alternative Investments Private Limited (“InCred Alternatives”), part of InCred Capital Financial Services Limited (‘InCred Capital”) announced the successful final close of its maiden Private Equity fund – InCred Growth Partners Fund-I (“IGPF-I”, the “Fund”). The Fund has secured capital commitments in excess of ₹575 crores, well above its target size of ₹500 crores (after exercising the greenshoe option), with support from large family offices, UHNI and HNI investors.

IGPF-I is focused on the themes of consumption, enterprise, technology and financial services, and has made investments in multiple high-growth and well scaled companies including Manjushree Technopack, Shadowfax, Niva Bupa and Purplle. Of these, Niva Bupa has already been listed since November 2024. In addition, the Fund is in advanced stages of discussions and has recently offered term sheets to two more companies.

IGPF-I is led by Vivek Singla, Managing Partner & CIO – Private Equity at InCred Alternatives, who has more than two decades of investment management experience in both the private and the public equity markets.

He believes that private equity investing in India is at a very attractive juncture. There has been a broad-based reset in the pricing expectations and a concomitant shift in the founders’ mindset from ‘growth at any cost’ to ‘profit after all costs.’ This offers very exciting entry points for fresh investing by new funds like IGPF-I.

Commenting on the successful close of the Fund, Vivek said, “The close of IGPF-I marks a significant milestone for InCred Alternatives and reflects the confidence that the investors have placed in our strategy and approach. We remain committed to identifying and partnering with high-quality businesses in India and supporting ambitious entrepreneurs in the next phase of their growth.”

Mumbai, India – April 8, 2025 — Decimal Point Analytics, a leading AI and data analytics company serving global financial institutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Yuen, as Partner and Head of Data Science.

Eric joins Decimal Point Analytics with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of finance, technology, and data science. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Head of Data Science at Blackstone Credit, where he was responsible for building and leading a high-impact data science team supporting both Liquid and Private Credit strategies. Under his leadership, the team drove innovation across investment diligence, market intelligence, and portfolio management.

Prior to Blackstone, Eric held a variety of senior leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. over a distinguished 19-year career. His tenure included overseeing digital strategy and fintech investments, driving enterprise-wide regulatory initiatives, and leading business operations for global commodities and capital management functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric Yuen to Decimal Point Analytics,” said Shailesh Dhuri, CEO of Decimal Point Analytics. “His unique blend of financial expertise, technological foresight, and data-driven thinking aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver a performance advantage to our clients. Eric’s leadership will be pivotal as we continue expanding our AI and data science capabilities across global markets.”

Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of New South Wales and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) from CPA Australia. He has also served on the boards of private companies and educational institutions.

Commenting on his appointment, Eric Yuen said, “Decimal Point Analytics has a bold vision for transforming how data and AI drive insights in the financial sector. I’m excited to join a firm that is deeply committed to innovation and look forward to contributing to its next phase of growth.”

Mumbai, 08 April, 2025: AuthBridge, India’s leading authentication technology company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Amit Balwani as Senior Vice President – Technology. With over two decades of experience in modernizing technology infrastructures, leading large-scale digital transformations, and driving high-performance engineering teams, Amit will play a pivotal role in strengthening AuthBridge’s technology vision and innovation.

Amit has held key leadership positions at organizations like Ecom Express, Paytm, Expedia Group, Nagarro, and TCS. His expertise spans AI integration, data engineering, event-driven architectures, and API-first ecosystems. At Paytm, he was instrumental in building conversational platforms, while at Ecom Express, he spearheaded large-scale technology modernization initiatives.

Amit Balwani

“We are thrilled to welcome Amit to the AuthBridge family,” said Ajay Trehan, Founder and CEO, AuthBridge. “His deep understanding of emerging technologies and strategic approach to innovation will help us accelerate our mission to redefine identity management and authentication solutions.”

Amit is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Technology. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, listening to technology podcasts, music, and playing table tennis with his child. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining AuthBridge, stating, “AuthBridge is at the forefront of technology-driven authentication solutions. I look forward to contributing to its growth and driving technological excellence.”

“Our goal is to build meaningful, long-term relationships with India’s educators and institutions,” Mr. Clyde said. “This visit is about collaboration, innovation, and strengthening pathways for student success.”